9 Murray St N. Y. Aug 3rd '94 My Dear Mr Douglas- I thank you for your gracious and speedy reply --- but was a little surprised to note underscored words concerning Miss Wells' -- just a word about her -- Remembering the sentiments you expressed to me one morning, while on the Intramural Railway -- at, that Dream of beauty "The World's Columbian Fair" [*1699*][*V. Matthews to F. Douglass, 1 of 5*] Concerning the lady-- It has not occurred to me to badger you. - (pray pardon the word) in relation to her, - true there's a perplexing situation here purely local, - and one that presents not a few knotty questions, -- but the Women will act from principle - will not be governed by petty personalities -- the few who will - will do better to glide in to private circles and there rest -- I do not mean to say that it will be[*V. Matthews to F. Douglass Aug. 3, 1894 2 of 5*] easy for us to do the right thing at the right time but I for one will do my duty the best I know how, - Now as to my trip to your famous Home, I must confess to you that my motive is far from bothering you with chaotic public mutterings. -- No, Sir. - I have a son 14 years old and it will stimulate his budding manhood - to be able to say -years hence -- "Yes I have seen The Hon. Frederick Douglass-- heard him speak -- his hand has rested upon my head -- I have drawn deep veneration from the atmosphere of his home" --as an English mother would eagerly seize an opportunity of placing her child in the Presence of Mr. Gladstone, so will I come to you -- My Dearest Frienddescent could enjoy -- that of looking in your face and hearing you speak. -- As you said in your former letter, -- Race demarkation is a fearful Bugaboo, - and while I avoid, -- owing to my complexion talking on the subject, -I so often wonder, why I am not exactly in touch with the rank and file whom we commonly denominate as our people -- Sir, after[*V. Matthews to F. Douglass Aug 3, 1894, 3 of 5*] Mrs. R.V. Carnsand --- whom you used to call "Little- Jennings" and I will make the trip together, late in the month, my stay will of necessity -- be exceedingly short, yet I shall thank the Lord for the opportunity and I know that my boy will not fail to appreciate the grand privilege -- which with all my heart I wish every boy and girl, Africansentiments as to striving to set the public gaze on the one grand development, - man and woman, regardless of distinctive features, - racial inheritance and, you will understand me, when I say my father's house has left too great a trace in my mind and features, - to be forward in propagating such ideas, - I hope my boy will be an independent American- a man. - I beg Mr Douglas[*V. Matthews to F Douglass Aug 3, 1894, 4 of 5 *] have I whispered to myself, - why our people? - [Whose] Why not, - men and women, - but in the arranging of that circular letter, I [am] was but a unit My Friend Mrs. S.J.S. Garnet, - seems to feel it a bounden duty to her self as a teacher to continually bring forward the words - Race Pride My mind is in harmony with your expressed[*V. Matthews to F. Douglass Aug 3, 1894 5 of 5*] you will not think me over familiar in speaking or rather writing at such length- being somewhat of a spiritist. - I apprehend that the conditions surrounding Miss Wells may have aroused a slight inclination towards unfriendliness towards me, if so, - let me set my self right when I reach your home or at least, Judge me by what I say. Thanking youwith- all my heart your willingness to receive me- and trusting you and your house are well I am sincerely yours Victoria Matthews. APARTMENTS EUROPEAN PLAN AMERICAN PLAN. Auditorium Hotel. Breslin & Southgate. MRS. NORAH GRIDLEY-GRIDLEY, CONFIDENTIAL SECRETARY TO MRS. M. FRENCH-SHELDON. New York [Chicago] August 9th 1894 My dear Mrs Douglas No doubt you will be surprised to hear from after so long a silence. I have just returned from Europe where I have been with Mrs French- Sheldon. She awaken much enthusiasm and interest in both England and France with her colonization project She has secured a large tract of land in East Africa and there will be turned over to her a colony of 40000 runaway slaves from the interior of Africa. She hopes to take a thousand self- [1702]supporting people from the States. But I did not start out with the purpose of writing all this. I write to ask a small favor of you. Can you obtain for me or tell us how to obtain a photograph of Genl. L.M.F. Hyppolite president of Hayti and Genl. Ulyses Heureaux president - of San Domingo - If you can secure them for us please do so and I will remit the price