New Haven, Oct 1, 1890. My dear Douglass: Yours of yesterday is at hand. My headquarters in New York from Friday prenoon until the sailing of our Steamer, will be the Stevens House N. 27 Broadway. I shall be sorry if Mrs. Douglass does not return to Haiti with you. If she remains behind, I think is really desirable that Rose should go [pack? out?] with me. Try to come on A Minister Priest dinner for Friday Evening. I think the Metzger case in excellent shape. In my opinion you had 802better ask for all the things of which I gave you a memorandum and for those for which Battiste asks in his letter. I am anxious to have news of your interview with Mr. Blaine Try to put in a final [shot?] in the V. B. case Yours very cordially, E.D. Bassett.DEPARTMENT OF STATE, WASHINGTON. Oct. 2, 1890. My dear Sir: I am directed by the Secretary to say that the desires to see you at the Department tomorrow at Eleven o'clock upon a matter which may involve your remaining in this country some little time longer. Very respectfully yours, Louis A Dent Private Secretary. Hon. Fred Douglass. &c. &c. &c. [*883*]Department of State, Washington. Oct 3, 90 Frederick Douglass Esq &c &c &c Sir: For public reasons I regret that you will not return to your post at least for the next twenty days. You will remain in Washington for that period unless by arrangement with the Department. The necessities may possibly detain you somewhat longer, but at present I do not anticipate it Very Respectfully Your obedient servant James G. Blaine [*884*]Official [James Browne?] Fredk Douglass Esq Jc Jc JcCedar Hill, Anacostia D.C. Oct 4. 1890. Mrs. Hannah Pease: It strikes me that you will not object to receiving a line from an old time friend and a friend of your father. I have often thought of you since your sad bereavement, but since you said nothing to me, I thought that my mission in the case was silence. In this I perhaps, erred, but it was from a sensitive regard for the sacredness of your sorrow - well knowing too, that sorrow is its own salve and morning is its own comforter. Forgive me if my silence was wrong - and believe that it was caused [*460*][A] neither by coldness nor indifference. I can never forget your kindness to me, nor your services to my cause. When friends were few and foes were many - when you showed yourself a true daughter of James Cummings Fuller - free, brave and independent defying all adverse criticism in following the dictates of your conscience. I believe are the same woman still. Many have been the changes with us both since those days and happy should I be, if once more, now that time has done upon my head so much whitewashing I could sit down by your side and talk over the past and its relation to the present and future. Can you realize that my daughter Rose is now the mother of six children all nearly grown up? She is now in her fifty second year - and I am only halfway in my 74th. The year I have just spent in Hayti [have] has aged me more than two would have done in the States. Still I am quite vigorous and active yet and shall return to Hayti in the course of a few weeks. Few things would give me more happiness or give my wife more happiness than a visit from you before we sail for our tropical home. I am sure we could make it very pleasant to you. You would find Mrs Douglass a good person to show you all the wonders of the National Capital as well as a good hostess. Why not come to us for a while and drop the cares of home.I would come to Syracuse, if business of state did not confine me here. I recently attended a reunion of the old abolitionists in Boston. It was a deeply interesting meeting. It was very pleasant to see the men and women who dared when the whole nation was against them, to speak write and work for the abolition of slavery. Yet there was a sad side to the picture they presented. Time and toil had silvered their hair, dimmed their eyes and bent their forms - and weakened their voices. Please send me a line before I leave for Hayti and tell me how you and your dear ones are getting along - tell me what has become of your brothers - Yours always very truly Frederick DouglassNew Haven, Oct. 5, 1890 My dear Douglass: I need not inform you that I went to New York Friday p.m. fully prepared to sail with you yesterday on the steamer "Oranje Nassau" for Port-au-Prince, and that on the receipt of your two telegrams announcing that you had been detained by the department, I gave up sailing and returned here. I had sent my baggage all on board. Your 2nd and final telegram did not reach me at the Stevens House until within two hours of the steamer's sailing. I had then to hurry on board for my baggage. I met there several gentlemen who had come to meet you. Among them were Messrs. Heuvelman, Haven, Mechan, Tim Fortune and Theo Wiener. Mr. Heuvelman said he had never seen you. [*803*]Mr. Haven had a safe - a double iron safe - which he was to ship and did ship to you at Port au Prince for the safe keeping of the bonds belonging to him at the Legation. I told him to send the bill of lading and a letter to Mr. Battiste asking the latter to take charge of the safe for you. I also wrote a hurried line to Mr. Battiste on the strength of your first telegram, to inform him and Dr. Terres that I was then in doubt as to whether we would come by the "Oranje Nassau." The dinner at Minister Price's was a success But everybody there regretted your absence. Our failure to sail yesterday was to me a great disappointment. And by Jove! would you believe it? my trip to N.Y. together with the shifting of my baggage and my hotel bill cost me $15, and thus without a dollar of "Extras" or a single square meal! I am of course very, very anxious to hear from you. I hope you'll drop me a line tomorrow. Yours very cordially, E. D. BassettCedar Hill: Anacostia D.C. October 6th 1890- Honorable Senator H. W. Blair: I have intended and expected ere this, to have been well on my way to Hayti, and should have been but for an order from the State Department imposing a delay of my departure for twenty days. The object in view of the Department for this delay I do not at all know. My first thought was that it may have resulted