EXPOSITION UNIVERSELLE DE CHICAGO COMMISSION HAITIENNE Nov: 4th 1892 Dear Mrs. Keeler: I give you thanks for your deeply interesting letter and the newspaper article you were so good to send me. It seems to me that you are just the person qualified in charm and in knowledge and education to take Miss Wells through the whole north - from town to town and have her tell her story in churches and schoolhouses and private families and thus wake up the people to the sin and shame of the terrible outrages practiced in the [*1080*]South. Your righteous cause would raise up friends for you. The means you would need to live and travel would flow to you and you would be the instrument under Divine grace in doing great good. It might lead to the establishment of a paper devoted to the exposure of southern outrages and to efforts to remove Southern courage. I drop this suggestion hoping it may strike you favorably. My heart is sad and sore over the Dreadful things that are being done against the former slaves. Please tell me what you think of my suggestion. Very Truly Fredrick DouglassWashington, Nov 9 - 1892 Dear Mr. Douglas, I was delighted to receive a letter from you and to know that you are interested in a matter that has bowed my soul to the earth for the last five years. It is unnecessary to state how I first became interested in the infamous work in the South but will say that it has been all of God and in answer to the prayers of good people from beginning to end. As far as travelling through the North is concerned I feel incompetent to the task but will have it with the Lord. In speaking of this inhuman work and of bringing it before the public to Gen. W. W. Birney some time ago he said, "Never mind your [*1265*]incompetency but go on." One thing I know and that is I must get this load off my heart or I shall die beneath its weight. I have never seen nor heard anyone express my feelings as you did when you spoke the other evening. I do know that if there is a God above us "there is a curse red with uncommon wrath" hanging over this so so called christian country. I can't see why good people are so blind. More than a dozzen years ago where I lived in the north I knew something of this infamous treatment of convicts in the South. I have been interested in prisons for the last twenty years and it came in my line of work. Five years ago I began in earnest to ferret out the infamies practiced and to my utter surprise I learned that the victims most of them, were colored persons. A well known philanthropist who knew more about this work than I would like to tell you, wrote to me saying, "You must not make a specialty of colored convicts, if you do it will hurt your work." But my blood boiled with righteous wrath and I made up my mind to cover nothing and people would hear me too. For two years after I began investigating my very breath was prayer to God that He would arouse the people and put a stop to the infernal work. Morning, noon and night my soul was in agony. One day I opened by bible hoping to read something to give me comfort when my eyes fell upon these words, ["Wherefore cry ye unto me] "Wherefore criest thou unto me, speak unto the children of Israel that they go forward." They struck me with such force that I could[*C.O. Keeler to F. Douglass, 1 of 2*] pray no more but went to work the best I could. I wrote the article which I enclose and which found its way into the Chicago Inter-Ocean and caused quite a little stir among some of the prominent people there. It was not written up just as I wanted it to be but I did the best I could with continued interruptions from morning till night. I will say here that for eight years I have distributed clothing, etc. to the poor in alleys, which has taken up very much of the best of my time. I was pressed to go on but I could not get hold of the evidence I wanted to furnish the articles. When I at last got hold of all I needed, one calamity followed another until I almost gave up in despair. For instance, my husband fell and broke his hipI, myself was taken very sick, etc. Suffice it to say I have now a large amount of evidence, most of it official evidence, that will startle the people. How to get it was a problem I had to solve myself and I did it when at my work in my kitchen. I had no one to look to but God. My whole course from beginning to end has been bathed with tears. My own relatives have despised me and called me a fanatic. From the very first my course has been strikingly marked by the presence of God. Whenever anyone has presumed to lay hands on the work, which is God's and I am only the instrument, just so sure that hand was apparently visited by God's wrath. I mention this because it has been so striking I had to notice it. My heart bleeds with anguishNot even my husband has ever known how I have felt. If I try to shake it off life becomes a blank. Nothing gives me any comfort or joy. Then perhaps there will come letters from eyewitnesses, not convicts neither, but true, good men urging me to go forward with all the earnestness that can be put into words with pen and ink. I can tell you of hearts that bleed to day because nobody seems to care for the poor leased convicts in the Southern states. I know of one good, true Northern woman who in her Southern home walks her floor night after night with a heart bursting with unutterable anguish. The soil of the convict camps is wet with the blood of its tortured victims. But who cares? Oh, my God, my God. how long! I should not write as I do had I not travelled a long distance to learn these horrible things. But as an undertaker from Atlanta said to me not long ago when giving me an account of some of these barbarities, "I must stop or I shall cry." I have long been determined to bring these things to the light of day if the heavens fall. I have been unable to go forward as I hoped to but I bring the subject up before everybody and in every place I can. I brought it up before the Grand Army people in every possible way. I worked night and day staying at the Depot until almost midnight sometimes. The veterans were only too glad to see and hear me. I have a plan which I hoped to carry out before this, which is to buy a Camera, go into some of the southern convict camps and take a photo of the chain gangs. I have[*Nov 9, 1892 2 of 2*] a man engaged in N.Y. to make my electrotypes for printing but have not yet got my camera. It has been suggested to me more than once to republish the "Chain-Gang Catechism" which I have in my possession. Perhaps you have seen it. It gives a terrible but true description of convict camps as they were ten years ago and as they are now. Now, not next year, is the time to make a strike. Never was the field so white for the the harvest since Lincoln struck [the] off the chains of four million of slaves. One thing more, you must see the awful accounts of cruelties I have collected. Shall I bring them to you? I have a scrap book pretty well filled with them. Then I have Reports, etc. Dr. Crumwell is much interested Yours truly, Mrs C.O. Keeler 312 K St. N.E. Washington, D.C.You may return the article I enclose as it is the last I have. It was clipped from a Mass. paper