Baltimore July 10, 1870 Mr. Douglass Dear Sir it is with the Greatest of Pleasure that I Take my Pen in hand to inform you that I am well, and I hope that these few lines May find you and all your family enjoying the Best of good health. I had the Pleasure of Receiving your most satisfactory Letter And was exceedingly Happy to Receive your Picture also, and the satisfaction in Relation to your Lecturing for us in assisting us to rais A Little money to purchase the ground to Build A suitable House for the worship of Almightly god, and it Did afford me A Deal yes A great Deal of Pleasure to Receive a Letter From you stating your willingness to Come And Lecture for us at Any time But Advised us to Pospond the affair until the Wether became cooler which would be Better For Both Partys so the trustees Considered the Matter and Accepted your Proposition The Reason that I have not answered your letter it was on account of not having so mutch writing to do of nights After looking around all day for a days work, and of often some society, So. I Hope you will escuse me for not answering before now, However we have concluded to give you due notice and I intend to hold correspondence with you from this time henceforth Mrs. Trusty desires you to f[?] not with her when you home to Balt on that occasion Perhaps I may be married myself by that time and if so, I want you to spend you Leasure time with me, now my Dear friend. I could sit and write until Daylight tomorrow morning and find matter enough to write, However I must ABridge my Remarks give my love to Mrs. Douglas John Locks and Family send there love to you Both And all your old friends send there Love to you and your wife. I was so sorry that Mrs. Douglas was in Balt And I did not see her after 30 odd years Absence, it would have afforded me a great Deal joy. Since I have had the Pleasure of seeing her both parties have had our many troubles and Conflicts but out of all the Lord has Brough us by his love and still he doth his help afford and hide our lives Above When this you see Remember me And bare me in your mind Let the world say what they will, Speak of me as you find No more to say at present But I Remain your Affectionate Brother and friend until Death William S LloydX Slave friend from Balto.318 A St. N.E. May 26, 1873 My dear Rosetta: Your letter with [?] came safely. We were all uneasy about you and are all glad that you reached home safely. I am much obliged to Nathan for his attention to the business placed in his hands. I am sorry to hear of the condition of the fences. It now seems best to sell the lot but of that I will know more when I shall come up in July. Hattie has borne herself with admirable good sense. She has not shed a single tear on account of remaining with us or from home sickness. She has been out [riding?] with me every day since you left and is in fact delighted with the carriage. To day, her uncle Lewis bought her some nice little Story Books. She reads code and remembers well and has some marks of being a scholar. We spent Sunday at Potomac City and found the domestic atmosphere singularly free from disturbance. We are to dine with Charley Sunday next. Your Mother, Louisa Hattie and Lewis join with me in love to you and yours. You speak of your peach trees in Bloom, Why, our trees have peaches as large as the end of my thumb and pear trees have been out of bloom for weeks. Affectionately your Father Fredr. DouglassFamily aboveWashington: Aug 28th 1893 My Dear Daughter: Yours of the 25th has just come and found me chained to my desk busily preparing my speech for the Tennessee Agricultural Fair at Nashville the 15th Sept. The situation is a new one for me, and I am much concerned about the results; but I still hope to succeed. I find my continuous working power, in some measure failing me and my health rather uncertain as I grow older: I was very sorry to be unable to visit my friend Mrs Greene while in the east, but really I was little fit to visit any body and did well to hide myself at Old Orchard Beach. We are pursuing, that is Mother and Louisa are pursuing the even tenor of their way - for Miss Assing is still with her friends in Boston and we three are alone. I am very glad to know that you are strong & brave enough to do your own workand are thus able really to help rather than to make a way for you both in the world. It will be something to look back to in after life that you have done your full share towards rearing the little flock with which you are blest. I should be glad to see the children and to play with them for a season. I fear I could not do much else were I in Rochester. I believe that all the Douglass Circle here abouts are well. Mother has been afflicted with boils but these blessings in disguise are now healed and she is getting along well. I shall have very little time for writing to any body for sometime to come. Please say as much as this to our friends the [Piersons?]I shall be pleased to hear that he is improving all the while in writing and spelling Love to you, my daughter, and to all your dear ones Your affectionate father Fredk DouglassPeterboro Sept 30 1873 My dear Douglass, This is a very instructive as well as very beautiful letter that you have written to me. Faithfully & ably have you pictured the disadvantages under which the black man endures. Nevertheless, notwithstanding those so multiplied & so great disadvantages, he is rising, rising wonderfully - and promises to attain, at no distant day, a manhood as full & as beautiful as that enjoyed by the most famed minister of the human family. I am glad to hear from you that our dear friend General Howard was so much pleased with his visit to Peterboro.your property. My dear wife, who is not strong, joins me in love to you, your wife & children - Your friend Gerrit Smith Frederick Douglass.that visit is remembered here, by both the old & young, with great interest. I agree with you that the General has too much to do. He has a passion to do good. He longs to help the poor Cubans amongst the needy ones. But I know not who could fill his place, even for a brief season, at the head of the University. Certain it is that I could not. I am an old man (76) and infirm. Moreover, neither morally nor mentally am I fit for the place. The religious element in me is far from strong, and my learning is quite moderate. Hence I must decline the proposed honor - though I am very thankful for the favorable opinions of me entertained by your Board. I strongly hope that the Era will be sustained - & I hope it