Transcriptions: Douglass, Baldwin, Harrington: The Walter O. Evans Collections at Beinecke Library
This page gives transcriptions of handwritten documents in the exhibit “Douglass, Baldwin, Harrington: The Walter O. Evans Collections at Beinecke Library,” on view January 26, 2024-July 7, 2024.
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Douglass After the War: Lewis Douglass to Amelia Loguen
Ferry Neck Jan 7, 1866
My Own Dear Amelia: I have just returned from the city of Baltimore where I have been to attend the Colored State Convention. I was honored by being chosen temporary Chairman of the Convention, after which I was made chairman of the business committee. I also had the honor to prepare the address to the Legislature of the State which was received very flatteringly by the Convention. We had a rather stormy convention there being so many ignorant men as delegates, but on the whole the convention will be productive of much good. We organized a State League and have taken measures to bring a suit against the State of Maryland for the purpose of making a test question as to the legality of refusing the colored man the right to give evidence in courts of Justice against white as well as colored citizens of the United States living in Maryland. Mr. Wm E. Matthews of Baltimore City and Lewis H. Douglass of Talob County have been chosen by the Convention and the State League of Maryland to represent the colored people of the State in Washington during the present session of Congress. I will consequently spend the remainder of the winter in Washington or Baltimore. This I conceive to be the highest [end p. 1] eminence that I have ever yet attained and places me still nearer that high mark to which I am aiming. And when I get up I can look back and say that I have come up not without trials and tribulations; but come up I will.
My holiday was work all the time. Christmas I was all day lost in the fog on the Chesapeake Bay all through Christmas week I was busy at the Convention. I am now preparing for my departure tomorrow for Washington. I will write you from Washington when I get there. Give my love to everybody and do not forget that I love you.
Yours affectionately
Lewis H Douglass
Douglass After the War: “The Louisiana Senator”
[p.1]
The Louisiana Senator
Hon. P. B. S. Pinchback is still in Washington. He has not yet succeeded in obtaining his seat in the senate, but he has certainly deserved success. Whoever else may doubt his right to a seat in the U. S. Senate, it is plain that the senator himself has no such doubt. His calmness, patience and perseverance attest his faith in the goodness of his cause and in the justice of the body which has to pass upon his claim. At large cost of time, money and feeling he has bravely asserted his right and honored the Governor and Legislature by whose action he is the accredited senator of his state. So far as we can see, his course has been honorable alike to himself and to Louisiana. A weaker man than Mr. Pinchback might have been diverted from his object—or under the vexations and delays to which he has been
[p. 2]
subjected abandoned the pursuit in disgust. He has done neither and we are persuaded that he will do neither. With every consideration of justice, regularity and fair dealing on his side, if he is the man we take him to be, he will persevere till victory crowns his endeavors.
Accredited by the recognized legislature and Governor of his state the proper thing upon the face of his case was to admit him to his seat and settle any other questions concerning him afterwards. Failing to do this has subjected Mr Pinchback to a great disadvantage and has seriously prejudiced his case. The delay on the part of the Senate implies the existence of some monstrous wrong either in the man or in the manner of his election while he is powerless to explain.
[p. 3]
While we would not impeach the wisdom or the justice of the U.S. Senate, and while we woudl demand nothing for a colored man which we would not for a white man - we have no hesitation in sayig that a wrong has been done in this case and that no time should be lost in retracting that wrong. If this shall not be done in the premises by the honorable Senate, then we say to Mr Pinchback go straight to the people of your State: Tell them the whole story: They know your character and your services, both to the union and to Liberty and in our belief they will stand by you and sustain you. They will not retreat a single inch. The colored citizen who after all that has happened, who would now desert you, would be a moral coward a bad republican and a traitor to his race.
[p.4]
We can afford many things and make many sacrifices but we cannot afford to forsake our approved leaders and make ourselves contemptible by abandoning our right to be seen and heard in the senate of the Nation by a man of our own choice. The colored citizens of Louisiana by their numbers, ability and Loyalty have a right to all they ask in this matter and should demand nothing less. The New National Era would be false to its trust if it did not contend for all in our favor which the senate of the nation can honorably grant. Sooner or later we certainly hope and believe that Senator Pinchback (who has conducted himself with so much dignity and intelligence during this struggle) will be safely in his seat in the senate.
