P.S.- Please return the clipping. Mr.
Firmin assured me that the propositions therein 
alleged to have been made by Mr. Blaine to Mr. 
Preston were actually made as represented. Every body
knows that no such [response?] could be worded thro' you.

New Haven, Aug. 1, 1891.
My dear Douglass:
I have read your 
letter of the 28th ultimo with a very profound 
interest. 
On some accounts I regret your 
decision to send in your registration so 
soon. But if ever any body has fairly 
earned the right to pass what may be 
left of life to him in the quiet and 
comfort of home, it is yourself. And 
nobody can blame you for electing to avail 
yourself of that well deserved right now. 
All good people every where will join hands 
in wishing you many years yet of good 
health, of comfort and happiness.
Of my life with you in the West Indies -
[814]I can on my part most sincerely say to 
you just what you say to me, namely: our 
relations during the past two years have been 
intimate, confidential and every way pleasant. 
No shadow that I know of has fallen between 
us. We joined hands as friends. I trust 
we part the same. 

I am also pleased with your appreciation 
of my services to you. For I really did try 
to serve your faithfully and be useful to you. 
I wanted to do all that I did in this sense.
 It was a real pleasure and satisfaction to 
me always, and never a task or a burden. 

And we ought both of us to find a crowning 
satisfaction in the renewed assurance 
which you give me that "our work at the 
"State Department is approved."

I am just a little surprised at the withholding 
of your salary. Still it is the law. But 
I do not think that Dr. Terres will do anything 
to trouble or in any way discomfort you. That 
is not in his character, and besides I know 

that he has a very regard and esteem 
for you. 

I am sure that the Doctor is not now and 
never will be a willing candidate for the place 
at Port au Prince which you are about to relinquish.
He has said to me over and over 
again, when Crain would bring the matter up,
 that he knew within himself how utterly unqualified 
he would be for the place, and that 
he really had no desire whatever for it. I 
think that these are his positive sentiments 
about the matter.

I still hope that you will not send 
in your resignation before you have seen 
the President. You might be of real service 
to Haiti by seeing and talking with him while 
you are yet our Minister there. Your sixty 
days' leave is not yet filled up, and it 
will cost you nothing to hold back until you 
can see the President even if that be some 
weeks after the sixty days are gone. The law and 
the "Instructions" and "Regulations" foresee all that.And besides, I don't see how carrying out 
this plan can in any way interfere with 
your comfort at home. It is merely a matter 
of not giving up just now, for the purpose of 
being able possibly to render good services which 
you may not be able to render when once you're out.
         I thank you for your renewed assurance 
that you will do any thing just and prudent 
and within your power to make me your successor.
        I think you can do that best by speaking 
directly to the President about me, and saying 
to him all that you truthfully can say of 
my character, of my standing out there and of my qualifications 
for the place. In that way we can learn 
whether our enemies have effectually killed me off.
      I've got so myself that I almost recoil before 
opening a letter or a newspaper. But abuse of us has  
ceased for the present. Klein's (World's man at Pt.au Pce.) 
statements and yours and mine have bro't about a truce.
    I however send you herewith an editorial from the Sun of 
the 18th  ult. Take the drift of that in connexion with 
the fatal clause in Gherardi's Mole instructions, and you'll 
see the designs that have been lurking in the State Department 
touching some sort of an inroad on the perfect 
independence of the  Black Republic..

   Yours sincerely and devotedly, 
E. D. Bassett.Porl-au-Prince, Haiti August 1, 1891.

Honorable
Frederick Douglass
U.S. Minister Resident etc.
Anacostia
Washington, D.C.
Dear Sir:
I received letter of the 11th ultimo informing 
me of your safe arrival at home, with great pleasure.

I see by the the Heralds, and from the clippings
from other papers sent by Mr. Bassett that you and he
are under a pretty heavy fire, and if your head does
not fall it will not be from the want of the will
or from inactivity on the part of your opponents.
The articles published about Haiti are so absurd
and exaggerated that one would be disposed to laugh
at them and treat them with Contempt, were it not
that, they strike not the Haitiens alone, but in striking
this country deal a blow at the same time to our race.
The World's reporter here Mr. Kelien, sent by the
two last steamers some contradictions to the the absurd stories
that were published in that paper, and especially
those concerning you, but I fear it will do very little
to correct the erronious opinions already circulated. A
reporter for the Herald arrived here on the Steamer last
night.
We are having continual rumors here that the

[987]exiles at Kingston are about to attempt a debarkment 
here, and some dates have been been fixed
but they have come and gone but they have not
yet arrived, the last date fixed was yesterday, I fear
that this is only a part of the program, carried
out by the enemies of the Government here. However
the authorities here are on the alert, and should
they attempt to land, they will meet with a very 
warm reception. Naturally these rumors caused
much anxiety and inquietude on the part of the
residents of this city, many moved out of the city,
and the excitement reached such a height that
the authorities after publishing a proclamation 
tending to allay this state of feelings, were finally 
obliged to issue orders at the portals to prevent
carts etc. passing with furniture and effects of 
the persons thus excited by these rumors. Since 3 or 4
days the city has regained its usual quietness.

Last week the Government tried to obtain a 
loan of $1,600,000, paper to be paid back in gold 
about the Commencement of next year at 3% interest,
but they failed to obtain it, only a few merchants 
with the Bank have subscribed $142,000, the other
merchants refuse to subscribe unless the Government
will accept the $5, bills issued under Legitime's Administration, 
and they hold out up to the present; the  
Government is equally firm in refusing to accept
this term[s] and has decided to apply to the merchants 
in the other Cities of the Republic, and in  

case of a failure to obtain the required sum from
them, will endeavor to obtain a foreign loan probably 
in England. Unfortunately for the Government
the [high?] Commerce and the Roman Clergy are against
it and they are [not to be] of great weight in the political
affairs of the country, and are able generally to 
carry all before them.

Mr. Flesch left here last Sunday on a leave of absence
for a few months, his place is supplied by the Baron d'Avril
Charge d'affaires et Secretaire d'Ambassade 1er. Classe.
Before leaving Mr. Flesch succeeded in settling the 
Rigaud's Affair, this Government paying an indemnity
of 80,000 francs.

Dr. Terres forwarded by the last mail a dispatch
waiving all claims for salary for the period of your
absence last year.

All is going on quietly at the office, Dr Terres succeeded
in settling Mr. Crain's Affair for $15,000, of which
$5,000 was paid over on the 16 ultimo, and the other instalments
of $5000 each to be paid Oct. 15 next and Jan 15, 1892.
Mr. Crain sailed for New York on the steamer that left here
on the 16th ultimo.

Enclosed please find a draft sent by Mr. Durham
for the july dividend on the Frary claim you will please 
send me a copy of the dispatch with which you transmit
the draft to the Department.

Mr. Durham begs Dr. Terres to explain to you 
the cause of his leaving his post without notifying you
He writes: "My eyes were in such a condition that"I could not wait for the delay necessary to the regular
"official channel. Eighteen days after the date 
"of my dispatch I received permission to go. the
 "Department sending me my leave by cable. The 
"gain i made in time is obvious. I desire to apologize 
"to Mr. Douglass for any apparent dereliction 
"or any breach of official courtesey, and if you 
"will do me the kindness to forward my message
"to him I shall esteem it a great personal favor."

In the "Moniteur" and also repeated twice in
the Haiti Bulletin there was a denial from the Dominican
Vice Consul here of any disposition on the
part of his Government to lease Samana to the U.S 

Mrs. Battiste joins me in sending best wishes 
to you and Mrs. Douglass, as well as all others of 
your family 

Yours truly ,
A. Battiste.Port au Prince Haïti
Août 1/ 91.

