Joint Committee on Printing. FORTY-SEVENTH CONGRESS, Washington, D. C. January 11, 1883 Hon. Frederick Douglas, My Dear Sir, I wish to ascertain, - for a magazine article - when Daniel Webster bought the house next the present Police Court (I think it was in 1841) who he bought it of, what he paid for it and when he paid for it. If any of your assistants can send me this information with the bill of expense, I will promptly pay it. I regretted that "the color line" was drawn around the banquet table at New Years when you were the honored guest, it would have given me pleasure to have participated. Faithfully yours, Ben. Perley Poore [*31*][*22*] Jan 14th 1883 __ 54 Bowdoin Street Boston My dear Mr. Douglas, I remind you according to promise of your promise to send the autograph & photograph for that album Mrs Mann is getting up to sell, in order to aid Miss Francis & Misses Monroe whom the former has supported for many years at Camden S. Carolina in a school for the freedmen, which they wish to make into an Industrial Home educating its inmates for self support. Miss Francis you probably know personally she being the niece of L.M. Child who since the breaking out of the war has devoted her whole income beyond her very modest personal expenses to the education to the freed. - For many years after the war she lived in Richmond Va - , Camden S.C. & other places keeping house for the teachers whom the whole population would not [even] not board for money even! She is now broken in health & has come home to Cambridge. where she lives surrounded by beneficiaries of a superior culture & character to whom she gives a home. I suppose Mrs. Mosher is not acquainted with her or she would have invited her to be one of the genial company assembled to greet your 65th birthday What a charming company it was -- and in what a gem of a house. I had not before been in it. It is a work of genius, a very temple of harmony and what a social genius the dear little woman is. I have been greatly interested in her ever since she came to Cambridge with her charming little trio of children and what a life long friend and admirer of yours- She has been but [*3063*]I found myself quite unable to be one of the speakers & was thankful Mrs Howe did not call upon me for though it was heartily well meant I did not think the course of remark was at all up to the spirit of its object. It seemed to me rather benighted in the gentleman who wanted to divine the secret of your genius to go poking about for a human heredity, quite forgetful that genius is always the divine heredity, that in no case [human] heredity can entirely quench, and in this case did unwanted justice to and again that other gentleman that was in such a puzzle to account for the beauty & power of the word; & who forgot that in the beginning the Word was with GOD & was God." and therefore genius which is a "Sparkle of [the Divine] GOD" (as Emerson once said to me of his new born Ellen) & originated language in the beginning which was its inevitable speech [always speaks] If you had not come into the company of books & the cultivated I believe spirit surely would have suggested nature's [its] symbolization to you, when you found yrself for the first time among those who recognised your right to be (appreciated & loved & let to live exercising dominion over every living and inanimate thing except your fellow man - with all your heart & mind & might") But the crowning absurdity of the well-meaning little assembly was to call upon you to solve the conundrumsput by their stupidity ---I felt it was an Olympian God called upon to explain himself to a company of dwarfs --- or so did not understand that forgetfulness of the individual self is the first principle of that Divine selfhood which sits down with the Father on his throne, intellectually as well as morally - Your [Rage?] fright and utter want of the divine fluency which [marks] characterized your utterance, when you were vindicating (1) the possible unfallen Adam [for every] to whom the Lord God brought up and the [creation] things of creation below man to be named, and the name he gave to them was the name thereof|(1) for every man even the most downtrodden slave. Now do not consider this hyper criticism of mine on the company your heart so appreciated that at the moment, even your sense of humour was apparently quenched in and by celestial emotions of love----- The spirit I know was "Lord I believe ---- Help thou mine unbelief". [*3063*]His oration was genuine & sincere, and according to the measure of their ability you must allow me to say that I thought the speaker who believed that only Garrison & John Brown would be remembered always in connection with the Antislavery agitation & triumph was as much wanting in the true metaphysique as in actual judgment - I believe every individual is also immortal & in the great unification to which we shall approximate through Eternity, & never reach only because God's life is perpetual creation of new conscious spirits, the last of of the little ones, will find ultimate full recognition. But even in the forever of this world Frederic Douglas & Abraham Lincoln will be recognized through all time as the Intuitive Genius that brought about the great consummation of which Garrison was the good conscience quickening it & John Brown the Efficient hand, realizing it, & that these three are one forever more in substance, though divided in history 30 years ago in Rochester I saw you as I do today. I was then as now with entire respect [*and admiration. Yours E. P. Peabody*]204. Chicago and West Michigan Railroad Co. ......................................Department, Coloma Mich., Jany 29 1883 Hon Fredrick Douglass Esq Washington DC Dr Sir I have just finished reading your Book entitled Life & Times of Frederick Douglass It has Been one of the most Interesting Books to me that I have Ever Read I having Been Reared near the Kentuckey Shore, on the Ohio Side of the River during the days of Cruel Slavery when a Boy I have often Stood on Free Soil & looked a cross the narrow Stream & saw the Poor Slaves toiling and wondred in my mind what the Diferences Should Be & why it was so the contrast So grate in such short Space [*35*]204. Chicago and West Michigan Railroad Co. Department, Mich., 188 of a few Hundred yards the width of the Ohio River your book convinces me that you have Been a grate instrument in the Hands of an all wise God in Liberating the many many Colored Bond men you will be of the Reward in a Better world not as hence may you Have Peace the remainder of your days is our sincere wish on question here Can you inform me when I can get the book entitled Uncle Thoms Cabin I have never had the opportunity of reading it & would like to get hold of it if possible & will be under obligations to you if you can tell me where to find it I encloseThanking for Reply hoping to hear from you soon I Remain Yours Truly E S Shaner [*Jan. 29, 1883*] [*5*] I.O.G.T “United to aid” TEMPERANCE MISSION STREET SOMERSET ENGLAND Feb 15 1883 Dear Mr. Douglass. I want you to help me to be of more use to coloured Americans I have really been doing my best for more than 4 years and though I am no great personage I do feel that my persistence has had some effect & that some who used to [*34*]know nothing about the colour question are, getting to think more & feel more interested & responsible concerning the present condition of coloured persons in America. It was my visit to America that really awakened me. I was sent over as a representative of the Grand Lodge of England of the (Temperance) Order of Good Templars to attend the international conference held that year at Boston. Dr Wells-Brown when in England had been a guest at my father's house, and at Boston he & his wife kindly invited me to stay with them which I did (gratefully) during the whole of my stay there, except that I spent part of 3 days at Mr Garrisons (W.L.G senior) He was greatly interested in [our] the branch of the Good Templar Order to which I belong[ed] on account of the persistent stand we had made indefence of equal rights. [??????] Some of us had been so simple minded as to say we would rather turn out of the Order ourselves than allow any separate system of Lodges to be organised for our coloured brothers & sisters. We were young & enthusiastic & determined to keep true to our principles of fraternity and so we got turned out (or we "withdrew") from the red of the Order- We English- and a few true Americans- and a good manyI.O.G.T “United to aid” TEMPERANCE MISSION STREET SOMERSET ENGLAND 2 representatives of other lands - (Australia, Scotland, & Nova Scotia &c) and brought upon ourselves a never ending flood of abuse & slander & persecution & misrepresentation Mr. Garrison became interested in our affairs when he last visited England (1847) and spoke some strong words of praise. This roused a storm [again] and he was interviewed & interviewed again by ouroffended opponents. Then cause our Boston conference & he once more spoke out strongly in praise of the course taken by our people, and by way of expressing his sympathy he would have us to spend whole days with him driving us around the city & entertaining little parties of us in his house at Roxbury. You can imagine our intense enjoyment of all this - [It] Our visits to him & our stay with the Will Browns gave us opportunities of learning from his point of view, and from that of coloured persons themselves the difficulties that had still to be dealt with before coloured Americans can be said to be really free. We had already learned enough to have our sympathies keenly alive, & to really feel ourselves more black than white. Several of our fellow representatives at our convention were coloured men & we soon saw that even in Boston these were not treated as we we treated.In What little travelling we did after leaving Boston the one idea in my mind was to see [some] [of] your leading people- and our people (by which I mean Quakers for I am a Friend myself & some of my companions were also) [and] I wanted to hear what could be done to remove these dreadful (& yet foolish) prejudices. And the more we sought into the question the more we were distressed at what was revealed. Our stay on your side was very short and all that we could [do]I O G T "United to aid" TEMPERANCE MISSION STREET, SOMERSET, ENGLAND …188 (3) hope to do in the future must be from England. I must at the risk of being egotistic tell you what followed. First I wrote a sketch of our American tour for "The Friend" (the organ of our Society which brought me several expressions of sympathy from the old workers in the Anti Slavery Cause [who urged] I told them I felt that some church or society- some one association at least must [a] take the front in [*C. Impey Feb 15, 1883*]the cause of human equality and protest against all separation on the ground of colour - so that the National conscience of America might be roused by the preaching of a higher standard than that I had seen adopted by the Churches &c. Then as the Templar Order was all ablaze with the contest over the matter we felt we were the people to make a first move. This led me to go to several of our leading towns to see the Richardsons, Sturges, Carpenters &c all of whom supported our missionary enterprise & gave us liberal pecuniary help too. Our Templars made me sec of their Negro Mission as it is called this "Union of Race Mission" or Equal Rights mission would better describe it and we leave been pushing along ever since. But while we are quietly working away at the mission (& extending our Order, regardless of race to all who will join us on sound principles) I want to be doing more. I believe we want a great union of our Anti Caste Society to take up the work where the Anti Slavery society dropped itIt seems to me worth while to inform the English public of the restrictions placed upon (evangelical) ... The exclusion from churches Societies and social life generally etc as well as of the difficulties in the South. I think if English people knew one hundredth part of what I have learned by reading the N.Y. Globe, Christian Recorder etc and my correspondence + personal conversations with coloured persons visiting England +c that America would be stung into activity by the indignation that England would give voice to.I O G T "United to aid" TEMPERANCE MISSION STREET, SOMERSET, England. 188 4 It would be best I think for such a Union as I have suggested to be composed of Americans with English & French. &c We don't want to antagonize friendly white Americans which if the Union were chiefly or firstly English there would be a danger of doing I think. Members of the union would have to make a declaration of principles and then might set itself to deffuse information [*Feb 15, 1883*] you must inquire & tell me who could come to such meetings I think we might collect enough money for expenses. Very sincerely yours for Universal Brotherhood Catherine Impey. Dr. Tanner of Pluto knows me personally. You can ask him about me if you want reference.about the condition of coloured races in America, India or elsewhere, [& given] I believe such good insight be dove by deputations to Religious Bodies &c. I think a deputation of Coloured Americas to our Yearly Meeting of Friends next May would do untold good. If they once reallised the facts they would be stirred as I was stirred & would not rest until at least our Society in America had changed its exclusive practises The fact is we in England have heard next to nothing about you since the war. & the feeling prevails that there is nothing more we English can do - They do not understand this caste system. I suppose I am not far wrong in guessing that the fear of Amalgamation is at His root of the matter. Even the churches are afraid to face this awful possibility.shall be faced. [And if] [I live] I mean to keep pegging away until my last