Pawtucket - Jan 25th 1882 Dear Mr. Douglass, I cannot begin to tell you the pleasure, the real heartfelt gratification with which I read the announcement of your marriage in our evening paper. May I not venture to add my congratulations to the thousands which you doubtless receive The whole Adams household, including my sister & her husband, write with me in most earnestly hoping that you may both realize your highest ideal, and "may you both live long and be happy" Please say to Mrs. Douglass for me that as the wife of one of her husband's old friends, I shall hope, some time in the near future to meet her, I see by 95the marriage notice, that she is a New Yorker by birth. as well as myself, so you will not have an additional inducement for coming north occasionally and you will please remember Mr Douglass, that we still keep a "prophets chamber over the gate" for the use of our friends. Very sincerely yours Cornelia D. Adams No 1 Belmont st PawtucketThe Grand Pacific Hotel Jno. B. Drake & Co. Proprietors Chicago [*Ja'y = January*] Jay 25th 1884 105 Dearborn Ave. My dear Friend, Frederick Douglass: As a life-long friend of yours, I ask the privilege of extending my congratulations on the event of last evening in the parlors of Rev. Wm Grimke in which your honored self was the leading actor. Although I would not in any way like to convey the idea that Miss. Pitts was not equally interested with yourself may be it required more courage and real heroism on her part, than it possibly could on yours. I am rejoiced with an exceeding great joy that you have taken for a wife a lady of so fine accomplishments and one who will and can make happy your remaining years. To one who has known all the circumstances of your early - and later - life this knowledge [*99*]comes with double interest, and is realy a significant fact, - I was one of the few who stood by my loved professor. at McGrandville College, when he courted Mary, the Eldest daughter of Rev. Lyndon King, of my town and village of Fulton, Oswego Co N.Y. Prof Vashon was, a mulatto a brilliant schollar and a genial gentleman, who came to Fulton and married this girl and went soon to Europe -, In those early proslavery days, great excitement was created and a mob [?], but a few of us managed it well for him. But now, thank God, a man can marry whom he likes provided she is willing. I used to write of you and print, I had a most pleasant hour at your home in Washington and again at the country side that sandy spot on the hill top. I will never forget you, or the thousand and one speakers which have thrilled me thro' & throu. The great names must go down to posterity as Garrison, - Sumner - Douglass - John Brown, Lincoln, Smith, - with many others I must menton. Lucretia Mott, Grimke - Stone - Dickinson - and the every popular Mrs Stowe, Again allow me to offer my heartfelt wishes for your perfect happiness and exceeding grt joy. Your old and true friend H.N. GilbertFORM No. 1. THE WESTERN UNION TELEGRAPH COMPANY. The company TRANSMITS and DELIVERS messages only on conditions limiting its liability, which have been assented to by the sender of the following message. Errors can be guarded against only by repeating a message back to the sending station for comparison and the Company will not hold itself liable for errors or delays in transmission or delivery of Unrepeated Messages, beyond the amount of tolls paid thereon, nor in any case where the claim is nor presented in writing within sixty days after sending the message This is an UNREPEATED MESSAGE and is delivered by request of the sender, under the conditions named above. THOS. T. ECKERT, General Manager.           NUMBER 58W SENT BY MC     REC’D BY   Q    CHECK 7 paid Received at 603 PENNSYLVANIA AVE Jany 25 1884 [*3548*] Dated new york 25 To Hon Frederick Douglass Washn DC Accept our best wishes and heartiest congratulations. S.E. and Helen Shevitch [*101*](Reply to the within) Thanks for your congratulatory telegram. Fredk. DouglassBlank No. 2. The Western Union Telegraph Company. -------------------------------- All Messages Taken By This Company Subject to The Following Terms: To guard against mistakes or delays, the sender of a message should order it REPEATED; that is telegraphed back to the originating office for comparison. For this, one half the regular rate is charged in addition. It is agreed between the sender of the following message and this Company, that said Company shall not be liable for mistakes or delays in the transmission or delivery, or non-delivery of any UNREPEATED message, whether happening by negligence of its servants or otherwise, beyond the amount received for sending the same; nor for mistakes or delays in the transmission or delivery, or for non-delivery of any REPEATED message beyond fifty times the sum received for sending the same, unless specially insured: nor in any case for delays arising from unavoidable interruption in the working of its lines, or for errors in cipher or obscure messages. And this Company is hereby made the agent of the sender, without liability, to forward any message over the lines of any other Company when necessary to reach its destination. Correctness in the transmission of messages to any point on the lines of this Company can be INSURED by contract in writing, stating agreed amount of risk, and payment of premium thereon at the following rates, in addition to the usual charge for repeated messages, viz,: one per cent, for any distance not exceeding 1,000 miles, and two per cent, for any great distance. No employee of the Company is authorized to vary the foregoing. No responsibility regarding messages attaches to this Company until the same are presented and accepted at one of its transmitting offices; and if a message is sent to such office by one of the Company's messengers, he acts for that purpose as the agent of the sender. Messages will be delivered free within the established free delivery limits of the terminal office - for delivery at a greater distance, a special charge will be made to cover the cost of such delivery. The Company will not be liable for damages in any case where the claim is not presented in writing, within sixty days after sending the message. A. R. BREWER, Secretary. NORVIN GREEN, President. Washington D.C. 1884 Send the following message, subject to the above terms, which are agreed to. To S. E. and Helen Shevitch: New York N.Y. Heartfelt thanks for your prompt and friendly congratulations. Fredk Douglass. READ THE NOTICE AND AGREEMENT AT THE TOP. [*108*]THE NEW YORK GLOBE 4 CEDAR STREET Jan 25, 1884. My dear Mr. Douglass: Accept my congratulations. May your honored life be filled with home happiness even unto the end. Your friend, T. Thos. FortuneEAE Washington City Jan. 26 1884 Mr. Douglass, Dr Sir Your marriage concerned your wife and yourself exclusively: but, since it had become a topic of general comment, allow me to felicitate you, and to express my sincere wish that your future life may be a happy one. Your act has startled the public, but it has set it to thinking: and a happy result of your union will do more to harmonize the "races", than all constitutional amendments, civil-rights laws and judicial decisions. very respy Samuel Yorke Atlee 1424 N. B. Avenue [*98*]Temple Caffee Washington D.C. Jan 26" 