to you at once -. If I can secure these pictures I shall be very grateful to you. Please make my kind regards acceptable to Mr Douglas - Yours sincerely, Norah Gridley-Gridley -South Side Schools, J. S. Moyer, Prin. Fulton, Ill., Aug. 9, 1894 Hon. Frederick Douglass, Washington D.C. Dear Sir: I am collecting the autographs and photographs of the most prominent men and women of our country, for my school room. My pupils and self would appreciate and feel honored to have yours among the number. Enclosed find a blank card, upon which please send us your autograph. Yours Respectfully, J. S. MoyerCedar Hills: Anacostia D.C. Aug.10 1894 Mrs. Lillie B. Chace Wyman. I am deeply touched by your note telling me of the present condition of the health of your precious Mother. She has been a great teacher: She has done her share in teaching us all how to live-- She is now, it seems, teaching us how to die. Calm, trustful resigned and even happy in the visible end of the long journey of the life she has travelled. I had hoped once more [hoped] to look into her noble face and her tranquil eye -- but I suppose this cannot now be, but I shall never forget the one or the other - or the friendly voice so frank and honest, with which I used to be called "Frederick" by your Mother. Do make make my love to her and tell her that I am thankful for her noble life and for all she has done in the cause of Morality, Religion, Liberty Temperance and humanity. Mrs. Douglass also wishes to be kindly remembered. I was prepared for your note by one I received from the venerable Samuel May - of Leicester Mass: The loss will be great to you -- and relief and rest for her. Sincerely yours Frederick Douglass [*1098*]Valley Falls Aug 12/94 My dear Douglass Your letter with its expressions of sympathy and solicitude for the family came to hand yesterday (Saturday) They were read to Mother Chace and were both a comfort and pleasure to her. She desires to be remembered to you with affectionate [1704]regard -- Although she has suffered intensely, and at times the pain has been agonizing, her mind has retained its original force and clearness - and her interest in all questions affecting human rights alert and active. It is certainly very remarkable when you consider her age, sickness and suffering, that this should be so. Consideration for others is still paramount with her. What a life hers has been -- and what a triumphant answer to the last question. "When saw you me naked and clothed me sick and in prison and visited me?" She may soon rest from her labors but the good work she has inaugurated and been so helpful in assisting will go on -- and however numberless are those who will have cause to call her blessed - There is a bare possibility she may rally from this attackbut we do not feel that there is any probability of it. Our hope is that the way may be made easy for her- and at that she may escape prolonged suffering. Death has no longer any terror for her, she realizes his approach, and will welcome him as a friend, who will bring her relief and rest. Who that knows her can doubt she will hear the welcoming words "Well done good and faithful servant etc" We all join in assurances of sincere friendship for you & your wife Yours John C. WymanHouse of Representatives U.S. Washington, D.C., Aug., 14th, 1894- My Dear Sir, Yours recieved, No Legislation is possible until there is an exposure & authentication of the facts so far as possible. All the difficulties you mention exist, but the investigations [and] of the Department of Labor are made in a way which [1700] [*H. Blair to F. Douglass, 1 of 2,*]sometime since, -- If we can get some of the facts officially & impartially stated there will be improvment & perhaps in time remedy, But the only complete remedy is in a higher order of civilization & in the processes which lead up to it. Truly Yours, H. W. Blair, Hon. Fred'k Douglasspromises much more of hope than if made in any other way - Congressional investigation would only result like Ku Klux investigation - in building up a few northern reputations & fastening the existing chains more strongly than ever upon the colored race -- Can you not send me your great exposition upon this subject madePOSTAL CARD ONE CENT. United States of America THIS SIDE IS FOR ADDRESS ONLY. [*WASHINGTON AUG 20 11- A M 189 4*] [*3*] Hon. Fredr. Douglass Anacostia D.C. [*1706*] My dear Mr Douglas. I have been hoping to be able to go & see you before going home to thank you for this helpful letter ---Gratefully Yours Wm. E. Chandler Aug 20 1894 ANACOSTIA, D. C. July 20, 1894. Mr. Magnus