37 Ashland Blv'd Jany 2/93 My Dear Friend Douglass - I notice by the papers your arrival at the Palmer House and that you are to dedicate the Hayti building to-day. Were I not confined to the house by a hard cold and cough I should call to see you and I very much regret being unable to attend the dedication - Now to see you again under our own vine and fig tree would [*1286*]be a great pleasure to us all and shall hope you can make it convenient to give us a call or what would be much better come and stop over night with us. With kindest regards from myself and family I am Very sincerely yours, A.M. LewisN. Kessey, Pres. G.W. Pitts, V.P. M.D. Gibbs, Cash. BANK OF NORTHWESTERN IOWA. ALTON, HAWARDEN, IRETON, IOWA. Alton Iowa 4th January 1893 Jennie W. Pitts Anacosta D.C. Dear Madam - At the request of Mr. Pitts I enclose herewith Cert #26 - 10 shares stock in 1st Nat Bank of Ireton Iowa Yours truly M D Gibbs Cash [383]Hotel Breuer Montreux, Suisse G Breuer, Propr. Montreux, le 8th Jany 1893 Hon Fred Douglass My dear Friend As I woke today & yet lay dozing you were very present to my mind, and I recalled the incident that occured in your Office in '85. How often I have repeated it! How many (perhaps thousands) have heard it. Margaret, my Pearl, & I called on you & we let you know we had been in Europe. You turned to Margt. & said "Parlez vous Francais M'lle?" "Oui Monsieur. It faut que je parle Francaise parce que nous avons demurer plus long temps en Europe" she said quickly. "Stop! Stop!" said you "you are too fast for me. But I am learning French & every minute I can get from my official duties I am [learning] studying French." And, illustrating a harmless rotation in office, you turned your office chair & drew from your desk drawer your French grammar & your exercise [you] and said "See, here is my exercise - won't you correct it for me - 'Avez-vous le canif de mon pere' - Miss I am over 65 years old - [*1287*]I never went to school a day in my life - I was born a Slave!" Ah! Mr Douglass - hundreds yes thousands of the colored youth of our land have heard that incident from my lips - & hundreds of whites have had that proof of your courage, your force, your noble ambition put at them by me where they were ready to disparage the colored race. And I well remember when you took me to Pere Hyacinthe's that tho' you & I did not fully understand every word of that notable company's utterances, we yet could catch enough of the meaning of that brilliant [notable] priest who dared to break with Rome - of that splendid Mons. Bescense & his cultured wife, to understand the drift of their conversation. God bless you my friend for your courage & your devotion to duty - & bless your wife for comforting you. I have not heard from you since your article in the North American on the outrage perpetuated upon you. I read today with regret that the "big head"ed Admiral is sent by Harrison to Chili - Well I am glad Harrison's time is so quickly coming to an end. Neither he nor even my friend Wanamaker could stand the pressure put upon them. Cleveland can stand more. The little Margaret that you were so polite to has grown to be 20 years old & is now engaged to be married to a very worthy young Englishman of Birmingham - a Mr. Martino, a descendant of [the] Italian Protestants who were forced to fly their country. We are over here again for a year or more - I will know if you care to hear further from me by my having a letter from you addressed as above - Farewell my Friend - Present my regards to your wife Yours truly Horace J. Smith "Sweet Peggy" commends herself to you & to MadameThe Ballot and Lynchers, BY THE PEOPLE Published in the Interest of Lynched Men's Widows and Orphans of the Country. Chicago Jan 9th. 1893. Hon. Fredrick Douglass My Dear Sir Since our last issue of The United Christians' Directory of Chicago, our attention has been called to a more important topic: the one above mentioned. During the last forty-four months, the Lynchers' record has exceeded that of any other period in the history of this Government. The lynching of men on account of crimes committed by them, punishment for which is duly provided under our laws after an impartial trial by judge and jury, Some of our citizens, however, under excitement have taken the law in their own hands, even to go so far as to break open the doors of our prisons, and taking therefrom men who were prisoners of the people, who were awaiting their trial by the law which was made by and for the people, and deprived them of their lives without allowing the law to take its course. As far as I am informed, the work and plundering of the Lynchers have deprived more than 47,575 men, women and children of their lives, and