there was such a call for it that the Ed. had to republish it. It was my first article on the lease system and the same that appeared in the Inter-Ocean. I send the editorial The inhuman treatment of colored convicts and the long terms for trifling offences, the cruel laws etc, etc all go to show that the whole thing is a plan to reenslave the race and is as deep as the bottomless pit. Thousands of mere childrenhelp to make up the chain- gangs of the South and they are treated worse than brutes. May the Lord help us to break up such infernal work. C.O.K. [* I. Keeler to F. Douglass*] [*Nov. 9, 1892*] [*4 of 4*]Washington Nov. 9th 92 Hon. Frederick Douglass. Dear Sir, Your kind letter to my wife leads me also to reply. In early life she suffered from the cruel treatment of her mother and this together with her subsequent conversion, and an old Abolition almanac that fell in her way were doubtless all in God's plan for preparing her for taking up the cause of the oppressed. My acquaintance with her began about eleven years ago and resulted from a letter of hers, published [*1267*]in the New York Weekly Witness, calling for printed matter to be sent South for distribution among the colored people. I then saw she had a missionary spirit, to me a very desirable quality for an help-meet, and she being under some restraint from relatives at home so that she could not freely follow the generous promptings of her nature; these entered into consideration in determining our course in getting married, leaving our homes, and coming, eventually to this city. I have been and am pre-occupied with my own special work which is reaching the masses with the gospel: but she has the same freedom to take up any special work of her own. Her heart has always gone out towards the colored people, and especially since she has learned of the cruelty still practiced in Southern prisons. Now what she is fitted for, and how God would use her is a question. She has not had the opportunity I have of quietly sitting down and closely studying out a matter Household cares and attending to callers have prevented this. And so, while she accumulated4 All the material for it, yet she required some help in preparing the article for the Witness which was sent you. I think that as a companion of Miss Wells while the latter travels and lectures in the North my wife could be highly useful. She could help forward the work in a conversational way, and as she herself says, she can plan; and somehow God seems to bless her efforts by opening the hearts of people of all classes to look on her and what she has to say with some degree of favor. My wife has herself had in plan, so far as her very limited means would5 admit; the publication of a small paper in the interests of prison reform and of the colored people; yet I have not encouraged her in this; but wish such a paper as you suggest could be started; one ably edited and financially well supported. There are many wrongs to be righted. If not too tedious I will mention a few that are in my mind: 1st. Injustice in the court room. I am not able to attend police court; but from what I learn cases are hurried through, the judge not always giving that careful consideration to the merits of the casethat ought to be given; and he sometimes sentences to heavier fines and longer imprisonment than is just and right. He not infrequently sentences a man or boy to one, two, or three months in the work-house or to a heavy fine for something not written as a crime in God's law and that neither the conscience nor the intelligence of the average man has [not] been taught to regard as wrong. The ignorant who are deprived by circumstance as they were once deprived by law of the privilege of informing themselves, are punished quite as severely if not more than the educated. And these things are going on, not only in this city, but all over the country and particularly in the South. God has mercy even at the bar of infinite justice on those who have had little or no opportunity of informing themselves; but man has no such pity; and in this the white man takes the occasion to let his hand fall very heavily on the race he has so long oppressed and held back from obtaining the knowledge of the truth. His course toward that race has been such as to complicate matters and the question of right and wrong8 and to obscure the natural light of conscience. But he now shows little or no pity for the people he has wronged. Again, about two years ago I was searching through the law library at the Capital and saw how differently crime is punished in two adjoining states. A man in North Carolina can, at the discretion of the court, be sent to the penitentiary and there be compelled to work at hard labor for a long term of years, ten or twenty even, and all for the smallest larceny of money, goods, or chattels. I think burglary is there punishable with death. If I am not mistaken [* I. Keeler to F. Douglass, 11/9/1892, 2 of 4*]9 in South Carolina a small theft is punishable only by imprisonment in the county jail for a period of thirty days or thereabouts When such marked differences are found in statute law the question naturally arises, What is justice? Now to find out what it is, and to bring to light the hidden things of darkness and to bring in an era of righteousness in what assumes to be the administration of justice is enough field for one newspaper to operate in, and for one I would be glad to see such a paper established. From such information as I have hastily gathered I judge that our systemof government and laws are defective in that the nation throws its sheltering arm around its citizen in a foreign land and protects him from mob violence; and if not, secures to him or his heirs indemnity therefor: but it does not so protect a citizen at home, or see that he or his family is remunerated for damages resulting from the lawlessness of the people. I believe this defect in our system of government must sooner or later be remedied, and that the National Government will be obliged to extend its powers, as it is now attempting to do ostensibly to secure an honest ballot, and that it will be compelled to take the necessary steps to secure the administration of justice all over our land, and to see that none of its citizens are treated wrongfully at home. Excuse my saying so much. With sincere regards Isaac KeelerEXPOSITION UNIVERSELLE DE CHICAGO COMMISSION HAÏTIENNE Washington, Nov. 15th 1892. Honorable Frederick Douglass, Commissioner of Hayti. Anacostia, D.C. Dear Sir: I have the honor to enclose herewith, a Bill of Exchange for $4.200? (Four thousand two Hundred Dollars), and draft of a despatch addressed to the Secretary of State of Agriculture, at Port-au-Prince, received this day, from your Colleague, Mr. Charles A. Preston. Owing to a bad cold, and the rainy weather, I am prevented from bringing these documents personally. I will, therefore, beg you to have the Kindness [*1268*]to sign the former, and to return it at the earliest opportunity to Mr. Preston. In my acknowledgement to him, of the receipt of these documents, I deemed it proper to remind him of your suggestions concerning the necessity of making and