from some words of yours to the President or to the Honourable Secretary of State. Right or wrong in this, I take with it as a lucky thing to me, as it permits me to get a breathe [*476*]of bracing and purifying frost before venturing into the enervating airs of the Tropics. I already feel the benefits of the airs of Native Land, and shall go back to Hayti in better condition than that in which I came home, [in]. In my speeches at the late re-union of the abolitionists in Boston I took good care to speak an earnest word for the Blair Educational Bill - but the papers, reporting me took equal good care to let me say nothing about to their readers. Their silence seems due to a determination against it. But not for this, did I take up my pen, I write to thank you for your very able and learned speech on the subject of Suffrage for the Citizens of the District of Columbia. I am very glad that you found time and strength from your many other duties to grapple with this monsterous contradiction to our free Institutions. I hope that the ball you have now set in motion and to which you have given a brilliant send off - will be kept in motion. It is a marvel to me that some other Senator had not anticipated you in exposing this abnormity - and in proposing a measure for its removal. It is well it has fallen to your lot to undertake this piece of business. It needed and needs a courage that never quails and a persistence that never tires - and you, my dear Sir, possess both. Your mettle is proved and approved. If I were an American statesman, there areare few honors I could covit more than to have given [to the country] education to the poor of the country and the Elective franchise to the people of the District of Columbia. I am going to Hayti, but I shall watch with deep interest what is being done in this country and your own counts. I am glad that you, though mature, are still young and strong and fully able to cope with the indifference and retrogressive influences around you. Again, I thank you for a copy of your speech - and wish you a hearty godspeed in all your efforts to forward the nation in its progress from lower to higher plains of liberty and civilization. Very truly yours, Frederick Douglass[*Slowley Englands [Son] Sun was Setting oer the hill tops*] Mesena, ga oct 8th 1890 Mr. Fred Douglas Sir I Wil Wright you a few lines to let you know that i fond your nam by Reding and wood lik to have more information from you Slowly Englands Sun Was Setting ore the Hill top far away filling [the] all the lands witt beautey at the close of one Sad day. I wonts to see the Light done here in georgia I am a Negro man and is an Republican man and I wont to read one of you Pappers pleaes Wright to me and give me one Pampletes and your nomber and Posoffice So I can till wher to wright my letters [*885*]please give me Learning in a few days if you can and I Wil send money to tack yours Papper and if you dont Publish Pappers Send me ar letter I wood like to her from you soon as I can I Wil come to a cloese ontill I get a herring from you Mr. Fred. Douglas "I am. your. frend P I. Sturges Direct. your. leteres to Mesena. Ga New Haven, Oct. 10, 1890 My dear Douglass: Your very interesting letter of the 7th inst. seems to me only to deepen the mystery which hangs over your unexpected detention in Washington. Meantime the purpose and object of that detention have been made the subject of various speculations among some of your friends and well-wishers whom I have met within the past week. The general impression is, as I have been able "to catch on to it," that back of the whole proceeding lurks some wily scheme to coax or elbow you out of the office in Haiti!! Indeed I have listened with some impatience to assertions and declarations of a [*804*]lack of confidence in Mr. Blaine's seemingly friendly intentions toward you and of the probability of his having on foot some deeply laid schemes which you are not the kind of man to carry out down there! In fine, there appears to be an impression that some sort of bait is to be held out to you or some trap laid for you, by which you are to be bowed out with beaming smiles and luring promises, and thus let down easily!! You may remember that soon after our return home, I wrote you concerning a sort of plot on foot in N.Y. to prevent your return to Haïti. It came to me pretty straight at that time that some such a plot had been seriously talked over in high circles there. But I've heard nothing definite about it since. I take very little stock in any of the apprehensions herein outlined. At any rate your quiet return to the post of duty in Haiti, will silence all this talk and squelch all these apprehensions. Still to you and me who know the business of the mission and the drift of things as they are concerning it, there does seem to be an air of mystery hanging over your unexpected detention, and I shall look with the deepest interest for your promised early communication which may clear things up. I am rather sorry now that I didn't go down there on the "Oranje Nassau". I tho't of it. But I feared that my departure alone under the circumstances of the moment might occasion comment. I hope that Mrs. Douglass will be able to return with you, but that if she is not, Rose will go in her place. The other evening up at a big banquet in Meriden I met Senators Hawley and Platt and other distinguished persons, several ofwhom made friendly inquiry after you. Theodore is coming to pay us a visit tomorrow. Mrs. Barrett and the children send friendly greetings. Very cordially yours, E. D. Bassett Where and how to [?] ?OFFICERS. L. A. BURKE, President. O. W. CARR, Vice-Pres. F. C. BEARD, Gen. Manager. J. M. FAIRLEY, Treasurer. J. W. TOWNSEND, Sec'y. CAPITAL STOCK $100,000.00 Monroe Land Improvement Company DIRECTORS. Hon. L. A. BURKE, Prof. O. W. CARR. J. M. FAIRLEY. F. C. BEARD. J. W. TOWNSEND. Monroe, N.C. 10/10 1890 Hon Frederick Douglas Anacostia D.C. Dear Sir, Thanking you kindly for your prompt reply, I would be glad you would state to Dr. Rankin that you have referred me to him in regard to the young lady I wrote you about, and I hope we can make satisfactory arrangements