WORLD'S COLUMBIAN EXPOSITION. LATIN AMERICAN DEPARTMENT. WILLIAM E.CURTIS (IN CHARGE) 2 LAFAYETTE SQUARE. WASHINGTON,D.C. May 2, 1892. Hon. Frederick Douglass, Anacostia, D. C. Dear sir: - I have a telegram requiring me to be in Chicago Thursday, and I will meet you there then or during the two following days. Very truly yours, William E. CurtisNavy Yard Washington D. C., May 2d 1892 My Dear Mr. Mc.Kinley: I am again forced, through stress of circumstances beyond my control, to again you for another extension. $4 is absolutely impossible for me to do more than pay you the interest this month, and this only by the greatest difficulty. I fully expected to receive a sum of money ere this which would have straightened out all of my difficulties, and [*3094*]many ways as possible. I will try my very best to take the paper up before the month, but will surely do so by that time. I most earnestly ask of you that you grant me this indulgence, and should you lose anything by having to let the matter stand another month, I will reimburse you in that amount. I am too busy to get up to see landed me square upon my feet. I remained in New York for nearly three weeks in anticipation of receiving this money but in the last moment was informed that I would not receive[d] it until some time during this month (May). I am sure that you will appreciate the difficulties of my position and grant me the grace I ask: and I can assure you that it will not be only appreciated but returned in as you To-day: and to-morrow I will be on duty, so could not see you before next wednesday. so I concluded it best to write. I enclose $11.25 for the months interest (May) and if you will drop me a line by to-nights mail I will send you the new papers by my orderly to-morrow. By agreeing to this you will not only be doing me a favor, but far more than this you will give me a chance2 To place myself in a proper financial condition. Very truly etc., D.J. Glower Fillette 1st Lieut. U.S. M.C. William McKinley Esq. Washington, D.C. [*3088*]Cedar Hill, Annacostia, D. C. May 3, 1892 Honorable William H. Curtis, Dear sir:-- I have your note of yesterday informing me that you have received a telegram requiring you to be in Chicago on Thursday. I have already notified my co-6ommissioner from Haiti to meet me at the Palmer House, in Chicago, on Friday evening next, and also to be prepared to meet you on Saturday morning and receive any assistance [from you] you can give us in obtaining suitable space for the exhibit at the Columbian Exposition, which shall be sent there by the Republic of Haiti. Please accept my thanks for your letter. Very truly yours, 1074 1074Personal May 4, 1892 Hon Frederick Douglass Hillsdale D.C. Sir, Mr Sprague informs me that you have kindly consented to see Genl Noble and request him to give me the vacant place on the watch force of the Interior Department. I am very grateful to you for this additional evidence of friendship, and without multiplying words to express my real feelings. I need only to say that no opportunity will be overlooked by me to reciprocate any kindness which in the goodness of your great heart you may at any time be pleased to bestow on me. I am not insensible to nor unmindful of the generous and magnanimous acts of a great man, and I would be less than a man if I did not in feeble phrase acknowledge your courtesy and kindness. I should be very glad to have Mr. Sprague accompany yours with great respect J. E. Bruce. [*1168*]Secretairerie d'Etat des Relations Exterieures Port-au-Prince 5 Mai 1892 Section co 84 No 1827 Monsieur de Commisaire, Je vous accuse réception de vos deux lettres que vous m'avez adressées le 1er et le 2 du mois derniier. Je me suis empressé de les transmettre à mon Collègue de l'Agriculture, et Je vous confirme la lettre que Je vou ai dernièrement écrite, sur la demande de mon Collègue de ce Département, pour vous inviter à vous addresser directement à lui pour tout ce qui à trait à l'Exposition de Chicago. Agréez Monsieur le Commissaire, l'assurance de ma considération très distingée. Le Secrétaire d'Etat des Relations Extérieures, G [Rychaville?] Monsieur F. Douglass Premier Comissaire du Gouvernement haitien à l'Exposition de Chicago Cedar Hill, Anacostia- D. C. à Washington POSTAL CARD ONE CENT. United States of America THIS SIDE IS FOR ADDRESS ONLY. [*WASHINGTON MAY 9 749 AM*] [*EASTCAR? MAY 9 5 AM D.C.