transmitting a full statement of accounts to Hon'ble Fabius Ducasse, showing the debit and credit of this Commission in order to avoid in the future, any complications, questions and explanations, relating to the financial situation of said Commission. In the draft of the despatch referred to, you will notice that the monthly allowance, including all expenditures, is calculated by Mr. Preston, at $1,150.00, while the cablegram transmitted yesterday, called, for four months (July to November,) only $4,000.00 a difference against us, of $600.00, which shall have to be added in our next demand for funds. Having received but $300.00, since April last, (seven months,) the balance due me for salary, is therefore, $400.00, which I hope, will be remitted, should our appeal, addressed yesterday to President Hyppolite, meet with a favorable response. In the translation of the enclosed despatch, I thought but just, to acknowledge our sense of obligation for your kindness and prompt action, in finishing the necessary amounts for the two cablegrams, which the strain of circumstances forced this Commission to transmit to the Chief of State of Hayti. I remain, Sir, very respectfully, Your obedient Servant, Alfred Harrisse Secretary.Cedar Hill, Anacostia, D.C. November 18, 1892 Dr. Wolfe, Fiske and Co., Gentlemen, The promised volume of the "Life and Times of Frederick Douglass" has at last reached me. I was very glad to have this evidence of its publication but am sorry to have to say that I have looked into it with less satisfaction than I had hoped. It is not such work as I had looked for from a Boston Publishing House. It is not gotten up even in a style equal to the former edition published in Hartford. Con. The paper is inferior and the binding slovenly, imperfect and unattractive I had looked for an improved volume, on good paper, firmly bound, and one which I could with a feeling of complacency recommend to my friends. [wish] I still hope that you will see the wisdom of [saving] issuing all [some] future copies of the work [on better paper] in a form [in] every way superior to the one sent me. The number of copies [of the book] that I shall take of the book will depend upon your carrying out these suggestions and upon upon the price as which you will sell [them] the book to me for cash. Please let me know what I am to pay for [them, by the dozen volumes] per volume over [*1122*]I have been appointed [a] by the Republic of Haiti Commissioner to the World's Columbian Exposition, and I expect to spend about six months of next year in Chicago. The occasion will afford [the means of] an opportunity to disposing of many copies of the book. Some [of those books] copies I shall give away and some will be sold. I hope [the] in a few days to be able to send to you the names of sundry newspapers to which it will be well to send copies of the book with a view to its extended sale. I have no fault to find with the freshness of the type. The letters are clear and distinct. In reply to your request I beg that you will make no use of what I have said in the book, concerning President Cleveland. Very respectfully yours, [Frederick Douglass]Stanford Conn Monday, Nov. 21 1892 My dear Mr Douglass. I thank you twice, first for writing you admirable letter of the 10th instant - on "the election" and secondly for putting the printed copy of it in the way to reach me this morning - It is, to me, "as the shadow of a mighty rock in a weary land" - It is the first expression of the sentiments which have wrestled in my own mind for the supremacy during a month past - No consideration of a personal character, entered into the causes of my sincere and unaffected regret, over the [*1275*]crushing defeat. I spoke less, and took a less conspicuous personal part in the canvass than usual, but my disappointment over the result was none the less on that account for my silence was not due to any waning of my interest, but to the natural and unyielding rigidity of my disposition to stand upon my feet, rather than to crawl upon my belly in mock humility at the behest of power - even if it involved the "turning down" of my "penny-dip" - along with the more conspicuous and brilliant lights of the Republican Party - Tammany Hall [may] may continue to rule and command the Demos party by alliance with the "solid-south" and the application of party machinery - but not so with our Repub party - no individual (not even J.G.B.) and no combination of individual, into a political "cabal," can so command the grand old party, which was born of the conscience of the American People. The Political Leaders, have tried in the year and have most ignominiously failed. I trust the lesson will not be lost upon the party managers. Saturday Nov: 26th At this point I was interrupted, and subsequently went from home toassist my united family in the arduous task of disposing of the Thanksgiving Turkey, at the home of my eldest son William at Colllinsville in this State. You may remember meeting him and his wife (the Granddaughter of Charles Blair) at my house, the latter being the maker of the famous John brown pikes) who was also my guest on the same occasion. That pleasant duty being over - I resume this letter not so much for the purpose of enlarging it - as to assure you of my interest in the letter itself - and my hearty indorsement of its general views - I regard your pungent criticismof the "plan of campaign" as eminently just; and it bore its legitimate fruit - what, a cold and sordid "Ecclesiasticism" is to true Piety - Machine Politics is, to true Patriotism, both ultimately die, and their performances become "as cold and selfish as dollars and dimes can make them." [Still] I am still a Republican, as well as yourself and entertain the same high hopes for the future; whenever [the] a fresh baptism of patriotisms shall again place upon its banners, your excellent motto "One country - one Citizenship" "One liberty - one law be I had occasion to say in introducing one of thespeakers, during the late campaign - "The Democrats "are never tired of reminding "us that the war is over - The war "is not over - nor will it be over "until every. an, qualified by "law to vote, shall be permitted "to do so, in every part of this "republic, without hindrance "and without fear - in the full "assurance that his vote is to "be duly counted and returned "whether his skin be white or "black, or his vote be cast in "Connecticut or So Carolina - "Until that Victory is "scured, the war will not be over "however it may in the meantime change its base "or its methods. [in the meantime] This I still believe, and I hope to see the Republican Party ere long commit itself once more to a "vigorous prosecution of the war" - to the end that the nation may have peace - and that neither "Billy Shehan" in New York or any other minion [in the South] of Tammany Hall - in the south - shall be permitted to "higgle" with the general Govt as to the performance of its constitutional duties in the protection of the ballot. If this be to favor the Lodge Bill - so let it be I ought to say that I found W Charles Blair at Collinsville very feeble in both Body and mind but still retaining pleasant