Douglass After the War: Letter to Judge Edmunds
[Page 1]
Washington D.C. August 29, 1876
Judge Edmund(s)
My dear sir:
Just as I am leaving to work in the Republican cause in the State of Maine, I am informed of a discrimination in your action in refusing to give any of the printing to my son Frederick and of your giving it to Gibson and Brothers. If this statement is correct, I have no hesitation in saying that the policy of sacrificing friends to conciliate others is neither wise nor just. I have worked hard in this cause for nearly forty years. I have neither asked nor received office. But I would like to see something like a recognition of my services in fair treatment of my son Fredk[.]
[Page 2]
I am a poor man and have lost ten thousand dollars following your words of encouragement in the effort to establish the New National era, and I naturally enough feel grieved that you, fattening as you have done for years upon the triumph of the cause for which I have labored.
Faithfully yours
Fredk Douglass
Letters from Haiti: Douglass’s letter to Charles Douglass, February 25, 1891
[p.1]
Port au Prince February 25, [1891]
My dear Charles:
I see that the Bee says I have resigned. The wish is father to the thought. The same paper said I would stay in Hayti only six months. No doubt my resignation would be very welcome news to those who want the place. With every disposition to be amiable I cannot bring myself to oblige them just yet. I say this for your private eye and not for the purpose of having the lie contradicted. I leave that to time—for I shall take my own time for resigning. The fellows that set afloat these stories should be allowed whatever satisfaction momentary lying can give them. The aspirants for the peace
[p. 2]
must “wait a little longer” – I have received a letter from Frederick which gives me some hope that he has ere this once more got into some work. I am glad to learn that his boy Paul is doing better. What do you hear of Weiner? He was still in New York when I last heard from. He seems to have dropt me as soon as I could lend him no more money. This is according to a very old saying lend your money and lose your friend. Joe will tell you that I have acquitted Lewis of all blame for the mutilation of my speech. I see that Langston has lost no time in betraying his trust. He knows full
[p. 3]
that to make suffrage depend upon an educational test will furnish a motive both to keep them from education and to keep them from voting. The South as little want the Negro educated as it wants them to vote – and it would see in every effort to educate the Negro, are efforts to give them supremacy. He is a trickster not a Statesman. I am very glad to have from Joe a good account of Hailey’s progress—I think you and Laura may well take comfort in that boy.
[p. 4]
What I lack in this letter you must make up in reading the enclosed I send to Joe.
This country is about as peaceful as it ever is – and it is never without disturbance or rumour of disturbance. The President is just now absent from the Capital on a tour to the south. Make my love to Laura and Hailey. And kind remembrances to Ann and Mrs. Colbert. Write me when you can of all the news about town
Affectionately
Your father.
Letters from Haiti: Douglass’s letter to Lewis Douglass, March 7, 1891
[p.1]
March 7, 1891
My dear Lewis:
I am anxious for further news touching Amelia’s health. My absence from home has been marked by so many changes and some of them so distressing that I feel quite easily alarmed when I am told of ailment in our circle. Mrs. Douglass though some better is still down with rheumatic fever. I am nothing to brag of, but I still keep on my feet – to do which is considered very well for a man of my years
[p. 2]
in such a climate. The story that I have resigned and am to be home in May has reached here. But there is no truth in it. People who know my staying qualities ought to know better. Chase possibly has some objects in setting such stories afloat. He led off last year with the same story. [change from secretary’s hand to FD’s] One would think that people would distrust the statements of a man who never tells the truth where he thinks it to his interest
[p. 3]
to tell something else. I am very anxious to know how Fredk made out in obtaining a situation. I shall never forget that Mr. Bruce might and did not reinstate him at the Recorders Office. The more I think of Freds case, the more I see the need which a young man has of making and keeping friends with men of his day and generation. A man who does not care for anybody is apt to
[p. 4]
to find in the end that nobody cares for him. In respect Fredk has been unwise. He has never put himself in the way of making personal friends. He has met the world with a frown. It will be well for him if his past experience makes him more amiable to his surroundings. Please get the enclosed to Henry. Make my love to Amelia and to our dear Joe.
Affectionately
Your father.
Letters from Haiti: Douglass’s letter to Charles Douglass, ca. April 1891
[p. 1]
My dear Charles: Yours is the only letter telling me of the death of Louisa. Since I learned the nature of her disease and the impossibility of any cure, it is a relief that she has passed away beyond the reach of pain and death. The blow is a sad one to us all – but we must suffer and be strong. I feel deeply for you because yours had been a most bitter experience. Few families have been made to suffer as yours has in the loss of dear ones.
