Washington June 1st 1887 Dear Father Richard Tompkins who was nearer to Mr. Matthews than any other colored man in the District all through his struggle with the Recorders office informed me that Mr. Matthews was solely responsible for my being rid of the office, that as soon as Mr. Trotter was confirmed he told Mr. Trotter in his Tompkins presence that I must go, and that he and Johnson protested against it likewise Trotter, and the matter was drop- ped at that time: a few days after Trotter was taken sick and Matthews caused Gerritt Loguen's appointment as Deputy, and worked through him and accomplished what he desired through him, and that I had been out three weeks before Trotter knew anything about it. During Trotter's illness over $6000 came into the office, and Mr. Trotter received his $1200 of it. Matthews charged Trotter $2100 for furniture which he claimed to have 338put in the office. Tompkins further told me that Matthews wanted to knife every colored man holding a position under the Government, and that he Barbadoes & Johnson advised him against it. He had no friend while here who is not opposed to his having caused my removal except perhaps the [Motens?] Rumor has it that I am going back; but I can't believe it until it becomes a fact. Trotter seems to be in a state of bewilderment and no one can tell what he will do. I have no desire to blame Mr. Johnson for this State of affairs, still there are some things that I have heard of his saying about you that I must hold him responsible for until I am fully convinced that he did not say them as I am in this case. We went out to Mothers & Fred. As grave on decoration day and it was there I met Tompkins. Ben. Perley Poore is dead. Mr. and Mrs. Grimkie we also met at the Cemetery they asked to know how you & Mrs. D were. The fact is simply this Trotter is afraid to make a move that will in his opinion offend Matthews. Affiy Your son F. Douglass Jr.Ardkill Billing Co. Dublin 5th June 1889 My dear friend Having heard from our friend Mrs. Crofts, that you with Mrs. Douglass are likely to be in London about this time, I write to ask how it will suit your arrangements to come over and pay 327us your promised visit here? After the present week so far as my plans are concerned, the sooner the better In another month our circle will begin to scatter for the holidays, and their coming & going may be very uncertain. I hope you thoroughly enjoyed your tour on the continents, where, I think the weather was not very severe this winter - If you went so far south as Rome, you would probably escape the keen winds prevalent in Central Europe during spring. Here the country islooking very lovely, with the trees in their first fresh spring greeness. We have had less rain, and more sunshine than usual during the past Nov months. When you have leisure I shall be glad to hear from you, and meanwhile joined by my husband in kind remembrances and regards to yourself and Mrs. Douglass, remain Very truly yrs Wilhelmina Webb24 Charles Sq Hoxton London N. June 9. 1884. Dear Mr. Douglass. I have been trying to know of your whereabouts but at length have this address which I hope is all right. I have been staying in London for a [An] month. But leave for home today Brooklann Blackrock Co Dublin [*328*]I want to know if you and Mrs. Douglass can come & see me there? in old Ireland there are still hearts which beat true to you & your people & I should be glad to invite a few of your old Friends or the descendants of them to meet you - I expect to be at home till the middle of July - will you kindly write me a few lines on receipt of this so that if you can come, I may not make any other arrangements - howmy dear husband would have enjoyed seeing you ever more under his roof - Have you read the Memoir? it is published by Hodder & Stoughton, & has mention of you and two of your letters to him in it. I ought to have asked your leave first before having them published - but as you are a public character I suppose it was not needful. & I feel sure you will not object. I expect Mrs. Douglass has greatly enjoyed visiting England & the continent with you - & it will not do to leave out Erin's Isle - I am with kind regards to both yours very sincerely M. A Mainays Allen.149 Stratford Road Birmingham 9 June 1887 My Dear Friend I was "down South" when your letter came. Very, very gratifying it was to me to recall the days of 41 years ago- to know that I shall - if our Father permit - see you again upon earth - rejoice with you once more for the advance that our bless'ed Redeemers Kingdom has made in these years. and pray together that His great name may yet be glorified by us, and in us, far more than it has yet been. and that the day may not be far off when all the kingdoms- not only the Nations - of the earth - shall be the Kingdoms of our Lord & Saviour Jesus Christ. Please give me as long notice as you can of your [*329*]coming to me that I may set myself as much at liberty to enjoy your company as I can - and you will like to see the son of that great philanthropist Joseph Sturge and the noble man who did so excellent a work for the Freedman 20 years ago & continues to labour in the cause of Freedom to the extent of his now failing powers - Arthur Albright. And amongst my friends are a nephew & niece of Harriet Martineau's - would you not like to meet with them also? Yours very truly Arthur John NaishStreet Somersetshire June 13, 87 Dear Mr. Douglass I feel a little anxiety as to whether a letter I wrote to the [above] address of this has reached you. I hope however that it has done so, as it would explain how very much pleased we shall be if you can come here, either before the 20th or after the 22nd as we are obliged to leave home early on [*331*]the 20th on business and should return late on the 22nd. My husband was at Bridport yesterday but found the Carpenters away till the end of this week, so he learnt nothing as your visit to there I will not add as I have great doubt as to this finding you but I can give you all details as to trains if I know where you come from - Perhaps however I hadbetter say that the way here from London is by South Western Railway, from Waterloo Station. You book through, to Glastonbury - & change trains at Temple Combe & also generally at a little place called Evercreech, quite near here. Glastonbury is our station. Thanking you, I am yrs very truly Helen P. B. ClarkStar Lyceum Bureau. Alfonzo Foster, Manager. 89 Tribune Building, New York. 256 Manhattan Avenue, Brooklyn, N.Y. New York. June 13, 1887. Mr. Fred Douglass Jr. Anacostia D.C. Dear Sir, Thanks for your favor just at hand. If Mr. Douglass will lecture in Nov. Dec. or Jan. next we have calls from many committees willing to pay him from $100 to $150 per night. The lecture courses that can afford these rates are made up early in the season. Will you kindly forward this letter to Mr. Fred Douglas Sr. and ask him to let us know if we [*330*]may book him in some of the good lecture courses now being made up. Respectfully A. Foster ManagerStreet Somersetshire June 15. 87 Dear Mr. Douglass I begin to fear that a letter I sent to your address in London never reached you- I wont repeat all I said in that - but merely say how grieved I should be if any accident to my letter has deprived us of the pleasure of a visit from you - My husband & I [*332*]are obliged to be away from early on the 20th to the evening of the 22nd at the annual meeting of one of our Friends' schools about 20 miles from here. But at any other time we shall be delighted to welcome you here - & I do hope you will be able to come altho I feel that it is rather presumptuous to suggest you sparing any time for for such a quiet littleplace. yet our English community is just at its best now. You mentioned being probably at Bridport on the 19th & therefore I thought possibly you might have been here this week. Glastonbury is our station. In coming from London you come by South Western Railway from Waterloo Station - I could give you all trains & particulars.Believe me yours Most sincerely Helen P. B. Clark We could very well arrange for your coming on the 22nd. I don't suppose you wd. want to be travelling on the Jubilee day! I find my husband has to be away on some very unpleasant legal business on the 28th & 29th but I should be at home.[*6/19/87*] On handing the enclosed card to my valued friend F.D. shall a few favourite lines accompany it? I copy them as a Sabbath evening meditation. – [?ably] a solitary one. A.W.R. “A little while” for patient vigil keeping, To face the storm, to wrestle with the strong. “A little while” to sow the seed with weeping, Then bind the sheaves and sing the harvest song. “A little while” to wear the weeds of sadness, To pace with weary step through miry ways, Then to pour forth the fragrant oil of gladness, And clasp the girdle round the robe of Praise. [*399*]"A little while," midst shadow and illusion, To strive by faith, love's mysteries to spell; Then read each dark enigma's bright solution Then hail sight's verdict, He doth all things well. "A little while," the earthen pitcher taking To wayside brooks, from far off fountains fed; Then the cool lips its thirst forever slaking Beside the fullness of the Fountainhead. "A little while" to keep the oil from failing, "A little while" faith’s flickering lamp to trim; And then the Bridegroom’s coming footsteps hailing, To haste to meet Him with the bridal hymn." J.C. 116 Park Road - Newcastle on Tyne June 19 - 1887Shore Cottage Ruthwell Dumfriesshire June 20th 1887 Sir, I am engaged in writing a book on the subject of American history & literature, in which I am giving short biographies of celebrated Americans. Would you object to my including in it a short sketch of your career, based upon your "Autobiography"? As I expect that my book will be sold in America, I am anxious to avoid any infringement of copyright & shall feel greatly obliged if you [*333*]There is no way by which I can pre pay the postage of your letter. Believe me Yours sincerely S. A. Tooley The Hon. Frederick Douglass Washington P.S. My publisher is Mr Walter Scott of Warwick Lane, London.will grant me permission go make the following very brief extracts from your "Autobiography":- Description of first tuition at the hands of "Uncle" Isaac Copper - p. 17. Flogging of Esther p. 23 Anecdote p. 411 Reference to M. Ingersoll - p. 419 I only purpose to quote very briefly, & the entire sketch will be short & will not, I am sure, in any way injure the original work, neither could it be held to be an infringement of copyright, but I prefer to ask your permission, & trust that you will be willing to grant it. I very much regret that406 Grand Avenue, Brooklyn, N.Y. June, 23, 1887. Fred'k Douglas Esq.,- Dear Sir.