Prière a Monsieur Le ministre d'avoir la bonté de faire aboutir la lettre, a Monsieur Le Président Heureaux , de la part de Son Servent tres Affn C. Coên 20/1/90. Monsieur Douglas Ministre Resd des E. U. d'Amerique F. P. Port au Prince[*Jan 30, 1890*] My dear Rose: I have been somewhat uneasy about you since hearing you was not well your letter as well as that of Annie has been a relief to me and one very much needed. Death is busy, life uncertain and we do not know when we part even for a day that we ever shall meet again. I am very glad as I have told Annie that you and your family could do something to smooth poor Virginia's way to the grave. Frederick seems to be entirely broken up by the loss of his wife, I believe they truly loved each other and where love is then is happiness within.however the wind may blow without. I am very glad that Nathan did the noble part to Frederick in this hour of trial and I believe it will do much to soften the feeling which has subsisted between them so long and so bitter. Affliction is apt to bring some good as well as ill. Have I ever given you an idea of my daily life in Hayti If I have I have forgotten. Time and toil are telling on my memory. Well, - I live in a small house of six rooms including the stone room.It surrounded by a veranda [tem] ten feet in width and about one hundred feet long measuring it all round. This Veranda is completely roofed with galvanized Iron and is paved with square pieces of pottery of about six inches in Diameter. The house stands in the midst of a garden of tropical fruits and flowers such as you see in botanical gardens in Washington. There is a bath of pure bright mountain water enclosed in a house for privacy. I rise at 6. Take a bath, then a cup of coffee, perhaps an orange, spend an hour before breakfast studying French oror writing- and [gett] get to the Legation a little after nine o,clk - and remain there till four. go home pretty well tired out - lay down in my hammock for a while - take dinner at 6! recline between nine and ten. The nights being long, the weather warm - and the sky wonderfully beautiful I get up usually about one o.ck and feast my eyes upon the Stars. I then go again to bed & Sleep moderately well till morning. There is very little variety in my life here - but I am not hard to please in the matters of local conditions. My main troubles have been as the tremendousexpense of living. It threatens to eat all my salary. Well I may have written all this before but I do not know that I have. Write me soon and write me often though i may not be able to write to you as often. Remember to Nathan and to all our circle . I write to Lewis often and you can always hear from me through him Your affectionate Father Frederick Douglasswere on your knees. Nevertheless Should you come, a fathers house a father's house, a father's welcome will be given now. You would find me in very pleasant surroundings, not quite such as I have on Cedar hill-you very well adapted to this climate and country. I note what you say of young cook. I am sorry to learn that he has made so little progress. Few are more sorry still to know that he served Annie such a mean trick- She did a good deal for him. That is perhaps, the trouble. Had she done less She would have received more thanks. Gratitude is not a very strong feature of the colored race.Port au Prince Febry 5. 1890, My dear Rosetta: Your letter came late but was none the less gladly recieved. I was quite uneasy about you in veiw of the epidemic prevailing in the States especially in veiw of the fact that I had already learned of your illness after your attentions to Virginia in her death illness. It is a relief to know that you are up and out again. I am now just returned from my visit to Santa Domingo. I have been absent during the last two weeks. Two weeks ago the United States Ship Dolphin was put at my disposal for the voyage with room accommodations I could desire- and the voyage was every way pleasant- and instructiveyou speak of our old time though of a visit to Hayti. On some occasions I should love to have you with me now. Still I fear you would not much enjoy it, you would find here but little society to your taste. There is much of race prejudice here. The fools are not all dead. The blacks hate the mulattos and the mulattos look down upon the blacks. Many of the whites have colored wives, and black men have white wives, and in the face of all this mixture, fools indulge in prejudice and turn up their noses. Still I manage to enjoy much of peace amidst in all, and am glad I have been permitted to see Hayti for myself and not another. I see that the papersare still lying about me: saying about to be recalled. Called home, that I have been snubbed by the the Government here. - that I am violating the law of nations and the like nonsense. In fact all it is [seen?] that I seem silent and that I am still here. I am very glad you did not rush into print in my defense. Silence is my best action. Perhaps, I may indulge[d] [that] in a little contempt. for the little spiteful liars that dog my steps, both at home and abroad. But to return to your coming here. Is there any chance of it? I am afraid not. You are in the midst of your children. They need you now as much as when they you speak of seeing a letter of mine in the