L. Robinson, Editor Leader: I am, as every friend of humanity and equal rights for all men must be, intensely anxious that Senator William E. Chandler shall be returned to the senate of the United States by the state of New Hampshire. His record in the United States senate during his present term has been such that his state may well be proud of him. His industry and ability have made him conspicuous and distinguished as a live member of that august body. He has shown himself calm, wise, and brave. He has dared to stand by the platform and the historic principles of the Republican party. Neither fear nor favor has caused him to flinch or hesitate. True to the material interests of his state, he has also held aloft the standard of the highest idea of New England justice and civilization. The state of New Hampshire has a reputation to sustain and a position to defend. The one should not be sullied nor the other surrendered. Since the days of sturdy and brilliant John P. Hale, New Hampshire for consistency in her advocacy of equal rights in the United States senate has stood among the foremost. In peace or in war, in victory or defeat, she has borne a front to oppression and wrong as solid and inflexible as the granite rocks of her everlasting hills. No senator of hers has been truer to her grand traditions than W. E. Chandler. It is said that the children of this world are wiser in their generation than the children of light. The course pursued by the South in keeping her men in positions of trust illustrates the wisdom of this saying. She knows the value of time as an element of strength and avails herself of it to strengthen her representative power. She gets an able man in office and keeps him there. Time touches him as it touches wine or the tone of a violin, the older the better. Very truly yours, FREDERICK DOUGLASS.506 South 11th Street Phila Aug 20th 1894 Hon. Fredrick Douglass, Ex U.S. Minister of Haiti etc. My dear Sir: Your kind favor of the 13th reached here in time to be presented to the first Committee Meeting, which meeting was adjourned to call a still larger before definite final action was taken. A Committee of fifty of some of the most representative citizens, was called on Saturday last and your letter of acceptance again read, we await now a date from Miss Wells, which as soon as we have secured we will inform you. The committee was highly delighted to know that we could secure your valuable [1708]services, and desire to know upon what terms. As the expenses of the meeting we propose to hold will be very large, the committee desire to be able as soon as possible to make a calculation as to the full cost. There are just at this time several other public movements for which the community in general is being called upon and hence we are not exactly in a position to do financially what your grand services to the race for years would make it a pleasure to do. Hoping to hear from you soon as we have a meeting Thursday at which time we expect also to have the date. I am most truly yours for the Committee of fifty Solomon Porter Hood Sec.Joseph W. Errant, E.P. Langworthy. Telephone Main 3524. Errant & Langworthy, Attorneys and Counsellors, Rooms 1436-1438 Unity Building, 79 Dearborn St. Chicago, August 20, 1894 Dear Mr. Douglass: This is only to assure you of my high appreciation of your last kind letter to me, and of my sympathy with your household in its recent bereavement. I am pleasantly located with a firm of young attorneys, one of whom is a member of our Board of Education, and who promises to use his influence in securing me a position in one of our night schools this winter. You see I intend to utilize all my energies and talents, and indeed one must in Chicago, if one would not starve. I hope you have entirely gotten rid of that bad cold you had last Winter. All send regards, and in the hope of seeing you again soon, I remain, with loving respect Yours very truly Ida Platt [*1705*]Mobile, Ala. Aug. 20, 1894 My Dear Friend, Your letter was received a few days since. Please accept my thanks for your very kind and prompt reply! I know that you will be pleased to know that I no longer need to leave home and husband to seek employment in order to further the interests of our child. My husband has been offered the position of resident physician at the Tuskegee Institute, and has accepted. I waited till the arrangements were perfected that I might write you definitely of the matter. [*1707*][*J. T. Washington to F. Douglass Aug 20, 1894 1 of 2*] Surrounded as we shall be at Tuskegee by an atmosphere so much more healthful