*] Hon. Frederick Douglass Anacostia Washington D.C. [*2790*] 218 New Jersey Ave. S.E. Sunday evening I want very much to see you after all these years. We have been living here for more than a year now - but I have been for most of the time a perfect recluse - from illness & sadness. I want to hear more of your plan for that gathering of the colored people of Chicago in 93. It would shame us before the world & justly. S. J. Lippincott, (Grace Greenwood)#249 West 14th St New York May 9/92. Hon Frederick Douglass Dr Sir - Kindly excuse my trespassing on your time for a few moments. I desire information in regard to certain matters in Santo Domingo City. Do you know any of the particulars regarding the first time the casket or lead box containing the remains of Christopher Columbus, the great discoverer was opened in that City in 1877 during the time the repairs were being made to the cathedral [*1169*]Also were you in San Domingo City at the time the remains were opened for the second time by the party of scientists & various consuls & ministers. If so, will you kindly at your earliest convenience give me any & all necessary particulars regarding both times they were opened. Also, are you acquainted with Senor I. (or J) M. Castillo, the Chief Engineer who had change of the repairs of the cathedral. Do you know if he is still alive & if so, can you give me an address where a letter would reach him? [*Mrs E Sargent to D. 1 of 3*]My reasons for wishing to find all this out is to prove the authenticity of a relic now in my possession. During the year 1878 my husband - Dr. Epes Sargent & myself were residing in Nassau N. P. Bahamas & that summer a gentleman named Mr Allen Crosby who had a contract with the San Dominican govt. about all the light houses &c. on its coast - visited my City & with him was Senor Castillo & two sea Captains. While there one day at our house the subject of where Columbus was really buried came up & Senor Castillo said he could positively prove that he was buried in San Domingo.City & then said while the repairs to the Cathedral were being made in 1877 they came to three coffins very near the high altar - & one a little apart & nearest the high altar was a lead box or casket bearing numerous inscriptions stating the remains therein were those of Christopher Columbus. & imbedded in the dust was a bullet, similar in size to the one which troubled Columbus as long as he lived. & which was said to have hastened his death as it never could be extracted. The box was opened in the presence of the Archbishop & guarded by soldiers both day & night till the repairs were finished. when it was removed to the Cathedral & deposited with much care. [*Mrs E Sargent Douglass May 9/92 c2 of 3*]5 In the confusion when opened Senor Castillo reached in a thumb & finger & removed unperceived a pinch of the precious dust which he wrapped in paper at his earliest convenience. One half of this he gave me. & I have ever since kept it in a crystal globe locket. Of course at that time no one imagined there would ever be this grand testimonial to his memory at Chicago & (we hope) in New York. So I took no special pains to prove it - though I have a certificate of its genuineness from Senor Castello - I greatly desire to know if you know any facts about it. & can aid me by prove it to be genuine. & did you ever meet Senor Castillo. + if he is alive where is he? I shall be greatly obliged if you can aid me in this matter. & will do so at your very earliest convenience. Knowing the treachery & deceit of the Spaniards I believe it tobe genuine because some of us doubted his statement & it was for his interest to prove it true & no one tells the truth more grandly than a Spaniard when it is for his interest in some way to do so. Any facts you may be able to give me on the subject - or any parties to whom you may refer me I shall be glad to know of. — My husband Dr. Epes Sargent formerly owned the Library Pharmacy 2nd & B Sts. S.E. (Capitol Hill) in Washington & had the pleasure of having your family & yourself as customers. We are now residing in N.Y. where his health is much improved. I am sorry I have been obliged to take up so much of your time, but I have thought you may be able to help me in proving my statements. Very truly &c. Mrs. Epes Sargent #249 West 14th St. New York City. [* To F. Douglass May 9/92 3 of 3 J.R.H. *][*The Journal SIOUX CITY, IOWA*] CONGRESSIONAL DIRECTORY, W. H. MICHAEL, Editor and Compiler. United States Senate, Washington, D. C., May 10, 1892 Personal Hon. Fred. Douglas, My Dear Sir: I send you this clipping from the Sioux City (Iowa) Journal for three reasons, viz: First, because the substance of it is identical with editorials written for my own papers at different times. Second, because I received my first editorial training on the staff of the Journal. Third, because the present editor and half owner of the Journal is Hon. George D. Perkins, a member of the present National House of Representatives. Will you kindly give me your views on the subject treated of in the editorial? Yours respectfully, W. H. Michael. P. S. I send you a copy of my little book printed by the National Republican Committee312 K. St. W. 8 Washington May 11/92 Dear Mr and Mrs Douglass How I miss you, but never mind I can pray that the Lord will make you instruments in shaking the nation. O, Mr Douglass! I have been going over my prison Reports, some are very late ones, just come O how I feel, I can't live unless this infamy comes to light. The hellishness in the convict camps in the South is as black and deep as the bottomless pit. The colored people are put in jails, kept months without fire in winter time. I