for her, - She is, as I wrote before, eminently worthy, but like myself poor, and unable to acquire education without assistance — Wishing you a safe journey to your post of duty, and that you may enjoy many more years of prosperity & happiness I am, Very resp'y Jno W Townsend [*898*]Mowbray Cottage Oct 11, 90 My dear Friend - I was very glad of you note which come to hand on the 9th because I wanted to tell you right away of the pleasure your good letter of Sep 30 has given me. it is a solace in these days of loneliness to find old friends are friends still - New friends are good and welcome, but they cannot come into the place in our hearts occupied by those who have knows us in all the varied experiences of many years - A good many people are not able to continue faithful to their friends on and on thro [*899*]life, and I fully agree with you when you say "Precious is the friendship that has [in it] within it this lasting quality" I was much interested in your [?] of the meeting in Boston of the old Abolitionists. if Frank had known of you being there he would have been tempted to have run down to see you. He is indeed one of your warm admirers, and friends, I hope at some time he may see more of you than he did in his brief call. I have good long letters from him once each week. for certain, sometimes two - he seems to be doing well, thinks his classes are on the way to success. I am very sorry your son Frederick has lost his wife - when children die, it is unspeakably sorrowful to their parents - but there is much to console them in knowing they have missed the cares & troubles of life - only it seems to me if we struggle well & rightfully thro them all, it must be to our gain, but I do not think we can do this unless we are helped by the Lord - oh! the blessed help that I have had by faith in the dear Lord Jesus - I could talk it to you, but can not get it into a letter - A fortnight ago during the afternoon several house on & near the Transit were entered by thieves. I had quite intended to have gone, but felt that I would rather not. so M.A. went alone. A man came around, but finding me here he quietly departed from & to Town[*E. Peirson to Douglass 1 of 2*] What we can make out he was one of the set. It was the Lord whom we trust to protect us, who put it into my heart to remain at home. I am very glad to find that you have recovered your health & strength somewhat by your visit home. I suppose when you now reach Hayti the season will be more healthy, I am glad Blain extended your stay - When you don't hear from me, I hope you will not feel that you ought to be more silent, your letters never "disturb" me I may be prevented from writing. All thro' this passed summer I thought of writing but was so occupied I did not manage it, incases of sickness. I have much writing to absent members of the family -- I think I told you that Sarah spent eleven weeks with us this last summer. I wish you could see her -- she is fifty years old today; you remember she is tall & she has grown so nice and plump looks so young [&] fresh. She is very capable -- altogether a fine woman. Have you read Drummond's little book, "The Greatest Thing in the World" it is very excellent. do read it if you have not - I am very glad you say that if the climate of Haiti is too much for you that you will come home to stay -- any way it does not seem worth while for you to spend four years away from your home and your friends -- I hope Mrs--[*Oct 11, '90 2 of 2] Pitts is better so that your arrangements for the care of Cedar Hill can remain undisturbed - M A and I are still alone by day and by night we are lonely but quite comfortable and cheerful We miss dear William very much its distressing to go into his empty room - Women on a farm are somewhat helpless, we shall be in better plight when our boy comes - Sometimes I think I should be glad to leave L'port and go to some quite new place. Then it seems as tho it would not be worth while - for our time will not be much longer - It is so long since I talked to you. I quite enjoy [*even this little chat on paper - when you write will you send me Hayti address -- Ever your true friend E. Peirson*]39 Harrison St OFFICE OF Special Agent Treasury Department, Cincinnati Oct. 12th 1890 My dear Douglass I received your very kind and welcome letter and found it so interesting that I was almost tempted to have it published, but thought perhaps it might not be agreeable to you. I regret that your speeches have not appeared in any of our papers, neither have I seen any of your views in print on the so called negro problem I most heartily agree with you in every sentiment expressed in your letter upon that subject. I also agree with you in the sentiments [*882*]2 expressed in your speech at Washington more have a year ago, on the term Afro American. I object to the term Afro American - because the name is a misnomer and can not be found in any dictionary. It was coined by a mugwump and used to classify us under a head to which we do not belong. We are Americans simply, with guaranteed rights which if enforced would place us upon an equality with all citizens of our common country, so far as our civil and political rights are concerned. We might just as well speak of Afro Germans or Afro Irish as Afro Americans.3 while our ancestors came from Africa, we did not, and we are just as thoroughly natives of this country as the descendents of the pilgrams who landed on Plymouth rock. There is no sense in the name Afro American, unless it refers to blood and mixture, and that would make us part Indian and part African, for the Indian is the only aborigine of this country. therefore the absurdity of the term is apparent. If you are not too much pressed for time I will be pleased to hear from you before you leave Washington. We are all well and desire to be kindly remembered to you and family Yours very truly Robt. HarlanSt. Augustine, Fla. Oct 12th/90. Dear Grandpa:- I have learned with much surprise, that you are still in the city of Washington enjoying an extended leave of absence from your post of duty, I am very glad that such a leave has been granted you, as I know that you are far