1884. Hon Frederick Douglass. My Friend. Allow me to congratulate you upon your marriage. May you both be as happy as you deserve to be for being true to yourselves and defying - Public opinion. Very Truly H. B. NordstronMunicipal Court of the Charlestown Dist. (in City of Boston.) January 26, 1884. Hon Frederick Douglass It is with great pleasure I send my congratulations to Mr. and Mrs. Douglass upon their marriage. My hope is that health and happiness may attend both of them. With great respect I am very truly George L Ruffin [*103*][*1884 Ja 28*] My dear Friend Why did you not tell me the glad tidings when you wrote, and for once let me feel superior to the newspapers? Perhaps I had no right to expect it. I make haste to congratulate, and wish you much happiness in this new situation. Alas how often is the wish meaningless: I have met Mrs Douglass as Miss Pitts at Dr Winslows, having thus met her, and [*115*] [94]knowing you as I do. I feel an assurance that joy will be a guest at your fireside. Two earnest thoughtful souls will be strengthened by companionship and sympathy. I rejoice and am glad in this belief for you and yours. Please make my very kind regards to your wife, whom not having known much, I have deeply respected. I shall hope in the near future to meet you both. And please remember both my daughter & self to your bright "young friend" Miss Purvis. Something my little grandson of nine said yesterday, I must tell, There was a Young Unitarian Divine here who read aloud from the Sunday Herald the notice of your marriage - including what was said about the old Delaware law, about the five-thousand pounds of tobacco, after a few moments Georgie came to me with a distressed look on his face, saying Mamma Walling. Will they make Mr Douglass chew all that tobacco? -- Sincerely your friend Maria F. Walling Cambridge Jan 28 - 1884.46 Dwight St. Boston, Mass. June 29th, 1884 My Dear Douglass: Please accept my hearty and since congratulations upon the event of your marriage, of which we hear and read so much. My best wishes are for your comfort and happiness during many days - years - to come. You have earned, and deserve, all the rest you will ever have here; and I wish for you the Eternal rest there Is Mrs. Douglass the lady I met at the house of a Mr. Pitts, in Orange County, N. J., in 1880? Truly, Geo. Williams Hon. Frederick Douglass. [*94*]Washington D.C. Jan. 31, 1884 Hon. Fredk. Douglass, Recorder of deeds of the D.C., My dear Sir: I hope you will pardon this seeming familiarity. I am very glad to know, Providence has so largely blessed your career in private and public affairs. Hoping you are enjoying good health, I very gracefully and affectionatly wish you and yours many years of happiness. You will therefore accept on this your second marriage occassion; greeting in testimony to the warm friendly feelings and most respectful attachment with which I regard you. [*93*]May God grant you many more years of untroubled health and useful, successful activity. With all good wishes for your future happiness, I have the honor to be Sir, your sincere friend, John W. EwingMy dear Mr. Douglas, Only a little turn of ill health has prevented me from (before this) writing to congratulate you on your marriage, and to express my great respect for the lady who is so fortunate as to become your wife! I understand that she is an inhabitant of the region round Rochester where you passed the meridian of your [*97*]and hope when you come North this summer that you will be sure to come and see me with your bride. Elisabeth P Peabody 54 Bowdon Street Boston Feb. 1st 1884 noble life; and can understand the profound esteem & confidence on which is tasked the sentiment that has responded to the immortal youth of your great heart. I wish I knew more particulars of your happiness, in which I have always been so much interested, and if I were young enough to hope ever to be in Washington, I should be among the first to call on Mrs Douglas Paducah Feb 1 84 Sir I enclose you my application & wold of don so before but owing to sickness was unable to atten to any Business until now you ask me for the time I came to Baltimore the 12 of May 1831. My mother has Ben ded six years I was truly glad you had not forgotten me & you must suffr me to congratulate you & tel you in my opinon the papers make you to oold Thair was in our Boyhood but from may to october differance in our age but whitch has it I cant remember is was Bord in oct 5 1817 pleas write me at your leasure at any time for I will alway be peasd to hear from you ever hopeing for you welfair I remain, as ever yours Levin W Rawleigh P.S. quality not quantity in my indossers has been my object L.W.R. [*119*]Troy Feb 3rd 1884 My Dear Friend Douglass The recent act of one to whom more than any of his Race [is] truly belongs the Honor of being its most distinguished Son. Has been the subject of more comment by the Press and Citizens of this Country than any matrimonial alliance that has ever occurred in it. And why? simply because you have followed the dictates of your heart in selecting for your wife one who suited you and who was equally pleased. Therefore the public has busied itself [*118*]with what was none of its business in criticizing your domestic affairs. The example of one so eminent as yourself will have the effect I think of lessening that feeling in the future Please accept the most hearty congratulations from Mrs. Baltimore, Garnett Douglass, and to all of the members of my family together with our most sincere wishes for the future happiness of yourself and noble Wife. Your Old Friend P. F. BaltimoreL W Ans On Marriage 6Washington D.C. Feb. 6 '84 My Dearest Frd: You must surely have been wondering what has become of me and possibly a thousand other things. As you see by the above, I am still here. Up to a day or two ago my satchel has been packed with the intention of leaving each day, but unfortunately I have been detained, I remained through the persuasion of friends. As you may remember I told you that in case I could secure a government position I would stay, otherwise I would go to N.Y. and remain until Spring and then West Since the Civil Service Commission has been established [*116*]It is not as easy to secure such a position as one may imagine. Before this law was passed, any influential Congressman could secure a position for his friend. Now, one has to pass the Examination and then await his chance. I have the support of the entire delegation from Iowa, including the US. Senators, one of whom takes a very kind interest in me. Such an endorsement two years ago, would be an Equivalent to a fine position It is a very rare case, and I feel highly complimented. I would like to be here for several reasons, one is I would be nearer home, and in case Sam Lee, of Sumter, or any young Republican beats Smalls, I would get a government position at home. Lee has already pledged his support to me. My stay has been very expensive to me, and I am anxious to have my case decided, Senator Wilson and Postmaster Hatton see about it today, and I am to get a positive answer tomorrow. Last week I attended two entertainments, both of which very good and exceeded anything that I had seen here so far. Music at one of them was grand, being a detachment of the famous Marine