just tell you one thing. If we don't rise in the strength of an omnipotent God [*1172*]and strike a blow at this infernal work God will strike us or He don't speak by me. What do you think of ninety two convicts dying in one year out of an average number of 224 and from cruel treatment? They were colored mostly, and there is the secret. I have written pages and pages and have but just begun to reveal wrong toward colored convicts (and alleged convicts) that ought to make us put our heads in the dust and never lift them up. What is the reason the colored people have never exposed these things? Tourgee said in 1890 "This is the kind of work that the National associations of colored men ought to be doing. In a year they might gather a mass of undeniable facts that would shock all the world's heart, save perhaps the slavery [of] atrophied conscience of the South and the blinded apathy of the North. It was left for me to do and it has taken me almost six years to do it. But I have tried to do it thoroughly although some of it has been done in hunger such as I never knew before, and in tears. But blessed be God he brought me through and I can say that nobody has ever given me one dollar for this work. Have I not a right to be independent in this work? There is one thing I ask of you and that is that you see a man living in Onarga. He is a personal friend of mind, is a minister, has travelled over and over the South for many years, is the only man who is allowed to visit convict camps. He has a free pass on R Rsand if you will send for him he will call on you and tell you more than I can. He is after nobody's money but is a true philanthropist in every sense, is unassuming and has but one arm. He has done the work of a giant and a true friend to the negro. His address is Rev. W. D. H. Matthews Onarga, Illinois I have been to see him and found the place to be about 60 miles from Chicago Please do not mention his name to anybody until you have had a private talk with him. I send clipping from Planet - The Ed did not put in all my article but cut it too short; did not give my name, I wrote it in haste Sincerely, Clarissa A. Keller RED-HOT SHOT FROM A LEGISLATIVE COMMITTEE. Heartless Cruelty and Infamous Practices Unveiled in the Prisons of Tennessee. LAX ADMINISTRATION OF CRIMINAL LAW. Prisoners Filthy and Ill fed - Sleeping Dens Stinking and Reeking With Prisoners Dying of Consumption The Morrow Farm as Bad as the Worst CONVICTS FED FOR THREE-AND-A-HALF CENTS A MEAL. Brutal Methods of Punishment--- Male Guard Place Feet on Women's Neck While the Lash is Administered to their Naked Bodies. THE STATE OF TENNESSEE DISGRACED AND HUMILIATED. PREVALENCE OF LOATHSOME DISEASES AND HEINOUS PRACTICES--AN INSPECTOR OF PRISONS WHO PERFORMS HIS DUTIES ONCE IN TWO YEARS--FULL TEXT OF THE REPORT OF THE SUB-COMMITTEE APPOINTED TO INVESTIGATE MAIN AND BRANCH PRISONS. Editor of the PLANET,-- Dear Sir :- The foregoing is from the heading of an article which appeared in the Chattanooga Times under date of March 8, 1893, and which is a review of the report of the sub-committee, appointed by the Tennessee Senate, to investigate the prisons of the State. The entire number of State convicts is one thousand five hundred and sixty, and all are held under a lease made by the State to the Tennessee Coal, Iron, and Railroad Company, and are held by this company and its sub-lessees. About four hundred of these are located in the main prison at Nashville; the others are distributed to branch prisons at Coal Creek, Oliver Springs, Tuman, Tracy City and on the Morrow Farm. Those at Coal Creek were found to number one hundred and thirty-nine, of which all but four were colored. The sleeping apartments were too small for the number confined in them, and would be unsanitary in the extreme but for the open character of the structures. The beds are made of a rough plank, in a continuous row, a narrow piece of plank representing each bed, which is six feet by four, and in each of which two prisoners are compelled to sleep. Over these some four feet above, is a similar row of beds. "The bedding consisted of straw-filled ticks and two cotton blankets apiece. These were filthy to an extreme degree. Some of the testimony indicated that a change was made every three or four months, and some of it only once or twice a year; the looks of things indicated the latter figures. When it is known that the convicts had no nightshirts or change of clothing, but slept two in a bed, close against each other, and naked or in the clothes in which they had worked, the condition of things can be imagined. "The beds were without sheets or pillows, and covered with grease, grime and dust. As to the clothing, we found the prisoners were furnished with the usual convict suits, and with shoes, but with no drawers, nightshirts or socks as required by law, notwithstanding the bitter cold weather we had this winter." The committee found that the bathing facilities were entirely inadequate, the water being heated in one common-sized pot in