all the more since learning that you have invested in it for large a portion offrom general smith 1873[*probably 1873*] Washington D.C. Oct. 16 My Dear Daughter, Accept a brief note to say that your letter containing Post office order of the Collins Mortgage came safely. Give my love and my thanks to Nathan. All is well here. Miss Assing will leave us on Monday- my lecture on ‘Our National Capital is well under weigh; But I have little heart left for the field. I have not much motive for the rough and tumble life which awaits me - and which I enjoyed when younger. But the lash and Sting of of necessity compel me. I will unite soon. Your affectionate father, Fredk. Douglass955 N 6th St Phila March 1st 1874 My Dear Douglass, Ten weeks of severe indisposition has kept me from either reading or writing. Intestinal hemorages to the extent of two quarts within four Days had almost finished me. My physician forbade either reading or writing. My recovery has been slow but encouraging. It seems like comeing up from the grave. As soon as advisable I requested Miss Rachael Lee of your city (who was with us for a few Days) to send me her coppy of your last great Speech delivered at Metropolitan Church, Mrs. Weare has just read it to me, as my sight, (though much improved) would not have served me except to read it at intervals. I regard it as the [most the] ablest effort of your long and useful life. The comprehensiveness of its [gospel?] has never been equalled by anyone who has spoken on the situation. Wherever you have presented argument it is so conclusive and unanswerable that those who haveany unfavorable criticism to offer will be compelled as confine this strictures to personal assailments of its author and thus pay your effort on unintentional compliment? This speech should be read publicly by definite appointment in every town and city in the counting from the rostrum and also from the pulpit. Suitable extracts therefrom should be just in pamphlet form for general-gratuitous distribution both inside and outside of our own ranks. and indeed should be sent as foreign lands. in exposure of the fraudulent pretensions of the american people who permit the condition of affairs so vividly pictured. Accept my grateful acknowledgements for this splendid contribution. I am as ever yours Sincerely, J. C. WeareWashington, D.C. May 30th 1874 My dear Nathan: I am obliged by your letter and also by a box of my favorite crackers. Matters are proceeding here about as usual. The boys are struggling manfully to keep their paper afloat. They had no notion of letting the paper fail, but I fear they will have to. If they do not, and make a success they will be entitled to a large measure of praise. I have got myself in a hard place in this Freedman’s Bank and shall consider myself fortunate if I get out of it as easily as I got into it. I was wanted to bolster up the credit of the concern and to get through some legislation in its favor. When this is done as I hope it will be soon, I may separate myself from it, and go on with my literary work which I should have never have abandoned. Love to Dear Rosetta, and the children. Truly yours, Fredk. Douglass D No. 1326 Arch St. Phila. June 7 1874 Dear Frederick Douglass, Need I say how glad I am, to write you a word of thanks, for for your exceedingly kind offer made to Mr. Purvis to me. I am half inclined to be sorry that somethingfrom Mr. Sumner’s house had already been viewed, Since I should have had added pleasure in associating you with the possession. I wonder if your friendly generosity will stand towards me by proxy? - Mr. Purvis in his zeal in my behalf, did quiteignore himself, & - tho' he went to Washington for the express purpose of securing something from this precious collection, has returned empty handed. If you were willing to let me have one of your acquisitions will you grant me the favor of an interest in it, & on the transferring of thatinterest to my friends? In other words, if you will part with chair or table to Mr. Purvis I shall be as heartily your debtor as tho' it were spared to myself. I hope that you are well. & happy - & that the sun shines on you - --- (tho' you never do come to see me any more) - & am always, sincerely your friend, Anna E. DickinsonWashington D.C. April. 15. 1875 My dear Daughter: Your letter of to day was very welcome. I was glad to hear even so good acct. of Alice. I wish I could consider her out of danger. She is so mature in her ways that I fear all the more for her future; but I will hope for the best. She is a charming child and I wish to see her grow up. I notice your wish that Louisa should come soon - and I will favor her coming one week before the time which has been already set. And I think that can be managed. As to my coming where Mother does that is out of the question. Somebody must stay here, asit would not be save to leave the house all alone. Amelia is going away to spend the summer. I am leaving here tomorrow to attend the Centennial Celebration at Philadelphia. I shall feel immense relief when I know that Nathan is secure in his place, for both for your sake and for his I want him to succeed in the world. Lewis has again left home on business and you will probably see him again while he is absent. They keep him very busy, and I think he is giving fair satisfaction to the department. Do you remember Mrs. Fletcher of New Bedford? I am sad to tell you: she is dead. She was a kind and good woman one who befriended me when I needed friends. I never forget my old friends and though I hadseen here for several years- her death seemed like that of one nearly related to me. We are all pretty well here. Mother is quite on her feet. again and I think will be fully able to come to you in the month of June. We have had some beautiful Spring weather here, but now we are having a spell of chilly weather with a few flakes of snow. Make my love to every one of the dear Children and to Nathan Your father Fredk DouglassWashington D.C. June 2, 1875. My dear Rosa: Nearly six weeks ago, I received a telegram from dear Nathan, almost in the precise words of the one which came yesterday, and since that time I have been waiting daily expecting to learn that the dear suffering child had passed beyond the reach of care, trouble, sickness and pain. Since it now seems that the dear child cannot live—and that she could never be strong and healthy if she did live, her passing away will be a happy release from a life of misery. With her high spirit, a life of weakness and dependence would be