Chère Madame Douglass,
Depuis votre départ, je suis tojours
dans l'attente de quelques lignes de vous; et malheureusement
pour moi, je suis toujours désappointée;
par conséquent je ne sais encore comment vous
etes arrivés dans votre belle ville de Washington,
que je voudrais bien connaitre! Vous apprendrez
avec plaisir, j'en suis persuadée, la guerison de
ma cousine Mad: Lorain - elle & sa mère & son
mari me chargent pour vous de mille bons souvenirs,
quant à moi- même, je viens d'etre tres malade,
j'ai gardé le lit 15 jours, d'une bronchite assez sérieuse,
et d'une "angine" (mal de gorge), mais quant à
présent, je suis encore bien postante, mais un
peu faible. Maman va bien, sauf sa vue qui
faisse beaucoup à desirer. Je pense bien souvent
à vous, chére Madame, et à notre bon Father
Douglass. Je me demande parfois, "Aurai-je le
bonheur encore une fois de revoir mes bons amis!
Oui! Je veux bien le croire. Vous nous avez
laissé un si bon souvenir, du peu de temps
que vous êtes restés parmi nous. Sans ma
maladie, je vous aurais déjà ecrit. Je suis
désolée à propos de mes affaires, car je ne
vois aucun moyen possible en ce moment pour
[*3174*]mettre mon projet à éxécution, c'est a dire
de partir pour l'Angleterre. Je ne trouve pas
d'acheteur pour ma propriété et c'est la tout mes
embarras. Enfin il me faut encore du courage
et de la patience - car ma tache est bien difficile.
Si Maman et moi, nous ne  pouvions partir
pour l'Europe, mais au moins, je tacherai de
profiter de votre bonne invitation et voler vite
au prés de vous pour quelques semaines! Ah! que
que je serais heureuse! Je n'ai guère vu personne
depuis que vous étes partis, vivant toujours seule
au prés de Maman, une vie très monotone.
J'aimerais tant un changement, cela m'est necessaire,
absolument. Si je pouvais passer l'hiver en Amérique!
Etes vous restés à New York avant d'aller à
Washington? Maintenant Chère Madame Douglass,
avant de finir mon long bavardage, je vais
vous prier de me rendre un petit service. Je me
confie à vous, comme je me confierais à une
bonne soeur, et je vais croire que je ne me
trompe pas, je sais que Father Douglass a de
très grandes relations partout en Amerique et
par conséquent il lui sera peut etre facile
de s'informer pour moi de quelque chose
qui m'interresse beaucoup. Je désire savoir si
il ne serait pas possible pour lui, d'apprendre
ce que Monsieur Adrian H. Lazare Jnr. est devenu,
on m'a dit qu'il est employé en la douane de
New York - je ne sais pas si c'est vrai. Avec
l'influence de notre bon Father Douglass, ne

peurrait il pas trouve moyen de le faire nommer
ici a la Legation, si il le desirait aussi; je suis
assez franche pour vous avouer, que je serais
si contente de le revoir. Maman a ete si
severe envers lui! Excusez moi de cette franchise,
je vous prie. et si je suis dans l'erreur pardonnez
a une petite amie. Tachez si c'est possible de me
faire avoir quelques renseignements lui concernant -
Si je pouvais courir, voler, a la nage aller vous
trouver, je vous causerais plus ouvertement et
vous pardonneriez a ma maniere de vous
ouvrir mon coeur reste trop longtemps ferme -
Il faut me taise maintenant, chere Madame
Douglass, n'ayant plus rien de bien interressant
a vous causer - j'espere recevoir bientot de
vos nouvelles ainsi que celles de notre bon
Father Douglass. Maman et toutes ces dames
de la famille vous font leurs meilleures amities.
Quant a moi meme, chere Mrs Douglass,
je vous envoie ainsi qu'a Father Douglass
mille bons baisers
de 
Votre petite Amie
affectueuse
Margaret Byson.

Mrs. Frederick Douglass
Cedar Hill
Anacostia D.C.


THE REPUBLICAN LEAGUE,

NEW HAVEN, CONN.

August 2, 1891
My dear Douglass:
Thinking it
possible that you might not see the
New York World of to-day, I send
you herewith enclosed a clipping from 
its columns, which is interesting to us
both, as it in some measure vindicates
us both from the malicious lies printed 
about us in the N.Y. Sun.
You will see that the writer takes it for
granted that Reed is the author of the Sun's 
infamous charges about us. That was my idea
at first.  But when you intimated in your
interview with the World's correspondent some
days ago that Jean was the probable Sun liar
[*815*]I remembered something that seemed
about to occur between myself and Jean
aboard the Steamer. It was nothing less [that]
than an intimation that he intended to
insult me! I was not entirely sure of it
at the time, because I can never believe
that one man can deliberately insult another
where all are equal, and even now I cannot
feel sure of it. At any rate I was
determined to take no notice of it, unless
the thing was actually done, and I went on
treating him and his family with becoming
civility. But it must have been evident
to you that Jean was soured against
both you and me
I had heard of the enclosed article
some time  - nearly two weeks - before it
appeared to-day. But I feared that it
was too much against the policy of the public

press, including the World, ever to find
a place in its columns.
Of course I know nothing of my
alleged unpopularity in Port au Prince. It
may be true! But I never saw any thing
to indicate it in my extensive intercourse
there with all classes and conditions of men,
and I think that if it were true, I
or you or Terres or some of us would have
found some intimation of it while there on
the spot.
Yours very cordially,
E. D. Bassett
I confirm to you my letter of yesterday
which I hope you've received to-day.
B.Form 2.—For Type Writer Use. TELEGRAM

This Company TRANSMITS and DELIVERS messages subject to conditions printed on back of this Blank.
ALBERT B. CHANDLER, President and General Manager.
JOHN O. STEVENS, Secretary.

46' Ny Qh M 44 Paid 1;29Pm

Received at 1427 F St., N.W.
New York Aug. 5 [1891] TELEPHONE CALL 458.

Hon Fredk. Douglass, Washn.D.C.

Some allusions to Gherardi in introduction seem to
require omission or modification ,we go to press tomorrow
will you therefore leave this to us , of course we
would not alter sense..In our opinion effectiveness
would be greatly increased and article strengthened
answer paid. North American Review.CONDITIONS.

Errors can be guarded against only by repeating a message back 
to the sending station for comparison, and the company will not 
hold itself liable for errors or delays in transmission or delivery of 
Unrepeated Messages beyond the amount of tolls paid thereon or in 
any case where the claim is not presented in writing with sixty 
days after sending the message.

This is an Unrepeated Message and is delivered by request of 
the sender under the conditions named above.THE REPUBLICAN LEAGUE,
NEW HAVEN, CONN.
August 7, 1891.
My dear Douglass:
There is no truth whatever
in the report that I have received an
appointment under President Hyppolite's government.
As far as I know and believe the
report has no foundation whatever; it is a
pure fabrication. I cannot imagine how
it came to be set afloat as it was in the
N.Y. Sun of the 24th ultimo.
For several reasons I regret that you
sent in your resignation before you saw the
President. I am afraid that that step may
seriously impair any chances that I may have
had for the succession. It depended very,
very greatly on you to present my case
directly to the President, and that you can
yet do. But the moment your resignation
is in his hands the suspicion will be in his mind.
[*816*]I do so much hope that you may be able 
to see him soon; that is, at any rate, before
your resignation is given out or finds its
way to the public, and that may not be long,
for even in to-day's N.Y. World I see the
matter hinted at.

I feel persuaded that in any event
I shall have no chance for the succession
at Port au Prince, unless you present my
case directly to the President.

Please remember us all very kindly
to Mrs. Douglass. Do you think that you
will come this way during the Summer?

Very sincerely and very cordially yours,

E. D. BassettNorth Danville, N.H. Aug. 8 '91

Dear Friend Frederic
I was very glad of
your note though it told me so very
little. I hope you will soon give
me farther accounts of yourselves. 
I am in this Countriest of all
Country places, boarding for two
weeks with my old friend Mrs.
Brewster (once wife of a Free Baptist
minister of Providence, for two or 3
years at Harpers Ferry introducing
industrial training at the College
& helping the colored people generally
in that vicinity - I wish it was
no farther from Cedar Hill, to come
here than to go to Harpers Ferry and you
could trip over here. Indeed it is not
far, when once in Boston, only two
hours from Boston - up through
Lawrence - this reminds me, the
[*988*]Sherman's have a Cottage at Old
Orchard this summer.  Go hop[w]e
1st of September.  Did I write you
that Will's Mother died suddenly
about a month ago?  This makes
me think of Mrs Chase whose
tumor is again rapidly increasing
tho' she is not as yet inconvenienced
by it .& is at the summer [bank?]
on Cape Cod.

I have been spending a week at
Sumner's in F. River. and have
had a lovely visit.  She is looking
and feeling better than fro many
years - She asked for you-

A letter from Sarah Eddy, asks
for you, and says she shall
like to send you "papa's book"-
She is at home now, & will I know
be very glad to receive a line from
you.  [Sarah] Amy & I are at Putnam
her boy, a right handsome child
Mrs Gordon, is here with

me.  You will remember she came
to Washington with me.