happier in Cedar Hill than any place you can go and I only wish that matters could be rearranged as to allow you remain in this [*922*][*Hattie to F. Douglass Oct 12, 1890 1 of 3*] country, or in some country where the change of climate is not so decided as you find it in Hayti. I have now been in St. Augustine almost three weeks and I find it a very pretty city, with many great and ancient attractions of which I never seem to tire gazing upon and admiring. I have, owing to sickness, been unable to see the entire city, both the new and the old parts, but now that I am myself again I shall visit all parts at the very first opportunity given me. Well, my school opened on Monday the 6th inst. with quite a large2. [*Hattie to F. Douglass Oct 12, 1890 2 of 3*] attendance; we had no principal and was not entirely certain of being able to obtain one, so the superintendent appointed me to act until one could be secured. The appointment was much against my wish and I told him three or four days before school opened when he first suggested the idea to me that I would rather that he would appoint some one who had had more experience in the work than I, to fill the vacancy, but he seemed to think that I would be able to takecharge and on Monday he asked me to assume charge of the school and act as principal until one could be secured, well there was nothing for me to do but grant the request, which I did and succeeded with my work far better than I expected when I first entered the field. Yesterday, Saturday, Mr. Adger of Phila., who you more than likely know, came to fill the vacancy so that I am now relieved and can settle right down to the work that I applied for and I am certain that I shall enjoy it, for I am at last happy and contented in the fact that I am now able to support myself, a thing[*3. To F. Douglass Oct 12, 1890 3 of 3*] that I have been so anxious to do for three years or more. I have met Miss Amy Warren and find her a very pleasant person, we teach in the same building. She is quite anxious to take the next Civil Service examination which occurs in Jacksonville on the 15th of this month but she is afraid that her papers will not reach her in time. Ma is going to send me a copy of the speech of Mr. Montgomery and also your views upon it, - I amquite anxious to see both. That is one of the greatest difficulty about this place, I am unable to keep up with current events unless the papers are sent from home, and I miss reading the daily papers very much. Hoping that I have not put your eyes to a very severe test and that you will favor me with an early reply, I will close with much love I am, Your aff. grand-daughter, Hattie Box 466 St. Augustine FlaWashington, D. C., Oct., 13, 1890. The Hon, Frederick Douglass, U. S. Minister, &c., &c., &C. Anacostia, D. C. Sir:- Knowing your devotion to the Negro cause, and knowing the confidence the race has in you, and that you have given your best years, and exercised your great talents in fighting his battles; and recognizing in you the eloquent advocate of human rights; we feel . that, we express the desire of this community by respectfully requesting you to deliver a public address before leaving for your post of duty. We would be glad to have you speak relative to the relation subsisting between the citizens of the United States with reference to their political and civil rights, and especially with a view to the so called "Negro Problem," in which the public mind seems to be so greatly and deeply interested. We wish, Dear Sir, to have some words of cheer from you before you go from our midst again. We want to carry in our hearts and memories more of your burning utterances in the cause of right and justice, as we go on our way contending against prejudice on every hand. We have the honor to subscribe ourselves, Yours for the cause, B.K [?Droan?] J[?noth?]. [?Norman?] John R. Lynch J. W. Beckett Walter H. Brooks Francis J. Grimke Jno. R. Francis [* 2981 *]Syracuse Oct. 13 1890 My dear friend. On returning from a few days visit with a niece in Auburn I found your very kind letter. It is more than five years since the departure of my beloved, and many, many times. I have thought I might have a line from you. I return heartfelt thanks for your words of affectionate sympathy. [*900*]to visit you looks to me, I cannot express. So much so, that I have tried to think it possible to accept it. It would be a great pleasure to take your hand once more, and to visit with you, and Mrs. Douglass, the many places of interest in our nation's capital. But my purse says "You must stay at home," and when that speaks it is final. When I say I thank you, it very poorly expresses my pleasure for such kind remembrance. The kind words, reviving memories of the olden days give me far too much credit. It was so little, so very little, I could do for the dear cause. Happy they, however, who ever permitted to carry so much as a grain of the burden which rested so heavily on the shoulders of the world's sufferers and workers. How beautiful your most kind invitation Did you know that three years and a half ago, our darling Lillie, our youngest daughter, was called to join her precious Father? She left a little one a week old, who bears her name, and is an hourly reminder of her beloved mother. She is the pet of the house, and an amiable and obedient child. Minnie's care over her, and government of her is perfect and beautiful. Our dear son Henry follows his father's profession - and will succeed in time, but a young physician finds life a struggle. It is up hill all the way for years, but he will succeed, for he has everything requisite for success - Please give my love to Mrs. Douglass, and accept the same yourself - truly your friend H. F. Pease4 Cedar Street New York, N. Y. October 14, 1890 My dear Mr. Douglass: Your favor of the 9th inst was duly received. Mr. Peterson, Mr. Weiner and I went to New Haven Saturday upon invitation of Mr. Bassett, and we did not get back until Monday noon, and that is the reason this answer is tardy in reaching you. By way, we left Bassett sick abed, prostrated by a severe cold. Hope he will soon rally from it The explanation you make