has caused 11,947 widows and orphans to mourn the loss of their husbands and fathers, within the last thirty-two years. Eight-tenths of these people have no home and are practically helpless. We have decided to assist this host of friendless ones by publishing a book, containing the names of those who have been lynched, together with the protests of liberty loving and law-abiding citizens of this country against lawlessness, with the proceeds of which we will purchase a large tract of land and distribute it among the most needy families of those men who have met their death by lynching. Two competent men will be appointed in each State and Territory of the United States, to look after those in most need, and to report the same to us. We hold that if a man commits a crime, he shall be tried and justly punished according to the laws laid down in the statutes of the respective states, which were adopted by and for the people. If Lynch practice continues, the time will shortly come when our whole country will be thrown into the hands of its bitter enemies. There is great danger, and we submit this for your views upon this matter which rests upon the American people. We would be glad to hear from you upon any one of the following subjects: ' An honest count of the ballot. '' '' Lynching practice will lead to the Nation's ruin. '' ''Widows and orphans of lynched men." "The Negro thirty years from bondage to freedom." "The Negro as a citizen; his moral progress; his financial progress." "The laws of our country must prevail." "Lynching must cease." Some of the ablest men of the country are interested and will contribute to this work, and we hope you will do the same. The wrongs were perpetrated by the citizens and the citizens must call a halt. Our files are full to overflowing with authentic cases of wrongs. furnished by our correspondents. Now is the time for good men and women to come to the rescue of society and the civilization of America. She gained independence by bloodshed, and she can lose the greatest system of Government the world now has. if we submit to Lynch rule. A quiet, Christian-like talk among our citizens will remove the now evil practice. A writer, in speaking of the uncalled-for methods adopted by some of our citizens said that whenever a duty is shirked there Christ is rejected. Respectfully submitted. The Ballot and Lynchers, By the People GEO. WASHINGTON, Compiler. 1471 State Street, Chicago. Ill. [20] [3060]OFFICERS: J. H. Ryan, - - President F. E. Wilson - Vice Pres't. E. H. Holmes - - - Sec'y. Chas S. Ryan - Treasurer F. L. Wilson, General Solicitor. General Office, 103 South Howard Street. COME AND REAP WITH US THE HARVEST OF THE GOLDEN WEST. The Washington Co-Operative AND Improvement Society Organized to promote the general welfare and assist materially the condition of our fellow Afro-Americans in the pursuit of Independence and Prosperity. CHAS. E. HALL, Cor. Secretary. Spokane, Washington, Jan. 9th 1893 Hon. Frederick Douglass Anacostia, D.C. Dear Sir: In a recent copy of the Age, I note an article written by Miss Ida B. Wells, mentioning among other affairs, your reply to the southern gentleman who called on you to obtain your advice relative to an exodus of our people from Arkansas to Africa. Your suggestion for them to come West and be as good servants to themselves as they had been to white men for years, struck the keynote which will eventually result in an alleviation of the distressing state of affairs now existing throughout the southland. The attitude of many of our prominent leaders has been one of much talk and little or no action, in other words a demonstration of "Faith without works" Acting upon your suggestion & believing that America is our home and that if unable to care for ourselves here, it is almost useless to seek other climes, six of us young men have organized the above society whose purpose is clearly indicated; we purpose to state facts regarding the resources of Washington, Oregon, Idaho and [1337]OFFICERS: J. H. Ryan, - - President F. E. Wilson - Vice Pres't. E. H. Holmes - - - Sec'y. Chas S. Ryan - Treasurer F. L. Wilson, General Solicitor. General Office, 103 South Howard Street. COME AND REAP WITH US THE HARVEST OF THE GOLDEN WEST. The Washington Co-Operative AND Improvement Society Organized to promote the general welfare and assist materially the condition of our fellow Afro-Americans in the pursuit of Independence and Prosperity. CHAS. E. HALL, Cor. Secretary. Spokane, Washington, 189 -2- Montana, particularly those of Washington. Thousands of acres of good farming & timberland is open for settlement, under the existing laws, while the climate is most favorable. Townsites could be laid