As I said, it is pure country
here.  A place to rest - to feel the
stillness - I have just been readling
a very absorbing book - "Donovan"
I wish you could have been by, for I
read it mostly aloud, since being
here - It is the story of an honest
soul seeking for God - of course
the God he sought, was not the
Sham, which the popular church has
professed. and the story tells how
out of the sorest injustice and wrong
he is led step by step, to find in the
growth of his own spiritual self a
recognition of the Love element
which is God - I wish you could read it-
or I could read it to you -

It is long since I have heard from Rose.
Is Hatty at home?  Will the Pilot, be able
to heart the storm?  Won't you tell me
of young Morris?  Was he really the one in faith?Give love to Rose. Tell her I have hope
to hear from her. Is Mother Pitts
better than heretofore? Does Helen
recover her [?wanted] health? My remembrances
to them all -

Did you know Mr Walling was 
dead? Poor Mrs W. is in great financial
straits - Wants to sell her house
in Cambridge &c.

Now with old time cheer -
I am very truly
Martha Waldo Green

Care Mrs N. N. Brewster
North Danville
N. H.The North American Review,
3 East Fourteenth Street, New York.

Dictated.   
August 8, 1891


Dear Mr. Douglass: 

Allow me to thank you for your 
courtesy in the matter of your article.

There is only one other question, 
which under ordinary circumstance 
I would have telegraphed 
you about; but i did not like to do 
so after the trouble I have already 
given you - namely whether you are 
still our Minister to Haiti. My 
impression is that you are, thoughon reading your article I get the idea
that you have resigned.  Very likely
I am in error; but it is necessary for
me to know for the bulletin.  If you
telegraph me, at my expense, on receipt
of this it will be in time.
I am

Dear Sir,

Very truly yours,
Lloyd BryceF.L. Barnett    S. Laing Williams.
Barnett & Williams,
Lawyers,
Suite 4.       180 Clark St.
Pension Claims Prosecuted.
                                       Chicago, August 10, 1891.
Hon. Frederick Douglas,
Washington, D.C.,
My Dear Sir:-
I notice by the special dispatches of this morning that you 
have resigned from the diplomatic Service of the Government, an
act which the Washington correspondents have intimated would be 
the final outcome of the controversy regarding Mole St. Nicholas.

While I have no right to  intefere with your affairs, I still 
presume that my long continued support of you through the columns 
of THE CONSERVATOR, will attest that I write not from curiosity 
nor selfish interest, but a real desire to remedy a wrong, (if in 
any way I can,) which seems to follow you with vicious tenacity.

From the very first dispatches concerning the Mole St. Nicholas, 
the Public Press has almost without an exception threw all 
blame on you. I have never yet seen one distinct charge made against
you, not an instance of carelessness, lack of diplomatic ability 
nor patriotism. Still the editorials charge you with failing, 
giving generally the damning "faint praise" that any colored 
man would have done as you did, that your acts were dictated by racial 
rather than national interests. The contemptible part of 
the matter is that the papers of the Republican party with the
[989]F. L. Barnett              S. Laing Williams
      Barnett Williams
         Lawyers
Suite 4.         180 Clark ST.
Pension Claims Prosecuted


Chicago, _________________________189

Democratic Journal in giving publicity to these mean insinuations
which do their great injury by mischeivious indirection.

    I think I can do you the justice of having your day in court
so to speak, without appearing to do so by your motion. I have 
the confidence and friendship of a gentleman whose heart is always
on the side of the injured. He hates oppression of all kinds and 
will do whatever he can to give every man full justice. I am sure 
that is all that you want. I am confident that your side of the 
story has not been told and in justice to you I think it should be 
told. This friend of whom I speak is the senior proprietor of 
The Chicago Inter-Ocean and there is no better friend to the colored 
people of this country than he is.

     Knowing this I concluded to write you and if you choose to 
give me the facts and your own ideas concerning the case I feel 
assured that the Inter-Ocean will state the matter properly for
the information of the public. Beside this I think he will make 
editorial mention of the matter to your benefit.

     I do not care to use the matter in The Conservator first for [h]
that would reach the colored people only. It is before the bar
of public opinion of the entire country that I desire to have you
secure a hearing and that can best be done by such a journal as theF. L. BARNETT. S. LAING WILLIAMS.
Barnett ¢ Williams,
LAWYERS,

SUITE 4. 180 CLARK ST,
Pension Claims Prosecuted.
Chicago,  189

Inter-Ocean. If this suggestion strikes you favorably, you can forward 
me what matter you deem advisable as soon as you see fit. I
will hold your communication to be confidential and faithfully
comply with any instruction you may see fit to give. My sole purpose 
in this case being to see you get that justice which I am
sure you deserve and which I feel that has to this time been denied 
you.

Very respectfully,
Yours
F. L. BarnettAnacostia D. C. August 10th 1891.

Rev. Alexander Battiste
My dear Sir:
I am very much obliged for your letter of the 1st instant.
enclosing the July instalment on the Frary. which will be duly
forwarded to the State Department.  I am still minister resident and
Consul General to the Republic of Haiti and shall be till my
resignation shall be accepted by the President.  This may come
in a day or two and may not come at all.  In that case
you may see me for a breif period again in Port au Prince.
I am still under a heavy fine and the prospect is that
I shall so remain for sometime longer and with ever
increasing fury for I propose to strike back.  I have
not seen Mr Bassett since we landed at New York, but I have
letters from him regularly.  He is a good deal concerned about his
prospect of succeeding me.  His chances are not as brilliant as
I wish they were.  There are at least 20 applicants for the place.
But I can with a good conscience speak the right word for him.
I am very glad to learn that Mr [?Craul?] has settled with the
Government of Haiti or rather the Gov has settled with him - That was a Stone of stumbling in my way
and I congratulate our good Dr Terres upon his success.
If any White man succeeds me I hope it will be the
Doctor, He is able, wise and generous. and the Haitiens could
depend upon him for justice and fair dealing.  I am sorry
to say. I find in the public Journals here something like a purpose
to bring about a National quarel with Haiti which shall serve
as a pretext for open war with the country.  The refusal to
leave the Mole will be the cause of the quarel and the
[*87*]     [*3014*]quarel is to justify violence. I do not think it will succeed -
but the intention is plainly visible. All manner of lies are 
here told about Haiti. She is represented as have insulted
the United States in flagrant manner. A high official told
me the other day she was putting on airs and that she 
ought to be "spanked".  Now for a peice of news. Two weeks
ago I sent in my resignation. Although it has not yet been
formaly accepted, I am quite sure it will be as I left the
president with no option to refuse it. I regret that I felt
myself compelled by personal consederation to take this
step, especially since it separates me from Haiti and from
many people that I learned while there to consider my friends
and yourself among the number - but I reconcile myself to 
the loss by the thoughts that the event had to come any way - 
and it might as well be now as at any other time. Believe, 
however Mr. Battiste, that I shall always remember you as an 
able, industrious, painstaking and faithful worker in the U.S.
Legation - always true, courtious and gentlemanly in conduct
and bearing and as such I can and will commend you 
to whoever may succeed me as Minister. I regarded you as 
[the] as in some sense the soul of the Legation. Knowing every
detail of its work and possessing a hand or head to do it, Please 
remember me in warm terms to dear Mrs. Battiste and when 
you see her, to Mrs [Her?]. Should ever be yours to visit, the 
United States while my white head is above ground remember 
that you will have a home under my roof. I think my
last act in connection with my office will be to send today
the draft you enclosed in payment of the July instalment of 

Frary claim. 
With every sentiment of respect and esteem
I am very truly yours.
Frederick Douglass917 East Capitol St. 
Washington D.C. 
August 10, 1891


My Dear Friend:

I began to speak to you on a personal matter yesterday that 
I did not finish, so with your kind indulgence, I will do so now. 