Band. The other was a leap year party, given by the inner circle or the Chosen few of the society here It was in every respect aleap year affair the ladies each drew as to who of the young men was to be their escort for the evening. Each young lady assumed a character such as Mother hubbard, flower girl etc; the costumes were very pretty. Last night I attended the "Boston Ideal Opera Co" in company with Mr Henderson. It was the best of the kind I've ever heard. Tomorrow night the "Orpheus Glee Club" composed of young men here, give a concert. Miss Addie Smith of Boston, one of the greatest beloved sopranos. sing for them, It is the talk of the City, as it is expected to be quite a society affair. The Wilders must be by this time at home. They have certainly had a gay time here. Ma. I am afraid is ready[?] [Eng?] The Cross St [?] Feby 11th 1884 My dear Friend / I have this morning received from the kind hand of our mutual friend Mr[s?] Charles Miller, a copy of the Rochester Democrat which makes mention of your marriage - & I as one of your truest & warmest 120friends hasten to send you (& Mrs. Douglass) my most sincere congratulations & to express the hope that the step you have now taken may tend to promote your true happiness in the evening of your days - I shall be glad to hear from your own hand a few particulars regarding the lady &c? We are having, thus far a mild winter in England - as regard freedom from frost &c: but frequent storms and these of an unusually severe kind have swept over our country from time to time & have done much damage -- We are in a great mess in Egypt - & a vote of censure on our government, is to be brought forward this evening in both houses of parliament - I thinkit will pass the House of Lords& be signally defeated in the House of Commons-- I am very busy, as usual - I had a very pleasant holiday at Christmas - staid more than a fortnight at Hastings - Where I have some excellent friends - and then visited amidst my London friends - & now we are hard at work again - We dine 24 daily in dining room besides the kitchenThe last time I heard from dear Mrs. Carpenter she reported herself improving - but yet not quite recovered - from the effects of that sad accident - Dear soul! She said in her last letter "Had you remained a day later you would have been with us - & then might not have been able to be moved from Rochester" - so - it was a mercy that I started off to Lexington that day - - Lizzi (who is now staying with me)desires to be kindly remembered - & I must now close this hastily written note, my dear old friend with my kind regards to Mrs Douglass- & to yourself and let me add that if ever you bring her across the Atlantic, it will give me very great pleasure to receive you as my guests here at "the Cross"- I remain as always your faithful friend Julia G. CroftsWashington D.C Feb'ry 17 " 1884 Dear Father, I see by the papers that the Sprague conspiracy to extort money from you by false representations through the press, has culminated in a law suit, which I think is intended more as a scare, to force you into some sort of a compromise. The scandalous publications of the past week emanating from the pen of Greener, through the promptings of Sprague, seems to me to to indicate that the above is the correct view of the case. We, as well as many of your friends know how well Louisa has been cared for under your roof, and the same can be said [*2091*]of many others who have found a home there. I can only see in this move against you a low and infamous plot to get money on the one hand, and on the other to impair your good standing before the world. I hope you will resist them to the bitter end now that they have shown their hands so unmistakably. I dont think they have a case that the Judge will even allow to go to a jury, though l am not a lawyer; I dont think Louise has even a foundation of a case. The charge that she drove your carriage, will in my opinion work against her claim, as it can be shown that she drove it more for her own pleasure and convenience, than for any assistance to you. Ever since mothers death, Louise and Annie have lived in ease and comfort, going and coming as they pleased, with a horse and carriage at their command, and Elegant clothes to wear, and all at your expense. And all along before mothers death you have had a man to do and care for your horses and carriage, Louise going with you to the city occasionally and driving the horse home, which any lady would consider a pleasure, rather than a service. Your family has not been so large as to require the services of a housekeeper, seamstress &c., yet I know that all along ever since Louise has been with you, other help has been employed time and again. Louise has on all occasions been admitted to the parlor whenyou had company, and sat at your table always. No such considerations are shown to servants anywhere. Besides all of this, you may look this city over and you will find that $10 per month is the most that is paid for such services as she claims to have performed. She came to you a green hand, learning nearly all she knows of house-keeping from mother. I have taken the liberty of saying this much merely as a suggestion for some of the grounds of defense, Louise having already acknowledged that she had no contract with you. She may prevaricate while under the immediate control of Sprague, but where once on the witness stand I don'tthink she will dare to lie about what is now claimed that you promised her. I don't think it will be to your advantage to employ Hewlett in this case. I don't know whether you have any such intention, but if you have I would advise against it. I say this confidentially, I don't think a loyal spirit prevails in that quarter, though I may be mistaken, yet I would risk nothing where there is the least sign of unfriendliness. The baseness and ingratitude of Sprague has no parallel. He came to you without a shilling. Was given a home, married into your family, started in business, put into office, betrayed his trust by stealing, served a light sentence through your kindly influence, taken back to the familyand encouraged to do better and now he is the first and only one to drag you before a court, and through a malicious conspiracy. I consider him but a Pirate. I would be ably defended, if not too expensive; though I can see nothing in the case that will require great ability. If it goes before a jury an able lawyer will perhaps bee needed to confine the conspirators to the merits of the case, and not allow them to bring in irrelevant matter for the purpose of prejudicing the jury. This will no doubt be their aim. Aff. Your son, Chas. R. Douglass [*Feb 17, 1884*]Georgetown D.C. February 23, /84 Dear Mr. Douglass - I waited as late as I could last night to speak to you. hoping Mrs Douglass was with you. I wish you would waive ceremony or bring her to see me. [*111*]The days when I used to stand by Phillips's side, to be pelted with rotten eggs. are over. I have not much strength now & could not well go to Uniontown. yours sincerely Caroline H. Dale Hon Fredk Douglass CityConeygar Villa Bridport Feby. 28th 1884 Dear Mr. Douglass It is long since we have heard from you by letter - but we were very glad to receive the paper you contributed to Harper's newspaper on the Condition