breath, I gave [them] a .short hurried speech about it at our London Y. Meeting last year & an American Lady from New York, got up & denied the truth of my statements & as there was no time to reply we had an adjourned meeting about it, I do so earnestly wish some of you could be over this year to speak for yourselves. There and at other meetings in the provinces - afterwards - or before. We dont want eloquence we want solid information. Please forgive this long rambling letter and as life is uncertain write me I beg of you such advice as you think to [????]Senate Chamber Washington Feby 17th, 83 My dear Sir, Congratulations from you on my humble effort relating to the question of the Presidential Succession are highly acceptable to me. I spoke unexpectedly and without notes and am thankful to you for your kind expressions. The effort hardly merits [*33*]the praise you bestow upon it Very truly E.G. LaphamResidence, Wilton, N.H. U.S. Dist. Att'y for New Hampshire Office of Charles H. Burns, Attorney and Counsellor-at-Law, Goodrich Block. Nashua, N.H., Feb. 26th 1883 Mr. Douglass Dear Sir: I read your life yesterday. Good work for Sunday. Every line is exceedingly interesting to one. I cannot resist the temptation to write you, and thank you for moking the book. My only criticism is that it is by far too modest. Nothing thrills me like the remembrance of the heroic work of the abolitionists - of the United State : and then is no part of the greatest struggle more romantic, thrilling, and heroic than that in which you were chief actor : - and so I feel that your estimate of yourself is far too small. My mother desires to be remembered. Atty Genl. Loppan just boopped in and says tell Douglass I read his work as a hungry man Eats his dinner, with the greatest relish. I often think of our meeting at [*32*]Office of Charles H. Burns, Attorney and Counsellor-at-Law GOODRICH BLOCK Residence, Wilton, N.H. U.S. Dist. Att'y for New Hampshire Nashua, N.H., 188 Manchester, this state a few years ago. I dreaded to speak in your presence. I remembered how your oratory made the young blood run through my veins when I was a boy:- and I was afraid of your criticism- but I shall not soon forget with what consideration you listened and how kindly you spoke of my poor effort. I hope your remaining days on Earth will be covered with the sunshine of peace. and as for the future it will take care of itself- With great respect, Very truly yours Charles H. Burns. Hon. Frederick Douglass.Hon Frederick Douglass My Dear friend Coresponding with you is no "burden" to me but a pleasure. and I promptly embrace the opportunity to give you my opinion as you suggest. on the new phase of things for the prospective call for a convention. First, our purpose is a definite one. If there is to be a convention, even if it shall embrace our idea and purposes it appears to me that it would be the best thing for us to provide for two possible contingencies. 1st that it may not meet. 2d that if it does its aims may be so diversified and scattered or so vague and indefinite that it may result as did the Civil Rights Convention in 1873 in Simply appointing a National Committee, one man from each state and [*29*]and adjourn sine die and leave the whole thing to chance. [I] Conventions with (us having no organizations behind them) are not the best thing for important and permanent work--they seem to leave us in a State of exhaustion. I think it far better that a Convention should be the result of an organization so that an adjournment would not be equivalent to an abandonment of its resolves and its purposes. An hypothesis Suppose that we within two months should have an organization and that subsequently a convention or any other form of public movement should take the field for the accomplishment of a purpose similar to our own. We will not only not antagonize them but we will join them and assist them in every way [*C. Weary March 21, 1883*]We must not wait for public confidence we must earn it by heroic and pronounced measures If charged with exclusiveness or self appointed officiousness we will close their mouths not by abdication but by aiding them if they ask it in a similar movement agreeable to their tastes and judgements assuring them at the same time that we stand ready when theirs shall become the most efficient for the public good. To hand over ours - stock and trade - into their hands or become auxilliary to them. This would disarm them if they were merely captious, or aid them in the good work if they meant bussiness. I trust that I will hearfrom you, whether you are at home or abroad, at your earliest convenience Hastily, With Great Respect Yours J. C. Weare 514 Poplar Phil March 21st 1883 [*p. 2.*]514 Poplar St Phila 4 - 19 - 83 Hon F Douglas My Dear friend, I found on my desk when I arrived home the enclosed communication and as I desire to keep you posted as to the situation in your city in all matters regarding the movement which I now recognize as [in] under your personal guardianship I send desiring its return at your convenience. This gentleman is doubtless a well meaning young man. but very narrow and verdant as to the comprehension of public matters involving the grasp of this enterprise. Yet it is important that you be apprised of his position. I was not informed by him that he had sent [*28*]this note. He however did make a similar suggestion to me while I was in your city. I simply ignored it. He was as you know present with us and I judge from his silence that he found that it was not a thing to be packeted by a committee of any literary organisation. Still he might be made useful with a little tender handling. I therefore leave him and all such in the hands of one who knows what is the best use to make of him, or them. I met today before I left Mr John F Cook and he expressed great regret that he had not been apprised of our meeting. He rejoined that the keel of the vessel had been laid and assured me, with irrepressible emotion that no one would be allowed by himself to give themovement more time and mutual aid than he. I informed him that a matter was passed for the discretionary power of the Committee to enlarge itself and that it would please me to hear that he had been one of the added members. He responded promptly that the incident of his not being one of the original members would not in the slightest degree cause him to hesitate take any position assigned him. I have stated to Prof Greener that I solicit the [power] position of an honorary member on said committee which I trust may meet with your approval. He may mention my name when you meet on Saturday. Oh for men now of public Spirit whose vision extends beyond the precincts of their own immediate personal interests. It may be advisable not to draw too heavily at first on the financial resources of the gentlemen whosecooperation has been expressed by their votes. but it is primarily necessary that the rite of baptism in