recollections of yourself and of his latest opportunity to hear you speak from the platform. Our mutual friend, my neighbor John Lord has just returnedfrom Europe, very much broken in health, as might be expected in one of his extreme age. I send you with this a copy of his latest work in which I think you will find sentiments of interest to you, especially as he refers to your therein, by name -- I pray you to excuse the great length, and the broken manner in which my pen has run on and do not consider yourself bound to make reply, unless you deem it worth your while to criticise, condemn, or correct, what I have written, for I cannot permit myself to add to your burdens, much as I value the perusal of your letter. My son and daughter, who are with me, desire to be kindly remembered to both you and Mrs. D. Believe me to be as ever Yours faithfully, CEHPort au Prince, Haiti, November 26, 1982. Honorable Frederick Douglass, Cedar Hill, Anacostia, Washington, D.C. Dear friend: Your letter accompanied by the A.M.E. Magasine, came safely to hand, giving me the assurance that you still remember us in this far off land. Many thanks for the Magazine. I read with pleasure your article in the Magasine, and fully coincide with you, and permit me to say without any intention of flattering that if the body is growing weak, the mind is still strong and vigorous, if your argument can be considered as a proof of its strength and activity. I see that the Republican party has been defeated. I deeply regret it, because I fear that the negro haters will see in the success of the Democrat party in the late 1269 election our endorsement of their action towards our race, and our approval of the outrages committed on the colored and women in the South. I think that moving of the colored voters were led astray by the false promises, made by some of the unscrupulous leaders; promises which they will never realize; but will on the Contrary bitterly deplore their error in believing all the promises made only to gain their support. The rumors concerning a revolution in Haiti are entirely false every part of the Republic is quiet and from appearance likely to remain so for some time. President Heyppolite seems daily to be growing more and more in favor; he is really doing his best to establish peace and order in the country as well as improving the cities and towns. The discontented in Jamaica are without money and without that they can do nothing. The poor Country people ask nothing but to be let alone to cultivate their fields, they fear their hardships without a murmer, it is only when some unscrupulous scoundrels get among them and force them into their ranks that they ever take up arms against any government whoever, be it good or bad. I note with pleasure what you mention of your efforts in regards to Haiti's participation in the Chicago Exposition I have no doubt but that if she fails to make a good show it will not be any fault of your [of] your end of the work. The Commissions here are also in activity. The Government [will] has accepted the invitation to participate in the Grand Naval Review in April next, they intend sending three vessels, the ["Eeressaint"] and the two new ones expected here at the beginning of the year. Mr. Durhum, is in the U. S. heleft here 3 weeks ago on a leave of absence the report of his presence at Washington at the time mentioned in your letter is a mistake he was at Sto.Domingo at that time. Old man Jones is no longer with us, [Mr.?] Durham perferred to have a younger and more active man about the office, he is failing fst. I learned yseterday of the death in Cuba of our late friend [Figuereraro?] he died of consumption, leaving his widow in very poor circumstances. Doctor [Ferres?] and his wife are well Please give my respects to Mrs. Douglass as well as all the members of your family. With best respect and wishes I remain Yours truly A. BattisteOFFICE OF C. B. BARNES, SECRETARY OF THE REPUBLICAN EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE, OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. Cuthbert, Ga., Nov 30, 1892 Hon. Fred Douglass: Washington, D.C. Dear Sir, and honored friend, I write you these few lines to Say to you that I met you at Minneapolis in the Georgia head quarters and talked with you; also had a short talk with you at the Montouk falls while attending the national Republican convention & and prof. R. R. Wright, both & was a delegate from this ( (2nd) district. I have worked very hard for our party though we got defeated. & See i a paper that you have a circular [*1270*] OFFICE OF C. B. BARNES, [* 2 *] SECRETARY OF THE REPUBLICAN EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE, OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. Cuthbert, Ga., ..... 189 printed given your views of the cause. I wish you would Send me one of them. Now Mr. Douglass, I wish you to do me this favor as I have spent a great deal of money this year for the Republican Cause, and is now greatly in debt for the Same. And the Republican executive committee have sent a petition to Mr. Wanamaker, Post M. Gen. asking the Appointment of Mr Charles Taunton to the vacant Post office at this place (Cuthbert Ga) This will help me to Secure my home for the money spent for the partyOFFICE OF C. B. BARNES, 3 SECRETARY OF THE REPUBLICAN EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE, OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. Cuthbert, Ga., 189 he is an all right gentleman and we can have faith in him if he is appointed So do this favor for me by asking that my request be granted. See Mr Wanamaker at once as all papers is now in his hands I am yours truly C. B. Barnes. Chicago, Dec 1st 1982 Hon. Ferderick Douglass Washington, D.C. Dear Sir; I have written you asking for your autograph a few months ago and received no reply from you- I beg you to take the trouble to send your autograph for my private collection and oblige very much- Yours truly Wm Austin Amory- Dec 1st 1892 Amory 1271 HERMAN C. KUDLICH. GEORGE H. FINCK. LAW OFFICES OF KUDLICH & FINCK, MORESE BUILDING 140 NASSAU STREET ROOM 55. In re VS. losing shale New York, Dec. 1st 1892 Hon: Frederick Douglass Anacostia Washington D.C. Dear Sir: Enclosed please find check for interest due this day for $325. Very Truly, H.C. Kudlich [* 1272 *]Bridport Dec. 8th - 1892 Dear Mr. Douglass I expect that I am indebted to you for a copy of the Boston Time's Herald of the 28th Sept. with your Address on "The Negro in the Recent Presidential Campaign." I read it very great interest -- then sent it to my friend Miss F E Cooke of Birkenhead, -- then to my sister Lucy near Bristol, -- she returned it a day or two ago, & I think my sister Mrs Huy (whom you saw at Lyone, & who always likes to hear of you) shall have it next. I suppose that it was a published, not a spoken Address - as in the paper it is called an "Article". Whether given at a public meeting, or to the still [*1273*] wider public of readers. - I hope that it will have the good effort of keeping the Negroes of the North from deserting the Republican party; - a Suicidal step it wld be for them, as your strong and unanswerable arguments clearly show; these arguments, coming from you, must have great weight with the colored people, & indeed with all people who are the ones you specially want to influence by them. So though relieved from office you are working away with all your old power. I hope that you are entering upon the winter in good health, & that you will not run any risks by travelling or lecturing till summer comes again. When you last wrote you were in some anxiety about one of your sons, who was ill I hope that he has long ago recovered & that all your family are well. I hoped that the book of Mr Carpenter's sermons & a few other writings, which my nephew Prof. Erklin Carpenter of Oxford is editing, would have been out by this time, - but it will be Jany - or later before it appears; it is entitled "Personal & Social Christianity" & is prefaced by a short memoir by Miss. T. E. Cooke. I am going, about the 20th Dec for a few weeks to my sister's Mrs Blake's. - I find it hard to leave home, - but my friend much wish me to, - & I think it will be well for me to do xo.