I find by inquiring of the civil service commissioner that, as 
long as I am substituting, I can be certified for a permanent position 
as a stenographer, but if I am certified to a permanent position 
on the register that I have recently been certified from-- 
that is the copyist's--that it will be as a copyist, at a salary 
not exceeding $900 a year. I know from various sources, both official 
and otherwise, that I stand as high on the roll as stenographer 
as any other lady, but the difficulty is that there are few 
requests for lady stenographers from the heads of departments, or 
elsewhere. They either think them too weak physically or mentally 
or lacking in qualifications as to experience or expertness. 
Now without undue self-inflation, I think I could fill the position 
acceptably to any of these gentlemen, but I am not now in a 
position to prove such qualifications, and it occurred to me that 
you might be familiar enough with some of the chiefs of divisions 
or heads of departments to whom you might suggest the calling for 
a lady stenographer and then I am quite sure that my name would be 
certified, and if at the same time, you should state that you knew 
me personally and could testify that I was capable and could fill 
the place, of course the probabilities would be much greater of 
my getting it. Now, I do not want to compromise you in the least, 
or have you do anything that would be at all disagreeable; the 
thought came to my mind when a young colored man in our room came 
to one of the ladies and told her that he had been transferred and 
promoted by Mr. Lynch, the Fourth Auditor of the Treasury, and I

[*3008*]thought you might be acquainted with him, and that he might need a
stenographer in his special department. The Commissioner told
me that the Treasury Department, or the Commission could certify
me to a stenographer's place so long as I was substituting. You
know that Mr, Hillyer is getting very feeble and will probably be
obliged to resign his office before long (This is confidential) and
of course it is my object, and aim to get as large a salary as I can
get and conscientiously hold.

The Commissioner told me that before the day of type-writers
Congress made special appropriations for stenographers as private
clerks to heads of departments, but since that time there had been
a much larger demand for them and no appropriation had been made
to correspond to the demand, so that they were appointed as clerks
and used as stenographers and that it had lowered the price of the
profession; but still I know the heads of departments usually pay a large
salary for their private stenographers whether man or woman.

I do not wish to trespass upon your time, and feel as though
I was always asking and never giving in return, but I shall be
very thankful if you can do any thing to help me to get a place
where I can follow my chosen profession, of which I am passionately 
fond,

Truly your friend,
AMEY M. HILLYER.

Hon. Frederick Douglass,
Anacostia, D. C.
Cedar Hill.
2

[3008]No, 131/. Diplomatic Serie
Department of State, 
Washington, August, 10, 1891.
Frederick Douglass, Esq:
etc. etc. etc.
Now at Cedar Hill, Anacostia, D. C.
Sir:
I have to acknowledge the receipt of your No. 180 of the 30th.
ultimo, tendering your resignation as Minister Resident and Consul 
General of the United States to Haiti, also Charge d'Affaires
to the Dominican Republic,

I am charged by the President to accept your resignation 
and to express to you, on behalf of this Government, its appreciation 
of the ability and fidelity which have uniformly characterized 
the discharge of your official duties.

The Department hopes that you may enjoy the fullest measure 
of prosperity and success in the future.
I am, sir,
Your obedient servant,
William F. Wharton.
Acting Secretary.

[3009]New Haven, August 11, 1891.

My dear Douglass:
I wanted to ask you 
some time ago if you would not, in view of  
the dreadfully malicious slanders heaped upon me,
devote just a few lines of your proposed
defence before the public to my vindication, provided
that you think that that much is owe
to me and is at the same time worth the while.
We must not pay too much attention to
the newspapers.  I admit that.
The World a few days ago vindicated me
from the monstrous charges of the Sun, it is
true.  But this morning's Herald cites an
alleged on dit that I deceived you in my
translations and interpretings!  That is a
serious charge to cover behind an on dit.  [*817*]Just think of it!  In the first place, how
could I have successfully deceived you in 
that way, if I had wished to?  In the second
place, you will remember that our rule
was to talk over beforehand all communications
to be made to the Minister of Foreign
Affairs, and if you will cast your mind
back over the ground, you may recollect that
I was almost always more in favor of being
rigid with him than you were. How then 
could I have wished to deceive you in order 
to please him, as is alleged? 

A single word, and that on the
succession out there. 

If you will communicate directly and
earnestly with the President in my favor, so as
to sound him well on the subject, I shall be
content.  Unless you do that, I am persuaded
that there's no chance for me. 

I will enlist in my behalf Senators Platt
and Hawley. But that will have no controlling
value, unless you come to the front in my behalf 

directly with the President. 

Even the charges of the newspapers and of the
Admiral may work in my favor, inasmuch as
they have been pleased to debate on what they
designate in effect as my great influence with
"those people down there."  That is of course one
way of looking at the matter.  I presume that nobody
doubts my ability to fill the place. That is something at any rate. 

I don't suppose that you care to bother
with Haitian news any more now.  But it is
well enough for you to know that the
Crain matter was settled by paying him 
$5000 cash and agreeing to pay him $10,000 more 
in two installments.  That amiable settlement
is another solid fact against the alleged 
"do nothing" policy charged against you. 

For the past ten days or so, I am a constant
sufferer from that heart trouble.  It is not very bad. 
But it keeps me under an incessant annoyance
and depression. ---  I wish I could see you. 
How is your health now? 

Yours very cordially, 
E. D. BassettProvidence R.I. Aug 11,1891

Hon Frederick Douglass
My Dear Sir 

I am moved 
to send you the enclosed and 
to to add that I was recently 
in Milford Mass where I 
dined with your old and 
true friend Rev George W. 
Stacy who spoke of the old 
anti slavery times and of 
the part you took in those
 trying and stirring days. 

Mr. Stacy what as you 
will remember a most 
efficient conductor on the
[991]underground railroad, 
and aided many passengers
to a safer land than
ours then was.  I presume
you will call to mind
Mr Stacy's true friend
and a most ardent abolitionist
besides, Rev Adin 
Ballou who lived in the
little village or rather
town of Hopedale near by.
I notice by yesterday's paper
that his widow has just
died I called on her in May
last and through she seemed
feeble I did not think 
but what I should see her
again.  Mr Ballou died as
you will remember a year
ago this month. 

He led a very active as well
as useful life.  The First 

of August celebration there
in the long ago had a national 
reputation and to
them used to come HIgginson 
[the] Burleighs and other
men who espoused the anti-slavery
cause when they suffered
much thereby.  

Those few of the old guard
now remain.  Weld May
Pillsbury yourself and one
or two more are about all that
come readily [come] to mind.
I heard May at the funeral 
of Mr Ballou. 

I also send with the enclosed
something to remind
you of your Woonsocket R. I. 
friend Ed. Harris.  My
friends think the likeness
of him very good.  One of
our printing firms kindlyloaned it for use.  Mr. 
Harris was also as you
will call to mind the 
staunch friend of John Brown.  
Well the old times have 
changed much and yet 
there is much needed to 
be done for the black man 
and I am always pleased 
to read of your efforts 
which have been so wonderfully 
blessed.  I received 
a short time since from Elizabeth 
B. Chace one of your well known 
friends 'her recently published 
pamphlet on "Anti-slavery 
Reminiscences" I find it of 
much interest. With high 
regards for yourself believe me 
very truly Daniel A. CookAugust 11, 1891.

Hotel St. Petersbourg
35 & 35 RUE CAUMARTIN
PARIS
TELEGRAPHIC ADDRESS
PLAGGE-PARIS

My dear Friend: 
This clipping I 
took from morning paper - 
The Calignani Messenger, Paris, 
August 11, 1891.

Its contents pleased me so 
much that I cut it out & 
determined to write immediately 
my congratulations.  
The news is so good, that I 
almost doubt its truth.
Well, here I am in Paris - 
the most beautiful City of the 
world! I never dreamed 
of such wonderful architecture; 

[*990*]3 
I spent quite two weeks in 
great London.  Shall return 
next Sat. to visit
Windsor Castle, Stratford-on-Avon, 
Kenilworth and
Warwick Castle and Brighton.
I sail for home on the
Etruria which leaves Liverpool,
Aug. 22. 
I shall then go to Sara. 
for a couple of weeks 
rest with Mrs Lucas, where 
I shall have perfect quiet
as the season is entirely
over.
I shall have company on 
my return - Misses Bradford, 
Archer, Delamata & Dr. Howard
They came to Eng. on the City
of Paris, which left A. July 22. 