intolerable. I hope Dear Rosa, that you are thoroughly nerved for the event—that you are wholly emancipated from the superstitious terrors with which priest craft has surrounded the great and universal fact of deaths—and that you will be able to look with calmness upon the peaceful features of the dear child whose sufferings are ended. Death is the common lot of all—and the strongest of us will soon be called a way. It is well! Death is a friend not an enemy. It comes at the right time when it comes naturally, and not by violence. It takes the feeble infant from prospect in misery—and releases the aged from continued aches and pains—the pain of death is with the living not with the dead. We shall all miss our dear little Alice. She was the remarkable child [of] your flock—a real character, [t]he memory of her words and ways will live with us all. I do not dogmatize as to the life of the future. I know not, and know no man can know what is beyond—or what is the condition of existence, whether conscious or unconscious beyond this life—but whatever else it may be, it is nothing that our taking thought about it can alter or improve. The best any of us can do is to trust in the eternal powers which brought us into existence—and this I do. For myself and for all. I do not think our house should be left alone or entirely in the hands of strangers, we have been burnt out once and may be burnt out again— and if burnt out a second time I have no more strength to start life anew again—and build up another home. We are not among friends here any more than in Rochester. It is our misfortune to create envy wherever we go. The white people dont like us and the colored people envy us. I do not wish to burden Amelia with the responsibility of taking care of all here—and she told mother before she went away that she did not want to take the responsibility. Your father— Fredk DouglassWashington D.C. June. 30. My dear daughter: Your dear letter with one to mother each containing an excellent picture of Estelle has just come to hand. This, being almost daily in communion with you, makes it unnecessary for me to be running backward and forward at heavy expense—and great loss of time on Rail Roads to see you. Emerson says that those who made Rome worth going to see staid there." And I may say, that people who make houses worth visiting stay there. I have my little garden, and my horse and carriage and my house duties to look after. The demands upon my time and attention by my Books and papers, and by visitors are incessant. Besides, I am beginning to look upon a journey as a positive misfortune. My long public career of travelling has cured my desire for change in location—and I now like to remain in the same place, dine at the same table, sleep in the same bed—bath in the same tub, and do an hundred other same things. I suppose, if I were in Rochester, I should manifest the same love of locality that I do here. A thousand times I have wished I never had left it. I have been nearly ruined financially by coming here—I have things to tell you concerning my affairs which trouble me very much and lead me to fear the worst. Age and want are an ill matched pair. I should have been glad to have dropt in upon you while Molly was with you, but that is out of the question. I have told mother to take Dear Lew —and have her answer your note to her. It will seem more like coming from her if Lew: writes than if should. Your Dear little Estelle is doing very well. My letter to dear Hattie5 will give you some idea of Estelle’s daily life. Yours Lovingly FatherWashington D.C. August 2. 1875. My Dear Daughter: I still hope to reach Rochester on the 10th. As this time is now near at hand—and as Louisa doubtless keeps you well informed as to all that is worth knowing about affairs here I will not trouble you with a long letter. Lewis, left us last night for the meeting of Editors, in Cincinnati, which is advertised to meet there to day4 I am glad he was able to go, since I could not myself be there—Some one of the family ought to be on hand at such meetings while there are any of us left. Estella is standing at the window of the new study quite near me while I am writing. She still seems quite contented and happy. In this respect she is a puzzle to me for thus far she insists that she wants to stay here. She finds it pleasant to be the only child about the house. I received a note from our friend E. P. a few days ago. She seems hurt because she has written three letters to you of late and has received no answer. All grievances find their way to me. Mother says tell Rosa that Stella is fat and plump, I think she has much improved every way—Louisa doesn’t seem to me quite as well and cheerful as usual but she does not complain. Miss Assing is fighting her way here as usual—Every body seems to hit the blue ball on the Croquet ground. As usual I fight on the side of my old friend—and words fierce and loud pass between Lewis [?] and myself—He thinks I presume on being daddy—and I think he presumes on being son—, but we manage to live under the same roof, for all—and very comfortably—I often wish I could have Nathan on my side. Love from Mother and all. Your father Fredk Douglass 316. A. Street N.E. Washington D.C. August. 23. 1875. My dear daughter: This is to assure you of my safe arrival home. I had a pretty comfortable ride from Rochester to Washington but did not reach home as soon as I hoped for I did not get home till nearly ten o. clk a.m. yesterday. Almost as soon as I could get washed and dressed I was in my carriage with Mother, Louisa, Miss A. and Estella and off to camp meeting at a place called Good hope" about three miles in the country. A sight of the people there assembled and their sayings and doings left me a good deal depressed, forthe future of my people stupidity, ignorance, and the darkest superstition were painfully present. A sight of one of these Camp meetings would impress you more vividly with the depths from which our people have come than anything I know of. After seeing a camp meeting, one has need of seeing a colored school where the children are neat, clean and intelligent. This only will restore his lost hope. Lewis is still absent at the East. We are are expecting Charley this Evening. I found our peaches ripe and abundant and wish you and the children were here to share them with us.it has been raining almost incessantly since i reached here and it is raining now. Stella is well and is in fine spirits. she still clings to Washington. Stella has just come in and wishes