- I have now been about six weeks withoutany friend staying with me.-- We shall be a quiet party at Bridge They are all much attached to my dear husband, & feel very loss to some extent theirs also - This time last year we were looking forward to going there together, - & tho' he was far from well, he enjoyed the family gathering. How little I then thought of what was so soon do happen darkening my life - & taking all joy out of it. Perhaps it is a beautiful arrangement - that the future is hidden from us. -- I wonder how Mrs Crufts is getting on - I fear that she has very poor health -- almost wonder that she does not give up her school, wld usual be a [constr] constant strain upon her in ever way -- I have not heard from her lately I hope that Mrs Douglass is well -- her mother will be very glad to have her back from Haiti. With kind regards to Mrs Douglass I am ever most sincerely yours Mary Carpenter. This not will reach you just in time to assure you of my best wishes for a happy Christmas & New Year shall you have a party if children & grandchildren at your house? The Cross S. Nerto Decbr 8th / 92 My dear friend / I was so very glad to see you well known handwriting once again - In your previous brief letter you said "I shall write you again soon" - but you forgot! - & I have carried that letter in my pocket ever since - now it will be changed for its successor to take its place - This year now drawing to a close, has been in many respects a very, very sad one to me - & I have no [*1274*]good news to tell - Early in the year now Ewing Jane's husband left her - then she died - All that I told you - Arthur G - & myself had to bear all expences all - & altogether - I still have the bulk of dear Harry's and all Daisy's expences - Harry being an apprentice can earn no money at present - & has each voyage to be well supplied - last Feby his kit & all the new outpt was stolen from the docks - & all had to be renewed at once - But dear old friend the saddest part of my news is to come - Arthur has been dreadfully deceived by "Mallerstedt" the young man you saw at his house in Glasgow = He lured him on to move to London Suburbs. Where the living is always expensive Arthur had nothing put on paper as to agreements &c - & a quarrel & separation have been followed by Arthur losing all - & in plain terms I may say he is ruined - and he - dear Mattie& her eldest dear little girl have gone to Manchester -- the 2nd dear child (7) I have had with me here for the last 8 months -- and hope to have her while God spares me & while I have any means left Jane's children have cost me much money. Poor dear Lizzie brought them here poor children one at a time thin & half fed! -- What could I do but bid them stay -- for how could I tell that my snug little income would diminish as it has -- (property dying outIt is a mercy I did not lend Arthur more than I have done -- I was applied to often -- & found it is difficult to refuse -- You will remember Daisy? This is a well grown girl -- tall & stout & self-willed to any extent -- like her poor mother in temper -- She is more than 14. -- Her one talent is music -- but she will only practise on piano, when she likes -- & so there is no hopeof her adopting a musical profession as a means of supporting herself later on!! -- -- Well, dear old friend I thank you heartily for your most kind & generous suggestion -- of sending me your mite in case of my "need" -- I do not take it amiss -- for the changes & chances of this mortal life are many -- & I have had to draw so much from my small "principal" there is little left of it I have a leasehold house at Haverstock Hill which used to bring me in £53- pd ann. but every quarter the tenant is more backward in payment -- and my lawyer has to be resorted to -- & he brings him into Court. By the way dear Frederick, if "George Grossmith" goes to Washington to give entertainments, be sure & go to one -- His father (same name) lived in that house - & he was from there & knows me well. -- He is being very clever in his way -- It is nearly 40 years since you & I first met -- & fast friends we have beenever since. — & my great hope is that we may meet in that blessed place where farewells are found unknown" — "where the wicked cease from troubling & the weary are at rest" — May God bless & guard & guide you dear, dear old friend always yours ever faithfully Julia G. Crofts Thanks for papers - My kind remembrances to Mrs. Douglass - Do be careful about your cough - & don't neglect it, I pray you. A dio —Yale Divinity School New Haven, Conn., Dec. 17. 1892 Mrs W.C. How. Portland, Me. Dear Madam, Our promising colored Student from West Africa Mr. Faduma Still continues to keep & deserve the respect & confidence of his instructors & fellow students. In his class he holds a high rank & diligently improves all his opportunities. (I believe you have a history of his life.) His parents, (who belonged to the Yoruba Country, the Capital of which is Abeokuta) were kidnaped & rescued by a British armed vessel, as they were being transported to America. They took up their residence in Sierra Leone, where [*1277*]he was sent to School & on reaching the highest class in the High School took the prize or Scholarship which enables him to take a three years' Course in Taunton College, England, in connection with which he received the first or preliminary degree of B.A. in the University of London. He then returned to Sierra Leone & taught four years in the High School there. In order however to fit himself more perfectly for the work of Christian education & preaching among his own people in Yoruba, he felt it to be desirable to become acquainted with American ways & to take a full theological course. He has now completed the Studies of the first half of the Middle year in this Seminary, & with his high aims, established Christian character, good sense & diligence in Study, he gives every reason to expect that he will become an exceptionally good & useful missionary to his people. What Neesima became to Japan we all know. How much it may be given to Mr. Faduma to do in the same line for his own Countryman remains to be seen, but