Star. I am sorry you did not cut it out and send it to me. I have written no letter for publication since I have been here and am curious to see which has slipped and from under my pen. I am sometimes tempted to be silent altogether. I see that our paper says I have written home to my friends that I have been snubbed - and much else - this makes me think that entire silence while I am a diplomat might be the better course. Of course, I have written no such nonsense. When you write again tell me allall about the children and all about Nathan. I hope he is hold his own in business - and prosperous - I admire his pluck - he's industry and he's intelligence. He deters success whether he succeeds or not. In any case I have admiration for him. He has shown what a man can do, with everything against him. I see that Mr Trolter has been asked to resign. I hope this will not be against the interests of Annie. I am curious to her who will be Mr. T's successor. When I held the office under Cleveland all the negro newspapers were calling uponbut the same papers have had nothing to say, against Mr Trotter's holding over "Sauce for the goose, but not for the gander," in this case. Well, make my love to all you dear ones at house. Write me soon, write me often, and keep me fully informed of what may be in the air of Washington--This is one of our cool winter days here and the thermometre only marks 83 in the shade. Pretty good summer weather you will think. Again love and best wishes Now and always Your affectionate father DouglassYou told me of the death of Dr. Patton. It was a bad piece of news to me - for though I do not think he was quite up to the mark on our question, he nevertheless did a good work for Howard - Besides when such men fall by my side, and those younger than myself I cannot help thinking that my turn may come next - best come when it may I hope to meet it with perfect tranquility and resignation. One has little to live for after he has past his three score and few and I have done that and begin to feel that the grasshopper is a burden.in the way - A better use could be made of any money thats may be in your hands. Do you know what is the matter between Joseph and his family? He writes me he seldom hears from home. His father's second marriage in this respect does not seem to have been more fortunate than mine. But of course no one thinks himself in fault, - neither father nor son. I believe in "Jas" fiddlewise and think he will yet make his way. With love to you and your household, Your Father Fredk. DouglassMarch 6th 1890 My dear Rosetta: Many many thanks for your good long and deeply interesting letter just to hand. I wish I had time to send you a letter equally [wh] worthwhile in reply. In a few hours the steamer will be leaving for New York and I think that a short letter by this short outgoing steamer, than a long letter by one which may go later. I suppose you feel when you receive a letter from one, a I feel when I receive a letter from you and that is a wish for something more.and you quite thankful for what you get. Since the terrible La "grippe" has been abroad I could have been thankful even for one little saying that you were all well. Letters should avoid telling (that may be found in the newspapers and tell as much of family news as possible. I like to read of your family, of the children, where they are, whats they are, and how they are getting along house I was much pleased with that part of you that spoke of Rosie. I was also pleased to know of Herbt. [*omit*]I still believe in him. [*omit*] [Not every boy can be a scholar, and not every scholar is a success in life. If Herbert wld work and think like his father, he may yet make a useful career in the world. He is yet young. Have patience with him.] I am leading a moderately Comfortable life in Hayti. The respect shown me here by all classes leaves nothing further in that direction to be required or desired. I am not surprised that you hardly think of coming down here as a possibility. Perhaps, I was not quite happy in mentioning it. The expense itself would perhaps stand in theMarch 22, 1890 My dear Rosa, I am overwhelmed with grief . Matie was very dear to me, your letter is very full. I thank you for it. You know my views of the situation. I easily see Charlie's dessolation. My heart goes out in sympathy with him and for him. I cannot be other than apprehensive of the worst consequences to him. I am glad that Lewis went on to break the news to you. I am afraid that he may be taken down sick, but in that case, he will be among strangers who will probably look after him with tenderness. I know how this Stroke will fall on the hearts of Annie Hattie Estella Fredericka Rosa Herbert and you all and I am with you all in a common sorrow. I am glad you gave me an account of Maties sickness so full. I see how it all was - I wish I could talk with you about it. I share you with thatand will take this letter to Nevasse where it will be met by another Steamer and taken to New York - She leaves in a few hours and I have therefore such little time for my other correspondence. My earnest love for you and yours Yours - Fredk. Douglass Port au Prince March 22d 1890.that Charley could be with me. Though I am no longer stronge I might be able out of my weakness to give [him] some