of the Colored people wch you kindly sent us. We read it with great interest, & then sent it to Miss Turpey, a lady who takes a keen interest in that subject. I read "Bricks without straw" by Judge Tourgee I think a few months ago; - & from your paper I fear that some of the distress & misery described in that book [are] is still to be found amongst the Colored people of the South. I am afraid that I can tell you nothing that will interest you. We go on so quietly in this little country town - alas should not have written just [*112*]now if our old friend Miss Amé-Draz who has been staying with us, had not asked me to send a note with hers. Poor Miss Amé Draz suffers terribly from Neuralgia - it is some years since she was last in Bridport She has today left us, & gone to lodgings for a few weeks quite near to us so I shall often see her. Mr Carpenter is in rather better health I think I may say than he was some years ago - he is always delicate & never strong but has had no severe illness for the last year & more. I think this is partly owing to the more healthy situation of the house wch we bought five years ago & have since lived in - & which we still like very much, - (I wish you would come & pay us a visit here) - or partly to our knowing so well the signs of his attacks that we are able to ward them off by attending to them in time. We have had occupation which has interested us a good deal during the last year & a half in planning & carrying out improvements in some cottage property wch we bought nearly 2 years ago- It was a small plot of land with 16 cottages on it most of them in miserable condition; - only 3 of them were at all fit for dwellings, - these three have been put in nice order, the others entirely pulled down & 8 new ones built in their place. They are healthily situated, with pleasant country views on one side & furnished with all proper conveniences for health & comfort - they are now all let, & I hope we shall find that we have been fortunate in our tenants. With the help of other friends we have just establishedsome Public Baths - on a small scale only six hot & cold Baths. - They were opened about three months ago, - & so far are answering fairly well. We want to create a taste for washing & bathing amongst the poor - with many of them here it is entirely wanting - so the prices are very low from 2d to 6d -. We find that Baths are very rarely self-supporting & of course do not expect ours to be, but we have an adequate subscription list. I may have told you that I have two nieces & a nephew settled in the Falkland Islands - one of the nieces is married to Mr Frederick Cobb the Manager of the Falkland Island Company, & has lived there 10 years - This Mrs F. Cobb, & her sister Florence Blake, who joined her some years ago - have just returned - with her three children, from 6 to 9 years old - for a long visit to the old home - herhusband will follow but in 2 or 3 months - he can not take so long a holiday as she naturally wishes. It was a great relief & happiness to hear of their safe arrival a few days ago - their parents live in the country only 20 miles from Bridport, so I hope to go very soon & see them all for a few days. I hear occasionally from Mrs Crofts as no doubt you do - we had a short visit from her last summer she is full of energy & spirit & I think really enjoys the life & bustle of her school - she is very good & kind to some troublesome legacies of Dr Crofts in the shape of his children & grandchildren. My sister Lucy is living in a very charming house near Bristol - the house that she has been in for nearly 30 years I think - shehas 2 unmarried daughters & a young son just 17 years old living at home - her eldest son & youngest daughter are married - the son & his wife have a very pleasant & grateful remembrance of your kindness to them when they travelled in the U.S. soon after their marriage - they have one little boy. - Muriel the youngest daughter lives quite near her parents - she married a Mr Roscoe, a grandson of Roscoe of Liverpool the historian - he was educated for the law - but is now in his father-in-law's business (large soap & candle works) wch I fancy is more profitable! Public affairs, especially Egypt & Ireland, as well as many social reforms, are interesting us much - but it is of no use for me to write about them - you see our Papers - "Chinese Gordon" has proved himself so noble & disinterested a man, & so heartily & decidedly a hater of slavery, - that I am inclined to believe in him, - & to think that he will do all that he can do in opposition to the system - even if he does not see the way to destroy slavery in the Soudan just now. What do you think of him? Men in power cannot always do all they would - & I think one ought to trust such men as Gordon & Gladstone, who are profoundly religious & conscientious, when their course of action is not what we had expected of them. Mr Carpenter joins me in kindest remembrances to you - we shall be very glad to hear of you & yours whenever you have time for a paper chat with us. Ever very sincerely your friend Mary CarpenterAlbany March 18th, 1884 - Fred . Douglas - Esq. Dear Sir- Please allow me to extend - congratulations to you and yours Mr Williams and myself unite in wishing you many years of married felicity we have not forgotten the interview of centennial times - and wished we might be the owner of your book - that we talked of/ - my daughter Mrs Hunter of Florida. has often desired your autograph to add to her numerous list and if convenient and agreeable she would like yours also your wife [*96*]I have had during the past week - as guest in my home a friend of your wife. A Mrs Matilda Joslin Gage. Who speaks highly of her - and I rejoice that we have a man of courage to marry the lady that pleased him best. - and should you come to Albany please call on us. Yours very Respectfully, Mrs. W. H. Williams - #203 North Pearl Street Albany, N.Y -770 Grand St. Jersey City, N. J. March 19, 1884 Hon Frederick Douglas. Dear Sir, With this, I send, in the name of my friend and home-companion, Miss Ellen E. Miles - a Waltham paper with a poem in it written years ago by her sainted mother, feeling sure that it will touch a responsive chord in your soul. The mother of my friend was a quiet, unobtrusive but devoted abolitionist, and the dear, personal friend of the Shermans of Waltham, whom you probably knew in the years agone. This poem in the paper of which I speak was originally dedicated to Mrs. Sherman. [* 110 *]Will you permit me again to express my congratulations on the new joy that has come to your later days! Our friends, Mrs. Howell and Mrs. Rogers, (who were with us at the Riggs House and at the Suffrage Meetings) told us of their great enjoyment in visiting you and your wife, and we all felt glad that so much of romance and the real sweetness of life, was still your portion. You had days of darkness enough in your early life, for every true man and woman to be glad that your sunset skies are so bright. Your genius and energy, and God's granted opportunities, have rendered your last years comfortable as respects outward good. - why should anyone regret that you have also the added joy of welcome and blessed companionship! I feel that, in these days of enlightenment, [that] it is almost an insult