[p. 2]
but your experience should make you strong. You are still young and strong and I hope much of life and usefulness before you. It is not for you to despair. The world is still before you. You are leading an honorable life and setting a noble example. Your life is useful, if not all that you could wish it in some respects – but you can conquer all your ills – by bravely meeting them. I have no time to look into the
[p. 3]
Ordway papers just now, for the same steamer that brought your letter and the note will leave in an hour or more and carry letters to [illegible] for the States and I have one or more beside this to you to be sent by her. You hardly know how glad I am to have letters from you and I hope you will keep it up. You will see by the papers that I am passing through something an ordeal
[p. 4]
just now myself. The papers in the States are telling of trouble between myself and Rear Admiral Gherardi. I hope you will say nothing on the subject – but I will give you a hint which will enable you to explain to yourself what may some day explained more fully to the public. If I am forced to defend myself from unjust criticism and false charges concerning my inefficiency, I shall do this.
In the first place you must bear in mind
[p. 5]
that no man of color was desired by the merchants of New York as Minister to Hayti. 2dly that the place is wanted not only for a white man but a white man who will favor not merely American interests in general, but the interests of Wm. P. Clyde in particular. That the said Wm. P. Clyde, runs a line of steamers between New York and several Ports of Hayti that he also wishes to put several more steamers on this line, but in order to do so he wishes to obtain a subsidy of several hundred thousand dollars not from the United States but from the Government of Hayti. For this purpose
[p. 6]
has had an agent a certain Captain Read in Port au Prince during a year past, that Mr. Clyde has the ear and the support of the Secretary of State and the Secretary of the Navy and that these officials have resisted[?] me to prevent the Haytian Government to make this rich donation to Mr. Clyde as far as I could do so concertedly? within my position as Minister resident. Accordingly I gave the measure my warm support as I thought that the pressuring of these American steamers
[p. 7]
might be made useful to Hayti as were to American interests, but the time came when Mr. Clyde against wished me to go a step or two further in promoting this enterprize than I felt at liberty to go and further than I felt it right to go. He wanted me when I went to the palace to take leave of President Hyppolite to press upon him on that mere ceremonial occasion the duty of granting this concession five hundred thousand dollars to Mr. Clyde. This I felt out of place and I refused to do it.
[p. 8]
The next thing the same party asked me to do was to promise the Haytian Government that if it would grant this Clyde concession, I would not press the claims of other American Citizens against the Haytian Government. This I could not and would not do, and in this I have offended the said agent Read and possibly the Secretary of the Navy, Admiral Gerardi and Mr. Clyde. You will see by this that I am in a position to fully defend myself if I shall find it necessary to do so. Then came the demand for
[p. 9]
A U. S. coaling station at the Mole St. Nicholas. This too I have pressed upon the Haytian Government. But such is the prejudice of Haytian against allowing Americans to get a foothold on any part of their country that this coaling station business has failed. As a consequence Rear Admiral Gherardi was sent here two months ago to accomplish what I failed to accomplish. I have honestly cooperated with him in this matter but we have thus far failed. And as someone must be blamed for the failure I selected to bear this blame. I write these facts so that in case any accident should befall
[p. 10]
may be able to vindicate my memory. As I am not writing to Lewis by this mail I wish to share with him the contents of this letter but of course you will let nobody else see these contents. In haste lovingly yours. Father
Letters from Haiti: Douglass’s letter to Charles Douglass, October 7, 1893
[p. 1]
Exposition Universelle de Chicago
Pavillon Haïtien
Jackson Park, Oct 7th 1893
My dear Charley.
Thanks for your good letter and a copy of the Lewis letter. I agree with you as to its damaging character. I see not how with this evidence before it the senate can confirm this crafty bad man - I glory in your spirit. While I should be sorry to have you lose your plan. I should regret much more should you fail to do your whole duty in this context.
I am still suffering from my cough and am tempted to break away and come home. The climate here is very moist and changeable, and I do not recover from one cold before I am down with another. I shall try however to pull through to the end of the Fair. I have just returned from Detroit. I lectured there to a good audience Thursday night. Many of the best people of the city were out to hear me and among them my good friend Genl Algers. I saw several members of George Clark’s family. They all enquired kindly for you. Joseph H. is still in Chicago – but I think will soon be off with his musical company. He is playing finely, but I urge him on to perfection. I note what you say of the fruit at Cedar Hill. It grieves me much that trees I have planted with so much care - and fruit that should minister to our comfort and happiness – are going to waste. I should be glad if you would have my winter apples and pears picked and saved so that I can have a little apple sauce the coming winter. They might be put in barrels and left just back of the study. Please see to this and take besides for your own use all the fruit you need. Excuse my writing.