me as to your contention about the race problem is highly satisfactory. Of course the Nation must bear the opprobrium of it, not us, and it must solve it, not us, but that exists cannot be overlooked. This cannot but be common ground for us. I appreciate the high value you place upon my labors and am encouraged by it. I seek only the common good, and am [*901*]very prone to fall into error. The Open Court and The Arena people have treated me very nicely. I am very pleased that you are going into the former, and shall read you with great pleasure and profit. You should have an amanuensis all the time, to relieve you of the physical effort, always wearing and tearing. Yours most truly, T. Thomas Fortune To Hon Frederick Douglass, Anacostia DC.Cedar Hill Anacostia, D.C. October 14, 1890 Honorable John R. Lynch; Rev. J. H. Beckett; Rev. Walter H. Brooks; Rev. Francis J. Grimke; Dr. John R. Francis; Hon. R. H. Gleaves; Mr. P. H. Carson; Mr. R. H. Tirrell; Mr. H. H. Williams Gentlemen: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt [*1068*]of your respected letter of the 13th instant, in which you invite me to deliver an address on the so-called negro problem in Washington previous to my departure for my post in Haïti, [on the so-called negro problem] and asking me to name the time when it will suit my convenience to comply. I sincerely thank you for the invitation with which you have honored me and for the sentiments with which your invitiation is accompanied. While I greatly distrust my ability to fulfill to the utmost measure the requirements contained in your letter, I most cheerfully accept the invitation as tendered and name Tuesday evening the twenty-first of October as the time most convenient to me to deliver the address. I am, Gentlemen, Very respectfully, Your obedient servant [*(F. Douglass)*]Chicago Oct. 17. 1890 Hon. Frederic Douglass Washington, D. C. Dear Sir: I take the liberty to hand you, by current mail, copy of a Brief I have drawn up in the pending suit, Bacon v. Shakespeare. If you do me the honor to read it, I would be greatly pleased to learn what impression it makes on your mind [*902*]regarding the matter in controversy. You may perhaps remember me in connection with yr. visit at Mrs. Mosher's in Cambridge a year or two ago, when I had the pleasure of your company at my house. If you come to Chicago, I should be extremely glad to see you. Yours truly Edwin Reed Care Rand McNally & Co. ChicagoNew Haven, Oct. 19, 1890 My dear Douglass: I send you herewith enclosed a letter just received from Mr. Battiste by the steamer "Prins Willem III." I have marked with pencil three paragraphs in the letter to call your special attention to them. The steamer "Jacmel" mentioned as having been "run down" off the Môle, was one of the Haïtien war vessels, and the "Mansel" is one of Rivière's Haïtian coasters. I call your attention especially to what Mr. Battiste says of the necessity of supplies of consular forms. It is very important that they be sent as intreated. Yours very sincerely, E. D. Bassett. [*805*]Port-au-Prince, October 11, 1890 Hon. E.D. Bassett, New Haven, Conn, U.S.A. Dear Friend, Yours of the 4th came to hand it was welcomed as relieving the anxiety, we all felt, since by your preceeding letter we felt sure you would be here on the Orange Nassau therefore as soon as the Steamer had anchored, Doctor, Mr. Crain and myself went to the Bureau de port to await you, there we learned that neither Mr. Douglass nor your name was on the passenger list. However, Mr. Crain remained to make sure of your not being on board, while Doctor & myself [* 896 *]returned to his office and on going to the Post Office found your letter; which as I said before relieved our anxiety, but replacecd it with curiosity to know what is up. All is quiet here, the Chambers voted the budget and closed its session on the 26 ult. President Hyppolite has put off his intended voyage to the southern cities, on account of the heavy rains we have had necessarily putting the roads in a terrible state. He will not go until after the 1st of January. The newspapers still continue averring Firmin. The Brig Fairfield arrived here on Monday last and an armed guard was immediately placed on board of her, the Government having been informed that there were arms, ammunition, & dynamite on board for some revolutionary party the guards have been withdrawn and the excuse given that there was a mistake made on the part of the informant. Tweedy, who went to see Firmin about the affair, says that as soon as he informed him that the vessel was under the English flag he expressed regrets and ordered that the guards be instantly taken off, saying that he thought that it was an American vessel; giving the idea from what Tweedy says, that he wants to get into some row with the Americans The "Jacmel" was run down before the Mole Saint Nicolas and sunk by Rivière's Steamer "Mancel." All is going on smoothly at the Office, the new forms for invoices only giving a little trouble, itseems that there has not been any sent for Jeremie, Rouzier, has wrote asking for a supply; our supply is not very large, not over 50 copies, and as it takes 3 for each invoice it would be well that Mr. Douglass request that a larger supply be sent to the Con. Gen. Nos. 138, 140, & 172. are the forms most needed. Aux Cayes has requested some forms nos 107 & 102. I send herein enclosed a draft for $43 00/100 the amounts from Jeremie & Miragoane, with two notarial fees, trusting that it may reach you before you leave. Mrs. Battiste joins in sending best wishes to Mrs. Bassett & your self. Yours Truly A BattisteHoward University, Oct. 19th, 1890. Hon. Fred.k Douglass: It will be a great deprivation to me, not to hear you, next Tuesday night. I always delight to sit at your feet, & listen to your magnificent speech. And on all questions relative to the future of the United States, as bound up in the welfare of the Afro-American, I know your thoughts are deep & full of wisdom, as well as full of courage. I want to say to you, lest I may not have another opportunity, how unqualified [*903*]of the Afro American. I should never have had the courage for the