the open air. One half of the prisoners were found to be afflicted with the most loathsome diseases. The food was found to be of the very poorest quality and cot 10 1/2 or 11 cents per day for each convict. "We found not here nor at any of the other prison hospitals, except Tracy City, any records of the number of sick that had been treated, nor the number of deaths in the last two years." The testimony of the inspector of mines was that "This mine is in a very dangerous condition both from gas and water." BRUTALLY LASHED. "The committee found that the method of punishment at this institution, as in the other prisons, was to lay the convict flat on his stomach and whip him on his naked buttock with a heavy leathern strap attached to a handle. The number of licks vary from ten to sixty--- usually about fifteen---and these were given sometimes with one hand and sometimes with both hands of a stalwart guard. This punishment is inflicted for all breaches of rules, and for failure to do the task assigned, which is about four tons of coal per day." "When from physical disability, the convict is unable to get out his task, and if their testimony is to be believed, sometimes unmerciful and cruel punishment is inflicted." Here, as well as at other prisons, the "most brutal and degrading vises and practices" prevailed. At Big Mountain they found twenty- during the chastisement and died immediately after. At Tracy City branch prison were found one hundred and forty-five white convicts and three hundred and seventy-eight colored. Many of these are employed at the coke ovens, and others in the mines. "The work at the coke ovens is not only hard work, but those employed at these parts are exposed to all the inclemency of the weather which they cannot avoid and do their task." They are forced to sleep in the clothes they wear during the day, whether at the ovens or in the mines, and whether their clothes "are as wet as it is possible for them to be," or dry. The manner of flogging by the whipping boss seemed to be even more inhuman than at the other prisons, although they had better food and better accommodations in some respects. ken in their praise. May the holds ined the latter figures. When it is known that the convicts had no nightshirts or change of clothing, but slept two in a bed, close against each other, and naked or in the clothes in which they had work- ed, the condition of things can be imag- ined. "The beds were without sheets or pil- lows, and covered with grease, grime and dust. As to the clothing, we found the prisoners were furnished with the usual convict suits, and with shoes, but with no drawers, nightshirts or socks as re- quired by law, notwithstanding the bit- ter cold weather we had this winter.” The committee found that the bathing facilities were entirely inadequate, the water being heated in one common-sized pot in the open air. One half of the pris- oners were found to be afflicted with the most loathsome diseases. The food was found to be of the very poorest quality and cost 10 1/2 or 11 cents per day for each convict. “We found not here nor at any of the other prison hospitals, except Tracy City, any records of the number of sick that had been treated, nor the number of deaths in the last two years.” The testimony of the inspector of mines was that "This mine is in a very danger- ous condition both from gas and wa- ter." BRUTALLY LASHED. “The committee found that the meth- od of punishment at this institution, as in the other prisons, was to lay the con- vict flat on his stomach and whip him on his naked buttuck with a heavy leath- er strap attached to a handle. The number of licks vary from ten to sixty— usually about fifteen—and these were giv en sometimes with one hand and some- times with both hands of a stalwart guard. This punishment is inflicted all breaches of rules, and for failure to do the task assigned, which is about four tons of coal per day." “When from physical disability, the convict is unable to get out his task, and if their testimony is to be believed, some- times unmerciful and cruel punishment is inflicted.” Here, as well as at other prisons, the ‘‘most brutal and degrading vices and practices” prevailed At Big Mountain they found twenty- four white convicts and one hundred and one colored. The sleeping arrangements were much the same as that at Coal Creek, very filthy, not having changed for six months. There were no sheets, no pillows. The punishment was the same as at other prisons. The same vices prevailed. At Tuman the committee found two hundred and seyenty-four colored con- victs and twenty-seven whites. The treatment of the convicts was better than at the other prisons, but inhuman at best. At the main mesa prison, located at Nash- ville, they found "a few redeeming feat- ures, but deplorable at best." Some of the criminals are only eleven years of age up to eighteen year, and are not separated from the older and more vi- cious. In the female department, the commit- tee found forty-six women and girls, some of them not