[p. 2]
I dictate so much and write so little that I and [sic] losing my facility for writing. I shall rejoice when I can again plant my feet on Cedar Hill. It seems hard to have such a home and enjoy it so little. Still, perhaps I ought to be content. I cam certainly doing some good in the life I am living. I am holding up the standard for my people. You would be proud to see respect and esteem I am everywhere commanding for my race as well as for myself. Please make my love to Laura and Haley. I wish you lived near enough to Cedar Hill to give an eye to the place while I am absent.
Your affectionate father
Fredk Douglass
The Douglasses as Soldiers: Lewis Douglass to Amelia Loguen, Camp Meigs, April 15, 1863
[p.1]
Camp Meigs April 15, 1863
My Own Dear Amelia:
Yours of the 12th is at hand finding me much better than when I last wrote you. The mud has disappeared and the sun is shining and everybody feeling happy. Our camp has been swept over this morning everything laid straight, barracks scrubbed and all that can make the place appearing nice has been done for Governor Andrew is to visit us to-day. Our men are learning very fast and are now quite proficient in the manual of arms, our evening dress parades all ready [sic] attract many
[p. 2]
many visitors from the city of Boston every evening, of both complexion the paler brethren and sisters however predominating. Charley is here and has taken charge of his company, he is a little green at first and has not learned yet to boss his men around, which is very necessary.
My dear girl, you are certainly not so lost to reason as to believe in ghosts, timid I know you are, but I do not think you are in earnest about never staying at Sarah’s anymore all night. My dear I hope some day to call again on Allie, something tells me I will not be killed, though
[p. 3]
I may be wounded, and that is not so bad you know, it will be an honor. I really would like to be in Syracuse when Sarah is married. I may be able to be there.
I have been feeling lately like a person who is said to be homesick, not that I am sick of camp life but I have not been home but a week since last October, and did not have an opportunity to see one half of my friends. But we cannot have everything we wish so I will grin and bear it.
Now my dear Amelia I must give you a loving goodbye. Remember
[p. 4]
me to everybody, ever remembering that I am yours always
Lovingly
Lewis
P.S. I wish you could see us before we leave, if your large paternal [fraternal?] predecessor comes to Boston you come with him
LHD
The Douglasses as Soldiers: Lewis Douglass to Amelia Loguen, St. Simon’s Island, June 18, 1863
[p. 1]
St. Simon’s Island
Georgia, June 18, ‘63
My Own Dear Amelia:
I am now in the State of Georgia “away down in Dixie.” Our journey over the “briny deep” was fraught with no remarkable incidents, we were six sea-sick days coming from Boston to Port Royal on Hilton Head. Our steamer the “De Molier” was tossed and pitched about by the waves like a plaything in the hands of a child now away up up up, then down down down now on this side, now over that, frightening some while others held very serious expressions on their faces. To see the men huddled about on deck looking as though Death would be welcome visitor
[p.2]
was sad enough, many wishing they never had gone for a soldier.
I stood it first rate, I was sick only a half hour. Arriving at Beaufort S.C. the first man to whom I was introduced was Robert Smalls. I then met Harriet Tubman, who is a captain of a gang of men who pilot the Union forces into the enemy’s country. We staid in Beaufort four days and then came to this place. A week ago today we went to Darien Georgia expecting to have a fight. Darien lies on the Altamaha River about 8 miles from its mouth in going up the river our gunboats shelled the woods Along the
[p.3]
way, but could discover no enemy. We landed at Darien took some $100,000 worth of different articles consisting of furniture which the Rebels had run away from a year ago and never came back after. We found two white women in the town and one white man the [sic] escaped, the women we left, often burning every building or shelter in the place to the ground. I felt a little sympathy for the feminines. I hope to have more to write of soon. Oranges, lemons, and peaches grow here. Remember me all at home, and to all enquirers if there are any. Believe me even
[p.4]
Your Own
Lewis
Direct to Serjeant Major Douglass
54th Mass Vols
Hilton Head
Dept of the South
S.C.