- Will you please oblige a Brooklyn boy, by writing on the inclosed card, a few lines and your autograph. Yours very respectfully, Gilbert Barnett. Fred'k Douglas Esq. Washington, D. C. [*335*]Anacostia June 23d"/87 Dear Father, Yours of June 9" I received a day or so ago. It found us pretty well. We heard some time ago that Mrs. Pitts was not well; but hearing no more of it, supposed she had recovered. I shall be happy to see you when you come; it is impossible to write fully about everything. I called on Mr. Trotter as soon as he was able to be out and he informed me that he was not feeling well, and couldn't talk business then; but to come and see him in two or three days; I called in three [*336*].days after and met him at his office door, and as soon as he saw me he raised his open hand toward me and turned his head in the opposite direction, and said I can't see you today, I am busy and am not strong enough to talk, at the same time walking away. I said, good morning, and left. Friends have advised me to see him again, or drop him a note: I can't do the former: but I have this day dropped him the following note: James M. Trotter, Esq: Sir: - More than two months ago I was furloughed by Gerritt S Loguen Deputy Recorder, under the guise that the work was up to date, and others would be furloughed as soon as they had finished their bundles; this was the only excuse given me. Two weeks after, I returned to the office & offered myself to Mr. Johnson for work; he spoke to Mr. Loguen, who again informed me through Mr. Johnson precisely as above. Now in truth and in fact no one has been furloughed but myself for scarcity of work. As you were sick at the time I refrained from troubling you. I have been unjustly treated, and not being able to see you I feel that you may have been worked upon to my prejudice, and I think it is due to you as well as myself that I should be informed of the Cause of this suspense and given a chance to be heard. When can I see you? Respectfully Yours F. Douglass Jr.Langston's trial comes off in July every thing seems to be against him. Mannie went to Petersburg Va., where his brother-in-law Edward Scott is teaching in the same institution under Langston's Presidency, and was informed by Scott that Langston frequently speaks unkindly of you; but the people take no stock in him. If my getting getting back in the Recorders office depends upon doing what others do who are there to retain their places (lie, fawn and play the sycophant) I am lost, in a word strip me of my pride and I have nothing left, and must wither and fall like the Autumn leaf. As soon as I can have an interview with Trotter I shall let10 The University June 23, 1887 Dear Sir Mr. Nichol who is with us just now wishes me to say that if you should be able to come up here this afternoon before six or tomorrow morning between 11 & 1 he would be very glad. We shall have lunch at 1 & should be pleased if you could stay lunch [*334*]I could perhaps show you what there is to see in the College buildings Faithfully yours William JackNewcastle June 24th 1887 My dear Fredk. Douglass It was very thoughtful to anticipate my request - to send Turnbulls Testament for which, accept thanks. Your little letter accompanying this cheered me. So brave and true. You too are much and often in my thoughts. How glad I am that this visit to NC. has been paid - all our friends express themselves so pleased to have had you with them I am sometimes afraid I did not perform my part - in asking friends to meet you at my house, as I find others have done, but before you came I really did not know who to ask as so many have passed away, and those you saw were children when you were here last and I did not know they remembered your history [*314*]Though perhaps more fatiguing to yourself I believe it has answered a better end to visit them in their own houses - they have been so gratified with the opportunity of becoming acquainted with one they had heard of before - I do fear however for you, - this incessant visiting must be wearing to both body and mind. I wish you could have an entire rest for a few days to recruit your forces. As you say, there are "compensations", and I feel sure, after you reach home, these reminiscences will be most sweet & enduring. True Christian Friendship is the sunshine of life, a pure high joy, with which the world cannot intermeddle. In the Worlds broad field of battle" this is not to be found everywhere. In the extent in which you are finding it - in your later life - it seems as if a beneficint Providence was rewarding your past labours, toils, and privations, in a double ratio. Like Job, of old, you are abundantly blessed in your latter end, and you have a heart to appreciate such blessings. "Nor is the least a cheerful heart" "that tastes those gifts with joy." I must not weary you with these pleasant thoughts however, for you have enough "to occupy you elsewhere. — Mary & Sarah do not forget you any more than their Mistress. Mary has determined to buy a "Church Service" Book - with your kind presentation — by way of remembrance of you — But - by the way - visitors like you - should not be thus taxed, - are not public men exempt? [*It is too much*]All you say of the "Angelic" Eliza Wigham" I can appreciate. I am so glad you have met once more - I should like to know in what state you found her mother If she knew you - and how dear Eliza is situated with the care of her. and now dear friend I conclude my letter - Accept all that I need not write. Yours truly, Ellen RichardsonArdkill Killiney Co. Dublin 24/6/87 My dear Friend I fear you missed my letter which I posted to you at the Caledonian Hotel as I find from Mrs. Crofts that you left on the 6th inst with Mrs. Douglass for Liverpool. I was sorry to hear she had been obliged to return [*337*]to America and for the cause of it - but trust she may find her mother better on her arrival - Meanwhile dear friend when may we hope to see you over in Ireland? I hope you are not going to give up your visit to us. I was glad to hear of your having been in Newcastle, where you have so many friends, and where our dear friend A. H. Richardson is still left in her bright useful old age — Hoping to hear soon from you I remain yours most truly Wilhelmina WebbAnacostia D.C. June 27"87 Dear Father I addressed Mr. James M. Trotter the following letter: Anacostia D.C. June 23rd"/87 James M. Trotter Esq. Sir, More than two months ago I was furloughed by Gerritt S. Loguen, Deputy Recorder. under the guise that the work was up to date, and others would be furloughed as soon as they had finished their bundles: this was the only excuse given me. Two weeks after, I returned to the office and offered myself to Mr Johnson for work; he spoke to Mr. Loguen who again informed me through Mr. Johnson precisely [*325*]as above. Now in truth and in fact no one has been furloughed but myself for scarcity of work. As you were sick at the time, I refrained from troubling you. I have been unjustly treated, and not being able to see you, I feel that you may have been worked upon to my prejudice, and I think it is due to you as well as myself that I should be informed of the cause of this suspense and given a chance to be heard. When can I see you? Respectfully Frederick Douglass Jr. Anacostia P.O. D.C. His reply Washin D.C. June 23, 1887 Fredk Douglass Jr. Esq. Anacostia D.C. Dear Sir: I am in receipt of your letter of today asking when you can see me etc. I can be seen here between 10 and 4 every day for a talk over the matter you mention. Resp'y yrs, Jas. M. Trotter I started over to see him the next morning, and met him Penn Ave between 4 1/2 & 6th St. about a quarter of ten a.m., he halted me, and asked to step aside in the shade, and asked me if I had received his note? I said yes, and was on my way to see him. He said he might as well say what he had to say now, and he commenced in the following strain: There is no chance for you now, your work is spoken of in the highest terms, and I have examined carefully & can speak well of it,I will have to commence furloughing in a day or so, and it would cause complaint if I should appoint you and furlough some other copyist. I said that your Deputy furloughed me and it was a reinstatement only that I asked. He said that prominent Democrats had advised him against retaining any Douglass in the office on account of your father being such a steadfast Republican and that they complained that he was the most bitter colored Republican in the Country against the Democracy [in the Country], making speeches in campaigns &c, he was under a heavy expense, he had all that furniture to pay for he said, and that if he were in my place he would look for something else to do. That Loguen could[*5*] make a good picture; but he was not the man to serve him in the office; and that Johnson had been recommended very highly to him by Mr Matthews and he found him to be a competent gentleman, and assured me that Johnson had nothing to do with my being furloughed, but spoke in my behalf. I said I had known him for twenty years; he, Trotter had occassion to oppose your father; politically but he always held him in the highest esteem and that he had his bust in his house, that he believed in splitting the colored vote; that it would be better for the colored people: that he believed Cleveland was right &c. &c.