me to send her love to her mamma and papa and sends them kisses - all here desire loving remembrances. your father Fredk Douglass Dear Grandpa![*42 Page*] Washington Nov 4 — 1875 My Dear Aunt Tinnie: Your good letter was received a day or so ago and right glad was I to hear from you. Since you have shown a willingness to read a long letter I will take great pleasure in writing it. When I wrote you from Jo's little home, I think I gave you all that had happened of interest after I left Washington up to that time. We were with Jo from Saturday until Monday evening. Upon our return home we went hard to work packing and arranging the house for the young ladies Misses Vanderhoop and Matthews. They came on the next Saturday and with them George young, Fred Stevens not [????] (until it was too late2 that the ladies were there, thought it a good time to stop over and make us a little visit, so you see we had a whole housefull of company as Charlotte Cook would say. The next day was rainy and disagreeable but we were merry within so the day passed pleasantly - Anna and Louise stayed one week and Georgie remained too; it all happened well for it afforded Jo the pleasure of seeing the falls. I hardly know how the six weeks passed that I was at home. We all save [Ynate?] attended a picnic we went to Fulton and passed this day pleasantly - I did not go out on lake Como. I left that pleasure for the young people to enjoy. Mrs. Frank Rose, her mother and the two children spent [?] day with us. Frank was3 well. Jinnie writes me that she is better now. i did not decide when to leave home until I received a letter from Anna Vanderhoop, who lives at Gay Head on Martha's Vineyard. She wrote me that she and Mr.Hollensworth would be married on the 22d of August, so I decided immediately to leave on the 18th and wrote to Lew to that effect and to Miss Louise Matthews who was to join me at Albany. Bowen saw Fred Stevens for me and told him I would go down with him Wednesday night. Tuesday evening I went with Cora down to see Mrs. Foster and Aunty found Jin at Mrs.F's and we all went home together. Jin went in ahead and caught a glimpse of someone in Gerrit's room, in she rushed and I immediately heard a good loud kiss so I thought I would go in and4 see if it was anyone that I could kiss too. and to my great delight- I found Lew. My delight was increased when he told me that he had twenty days leave of absence with pay. So all anxieties as to how we girls would get along in old Massachusetts were quickly put to rest. Jinnie left for Owego on Wednesday at two o'clock, we went down to see her off. then went home, played croquet, had tea and a little visit with Mrs. Foster, said our farewells and were off. Fred was on hand and took us right into the sleeping car, but we did not go to bed until ten o'clock. We reached Albany about mid-night, Lew got off to look for Louise and soon found her — her sister, a lady friend and brother were there to see her off so they all came into the car.5 [2] where I was, I was introduced to the ladies but being in bed the gentleman of course could not be presented, so I satisfied myself by peeping though the curtains at him. We were soon on the wing , Louise came into my berth and Lew went above — Louise had one thousand and one things to tell me and we talked for a long time. The people near us must have felt like telling us to hold our tongues so that they could "get some sleep" but they said not a word, and if they had I think we would have been like "Em" and would not have complied. We were up by times in the morning. We went to sleep in the State of New York and awoke in old Massachusetts. We were anxious to be seeing the sights, so we hastened to the drawing room and made6 our toilets, by the time we have finished Fred had all the births made up and you would hardly have known that it was a sleeping car. At one of the stations our gentleman went out and brought in tea and hot rolls. Fred put up a table and we breakfasted in grand style- after that he procured a pack of cards and we played several games of euchre- As we neared Boston our time was consumed in looking from the window We passed through lovely villages and towns. They were so near each other that we would hardly feel sure we were out of one before we would be in another, and it caused us to feel that for once in our lives we were in a great state. We arrived in 7 Boston at ten o'clock, there was such a stir, such a hurrying this way and that so many people that I wondered if it were possible for us ever to get away from it and find a quiet place and Will. A little walk brought us to a street car, our gentlemen wanted a carriage but I protested. We passed Wills office but we did not get a glimpse of him. After many twistings and turnings we reached the foot of Grove St. and we were not many seconds in reaching 42. We hurried off our traveling suits for we were all impatience to be ready to see Will - he was not many minutes behind us and when he came into the room where I was he jumped so high that I thought his head would though the ceiling I believe if boy was ever glad8 to see this the sister Will was that boy. I found him looking well but it was days before he looked quite natural, it was of course because of the strange surroundings. I found Mrs. Watson that is Mrs. Lansing that was looking about as young as when she left Syracuse; she makes Will, Fred and Theodore Foster feel quite at home. We all boarded there with Will, Lew and I slept in the next house, we had a very pleasant front chamber. After dinner on the day of our arrival we started out intending to go to Cambridge, it was a very warm day so we wanted an open car, we stood on the street a long time waiting but every open car that passed was more than full so we gave up the expedition for that day and look another car and went.9 to Copelands where we had ice-cream such as cannot be found outside of Boston and choice cakes, I was never before in so magnificent a restaurant, it seemed good to be there. So we made no haste. We went home to tea and after that took a stroll through the “burnt district"- it is the finest part of Boston, some of the buildings are grand beyond description. I remember now that before waiting for a street car to take us to Cambridge we had walked through Boston Common, taken a look at the Elm tree ever so many hundreds of years old; allowed ourselves to be much amused by the performance of Punch and Judy and after that we went across to the public Garden where we were surrounded by beautiful