and congenial, shut off to a considerable extent from the race prejudice which infests this section of our country, and coming into contact with hundreds of young people of the race whose lives we shall be helping to mould and fashion; life for us down there will wear a different aspect. My husband receiving a fair and assured salary and living expenses being small, we shall no doubt find little difficulty in saving something for the education of our little daughter.Again thanking you for your expressions of friendship, and assuring you of my gratitude for past kindnesses and of my loving reverence for "the greatest Roman of them all," I am, Most Sincerely Yours, Josephine Turpin Washington.M.W. GRAYSON GROCERIES, Clarksburg, W. Va. Aug, 22ond, 1894. Hon. Frederic Douglas Sr. Ceder Hill Arcadia Washington DC. Dear Sir, I fear you think. I have been one long while in replying to your letter which I felt very much honored in receiving Now why I did not write an answer at once was because I found that to get the signatures of the men I mentioned they wanted to manipulate the whole affair & turn it into a political gathering to further their own interests So I was forced to look about in another direction. I succeeded in interesting Mr H. G. Bowles, Gen'l Supt. of the Monongahila R. R. - Road Co. who has agreed to give me all assistance needed. Of course I expect to make this money [on] from the people who will gather to hear you [1710][M. W. Grayson to F. Douglass Aug 22, 1894 1 of 2] but of course I knew you knew nothing about me, & it was therefore necessary that you should have a responsable guarantee. I have talked with Mr. Bowles & he agrees to let all gross receipts go to paying you until your claim is paid off before taking a cent for anything else. If the weather is bad he says we might not be able to pay you. I told him that I would obligate myself to pay you the full amount or make it satisfactory to you, & this I will do if you come. Now as to the time the 16th Sept. is the day I want you to speak. It is the day that will draw the largest crowd not withstanding Mr. Bowles thinks otherwise & if that date suits you it will suit us. We wish you to give us the subjects of your lectures as also your lithographs or where we may obtain your lithographs. Please let me hear from you soon & we will have you a crowd that will surprise you. Gypsy grove is only a few minutesM.W. Grayson Groceries Clarksburg, W.Va. ride from Clarksburg & your expenses & ticket would be just same as if were you to speak here I believe I have said all that's necessary & if these arrangements will suit you I hope you will let us hear from you soon, and at a later date let [me] know on what train you will come. I must add that the people of Clarksburg & vicinity, irrespective of creed politics race or nationality, the rich as well as the poor are exceedingly interested in your coming. Respectfully M. W. Grayson If the weather is good the crowd will be there if bad I will arrange a lecture in the Court house. Respectfully M.W.G. [*M.W. Grayson to Douglass Aug. 22, 1894 2 of 2*]Alexandria, VA Aug 22nd /94 Hon. Frederick Douglass Cedar Hill Anacostia D.C. My Dear sir: I hope today to had a little talk with you but your private engagements at home would not permit. I am glad to know that you will come over if you can on Sept 24th. but now I write to get a more definite answer. The Emancipation Celebration - we celebrate always on Sept 22nd - this year it falls on a Saturday & we propose to celebrate it on Monday Sept 24th as it suits us best. We will have a day parade. It will consist of our local societies. Washn. Military and 9th U.S. Cavalry mounted. with visiting delegates from surrounding country. The parade [*1709*]M.L. Robinson to F. Douglass, Aug 22, 1894, 1 of 32/ will start at 12 oclock. The speaking will take place at the white Opera House on King St at 4 o clock. There will be a small admission fee. The whole program has been placed under auspices of Leader. The profits of the celebration will go to the Leader fund to improve its service. It would be the greatest honor of my life to receive your answer that you will certainly be with us on 24 Sept We are not in position to defray the expenses of a great orator of your standing, but you know me and the work I am trying to perform here, I hope will enlist your aid in this case. The trip will not be a long one and I can place a hack at your service in Washn. to convey you back & forth to Depot and Ferry boatM. L. Robinson to F. Douglass Aug 22, 1894 2 of 33/ and arrange our program that you may