undertaking, with out your cheering words; for which I thank you. I go to attend the annual meeting of the A. M. A. in Northampton, Ms., where some important matters relating to the Theological Department are to be considered. Not in public, of course; but, in conference with the Secretaries. And I am obliged to leave Washington, on Monday. May God speed the vessel, which bears you back to your honored position, & has been my confidence in you, & how precious has been the belief that you have honored me with yours. I am in a position, which I would not exchange for the seat of any crowned head in all Europe, or any uncrowned head in all America. And I believe, that the University over which I preside & of which you are one of the most learned of the trustees, has already entered upon an era of new development, which will be one of the most potent factors in determining the destiny may you again return in safety to see fulfilled the desire of your heart refreshing your kindred after the flesh: yes, & my kindred after the flesh. For if they are yours, there are also mine. Very truly yours, J. E. RankinUnited States Senate, Washington, D.C., Oct, 20, 1890 Hon. Frederick Douglass Dear Sir: Your most welcome letter was duly received and it is most gratifying that one whom for many years I have considered one the greatest men of this or of any age should express himself so strongly with reference to the poor attempts which I have made to be of service to my generation. I shall preserve this letter always and leave it to my Boy. I do not know whether anything which I said was of service indirectly to you in extending your [*905*]leave of absence from Hayti, I did however write a letter to the Hon. Secretary since the exception of yours which I hope may aid should your health or disposition make liberal relief from the dangers of the climate of your post desirable. With best wishes for your health & happiness and that you may bless our country with wise & patriotic service for many years. I am, Dear Sir, Sincerely & Resptly Yours, Henry W. Blair.716 Lodi St. Syracuse, Oct. 20, 1890 Dear Mr. Douglass, Will you allow me to present to you the accompany volume? It will, I am sure, interest you by its vivid descriptions of the shining old anti-slavery times, as well as for its author's sake. If after reading it, you should feel disposed to order a few copies it would be a great help to Mrs. Coleman who has published it at her own expense & is not likely to be reimbursed, unless her friends take some pains to help her. After a life spent in labor for others she is left infirm & lonely & I wish she could have the [*904*]quiet satisfaction of having the whole edition sold - With kindest regards I remain, very truly yours Charlotte May WilkinsonNew Haven, Oct. 22, 1890. My dear Douglass: My plans are all perfected for sailing on the Dutch steamer Saturday, 25th inst., for Port au Prince. The steamer is the "Prins Willem III". She will sail from Pierrepont Stores, near Wall Street Ferry, Brooklyn, promptly at one o'clock, Saturday afternoon. I am only waiting to hear from you. Please drop me a line so that I may get it here not later than Thursday evening. Unless I hear from you to the contrary, I shall go to New York Friday morning, sending my baggage directly to the steamer. My address in New York will be the [*806*]Stevens House, 27 Broadway. If I should go on to Port au Prince by this steamer and you should not sail by her, is there any instruction or regard that you would like to charge me with? Yours very cordially, E. D. BassettR.S. Smith Attorney at Law, Practices in all the Courts of the District. Claims and other Collections attended to. Webster Law Building Annex. 503 1/2 D Street. N.W. Washington D.C., Oct 22, 1890 Hon. Frederick Douglass, Dear Sir: It was my great loss and misfortune that my health prevented my hearing your great speech last night, but thanks to the daily press, I had the pleasure of reading your sound views upon the questions of the day. It is needless for me to say that I endorse your views, for they are the words of philosophy in the voice of eloquent reason. May you live long to bless the race of which you are the acknowledged Nestor - Very Truly Yours, R. S. Smith [*906*]I am, dear Sir, Douglass,427 Temple Street, New Haven, Oct 23, 1890. My dear Douglass: Yours of yesterday is at hand. All right. I'll go. Please send me a telegram so that it may reach me here not later than to-morrow (Friday) noon, informing me as to whether you will sail on Saturday's steamer. This is important. If I should have occasion to wire you, can't I wire to Lewis, 934 F street, Washn.? It costs over a dollar to reach you by wire at Cedar Hill. Yours very sincerely, E. D. Bassett [*807*]Hon Frederick Douglass, Anacostia D.C. My dear Sir: It has been my invariable rule to refrain from writing upon such a matter as the one which occasions these few lines, for the reason principally that I do not like the appearance of putting myself forward in judgment, even if favorable of the work of other men's brains. My defective hearing prevented the full enjoyment of your speech on Tuesday night last, but since then, I have the pleasure of giving it a quiet and undisturbed reading, and am thereby impelled to send you my heartiest and sincerest congratulations, upon your masterly presentation of the great truths embodied therein. I need not say to you, that the ladies connected with me by ties of family are more than enthusiastic. Believe me dear Sir to be Very respectfully yours C. A. Fleetwood Oct. 23 / 90. [*907*]Letter of approval from Fleetwood.Washington, Oct. 23, "90. Dear Mr. Douglass: Wishing you "bon voyage"; we send a little token of the esteem, affection, veneration which we feel for you. C.E. Parke P.Syphax M.E. Church M. Wayman L.F. Barney F. Martin A.L. Cooper F.L. Cardozo L.E. Moten Hugh Brown D. Thompson H.M. Bruce R. Harris M. Fletcher E. Brown M. Noble [*909*]1601 Mt. Vernon Street, Philadelphia. Oct 23rd 90 Hon Fred Douglass My dear Sir, I ran up here yesterday, on my way I read your speech , though I heard you with pleasure deliver it. I was more impressed with it as I read it; last night