over fourteen years of age, and only about half enough cells to acc- commodate them with good sleeping apartments. they "were at all times ready for all the vices imaginable, that could be thought of or practices." "Four children were born inside the prison - are there today - disgraceful monuments of a guard's perfidy." THE PPUNISHMENT OF WOMEN. When punished, the women are compell- ed by the guard, in the presence of the other women, and sometimes of a man, to lie down, on the ground or floor, their clothing is drawn up, and stripped thus, they are whipped as the men, on their naked buttucks, and sometimes, as the present guard, Mr. Cope, admitted, one foot of the guard is placed on the neck or arms of the prisoner to hold her down as she writhes under the lash." Your correspondent remembers read= ing some years ago of a colored woman being flogged in this same prison and in the same way, who gave birth to a childUNION FAIT LA FORCE. LIBERTÉ ÉGALITÉ FRATERNITÉ RÉPUBLIQUE D'HAITI. Section de la corresp: g’ale. etranger No 1. Port-au-Prince le 12 Mai 1892 an 89me de l'Indépendance. Hyppolite Président d'Haïti Aux Membres de la Commission haïtienne à l'Exposition de Chicago. Washington. Messieurs les Commissaires, Je suis en possession de votre lettre du 26 Avril expiré, au contenu de laquelle j'ai donné toute mon attention. J'ai pris bonne note des vos communications au Chef du Département de l'Agriculture, ainsi que de la recommandation que votre avez faite en faveur de Monsieur Harrisse. Je ne manquerai pas, lorsque le Secrétaire d’Etat me soumettre cette question, de me souvenir [*2986*]de votre recommandation. En attendant, recevez, Messieurs les Commissaires, l'assurance de ma plus haute considération. HyppoliteThe North American Review; 3 East Fourteenth Street, New York Dictated. May 12, 1892 Dear Sir:- General Bryce, who is out of town, asks me to say in reply to your esteemed communication of the 4th inst. that he has much pleasure in granting you permission to include in your forthcoming autobiography the two articles written by you and published in the September and October numbers of the Review last year, on the understanding that credit will be given to the Review for the articles. He assumes that the book will be [1171]copyrighted. It is somewhat curious that when your letter arrived, Gen. Bryce was about to write you on a subject that I am sure will appeal to you. I enclose a clipping which will make his meaning clear. Will you write about thirty-five hundred words on the lines of this clipping for the Review, and deliver the MS. by June the 1st.? I may say that so far as I myself am concerned, a very striking article, it seems to me, could be written on the subject of our treatment as a nation of weaker peoples. Of course I am onlyThe North American Review, 3 East Fourteenth Street, New York. point that you might take. The North American Review, it is needless to say, wishes to publish both sides, perfectly fairly and impartially on all the great questions of the day. We would like the MS. by June the 1st at latest. I am Very truly yours, W. B. Franklin Hon Frederick Douglasscopyrighted. It is somewhat curious that when your letter arrived, Gen. Bryce was about to write you on a subject that I am sure will appeal to you. I enclose a clipping which will make his meaning clear. Will you write about thirty-five hundred words on the lines of this clipping for the Review, and deliver the MS. by June the 1st . ? I may say that so far as I myself am concerned, a very striking article, it seems to me, could be written on the subject of our treatment as a nation of weaker peoples. Of course I am onlyspeaking editorially, and do not necessarily reflect my own or Gen. Bryce's opinions on the subject. But from this standpoint it occurs to me that you might write a most telling article, by working in our treatment of the negros with that of the Chinese and Indians. Several months ago I saw reported in the papers an outrage which, if it be true, surpasses anything I have ever read. It was upon a negro who, it was said, was burned alive by the inhabitants of the village, and a woman applied thetorch. If this be true, what a key note you could sound by beginning your article with it. I will endeavor to send you a clipping of the article, if you do not remember it. It occurred, if my memory serves me right, on February 20th. The paper might be headed - Would we treat in the same manner a white man accused of a like attempt upon a woman of a weaker race, and have the subjects of Dr. Parkhurst's last revelations in New York paid the penalty we demand of the negro? What a satire on our boasted civilization such an exposition would be! Of course I am only speaking, to repeat, editorially, and from the standpoint [* W. B. Franklin to Douglass 1 of 2 *]The North American Review, 3 East Fourteenth Street, New York point that you might take. The North American Review, it is needless to say, wishes to publish both sides, perfectly fairly and impartially on all the great