[*6] I merely give you this rambling of his to let you see the state of mind this man is in. He gave me no chance to say anything, he was profuse in his claim to do justice in theory only. I said to him Mr. Trotter then there is no redress for the injustice done to me? not at present he said; he wanted to be pleasant and invited me to see him at the office &c. I left him and wrote the following letter which I showed to Charley, Lew, Virginie Emanuel and Mr. Anderson & his son, all approved the letter but Lewis who said it would do no good; & could not tell what harm it could do. I didn't want Mr. Trotter to be deluded into the idea that I was a fool, and that I could answer his smiles friendly without noticing that he had put himself in a bad[*7*] fix in taking my bread away from me. Now for the letter I mailed him yesterday. Anacostia D.C. June 24, 1887 James M. Trotter, Esq. Sir: As you lay claim to just dealing. I merely drop you a line to call your attention to facts, not that I expect by so doing to change your determination in the least, for I fully believe from the conversation had with you today that the undue influence I mentioned in my former letter to you has done its work, and that I on account of my father's Republicanism am to suffer the consequences; for I have as yet to hear from you or anybody else that I personally am complained of, or that[*8*] fault is found with my work in the least up to this date; but on the other hand you and others have spoken highly of my work. Now for the facts. Mr Matthews retained me in his employ during his administration of the office. When you came in I was furloughed through your Deputy, on false grounds known to be false by many who are in the office, at a time when you were too unwell to be troubled about business; through your friend's advice and common decency on my part I did not bother you about it; when you were well enough to do business I called your attention to the injustice done me and you refused to rectify the injustice or give me any encouragement to expect anything at your hands;9 you tell me that Democrats have told you that my father is a Republican and has made speeches throughout the Country against Democracy. You claim to have the highest respect for this father in theory, but practically, I am made to suffer for what you claim to respect in him. Why was I singled out for dismissal in the light of the above facts when your predecessor retained me during his administration, ought to have been a question. Why didn't he Matthews put Douglass out? The Democracy didn't want Douglass out of the Recordership unless they could put a white man in. Keeping me out does not please the10 Democracy of this District, it does not hurt my father, nor does it take one cent out of your pocket or put one in your pocket, your expenses are the same. So it can't be claimed that it is done in the score of economy. If I were sallaried this latter claim might be justly made. Your manner and tone at once convinced me today that it was useless for me to say much. I was doomed in advance. It was perceptible at a glance that it was a foregone conclusion. The enclosed letter which I intended to hand you today from Hon. John D. Long I deemed useless after our talk; but it is due him that you should have it. Respectfully, F. Douglass Jr.Dear Mr. Trotter Mr. Frederick Douglass Jr. has asked me to write to you in behalf of his restoration. I have met him but once or twice and know nothing of his relation to your office, but in view of my great respect for his father, I take the liberty to comply with his request. Respectfully yours John D. Long Hingham, Mass, June 17, 1887 The following is my letter to Mr. Long June 14, 1887 Hon. John D. Long Esq Dear Sir: Pardon me for the request I am about to make. Nearly two months ago I was furloughed from the Recorders Office D.C. at the bidding of James C. Matthews while Mr. Trotter was sick, because, I12 am informed, father could not lend his influence in aid of his, Matthews Confirmation. There is no salary to the position it is simply Copying deeds by the piece. If not against your judgment I would like a letter from you to Mr. James M. Trotter requesting my reinstatement. Sincerely yours Frederick Douglass Jr. Mr. Anderson says that he does not want to do anything to injure his son who is in the office; but Trotter's action is simply disgusting. Mr. Anderson feels that Johnson is cutting Trotters throat at the bidding of Matthews, and that Trotter is such a swelled head as to think Matthews is trustworthy, therefore he Trotter declines to see the truth, if seeing the truth leads him to antagonize13 Matthews by turning Matthews cut throats out. Aff'y your son Fred. I have caused all papers heretofore sent to the Recorders office for you. changed to Anacostia.St Neots Hunts June 28th [*[1887]*] My dear Mr. Douglass I am very much disappointed that you think of not visiting us this week, as your yesterdays letter led us to expect. When Mother came from London [*324*]she said "you spoke of coming in to see us several times" & how it seems very little just to come once before you leave for America. Hoping you will be able to change your plans I am Sincerely yours E. A. CroftsMurrell Hill Cottage Carlisle. June 28. 1887 My dearest Helen: In reaching this delightful house of my old and dear friend Mrs Eliza Barlow my mind turns to you wondering where you are, how you are and what you are doing - and when I shall have a word from you telling me all this and more. All the the places I have visited - New Castle, Edinburgh, Glasgow - and now, Carlisle have given me warm and hearty welcome, making me as happy as I can be without you to help me. Just here you may expect me to say something to qualify this expression of my want of thee - but I do not feel like qualifying it a bit! I am sure you would be greatly pleased [*414*]to share the kind attentions bountifully showered upon me here and elsewhere in my travels - I am saying nothing of my coming home to my Washington Correspondents and my coming in August will doubtless be a surprise to some of them. I do hope you found your dear Mother better than all your fears concerning her - and your welcome civil if not cordial. I am thinking anxiously about this - and when I think of the worst that may happen I console myself for you in the thought that Cedar Hill is still open to you and that you will go there and set about making it beautiful. I now fully intend to come home by the City of Rome which leaves Liverpool on the third day of August and shall probably be at home by the 11th August. My friend Mrs Barlow has one son and one daughter Mary and John Henry, both reflecting the qualities of their amiable Mother - The quiet of this quaker cottage is something wonderfully tranquilizing and wholly unlike the outside world. It is a place of rest and sweet repose - but I cannot long dwell here, only two days and then must hurry on for the time is short and I have much to do - more I fear than I shall be able to do before the time for my departure shall arrive. I have Bridport, Street, Bristol and the neighborhood to do - and after Ireland and only five weeks in which to do it all. From here I shall go to London and hope to get some tidings there of our trunk and your dress - though I fear I shall be disappointed in both - Mrs. Crofts will send me any letterwhich you may have sent to her from me. I am very anxious for the first note from you - you see I am writing only about myself and my feelings instead of telling you about comfortable home green fields, splendid architecture, glowing pictures wordwise or otherwise, the grand & glorious in nature or art. I saw nothing of the Queens Jubilee. I purposely avoided London on that august occasion- on account of the crowd. The news from St. Neots concerning the health of Elizabeth Crofts is not reassuring - All seem to give her up - I am to go there before leaving for America but [and] am postponing my visit to the latest date. Visiting a person in time of illness- when one can be of no service is not comfortable. It is especially so when one may be even in the way of those that could help.Dear Mrs. Barlow and her nice daughter Mary have just been in the room where I am writing and desire me to make their love to you and express their regret that you could not be with me during my visit here. I am somewhat in doubt about writing and directing to you at Honeoye as you may have left there before my letters can reach you. I reason however, that if you stay at all, you will stay till about the middle of July - and in any case letters for you will be kindly forwarded by Miss Jennie - Should you write me on receipt of this note, you had better direct your letter c/o Mrs. Wilhelmina Webb Ardkill. Killiney. Co: Dublin Ireland. I am to be there about the 20th July - and am assured of a warm welcomeI am to be in Liverpool on the 30th and would be surprised if I should see Miss Eva in the streets of that city. I shall not put myself in her way - for if she hates me it must give her pain to see