and choice flowers, singing10 birds, rustic bridges, stately trees &c &c. They have there a miniature lake and we all took a row around on it. We saw several little boats which were much like velocipedes. One lovely black swan was moving gracefully around in the water. I do not think I was ever more tired than when we had finished our sight-seeing that first day in Boston. Friday morning we visited the State House and saw there many things of interest. The battle flags of the brave Massachusetts regiments are there preserved, conspicuous among them is that of the 54th, battle stained and worn and in its mute way telling that it was in the thickest of the fight. I really felt it a high privilege to be allowed to look upon that dear old flag.11 From the dome of this State House we had a fine view of Boston and its surrounding cities and they are many and extensive. From the State House we went to several of their fine stores Jordan and Marsh among the number, Louise and I each purchased a bridal present for Anna (Lew's was bought in Syracuse) and then went home and made ready to start early Saturday morning for Martha's Vineyard. (Nov. 5 ___ Saturday morning Aug. 21 _at 8. o'clock we took train for New Bedford; we passed through Readville, the old camping ground of the 54 Massachusetts regiment The place have so changed that Lewis hardly recognized it. After a pleasant ride of three hours we arrived in New Bedford. We12 were met - by a Mr. Sulivan who went with us in a carriage to the wharf to make arrangements for going to the Vineyard. We decided to go over with a Capt. Warfield in his little yacht - you see if we took the steamer it would land us about twenty miles from the Vanderhoops and the Captain would take us within a mile of the house - Well arrangements made for craving, we asked our hackman if he could furnish us with an open carriage, as we would like to spend our spare time in making calls, being answered in the affirmative are more driven to the stable where we exchanged our close carriage for a very fine open one - We went to see Miss Briggs, but "Pug" as she is familiarly called was out of town also Miss Baily. We then13 4 proceeded to the home of Anna Holmes we found her in, and quite surprised and delighted to see us, Miss Dorster of Washington was in town and happened in while we were there - We asked the ladies to drive with us, they were ready in a few moments and we went all over town, I was surprised to find it so beautiful a place - I had formed an impression that it being a very old place was about worn out - but I found it quite the reverse. We stopped at a restaurant long enough to have a lunch put up (Miss Holmes had given us some cake, but we did not know how long we would be on the water - so wanted to be sure to have enough to eat) then used our time up in driving. The ladies went to the landing14 [South?] - us and, Lew sent them home in the carriage - We were soon on board our little craft fixed some seats and waited patiently for the Captain, his mate was already there. After a time the Capt. made his appearance and after much fussing and fixing we were off There were just six of us in all, our party of three, the Capt. and mate and one young woman. I was never before in a little arrangement like that and was sometime in making up my mind whether or not it was the time to be frightened. I noticed that the others seemed quite composed - so I made my self easy. We were obliged to change our positions quite often one side of the boat would be well up in the air the other15 side all but under the water we felt safest on the up side and hence were obliged to change often. The wind was quite high and the sails kept up a terrible flapping and it made me quite thoughtful as I realized that we were out in Buzzards Bay and at the mercy of the wind. In the course of conversation the Captain made the discovery that he had on board the son and daughter- in-law of Frederick Douglass- he seemed to look upon it as a high honor, and made himself agreeable to a fault. We were five hours in going across. Anna's brother William was out fishing in a little sail boat he saw us nearing Lobsterville and came to meet us. he took us into his little boat and in a few seconds landed 16 us. Mr. Vanderhoop keeps a little store at Lobsterville, he came out and gave us a hearty welcom to his island home — We were anxious is be with Anna, so soon started for the house which is a mile from the store — The house is quite elevated and we could see it long before we reached it; there [were] was Anna and her lover playing croquet -- little dreaming that we were so near, they supposed we would come by stage, someone from the store got to the house before we did and let the home folks know that we were coming, mallets were thrown away and croquet forgotten in a moment and we were soon hand in hand with our friends. We found Anna's father, mother, sister and two brothers, there17 5 brothers I ought to say and a sister-in-law - all delightful people - who did all in their power to make our stay a happy one - We were much fatigued by our all day jaunt and soon after a good supper we retired. Our slumbers were much interrupted by a grand, I might say an awfully grand vocal concert given by not more than ten thousand musquitos, I am sure I never before tried to sleep in a room where there were so many - I hardly think Lew closed his eyes - I did doze occasionally - but I would not more than doze for every few moments Lew would say "just wait until to-morrow and I will fix them - and sure enough he did. He burnt camphor in the room and we were troubled no more - The others18 tried it but not with perfect success. Sunday morning we took our time in getting up the wedding would not take place until eight in the evening so we had plenty of time. We breakfasted about ten then we rambled around for a time Gay Head where we were, is on the Western extremity of the island it has rather a barren look, there is quite a growth of underbrush but no trees. The houses are shingled on all sides as well as top, no blinds, and as it seemed to me, nothing on them or in them that was not quite necessary to comfort - the Vanderhoops are all well off - much of their money is made by keeping lobster pots - or gathering lobsters - I do not know the correct term to use, I will make you understand the19 little fact, they get the lobsters out of the water and sell them just as fast as they can get them, and it is a very profitable business. Just one minute's walk brought us in sight of the