this new faith be at once performed, at least to sprinkling measure of $10.00. Whatever is agreed upon by your committee will so far I am concerned meet with an immediate response. Faithfully and with Great Respect I am yours J. C. Weare [*4-19-83 p.2*]OLD COLONY STEAMBOAT CO. Newport, R.I., April 21st 1883 [GEORGE PEIRCE, General Agent.] Hon Frederick Sir I have Read your Emancipation Speach with pleasure. my heart Responds Amen to every sentiment You utered. I have no patience with this independent nonsense. When You and I know so well that independence means isolation and that means Ruin to the Race Alas pardon this Liberty But I have been so greatly pleased with with your speach. I thought I would Claim the privilege of Long acquaintance and Congratulate You. Very Respectfully Geo. A. Rice Chief Steward St Pilgrim Fall River Line [*30*] 4-28-83 514 Poplar St Phil My Dear friend, I have just received a breif letter from Prof Greener. Informing me of the fact that the issuing of a Circular may be looked for at any moment. He suggests however, that notwithstanding the pains that has been taken to make it acceptable, it will nevertheless cause criticism "simply by coming from Washington". I trust that it may secure additional criticism on other considerations. and that too, from sources that may command our respect. We want the fulcrum of resistence that we use the lever of our [*27*][*C. Weary*] active energies. We therefore should not dilute the potency of our purpose, or our plan in order to avoid criticism. From your former kindnesses I am confident that you will keep me apprized of the situation I met Robt Purvis at the Irish Convention this week. He sought me out as I at first thought to talk of matters in that line. but no. He commenced at once (after speaking of my being at Washington) to speak of one Douglass in a very denunciatory and declaratory manner so much so as to attract the attentions of bystanders I was forced to ask him to subdue his tones. I honestly and innocently asked him what Douglasshe referred to. His answer was that he meant Frederick Douglass— the man who when his enemies were numerous and were assailing him on every side, "found in him Purvis a defender"!!! My old friend I lost my ballance and needed the same admonition I had just given him. I was compelled to tell him that I recollected the time when you had enemies more powerful than himself but I never heard more bitter and meaner calumnies uttered against him by any man than I had heard from him. And I reminded him that that was the reason that I would not permit him to introduce you when you last spoke in our city at Concert Hall. I had the pleasure of informing him that [much] often as we had met. I had neverheard you make and unkind remark about him. I did not tell him of the [that] rebuke you gave me for sitting down on him on the occasion above mentioned in which I did not mean simply to serve you. but to vindicate his doings. [Wo] Very Truly yours I C Weary P.S. I trust that for other reasons than the success of our public enterprise that the excellent condition of health which I left you in the posession of shall remain with you. I. C. W. [*4-28-83*]John Brown saw slavery through no mist or cloud, but in a light of infinite wisdom, which left no one of its ten thousand horrors concealed. Frederick Douglass. Washington, D.C., May 2- ,1883. John Brown saw slavery through no mist or cloud - but in a light of infinite wisdom, which left no one of its ten thousand horrors concealed. Frederick Douglass Washington, D.C. May 2 -,1883The Cross St. Neots May 4th 1883 My dear Friend Your eloquent address met me here on my return home last Monday, after a three weeks' absence and I read it with very great interest. I need scarcely add that it brought the old days vividly to my remembrance - & those 4th July & 1st of August addresses of the past - [26]Thank you so much dear friend for sending it to me - but where is that Lecture of yours on "William the Silent"? Do, pray, let me have it if possible. I had read "Motley's Dutch Republic" some years ago, to myself - & lately we have been reading it aloud - & I have again & again, longed to read your Lecture dear friend Frederick, on that truly great man "the Silent" 2 difficulty about these wretches - things have come to a pretty pass when, our leading public men are compelled to have guards in private dress to protect them in our streets even in the day time - think you not that we as a nation are going down? - I do - If it be time as I am assured it is that "God looks down" "on the nations of the earth" the present reckless disregard of things sacred & defiance of the Almighty too often openly proclaimed when not looked for - [*Julia Crofts May, 4, 1883*]the ever encreasing immorality - on the one hand - & on the other the grossest superstition ever on the increase too form a terrible picture -- A number of my own personal friends of the male sex are direct infidels - & boast of it too. Do you dear Frederick remember "Arthur King"? a young man when you knew him - now no longer young -- He is one of that class - & has in sending his religion to the winds, sent all morality with it & laughs at every thing - - I never wish to see him again - His great niece is at school with me. - -To all that class of men Bradlaugh is a God! - On the other side we are inundated with Jesuits. They come as servants - governesses, & I heard of one - a gent. by education taking a butcher man's place!! So, we, "in this England of ours" have plenty to think about - dear friend & where we have active natures we act too - My motto is "As for me & my house we will serve the Lord" -- and I &my young people are very happy in that service - I trust & believe that my influence on their young minds is a good one & that my Heavenly Father gives me His blessing & that we are told by the good old book "maketh rich" - - I have take the charge of three out of Jane's four children- only one of them is with me just now - but if I live the others will be - Jane is I fear altogether a lost woman - utterly reckless - I have tried what kindness would do,- but- when I tell you she imbibes, & her 2nd husband does likewise,3 - you will see how very hopeless all is in her case - To take the dear children from her & save them is all I see my way to do. Lizzie Crofts & one of the children left me yesterday to keep house for Mrs. Arthur Griffiths (Mattie Crofts that was) and tomorrow she & her baby & nurse are coming to me for the remainder of this month of May if all's well - My nephews son-in-law Arthur Griffiths joining them for Whitsuntide - so dear friend mine I have you see plenty of occupation in one way or other. Do you rememberLeicester? - & Mr. & Mrs. Gittins, my friends there? - I spent last Easter with them - & much enjoyed seeing those dear old friends again. - - I have been interrupted less than usual - so have been led to chatter on, & may have tired you - but I won't