me and I certainly do not desire to give her the least pain during her brief tour abroad. Kind regards to Miss Jennie and your dear mother. Affectionately your husband Fredk. DouglassBridport June 29, 1887 Dear Mr. Douglass We hope soon to hear what day you have fixed for [your visit] coming to us. My wife is sure to be at home, whatever day you fix, but on Thursday, July 7', I wish if I can to attend a meeting of an Association [323]at Taunton. If you were with us, I should return the same night - also I might perhaps sleep there and return the next morning. We learn from Mrs. Clark of Street, that she will be ready to receive you on and after July 4th and I write this line in case my engagement should affect your plan of visiting Street, either before or after your visit to us. We hope that you will soon hear good tidings from Mrs Douglass, and with our united kindest regards, Believe me, yours faithfully R. L. Carpenter130 Rye Hill June 1887 My dear friend Welcome your letter this morning. I was wishing to hear again of, or from you. But oh' dear me! not a word telling me of Mrs. Douglas' arrival. I heard of the return voyage of the vessel, so of course it had arrived in America. But what of the voyage? and what of your dear wife? and what of her sick mother? not one word. I know however. how you are pressed for time - and how [*322*] With kind love from us all yours truly Ellen Richardsonmuch you have to write so if [] every one was as exacting as myself, what then? So thus I silence myself Well then I must thank you seriously for this kind letter enabling me to follow your route, which seems to have been kept very successfully I am so glad you can say you are happy amongst your kind friends, to whom your visits are also confering happiness to them. A letter from dear Eliza Wigham said how very much they had enjoyed your visit in Edinburgh Did you get a long letter I sent [] to Glasgow Not having the address of the Host, only the number, made me a little more doubtful as you did not receive it. I find our Lodgings are occupied at Cullercoats, at present so we shall not go to the seaside for a few weeks. If therefore it suited you to come and rest a little in your old quarters at Rye Hill the Inmates thereof will give you a hearty welcome - of that be sure - It would be pleasant to look upon you againbefore the long "Adieu. I know Mrs Mewson wishes for a visit and possibly expects one. Her house is far away however from the Idea, and might not be so convenient to you but more than this, I must not say, - at either house a welcome awaits you, - only if you can, - will you let me know, how you think and feel on the subject. We often think and talk about you in our house. Mary cannot bear to read of your sufferings in Slavery. She is tender hearted and the recital is too [shake] dreadful to her feelings - She cannot think how your Masters could get to HeavenLondon July 10th 1887 My dear Lewis, I am to blame, I supposed you would learn my address from Fredk. - so your letter went all the way to Rome and met me here only to day. No one has denounced you to me about your dealing with Smith, and I am glad to know you have done what you can in getting possession of the house on the hill. I am thinking of coming home before long. You have probably learned ere this that Mrs. Douglass is already in America and before this reaches you she may been in Anacostia. I saw her off three weeks ago. I cannot give you any address. I am flying about so - and as ISoon you need not write me any more while I am abroad. The discharge of Mr. Loguen from Recorders office is most ungrateful and extraordinary and strange, but it is not my funeral, and I do not wish to be quoted in any way concerning it. The few weeks that I remain here will be spent in visiting a few old friends whom I shall never see again. some to whom I am indebted for many acts of friendship - through long gone-by years, and which I hold in grateful memory. You will be glad to know that I bear up well under the strain of travel and constant visiting. I have just now come off the train and have a great pile of letters before to answer. You must pardon haste and imperfect writing - I am sure will do all for the best with {Storum??]. It would make me sick at heart if he for whom I have done so much - and am willing to do more should fail to deal squarely with me - and yet this has been my luck in other quarters. I will see him when I come home. Love to dear Amelia, Affectionately your Father Frederick DouglassLondon 1887 Ardkill Killiney Co. Dublin 1st July 1887 My dear Friend Just a line to say we shall be very glad to see you on the 28th inst, or as near to it as you as you can come - Joined by my husband in very regards Yrs most sincerely Wilhelmina Webb [*321*]Wedderburn House Hampstead, N.W. July 2, 1887. My Dear Frederick, I shall be very glad indeed to see you tomorrow (Sunday) afternoon. I am only sorry that fate has forbidden Mrs. Douglass to be with you as Mrs. Nichol tells me she has had to re-cross the Ferry before you. There is an omnibus to Hampstead from the Oxford St. end of the [320]Tottenham Court Road which would put you down at Lyndhurst Road on which the first turn to the left is Lyndhurst Gardens, that lead to Wedderburn Rd & House in one minute - the first turn on the right. Wedderburn House is a large apartment house. Or, if you prefer to come by the Underground Railway you take to the "Swiss Cottage" Station & there you get a cab for 1/- to Wedderburn House at the top of Daleham Gardens on the right Yours Sincerely With a warm welcome R. MooreJuly 3/87. Dear Mr. Douglass I have a note from Mrs. Carpenter saying that you have written proposing to go to Bridport on Wednesday the 7th but as Wednesday is the 6th, she is not quite sure which day you mean. I imagine she has written to you suggesting that you should come to us first, as any day suits us & Mr. Carpenter [*319*]is obliged to be away on the 7th. So if it makes no difference to you, will you come to us on Wednesday (or Thursday if you meant Thursday) & go on from us to Bridort, & we will start you on your way thither Mrs. Carpenter’s letter has been delayed a day owing to my being from home. I am going to ask you if this reaches you in time tomorrow to telegraph conveniently.which is near us. I enclose a paper with the trains. If you return from Bridport to London you go by another route, so that it would be no use to take a return ticket from London. Mrs. Carpenter has asked me to write & explain everything to you - & say that she thinks you had better come firstto us if convenient to you. We hope you will be able to stay at least two nights with us and should be only too glad is you can afford us more. We should like to show you the few things of interest around us, tho' the country is so dried up as not to be nearly so pleasant as usual. Our children are looking with very great interest to your visit - Believe me Very truly yrs Helen P.B. Clark. Please let us know by a note or card which train to meet nearer the time.to send me a telegram (for which I enclose stamps) saying if it it wednesday or thursday and if you will come to us there. Please address Helen Clark. Oakridge Winscombe Station, Lomessetshire If this is not int time for that, please send the telegram on Tuesday morning to Helen Clark. Street . Somersetshire be coming from St. Neots I believe you have to come to London cross London, which takes some time, & leave from Waterloo Station, by the South Western Railway - taking your ticket to Glastonbury. There are two changes - one at Temple Combe - & one at a little place called EvercreechBridport July 4. 1887 Dear Mr. Douglass We were very glad to hear of Mrs. Douglass' safe arrival, and that she found her mother able to derive happiness from seeing her. We trust now that we shall see you by the train that leaves Paddington at 12, on Friday: and arrives here at 6.20. That I think is the train that you took before. I enclose a letter from Miss Catherine Impey, of Street. For some years, I have contributed [*317*]to her little society for promoting temperance among the coloured people in America, in consequence of their treatment by the U.S. Good Templars. She has been very much exercised of late by a reunion between the English & U S Good Templars, which she thinks has compromised the rights of coloured people, and went over to America to attend a convention about it. My own feeling is, that there are some things that we cannot force. If “whites” are so narrow-minded that they wont associate with “coloured” - I am not sure that it is much good to insist that they shall unite in the same lodge. But I am not a Good Templarand dont know - and hardly care to know - all about it! Miss Impey is naturally very desirous to know your news - and it think it important, considering how hard she works, that she should have an opportunity of meeting you. I telegraphed (as she wished) that you would be at Street about Tuesday on next week. She telegraphs to me - "Could Mr. Douglass conveniently see me at Bridport, to morrow" Ianswered, of course, that you would not be here till Friday; but I have written to her, that you will be at Mrs Crofts St Neots. ; and that perhaps she might go to you there (if it was so arranged) from London. Or, that if you could leave St Neots on [] Friday, as early as 8.15, you could arrange a meeting either atKing Cross, or Paddington Station. You would arrive at King Cross at 9.50 which would give you about an hour and a half. Perhaps it would be inconvenient to Mrs Crofts for you to leave so early; but I thought I would suggest it, as Miss Impey is so earnest about seeing you.Please to remember us most kindly to Mrs. Crofts: we shall be anxious to hear what reports you can bring us of her, and the invalid; I fear that they will find this hot weather trying. I hope it is their holiday-time. Ever faithfully yours, R. L. Carpenter Mrs. C. has written again to Mrs. Clark I take for granted that you will hear from Miss Impey.