to question the right of any man or woman who has chosen a companion in honorable wedlock; but since some, even abolitionists, have seen fit to do so, I must say I was greatly pleased with the remark of Mrs Rogers to us, that "Mr. Douglas had simply chosen in the first marriage to ally himself with one of his mother's race, and in a second marriage had chosen from his father's race, and who should question his right to do either or both"! May your years together be many, and full of genuine delight!I shall always feel glad and proud that you first met Wm. Lloyd Garrison, and came out as an advocate for liberty at the Anti Slavery Convention held in Nantucket, my native place, and that my relative, Anna Gardner, was the one who really summoned that Convention . Again, with best wishes for yourself and wife, I remain, Yours cordiallyy, Phebe A Hanaford.Coneygar Villa Bridport. March 21st /84 Dear Mr Douglass It is very strange that I did not notice a paragraph in the Inquirer a few weeks ago mentioning your marriage! so wrote to you in ignorance of the event on which I must send a line of sympathy and congratulations. - It is very odd that I should have chanced to write just then. -of course from my saying nothing . You would conclude that I knew [*109*]nothing of it- as I should most certainty [wish] desire to offer to you both my warmest wishes for your united happiness. Are you not coming to England for your wedding tour? I should think you must be. We shall be delighted to see you at Bridport as you know very well. The paper said that your wife was a warm advocate of women's suffrage -- we should sympathize on that subject - & I doubt not on many others. Please do consider this line as a postscript to my last, - & with Mr. Carpenter's & my own best wishes for every happiness to yourself & Mrs Douglass, Believe me we remain very sincerely yours Mary Carpenter77 Mathewson at Parr Rd. March 22. 84 Dear friend, I was in Boston when your letters came and was not at home long enough to acknowledge them, before going to Taunton from whence I am just returned. When in Boston Miss Eddy came down one day, and we together called on Mrs Master. I was quite shaken in my former prejudices towards the little lady, at her frank simplicity in coming at once to greet us, though having as she said been working in the kitchen and just taken a bath, she did not stop to primp or even to dress other than in a loose wrapper and shawl. Sarah has been thinking to join Raymond's California Excursion, but has now abandoned the plan altogether. We went about [*107*]some in Boston to make enquiries as to the accommodations, probable fatigue etc. etc. and in view of which and of the difficulty in leaving home, she has at last concluded "to stay at home is best"-- Yes I think I was right in my early and later advise in regard to your trying to have your children rely on their own resources. I am satisfied it is wise for everybody. But I am not inclined to make or take issue with you on this or any other point! I have been very ignorant, and because of my ignorance, weak and confiding- I say now even more than ever, that to know the exact truth about every body and every thing, or as near to that as one is capable of knowing is better than all things - and from my standpoint, it is the one duty we owe to ourselves as well as to [the] an other's self to help to a true understanding. Injustice towards others, may sometimes be prevented from a true knowledge of things. I don't know if I have told you that I have spent a day or two at Fall River. Will. & Gertie desire I should make my home with them. He says I shall not be as in the past, but you know my caution is very large, and it is not "easy for the Leopard to change his spots -" I dread most if anything a recurrence of past feelings, and past sufferings - Could I flatter as if it were easier for me to commend in words, when I truly appreciate, I should feel surer of maintaining Will's kindly consideration. Unfortunately it is a part of my inheritance to be able to express [the] too faintly the admiration I sincerely feel for Will, in most things-- partly I dobelieve I find it hard because it seems to me a weakness in him to want it - and yet it is a good part of human nature to wish approval - and the outlook it makes possible. In view of your last letter I am not sure that I may not have been to some degree unjust in my impressions of Helen, and her course as it has appeared to me - If so I am very sorry - I would not be unjust or unloving to any - I intended to have said before when speaking of Will, that he said he intended at the time to write you congratulating you &c - but in his haste to do the many things in his business, time passed away ~ He was not unmindful of you. Minnie is in F. River where she is 5/7 of the time now. Still we [?keep?] our one [????] - Sincerely your friend Martha W. G. We are having a spring day - the 1st of the seasonBoston, March, 25/84 Mr. Douglass Dear Sir: As one of the members of "Committee on Anniversary Meeting" for the Moral Education Association of which Mrs. Kate Gannett Wells is president. I am commissioned to communicate with you to learn if it be your intention to in this city Anniversary Week and if so if you could make it convenient to be present at the meeting of this association and speak a few words for the cause. A member of eminent men and women are invited and [*106*]will no doubt assist as usual in making the meeting attractive and profitable. I write thus early because the pressure of that week necessitates making early arrangements. It will be unnecessary for one to tell you anything of the association, its purpose and aims as Mrs. Douglass a long time worker in the cause can do that better than I can. With kind remembrance to your wife and family I am With great respect, Yours Very Truly, Mrs. Geo. L. Ruffin 170 Cambridge St Boston - Mass.Oberlin College Department of Philosophy and the Arts J. H. FAIRCHILD, President, and Prof. Mor. Phil. J. M. ELLIS, Mental Phil. C. H. CHURCHILL, Physics JUDSON SMITH, History G. W. SHURTLEFF, Latin. F. B. RICE, Music. A. A. WRIGHT, Nat. Science, Registrar. J. K. NEWTON, Mod. Lang's. W. G. FROST, Greek, Clerk of Faculty. F. F. JEWETT, Chemistry. JAMES MONROE, Polit. Science. LYMAN B. HALL, Latin & Greek. ELISHA GRAY, Electricity MRS. A. A. F. JOHNSTON, Prin. Ladies' Dep't. W. B. CHAMBERLAIN, Elocution. H. C. KING, Mathematics. H. MATSON, Librarian G. H. WHITE, Principal of Preparatory Schools. J. B. T. MARSH, Secretary and Treasurer. Oberlin O., Mar. 28th 1884 Hon. Frederick Douglass, Dear Sir: Perhaps it is late to congratulate you upon your marriage, but I do most heartily. Your wife was a friend and acquaintance of our family, and a lady most highly esteemed. I have just turned over to our College Library 156 books and pamphlets of my Grandfather's bearing upon the Anti Slavery struggle, and shall have several hundred letters to add. The Library had some such documents before and we desire to make the Collection as complete as possible. These things are worthless in private hands, and we owe it to both the past and the future to gather them up for a permanent and complete Collection. We have prospects of securing more from various sources. Now will not you or your wife take the pains to look