questions of the day. we would like the MS. by June the 1st at latest. I am Very truly yours, W. B. Franklin Hon Frederick Douglass LIBERTÉ ÈGALITÉ FRATERNITÉ AGRICULTURE Section d l'Exposition République d Haïti. No 9 Port-au-Prince le 13 Mai 1892 an 8 e de l’Indépendance. Le Secrétaire d’Etat, Au Département de l’Agriculture Monsieur le Commissaire, J'ai l'honneur d'accuser réception de votre communication du 2 avril dernier, au No. 1, que m'a transmise mon collègue des Relations Extérieures comme affaire ressortissant aux attributions de la Commission de Chicago que je préside. La Commission, qui déjà a en l’avantage d’entrer en rapport avec vous, a rapporté beaucoup d’intérêt a la lecture de votré lettre. Elle pense avec vous qu’il sera plus profitable pour le pays d'exposer dans leur ensemble tous les articles de provenance haïtienne, produits agricoles et industriels. C'est dans ce but que le Gourvernement s'est décidé à faire construire un pavillon spécial pour la section d'Haïti. - On sera ainsi on mesure de constater à quels résultats ont abouti jusqu'ici nos efforts dans le champ des activités humaines et d'avoir en même temps une ideé de ce que, comme nation, nous promettons pour l'avenir. Monsieur F. Douglass Commissaire du Gouvernement d'Haïti a l'Exposition de ChicagoMais pour bien marques soutre place à ce rendez-vous des peuples, il n'est pas sans utilité que nos objets exposés soient mis à côté des produits similaires des autres pays - - Encore en cela la Commission est d'accord avec vous. Elle estime qu'il y a lieu d'envoyer a nos Commissair es à Chicago les principaux articles en nombre suffisant pour être distribues dans les différents compartiments et concourses avec le produits de même nature que d'autres pays pourraient exposés. Dans l'attente de votre prochaine communication, je vous prie d'agréer, Monsieur le Commissaire, mes salutations distinguées. Dr Jn JosephDenver Colo May 13, 1899 Hon. Fred. Douglass Dear Old Friend - Enclosed I send you a clipping which contents I suppose you already know about. I am surprised that no protest was made to it by any Republican neither in the senate nor House= not even by the colored members. The enclosed letter will show you in some sort, the estimation in which Senator Wolcott holds me. He has always seemingly entertained a considerate regard for my sentiments and views upon current topics or great national questions of the day. I wish it were possible in some way [*1192*]that you could have a talk with him, as he is a very affable, pleasant gen- tleman to approach. I am sad that I cannote write you personally. As ever and always H.O. Wagoner JOHN S. DURHAM LEGATION OF THE UNITED STATES, PORT AU PRINCE, HAITI. May 16, 1892. To the Honorables E. D. Bassett, John M. Langston John E.W. Thompson, Frederick Douglass Gentlemen: It has occurred to me that you would be pleased to take advantage of the recent marriage of our friend and co-worker Doctor John B. Terres, Vice Consul General of the United States, to join in offering him some testimonial of our appreciation of his public service and his personal worth. I respectfully suggest to you this pleasant surprise for the Doctor and I shall be pleased to hear from you as to your willingness to co-operate together with any suggestion you [*1173*]you may make concerning the form which our testimonial should take I am gentlemen, Very cordially yours, John Jourhave LIBERTÉ EGALITÉ FRATERNITÉ AGRICULTURE Section de La an ce Sup. exposition République d'Haïti. No 91 Port-au-Prince le 16 Mai 1892 an 89e de l'Indépendance. Le Secrétaire d'Etat. Au Département de l'Agriculture Monsieur le Commissaire, J'ai l'honeur d'accuser réception de votre dépèche dui 2 Avril espiré que m'a remise mon Collégue de Relations Schéveieres, courme affaire reyortissant ane attributissez du Département de l'Agriculture. - La Commissaire de l'Exposition siégeant à la capitale a accepté avec empressement le conseil que vous lui Jounez D'exposes un numbre de volumes coutenant les écrits d'haïtiens distinguées; ell a décidé que ces volumes serant richement reliés et mis dans bibliothèque à vitrines peu acajou, baguelle sera construite en Haïti, où ils pourront être vus q'un coup - d'oeil. La Commission a également décidé que ce ouvrages qui seront assez nombreux, seront expédies à New-york pour q être reliés q'une façon uniforme. L'Exposition de jusdits volumes aura bien, Monsieur F. Douglass, Commissaire du Gouvernement d'Haïti près à New-york [*2998*]coume vous le causcilley dan le pavillon a constaime pour la Section haitismie. - Veuillez agriev, Monsicur le Coumiepsaire, les assurance, de una cousideration tres distinguse, Dr Jos JosephThe Independent. 