grand old ocean, there it was in all its [fast] vast magnificence. We listened to its roar, watched many a white sail dissapear from sight, - going to foreign lands, in fact we spent a good part of the day in looking out at sea and dreaming the hours away. At about six o'clock we all retired to our rooms to make ready for the wedding- At eight all was in readiness - we repaired to the parlor where we found the minister and about a dozen of the neighbors, all old fashioned elderly people save three or four young ladies and gentlemen Anna and Sam came in with20 Louise and Cummings (Anna's brother) as brides-maid and grooms man — In a very few seconds the necessary words were spoken, congratulations and kisses given supper eaten, the minister and neighbors wending their ways to their peaceful homes and we at the Vanderhoops retiring as though nothing unusual had happened. It certainly was a unique affair and Louise and I have had many a little quiet laugh over it. Monday morning directly after breakfast, we made ready to go a fishing — It looked very much like rain, but we were in for some fun — rain or no rain. Lunch baskets were filled with good things we put on water-proofs and rubbers took umbrellas, and21 were off in this order, the bride and groom, Lew and Cummings in a waggon - Louise and Leonard (another brother of Annas) in a buggy William Vanderhoop, wife and myself, in another buggy - well to make a long story short the going and returning was grand fun though we did not catch a fish - We picked blackberries, tried to catch fish (I can see Lew now sitting on a fence with Anna's red and black plaid shawl around his shoulders waiting oh, so patiently for the bite that never came) and succeeded in eating a good lunch, and we remained out until the rain compelled us to go home. Tuesday after breakfast, our party, the bride groom and Cummings got into the ox cart and went down to Lobsterville, the22 place is composed of half a dozen little cottages, where men, with - their families spend the summer, and keep lobster pots, and Mr. Vanderhoops little store Mr. V. took us girls into all the houses and introduced us to the ladies, I was much pleased with the appearances of the insides of the cottage, outside there was an ugly fish smell that almost killed me and for that reason was glad when the patient old oxen were pulling us up the hill again. We stopped on our way to the house, all got out, some to pick wild grapes and some huckleberries of the latter I picked enough for my lunch, and they were the largest I had ever seen. Our pickings over we piled23 in again and were soon at the house eating lunch. Early in the after-noon we started off again in the same ox cart — this time to visit the cliffs and Gay Head light-house which are about one mile from Mr. V's. We were shown all through the light-house, which is quite an extensive affair- and had the working of the lantern explained; it throws out red and white lights alternately, and we each had the pleasure of stepping inside the lantern From the light house we went down the cliffs which are composed of many colored clay red, yellow, white- — &C &C — In nearing Gay Head they look very beautiful. We gathered sea moss and shells and wandered on the beach for a long time.24 I did not tire of watching the waves break against the rocks found shore —, an occasional wave would come and quite cover some rocks that seemed very large. We remained until it was nearly time for the man to light up at the light house then we climbed and crawled until we were up, we then sat on the grass and watched for the light, it was not long in coming, neither were we long in reaching home after seeing it. Wednesday we were at home all day — we busied ourselves in packing and playing croquet. Then decided to leave on Thursday and as we wanted to spend a few hours at Camp meeting the stage was ordered to come for us at four o'clock in the morning. We were up and25 7 breakfasted at three o'clock but the stage disappointed us and did not come until eight - so the hours we hoped to have at the camp-meeting were wasted in watch and worry. We went to the eastern part of the island to take steamer, we passed through several small places and some were really quite beautiful. To me Gay Head seemed by far the poorest part of the island. We had no time to tarry not even for a moment at the camp-meeting but we saw many of the cottages in passing through to the boat. It has grown to be a very fashionable resort - some of the cottages we saw were perfectly magnificent. Camp meetings have been held at Vineyard Haven or at the26 Vineyard as it is familiarly called, for a great many years, In these days it is much more a fashionable watering place than Camp-meeting ground. When we returned to Washington we learned that two of our friends Misses Baily and Holmes went to the Vineyard the very day we passed through, expecting to meet us there and accompany us back to New Bedford where we were expected to stop and when our friends had made every preparation to make our stay a pleasant one, well we knew nothing of it and passed night through, reached Boston at four o'clock p. m. We parted with the bride and groom at New Bedford, they came direct to Washington. Well a hungrier lot of people27 than, Lou, Lew, and I were I think were never seen, unless I except the time that you and I so well remember, We had eaten nothing save a few peaches since our three o'clock breakfast Mrs. Watson made all haste in preparing dinner but we could not wait and commenced on dry bread. Well, a good dinner and a good nights rest brought us out all right — and Friday morning found us much refreshed again. Now I can only tell you of the principal sight we saw, for you must be more than weary already. Will went with us to Lynn, we crossed in a ferry boat to East Boston, and took the narrow gauge road, it was a pleasant ride, we were near the beach much of the way and had grand28 views of the Atlantic. Arrived in Lynn we went first to New Hall st. where the Douglasses once lived; the house and all its surroundings are just as when they left it, we found an old gentleman at the gate and Lew asked him if we could get some water from the well, and told him he had once lived in the house, "oh" said the old man "you are Douglass son"; we were asked to walk in and help ourselves which we did. From there we went to the famous Lynn beach, where thousands upon thousands of men women, and children have bathed in the waters of the Atlantic. There were several children in the surf