his earnestness & fidelity gives promise that the expectations of his friends will not be disappointed. Financially he needs to be aided & I rejoice that your pastor is willing to cooperate with you in assisting him. Sincerely Yours, George E Day Dean Yale Divinity School.Please return this letter to Mrs W.C. How 69 High St. Portland MainePROF. ALEX. A. OLDRINI, No. 1435 L STREET, NORTHWEST, WASHINGTON, D. C. Dec. 19, 92 Dear Sir, Referring to your friend to whom you offered the ovation to speak on Cavour and Bismark, I take the pleasure in sending you by mail the rare Book containing the relation of Count Arimin's fight with the Chancelor. I hope it may prove an interesting point to your friend. While I will never forget my visit of yesterday to Anacostia and promise to come to see you, some day in January, to talk on Swope - and listen on America, I remain Yours very truly, Alex. Oldring [*1278*]EXPOSITION UNIVERSELLE DE CHICAGO COMMISSION HAITIENNE New York - 21st December, 1892. The Hon. Frederick Douglass, Commissioner for Haiti - Anacostia, D. C. My dear Mr. Douglass, I have been in receipt of your kind note of the 15th inst, for some days passed. But since my return from - Washington I have been suffering from acute muscular rheumatism in the chest, a malady - no matter how innocent - very disabling, however. -- My motive in going to Washington was twofold. First, to consult with you on general affairs pertaining to [*1279*] our Mission -- secondly to propose the advisability of our sending an agent to stir up our people about the preparation and forwarding of our exhibits - Besides which all, Mr. Harrisse had intimated to me the fact that you were engaged on the preparation of a paper on Haïti and it was my hope to persuade you to reserve its utterance for the occasion when we would take formal possession of our Pavilion at Jackson Park. -- Mrs Preston and myself would have been delighted to [view] contemplate the view from Cedar Hill sending yours and Mrs Douglas' return home, were it not ist your domestic informed us of her utter ignorance of the time when you were expected back. -- This is Xmas week and I shall postpone another visit to Washington until after the Great Day. -- In the meanwhile I take exceeding pleasure in announcing that our Building at Jackson Park is entirely completed and that the keys are ready to be handed over to us. --- My health not permitting a personal journey I engaged a practical and thorough business man to accompany our architects to Chicago. -- These gentlemen have since returned, and their verbal reports are flatteringly satisfactory. In a day or two we shall receive their written report and, next week, I shall be with you in Washington to arrange for our going to Chicago to take formal possession of the Republic's Pavilion --Yesterday - via Tampa I presume, we received two communications from our Government under date of the 26th ultimo. One of which authorized us to have the official labels for our Exhibits printed here - and the other brought us a remittance for $3150.00/100 cover the quarter's appropriation due us to the 31st instant. - In view of our Secretary's pecuniary situation I have taken it upon myself to negotiate the draft to-day, so as to enable him to receive his due so early as tomorrow. - In consequence of which I, herewith, as per his request, enclose my check to your order for three Hundred dollars in payment of his salary from the 30 September last to the 31st instant. You have requested to see an abstract [*C. Preston to F. Douglass 1 of 2*]EXPOSITION UNIVERSELLE DE CHICAGO COMMISSION HAITIENNE 2/ ----- of our account with the Government and I, herewith, enclose a copy of our general account with the Republic to date. --- -- By tomorrow's mail I will forward you a detailed account of our business and other expenses. Mrs Preston joins me in kindest regards to yourself and Mrs Douglass, and I am, my dear Sir & colleague very sincerely yours Chas A. Preston Wiscon Dec 22 1892 Dear Friend of other days - Within a few weeks I learned that you were in Washington. I resolved to write you. I had not heard from you for a long time previous. I hope you are as hale & happy, as the last time I met you. Of the old Anti-Slavery Phalanx very few are visible by mortels. Your & Parker Pillsbury, Mrs. Stanton & a very few lesser lights are all. We will have a jubilee when the last of us are gathered home You will remember that [my] my good husband passed on ten years ago. I have a pleasant home in the lovely City {*3) [*3057*] of Dixon. The youngest boy I secured from infancy lives with me, I can not say that he is my ideal man though quite equal to the average. His wife is a lovely young woman, & quite compassionable. I am very much alone. My health very poor. Shut in during the long cold winters. Sometimes I feel very lonely, but the second thought tells me, there is very little congenial Society here, or any where for me, excepting one the other side of the veil. My two sisters are living near Cincinnati. Almost every other relative & early friend are on the other side of life. But I have frequent visits from them to my great joy. And a very pleasant memory of the past. & not a cloud rests upon the picture. I can read many hours in a day when at my best. so I am fortunate. How I would like to have a long talk with you. Your life has been the most remarkable one that I have ever known. Not every one can realize it. that knows the facts. It seems to me there is a difference between knowledge, & comprehension. For instance, there are many who claim to be Spiritualists, They believe in immortality & return of the Spirit to earthly friends, but they do not comprehend the vastness of its philosophy, & value, to the human spirit, more than a monkey or a Steam Engine. Now let me enquire if you have heard of Paul Dunbar? of Dayton, Ohio. The colored Poet, I will send you what I found in regard to him in a a Chicago paper. I thought of you when I read it. I hoped you could encourage him, & perhaps, find some remunerative employment for him. Oh the terrible greed that compels people to labor at four dollars per week & wrote him yesterday. I said to him that I was going to write you soon, & I hoped you could help him to a better position. I have neve seen either your wife, or children but hope they are prosperous & making the most of life Yours in best wishes for the future & with the kindest remembrance of the past M. A. French Hills Dixon Illinois P.S. Merry Christmas England Decr 22. 