251 Broadway, New York. REMOVED TO 114 Nassau Street. May 17, '92 My dear Sir, Will you not be so good as to write for The Independent a short article on What Christopher Columbus has done for the Negro - blessing or curse. I much want such an article by next Tuesday. Can you wl do it for us? Yours very truly Mr Hayes Ward Suptg Ed [*1195*]May 21, 1892. Sir: I beg to state for your information, at the request of the Director General of the World's Columbian Exposition, that pro- visions have already been made at Chicago by the Chief of the Department of Horticulture for the reception and care of any and all plants, even the largest, that may be sent from tropical countries. It is very important that these be sent before cold weather comes, and as early as possible. Plants of this kind are now arriving and may be sent at any time during summer and fall. They are at once placed in charge of experts who will see that each plant will be placed in the division of the building that has the proper degree of temperature for its growth. I desire to assure you and all intending exhibitors of the earnest desire on the part of the Management of the Exposition that the Department of Horticulture shall be well represented, and especially by all forms of tropical vegetation, which will attract a great deal of attention in this country. Will you assist in this matter by giving to this Circular the widest publicity in your country, and if any further information is desired it will be cheerfully furnished. I have the honor to be Your obedient servant, William E. Curtis. In charge Latin American Department.Port-au-Prince le 21 Mai 1892an 89me de l'Indépendance. Hyppolite Président d'Haïti A la Commission haïtienne à l'Exposition Universelle de Chicago. Washington. Messieurs les Commissaires, Je suis en possession de votre lettre du 14 du courant, sous le couvert de laquelle vous m'avez envoyé copu de celle adressée par vous au Secrétaire d'Etat de l'Agriculture. J'ai pris communication de cette pis ce et bonne note de ce qui en fait l'objet. J'espère que le' Secrétaire d'Etat ne manquera pas de faire tout son possible, pour vous mettre en mesure de remplir lir dignement votre mission. Receven, [*2985*]Recevez, Messieurs les Commissaires, les assurances nouvelles de ma considération distinguée. HyppoliteNew York, N.Y, 47 West 12th st. May 23, 1892. Hon. Frederick Douglas, Dear Sir and Friend, My dear son, (Rev. Howard A. Hanaford, of Winchester, N.H.) hopes to be able to pay his respects to you while he is in Washington, in attendance on the Home Missionary Society, and I take this opportunity of writing to you, and your dear wife. I hope she has forgiven me for not writing to her while she was at Hayti. Our dear, departed friend Mrs. Charlotte A. Joy Mann [*1176*] Told me of Mrs. Douglass' illness while there, and I depended upon her to convey my sympathy, intending to write to her when her health was better. But changes came to us, and we moved from New Haven, and the letter which I meant to write (largely, I confess, in hope of a reply from one whom I had come to respect and love, more and more as I become acquainted with her) was never penned. And now our friend Mrs. Mann, is gone from earth. How pleasant that visit we had with you and yours! She and I often used to refer to it. She suffered greatly, and toward the last was deranged, but almost her last words were an appeal for the abolition of slavery. She was a true, noble woman, and gone to a blessed reward. I hold in very pleasant remembrance the visit we all had at Judge Sheldon's, and hope we shall meet again on the earth; and some day she will meet with us in the better land. My son can tell you of the whereabouts of my friend, Miss Miles and myself, and of the sickness of Anna Dickinson who is just now our neighbor. I can testify that she is not and has never been insane. But let a sick woman be in the hands of doctors who torment her with drugs and liquors, and they and not sheare responsible for curious words or speech. But she has been the sufferer, and the doctors escape. Please give a great deal of love to your precious wife, from Miss Miles and from Yours very cordially, Phebe A. HanafordHoneoye May 23rd 1892 Dear Helen I should be delighted to receive the book containing a decree of Mr Douglass "Life & Lines". I shall prize the work itself very highly but much more the kind feeling which prompts the gift. Mrs. Briggs told me of the girls invitation for her to spend a part of the summer with them I am always glad of any stray sunbeam that lightens her path, for I feel that she deserved better then she has received. She seems quite well and very much pleased with the summer plan. I think you must enjoy your work of assisting Mr. Douglass very much. Mr Douglass evidently [?states?] [*1175*]not intend to send out. His health must be very good to enable him to get through the amount of work he does. We all sympathize with Jenni in her sorrow But you were all so faithful in your care of your mother that there can be nothing unpleasant in memory. I have lost another of my oldest friends. Mr. F J. Hicks. He was like a father to us after we lost our own. a good true man whom we can illy spare. I am glad that you have such a pleasant memory of the Honeoye valley. It seems as though our ancestors decided wisely in locating here. I have been waiting to see Mary