They are with me now in 
Paris - were it not for
them I can scarcely imagine
what I should do
here all alone.  The customs
and habits & speech all are
so different.  The effect
of my travels have been 
only to intensify my love
for home.  Here as well as
in Eng. there is too much
freedom for purity - I find
the moral status exceedingly 
low.  But the race freedom 
develops the best there is in 
man.  Here I find Men not
negroes coping with men
& achieving the same success - 
Let the N. alone in A. 
& 50 yrs. hence we shall have
the same results. With love to you & Mme. 
Yours, Lucy  E. Nolenand the magnificence 
of its boulevards never fail
to excite admiration.

We have visited under the
Cook Excursion some of the 
many noted places, among
which were the Palace, Galleries 
& Park of Versailles;
Park & Palace (ruins) of St. Cloud,
Private apartments of the Empress
Josephine, Napoleon I & Mme.
de Maintenon; Sèvres & its
Porcelain Manufactory & a drive
along the Seine Embankment;
the Louvre, St. Madeline Church,
& hosts of other places which
I shall delight to go over with
you & refresh your mind
with on my return -Cedar Hill: Anacostia D.C.
August 11th 1891.

Dear Doctor Terris:

I am very glad to learn that you have succeeded
in settling in a manner satisfactorily both to Mr Crane &
to the Government of Haïtī the claim of the Trainway.  The
case hung like a threatening cloud all the time I was in
Haïtī, I think it was generous in Haïtī to tender the money
and will in our friend to accept it.  I have not yet seen
Mr Crane.  He has as the sailors say, given Washington a
"wide berth:" I wish he would come here for I wish to 
show him the attention to which his many acts of kindness
to me entitle him .  He has a great big heart in him and
want him to know that I appreciate it. There have been
bitter things said in our press here against Haïtī, but I
think a more generous tone in the public press is being
adopted.  The truth is dawning upon the action of Haïtī on the
Möle question, and allowance is being made for Haïtī's objection
to leaving the Mole.  Since I have resigned, I am now in a
position to defend my action in that matter and will do so to
the best of my ability, I will allow no cloud to rest upon my
reputation from want of spirit to brush it away.  Personal
considerations have induced me to resign.  The air of the
United States suits me better than that of Haïtī.  I have gained
much of my old time Vigor during the time I have been at
home.  On some accounts I was sorry to part with Haïtī
sorry to part with the friends I made there, and sorry to
part with you, but you and I are no babies to cry over
[*88*]  [*3015*]No. 131. Dep Series.
Department of State
Washington, Aug. 11. 1891. 

Frederick Douglass Esq. 
&c. &c. &c.
Now at Cedar Hill
Anacostia, D. C.

Sir:
I have to acknowledge the receipt
of your No. 180 of the 30th ultimo, tendering 
your resignation as Minister 
Resident and Consul General of the 
United States to Haiti; also Chargé 
d'Affaires to the Dominican Republic.  
I am charged by the President 
to accept your resignation and to 
express to you, on behalf of this Government,
its appreciation of the 
ability and fidelity which have 
uniformly
[3010]
uniformly characterized the discharge 
of your official duties.
The Department hopes that you 
may enjoy the fullest measure of 
prosperity and success in the future.
I am, Sir,
Your obedient servant,
William Wharton
Acting SecretaryNo. Diplomatic.
Anacostia D.C.
August 12, 1891.

Honorable
W.F. Wharton,
Assistant Secretary of State
Washington, D.C.

Sir:
I have the honor to inform
you that I have received
a draft for $144, 05 being the 
payment of the July installment
on the Frary claim,
which draft I herewith enclose.
I am sir, 
your obedient servant
Frederick Douglass,

[*3016]Cedar Hill,
Anacostia. D.C. 

August 13, 1891. 

F. L. Barnett, Esq:

Dear Sir: 
I am obliged by your 
letter of the 18th instant.
I have noticed, as you 
have done, the purpose 
to put me in the wrong , 
in respect of my connection
with the negotiations for 
a [naval] United States naval
station at the Mole, St. Nicolas.
Few things could be more 
unfair than this treatment

[*1064*]of me.

I thank you for your 
kind offer to place my 
vindication fairly before 
the pubic and if I do 
not avail myself of it, 
it will be because time
and events will make such 
vindication unnecessary.
I have already written 
an article for the North 
American Review for next 
month which, if published 
unmutilated, will perhaps 


be accepted as a 
truthful version of my relation 
to the Môle St. Nicholas 
affair.  Should, however, 
its point and force be broken 
or blunted by that stately 
periodical, it may be necessary 
for me to avail myself 
of some other means 
of self-vindication.

I am sir, 
Very truly yours,4 Cedar Street
New York, August 14, 1891.
My dear Sir:
"All's well that ends well."  
Your favor of the 13th inst
was received.  After reading it 
carefully I really feel sad 
over the fact that I had troubled 
you at all in the matter of 
the Pilot's attitude, or that I 
allowed myself to take any notice whatever of that 
attitude.
And may the good understanding 
which has long obtained between 
us be maintained to the end.
As ever, your friend
T. Thos Fortune
To Hon. Frederick Douglass.
[992]Cedar Hill, Anacostia, D. C.
August 14, 1891.

E. W. Halford,
Cape May Point, N. J. 

My Dear Mr. Halford:

I am very much obliged by your letter of yesterday. 
I shall be very glad to see the President of the United United 
States and to talk with him on the situation of affairs in Haiti 
at any time and place that the President may be pleased to appoint. 
It was among my first thoughts, on reaching home, to seek
President Harrison and to speak with him on the subject of Haiti.
Upon reflection, however, considering that he had left the Capital
for health, rest and recreation, I deemed it best to await his return 
to the Executive Mansion. Besides, I considered that a visit
to Cape May would probably attract public attention and, perhaps,
be perverted and given a political significance which would not belong 
to it, for I seem to be followed, just now, by an unusual number 
of political mischief-makers.

Please to assure the President that I have fully understood
and correctly interpreted his sentiments expressed to me at the
Executive Mansion, before leaving on my mission to Haiti, and that
I have borne myself loyally towards him, throughout.

I am, sir,

Very truly yours,
[1069]Cedar Hill, Anacostia,
August 14th. 1891

My Dear Mr. Halford,
I am very much obliged by your letter of yesterday.
I shall be very glad to see and talk with the President of the
United States on the situation of affairs in Haiti at any time and
place that the President may be pleased to appoint. It was among
my first thoughts on reaching home, to seek President Harrison
and to speak with him on the subject of Haiti. Upon reflection,
however, considering that he had left the Capital for health, rest
and recreation, I deemed it best to await his return to the executive
mansion. Besides, I considered that a visit to Cape May
would, probably, attract public attention and, perhaps, be perverted 
and given a political significance which would not belong to
it, for I seem to, be followed, just now, by an unusual number of
political mischief-makers.

Please to assure the President that I have fully understood
and correctly interpreted his sentiments expressed to me at the
Executive Mansion before leaving on my mission to Haiti, and that
I have loyally borne myself towards him throughout.

I am, sir, 

Very truly yours,
[3017]My Dear Mr. Halford.
I am very much obliged by your letter of 
yesterday.  I shall be glad to see and talk 
with the President of the situation of 
affairs in Haiti at any time and 
place it shall be his pleasure to 
appoint for the purpose.  The reports of
 interviewers have been in many respects 
erroneous and mischievous.  I should 
have sought the President at Cape 
May soon after my arrival.
[2837]Department of the Interior
Bureau of Pensions
Washington D. C. August 14, 1891
Friend [M?]
I am sorry that note of mine 
had to go over, but the fact is, I am 
so deep in debt that it is a question how 
I am going to pull through.  I am going on 
my leave tomorrow, for no other purpose than 
to see if I can raise money enough to get 
me out of debt.  Unless I succeed, I will 
just have to pay in small monthly installments.  
I will call and see you when 
I get back.
Yours,
J. F. KellyPort-au Prince, August 15, 1891.
Mrs. Frederick Douglass
Cedar Hill, Anacostia, 
Washington, D. C., 
U. S. A.