apologize - Do write to me soon - & tell me how you are getting on? & how all your little grandchildren are - especially your little favorites? - My pet grandchild has been "keeping shop" by my side as a great treat, while I write - a sweet lad of 8 - Jane's eldest boy "Harry" - "We are all immortal 'till our work is done" - but sometimes, I wonder & wonder into whose hands that loving trusting little lad will fall - when "grandma" is sent for to heaven -? - this is only in my weak moments, & when my faith is weak - for our loving Heavenly Father orders all things for His people, wisely & well. - Dear old friend I remain as always, Yours faithfully, Julia G. Crofts -May 4, 1883We in England live in strange times & what next is to come to our once great & glorious land 'tis hard to say? We that have protected every (well! am I to say?) patriot fleeing to us for refuge from other lands to be threatened with destruction from dynamite seems to me to be an enigma difficult to solve. But Ireland has long been our trouble & but that the people on that island have immortal spirits & must [*Julia Crofts*]live forever I could almost (not quite) join those who say they would like Ireland held for one hour under water!! The wrong done to Ireland by England was done long, long ago - & never can be undone - & for many years it seems to me that the more we do for Ireland the more she rebels against us - & hates us! I shd. like to hear you dear old friend talk it all over. Rossa & others are terrific fellows. I do hope the U. S. government & ours will not get intoWashington D.C. May 4. 1883. Dear Friend. You have often urged me to tell you the little, (and it is but little) I remember of Miss Myrtilla Miner, the founder of [the No] what is now the Normal School for Colored girls in the city of Washington D.C. The task is in every sense an agreeable one and should have been performed long ago. The press of more immediate duties - or perhaps to speak more truly, an infirmity of which I am not entirely free, of postponing till tomorrow what ought to be done to day is the explanation of my tardy compliance with your request. Your patience, perseverence, and continued prompting have at last set me to work. If we owe it to the generations that go before us and to those which come after us, to make some record of the good deeds we have met with in in our journey through life and perpetuate the memory and example of those who have in a signal manner made themselves serviceable to suffering humanity we certainly should [*1820*]2 not forget the brave little women. who first invaded the city of Washington to establish here a school for the education of a class long despised and neglected. As I look back to the moral surroundings of the time when that school was begun, the state of public sentiment in the North as well in the South, which then existed, how low was the estimation in which colored people were then held, how little sympathy there was with any effort to dispel their ignorance, diminish their hardships , alleviate their suffering and soften their misfortunes. I marvel all the more at the thought, the zeal, the faith and the courage of Myrtilla Miner in daring to be the pioneer of such a movement for education here in the District of Columbia the very citadel of slavery the place most watched and guarded by the slave power, and where humane tendencies were most speedily detected and sternly approved. It is now more than thirty year [ago] (but such have been the changes wrought that it seems a century) since Miss Miner in company with Joseph and Phebe Hathaway, (brother and sister)3 called upon me at my printing office in Rochester New York, and found me at work busily mailing my paper the "North Star." It was my custom to continue my work no matter who came and hence I barely looked up to give them welcome, supposing the call to be an ordinary one, perhaps of sympathy with my work, or more likely an act of mere curiosity, so I went on with my work. I was not long however permitted to treat my caller in this unceremonious way. I [found] soon found I was in a presence that demanded my whole attention. A slender, wir[e]y, pale (not over healthy) but singularly animated figure was [stood] [?] before me, and startled me with the announcement that she was then on her way to the City of Washington to establish a school for the Education of Colored girls. I stopt mailing my paper at once, and gave attention to what was said. I was amazed and looked to see if the lady was in earnest and meant4 what she said. The doubt on my mind was transcent. I saw at a glance that the fire of enthusiasm [was] lighted in her eye and that the true Martyr Spirit flamed in her soul. My feelings were those of mingled joy and sadness. Here I thought is another enterprize wild, dangerous desperate and impractable, and destined only to bring failure and suffering. Yet I was deeply moved with admiration by the heroic purpose of the delicate and fragile person who stood [before me] or rather moved to[o] and fro before me, for she would not accept a chair. She seemed too full of her enterprize to think of her own care and hence kept in motion all the time she was in my office. Mr and Miss Hathaway remained silent. Miss Miller and myself did the talking. She advocated the feasibility of her enterprize and I (timid and faithless) opposed it in all earnestness. She said she knew the South She had lived among Slaveholders. She had even taught Slaves to read in Mississippi - and she was not afraid5 of violence in the District of Columbia. To me the proposition was reckless almost to the point of madness. In my fancy I saw this fragile little woman harassed by [by] the law - insulted in the street, a victim of [slave] Slave holding malice and possibly beaten down by the mob. The fate of Prudence Crandell in Connecticut and the then recent case of Mrs. Douglass at Norfolk was before me - and my own experience in attempting to teach a Sunday School in St. Michaels - came [beforme] before me - and made me dread the experience which awaited Miss Miner. My argument made no impression upon the heroic Spirit before me. Her resolution was taken and was not to be changed nor shaken - and the result I need not say has justified her determination. I give you this leaf - for your book if you ever carry out your purpose to write some account6 of the life and works of this rare and remarkable woman, I never pass by the Miner Normal School for Colored girls in this city without a [feebl] feeling of self reproach - that I could have said aught to quench the zeal, shake the faith, and quail the courage of the noble woman [whose hard] by whom it was founded and whose name it bears. Truly yours Frederick Douglass Mrs. Ellen M. O. Conner [*O’Conner?*]ALBERT D. SHAW, CONSUL. JOHN T. DOYLE, VICE CONSUL. UNITED STATES CONSULATE MANCHESTER, May 4. 