Pitts before writing, but she does not come over here & I will do the best I can. With love to all I remain yours truly Mary S. LucasGreat grandfather Pitt's father was also named Peter. It was he who entreated "that the Lord would send great stones to destroy the British fleet in Boston harbor - one of the name was killed at the siege of Louisburg in the French & Indian war - Captain Pitts must have been born in 1738 and died in 1812 married Abagail Richmond who died in 1807. the children were Gideon married [Lorende?] Hubbard William " Dorothy Walker Hannah Taft Hannah Richmond Samuel " Deborah Richmond Mrs. Persi Bernard Peter " Susan Taber Philip twin brother of Peter who died at DightonRebecca married Peter Reed —— Wood Nancy “ David Benton Chancy Barnard Hannah “ Levi Blackman Abagail “ Abel Short Phebe “ Pierce Chamberlain Sarah “ Joseph Sears I do not know the order of their birth but think that your grand father was the oldest & know that grandfather was the youngest of the family & aunt [Sens?] next older than grandfather. He was born the 11th Oct 1785 & died June 20 1855. I doubt if any person now living knows the exact date of Capt Pitts birth, for I am sure that only the years of their age are on the new monument. I think it more satisfactory to have the date of birth & death on the stone.WORLD'S COLUMBIAN EXPOSITION, LATIN AMERICAN DEPARTMENT, WILLIAM E. CURTIS, (IN CHARGE,) 2 LAFAYETTE SQUARE, WASHINGTON, D. C. May 28, 1892. Dear Sir: The following letter from Mr. Skiff, Chief of the Department of Mines and Mining, contains much information that will be of great value to those who intend to make exhibits in that Department. The excellent and comprehensive plan of Mr. Skiff cannot fail to commend itself to all persons interested in mining (Signed) W. E. Curtis. [*1194-A*]Mr. Wm. E. Curtis, Chief Latin American Department, World's Columbian Exposition, Washington, D.C. Dear Sir: I have the honor to request that you instruct the gentle- man now representing the World's Columbian Exposition in the South and Central American countries to bear in mind, while promoting exhibits for this Department, the following particulars: The Department desires to source a systematic and repre' sentative mineral collection from each of the two countries. This collection may be divided into classes - scientific and com- mercial. The former collection may be best socurod of private parties, institutions of learning or government departments, as the geological survey, etc. The scientific collection should be classified, mounted, and arranged for the installation in cabinets in the scientific division. The comercial collection ore coin location should represent the resources and extent of mineral pro- duct, and the specimens may be three feet in diamter. And should include coal, building and oramental stone, clays, etc. The Department anticipates from South America interesting and valuable collections of native gems, crystals, and unique minerals. The mines of the country should be illustrated by models or picture exhibiting the surface and underground workings and plants. The Department especially desires models of mines (Whether at the mines or in the museums) as it is now making a special collection of models of this character, in order to have complete display of the status of mine engineering in all parts of the world. The progress of [inetallurgical] science in these countries should be shown by actual or reproduced samples of the appliances, machinery, and processes employed there and peculiar to them. If possible a set of the native and cruder implements used in treating gold, silver and the baser metals should be procured for exhibition If this entails too great an expense, inform the Department of the coat involved, both intrinsic value and in transportation, and perhaps we can aid you. Statistics and charts or diagrams must be used to show the advances made in the mining industry by the countries in que- tion. One of the most important exhibits will be that of liter- ature bearing on mining and metallurgy. Public libraries and museums should be ransacked for old books and documents, maps, mining grants, mining laws, and historical troatisos on mining as well as antique and peculiar appliances, tools, etc. Public, pri- vate, and corporate parties should be induced, by every mode of persuasion, to loan such interesting relics or literature to this Department during the Exposition. The Department guarantees their careful and safe preservation, special rooms and fire-proof vaults being espceically fitted up for that purpose. Yours respectfully, F. J. V. Skiff, Chief. 3029Springfield Ill May 1892 Mr Fredrick Douglass Dear Sir I will drop you a few lines feeling sorry that you cant come to our City on the 22 of September I was hoping to have you present on that day we are working hard to beat the Democrats of our state this fall our hard fight will be Governor the Fred Douglass is in good for work let me hear from you 1177again on this matter yours Truly Samuel Alexander