off, flour & saw mills erected, farms cultivated & mines developed, in fact every opportunity is open for a sturdy class of individuals who are not afraid of work and who have the courage to settle in a new country. I find the whites well disposed towards our people and do not hesitate to say that I honestly believe that this section of the country is best suited for the betterment of our condition, not being contiguous to the scenes of former oppression & influences. Of course there is a shiftless unentergetic class of people who are never satisfied, and whose habit of working today & sleeping tomorrow would find little or no encouragement among these Westerners who pride themselves upon being, what is commonly called "hustlers:, the Northwest is surely not the country for this class of individuals as their interests would not be in common with those of their new associates. Naturally those who seek new fields should prepare themselves, in a manner to meet the difficulties likely toOfficers: J. H. Ryan, - - President. F. E. Wilson, - Vice Pres't. E. H. Holmes, - - - Sec'y. Chas. S. Ryan, - Treasurer F. L. WILSON, General Solicitor General Office, 103 South Howard Street. COME AND REAP WITH US THE HARVEST OF THE GOLDEN WEST. The Washington Co-Operative and Improvement Society Organized to promote the general welfare and assist materially the condition of our fellow Afro-Americans in the pursuit of Independence and Prosperity. OHAS. E. Hall, Cor. Secretary. Spokane, Washington, -------------189 -3- arise and I would advise those who contemplate coming to have enough money saved to maintain themselves for at least six months. The coal, gold, & silver mines, the hop fields, orchards & ranches will afford work for hundreds, while those who have money to invest in farms for themselves will find their hands full in the cultivation of the same; the railroads have many acres of good timbered land, purchasable $2.50 per acre, and they are anxious for thrifty settlers to move in & make use of them. Colored servant girls are in demand and in many cases we can arrange for their transportation, their wages ranging from $20 to $40 per month in private families. Our experimental age is drawing to a close & we should settle down to a full realization of the fact that we must work out our own salvation rather than expect other nationalities to do so for us and the sooner this fact is thoroughly understood, the sooner will we advance, as a race along the line of progress. We are not working in the interest of corporations nor politics. Our society is composed of young men who work for a living, the writer being a clerk in an insurance, Real --OFFICERS: J. H. RYAN, - - President. F. E. WILSON, - Vice Pres't. E. H. HOLMES, - - - Sec'y CHAS. S. RYAN, - Treasurer. F. L. WILSON, General Solicitor. GENERAL OFFICE 103 South Howard Street. COME AND REAP WITH US THE HARVEST OF THE GOLDEN WEST. The Washington Co-operative and Improvement Society Organized to promote the general welfare and assist materially the condition of our fellow Afro-Americans in the pursuit of Independence and Prosperity. CHAS. E. HALL, Cor. Secretary. Spokane, Washington, ... 189 Estate & Loan Office. We are honest in our convictions but wish an expression of encouragement from such men as yourself. A Committee comprised of representative men to visit this country would have a hearty influence upon the movement and if you can assist us by word or action, in this regard we will be very thankful. As to my character etc I respectfully refer you to Hon. A. J. Hopkins, of the House, Mrs. Jno. Jones, [Clerk] Hon. E. H. Morris of Chicago, and Chas. S. Boyer & Co. of this city. Hoping to hear, favorably from you, we remain Very truly yours The Wash. Co-Operative & Imp. Soc. Chas E. Hall Cor. Sec'y -EDITORIAL DEPARTMENT OF The New York Standard, THE ORGAN OF THE RETAIL JEWELRY TRADE. NEW YORK, January 10th, 1893. Hon, Frederick Douglass, Washington, D. C. Dear Sir: The editor of this representative trade journal, which numbers among its readers a large majority of the twenty-five thousand retail jewelers of the United States, begs the honor of a short contribution from you to a symposium entitled “The First Watches of Eminent Americans", in which the respective writers will describe their FIRST WATCH - its kind and style, how they came by it, their satisfaction or other emotion in the sense of its possession, or any phase of the subject which may present itself to the mind of individual writers. The idea has been so cordially encouraged by the few distinguished gentlemen to whom it has been already outlined by the editor as to warrant the expectation of publishing a most interesting collection of experiences from the