[*Burn*] Street Somerset July 3 1887 Dear Mr. Carpenter I have just heard that Mr. Douglas is expected at Street this week. I have accepted an invitation to be in London for several days preparatory to a small conference on the colour question - in order [that] to prepare some resolutions & quietly discuss our difficulty respecting the Good Templar Reunion - [are] which has been completed on terms some of us so gravely disapprove - I do not know what to decide. [because here] [think] I shall be excedingly sorry to miss Mr. Douglas - I [had] have long hoped to have [had] [*318*]a quiet talk over the question with him if he could spare me the time - I want you to be so kind as tell me exactly when he intends being at Street. If it will be so soon as Tuesday or even Wednesday I think I must put off my visit to London till [then] after. I was to have gone Tuesday & been there 10 days or so Might I trouble you to wire a reply as I was intending to start early on Tuesday morning & a letter would be barely in time. I am sorry to trouble you - but you will understand how keenly I should appreciate even a short interviewI hope shortly to send you some papers reporting our proceedings. Very sincerely Cath. Impey.Murrell Hill Cottage Carlisle. Jul 5. 87. Dear Mr Douglass, I am hoping this may catch you before you leave St. Neots - if not, it will doubtless be forwarded. The accompanying little book my Mother hopes you will convey to Mrs Douglass, with her love as a little token of friendship from an old friend of your own - and will you please accept the little leather frame from [*315*] with us - We did indeed feel it a great privelege, as well as a special enjoyment - Yours affect'ly Mary E. Barlowme? I send it, that the photograph of your wife, & that of yourself, taken in Rome, may be safely encased therein, and not come to harm through the fingers of the many who will like to look at them. I read again yesterday what you wrote so kindly in my Album, & afresh thank you for it, & for the benediction it invokes upon our house. We all parted from you with much regret, for John & I now feel you to be our dear Friend, as you have for so long been our Mother's - We all three feel to have a share now in the privelege of knowing you. The day after you left a fellow country man of yours, spent the evening with us - Mr Porter, Congregational Minister at Lexington Mass. He had met you in America, tho' he could not really claim tobe acquainted with you, he and two other gentlemen (English) who were with him, regretted that your visit had not extended over their being here. I hope your head has not troubled you since leaving us & that you are free from cold and enjoying meeting your many friends John is out - or would, I know send a message, but Mother sends her "special love" - her "very dear love" in which I warmly join - and Mother wishes you again to be assured how very much we enjoyed having youStreet Somerset July 5/87 Dear Mr. Douglas - I have been corresponding with Mr. Carpenter as to possibilities & probabilities of having an opportunity of some conversation with you - as I feared that the business which is carrying me to London would not allow of my return to Street until after you had left there. [*316 *]He has I know been anxious I should meet you - knowing my keen interest in the race question in America. You will see that it is by his suggestion that I now venture to write you - I fear your plans may not allow of my meeting you - but should you be able to spare me even a little time I should esteem it a great privelege - I write this on my journey towards London - please excuse evidences of haste. I have but recently returned from a single handed combat with a large & influential body of opponents respecting an arrangement for allowing & providing for separate societies for differences of race. The principle I fear has been yielded & I deeply regret that we should even seem to sanction such arrangements - The whole question ofcaste separations has been one I have worked against for years - If you think there is opportunity for me to see you at St Neots or at either of the Stations & you would kindly let me know at the address given below I should be greatly obliged Yours very respectfully Cath. Impey c/o Mr. H. J. Osborn 19 Hilda Road Brixton London S.WStreet Somersetshire July 6, 87 Dear Mr. Douglass Your place will suit us entirely - I am sorry you should have had any trouble - Mrs. Carpenter will no doubt explain why she wished me to write as I did to you. Either Monday or Tuesday will be quite right for us - and if it is at all fine [313]and you are not afraid of an open carriage we had better meet you at Sparkford or near there, it is a ten miles drive from here & will save you some changes - Mrs. Carpenter will understand about this - & I can write to her about it. Yours most truly Helen P.B. Clark.[*July 8, 1887*] Tuesday Dear Friend/ I am most exceedingly vexed as well as disappointed at the change in your plans - for you promised "to look in upon us" from time to time while you are this side the Atlantic - and either from Carlisle or Liverpool you could come [*311*]and spend the Sunday here - and go off to Bridport easily on Monday Morning - I have done this myself more than once. - We have London tailors here - so any thing of that kind could have been done here for you - Of course we always expect you to make your final visit to us, dear friend. but that has not yet come - has it? If you cannot come sooner do come now from Saty to Monday - Much haste for post - always your friend, Julia G. Crofts -I have been to two supper parties in the last 4 days - so you may conclude my ancle is better - & that the "wholeness" you kindly wish me has already come -Piazza Barberini No 6 primo piano Roma Italia July 8th 1887 My dear friend Frederick Douglass. I have just received the promised and welcome letter dated July the 2nd, you did not direct it right and therefore it has been detained till to day, although the Postmen know where I am. I hope you will receive this before you sail for America. The above address will find me till I write you to the contrary. It will be useless for me to write to my friends as you will be no longer in England. I write to you by return of the Post and shall hope to hear again from you just as soon as you are rested after your [*312*]ocean voyage. Ill as I was from sea sickness, I can never forget the beauty, and at times the awful grandeur of the Atlantic ocean! Broad and deep as it is we will have a chat now and then on paper. Rome is now quite deserted so far as the birds of winter passage are concerned. Every day since you left the English speaking people have been going out of Rome and the Italians some of them go to the sea, country et cetera. Rome at this season is quite another place. No one knows Italy till they see it in summer The beauty heightens with the heat. I do not like the heat, but it does me good. The lovely Pincio is always beautiful and I often seek a shady nookeven at the noon day hour when the fierce sun comes down with intense white heat, there is always a cool spot to be found there. The summer months often cures invalids if they can they persuaded to try it, and lead the right kind of life. I have some interesting facts on this point. You know that all of my kin took flight some time ago. Mrs Edmund and her father leave in a few days. I believe then I shall be obliged to speak mostly Italian as there will be perhaps in all Rome only two or three persons that I know who speak English. The Italian Parliment closed its sesion yesterday. The debates have been of unusual interest lately. Please give my kind regards to Mrs. Douglas, and with my most cordial regards for yourself I am alway most sincerely Yours Sarah Remond Pintor P.S. I hope you can read this. In summer we have to shut windows and blinds to keep out the heat and one has to add instinct to sight in all they do for many hours of the day as you probably know.[*[1887]*] Bridport July 9 Dear Miss Impey, Mr. Douglass' plans are changed He will go to Street after Bridport. He intend to be with his friend Mrs. Crofts, from Tuesday to Friday morning - He will be with us from Friday to Monday, or we hope Tuesday, July 12 then, I suppose, he will be at [Mrs] Street for a day [*2734*]or two. It seems to me, that you might propibly wish to try and see him at Mrs Crofts', while you are in London. Mrs. Crofts was his very zealous fellow worker, and lived at his house for some time in America. She is a widow lady, andkeeps a school for young ladies. [at] : - Mrs. Crofts, The Cross, St Neots, Huntingdonshire St. Neots is 51 miles from London, on the Great Northern line. If you dropped her a line to that address, you might have her engagements. Or ifit was convenient to him to leave St Neots as early as 8.15 on Friday, reaching London 9.50, you might have some time with him at that station; or the Great Western at 12. (He would naturally leave St. Neots at 9.57 for that train). In haste, yours faithfully R. L. CarpenterJuly 9, 1887 My dear friend. This is to let you know that I am safely in Bridport. The ride from London was long warm and tedious - but was amply compensated by the warm reception given me at the end of the journey by both Mr and Mrs Carpenter. Mr Carpenter was at the Station to meet me on my arrival and took me immediately to Coulgar Villa. Among the first utterances were kind inquiries for Mrs Crofts and Miss