through your library and letter drawers and select such books, pamphlets, reports, newspapers, letters &c. as are no longer valuable to you but might be of value to the future historian if placed in the complete collection? We should be very [*104*]glad to have a part of the collection bear your name. With Respect and Esteem - Wm Goodell Frost. P.S. Can you give the address of persons who would be interested in our enterprise - perhaps some in Canada who have original documents relating to the Underground railroad and John Brown? I enclose a letter from the colored cadet, which will show you that Oberlin is still doing her work.pt Plata March 31 1884 Honble Fred. Douglass Wash. Dear Sir! We have heard of your change in life, and as your wellwishers & friends, Mr Fraser joins me in tendering our heartfelt wishes for your health & happiness; that Mrs Douglass & yourself may long enjoy the blessings to be found in your new relation. We are well. Our baby is growing nicely, and we hope if all goes well to baptize her the last week in May. With kindest regards to Mrs Douglass & self, we are dear Sir your sincere friends. C. A. & S. M. Fraser [*105*]United States Land Office Little Rock, Ark April 5th, 1884 Hon Frederick Douglass, Washington DC. Dear friend Upon the receipt of this I wish you would send the names of about 1/2 dozen of the old line abolitionist of wealth and continued Sympathy for us, in the States of Mass N York & Pa - The Howard County case in this State of which you have heard - wherein a dispute arose between white and colored man as to the line between lands - Culminating, first, in killing one colored man then one white and then 4 colored at random - then the courts under forms of law indicted 40 - Sentenced 3 to hang - 20 in penitentiary from 10 to 18 years - a Committee of us here have defended with all the local means at our disposal - we have obtained from the Supreme Court of the State a new trial for 2 of them condemned to die, and one now trying for change of venue - but in the County where theyUnited States Land Office, .............................188__. 2 were tried and where the Supreme Judges were hung in effigy for granting a hearing for a new Trial, such is the terrorism that a man could not be found that would sign an affidavit that - "he did not believe the prisoners could get a fair trial on account of the prejudice against them in that County - The three counsel that have been in the case (all democrats) and who have hitherto worked pretty faithfully, at this stage have threw up the case in utter despair - - the new trial comes off in a few days. Meantime, there stands the prisoners bowed down and manacled without Counsel - With the pitiless storm of negro hate beating upon them -- We need assistance We raised about $12 or $1500 locally, and the Committe desires to enclose a succinct statement of the case to a few philanthropist that will donate for legal expenses- We have to night, sent an able lawyer from here (a Republican) who shall endeavor to haveUnited States Land Office, , 188 . it removed to the United States Court - on the ground that Colored men were excluded from the Jury on account of Color - the best men of the state regardless of politics - denounce it as an outrage - "now do this Douglass" and let me hear from you at an early date, I enclose you a brief of the case which you can glance at, at leisure - another thing, the "Republican Union" of this State an organization of Colored men, and who have this Howard Co Case in hand - passed a resolution, through them Ex com inviting you to come to Little Rock and deliver "Self Made Men" or some other of your favorite lectures at the Opera House, the proceeds for this case - I know your engagements, and declining years but if you could manage this you would do us great good, we believe we can have the the 20 men in the penitentiary liberated they having pleaded guilty under the duress of terrorism, 135 children with their mothers are without help or support by this wholesale incarceration let me know soon as to all this - [*75*] [*Ever Yours, M. W. Gibbs*]14 Taylor St. Fall River Ms. April 9 1884 Dear Friend As I look over your last letter I find that you were to be in Phila. on the 8th and you are now probably just returned from that trip - So. I know nothing of Mrs Rosa Hazen, but should like right well to see the article you refer to - Nor did I know that Archy Grimke was publishing a paper in Boston. It seems to me Frederick that it is right for me to say that I believe you misjudge public sentiment, when you insist that the sole cause of your being as you express it, "under the ban of popular displeasure" is [not] because you have married a white lady, [but] it is because of the way you did it - Had your Courtship [*76*]been open, and above-board, your marriage announced, and consummated in presence of your children and friends, yourselves conducting the whole affair, with the dignity and propriety which have ever before marked all your public proceedings, though on the part of a few whose favor or disfavor could be of no account, there might have been a ripple of displeasure; yet it would have died out, soon., and the rest of the world would have said only, "God bless him, and make up to him all he has lost in the past." - But instead, as if it were an act which needed the darkness for a shield, with only the witnesses that the Law required, forgetting what you have said in one form or another many times, that "you never rise on the platform to speak without the thought, "how will this act, and this word that I am going to speak, affect not only my future, but that of my race " -- you rushed headlong, and for this cause, people say "when he did not consult his children and sprung the marriage upon them in such way there must be something wrong, 'tis so unlike Frederick Douglas "- This is what almost everybody both white and colored say - I have avoided as far as I could, giving any one the opportunity to talk to me about it and have said just as little as has been possible under the circumstances but I am yet too true a friend to you [yet], not to want to have you understand the truth about it, that you may know better how to carry yourself, and and how and whom to blame - Could you have remembered always the charge of Polonius to Laertes, you could have avoided much, in many ways - I would that your better self could guide you now, andin the future, if it has not always in the past - I beg you will not take this unkindly - it is not meant so, but the rather, from a disinterested desire for your peace of mind, and for the happiness of all enamored with you - It is human nature for one to justify himself, but he is Great, who can weigh all things, and bravely say to himself (if not to others), "I have done wrong - I will make what reparation I can, and do so no more" - I am helping Gertie in getting ready for Spring, though it does not yet seem as if it such time would ever come. I gave your message to Miss Sarah, and I think she said, she should write you. I shall probably be here most of the time for 2 or 3 weeks, so please send to me here - I note what you say about my living here, and thank you for the interest - Will is quite another person to me - he is all I could ask, and it is very pleasant to me, to