1883. Dear Mr Douglass: You may recall me as the U.S. Consul you met in Toronto, Canada, some years ago. and I now write for two reasons: 1st to get such data as you may have conveniently on hand on John Brown, the heroic and splendid martyr for the black race; and 2d to thank you for your right eloquent reference to Roscoe Conkling, in your great speech on the 21st Anniversary of The Emancipation Society. Your words have the true ring yet, and the force and [25]fire of earlier years have not been dimmed by the rays of the sunset you are so gently nearing. Such a noble plea for your race is worthy of wide study: it is, in fact, deserving of the highest praise. I ought, perhaps, to state that a leading English Non-Conformist preacher of this city has requested me to secure data for him in relation to the Martyr Brown, so that he may have it to prepare a lecture, during his holidays. upon our hero. Have you your lecture on the Theme in print? If so, send me a copy. along with any data you may have. I will remitpayment, gladly, on receipt of a memo. of same. I am sure you will be pleased to favor Rev. Mr MacFadyan - the first Congregationalist minister in this place. in this instance. In fact he is the President of the Congregational Union of England this year. An early response will be specially gratifying - as my friend leaves for his holidays a month hence. Trusting that you may long live to bless your race. whom you so grandly represent. I am, Yours faithfully, Albert D. Shaw The Honorable} F. Douglass }New Port May 10. 1883 Dear Douglass; many thanks for your speech; I read it with interest, satisfaction, and benefit: it should be read by every body, all would be profited. Frederick Douglass might have brought home to the republican party with skill and effect the points he makes: it would have been more chary as to its course had he done so in a bold manner, if a half dosen colored men I could name had spoken out fearlessly as to the faithlessness of that party they would have been heeded: it has calculated upon falling back on certain leading colored men; until the party shall have a dread or doubt as to our support it will be as indifferent as it has been: it must be made to know that intelligent colored men feel they may use their indifference adversely: that they are calculating their strength, when this shall be the case [*4*]2 The party will become more considerate as to its policy affecting the colored man. Nothing will be lost by those enjoying present advantages if they assert their manhood. No selfish impulse has moved me ; if I have strove to be stragetic it was for the benefit of the cause we have espoused. I could be a politician; the temptation is strong, I consider the ingratitude of those for whom I have made not less than $50,000 of sacrifice; their want of appreciation depresses me. I would have droped public matters long ago but I have been compelled to remain in them by a force within for the right, I assure you I am not feeling pleasant. I can point to efforts that have been successful that have benefitted the colored people, I have made more sacrifices than any colored man I know. Is it appreciated? [*Dowing to Douglass*]3 I have retired from my business and thank God I am not as I have never been dependant upon them. I do not expect to be out of the cause, my soul is in it; but I would be encouraged. I am not looking with much favor upon the contemplated Convention, a convention composed of the right men; that would be orderly and dignified that would consider the points suggested fearlessly and free from bias, from intimidation would do good; but I have no hope in these respects. I am writing to you as a friend. With kind regards, I am as ever Yours &c. Geo T. Downing[*May 13, 1883*] Hon Frederick Douglass My Dear friend Having heard from you in your last with refference to the progress made in our organization enterprise I have been anxiously - almost impatiently looking every day for the circular. Prof Greener wrote to me more than ten days ago that it was ready for the printers I had hoped that it would antedate the issuance of the call for a Convention I agree with you alltogether as to your course with proposed convention and assure you that if it does meet[s] I will be with you. We have much less to fear if we are in a position to lay our hands on a tangible reality than if we entered the Convention empty handed. Not that I would favor the act of obtruding ourselves as a Committee. but that individually we would have something [*23*]to point to as a sample card of definite purpose Up to this hour I have not seen a coppy of the call for the Convention Will you favor me by sending a coppy. I feel flattered that in the quiet atmosphere of the social circle, that as your last favor indicates that I am not only not forgotten but have honorable and favorable mention Very Truly Yours J C Weare Phil / May 18th 188377 Mathewson St. May 17, 1883 My Dear Friend Your letter of Sunday troubles me greatly, but I am determined to hope for the best, and believe that as you have not written again that you are better. I am glad to know that it is finally and firmly settled that you will be in Boston on the Evening of the Festival and if you will come home with me that night, (as all the Providence friends are intending to do) both you and Sarah can take a day to rest before proceeding to business. Sarah is with Miss Eastman this week, and will not be home till Saturday. I have made another discovery about Sarah. She is immensely bright. Such a nice thing as she has done for the Club, which I will not now take time or paper to narrate [22]since we shall so soon meet face to face - It is now my place to go to Greenwich Saturday to stay till Monday and if Minnie continues as much better as she now seems, I am planning to go to Boston some day, before Friday June 1st and so see some friends before that date - I shall however keep you advised thereof. I am hoping that you and Mr Savage will meet on that occasion and that it will be one replete with interest every way- You say well that 'Death is no time for ostentasion" It seems that Jean O.C has been a much pronounced materialist, when well, and when sick, till within a few nights of her decease, when Dr. Channing held her in his arms, which was about the only time she could ever be in the least comfortable, from the many sore spots which her emaciated and worn body was all over covered with. when a paroxysm of constricted breathing and severe pain seized her, and clasping her hands together she extended them above her head, & climbing to her knees on his lap, poured out in rapid language, beginning "Oh heavenly Father," a most intense appeal for help to bear such suffering while it must be borne and asking for relief - &c - Dr. Channing told Mrs Aldrich (I have not seen him) and considered it as they all did, the outpouring of her real self in the natural and unerring instinct of the Soul when brought face to face with the great Mystery - death - On my table beside me is a lovely bunch of