Lizzy. I gave a good account of you and [*417*]to them I spoke of your charge to me to give them your kind remembrances. The land around here seems even more parched than in St Neots - but to day there are signs of rain - and nothing will be more welcome to earth and men. I love to look back to the to the manner of our parting - and I still hear the voice of "Lizzy" in ardent prayer for my safety in all my goings and comings I shall come back to you as soon as I can. The chances now are that I shall not get away from here before Wednesday - and that I must limit myself elsewhere. Always yours truly Fredk. Douglass.London July 9/87 Dear Mr. Douglas There is so much I want you to talk to me about & so much I want to say that I am writing to ask you to reserve some of the time at Street for a visit to my mother sister & self at our home among 310the fields - I know that you only purpose being a short time at Street. If you could conveniently reserve Wednesday (or failing that Friday) afternoon & evening I would fetch you & drive you back & do all possible not to overtire you and you should rest quiet part of the time (not to be over tired with much talking). & In fact make yourself quite at home amongst us - [for we are] please be prepared for our being a most unceremonious household. - If you could do all this without being too aggressive on the plans the Clarks may have made for you we should be so grateful & so very glad.I was afraid to wait till I saw you to ask this lest your time should be filled up with other plans. I shall have to remain here till either Tuesday night or Wed. morning but if you will be sure not to forget you need not trouble yourself to write. Letter [] writing is such a burden out visiting often - With sincere esteem I am very truly yours - Cath. ImpeyArdkill Killiney Co. Dublin 10th July 1887 My Dear Friend Just a line to say that we shall be most happy and pleased to see you anytime, on or after the 1[9]th 19th of this month - My husband and I are leaving home for a few days, but are to return [*309*]on the 18th, and shall be prepared to welcome you here any time after that date - It has been very interesting to hear through our dear friend H M Wigham of your pleasant visit to our friends in the North of England, and in Scotland. I hardly know whether there are any, outside our immediate circle, except [the] James Haughton's family, left of your old friends in Dublin - Joined by my husband in kind regards I remain Most truly yrs Wilhelmina Webb overThe Bristol Steamer leaves on Tuesday we think direct for Dublin, if you come by that Boat shall try & meet you, but the hour is very uncertain owing to fog, &c, &c in case we do not turn up on time, take a Cab for the Westland Row train leaving every 1/4 to [the] every hour & takes half an hour to Killiney station & Cab or a Car up to our House. if you [ChCo] come by the Mail Boat to Kingstown that is very close to us & we can be certain to meet the afternoon Boat the train takes 1/4 of an hour to Killiney. Then there is the L & N W Boat to North Wall [*arriving in the evg abt 9 we can easily meet that but the Morning Boats we cant well get in time from this. M*]Bridport July 12, 1887 My dearest Helen, Yours dated June 27 mailed 30 june reached me at this dear place to day. The first page made me sorry I troubled you about the "button," and I hope you have gotten well over the pain the reference to my perplexity gave you, I am truly glad to have goodness of your dear mother [*415*]If I sent her all the kind messages my heart would glad dictate I would send her many. I am glad you have such a mother and that she may still remain with you yet many days. One month from this day I hope to be again in Washington. Should your mothers condition require it, I hope you will remain and not Come to Washington because of my coming home.On some accounts I should like to stay abroad a month or two longer - but I still have fear that my business is suffering and at any rate it is time that I was on Cedar hill, looking over my books and papers - My friends here have not yet tired of me, and I think would not if stayed in England a year longer, but I am too independent in spirit to live long on my friends even when theydesire me to do so - I shall not forget to try for that Buckthorn stick - I have already made an effort in that direction and have failed, but should one come within my reach Mr. Baker shall certainly have it. I leave Bridport to day for Street - and shall remain with the Clarks two days and then go to Bristol - But I believe I have told you all this and more. I hope you will see dear Dr. Green. Make my love to him if you do see him. [*F. Douglas to Helen Douglas, July 12, 1887, 1 of 2*]I shall give farewell to St. Neots on the 20th for Ireland Poor Lizzy I fear cannot recover. She is now reduced almost to skeleton, but still she hopes to recover. Poor child, it is terrible to be thus cut down in the midst of her years. While she would gladly live however, she does not shrink from what seems inevitable and is beautifully and trustfully resigned. I note what you say of the people on the farm at Honeoye. It is fortunate for now &that this world - and that America is not wholly composed of Shorts - It is also happy that I am not dependent upon such as they for support or for society - My friends are among the best people in England and the best things they have for any they have for me. I need give myself no concern about the hate and malice of the Shorts or the Longs. We move in very different grooves.I hope you will bear yourself not proudly, but with your own dignity wherever you go in Honeoye you will neither be ashamed of yourself nor of your husband — I believe all you say and all that the Dr says of your excellent sister Jennie. She is as good as she is brave. I find I shall have a heavy lot of Baggage to bring home — and shall have to get another leather trunk to packmy things in. It will be impossible to bring your dress home in the tremendous box in which it came from Paris. but [t] it shall come in good order for all that. All the dear Carpenters speak with regret that you could not be with me here. With a heartful of love your husband Fredk. Douglass [*F. Douglass to Helen Douglass July 12, 1887 2 of 2*]Westwood Beulah Hill Upper Norwood 1887 July 12 Dear Sir, I fear that the expression neither originated with you nor with me, but is old as the sea itself. Those ancients most wickedly took most of our original thoughts. I am right glad to see your hand, & to exchange salutations. May the best of heaven's blessings abide with you. I was absent [*308*]when your letter came, - hence delay. Yours very heartily C. H. Spurgeon132. 20th St N.W. Washington D.C. July 14th 1887 Hon. Frederick Douglass: St. Neots, England Dear Sir:- A quite general desire has been expressed by citizens of this District to tender you on your arrival home a formal reception. [*307*]The preachers of the city seem to feel a marked concern in the matter, and already the Metropolitan Church has been procured for the occasion. The reception would consist of a few formalities in the main audience room and a Collation or banquet with the committee in the church parlor. I state thus much because I have been requested to address you to inquire whether such an effort on our part would meet with your approval or at least consent and also to inquire as of the probable time of your arrival etc. Any communication relating to the matter may be addressed for the present to myself and will be promptly communicated to parties concerned. I think you may feelassured that, should you consent, the affair will be decidedly creditable to those having it in hand. Very Respectfully, Theo G. StewardGirtups Bridport July 16, [84] Dear Frederick Douglass, I hope you will allow the unconventional beginning - omitting the "Mr." - since Mr Douglass is nobody Frederick Douglass is everybody. I am glad you have not received the little water colour of Swiss Mountains, since it has bought me the pleasure or a note from you. Finding the name was not on the back of the drawing, I sent it to 305the original artist's father Theodore Compton, of Winscombe, to ask if he knew the place to mark the name of the mountain & forward it to you at Street - as you have not had it - I think Mr. Compton must be away from home - so I have today written to ask somebody to forward it to you at Nottingham with or without the name, or else return it to me. So as for [you] me to post it to you in America if it does not reach you before. If you do not let me have your home address I can get it from Mrs. Carpenter. I thought you must have a nice time at Street, & intend to hear all I can from Katie Impey . I hope Mrs. Bain let you see specimens of the Contemporary, & think now you will understand why I want you to write the proposed article if possible - because it is likely to be educational to an upper stratum of Society [] whom it is not always easy to reach. Besides they made the first advances, which I thinkis worth much - One good cause help another, & I have often heard Mrs Butler & the friends of Moral reform draw a paralel between black slavery, & the worse forms of white slavery - especially the recent revelations of buying & selling little girls. Hoping you will return refreshed & invigorated from the "Sentiment" & find your wifes mother better with best wishes for all Believe me Yours ever sincerely Gulielma Stephens (with a "ph" please not "v.") There are also sundry newspaper cuttings that live in that pocket behind my Frederick Douglass.