strength in in the great affliction which has come to him. One of my satisfactions since I have been here has been to show the pictures of your Annie and Charlie's Matie They stand on my centre table with one from Joseph with his violin to my visitors, but the group is broken I should like to have pictures of all your children with me. Annie's photo is too small - I am writing in great haste. The Steamer that brought your letter is on her way to Central AmericaPort au prince, April 12, 1890 My dear Rose, I shall be very much disappointed if I do not recieve a letter from you by the next steamer from New York--I was disappointed that I did not get one by the last steamer. You must know that letters from your Brothers are no substitute for letters from you, They are good and I am very glad to receive them, but they stand on their own legs and have their own value. I was very glad to have Washington, brought down to Port au Prince as it was in the paper Nathan was so kind to send me and for which I beg you will return him my thanks. There was Seventh Street--Pennsylvania Avenue--the National Capital and there was Nathan himself at full length meaning business all the time. I am proud of his industry, enterprize and success. It would give me pleasure to see his example in this respect, more generally copied by our people. It is the best solution of the race problem that can be given. We are now in the beginning of what is called the racing Season in this country. It rains about every night-- and the Season is thought to be the most tryingwhich showed him to be in a very dispondent [p???] condition. [It] He says if I fail him now he is lost. He ought to feel in no such way. No fails, unless he fails himself, each man is the author of his own destiny and the architect of his own fortune. Sorrow and death have been the lot of all men - and will so continue, but this should not cause any to lose heart or hope. Frederick has been fortunate in having friends raised up for him and his children and I hope he may yet find employment and be able to look out for his offspring. It has come to my ears that I have done nothing for Frederick - I am sorry that such a report should reach me - for there is no foundation for it. I shall be glad to see any son of mine do as much for his sons, as I have done for mine. But enough of this. "There is no sting like the sting of ingratitude." I am very sorry that dear Jeremy [Par] Mark Parker was so unwise, as to circulate the story among our friends here, that we came here, because we were ignored by the white and colored people of the United States. There was no truth in the Statement - except as to a few falsehearted friends - whose friendship was not worth having - we always had about as many friends of both colors as we could well entertain.of any to be endured here. Thus far however, I have kept up pretty well and have been able to be on duty every day. I have had two accidents that have shaken me up considerably. I have a horse that is opposed to being ridden - and when mounted has a trick of standing on his hind legs. About three [which] weeks where I was on his back he stood up so straight on his hind legs as to fall backward - I fell with him, but fortunately my horse did not fall over me - I was shaken up and bruised some, but am all right again, or was right until a few days ago, I again fell in dismounting my horse. Some of my friends here have the kindness to tell me that I shall yet lose my life by horses - I still I hold my horse by the bridle. I came the Rarey over this fellow - threw down, as I once did Jessie. And it modified his temper considerably. I hope to have a carriage in a week or two when I shall not have occasion to ride horse back so much as now. The fact is, I am getting a little stiffened by time and do not mount a horse as I once did. I ought to be ten years younger to ride over this mountainous country. I had a letter from Frederick some time ago -But if this was as stated, it was not kind in Jenny to give us such a send off here, especially as she asked the privilege of going with us and was taken without expense from New York to Hayti and lived in my house free of expense while she remained in Hayti. I am sorry for I always liked the bright spirit of Jenny - and still hope that she had no bad motive in setting afloat this story - among the people here. It was however pernicious all the same. But such is life, and one must take the bitter as well as the sweet. It is perhaps quite well that I am down here - out of the way if, only for a season, [out of the reach] of those, if there be such, who turn up their noses because I have married contrary to their notions of fitness as if I [was] were not the judge of that. When you write tell me if our Annie is retained in the office of the Recorder. I hope that both she and Mrs Whipper have been saved. Tell me if Henry Johnson is retained. He is a man I took up and set him on his legs when he was outside of everything, but as soon as Trotter came in he treacherously turned his back on me by turning Fredk. out. Again such is life. Those for whom we do most thank us least - and as it is said in scripture, a man's enemies are of his own household! I have not yet heard how "Joe" has taken the death of dear Mattie. I am sad, sad, sad. It does not seem that that fine healthy young girl should have died. Charley writes me that she had good nursing when she was taken down. I hope he is right but it appears to me she was kept going too long. Her death falls all the more heavily upon me in view of the deaths of Frederick and Ada. Rose, My dear child - take care of that with Robert as well as you can and this I know you will. Love to all your dear ones. Your affectionate father Fredk. Douglass22 yrs. old when mama was born. Port au Prince: June 24. 