apple, pear & plum blossoms, whichI gathered from Mother Sherman's garden Valley Falls this morning. She came in last night and took me home to stay the night with her, and gave me all kinds of welcome and good cheer. So you see I am really enjoying a good deal of the country, in spite of my fears to the contrary a few weeks ago. The weather is delightful, not warm, but invigorating and bracing. I do so hope that left side is sore no longer. How much you need a reminder that you must not expose yourself to damp walls. I think you were "naughty" not to accept your kind neighbors good services. The little homeopathic pills go well with hot fomentations, and [t]wold in no wise do harm, whilst to take them, expresses appreciation of intended thoughtfulness. I am so well I want you to taste the same happiness. Very truly always yrs M. W. G.5-18-83 Phil Hon F. Douglass My Dear friend, I regret to hear from you that you are not feeling so well. I would have greater anxiety were I not impressed with the thought that much of it arises from the fact that you are abnormally situated. The period of life remaining will not afford the delay which might be indulged in by the more youthful. Enough for the present I trust your health will be improved. Your favor of the 11th got buried under a mass of documents with which my desk was crowded and was only unearth yesterday. Until I wrote to you last I had been waiting for some word from you as to events. You will therefore readily understand why no refference was made in my last to said letter or to the statement of your admirable [*24*]and unanswerable views contained in the Clipping sent me. I endorse it whole and in detail. The Annual Conference of the A. M. E Church held it sessions in our city this week. And there was a committee appointed on the "State of the Union" The Conference requested me to speak on the report. When it was prevented by a little management the Conference agreed to call a public meeting at which I might express my views I availed myself of the occasion to present a coppy of our Circular the C.P.S. and it acted like a Charm - it was in something that they could tie to . I had already prepared and offered it Preamble and resolutions approving of the Washington movement and for the appointment of a Com. to address the several Churches and Societies in its behalf. I trust this meets your approbation. I will keep you posted. Believe me, Yours Truly, J C WeareBridport May 19. 1883 Dear Mr. Douglass This evening's post has brought me your Address in pamphlet form. I received the newspaper containing most of it, two or three weeks ago; and forwarded it (after perusal) to Miss C. Impey who I found had written to you. She had sent me your letter to her, in which you make a kind reference to myself. In the last three years (or so), I have subscribed to the work in which she is specially interested. I am not a "Good Templar"; but I believe that the organisation is doing good and I took a special interest in the stand that was taken by the chief English branch, in maintaining the right of full memberhood to persons of colour. I have always felt that no one is a true freeman, who is the slave of drinking custom and I rejoice whenever 2I hear of your people investing in this movement. I informed Miss Impey of your "Life", recently reprinted in this country. We are not likely to forget the event you have been commemorating. The Liberty party and the Free Soil party had long maintained that emancipation in Columbia was the duty of Congress, and when it was proclaimed, we accepted it as a proof that the North was really in earnest for freedom -- and that it felt that the Union could not be re-established without it. Now and then, I have been reminded by affairs in Ireland of some of your utterances, in your paper, on the old times! You then maintained -- for a time -- that the war between the slaveholders and slaves (for such it was in a sense) should not be one-sided; -- that lawless oppression should be met with threats of lawless revenge: -- that it was desirablemany instances been taught to look on us as their friends. I have recently been in London, and attended four meetings which show the progress of good principles. I am on the Committee of the "Liberation Society" which wages war on State Establishments. -- it is to "liberate religion from State control" and to liberate the State from clerical control! Religious liberty has made great strides since I joined the Society in my youth. The Quakers have rarely joined our Society; - partly because they [were] are themselves the older Society -- they have always maintained our principle, in their own Denominational way. This year however John Bright consented to preside at our Meeting, and as his appearances in public are now rare, the place-- the largest in London ( Spurgeon's first tabernacle, which is said to seat 4000-5000 people) was crowded, an hour before the Meeting commenced. -- I was glad to sit on a step! I don't know that what he said was very remarkable [* R. L. Carpenter May 19, 1883*]but Bright himself was remarkable, and so was the Meeting. The thousands of voices repeating AYE (instead of a show of hands, when the resolutions were put) was very impressive. He spoke without any apparent excitement, except in two or three places. His speech, which could be read aloud in about a quarter of an hour, took three [times that] quarters in delivery. Another Meeting was the Band of Hope when Exeter Hall was crowded. Temperance principles are far more popular than they were. Another day, I was one among some 1200, on the theatre of the London University, when about 20 young women came up among the graduates to to receive their honours from the Chancellor of the University - Each favorably and even enthusiastically welcomed. This is the 3rd year, I think, since [they] women have been admitted to degrees. 21 years ago I never expected to see that day. Lastly, I heard an address from my old Halifax friend - the Right Hon James Stansfield, who has at length succeeded in getting a triumphant majority in the House of Commons to condemn the worst feature in the odious and immoral Contagious Diseases Act (women) This agitation (to which he has most bravely and disinterestedly devoted himself) more resembles the Antislavery movement in America, in the many important particulars, than any other which I remember. It relates to a subject which most persons would fain keep in silence, and on which they do not desire that conscience should be awakened. The courage - I may almost say the daring - of the ladies, who it [(would be so)] was supposed would be the last to speak on such a theme, has had a remarkable effect. However, the battle is not yet won. I did far more when in London than I venture on here: and am now paying a little penalty. By the time you get this letter, I hope to be all right again. My wife and I are neither as young as when you [knew] saw us, but fortunately, as