[Girtups] July 18 - 84 Dear Frederick Douglass, Enclosed is a note from Theodore Compton Sec: of our "Polygraphic Club-" (an amateur drawing club) saying that your little Swiss drawing was sent on to [street], the same day. & aught to have reached you there- I hope meantime is has reached you safely. You need not trouble to return Theodore Comptons 304letter. The picture he refers to at the end is by his son Edward T. Compton, a professional artist of Munich, & it was an original drawing of his I copied & gave you. With kindest remembrances, Yours ever sincerely Gulielma StephensWinscombe, Near Weston Super Mare 17 July 87 My dear friend The drawing was sent to the address. F. Douglass c/o Wm. S. Clark, Street, Somerset, the same day it arrived. I hope it has reached him since he wrote. I could not give the name of the scene. I thought it was at Rosenlaui, but my wife says not. I think it must be in Tyrol. It is vexatious to miss a benevolent aim, but the delay was not here. Having no Envelope big enough, [* 306 *]the drawing was enclosed, [in one] with the card, in a long one of stout paper, which had been addressed to me from James & Co. Weston; but the new address to Street was perfectly clear & unmistakeable & the postage stamps 2 stuck close over it. We have not much faith in the Weston P.O. They seem to be short-handed & the sorting is not very accurate - Perhaps, while I write, your anxieties are ended, by learning that the Douglass has received the Thing of Beauty -- may it prove a joy for ever! Thinking you might be at Street, I sent a message to G. J. C. as S. P. C. that the thing of Beauty had been duly forwarded - & also that more things of more or less Beauty are ready for the next P.C. folio. Also that the Foxgloves had grown & improved, and in consideration of the pleasure the painter had had, the price wd. be reduced to £3. If you still like to buy. But don't if you'd rather not. I am painting roses all day (This day excepted) & find both instruction & encouragement in the professional criticisms of theBanbury & Uppingham critics. But the subn. & postage amount to 20/. instead of our 5/. That stimulates members to send in regularly, & to do work worthy of criticism - so that they may get the benefit of their subscription. We have a Thing of Beauty here now. E. T. C's (X) large picture of the Starnberger Lake, from the Royal Institute 55£. I have bought it for 2 others of his that I had before, & we shall not like to part with it. The foreground is full of dandelions in seed! The distance, the grand range of mountains! Are they not both Things of Beauty? And the Dandelions so suggestive to a rabbit fancier & gardener, like your friend Theo. Compton (X) N.B. Edward T. Compton his sonHoneoye, New York Tuesday. Morning July. 19. 1887. My dearest Frederick. I want one more my last letter perhaps, before you return, and this only a word to go out by the city of Rome. I am looking for a letter from you to day. We had company yesterday that staid all night and that interfered with my time. Mother is gaining -- has ridden out once, but does not walk or rise up alone. I must keep for you some of the good things she [*381*]says of you. Eva and party reached Liverpool, as you know, on Thursday. They proceeded that evening to Chester, remained till Monday, taking one day for an excursion into Wales, then went to Furness Abbey -- to Windermere, Carlisle, Ayr, and July 9 to Glasgow, Eva wrote that the 8 days she had spent would repay her for going, were she to see no more. Jennie was quite put out at first, at my going away so soon. I expect to leave Honeoye next week. I may go to Lockport before going to our dear home. I walked with father to church Sunday and that was the one thing it was desired to do. And now the next trip of the City of Rome brings my heart home, and I will bury all my anxieties in the sea. Dear Mother looks also forward to my getting your letters and sends love. Jennie also will be remembered to you. Your loving true wife Helen Douglass.Pension Merz - Oberstrasse Zurich July 19th / 87 Dear Mr. Douglass - I have just received your welcome - though so unexpected note! - forwarded to me by dear Mrs. Carpenter. I am glad you have not quite forgotten your Swiss friends! How happy I should have been to have met you at Lucerne! I am sure I should have recognized you had I met you anywhere--and I think you would have known me again--My friends [*302*]say I do not alter much though I am such a sufferer from neuralgia in the head. I have not gray hair yet! - Whilst you were looking out for me in Lucerne, I was here quite near! I should have been so happy - to have run over - with my nephew - who has heard me speak of you so often - and who would have thought it a great privilege to become personally acquainted with you - He is at the College here - finishing his studies as an Engineer. I have lived with him during his years of study. I am so happy to hear you hear you have had such a nice tour in Europe - and I hope you will have a safe return home. and find Mrs Douglass and all your family well. Remember me affectionately to dear [K???] - and tell her I have never forgotten her. My dear friend Mrs Rawson of Wincobank has been hovering between life and death - during the last six months - I fear she will not raly. She is in her 86th year! I spent sometime with her last summer - Alas! for the last visit to that dear Home - where my happiest days were spent.How strange to think that you have been so near, and that I have missed seeing you! - It does not seem so long ago since you left Wincobank Hall on that dreary winter morng. when you thought you would return in a few weeks! - And now - we shall never meet again in this world! How many of our friends have passed over to the other side since that day! Goodbye - My dear friend - God bless you. and yours - Ever yours faithfully & affectionately Rosine Amé DrazASHFIELD, GATESHEAD-ON-TYNE July 21st/87 My dear Friend I am wondering if you find it practicable to give us the great pleasure of seeing you again in Newcastle before you bid farewell to this Old Country. Now that the time for your departure from the Shore is so near I know you must have many engagements, & much to fill up your moments. [*300*]but shall be very grateful for a line, to tell us of your plans, & if we may hope that, without too great inconvenience to yourself, you may be able to make us a little visit again? No words can express the deep pleasure and gratification that it was to me to clasp your hand again, & the remembrance of that hour spent with you at dear Mrs Richardson's is most delightful & refreshing! In the hope that we may anticipate seeing you, with Kindest regards Yours Sincerely & affectionately Elizth. Mawson Please to give my warm regards to Mrs Wigham E.M.Northwold Bowdon July 21: '87 Dear friend, I expect you are now in Dublin so address to you "C/o" of our mutual friend Mr. Webb--whose acquaintance I had the pleasure of making so recently. Since my return home it has taken all my time - to fetch up arrears of work - besides you only said "St Neots" not the name of your host there so I did not feel safe in addressing a letter there. [*303*] I shall tell the Lady Mayoress you are going to call upon her Mr Carpenter sent me a very kind note telling me of your visit to him also the pleasant news that your wife was well & with her Mother. Are you going to call around on your way home? - If so please give me timely notice as I should not like to be away - Nothing is to be heard of your stick & umbrella - to-morrow I shall see the "Irish thorn" I expect & pay for it - [The] Did you leave them the address? or shall I send it to the Anchor Line Office Liverpool? I cant tell you by [let] letter at least much of my visit to Ireland, just because I should never stop We were recd with princely hospitality - and open arms - But, the abiding impression left on my mind is one of sadness & shame - Shame that we have not before now held out the right hand of fellowship - and sadness to think of all the needless suffering we have entailed upon those whom we ought to have helped & protected and loved - Well, the dawn has come & ere long it will be for dear Ireland full noon day -I do hope that Mr Webb will take you to call upon the Lord Mayor & especially the Lady Mayoress - A woman to win all hearts. - And I also want you to see the book & its illumination - My daughter Nellie joins me in kind regards to Mr. Webb - and to yourself - How strange that after 40 years - we should so renew our friendship & that I should go to Dublin, find in your words the happiest expression of my feeling - and then you go directly after and see your and our friends there - Let me know before you leave England Ever yours affectionately Isabella Mills 130 Rye Hill July 21, 1887 My dear Friend I have almost lost your identity having got to the end of my tether on the list you gave me I hear indirectly through my Sister Anna that you are now in Dublin. So I send a few lines to greet you of affectionate remembrance and to enquire - (as the time for your sailing draws very near) whether we may hope to see you [*301*]again in Newcastle Mrs Mawson wrote to ask me - as she hopes to see you at her house - But I could give her no information on this head You will remember there is a little Box here to meet you in Liverpool with a Book from Mr Brown which I offered to enclose These I will send off when you give me the right address - as we leave home soon. I should like to send it before we are in the midst of departure - as the house will be shut up when we go - I fancy that you will be enjoying your visit to your old friends in Dublin - They will be so pleased to have you with them once again How much pleasure you have given us all by this meeting - every body has beengratified from whom I have heard, either directly or indirectly, and the pleasure, and