1892 Dear friend F Douglas Being in receipt of another welcome letter from thee I am inclined to send a copy so that this may arrive at the commencement of a new year - all the news in thy last - interested me very much - I do like Home touches - as it regards thyself - Thy dear Wife and all others constituting thy Household - I like to fancy you "en familiaris" - as well as well as in thy public life - and shall I say political that I may have the whole man as he is now. This carries my mind back to the past and reminds me - of thy cousin Mrs R Ladees behalf to remind thee of a request she made to thee when she wrote - (which letter I hope has been received) - if thee could tell her how she [*1280*]could despatch another copy of the Life of Fred Douglass Some one has torn the only copy she has - and she very much wishes to buy another - but cannot succeed in England - I do hope it is not out of print If so it rightly appears in another edition. I want to know whether there is not a concluding volume coming and I do hope there is for it would be very incomplete without it - and being you beyond fisteen in interest it should have an ending as well as a beginning The Record of such a life is valuable for ages to come - as a true picture of real life - I say not this as one of thy flattery oh no - thou knows me better than that - I can quite believe that much that is said may have a specie of this welcome quality, which must2 there it was not but all by F D - himself - and now for a bit of flattery' perhaps" on my part They looked & examined closely - and marvelled that one who had never had a days schooling in his life = could write so well and express himself so correctly" - I quite agree that it is a marvel that cannot be accounted for - but really I do honestly believe you colored people - are far beyond the whole race in adaptation - but is there such a word? - (let that pass, as an anglicism) What would some of your white people say to this? I care not - I hold my own opinion from specimens I have seen and known, my own self Surely there must be hope for you yet - only you have scads of obstacles to remove first - [*E. Richardson to F. Douglass 12/22/1892, 2 of 5*]humiliating - rather than gratifying - for a true spirit revolts at it but nobler men must be subject to all kinds, good & bad so silent contempt becomes them best Issuing as a rule - that noted characters must have much to bear - but a noble one will let all pass for what it is worth - knowing he has a more sure guide by which to judge himself Shall I make a confession to thee here - and tell thee honestly - that my cousins Mr & Mrs Foster and Mrs Pease came in before I had finished reading thy letter and as the small writing puzzled my old eyes - I let Mrs Foster read it to us all - They were much interested - But we I would believe that Mrs Douglass had written part of it never my own mistake I assumed3 You speak of your failing eyes - I will speak of mine - I cannot read even what I have written just before - It is thus fog in the day - and gas light at night with us but with your brilliant sunshine you are enjoying I hope my letter may be deciphered in America My dear mother used to talk of the dark days before Christmas - and surely we are having them now. You seem to have bright hopes of Hayti in the future now I wish they may be realized - what a blessing it might prove to the world - as to the capability of your race - but I did not gather from the letter I received that such hopes were so bright when you were there. I do hope they will do their best for the Exposition at Chicago - I [fear?] you will be [honored?] up there - Thus I should be [E. Richardson to F Douglas, 12/22/1892, 3 of 5]with you to take care of you - such places are very very fatiging - that is my experience in London and elsewhere "Nothing tries so much as wondering" - so wrote the author "Welles" - in his book "the imagination kept on the stretch" — I am feeling this Christmas - the top of the last connecting link of my own dear family - Now that dear "Amé' is gone The World has a weird feeling it never had before now that I am emphatically alone - It is difficult to realize it fully - but I am not alone seeing I have the Friend that sticketh closer than a brother - at my great age it is no wonder it should be so - How many are gone of the Rouge circle I have known and loved but there was Hope in these [?leake]just smaller copy of mine The servants like to read it and other people forget to return books when lent - which is very wrong I see this is my fourth sheet when I thought it was the third so I must not weary thee nor strain thy valuable eyes the [writing?] nothing with thee - My May seems as if she could never give up the hope of seeing thee again but I cannot join her in this - on this side the grave I am not surprised that Home has more attractions than wandering over the earth at thy age only the spirit is yet active - and will not let thee rest when there is need for work to be done We ask for the Carpenters about the [?] Washington I now comprehend why my letters took such a wandering turn - I will need thy advice in JusticeI only know one that can travel back with me to the days of my childhood - and that is my precious cousin Mrs Foster - She and I are closely bound - by many links - but she is very feeble - and I tremble for her life sometimes My dear Father had the [great?] [kindness?] of her young after her Fathers death and she became ardently attached to her - No one could be more so I believe and we have been sister cousins - play mates in childhood - companions in youth - and bosom friends in old age. She does like to hear of thee so much and always wants me to send her love when I write - she is much pleased to when she is remembered by thee. Don't forget about the Book in thy next letter please - as she is so much in earnest about getting a copy I am afraid I have lost thethough I am at a loss to comprehend why it should require both the "US - and America" on the letter - Does not every body know that the U States are in "America" I see "Cedar Hill" is written in thy address as given to me so I suppose it is not needful The little Record of dear Henry - is not yet opened from the Printers hands - but I hope to send one shortly for thy acceptance - It is only meant for private circulation - My kind love to Mrs Douglass - Her messages are always acceptable to me [E. Richardson to F. Douglas 12/22/1892 5 of 5]Let me have thy letters dear Frederck I feel as if I had some right over "F Dou'ss - " but not such as though could command - but in return for the amount of sympathy I expended on thy account I do not know what this [fresh?] [?ness] calls forth with thee but I speak the truth when I say it really exists & that means that I must hear from thee so long as I live when have I opportunity permit thee to write With kindest regards therefore I am as ever thy friend truly. Ellen RichardsonCoitsville Ohio Dec 26/92 The Hon Fredrick Douglass kind sir my object in writing to you is to find out whether you have any of the books of your life written by your self about the year 1856 I use to have one but have lost it would like to have another you will know the book I refer to when I repeat a verse that was in it Come saints and siners hear me tell how Pious Priests whip Jack and Nell and woman buy and children sell and preach all sinners Down to hell and sing of heavenly union [*1281*]Please write and inform me whether you can furnish the book or Not if you can send price and I will send for one Yours Respectfuly James Armitage [*5*]Dec. 27, 1892. Stanford Conn. Dear Helen: As I am inclined to be a listener when Louise is present, so now I feel that I cannot have anything interesting to add when she has written. Still I am unwilling to let her message go without a word from me. Ever since Louise's