Dear Madame.
I received with pleasure 
your of the 10th ultimo.
Yet we were very much disappointed 
in not receiving any 
word from you on Mr. Douglass 
by the mail of Thursday, especially 
since it is rumored here 
and much regretted by several 
persons who have heard it, that 
Mr. Douglass has resigned.  
Everyone here speak with 
indignation of the newspaper 
articles attacking Mr. Douglass, 
and remark with pleasure the 
change in his favor that have been
[994]published by the last papers
received. 
Mrs. Battiste enjoys good
health, and hopes that you
have entirely recovered from 
your illness. 
Monday. D. V.  It is proposed
to lay the Corner Stone of our
Church, [an] the lot given in exchange
by the Government for
our old lot.  But I fear that
it will be some time before 
we will be able to build. 
The reason of our laying the
corner stone, at this time, without
being able to continue, the 
building is, that we wish to
Commemorate the 25th anniversary
of our National Convocation 
of the Church here in Haiti. 
Mr. Jones and Mrs Booth
are quite well, and send
their respects to you and
Mr. Douglass. 

Mrs. Battiste, joins in 
sending best wishes to you
and Mr. Douglass
Yours truly 
A. BattisteW. DUNBAR, 
COMPILER & PUBLISHER. 
ILLUSTRATED
GOVERNMENT & BIOGRAPHICAL
PUBLICATIONS. 

Fine Copper Plate
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ENGRAVING 
a Specialty

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Washington and the U.S. War Department Illustrated. 
Washington and the U.S. Navy Department Illustrated. 
Washington and the U.S. Interior Department Illustrated.  

PERSONAL AND IMPORTANT. 
IT has been decided to engrave fine original copper-plate
portraits of the Governors, all State Officers, 
Members of the Legislature, Mayors of Cities of each
State;  Army, Navy and State Militia Officers, for publication 
in State groups, together with similar engravings
of prominent public men, government and State
officials, already completed which include President
Harrison, Vice-President Morton, the Cabinet, the entire
U. S. Senate and members of the National House of 
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State will thus be thoroughly represented in these Official 
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biographical history and reference book of the United 
States, as well as a most valuable and attractive National 
(copper-plate) portrait gallery of illustrious Americans. 
It is the aim of the editors to render AMERICA
ILLUSTRATED  educational as well as entertaining and
instructive, by making these articles referring to important
men and measures full and exhaustive.  Thus 
in the articles on the Presidents, some two hundred 
pages will be devoted to a complete and authentic
account of their public acts, placing the reader in possession 
of an accurate history of the successive administrations
covering a century of our National history. 
The same statement applies to the State Governors, 
celebrated Judges and Statesmen, to Members of the
Cabinet, Senators, Representatives, State Legislatures, 
leaders in the Church, and men distinguished in art, 
commerce, and literature, while those "great heirs of
fame" who won renown in the late war will find their
records of honorable deeds carefully noted. 
We have already completed engravings of the following
Governors (for these State groups), Gov. Merriam, Minn., 
Gov. Pennoyer, Oregon, Gov. Beaver, Pa., Gov. Fowle, N. 
C., Gov. Luce, Mich., Gov. Stevenson, Nev., Gov. Biggs, 
Del., Gov. Francis, Mo., Gov. Bulkeley, Conn., Gov. Burleigh, 
Me., Ex. Gov. Green, N. J., Ex. Gov Foraker, Ohio, 
Gov. Buckner, Ky., Gov. Wilson, W. Va., Gov. Hovey, Ind. 
Gov. Job A. Cooper, Colorado, Cov. Campbell, Ohio, Gov. 
Hill, N. Y., Gov. Boies, Iowa, Gov. Brackett, Mass., Gov. 
Miller, No-Dakota, Gov. Ross, Tex., Gov. Knapp, Alaska 
Gov. Fleming, Florida, Gov. Seay, Alabama, Ex-Gov. 
Ladd, Rhode Island, Gov. Shoup, Idaho, Gov. Warren, 
Wyoming, Gov. Toole, Montana, Hon. R. W. Waterman, 
Governor of California, Hon. L. Bradford Prince, Governor 
of New Mexico, and others with State Officers are
now in hand. 
Nowhere can there be found a publication containing so 
many elegant copper-plate portraits and complete biographies
of all our most prominent men, representing
every section of the New World. 
This work will be completed as rapidly as consistent
with editorial and mechanical accuracy, being printed
from handsome new type on extra fine heavy plate and
calendered paper with broad margins, and bound in the 
highest style of artistic book making, so elegant in all
its details that it will be a great addition to the most
select libraries and luxurious homes. 
W. DUNBAR, Publisher, 
NATIONAL SAFE DEPOSIT BUILDING, 
New York Ave. and 15th St., Washington, D.C. 

{Washington, D.C.]  Alex. Bay  Aug 15th 1891 

Hon Frederick Douglas 
Dear Sir
Your card relative to engraving
for publication 
reached me here, where
I am spending the summer. 
The corresponding department
at Washington
being closed until the 
opening of the session, 
the composition form
work [and  c?] being under way
at Phila. 
You will please make
remittance covering cost 
[*993*]of engraving your plate care Washington
address Box 126 Washington D.C. Upon
receipt of which your plate will be
transferred to publication forms
now being joined in page form.

You will also forward the matter 
for biographical sketch at an early
date.

Awaiting your reply by first mail
I remain Sir

W. S. Wildar Compiler
National Safe Deposit Building
 
365)                                           12)5000.00
5000.00          (13,698                 __________
365.00                     11                    416.66
_________          ________                    136.98
1350.00          13698                    _________
195                 3698                        $ 553.64  
_______            _______
2550               150,678                    416.66
[2555]                                                  1
2190
_________
3600
3285
________
3150
[*809 T St. VM.*]
Due month & ten days
416.66          136.98
150.67            13.69
________          ______
567.33          150.67

Due for 1 month    416.66
Due for ten days    136.98
                                 _______
                   am't              $553.64EXECUTIVE MANSION, 
WASHINGTON. 

Cape May Point, N. J., 

August 15th, 1891. 

Hon. Frederick Douglass, 
Anacostia, D. C. 

My Dear Mr. Douglass: - 

I have your letter of
the 14th instant which I have called to the
attention of the President.  I will advise 
you further in regard to seeing him.  As I
told you, it will not be practicable to see
him before he shall start on his trip to
Vermont. 
With kind regard, believe me, 
Very truly yours, 
E. M. Halford
Private Secretary. 

[*1001*]768 Florida St. 
Philadelphia August 16, /91 

My dear Friend
I would have
written you before, for we have all
been anxious to hear how Essie
is getting on.  But I have been 
ill myself for nearly five weeks. 
In coming from Palmyra here one
day a sudden sick feeling came
over me and I fainted and
fell unconscious on the street. 
When I came to my senses I was
in the hospital with the drs. around
me dressing my wounds and
my niece Flossie was there with
a carriage waiting to take me
home.  You can imagine how the
folks here felt when my pocketbook
and different articles which I carried 
in my hand were brought them with 
[*993*] 

the news that I had fallen on the
street and was badly cut in the
forehead and was taken to the
hospital.  But such was really
the case and I will carry the
scars through life.  I had just
begun recovering when the chill
and fever took me, and that
has shaken me pretty well. 
I fully expected to have been in
Windsor by this time. My things
were all sent from the Palmyra 
Cottage and reached Windsor some 
time ago.  I think I will be better
in every way when I get there
with my children and settle
down again.  Now the difficulty
that arises is that my funds are
not sufficient to enable me to make
the move.  What with the expense
of sending off all my things and
my five weeks illness has just 

upset things.  So my friend I
come to you as I usually do
when perplexed.  If you could
conveniently let me have $50. for
six months at same interest as
you lent the $25. it would ease
things for me very much 
Did you have my things that
Mrs. McKinnie kindly
allowed you to store at her house --
packed and sent to Windsor as
I requested in some former
letter?  Be sure and send per
freight - not Express. My table
and pictures, I do not call to
mind any thing else. 
Do let me know how Essie is
With love from all I am 
Yours very truly
L. E. Ramey
768 Florida St. 
Phila. Pa.Port-au Prince, Haiti, August. 22/91. 

Honorable
Frederick Douglass
U. S. Minister to Haiti
Cedar Hill Anacostia D. C. 
U. S. A. 