feel that I am of service & my services are appreciated - The children are much improved Charlie is a splendid boy - He would like to send messages, but that he is asleep, as [?] Will & Gertie are out - sincerely yr friend Martha W GreeneNew Haven, Ct. 4-12-1884 Hon Frederick Douglass. Washington, D.C. Dear Sir-- I have the honor, though late in doing so. to tender my congratulations to you and your wife; with best wishes for your long and happy lives. Now that the wild uproar about your marriage to the lady of your choice has given place to the rule of reason and common sense, I beg you to consider the wisdom of having your life dramatized. From the plantation of Loydd to the house built by a man who made it a precedent condition to the sale of his land in your picturesque city. that it should never pass into the posession of a negro. with an estimable lady of said man's race your true and accomplished wife. would form this framework of the most thrilling scene ever witnessed by any audience in Europe or America. "Hamlet" would be eclipsed by "Douglass." Besides it etremizes both the man and the manners of his times; in other words slave life and make manhood as symbolized by your wonderful and [*77*]enchanting life would make unborn ages weep and rejoice. A Hugo's or a Dumas pen may be found for the work. "Uncle Tom" represented rough manly traits with out diplomatic manners or forensic skill. "Douglass," pardon the familiar term, epitomizes the noblest faculties of the soul and the sublimest adornment of intellect. Hoping you may think well of this suggestion. I have the honor to be with sentiments of highest esteem Your obedient servant Andrew J. Chambers 417 Orchard St.Necedah Juneau Co Wisconsin April 19th 1884 My dear Old Friend Mr Douglass You will no doubt be surprised to get a letter from me, but I write to you for information, as I know of no one in Washington, who would be more likely to know than yourself. I have seen reports in the newspapers, that my mother is in Washington or has been. If she is, or has been there, please tell me where I could write to her, as I am very anxious to know if these reports are true. If they are, I hope she will receive aid, for she has sacrificed much, and has struggled hard, and long [*2430*]to take care of herself and children. I want so much to see my dear Mother, whom I have not seen for nearly 20 years. Will you be so kind, as to write to me; and if you know of her whereabouts please forward this letter to her. I cannot tell you how much I have been rejoiced at your promotion, and how proud my precious father would have been to have seen you where you are, but I trust he does know, for "His Soul is marching on". I remember with pleasure your visits at our home in Springfield Mass. Should like much to hear of your health and family. My good husband joins me in kind regard to yourself. Ruth Bowen Thompson[*1884*] National Woman Suffrage Association "Governments derive their just powers from the consent of the governed:" the ballot is consent. Elizabeth Cady Stanton, President, Johnstown N. Y. Vice-Presidents at Large. Susan B. Anthony, Rochester, N. Y. Matilda Joslyn Gage, Fayetteville, N. Y. Phoebe W. Couzins, St. Louis, Mo. Rev. Olympia Brown, Racine, Wis. Abigail Scott Duniway, Portland, Oregon. May Wright Sewall, Chairman Ex. Com., 405 N. Penn St., Indianapolis Ind. Ellen H. Sheldon, Rec. Sec., Q.M.-Genl's Office, Washington, D. C. Rachel G. Foster, Cor. Sec., Philadelphia, Pa. Jane H. Spofford, Treas., Riggs House, Washington, D. C. Johnstown Fulton Co New York May 27th My dear Douglass I enclose you a little piece of American history. When the hue & cry began at your marriage. I resolved to "pitch in" & defend your action in public as I did everywhere in private I wrote two articles sent one to a friend in the New York press and one [*203*] [*122*]to Washington, intended as an open letter to you ridiculing this ridiculous prejudice of color. Both parties kept them declaring I should not mix in that controversy on the eve of the Woman Suff Convention. I did feel strongly about the matter, for just at that time there was another fuss about burying a Colored man in a "white" cemetery. & then came Mrs. Miller & her little boat on the Mississippi, & I did feel as if I would like to fire ten pounds of dynamite at the heels of all those contemptible prejudices as to sex & color. But they are too small for an outlay of dynamite so I took ridicule. I send you enclosed that you may know my sympathies were with you as they always have beenBut the colored people in their state conventions have behaved as badly as those who call themselves whites. Well Douglass I have suffered all my life just as you have. You have endured one curse I another I do not believe you have passed through a a shade of feeling I do not understand. To be the equals yea the superiors of those who have the impudence to prescribe our spheres2 NATIONAL WOMAN SUFFRAGE ASSOCIATION. "Governments derive their just powers from the consent of the governed;" the ballot is consent. ELIZABETH CADY STANTON, PRESIDENT, JOHNSTOWN, N. Y. SUSAN B. ANTHONY, ROCHESTER, N. Y. } MATILDA JOSLYN GAGE, FAYETTEVILLE, N. Y. } VICE-PRESIDENTS PHOEBE W. COUZINS, ST. LOUIS, MO. } AT LARGE. REV. OLYMPIA BROWN, RACINE WIS. } ABIGAIL SCOTT DUNIWAY, PORTLAND, OREGON. } MAY WRIGHT SEWALL, CHAIRMAN EX. COM., 405 N. PENN ST., INDIANAPOLIS IND. ELLEN H. SHELDON, REC. SEC., Q.M.-GENL'S OFFICE, WASHINGTON, D. C. RACHEL G. FOSTER, COR. SEC., PHILADELPHIA, PA. JANE H. SPOFFORD, TREAS., RIGGS HOUSE, WASHINGTON, D. C. is enough to exasperate a saint. I know that with your intense pride & self respect you have suffered more perhaps than any other American slave that ever trod this planet. I know I have more than any other women I ever met I always been in chronic condition of rebellion. If I had not naturally a sunny temperament& good health, I should have been the princess of feminine devils. In the English literature class one day in school reading something insidious to my sex, I burst with angry tears, threw the book amok and rushed out the room. The teacher rushed after me & asked me what was the matter. I told her she ought to be ashamed to give us such degrading things to read. Why said she that is considered one of the most beautiful passages Irving has written. I think it was his vine & oak effusion. Well my friend if it is any comfort for you to know that there is another soul that though absent, is walking the wine press with you. Know that every squib about your marriage brought the bloodto my face & quickened my pulses, just as the vulgar squibs all about my sex. I have never been able to find words to express my indignation, when I think of woman's position. I have so little patience left when I meet these jackasses in the opposition, that I sit so silent & apparently indifferent that they do not even have the satisfaction to know that I care what they say. Well, now my best wishes for your & your wife Sincerely yours Elizabeth Cady StantonUnited States Senate, Washington, D.C. June 3, 1884 My dear Sir - Mr. Pierce tells me that you have no ticket to the Convention, I am not a delegate nor member of the [Sath?] Committee- I have just this one stage ticket & I beg you to accept it & use it throughout the Convention, I will get on in some way & do not care to go in [*78*]this morning anyway, I should feel that I ought to be expatriated if I sat on that slate & you outside that building which you have done as much to erect as any man living or dead Resply Yours, H.W. Blair Hon. Fred'K Douglass.Mount Morris. New York. June 11. 