1890 My dear Rose, The first thought that came into my head this fine morning was that this is your fifty first Birth day. You have already passed that stage of life wherein people are called young. Fifty one years ago I had no idea that I should live to see you at your present age. All the boys that I knew when a boy are gone the way of all the Earth. The sands of life are running out so fast with me that I sometimes ask myself why I am using up my last days in this exhausting climate. But after all what better could I do? I am now hoping for a line from you by the steamer which will be due here on Thursday - I am almost afraid to open a letter from home lest Ishould find sickness, death or disaster staring me in the face. Good news from home has not been my luck- lately - but "I still keep hoping on." I see that Mr. Bruce is being assailed by a man of the same stripe of those who assailed me. but I think Bruce can stand it. I never have and never shall lower my head a single inch for all that such personscan say or do against me. I think considering that all my family have knowledge of my intention to come home for a brief vacation it is creditable that no breathe of in has got into the papers. I now think I shall reach New York about the 25th july- and may reach Washington on the night of the same day- The month between now and then will seem shorter at the other end than at this. for I am anxious to get away from this enervating climate. I have not been really and soundly well for two months back though I manage to keep on my feet and make out to do some work, though not with my usual vigor- I am hoping much benefit from the voyage- I am usually pretty well at sea.This package will be my last letter from Port au Prince for the present. I expect much happiness in ever more seeing you and your little flock - as usual all the members of our family - I shall be glad as well as sorry to see Joseph Douglass - because I know how little he likes to be in Washington - and yet it may be for the best that he should be there. My love to all your flock - your affectionate father, Fredk DouglassU.S. Consulate, San Domingo, West Indies, August 18th 1890. To the Honorable Fredk. Douglass, Washington, D.C. My dear Mr. Douglass: The usual formal correspondence concerning the transfer of this office will, of course, be forwarded to Port au Prince; but I write this note to you personally to ask your special interest in the request which I shall make for the re-furnishing of this Consulate. In the same mail with this, I shall send a {I?] of this office. I have written to enumerous merchants, interested at the port, giving them the same information and urging them to use their influence with the State Department. I now appeal to you personally, as the Diplomatic [?] of this office, to beg your mediation. I am sure that, if you will speak to Mr. Wharton, my application for proper office furniture will be greatly strengthened. When Mr. Astwood transferred the office to Mr. Read, he took his own furniture leaving Mr. Read with little or nothing with whichopen this office. He made a very urgent application for furniture but his only reply was a very courteous word of acknowledgement. Similar appeals had been made during the previous fifteen years, he informs me, and he decided to ask for nothing more until the arrival of the new Consul. When I came, I found a broken table, a venerable and very shaky book-case, several crippled chairs - not a whole one in the place - a rough pine desk and a set of pigeon holes. Utterly amazed and depressed by the appearance of things, I asked where they kept the official documents, the archives. I found them in another room piled on rough pine boards supported by soap boxes. I am undecided as to how far I should go in describing this condition of things to Mr. Wharton, as I do not like the idea of making such a statement a matter of permanent record. It is obvious that the consulate has beensadly neglected. You know better than I how susceptible the people of this vicinity are to appearances; and I am sure that a set of well-appearing desks, chairs, letter files [&c] would make a good impression in my behalf. I am delighted to read in the New York Sun that you are pleased with your prospect at Port au Prince, and that it is necessary for you to tell people how old you are. You have earned all the favors and distinction that the nation can confer; and the general appreciation of your service is a powerful incentive to young and inexperienced men. I have been thinking since I began writing this hurried note [that] of the coincidence that our last conversation was about this island at the time when you were reading Spencer St. John's book. We both have opportunities for observing the two nations with unprejudiced eyes, andI hope before very