Dear Sir. 
Your letter of the 10th was received
this morning, I am very glad to learn that you
are enjoying health and have regained also somewhat 
of your old vigor. 
 I note with interest what you say in regards to
your resignation, and if I should listen to my own
feelings would hope that it would not be accepted. 
But as you say the event had to come any
way and that it might as well be now as at any
other time, we must bow to the inevitable and
hope for the best. 
The Cabinet of President Hyppolite sent in its
resignation on the 15th in consequence of a vote rejecting, 
a proposed contract for certain land telegraphic 
lines, by the House of Representative, and
a new Cabinet has been formed as you will see
by the papers I send you. 
Mrs. Battiste joins in sending respects to
you and Mrs. Douglass. 
Yours in hast I have had but 10 minutes
on account of invoices etc. 
Yours truly     [*997*] 
A. Battiste 
G S P 

P.S.  Many thanks for the highly gratifying expression of your sentiments
towards me and I hope that I may ever merit them.From the report of the House Committee on
the Budget, there is a excess of 2 million
overdrawn and a motion was offered to
place Mr. Firmin & Lechaud on trial
for the deficit.      ABJ. C. NAPIER, 
ATTORNEY AT LAW. 
REAL ESTATE AND COLLECTING AGENT, 
NEGOTIATES THE LOAN OF
MONEY, ETC. 
324 NORTH CHERRY STREET. 

Nashville, Tenn.  August 22nd 1891 
Dear Sir: 
Your favor of August 20th 
has just been received. 
In reply, I have to say that I
do not know anything of Mr. Feguson's
resources.  He owns no property in 
this County.  I understand that he
is at Paris, Texas; but do not know
any one who could give you the information 
you desire concerning him, 
unless it should be Collector Cuney of
Galveston, Texas. 
I am glad to see that our friend
Archer has become so hightoned as that
he must needs spend his Summers in 
Europe. 
Very truly yours, &c., 
J. C. Napier     [*996*] 
(over)P. S. 
If you will give me sufficient
time I shall do my best to collect
the amount of your note from Young. 
If he is dealt with gently he may
pay it, but otherwise he would be
as stubborn as an untrained mule. 
Yours &c.
J.C N.Little Rock  Ark 
Aug  23  1891. 

Hon Frederic Douglass
Washington  D.C. 

Dear Frederic 

Many thanks for your kind answer to my letter
regarding the Haytien Mission.  Tell me; is there any
truth in the rumor that our government intend to
send a White man as Minister, or that the Haytien
government made such a request?  As I was a former
applicant I should like to follow it up to success if
possible -  I, have influential friends supporting my
application - and as you were so good as to offer
to aid me while in Little Rock, before you knew 
of the Presidents choice of yourself -  I shall be very 
grateful if you will now give me the proffered assistance - 
I hear that you have returned in good health
receiving the congratulations of your many friends - 
I am very anxious to see your Statement of the
Mole St Nicolas affair - 
With Kind regards to yourself & wife 
I am yours as ever   M.W. Gibbs  [*998*] 
(Please write me)Hdqrs. 1 Seperate Battalion, N. G. of D. C. 
Camp Frederick Douglass
Collingwood Beach, Va. 
August 25, 1891 

Hon. Frederick Douglass
Late Minister to the Republic of Hayti. 
Washington, D.C --- 

Honorable Sir: 
I have taken the liberty to name the
first distinctive annual encampment of the
First Seperate Battalion of Infantry, N.G of D. C. 
after you, as but a slight tribute to the worth
and public service of nearly half a decade. 
devoted to the interests of our people -
In so doing, sir, we feel that we have
honored ourselves in the adoption of a
name so illustrious in the annals of our
history and the history of our "common
country; and while we would be glad to
[*1002*]have you visit us often during our
stay in Camp, we especially invite you
to be present on Friday, the 28 inst., the
day on which the Brigadier General and
Staff will visit us -- as the special
guest of the entire command. 
Should you find it convenient to be
present on said occasion, please be
kind enough to notify us -- 
I have the honor honorable sir, 
to subscribe myself
Very respectfully
Your obedient servant
F.C. Revells
Major Comdg. 

A K Brodie
1 Lt. and I.A.3. Actg. Adjg. 

[1003]Department of State, 
Washington, August 28, 1891- 

Frederick Douglass, Esq. 
Anacostia, D.C. 

Sir: 

The Department has received
your draft for your salary as Minister
at Port au Prince up to August
11, 1891, and will be obliged if 
you will support the same by an
account, as the draft will not be
paid by the Treasury until a final
account 

[*999*]account is furnished - 

I am, Sir, 
Your obedient servant,- 

William T. Wharton 
Acting SecretaryNew Haven, Conn., Aug. 29, 1891.

My dear Douglass:
Thanks, especially on 
Tim's account, for your excellent letter of the 25th.

Of course i have read your article in the 
North American, and I have also read the 
criticisms on it in the Metropolitan journals. 

The Tribune's criticism has some plausibility 
in it. But it is based on a sort of 
finesse of diplomatic rules, which circumstances 
and "horse sense" often justly, and successfully 
override. The Sun of yesterday also had a criticism 
evidently written with great care and in a spirit 
of pretended fairness. But there was a tone of 
measures running through it which came out 
full blown at the end. The Times of the other 
day published a communication consigned on Mutzger's 
[818]pamphlet.  It dragged you and your article into
its net, and was evidently written in the interest
of the Admiral.  I think it was inspired by him
and written by Huse, although it went back on
Clyde and his man Reed.  In fact the North American's
management may try to save the Admiral's
feelings by emasculating your defence, and the
Admiral himself may squirm under the exposure
of his overbearing conduct at Port au Prince, but
neither he, nor Clyde, nor Reed can entirely escape 
the lashings which they merit. 
Now, I think your article just a "daisy" as far
as it goes.  It is scholarly in style and dignified in tone. 
It is able, manly and timely, and it will stand because
it is only truthful.  I have read it and re-read
it with a jealous eye to see what of bad I could
find in it.  I think it may by some be thought
to betray too much feeling.  But that to my mind 
only adds to its value.  Now, mind!  That coterie of
Clyde, Reed, Gherardi & Co. will surely not succeed in 
downing you.  That's my unbiased prophecy. Let's
see how it will turn out.  Well, in fact, you know 

that that's been my view from the first. 
Crain came up here to see us for only part
of a day. He spoke very nicely of the reception which 
you and Mrs. Douglass gave to him and his nephew. 
He outlined to me his interview with Mr. Brown
at the State Department. According to Crain's statement
to me, he must have hit the nail on the 
head in your behalf, by telling Brown of your
high standing at Port au Prince.  Of course he was
pushing Terres' case.  It appears that in the course
of his interview my name came up, and Brown said
"yes, Mr. Bassett is on record here as an able, educated 
"man.  "In fact," said Brown according to Crain, "no man
"in the foreign service under this Department
"writes an abler or nicer dispatch than Mr. Bassett"!! 
But then when Crain spoke of my integrity and
loyalty to you, Brown asked quizzingly, "do you
"really think that Bassett was loyal to Mr. Douglass?" 
So you see that the enemy has been at work
in the Department.  Still Crain in blowing
for Dr Terres really was blowing for me in bringing
Brown to say with emphasis that it is importantto send a man down there just now who knows the
people and the language.  Whatever point Crain 
made, it seems clear that he had a good hearing
with Brown, that he spoke well of you and me, and that 
Brown put him or sought to put him in communication
with Secretary Foster.  I saw a copy of Brown's
telegram to this last effect. 
Another thing . Crain said that in talking the
matter over with ex U.S. Senator Kernan of N. Y., the
latter said emphatically that the man pressed for
the appointment by Frederick Douglass would be 
appointed!  Well, Kernan is a democrat, but he
has been a U. S. Senator and knows the ropes, and I
concur in his view thus given. 
I think that a colored man will be appointed 
The appointment of a white man would be bad politics
for the Republican party.  No mistake about that. 
It being thus necessary to send a colored man to Haiti, 
the question may turn on competency and special 
qualifications.  Then, in view of all this, may I not
have a fair chance, if you take an active interest
in my case? --- Tim has a big support.  And he
said that he would decline in my favor, if desirable, at the
proper moment! Tim said that to me -- O, I wish you
could see the President for me soon. I hang all my case on that. 
Yours very cordially,     E. D. Bassett.JOHN MITCHELL, JR.,                                         MRS. JOSIE D. HEARD,
Editor Richmond (Va.,) Planet,                         Philadelphia (Pennsylvania,) Sun.
President,                                                            Secretary.
REV. L. J. COPPIN, D. D.,                                     W. H. STEWART,
Editor A. M. E. Church Review,                         Louisville (Ky.,) American Baptist,
Vice-President.                                                    Treasurer.