I read it to my father, he was much pleased & united with me in pronouncing it able. You should deliver it throughout the country, it will do great good. -- Yours truly C B Purvis [*908*]On Board Str. Prince Willem III, New York Oct. 25 1890 My dear Douglass: I have rec'd your last lines, and I am off. All right. I'll carry out your wishes over there, and tell Mrs. Douglass that I'll look after the roaches that feed on literary works. I have picked up at last a bit of confidential information here which has me to believe that you are detained for a conference with some representatives of the American Republics at the State Department when Mr. B [* 808 *]returns from the west. You must keep this entirely yourself. Otherwise I will be compromised I mean that you must not on any account mention the matter to any one as coming from me Let's see if this information isn't correct. I don't expect to be worth much down there for a few days after my arrival. You remember how we all felt there last Oct. and Nov. But I'll drop you a line by the first opportunity. Yours in haste but cordially, E. D. BassettPassaic, N. J. Oct. 26, / '90. Friend Douglass, My son requested me at the Breakfast Table to write to "Frederick Douglass and say I want him to visit this week because I am going away in a week or two to Kansas City." He said this Sunday Morning 25th. I have just read an Article in the New York Sun, that you hadn't [*910*]gone to Haiti — So I have just played a Peice of Rejoicing on [her] my Piano! We shall look for you this week. My love to Mrs. Douglass shall expect her also. Hope she can leave her Mother! I would send you the Article I cut from the Sun's Paper but I want to show it to Abel. It gives all the reasons! — You are Douglass still — nothing can add to your name or detract from your popularity! Catherine or KateW.M.I. STEAMERS Prins Maurits, Oranje Nassau, Prins Willem I., Prins Frederik Hendrik. Koninklijke West-Indische Maildienst. MONTHLY SAILINGS TO Port au Prince, Jacmel, Curacao, Porto Cabello, La Guayra, Cumana, Carupano, Trinidad, Demerara and Surinam. KUNHARDT & CO., Agents No. 32 Beaver Street, New York, Oct. 27th, 1890. Hon. Frederick Douglass, Cedar Hill, Anacostia, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. Dear Sir: In reply to your favor of the 24th ins't,we take pleasure in extending the time of your return passage to such a date as you may desire to avail yoursel of it. Very truly yours, Kunhardt & Co Geo. W. [?]Consulat General D'Haïti, [22 STATE] 101 Pearl Street, New York. Newyork 27 Octob. 1890 Honorable Frederick Douglas Cedar Hill Anacostia DC Dear Sir Permit me by the present to offer/my respects to you, as I missed the opportunity on the evening, when Mr Price kindly invited me to his house in Brooklyn expecting your presence, and you by forced circumstances could not give us that pleasure. Allow me to add a word in favor of Mr Adriano Grullon, partner of Mr L. Y Jimenes, as I have, Haiti for the vacancy of consul or consular agent there, This place has been empty some [*911*]time, and by request of our partner in business, Mr Jimenes, I recommended directly, to the department of State, and also through Mr W. P. Clyde, since about six months or more already, our friend & partner Mr Adriano Grullon as I have for this vacancy. I should feel exceedingly obliged to you, to add a few words in favor of Mr. Grullon in the U.S. Govt at Washington, so that it may decide this question at the earliest opportunity. Thanking you beforehand, I remain, Honorable Sir, your most obedient servant J. [Naussedt?][*Oct 28, 1890 A. I Evans 1 of 2*] 85 Maple St. Malden Mass. Hon. Frederick Douglass: Dear Sir: I sent to you on October sixteenth, a telegram announcing the death of my father - George Evans. The services were held Sunday afternoon October eighteenth, and the Monday following I received the enclosed telegram, which I could not understand as my brother paid all that was required of him to pay at the time of sending — Every day I have thought [*927*]years of age and lame — It proved to be his death march, and it seems that after all he gave his life while upholding the principles for which he had always contended. The strain on his heart caused a shock of paralysis which went to the brain terminating very quickly. My mind reverts back to a time some years ago — and I recall a conversation that I had with you, when you were father's guest — you having lectured in Walden the evening before. Child though I was, I well remember your telling me — while giving me a synopsis I would write to you, but ever since father was carried away from the home I have been in a kind of stupor — that seems difficult to arouse myself from. His death was quite sudden. In August we went together to the National Encampment of the G.A.R held in Detroit. Our train being late, we did not arrive there until the morning of the parade — and through some misunderstanding or neglect the usual carriages furnished for the disabled veterans were not there for his company — carried away by the enthusiasm of the moment, he fell into line and marched with the rest of "the boys" — at seventy-four synopsis of your life in slavery and escape — that my fathers library were among the first, if not the first books that you ever had access to. Now that library was burned some years before I was born, and there has been nothing but its ashes left to me — yet I have never read or listened to a sentence that has fallen from your lips, without a feeling of honor and pride that among the books of my fathers library one so gifted, so honored — had found profit and rest. Parker Pillsbury was present at the service and made appropriate remarks. He desires to meet the members of Post 40 G.H.R. of whichfather was a member at their Hall next Sunday evening and have a Memorial service. In your letter to father of October 1890, you express a wish to see him once more in the flesh — I am sorry it cannot be so — for he was always made glad by a smile of recognition and a clasp of your hand; and he had bright anticipations of visiting Washington next year. It is sad for us for his mind was young and he has always been so active that we hoped to keep him with us a number of years. Sincerely: Addie I. Evans Oct. 28 1890KATE FIELD'S WASHINGTON FOUR DOLLARS A TEAR. TEN CENTS A COPY. WASHINGTON PUBLISHING CO. 59 CORCORAN BUILDING. Victoria Hotel [Washington, D.C.] N.Y. Oct 28 1890. Dear Mrs. Douglass; You surely knew it was a mistake on my part. I frequently think one way and spell another and I inadvertently put an [I] for an F. I am very sorry and hope to be forgiven. Yours very truly, Kate Field. 