let me add, satisfaction - on your part will I believe be great, altho' at not a small sacrifice of time, strength, and money - I hope you have good accounts from the home circle - and that Mrs Douglass is well - and her dear Mother relieved Send me a card soon if nothing more [*Believe me ever very truly yours affectionately Ellen Richardson Kind remembrance from my [Maid?][*[1887]*] Bridport - July 22nd Dear Mr Douglass I enclose two letters, from America & Switzerland, wch. I hope will soon find you safely in Dublin, & bring good news from home. Miss Estlin left us yesterday morning, & for the next ten days we shall be alone. - On the 1st or 2nd August we propose to go to Cardiff, where Mr. Carpenter is to preach, on the occasion of opening a new chapel, [*299*]on Wednesday 3rd Aug - that is the day on wch. you are to sail for Liverpool. - We shall hope to hear of your safe arrival before long - & that you find all dear to you well. As soon as we get home my niece Muriel Rosent, whom you saw at Pitch & Pay, is coming to us for a fortnight, with her little boy & his nurse & other friends will follow in succession thro' the summer & autumn. How you will enjoy getting home again & settling in quietly after the rushing life of travel that you have led for the past year in wch. you must often have felt wearied, & wished that there was less to be seen & done. We have sometimes rejoiced to find collections of paintings, or show places, closed, & "not to be seen", when we had gone to them from a sense of duty, & because we sd. be ashamedto own to having been too lazy to visit them! The great & long continued heat make us feel very idle & tired - you like it I expect better than we do. - With affectionate remembrances from us both - & best wishes for your voyage. Believe me always, sincerely yours Mary Carpenter. [*301*]Newcastle 7 Mo 23 1887 My dear Friend Yours to hand giving all particulars asked for in mine to Dublin - So I have packed up the box with the Vases and Mr Browns Book and mean to send it off for rail to day for "Office" / "Anchor Line" Water St Liverpool (for Mr Fred-Douglass) So I hope it will give you no further thought - I have put in a note for [*298*]Mrs Douglass - explaining how and where they were purchased - as a reminiscence of a historical fact - when the old Tyne Bridge was washed down centuries ago - with houses and shops upon it - of which, this, (which we crossed) was the model In the old border wars - people had to keep within the town walls to be safe, - therefore utilized space, even on the Bridge for this purpose So we are not to see your face here again! Well I hardly expected it as time was so limited and I rather shrank from a last farewell Now, it must be on paper - We shall think of you often and of the very happy visit you paid us - I only feel you are endeared more than ever to our hearts after this long lapse of time. - Thank you very much for the pleasure you have given us - May you get safelyto your own beloved home and friends May our Heavenly Father keep you under His protection in every sense and the Sublime Presence be ever with you in Time and Eternity Write when you can to let me know how you fare - while on the soil of England (Your second home ever sincerely & truly yours Ellen RichardsonMurrell Hill Cottage July 25th 87 My dear Friend, I am so pleased to receive thy welcome letter this morning & to find thou art now amongst thy Irish friends & I know well this will be a mutual pleasure! I am sending a line to thank thee for the kind proposition to procure me an American Edition of "Life & Times of Frederick Douglass," but 296as I have one myself of that Edition, I do not wish to trouble thee. I inquired regarding the English Publisher because I thought of giving a Copy as a Birthday present to a friend of mine this week, so the delay wd make it too late. I am so glad to have an improved account of Mrs. D's dear Mother who I hope may continue to gain strength & yet be a blessing to her family. I can well [Mrs. D] understand the comfort & satisfaction of Mrs D. in having returned home at once to be with her beloved Parent & I rejoice with her that she has been rewarded by her recovery. I am sure it must have been a great giving up to you both to separate at that time, just when you were going to visit yr old friends & introduce dear "Helen" to them & it was very good of her kind husband to be willing to spare her but I have no doubt he also felt it was the right thing to do! With much love from us all & best wishes, I am as ever your sincere friend Eliza Barlow I should like my love please to Mrs. Webb, also to the Wighams. H.M.W. tells me they are invited to meet thee at Brook Lawn onWednesday wh. I suppose is still the home of Mrs. Allen.July 27th 1887 My Dear Friend I was glad to receive your kind and excellent letter. It is one of the greatest pleasures of my life to have met you and to have been the means of enabling you to hear Mr. Gladstone. Your [*326*] remarks on his speechcoming as they do from one who is himself a great orator are very interesting to me. I am sorry you cannot again visit Newcastle and the disappointment to my young people will be great. You have, however, had much to do and I am glad you have enjoyed your visit to Europe and have seen so much. And now, dear friend, farewell. May the winds and waves deal gently with you, and take you safely to your home on the other side of the water! I trust your noble and valuable life will long be spared, and that you will have strength for many years to help in the cause of liberty and humanity.Ever Truly Yours John Burt.July 27. 1887 Rev. T. G. Steward: My dear Sir: I am obliged by your respected favor of 14th July informing me of the desire of gentlemen in Washington to give me a formal reception and wishing me to indicate about the time I will reach [hope] home. In reply, I beg to state that it will give me pleasure to meet my fellow citizens in the manner you discribe, about one week after my return home. Unless something not now foreseen shall occur, I shall reach home about the middle of August and now fear that this may not reach you much before that time. I need not tell you that I received information of your [?] intention with sentiments of respect and gratitude. 457Sunday evening July 31/87 20 Grand Parade Cork Dear Frederick, Am I really writing to "Frederick Douglass who is in Dublin"? Yes, it is so -- and the more I feel glad that all is well with you, so much the more do I hope you will not allow yourself to use up the strength we so much need as we see the rate at which [*Jennings*] [295*] [*N.B. Mary went in '75. I saw her the night after she died looking like an angel - she was standing opposite the fireplace in the Brown St. sitting room her dress white with beautiful colors through it - she looked about 20 years old - her hair fair and [curly?] -*]time flies these days - but from Hannah E. White I hear fine news of you. But you may not know that only 3 of the large family in Brown St. now remain in this region, called 'The World' - Charlotte lives out of town and Helen Willes is in a 'Home- The mother left us in '62 and The dear Oldest Brother Thomas left us in April 1874 & Robert in July '74. Frank in '83 left a wife & 6 nice young children 5 or 6 yrs. since. So you see you wd. scarcely see one old friend. I hear Mrs. Douglass being a little overdone has preceeded you to your home- all right. No Frederick, you wd. not see your but one or two old friends - I had a Cataract on both eyes but now I am wonderfully recovered. I go out & tho' I look around [&] I see none but strangers, except now & again. And no wonder, I am 74. Jane went only last year, but was weakly for long- I look on death as a dear friend, but to the dear, Loving Father I leave the time. If I ask Him, whenin any difficulty, He answers me - I believe Mary is beautiful & [so is] our mother & she has great delight in her heavenly garden. Our nephew, Henry Jennings in India/Capt. Royal Engineers is one of the best of brothers And now, - you - often-thought-of-friend, good bye - & I feel you do right in trying soon to get home & not going more amongst strangers Oh! What beautiful times will be ours if we continue to love the Wonderful Creator of all the Worlds - Don't answer this, mind, Frederick, till you get home. ever yr. friend IsabelCraigside [?] July 31 '/87 Dear friend. I am sorry that I cannot possibly get away to Liverpool to say fare-well. - I had it in my mind to slip away from here for the day but my daughter Lilian is here & far from well and we are also anxiously [*294*]waiting for to-morrows mail from California for news of our son John who has typhoid fever - we are now hoping that he will pull through as it is the fifth week and we have had no telegram - and the last letter said the Doctor thought he had taken a hopeful turn. But, its weary waiting - After all I hope you did see our charming Lady Mayoress as well as the Book. - I paid for the [stick] thorn stick 10/6 I trust you will find it at the Anchor office - It is said to be a very good specimen - you will notice that wherever there is a knot it consists of three heads the centre one, (called in Ireland "The Maid") a little higher than the others and light tipped The more of those there are, well defined, the more perfect the "shillalegh"is considered by the knowing ones. -My husband desires kindest remembrances and we all join in a hearty "Bon Voyage" -Notwithstanding the almost certainty that we shall never meet again on earth I can say in perfect faith- "Au revoir" -Where we shall not see any more "as through a glass darkly" but bask in the sunshine of perfect truth and undying love. Ever Yours in loving friendship Isabella Mills