PRESIDENT'S OFFICE.
AFRO-AMERICAN PRESS ASSOCIATION OF THE UNITED STATES.
814 EAST BROAD STREET.
Richmond, Va., Aug. 29, 1891

Hon. Frederick Douglass,
Washington, D.C.,

My Dear Sir:
I have taken much
interest in the alleged mismanagement
on your part and failure of the
diplomatic negotiations at one time pending
between this country and Haiti relative
to the cession if the Mole St. Nicolas.
Realizing the anomalous position
it tended to place not only you, but
those who happen to be of the same
color in this country,  I took it upon
myself to denounce the charges, and
have patiently waited to hear you speak,
feeling confident that you would boldly 
face your accusers, hurl the lie
[*1003*]PRESIDENT'S OFFICE.
JOHN MITCHELL, JR.,                                         MRS. JOSIE D. HEARD,
Editor Richmond (Va.,) Planet,                         Philadelphia (Pennsylvania,) Sun.
President,                                                            Secretary.
REV. L. J. COPPIN, D. D.,                                     W. H. STEWART,
Editor A. M. E. Church Review,                         Louisville (Ky.,) American Baptist,
Vice-President.                                                    Treasurer.

PRESIDENT'S OFFICE.
AFRO-AMERICAN PRESS ASSOCIATION OF THE UNITED STATES.
814 EAST BROAD STREET.
2
Richmond, Va.,   189

in their teeth and come unscathed from
the fiery ordeal to which you have
been subjected.

In this I have not been disappointed.
Your masterly article in the North
American Review for September, a copy
of which magazine is before me has
reached my most sanguine expectations,
and increased my admiration for
one who rose to the dignity of the occasion 
and vindicated every claim which
had been made by his friends.

But I did not intend to write
so much - I must stop.

I congratulate you realizing that we
are about to engage in one of the
most stubborn fights (embracing as it
does the right if the Afro-American to
hold high office) that has ever engagedJOHN MITCHELL, IR.,
Editor Richmond (Va.,) Planet,
President.
REV. L. J. COPPIN, D. D.,
Editor A. M. E. Church Review,
Vice-President.

PRESIDENT'S OFFICE

MRS. JOSIE D. HEARD,
Philadelphia (Pennsylvania,) Sun.
Secretary.
W. H. STEWART,
Louisville (K.y.,) American Baptist,
Treasurer.

AFRO-AMERICAN PRESS ASSOCIATION OF THE UNITED STATES.
814 EAST BROAD STREET.
3
Richmond, Va., ……… 189…

the attention if any people.
I am, sir,
Very truly yours,
John Mitchell, Jr.

P.S. A copy of the document (official) of the
negotiations will be duly appreciated.  J.M.J.Cedar Hill, Anacostia, D.C.
August 29.1891.

Honorable
William F. Wharton,
Acting Secretary of State,
Washington, D.C

Sir:
I have the honor to state 
that I have received your letter 
of the 28th of August, informing 
me that the Department has 
received my draft for my salary 
as Minister to Haiti up to August 
11, 1891, and will be obliged 
if I will support the same by 
an account, as the draft will 
not be paid by the Treasury, 
until final account is furnished. 

In reply I have to state that 
the draft in question was drawn 
simply for the salary due me for 
the time therein specified, excluding 
such fees as may have been collected
[3018]during my leave of absence, to 
the credit of the United States, and 
to be accounted for by Mr. J. B. Terres, 
our Vice Consul General, in 
whose custody the U.S. Consulate 
was left when my leave of absence 
was granted. 

I am, sirFor North American Review. 
Aug. 30, 1891. 

I propose to make a precise statement relating to my
connection with the late negotiation with the Government
of Haiti for a United States naval [C??] station at the Mole 
St. Nicolas.  Such a statement seems required not only [called for] as a 
personal vindication from undeserved censure, but as due to the truth of history. 
Recognizing my duty to be silent while the question of the
Mole was pending, I refrained from making any formal
reply to the many mistatements and misrepresentations, which have
burdened the public press unchallenged, during the past six
months.  I have however long intended [from the first] to correct some of these [their] 
grosser errors contained in these misrepresentations, should the time ever come where I could do so without 
without exposing myself to the charge of under sensitiveness or 
detriment to the public interest. [involved.]  That time has now come and 
there is no ground of sentiment, remorse or propriety for a longer silence especially since
[insofaras] through no fault of mine, the secrets of the negotiation in question, have already been paraded before ]given to] 
[to] the public and apparently with no other [the] purpose [then] than to make me responsible 
for its failure. 
There are many reasons why I would gladly be excused from appearing
before the public in the attitude of self defense. But while there are times when [each] 
defence is a privilege to be exercised or omitted at the pleasure of the
party assailed, there are other times and circumstances, when it becomes 
a duty which cannot be omitted without the imputation of cowardice
or conscious guilt.  This is especially true in [this] [this] a case, 
where the charges [affect] vitally effect ones [my] standing with the people
and government of ones [my] country.  In such  [that] case a man must defend him [my]self if only
to demonstrate his [my] hi          anything else.  In [doing] 
discharginmuch has been said in the public press during the previous year concerning
the late negotiations with the Government of Haiti for [a naval st] 
United States Naval Station at the Môle St. Nicolas. 

I propose to make a precise 

I propose to make a plain statement of facts relating to the
[n] recent negotiation with the Government of Haiti for a United
States Naval Station at the Môle St. Nicolas.  Important as
such a statement may be deemed as a personal vindication, it is 
still more important as a contribution due to the truth of [of] 
history.Crain writes me from Utica telling me that
the big building that collapsed in Park Place,
N. Y. City, the other day belonged to his brother
D. J. Crain, and that the affair was causing the
family no end of anxiety and trouble.

New Haven, Conn., Aug. 31, 1891.

Mr dear Douglass:
The last steamer from Port
au Prince bro't me a letter from Dr Terres, in which
he speaks freely of some things which may
interest you.

He says, "I always have tho't that Mr.
"Douglass made a mistake in accepting the
"Mission to Haiti, because it could not add
"anything to his former good name and
"career.  But he has made a good Minister, and
"among fair minded people not the least thing
"can or should be said against him.  But with
"the license of the press all possible abuse has
"been heaped upon him.     x  x  x  x   I have
"recd. from the Department a dispatch asking  [*819*]
"for my account for salary during the time that"Mr. Douglass was about last year.  I wrote
"immediately and waived all claims for last
"year's services.  I am not, nor have I ever
"been ignorant of the law (Consular Regulations
"paragraphs 471 et seq.) which allows me one 
half of the salary of the office during the 60 
"days' leave of the Chief, and over that time
"I am entitled to the whole salary.  I have 
"waived this heretofore not because I did not think
"it my due according to the law, but solely 
"for my own pleasure.  Now I am certainly
"going to ask for what I am entitled to according
"to the Consular Regulations in the
"future including this leave of Mr. D." 
The good Dr. writes all this as if he were
a bit nettled - as if he had been perhaps
tho't ignorant of the law on the subject or something
of that sort.  This is however purely my fancy. 
At any rate neither of us has any better friend
any where than Dr Terres.
Yours very sincerely, 
E. D. BassettEXECUTIVE MANSION
WASHINGTON.

Cape May Point, N. J.,

Hon. Fred Douglass,
Anacostia, D. C.

My Dear Mr. Douglass: -

The President had seen in the Washington
Post what was assumed to be an interview with you, in which it
was made to appear that you said your resignation had not been voluntary
and some intimations that you might talk about affairs in Hayti
when your resignation should be accepted. The President could
not believe that this truly represented you, and was glad to see
in the paper this morning a denial, because he remembered very
well your talk with him in which you said that you intended to
retire from the Mission on the occasion of your return to the
United States. He knew of no reason why there should be other
than the most kindly feeling, and is obliged to you for the
pleasant and friendly expressions which appear in this corrcted
statement by you today. He wishes me also to say to you that he
would like to talk with you, and have you give him full information 
of affairs on the Island as they seem to you, and would be
pleased if you would withhold or reserve any expressions until
you shall have a conference with him. In view of the fact that
he leaves on Tuesday next for his trip to New England, possibly

[* 1000 *]EXECUTIVE MANSION
WASHINGTON.

he will not [likely] be able to see you before that time, but on
his return he would like to talk with you, either here or in
Washington, as may be most convenient for you.
With kind regards, believe me,
Very truly yours,

E.M.Halperd
Private Secretary.