acknowledged leaders in contemporary politics, literature, science and art, and to encourage the hope that you might be willing to add to the pleasure which will be derived therefrom by your appreciative fellow citizens comprised in the jewelry trade of the United States. [*1289*]EDITORIAL DEPARTMENT OF The New York Standard. THE ORGAN OF THE RETAIL JEWELRY TRADE. New York, 2 It is the intention to append to each contribution a finely engraved portrait and autograph of the writer thereof, and the editor would thereforE solicit a photograph, with accompanying autograph, from which to make the engraving. Hoping to be favored with your kind co-operation, we are, Very respectfully, The New York StandardUnion League Club Brooklyn, N.Y. Jany. 10, 1893 Hon. Frederick Douglass My Dear Sir: Referring to my visit to your house on Friday of last week, I would say that the fact that the 12th of February (Lincolns birthday) this year comes on Sunday, escaped my mind for the moment, and I should have said that our celebration of that event occurs on the following evening the 13th. Your consent to be present and give us a talk on Lincoln (whose bust is engraved in stone in front of our building) has caused much enthusiasm among our members, and we shall make it a memorable occassion. I will write you later when our arrangements are perfected. Very truly yours Howard M. Smith Pres. U.L. Club [1288]Office Anacostia Railroad Company Anacostia D.C. Jany. 13th. 1893 Dear Mr Douglass:- Please bring your bond No.407 from which you cut the coupon today, to this office at your convenience. After you had gone we noticed that you had taken the wrong couponthe one paid being due Jany.15th. 1895. If you will kindly bring the bond in we will paste this one back and take the right one. Very truly yours H A Griswald President P [*1290*]Geneva Jan. 13. '93 My dear Mr. Douglass, It is perhaps too early to do anything toward preventing the removal of good Miss Putnam from the Lottsburg [Post?] Office - but, at the right time, you will remember her, won't you - & do all in your power to aid her? Miss Putnam & Miss Holley have achieved such a grand work in that poor, benighted region, that they are really entitled to the protection secured to them. [1291]by holding an office under the Government Three of those who helped them in their previous struggles, Gov. Seymour, Roscoe Conkling & Geo. Wm. Curtis are gone, but there are others equal to the task. Your mention of my father's name in the Chicago meeting, was very gratified to me! With kind regards to Mrs. Douglass, I am Yrs. sincerely Elizabeth Smith MillerRochester Jan 14th 93 My very dear friend, I thank you most heartily for the beautiful book and remembrance, I shall take double pleasure thinking it was a gift from the author, and never tire looking at the benign blessed face on the front page and wonder how so much charity and love can remain it it after so many struggles and hardships. We are all well at home. Frank is traveling in the South. He wrote me that on the principal St. and in the centre of New Orleans there is a monument [*1292*] [*[1882]*]to Henry Clay with this inscription on the base. "If I could be instrumental in eradicating the greatest stain slavery from the charactor of our country, I would not exchange the proud satisfaction which I should enjoy for all the triumphs ever decreed to the most successful Emperor." Perhaps you have seen the statute, It struck me as being a strange sentiment for a slave owner. With kindest regards from all our household to yourself and wife I am as ever your loving friend. Sarah F.C. Blackall P.S. Please remember me to all the friends. 58 North Union St.Jacksonboro SC Jan 14th 1893 Mr. Douglass my dear Sir I am in a very low Condition at this time and you will favor me very much mutch if you will write to hon Mr Frederick Douglass for me and see if he will help me as he has work in hand for me perhaps you will Buy one of thorse Canes of Carving and oblige me very mutch in my Present Condition I am very feble since left the Army and has never been able to get any assistance from the government - if you has never seen any of my work do see or write to the Hon Frederick Douglass and if not sold Buy one for my sake and do oblige me as a faithfull Old Soldier. your Humble Servant R, Devane Reed - Devane . Jacksonboro S.C - [*1294*]377-42, St - Chicago, Jan 14 1893 Dear Mr Douglass, - I scarcely think I need but one excuse for saying a word to you and that is always a desire to do so; but if I did, I should find it in the reports of your splendid address and the magnificent audience that appreciated it on the occasion of your latest utterance in Washington - I cannot resist congratulating