arrival, a fortnight ago, [*1282*] I have intended to tell you what cozy times we two are having here and express the wish that you might join us sometime. If any of your engagements should bring you to the vicinity of New York, do give us the joy of seeing you here. We lead the quietest possible life, except when my three big boys are at home for a holiday, which happens too seldom. While Louise the younger is at school, Louise the original and I have the house to ourselves. Horace has boarded in Brooklyn since December 1 and Daniel often spends a night there in this busy season. You can imagine what a boon Louise's presence is to me. Your good letter came just in time to enable me to include your faith in me among my "marcies" on Thanksgiving day. I thank you from my heart for your defense. Is it not about time for wedding bells to ring at Anacostia? I am very glad Miss Foy is able to attend school and also that your favorite cook has returned, though regretting the necessity for the giraffe to leave her "darling" mistress. Please give my kindest regards to all your household, and accept my warmest wishes for you all for a Happy New Year. Ever affectionately yours, Harriet T. Woodbury. Box 333. Stamford. Conn. Dec. 27. 92. Dear Helen: I am under Harrie's roof this cold weather - I am here to build a new barn - in the place of the one burned Thanksgiving evening - The mercury has been down almost, if not quite, to zero, for nearly one week - & my work drags - The diggers for the foundation work with picks instead of shovels & throw[ugh] the large chunks of frozen earth into the cart with nearly frozen hands - It looks discouraging, but we are warm & cozy in this little brown house - & enjoying ourselves in various ways; one of the pleasantest of which is in rehearsing the delightful days spent with you & your family on Cedar Hill. Harrie seems as well as usual - That cough is gone, & just the cough she always has - a dry one when she gets up in the morning - only remains - The boys were at home Sunday & [*1283*]Monday - & what a change! There noisy mirth & happiness was contagious & I felt young again - But how they did work! Cut down trees & drew them to the house - & did so many necessary things in house & barn & at Grandmother's - that each seems the father of the family instead of one of the boys -- Then they were off skating & visiting the girls, & attending Christmas Festivals, etc. etc - They made the most of their two days - & we shall have another such two days New Years -- We wished Miss. Foy was here to share in the fun & frolic - & so did the young men -- Harrie's children are wonderfully good - Horace has changed his work & is now with Dan in the Dry Goods business - His former Employers felt badly to lose him & gave him a recomendation full of his praise & their regret - There is better pay & opportunity for promotion now, than where he was before -- This is Louise's last year in the High School & then she expects to go to New Britain State Normal School - Estes is still at Newport News - I expect when he has "spent all" he will ask Dan to send him money to get home. I fear that time is near! The children have such perfect freedom from criticism & restraint - which they do not need, & have developed so fast in a social way, in their father's absence - that I dread to have them again under rules & censure - They have tasted liberty & are now men - & I hardly think they would give up any of their present privileges --- How I am running on! My son writes that he is growing better in health -- all the time -- He got much scared about himself --- & took better care -- dropped cigarette smoking for one thing He is very busy ---I wonder if this will find you at home or en route for some other places -- I am going to send you a cape, I have just finished, as soon as the mail will take it - I have knit & crocheted a great many thoughts of you into it - and also good wishes & prayers -- for you, & your happiness in whatever lies before you --- I met Mr. Hill in the P.O. the other day & he expressed great delight in receiving Mr. Douglas' article in regard to the defeat of the Republican party. --- I judge from "straws," that he is not in as good circumstances as when we dined there a few years ago --- Mr. Hill shows age as well as the rest of us ----- Give our (Harrie's & mine) love to Jenny & Amelia & Mr. & Mrs Douglass -- & if you come this way alone, you shall sleep with me in the room Harrie has given up to me - She sleeps with Louise -- Adieu! Always your sincere friend Louise A. W-------FACULTY-- REV. J. A. WHITTED, A.M., Principal. H. B. FALKNER, A. B., J. A. BROCKETT, D. D., Miss C. B. PERSON, Miss N. G. HAWKINS. Warrenton State Colored Normal School, and Shiloh Institute, Warrenton, N. C. Dec. 30th 1892. Hon. Frederick Douglass, Washington, D. C. Dear Sir: As I am now collecting books for my library, I think it would be incomplete without your "Life and Times" written by yourself. As you were such a true friend of papa's (George H. Mitchell), and assisted him so much in securing a professorship in Howard University, and other kindnesses, which I think have been immense benefit to me: And desiring to learn more of your noble and [*1284*] heroic actions, I write for your biography, so that I may study and transmit the golden principles therein to others. Sincerely Yours, Mrs. M. C. Falkner.Form No. 1. THE WESTERN UNION TELEGRAPH COMPANY. 21,000 OFFICES IN AMERICA. CABLE SERVICE TO ALL THE WORLD. This Company TRANSMITS and DELIVERS messages only on conditions limiting its liability, which have been assented to by the sender of the following message. Errors can be guarded against only by repeating a message back to the sending station for comparison, and the Company will not hold itself liable for errors or delays in transmission or delivery of Unrepeated Messages, beyond the amount of tolls paid thereon, nor in any case where the claim is not presenting in writing within sixty days after the message is filed with the Company for transmission. This is an UNREPEATED MESSAGE, and is delivered by request of the sender, under the conditions named above. THOS. T. ECKERT, General Manager. NORVIN GREEN, President. NUMBER SENT BY REC'D BY CHECK 2W H J Mr Pain Entd W RECEIVED at Fishers Drug Store, 1892 Anacostia, D.C. Dated Indianapolis, Ind. 15 To Hon Fred Douglass Washing ton We earnestly request you to come to Indiana[] to speak for at least five days is important to success please accept answer giving dates John K Gowdy [*1232*] chairman(92) 45 B St E & Capitol ave Sunday Dear Mr. Douglas Did the meeting inspire your memory with Hayti or other folk Lore , Customs, or superstitions, etc, Can you contribute towards our folk Lore Afternoon on Feb. 29th- National peculiarities - ceremonies etc . & will you meet with members of the Folk Lore Section & consult over our individual Contribution [*1285*]& formulate a moveable programme for our afternoon on thursday even by 30 Jany 21 & I think we can enjoy 2 or 3 hours of pleasant intercourse, Miss Fletcher will "take the Chair,' & I am sorry Mr Douglas cannot be included as it is a Womens meeting - Let me hear from you yours truly, Jean M Lander