while we were there and I would have given much if I could have joined them — but time was wanting.31 Sunday morning we had for breakfast, baked beans and Boston brown bread, I was exactly suited and it was pleasant to think that nearly all the people in that great place were eating the same kind of breakfast. We attended church in the after-noon — it was very warm, and the minister gave us a warm sermon, it has lasted me until now, I have not been to church since. In the evening we went in an open car to Mount Pleasant, just went for the ride, we went out and came right back in the same car, it was the grandest ride I ever had for ten cents. On Monday Mr. Glover (a chum of Wills) his sister, Will and our party went to Mount Auburn. I found it32 a very beautiful place, but not so much in advance of Oakwood as I had supposed it would be. We found the last resting place of Charles Sumner and lingerd many moments near his grave. There are several graves with plain marble slabs, some with the names of females others males all Sumners, the only difference in the graves was that that of Charles Sumner was covered with myrtle the others only grass The slabs seemed exactly alike you would have thought his had been there as long as any. We went up in the tower and there had another fine view of Boston and its surroundings. We went to Cambridge two or three times and of course went through Harvard Square29 It is a grand place, people seem there to be living only for pleasure; some were driving, several were on horse back, galloping along the track from Lynn to Nahant and I found myself making a little wish, and it was that I might one day go galloping in that same way from Lynn to Nahant. On Saturday after-noon we went to Music Hall to listen to the great organ. It is certainly a mammoth instrument. It is as broad as I think higher than the end of your house which faces the Sandburrys. A lady did the playing and I wrote to someone after hearing her and said, I thought she ought to be very self satisfied for having made that day more noise than any other woman in America. I never heard sweeter music in my life —30 at times we would be obliged to listen closely to catch the faintest sound, then it would gradually grow until it seemed a full church choir singing in some distant cathedral - then it came nearer and yet nearer until that spacious hall was filled to its uttermost with grand soul stirring music; the very building seemed to tremble, and with closed eyes one could easily imagine that he or she was listening to a full brass band, drums beating, in fact not an instrument missing; After that grand burst of melodious sounds, it would grow soft sweet, and mournful until the tears would almost start from listening. We were there full an hour and quarter and we left feeling that we had more than the worth of our money.33 [9] I like Cambridge much, the houses many of them are very beautiful and all have nice yards in front and there are a great number of shade trees. If you want to get under a shade tree in Boston you are obliged to go to the Common. We visited Bunker Hill monument — Oh dear I grow sick as I think of us now — I thought are would go to the monument but would not go up, but once there are were seized with the desire to go to the top We paid our money registered our names and made a grand start, we all agreed to count the steps as we were going, we went around and round - until my head became so dizzy that I thought I should faint — and yet I knew I must[*34*] not faint for it was [for] too far for Lew to carry me either up or down, I was never in such a fix before and promised myself if I once got safely out I would never be caught again. I rallied as best I could and went flying up the stairs, counting as I went hoping in that way to forget my bad feelings I at last reached the top looking like a sick chicken, and had counted three hundred and four steps when in fact there were just two hundred and [four] ninety four. I was too sick to do much looking but I felt that it was good to be there for it enables me to say now that I have been to the top of Bunker[*35*] Hill monument. One after-noon Will went with us to Nahant, it is just fifteen miles from Boston down Massachusetts Bay — The day was delightful and we had one grand time. Nahant is a great watering place and many wealthy people spend their Summers there — We took [th] an omnibus at the landing and went about a mile to some garden the name I have forgotten — We found it a very delightful place, just suited for picnics; they have among other things a pavilion, where those who wish to dance may do so. We walked from the garden back to the boat and I think the glimpses we had of the ocean were lovelier than from any other36 point. One day Mrs. Watson took Louise and me to the public baths for women and girls; it seemed wonderful to me, to see those girls swimming so beautifully, and diving down and remaining under the water many seconds at a time. We took one day for returning the calls we had received; dressed up in our best and played the agreeable one entire after-noon. We spent one evening very pleasantly at Mr. George White’s a jolly bachelor who wants everybody to know that he is still in the market. He lives very nicely and entertained us as well as any lady could. We parted company with Louise on Thursday, she was obliged to be in Washington on Saturday Sept 4th and we37 we were not obliged to be here until the 6th. We left Boston on Saturday - a short time before we started, who should walk into Mrs Watsons but father Douglass (by the way just a short time before he came, we had a nice little visit with your old friend Wm. Wells Brown. he seemed just the same pleasant gentleman his family were out of town a fact he regretted very much.) Well father was on his way to Washington - was to leave by the old colony road that evening for Fall river - take the sound steamer go to New York remain until Sunday evening and leave in the evening train for Washington that was our plan to the very letter so we joined company[*38*] Will, Theodore Foster and Jo Brown went to the depot with us, poor Will, he was so sorry to have us go and it almost broke my heart to see tears in his eyes A few seconds and good byes were spoken, Boston was left behind us and we were hastening on to Fall river. Father is very familiar with that road and he pointed out many places as we were passing — Before leaving Boston Lew secured a state-room and the key was given to us before we left the train. We arrived at Fall river