you almost with a sense of personal interest and partnership in an address, the growth of which I was privileged to watch with tender solicitude, as it responded to your varying moods and physical [*1293*] [*[1283]*]changes of vigor and maleness, but the result was always the same - grand, unapproachable, sublime; and yet Ella says that it has thrice been rewritten since you left us. It is difficult to fancy an improvement, but the press and the general public verdict is that it was remarkably matchless in spirit and eloquence. Mr Williams and I take a peculiar pride in these testimonials, but never a surprise. Our thought of you was always of limitless resource and power. I need not ask your pardon for these words, because I know [you] you could never construe our words of congratulations as being other than the most loving and tender interest and admiration. Your room - for six months so entirely yours - is occupied, but it must always seem empty to us and cheerless without your presence. I know how delightful it must have been to Mrs Douglass and everybody to have you back again, for we shall always feel that our lives [more] made larger, better and truer by your presence in our home. Ella so happily speaks of your apparent good health that we will have to yield to the friendly climate as being more potent than even the loving heart or willing hand - I know that with us, both you and Mrs Douglass had tears for the Peristyle and regrets for the vandalism of the Plaisance, Fire and pillage in both instances have worked a painful desolation and desecration. Mrs Williams has been suffering from a severe cold but is better. I still have "nerves" which sometimes are troublesome to the point of illness, but it is not constant. On the 9th of February I go to Hillside Wisconsin to speak in theirPopular Lecture Course. A recent letter from Miss Caroline Bartlett invited me to deliver both my addresses read begin the Congresses in her church on the 16th prox, and also to give a parlor reading before the 20th Century Club connected with her church. I have consented to read the paper read in Washington on the "Opportunities of Western Women". Miss Bartlett will also make dates for me while in Michigan in Ann Arbor, Battle Creek, and Grand Rapids. I have accepted first because I shall be glad to have my words do missionary work if they can, second because I think a change of scene may benefit me physically and third the possible remuneration promised me in excess of my necessary expenses - I tell you this because I believe you are interested in whatever I may try to do. Please pardon also the expression of pride and satisfaction that in Dr. Barrows book on the Parliament of Religions, I am given quite a large space6. together with my picture. In Mr. Neeley's book also almost my entire address is given. and in Mr. Jones' "Chorus of Faiths", I can but feel gratified not so much that my words were worth preserving as that the subject of them could have been deemed of so much importance. I have just finished a little paper on the "Refining Influences of Art" in which I have reviewed some of the paintings in the Art Palace. I have read it once on the West Side to quite a large audience and received many compliments for it. But I remember that long letters weary you except from Mrs. Douglass. Our kind regards to Mrs. Douglass and all your household - Mary is still here wielding the broom with unwilling hands as usual - Sincerely yours Fannie Barrier WilliamsJanuary 18 1893 Coahoma County Miss and Mr Fred Dougless and I will Seate my Self to write you a few lines to inform you of my health my friend Mr Dougless and I have one thing to ass you if this thing is so and tell Mr Harrison that was not every elector heir for they was not but 3 colored men vote here and they was thron out and here is plenty colored men did not vote When they Regtrators was and how can he know When he has know voice and all colored men Would [*1296*]w[?]if he was a laude his Right he would vote for Mr Harrison Evey how and Mr. Douglass these Representation is Sente to Representation these Peoples and these colored People is not thought of and I think you old Republeacan Shud look int that thing and See wuthur a negroes has eney Right or not and I will Say that a Democrate Say he is a friend to a negroes and I think that he speake that out the cole Parte of his mouth and I will Bring this letter to a close By Sayes [1296]S anar Soon and direck your letter to barnesville Miss Dundee Poste office Mr. Amese Andrew and Please to excuse me gentlemen for worke hearde But that is my hand right and wish I could explane what I doo know how hese colored People have to Doo I and this is allWilliamsport Pa