1884. Mr & Mrs Douglass. Dear Friends. The pleasant afternoon I spent with you ever lingers with me. Those you make happy, you make happy forever Sometimes, Convention week in Washington was so full of work, excitement and hurry that one could hardly pause to think. For weeks after my life was in just such a tumult, that amid it all, there was always the memory, beautiful and sweet, [*79*][*M. S. Howell, 5 pgs*] that I could not stop to analyze, of one perfect day, when I climbed the heights and clasped hands with genius, and learned of the good man, with the heart of a child whose greatness fills the world. I knew then that he towered among the stars because his greatness rested on goodness. Do you know what it is to find yourself half awake in the early morning, with some pleasant anticipation or memory dawning on your soul like a golden sunrise? So half asleep to the past in the concentrating work of the present has my visit to your home been to me. It was more to me than the Convention. The spirituality and love in your dwelling was like a benediction to a[*M. S. Howell, June 11, 1884, 5 pgs*] that was sleeping the sleep of the peaceful. Every thing delighting us more and more until that supreme view from your home burst upon us. What glory in it "never seen before on land or sea." What peace to the tired beholder. What hope for a Land of rest and prophecy of immortality - The tones of your voice Mr Douglass, quiet my spirit even now - I say to my friends as I tell over and over of my visit to you, "Mr Douglass's voice is full of calm resignation as though the faults of life had filled his soul with harmony and good-will," And what a grand warrior you have been.2 weary soul. We carry Heaven with us and we make it. And I know I found it that afternoon of your own dear souls. I remember the beautiful ride that march Afternoon. All the Country like a new world to me - The horse that had to let itself be beaten further on in the evening by Mrs Douglass' steed, took us up the hill by the Capitol, where so many great men have spoken for freedom and where walked the immortal Lincoln, over the old Potomac that was "all quiet" as if the blood of our boys had never made its waters blush or the Clash of arms disturbed its tranquility, past the Navy yard[*M. S. Howell, June 11, 1884, 5 pgs*] and baby clothes. Some cry out at you because you have attained the full stature of manhood and can walk while they still Crawl. Let them hurl their childish playthings at you. Some day they will know better. I have Come here to spend the summer, but not to rest. Next week for many weeks I have to work all day examining the regents papers of our schools. I like the work but it is very tiresome. Mr George Clark was here just before I came. Dear man I fear he will soon "join the immortals." I asked for your photographs when at your home and I can not close this letter without repeating the request. Mr Veeder one of our Albany3 The glorious songs you sang that afternoon fill my soul with fire to "fight-a good fight." And dear Mrs Douglass gliding about your home with so much grace, noiseless as an angel, putting her hands on your head as the departed might, how it all comes back to me this June afternoon. You are "on the heights" and the multitude in the valley are so eager in their rushing after popularity and the getting of things with their little muck rakes, that they do not Comprehend you or the great love that binds your souls, higher than any word of print. How much the world has to learn yet. Poor infants we are still in our bibs[*M.S. Howell, June 11, 1884, 5 pgs*] that she can take to another life for all that is connected with the spirit goes with us there. We leave nothing behind but a handful of dust and the rubbish of a material life. Do you remember I spoke to you of a book I was writing or that was writing itself. There are some beautiful things in it as fresh to me always as if I was reading them for the first time. If I knew how to get it published, I think I might put it before the public under an assumed name Calling it Heavens Book. If I only lived near you how much I should prize your criticism.4 Artists Insisted on taking the photos of Mrs Rogers Mr Blake and myself. So if you care, in return I will send you one of mine. But I want yours very much and wish you would be so kind as to write your names on them. I shall prize them greatly and they will be an inspiration to me. I did not get to your city in May, but I hope I can attend our next annual gathering. I shall look forward to meeting you there with much pleasure. Mrs Rogers told me when I wrote, to send you her love. And tell you the visit was ever with her. She is an artist and it is a beautiful picture that her loving soul gives warm colors too. A painting5 May I ask you also if you know how I could go to work to get positions in the South for teachers for the freed men. I have a cousin Miss Mary Seymour of New York City about sixty years of age. She taught in Annapolis until there was no more money to pay her. She is the daughter of the Arden Seymour of Rome that you may have known, She has love for the work and could do a great deal of good. The other is a brilliant woman much younger and a very fine teacher Mrs. Lilla A. Whitney of this place. The changes of life make it necessary for her to work and she longs for the sunny South.they are both such grand women of large brains and hearts and I would so rejoice to help them and thus the dear Freedmen. And I can not but hope you may know just the place for them. How long a letter I have written you - Let it bear to you my love and thanks for all your kindness to me. May God bless and keep you as you dwell far above the turmoil of life and fretting of spirit. "In every height there his repose." Mary Seymour Howell. June 11, 188436 Montgomery Street Syracuse, N.Y. June 29, 1884. My dear friend. I am very sure I owe you many apologies for so tardily sending congratulations on the occasion of your recent marriage. Although reaching you thus late, I know you will not doubt their sincerity, and will not need assurance of your pleasure at everything which brings you joy. Please give my love to Mrs. Douglass, and also remember that it will delight us to entertain you at any time, if Syracuse may be so favored as to call you here. Most truly your friend H. F. Pease. [*81*]Rochester N.Y. Jul. 25. 1884 Mr Douglass. Dear Sir, Your house never will pay according to the number of rooms that are are [it] in it It rents cheaper than any other house in the ward but still I have not had an offer of $18. Eighteen a month It would rent very redily for $4.00 four dollars a week But I will not rent it for that unless you say to do so. I have been trying to get twenty dollars a month for it. I inclose the receipt of taxes I am doing the best that I can with it [*82*]All the family are well and send their kindest regards to you and yours Resp't yours Lewis Sprague P.S. I have the remainder of the receipts if you wish them