The Douglasses as Soldiers: Lewis Douglass to Amelia Loguen, Morris Island, August 15, 1863
[p. 1]
Morris Island SC. Aug 15
My Own Dear Amelia:
Your kind letters were duly received finding me suffering slightly from a pain in the head caused by the climate. I have thus far held out against the climate, but I now fear that I am going to be sick. I hope not and am trying to be as cheerful as I can, which I think the best thing for a person when sick. I have not been in any fight since the 18th of July [i.e., the battle at Fort Wagner], but three or four mornings ago we were called out at two o’clock expecting [sic] were going to attack us, but they did not, so
[p. 2]
we marched back to our camp, after being among the shells a half hour. I see myself lionized in the New York Tribune the letter containing the puff I herewith enclose. You wish to know how to send a box to the sick and wounded of the 54th. You may direct to the “Sick and Wounded Hospital No 6, Beaufort S.C.[“] send by Adam’s Express. The colored women of Beaufort have shown their appreciation of the cause by helping take care of our sick and wounded under the irrepressible Harriet Tubman.
My head aches so bad that I scarcely what I am writing, so you must excused [sic]
[p. 3]
this disjointed scribble. I am very sorry that you did not stop longer at our house. I hardly know what to think of your praise Miss Elva Thomas after what we talked but I am glad you like her. By the way I am quite glad Miss Edmonia accompanied you on your journey, I wish you would remember me to her. My dear girl keep a good heart always that I love you, and think of you and all the dear ones in Syracuse often in fact my mind is divided between you and home. Give my love no respects to Miss Sara Lewis, and Allie and when you write to Kitty
[p. 4]
tell her she is well, and ask her how I am. As I am writing shells are flying and whizzing in our front about a mile off. Night before last a rebel shell came into, but did not hurt. I have got used to the music of shells the rebels are constantly throwing them from Sumter and Johnson. But we are all right we will have Charleston soon. GoodBye.
Ever Yours
Lewis
In His Father’s Footsteps: Douglass’s letter to Lewis Douglass, Rochester, July 21, 1869
Rochester July 21, 1869
My dear Lewis:
I have just read with satisfaction in the Tribune, your brief but comprehensive and pertinent note acknowledging your election to honorary membership in the Soldiers and Sailors Union of Philadelphia.
I watch with intense interest all that concerns you and eminates [sic] from you in this struggle and am deeply gratified by every well aimed blow you deal the selfishness and meanness which seeks to humble, degrade and starve you.
If the effort now making to cast you down and through you to cast down and destroy your race shall serve to place you before the country as one of the leaders of your people, and a representative of their cause – your experience will only conform to that of many other men who have risen to distinction in the world by persecution.
I send you this only to let you know that I am vigilant and observe all that is passing. We are all well here – Miss Assing read your letter aloud at table today.
Make my love to Charles and Frederick and to “Libby.”
Your affectionate father,
Frederick Douglass
Write “early and write often”
The Delegation’s letter to Charles Sumner, 1866
[p.1]
To Hon Charles Sumner,
Sir,
The colored people of a number of states North and South have sent delegations of colored men to Washington to represent certain grievances to Congress, and to urge that the action of the Government be based on the principle of Equality before the Law for all American Citizens, without regard to color. As is natural they as well others interested therein, poor though they be, feel a deep interest in the discussion by Congress of the questions effecting their interests. Hence many attend the sessions of Congress, a number of them like some whit persons have not the taste or pride in relation to their persons, that others white and colored would like them to have, nevertheless we are moved to respect them for their interest in questions that deeply effect them, and their children’s welfare, and we would that more would feel as we feel in the case.
We call your attention to
[p. 2]
the above preliminary to the following facts.
A portion of the above delegation, decently attired presented themselves in an orderly manner to one of the doors of the Senate Gallery to enter it. When they were refused admissions by the door, alleging as the reason for the refusal that he had received orders not to admit colored persons but to direct them to a certain portion of the gallery. The delegation in self respect cannot consent to be colonized and do therefore respectfully pray to you as a friend of Justice and impartial liberty to do what in your Judgement the case may demand. We are anxious to hear the discussions, but our self respect is greater than that desire.
Geo T. Downing
Lewis H. Douglass
Frederick Douglass
William Whipper
Wm. E. Matthews
A. J. Ransien
A. W. Ross
John Jones
Joseph E. Oates
Frederick Douglass Jr. in Brief from 1842-1890
My parents were Frederick and Anna Douglass.