Jan 18th 1893 Mrs. F. Douglas Dear Madam: The ladies of the Bethel A.M.E. Church, will hold a National Apron Bazaar the 1st & 2nd week in Feb, and we would like very much to receive one from you, we are soliciting aprons from all of the Prominent people in the States, and we think it would add greatly to our success to hear from you. A simple white apron [whi] with your name which will be sold to the 1295highest bidder. This is the Church Mr Douglas Lectured for several [years ago on the Life of John Brown, and we are trying to pay the last of the Church debt by holding a Bazaar, and we hope you will respond to our call. "hoping this will meet with a favorable reply. With respect Mrs Sadie K Stokes Pres Miss Lizzie O Brien Treas Miss Maud Smith Sec Address Mrs Sadie Stokes #650 Centre St Williamsport Pa St Charles Kane Co. Ills Jan 20th. /93 Hon Frederick Douglass Washington Dear Sir My knowledge of your history and character inspires me to take the liberty of addressing this letter to you. upon a subject solely of importance to myself. and by way of introduction permit me to say Biographically. I was Born in Edgar County Ills near the present town of Paris the County Site in 1825 My Father with three Brothers came from Bedford County Virginia in 1818 and settled there and with a few other Pioneers organised the County at that time occupied by the Indians and Collected Taxes fro what is now Cook County The first Session of Court ever held in Edgar County was held at the farm house of my uncle William Murphy My uncle Lewis Murphy was the first Clerk of Court My Father James Murphy built the first Saw & Grist Mill in that County. These four members of the Murphy Family though Virginians were zealous outspoken Abolitionists and my venerated Father Cast in 1840 in Edgar County the only vote cast in the County for James G. Birney of Michigan the liberty Party Candidate for President. He devoted his life in defence of and advocacy of universal freedom for all men of every nation. he died before realizing the blessings the lived and labored to attain in 1850. I was all the Son my Father had and I early entered the ranks of the Liberty Party led by [*3042*]Such an immortal Band of Patriots as Lewis and Arthur Tappan Wm Lloyd Garison Elijah P. Lovejoy Gerritt Smith John P. Hale &c well known to you. I voted for Hale Smith Tim [Cohn?] & Grant but after the Salary Grab injustice of the Republican Administration I became a follower of the Temperance reformers. Voted for St. John of Kansas the Prohibitionist. After Mr. Cleveland was elected I I became really attached to his virtuous honest and economic Administration and have done all possible for my abilities and circumstances to give him the reigns of goverment I am now 67 years old never asked or held any office or aspired to public favour have always occupied the unpopular Side of most questions have never accumulated more than a respectable Subsistance without being able to lay up any Surplus for a time of infirmity. I am in the full enjoyment of my faculties physically and mentaly have a fair business qualification and would be pleased to be able to retire from the [after?] life of Carpenter which I have followed for 25 years or Since I lost my worldly possessions in Kansas in 1856 to 64 in my zealous efforts with the Free State Setters there. I have been a resident of this city for 23 years have the respect of my fellow citizens and am about to make an application for the appointment of Post Master at the place which is worth about one Thousand. I have no claims to the office except the negative virtue of never doing any thing to forfeit the respect and confidence of my fellow citizens. My claims on the office rest upon being a native the oldest living member of the Pioneer family and never having held any3 office and believing there to be none more worthy have decided to make the application and while I am able to procure and offer to the department as respectable in character and members a home representation it is usually of little weight with heads of Bureau in securing recognition. Now Mr Douglass I have the advantage of a personal acquaintance with Hon Judge A. Hunter Hon John F. Farnsworth Washington Gen John C Black and Hon George Fistian the two latter though not personally known to have written to and received favourable encouragement from each and as this Congressional district the 5th is Republican it will be controlled by Judge Hunter & General Black who are representatives at large. As I am observe have nothing to commend me to notice I am in a Straight for Capital upon which to base my claims to recognition Thinking that you would perhaps feel some sympathy for my past efforts for your outraged