weare able to do less, so we have less to do! I was calling the other day on a famous artist, who has past his prime - he is 70 - but as he has a family to support (in part at least) he has still to work on. I had not seen him since he was my guest in Bridgwater 40 years ago. He was one of the friends of my boy hood. It is very pleasant to us to feel that however many eloquent young men there may be among you, your countryman still call on you to speak the word in season and as it seems to me, it is a most reasonable word which you have spoken. My wife unites in the kindest remembrances with yours ever faithfully R L Carpenter F Douglass Esqthat the masters should be in constant dread of insurrection, and must so - and of the wrongs which they are so prompt to inflict and that in this way, they might be taught how utterly untenable their system would become. Without denying that in this case, the slaves would be no worse than their tyrants, we (who maintained peace principles, and who had never felt your provocation) repelled the advice you gave. I do not know that more blood would have been shed thro' [your] the course you threatened, than was shed in the civil war, but I have no hesitation in saying that the course which events actually took was incomparably better for your people. In Ireland, we see some of the effects of the revenge-system, and the reign of terror. Those who promote it have not the plea that you had; for it is vindicatory to speak of the Irish as enslaved by the English. I will remember the times whenthe Catholics, who formed the bulk of the population, were actually outlawed. But those times are passed, tho the traditions remain, of the cruel oppression which then prevailed. Now, there is certainly a prevailing desire to deal justly and kindly with Ireland: and in some respects the Irish are in a better position than English Nonconformists - they are not insulted by an Established Church; and the Irish tenants have now rights secured to them, which English farmers long for in vain. But no doubt the Irish had some ground for believing that, without the turbulence they have displayed, these measures would not have been passed. You do not venture to prophesy for your people, and country & neither do I for ours! It is a wretched thing to feel that the Irish, wherever they migrate, carry with them an aversion to England. It would be a little comfort to liken, that the coloured race, which is increasing among you, have on [*R. L. Carpenter*]1339 K. St. Washington D.C. June 14. 1883. Mr. Douglass, My dr Sir. I am in receipt of a notice from our Secretary, Mr. Johnson, that there is to be a called meeting of the Trustees of Howard University, on the 20th of this month. I regret my inability to attend, but I hope you will go. As for myself, I have accepted an invitation to make an address at the graduating exercises, on Commencement day of Wheaton College, Ill. and have another engagement there for the following day. These engagements, and a meeting in New York, oblige me to leave town tonight. I write this line to you, so [3]2 you can explain my absence (if it is noticed) at the meeting. And I will add, that as the call. contemplates the reviewing of the action of the Board at the annual meeting, I hope there will be no reversing of that action without the gravest and plainest of reasons. If there are new facts presented or good reasons, not then known to us, I might be the first one to reconsider, but if only such state of facts & reasons as were then before the Board are only repeated, I protest against any reversal of the action of the Board. Rehearings are always granted before newly discovered evidence. But the decisions of all executive officers, once made, must stand, unless there are new reasons, not known or presented at the time3 is open- to men of another class, all the high, honorable and lucrative positions are closed, and closed by a cruel prejudice which has no foundation in reason or law. I pray God to forgive me, if I do not try when an opportunity is offered, to undo the wrongs of centuries, and to inspire a hope that the future be an atonement for the past I trust our Board, in this matter, will continue true to the sentiments of those who founded and supported Howard University - true to our anxious friends and countrymen whose eyes are upon us, and to that God who has no respect- to persons. I am Yours truly, S. C. Pomeroy.77 Mathewson st. June 25. 83 Dear Friend Frederick I should be glad to know that you are still improving under the directions of your Physician. I had the pleasure of meeting Dr. Radeky at Mr Eddys last night and I could almost envy the one who had him as their medical advisor. Sarah invited me to take a final look at the Portrait and give my latest opinion of its merits and I am very glad I could say sincerely that I prefer the last effort made, to any previous one. She has gone over it altogether, the face especially, and has I think at last reached a point where it would be difficult to improve it. [211]The question now, is in respect of its Exhibition where and when. and on this point we have taken Miss Newman into our Councils. I had not seen Mr. Eddy until yesterday, since his sickness, and though moving about the house, I think he looks far from well, and I see that Sarah feels very uncertain as to what may come of the movement to be undertaken to day -- that of going to Bar Harbor, and of any further plan. I do find myself going out to those two dear girls, with most earnest solicitude. I find I like Amy no less, if not more, than I do Sarah. They are both inestimable girls. Mr. Banister and wife & Mr. Arnold, a portrait painter, Dr Norris, and Dr. Filman were all there yesterday. Their supper Sarah said was only a Picknick affair, in view of their early start this morning. Sarah was going to Boston with the others, but intended to return here at night and remain some days, and try to get rested. She wished no one to know of her not having gone, so that she might not be intruded upon. In the meantime she proposes to have the Picture packed and made ready to be sent to whatever point she decides on exhibiting it. I wish you were going to see it yourself for I am well assured you would be well satisfied. I hope this fine comfortably cool yet really summer weather is the same with you, and that you are really gaining the rest and invigoration you so much need. I am sure it must indeed be better and pleasanterfor the reasons you name also to remain at home rather than to go to Poland Springs or the Adirondacks - I hope too that Annie is improving - I have been to day to see Aunt Lucretia and she is still very feeble - For myself I have been a good deal unwell, more than for quite a long time, but I am again in my usual condition - Minnie too is as usual - I hope I am to hear good news from you, and am as always Martha W. G. Will and Gertie are off to Canada and elsewhere, and Alice is staying with us