reach Washington by candlelight. Our people want to see and hear you Mr Douglass and they have ask me to urge you come. It was in old Liberty Hall you addressed the people here during the war and if you come to Alexandria Sept 24th we will give you a big audience. It will help me in my effort to uplift the race. In conclusion I want to print in my program that you will deliver the leading address if it be only a 5 minute- talk. My zeal has caused me to write lengthily. Excuse me. Hoping that you will write favorable. I am sir Faithfully & Obt. Magnus L. Robinson.M. L. Robinson to F. Douglass Aug 22, 1894 3 of 3Thomasville. Ga. 8/23, 1894. Hon. Fred. Douglass, Dear Sir, After reading your History and seeing what trials and affliction you came through; I regard you as one of the greatest colored statesman now living. But I was not in the world to undergo all those combats. I was born free. My discourse is not to dwell particularly on past events; but upon myself. I am an orphan boy. I am trying very hard to get an education so I can go forth and battle with this unfriendly world. I have three more terms in school. Money having fail me I thought I would apply to you for aid, if you will Mr. Douglas help me. I will gladly receive any amount. Remember greater will be your reward in Heaven. He that giveth to the [1711]poor lendeth to the Lord. Also please ask your friends to aid me if they possibly can. I would not ask thee dear sir if honor did not demand it. The poor people of my race in the South does not get much for their labor, especially here, On account of the race question. Hon. Sir you know how they fare in the South for you have travel all over the southern states and seen with your own eyes. You have also been here in Thomasville and seen the difference. And Oh! kind sir please do not deny me. Help me all you can. Simply because I want to rise in this world and try to be an honor to my race. And to live, not only for myself but to help others. Hoping you will not neglect or deny me; also to hear right away from you. I am my Dear Sir, Yours Very Truly, Jos. P. BrownJos. Bloun to F. Douglass 8/23/1894 2 of 2THE HARVARD PUBLISHING CO., 114 NASSAU ST., New York, Aug 23 1894 THE HARVARD PUBLISHING CO., of New York, hereby contracts with Mr Fred Douglass to furnish an article of not more than--------words, on Slavery said article to be published in the "Illustrated History of the Afro-American Race" for which we agree to pay magazine rates 3/4 cent per word. The article must be writen in type and sent to the office of the company about the first day of January, 1895. The Harvard Publ Co p. C. A. Fischer [1712]Waco Tex Aug 24 / 94 Hon Frederick Douglass Washington, D.C. Dear Sir, As secretary of the Committee of Management of the American Knights of Liberty a Colored Fraternity, which will convene in the City of Waco in November during the Cotton Pallace and in view of the fact that it has been rumored here, that you contemplate visiting the City during the Cotton Pallace, I have been requested to write you; "our illustrious leader of many years, and most heartily invite you to [*1713*]address the Fraternity and theire friends. My hope in all sincerity that the sumer of your intended visit here, which has caused so many eyes to brighten when told; so many tongues to proclaim, "We want to see, and here him," is true. In the evening of your well spent life we tender you & family our best wishes & God blessings in the closing of the same. Yours Respy Geo. W. McIntosh P.O. Box 370 Waco TxAugt 24 1894 130 Rye Hall Newcastle England My dear Friend F. Douglass How shall I express the pleasure I received when I opened the mail and received your valued presents -- I assure you I was delighted - and then thy long & valued letter - So Beautifully written that I am to despair of that which I send you in return. But then dear Frederick you are so much my junior and that should give some excuse. Well then - what shall I say? That Miss Wells has been true to her core messae is very evident. She said she would tell you how much I wanted to see your new life and also she spoke of dear Mrs Douglass oh thank her for redeeming her husbands presence [*1714*]to replace the Photo he took from me taken here - "after he got home"! I have thus waited all these years hoping and longing until now --- so at last I believe after a second attempt I made bold to ask for it It is a face I like to look upon for many reasons and hold it amongst my treasures - I mean to show it to my friends like any child pleased with a new toy -again thank your dear Wife for the