just after dusk — the boat Bristol by name was brilliantly lighted the band on deck was playing, people were hurrying into the boat and it seemed to me a wonderfully pleasing confusion. The boat was far more magnificent than[*39*] any I had ever been on and very much larger. The day had been very sultry and we found it so delightfully cool that we remained on deck until after the boat had made a stop at New Port. The boat was so large that I could not feel the motion of it, I thought I would not mind if I could get just a faint idea of sea-sickness — Father told me that after leaving New Port we would be for about twelve miles right out in the ocean and that the boat would then have the regular sea motion well I thought that really quite nice. My gentlemen with more than a hundred others smoked their cigars in the beautiful twilight. Lew is a fast smoker so his cigar was soon finished. We bade father good night but before going to our state[*40*] room, Lew thought he would take me all through the boat, it was all magnificent but I noticed that in walking my feet would reach the floor before I seemed quite ready to have them, which was far from pleasant, then a strange feeling came over me, and I begged to go to my state room, Lew hurried me there and I tumbled into the lower berth shoes, hat, and all well in the course of time with Lew's help I got my cloths off and was snugly fixed in bed, and I was thankful, oh so thankful to be there where I was saved from feeling, what I had so longed for a short time before, the motion of the boat. I never slept better in my life, I had intended to sleep in the upper berth, and let Lew have the lower but41 but circumstances happened to be such at retiring that the upper berth was just a trifle too high for me. When I reached the deck Sunday morning we were nearing New York, father was already there, his traveling suit laid aside and dressed in his Sunday best and looking in a manner to make his son and daughter-in-law very proud of him, he advanced shook hands with me and we were as you may know the center of attraction. Arrived in New York, father went his way and we went with Mr. Eato, who met us at the boat, to his house where we found a good breakfast awaiting us. Breakfast over we went to call on Jennie Simpson who boards with Mr. Garnets daughter — we spent42 a couple of hours very pleasantly with her; in returning to Mr Eato's we met Charley Douglass who was in New York waiting for the Tybee to sail for Santo Domingo, he promised to call on us at Mr. Eato's so we soon separated. After dinner we went in company with Misses Mary and Jane Eato to Central park, we took a carriage and drove through, I think it was all very beautiful but I drank claret punch at dinner and it made me so sleepy that I saw things in a dreamy way, and I scarcely realize now that I have visited Central park. I will enclose a card that will give you some idea of the place. Mr. Eato invited several friends to take tea with us and we had many good things[*43*] to eat. Charley, Jennie and Mrs. Barboza came and we had a right merry time until it was time for us to take train for Washington. I was glad to get out of New York — for after visiting Boston where everything is so clean and nice New York seems the dirtiest place in the world. We reached Washington Monday morning in time for breakfast, so ended my Summer tour, tell me what you think of it. Now we are very busy getting ready for Senator Bruce and his clerk, they are to board here this winter. The Senator is to have the room next to ours in the new part, it is very beautifully furnished and he will be able to make himself very comfortable. Father left44 home, early yesterday morning — he may be gone a good part of the winter; he had not been gone more than two hours before his sister Kitty and brother Perry Downs came —, this sister has not seen him since he was about ten or twelve years old. She seems a nice old lady and I think she will stay all winter. I will see that you get that picture of Jen. She has been in Syracuse twice lately, Georgie Young is there studying medicine, Miss Marsh was there, she may stay all winter, Best love to uncle Henry and Aunt Jule, remember me to the Barbers and also the Bradways. I will send you a cabinet picture of myself — Write soon Your affectionate Amelia (Nov. 16.- 1875)[*?*] Streator Ill. February 17. 1876. My dear Daughter: I am all right up to date. I have heard from home for the first time since leaving this morning. All well. Lewis and Amelia are probably now with you - and I wish myself with you also - but somebody must be at work and am yet able. The last few days have been extremely cold and I have suffered much - though not seriously damaged - I shall rejoice if I can go through with my work and come out all right. I would not live in the west if any one would give me the wish. The cold, the dust, mud and smoke are terrible. When I come to Rochester I shall be compelled to stay sometimeand have my artificial teeth repared. I still have hard work to talk in public. Keep up a good heart, my child. Love to Lewis and Amelia. Always your loving father Fred. K DouglassWashington D. C., May 25 My dear Rosa: Your nameless boy is now eight days old. No doubt he is a fine fellow and I should be glad to see him, but he must get a little older before I make him a call. I was once vain enough to want your first boy called “Douglass,” but upon reflection I have given up this vanity: I think the honor belongs to Nathan. His first boy should be called Nathan. We are doing pretty well here considering that I neither have Mother nor Louisa to help me keep house—I wish you could send me one or the other of them by the first of June. Our house is now perfectly clean from top to bottom. A glorious rain came this morning giving a smiling face to my lawn—lettuce & cantelope vines. Lewis has come home from a weeks tour of his postal agency He is doing much hard travelling but looks well. He is young, strong and should like his work. I did at his age. But I now begin to like the chimney corner and hate to travel those I want to see and those who want to see me must do the needful travelling I have had enough of it. This will reach you about Thursday and I hope by that time you will be able to scribble me a few lines with your own dear feeble hand. You must tell me all about your grand Boy—If I shall like him as well as I like your girls—he will be very well liked. Love from all here to all in Rochester and especially to yourself— Your father Fredk Douglass