long to have the pleasure of comparing notes with you. Hoping that your vacation will prove a restful and otherwise pleasant experience and that your active life may long be continued, I am Very Sincerely Yours, John S. DurhamNov 8th 1890 My dear Rosetta there was a welcome letter... though it told me sad news, I am very glad you could go to Georginia in her illness I have a letter from Frederick and one from Charles, but none from Lewis. I am newly mastering the duties of my office and shall find them less arduous as I move and [p?ll] got the mastery. The heat of the sun here is terrible. It is well for one that I am not compelled to be much in the sun while here - the little I am in plays the mischief with my brain and makes my head ache. I am very glad to know that you and Mr Sprague keep well - and I hear no bad news from the children I hope Fredericka still perseveres with the violin. I have no time to spend with mine. I am living about two miles from this Legation and ride to and from on horseback. I leave home at eight in the morning and return home about five in the Evening when the sun parts with its most dangerous power. I have not yet learnedto like Haytian cooking. The meat for the most part is tough and defies mastication. My house Tivolli Villa is a house with which I know of nothing to compare it. It has four rooms and a kitchen some distance from the house. It has a large veranda facing the South and looking out upon a high mountain and a wilderness of tropical fruits and flowers. Lizards are scampering about on the sides of the house and insect life is painfully abundant--muskeetoes, ants, spidersand cockroaches are among my torments and yet I am determined to fight it out [out] on this line as long as I can. [It] [is strange considering the Welcome] [I received to believe that he is the only] [one of my children who has failed to] [send me a letter congratulating me] [for my safe arrival out.] I am writing you in haste for I have very much on my mind and hands - Make my love to all the dear household and be assured of a full share for yourself I am told that the dog Clara continues to bark at me across the sea. I am happy to know it. Your affectionate Father.Port au Prince, Hayti. Dec. 14th 1890. My dear Rob: I have only time after my arrival to tell you I am here safe and sound. The first three days of the voyage [was] were days of hardship and danger. I have never seen the ocean behave worse. It lashed our good ship furiously and threatened to send us to the bottom. Wave after wave leaped over our decks and even our State room was flooded- I never want to spend another such three days on the Sea. The wind blew a perfect gale. Alls well that ends well. I was not seasick and yet I was quite sick of the sea, and would have been glad to have been on Cedar hill or any where else on dry land -- Mrs. Douglass was sick nearly all the way. We found Lucie Villa all right. Sarah had every thing in order, and we are going on with our housekeeping with the least possible [frick] friction. I have not been here longto learn anything of the condition of the legation or of what I shall first have to apply my energies. There will be much to do and the first - more than can well accomplish. Still I shall begin the work in hope. I felt glad that you were not on the sea during the dreadful gale through which we passed in the gulf. It would have been too much for your nerves. I hardly think I shall ever make another voyage except to come home. It is not only the danger but the discomfort attending a voyage. The State rooms are small and close and the smell is evil and only evil and that continually. It makes me sick to think of it. Still like many other think full of pain we forget and try again. The country here looks more beautiful than ever - green and full of fruits and flowers. Oranges very abundant.[I find Port au Prince the same as I left it - warm, fruitful, moist, and dirty. The streets full of holes and the people taking their ease at their doors, with here and there a man or a woman at work. The little patient Donkeys - bearing their burdens and showing evidences in their wounds of cruel and brutal blows. Not a very pleasant picture you will say but true all the same. This feature shows that the people themselves have had a cruel history from which lessons of kindness have been excluded. But this is only one side of life as it appears here . There are industrious, upright, and kind people here as elsewhere. We had not been long here before we were presented with tokens of regard from our neighbors that told us of welcomeOn arriving at the wharf in Port au Prince we were met by the carriage of President Hypollite with out riders and black prancing studs ready to convey up to their villa. This does not look as if the Government of Hayti did not like to have a colored man at its court.] I am writing in haste. Please remember me kindly to all our circle. I shall not be able to write to any by this mail but to you and Lewis. My health is about as usual. My eye is only a little better, but I am hopeful that it will come right. Take care of your self. Remember me to Dear Hattie. She is a noble woman and I am proud of her - and of Annie - and hope to hear nothing but good of them. Kind regards to Nathan. Ask him to write to me. Your father.