913Newcastle on Tyne England Oct - 30t 1890 My dear Friend Frederick Douglass It was my intention to to greet your arrival in Hayti with an answer to your last welcome letter - but absence from home with all the attendent unsettlement has prevented me writing until now as we only returned last week We much enjoyed the seaside and I am much refreshed by the change -- It was with much concern I learned you had to leave Hayti on the scare of health and I united with your home relations in their wish you might not return to Hayti - After all you have gone through in the past - it does seem to me as if rest in old age had been fairly won Are there not plenty of men in the "U.S. who could fill the office you occupy, honorably? If not, it seems a poor showing of your people -- Though not any I suppose who understand the colored people so well -- I am glad the limit is now set and that Christmas, or soon after, will once more find you safely at Cedar Hill -- That home always seems to carry repose with it Let me know if your health is restored by the change -- But it is too great a strain upon it -- at present [*55*] [*2983*]You will be glad to hear that my dear sister Anna has kept in good health this summer which has been a relief to me - She has had a nephew from Canada visiting her with his Indian Boys - who labours among them as a Missionary - This was a great pleasure to Anna - Mentally, - she is as vigorous as once I think - and enjoys life - nothwithstanding her loneliness - for she looks on the bright side of things - to a remarkable degree -. My cousin Lasters have been often invalids of late but better at present - I know I have a large bundle of love and kindly remembrance laid up somewhere in my brain - for you - so please accept it from these dear friends - It often comes at a time distant from my writing - and so fails to be duly transmitted as freshly as it should be - Our friends do not forget "Frederick Douglass" - and I sometimes tell them about your interview with "Miss Amanda" - which you told me, - also, with your old Master - these are always listened to with much interest and pleasure - Is there any record of Mr James story in any of your books? There should be, I think I hope you found your family all getting on comfortably in your absence I think you have two Sons and one Daughter living - am I right? I forget how Mr James is employed please let me know in your next It was a nice plan for Mrs Ds mother and daughter to be in your house - are they there still? From what you say - it seems the Boys in America are no better than their English Cousins in demolishing glass if houses are left empty Sometimes almost every frame is broken a shameful practise which I cannot understand - seeing such good order is generally preserved, in due time at least - The "College" is now in good working - and is doing much good I believe to the young men in teaching science in its various branches - at a cheap rate - In these stirring times such knowledge is needed - for the World does not stand still - Why do you shut your ports to english goods in these days? when yours come free Is it a wise policy? England doubts it Do you see signs of improvement there though? You gave me a dark view of its state - can you make it better by precept and example - Who knows? - Are there wild tracts of country in the Islands? and do wild beasts roam there still - I have been reading interesting Books on natural history lately You see & (the [?] [?] an [?] [?]"Story." My maid whom you will remember is still my able helper she has been eight years with me She wishes to be kindly remembered to you - and always likes to hear about you when letters come to me. "Sarah" is well married in the Town - having got a good kind husband and a well presented house - he is constantly employed so I hope they will be happy - There are great "strikes amongst our workmen, but somehow they settle down again peaceably by getting a little of what they ask - They look ominous at times - and at present we are not without causes of apprehension for the near future - The distress to family is dreadful, as I have witnessed among our ship Builders in the last great depression we had when respectable families seemed really starving for food - I went a good deal amongst them and was struck with their patient endurance They did not ask for help - but it was all the more touching My large sheet reminds me little space is left so words must end also Give my kindest regards to Mrs D and accept very kind love yourself from your dear friend Ellen RichardsonSyracuse, Oct. 31 1890 Hon. Frederick Douglass, Dear Sir, Thank you sincerely for your generous order for Mrs. Colman's book & also for the paper containing your late address which I received with great pleasure by the same mail & which I wish that I might have heard. I fear that I expressed myself badly for I did not mean to ask your cooperation as an alms. Mrs. Colman is poor, it is true, but she has an income which is sufficient for the support of so prudent a person & she would reject as unnecessary any thing offered in charity. But I do desire that her lonely old age should be cheered. [*914*]My grateful recognition of her selfish devotion to the cause of humanity & the publication of her book gives her friends an opportunity to show their appreciation of her character in an acceptable manner If each of them could be half as liberal as yourself she would soon have the pleasure of disposing of the whole edition. Mrs. Colman is out of town for a short time, but I will see that six copies, at one dollar each, are forwarded to you in a few days. With kind regards I remain, very gratefully yours Charlotte May Wilkinson.