pleasure she has given me. And now dear Frederick what should I say about your new Book - that I thank you for the good gift - "may go without saying" - But more than that - I wish you to understand that it is the very Book - I thought should be written. I think I once told you so - for such a beginning should have a connected continuation - and there - I hope I have it but I will tell you I have passed my opinion before reading it - I am reserving it till I go back to Whilly where I think it will be a nice time for perusing it - As you kindly suggest I employ younger eyes to perform what mine reluctantly do - and I know they will be deeply interested in reading it to me - knowing and esteeming you as she does - I wonder you did not tell me it was done I think it ought to be in all our public Libraries as a "Record of past History The author of the Preface is right in taking that view of it - but I do not find the Book Sellers in England have your Books - and perhaps do not know of them they have other American works far less valuablein abundance -- I do not know the readiest way to buy your publications You will see -- I am not yet in a position to give you any report of my sentiments upon it but will reserve them for a future period -- In the mean time -- accept my heartfelt acknowledgements meant for gift of kindness. I am sorry your sight is rather failing you as is my own -- to a great degree -- though I write and read without glasses because I cannot [?] them - Let us be thankful for the past -- which is the best way of reconciling present principles As time rolls on I find many of mine slipping away from me --- Not a very gratifying experience -- but all [?] to question our diligence in seeking a better country -- and a moreperfect state of being - Many of your recent lettes have given a note of this kind which I am pleased to observe I also myself feel at the late period of my life - how much cause there is for diligence to make my calling and elective since - But I feel there is nothing for me - but to throw myself on the mercy of God in Christ Jesus - my Savior. I look to Him to cover me with His mantle of righteousness - and the sentry my redeemed soul redeemed through His dear blood - perfect before Thy Father in Heaven. He is willing to do this if we ask him in faith and to prepare us for it before we go thence - to be seen of Men no more. Surely "Nothing in my hands I bring - Simply to His cross I cling" That is my favorite hymn.Our stay at the sea side renovated me a little We were 5 weeks there and I hope to return there on the 12 of Sept for a little further holiday in the fine autumnal days. The moonlights there are splendid over the sea. The Seaweed Men and the Hunter - as we call them. I love to watch the little fishing boats sailing under the silvery beams - as I have often done. I like to walk a fierce storm too - and used to delight on being on the Rocks with the waves dashing up against them - in wild fury - but those days are gone by now though the sea is the same. "Time - writes no wrinkle on thine azure brow." as Byron beautifully says. But assuredly it does on another part of Creation Well - the sea has its time still - But the time will come - as we are told when "there will be no more sea" and when the soul of Men - the Highest work of God will be permitted to live eternally in the Heavens. How little the image of that state - never less we must believe that it is such as we see totally unfitted to Men while on this Earth. "Here we suffer grief and pain" But there joy, ineffable and full of Glory. I am glad to be introduced to Helens aunt.Give my kind love to her and tell her - I think she has well done to come to you for help & companionship in her latter day Your house seems quite an asylum for relativesMy relatives are all much as usual . My niece Mary C Pumphrey is in Switzerland among the mountains for a couple of months Mr R [Jaslee?] well and in the mountain district of England - I was so pleased to hear about your visit to the Indians - they are a noble people Did we ever tell you that a little dead baby - was brought from Scotland to friends of Newcastle - to be buried My Sister Ann had the charge of the little grave a party of 8 Indians came there and exhibited their customs as "War Dances" &c &c- We saw the little baby strapt on a board on its Mothers back - they went to Edinbo and the childdied --- The Parents would not bury it there so the [Ander???] brought it to Newcastle England just in a little coffin and then in a box and consigned it to friends - Here its ashes lie - not far from my