people and that you now occupied a position where you might do me great Service in presenting my claims in Washington when the time arrives for action in the Post Office Department is my appology for presuming to claim your attention by so long a refference to a matter wholely irrelevant to your interests. This office [] will not be vacated before two or three months and as I am aware will be sought by two or more aspirants that will be respectably endorsed at home I am endeavouring to get a recognition from Men occupying vantage ground promising success to their efforts. [3042]Hoping you will accept my apology for this intrusion on your attention and that you may feel disposed if opportunity offer to give me the benefit of your influence with such parties in Washington as you may be able to reach Will close by subscribing myself with high esteem and profound respects your Obedient Servant Chester O.D. Murphy1215 "L" St. N.W. Washington D.C. Jan 21. 1893 My dear Mr Douglas - I cannot let this night close without inditing to you my thanks for the book and the very great pleasure it has already given me. Your exposition of the differences between the blow at Harper's Ferry & the plan originally laid before you in 1847 & subsequently [1302]discussed between yourself & Captain Brown, is so clearly just, that I am helped myself in understanding better than I have before done. You know I have never doubted, but still there was a question or two that your statement answers completely Again, I have just read an interview published in a Detroit paper a few years since, about '85 or '86 I think, with Isaac Holden of Chatham Canada West, in whose house J. B. stopped when the famous Convention was held there May 1858. It gives as J.B.'s plan quite a similar account to yours. You will recall the chapter headed "some shadows. Before" in Redpath's Life of Capt Brown It gives in general the same statement that was my chapter. So, I get a full & logically related view of your whole position. I want your permissionto insert in my volume about 10 or 12 pages of your book - They are of Chapter VIII, from 337 to 343, end of top paragraph; also a portion of your letter to Rochester Dem and Am. Oct 30. Can. W. 380-1, and part of Chapter X, from page 383 to 392 - close of CH There are little two points in these pages, I want to call your attention, if you issue another edition. On page 392, you speak of the opposition to H. F.'s movement in the Kennedy Farm party but add "but they were an oath-bound company." That is not exact - quite. There never was an oath taken. At Chatham they all pledged their "word of honor" not to tell, talk or betray. Thats all there never was any other obligation. Inyour letter to the Rochester Democrat and American, you say & very naturally when refering to Cook's reference, in his so- called confession, to yourself, that "I am "most miserably deficient "in courage, "even more so than Cook "when he deserted his "brave old Captain & "fled to the mountains". For my friends "weakness of the flesh." in writing his unnecessary & wholly harmless "Confessions" I have nothing to say, nor do I defend hisas unnecessary criticism of yourself, but I know you dont want to leave a slur that is unfounded without correction, especially where you & I recall that he also "died to make men free" These are the facts - Cook was sent out twice on the 17th by Capt Brown. Before he could get back from the second trip, he was met by a colored man with a message that Capt Brown was surrounded was fighting & had been wounded. He went immediately towards the Ferry & on the [water?]side commencing firing down upon the militiamen. His firing was so effective that they tho't reinforcements had come. Andrew [Hemter?] said so some five or six years ago in an interview. Cook was [replied?] & one shot cut the tree limb or twig by which he bracing himself. He got a severe fall & was obliged to retreat. He went up the canal, was recognized & warned by people who knew him of the presence of troops. He then limped back to the school house, & met there Owen Brown, Tidd Ramsay Coppoc & Merriam. Cook joined Owen in the wish to fight their way into the Ferry. They were again met by a colored fugitive who said the Captainwas killed. After that they started to escape. This Owen's own statement so you see Cook did not desert the Capt. I know you will not willingly let this stand. I am going to ask you to send a copy of your book to the Kansas State Historical Society - F.G. Adams, Secretary. They have a wonderful collection of Harpers Ferry & John Brown material; yours ought to be in it. I am sorry not to have seen Mrs Douglas today, With great regard for you & her I am Faithfully R. J. Hinton