dwelling - My sister went to cut the grass herself and had a head stone put up near the little grave -- The Parents were satisfied The coffin was opened on its arrival and a string of Wumpum token of peace was hung around the boy's neck. They had learned kindness from some here -and felt them as "Friends indeed I am so sorry your grandchildren havea difficulty in getting found in life - as they would like -- It will be a long time before the traces of the past can be obliterated. but they are on their own and [march?] no doubt - Yours is the common lot to feel difficulties in providing for a livelihood - They may then enter the like probable case - I do not know how they live at all I must conclude with asking Mrs. Douglass to accept my kind love and repeated thanks and you dear friend I need not add much to assure you of my unabated love & esteem How strange it was that we misunderstood each other for so many years - I used to think you cold hearted and unwilling to receive my letters!! But now - I think that we understand each other better and thee [hug?] Do we not as yet Julia [Croft] [*Crofts*]Colorado Exponent Publishing Company. Office, 1115 Seventeenth Street. A.R. WILSON, Editor and Business Manager. P.O. BOX 1316 Denver, Colo., Aug 25 1894 Hon Frederick Douglass Washington D.C. Dear Sir, It affords me great pleasure to ask you for this favor. as I am full in love with your Photo in the Freeman paper. Will you be kind enough to give me the loan of your electrotype, that I may get your grand and noble picture in my Journal. As I am a race man if their is any expense in so doing I will pay them. Yours Truly A. R. Wilson I like the one in the Freeman [*1715*]Post Office Dept Memphis Tenn Aug 26/ 94 Hon Fredrick Douglass Dear Sir I see through the columns of The Colored Press that you together with other grateful leading Men of the Race are arranging to erect a monument to the memory of that Famous hero John Brown. This is a commendable & praise worthy movement on your part, & should have not only the support of every leading Negro, but of everyone who claims connection with the Race in this Country [*1716*]2 The Whittier Historical & Literary Association has endorsed the movement & at its Annual Celebration Dec 17th they have decided to raise funds for that purpose Now if you will write me the full particulars giving the place where the monument is to be erected & if you have any fixed times to accomplish this work Also if Whittier, Lovejoy, Garrison, Phillips, or Sumner. Please reply promptly as we are desirous of using the letter Monday night Sept 3rd at a Public lecture given3 under the Auspicies of the Association Respectfully W M Washington PresidentW.M. Washington to F. Douglass Aug 26, 1894 3 of 3614 G St. n.e. Washington, Aug 28/94 Hon. Frederick Douglass, Sir: I have the honor to inform you that I have prepared a sketch model of a monument to captain John Brown which I desire to submit to the committee having the proposed memorial in charge. The model is three feet high. Kindly inform me where I shall depossite the same that it may be inspected by you gentlemen. Very respectfully yrs, Theo F. Mills [*1717*]Debts Collected. Loans Negoiated. W. H. ARRINGTON Attorney and Counsellor at Law No. 16 EAST WASHINGTON STREET. Suffolk, Va., Aug. 29th. 1894. Hon. Frederick Douglass, Washington, D.C. Dear Sir:- The colored people, one of whom I am proud to be, have arranged to hold an Agricultural Fair in this town October the 1st., 2nd. and 3rd., 1894, and it is their request that you deliver on this occasion, (the first of Oct.) the opening address. Hoping you will unhesitatingly accept this cordial invitation, I have the distinguished honor to be, Respectfully, W.H. Arrington W.A. Bond, President. L.A. Patrick, Sec'y. [*1718*]Cuscowilla Va Aug 29th 1894 Hon Fredrick Douglas Dear Sir I was introduced to you in Washington by my late friend, Hon. Jno. Amblin Smith, in 1875, or 6. I have no idea that you remember me, but, I want to have a confidential correspondence with you if I may do so, please write & give me your home address. I was the first white native who dared avow or advocate republican principles here, which I did in 1866 & have not since "bent the pregnant hinges of the knee that thrift might follow fawning." Consequently "I could a tale unfold" &c.. I have unbounded faith in the outcome of the next general election & want to help all I can, but here there is a dismal pall over the sun of honesty, & it is almost hopeless to anticipate an honest count. I am known to Hon. Jno. M. Langston Truly yours Wm. Townes [*1719*]