I was born in New Bedford, Massachusetts, on the 3rd day of March 1842. I was placed in school in Lynn, Mass., at the age of six years. In 1848 my parents moved to Rochester N.Y. In 1849 I was sent to the public schools in Rochester and remained there a few months, when the colored children attending public schools were sent home on account of their color. My father agitated this injustice and discrimination in Corinthian Hall every Sunday for three months, after which, the colored children were readmitted to the public schools. I remained in school from then until I was twelve years old. I was then put to the printers trade in my fathers office, and completed my trade at the age of sixteen. In 1859, I was the bearer of letters from the Rochester post office for John Brown, addressed “Jay Hawkins,” care of Frederick Douglass, Lock Box 583. John Brown at that time was stopping at the residence of my father. At the age of 18, I went into the Grocery business in Rochester, on the corner of Buffalo and Sophia streets. In 1862, I conducted my father’s paper, “Douglass’s Monthly.” In 1863, I helped raise the 54th and 55th Massachusetts regiments of infantry and the 5th Massachusetts Cavalry. In 1864, I was Commissioned by Governor Andrew of Massachusetts, to go South on the Mississippi and recruit for the Massachusetts quota. In 1866, I went to Denver, Colorado, and engaged in Silver mining. I was among others instrumental in bringing about one public school for all American citizens of Denver, Colorado. IN 1867, I went to Cheyenne, Wyoming Territory, and was employed by the Superintendent of Construction of the Union Pacific Railroad. In 1868, I returned to Rochester, N.Y., thence to Washington, D.C., and opened a Grocery store in a place called Potomac City, now Hillsdale or Anacostia. In 1869, I was married in Cambridge, Massachusetts to Miss Virginia L. Molyneaux Hewlett, daughter of Professor and Mrs. Virginia Molyneaux Hewlett. I returned to Washington the same year, and was employed at my trade in the office of the “New National Era.”
I was a Delegate to the National colored Convention held in Washington in 1869. I was also a Delegate to the National Colored Labor Convention held in Washington the same year. In 1870, I was made business manager of the office of the “New National Era,” and in 1871 became one of its proprietors. In 1873, I was regularly nominated by the Republicans of the First district of the District of Columbia, as their candidate to represent them in the House of Delegates under the Territorial form of government, and was defeated by a combination of bolting Republicans with the Democrats by twenty-one votes. In 1876, I corresponded, politically with the Washington “Chronicle” and the Rochester “Democrat and Chronicle.” The same year I was endorsed by President U. S. Grant for the position of Superintendent of the Patent Office building. In 1877, I was appointed Deputy under the Marshal for the District of Columbia. In 1880, I corresponded, politically with the Rochester “Express,” Rochester “Democrat and Chronicle” and the Indianapolis “Journal.” In 1881, I was one of the officers placed in charge of the Jury empaneled [sic] to try the cause of Charles J. Guiteau, for the murder of President Garfield. I was also one of the officers in charge of the Jury in the first “Star route” trial. I was employed in the office of Recorder of Deeds of the District of Columbia under Messrs. Wolf, Douglass and Matthews, and was suspended under Recorder Trotter, on the ground of my father’s partisanship. This was so stated to me by Recorder Trotter. In 1888, I corresponded politically with the Rochester “Democrat and Chronicle,” Rochester “Express,” Indianapolis “Journal,” Washington “Star” and the Detroit “Plaindealer.” I also edited the “National Leader” of Washington D.C. during the Presidential Campaign for Harrison and Morton. In 1889 I raised a fund for the survivors of John Brown of Harper’s Ferry fame, and organized the John Brown Republican Club of Anacostia D.C. In 1890, I was chosen a delegate to the National colored Convention which was held the third of February in Washington D.C. I was chosen by the Republican League of the District of Columbia, an Alternate to represent them in the National Republican League Convention held in Nashville, Tenn., on the 4th of March 1890
Frederick Douglass Jr.
Some Incidents in the Home Life of Frederick Douglass, address by Charles Remond Douglass
The first home of my father as a freeman was at New Bedford Mass. in 1839. His first employment was as a Stevedore unloading ships of Whale oil brought to that port from their long whaling voyages. My father earned nine shillings ($1.12 ½) a day for that labor, and I have often heard him relate that after a hard days toil, he would come home, eat his supper, and then go to the Preachers house a few doors away in answer to his summons and saw a half cord of wood before bedtime without remuneration. The ante-bellum colored preacher never performed manual labor, and very little mental labor. His vocation during the week was in visiting the homes of the good sisters and partaking of the well cooked meals provided in his honor. He entered the pulpit on Sundays with no prepared sermon, and brought to his congregation no coherent teaching of religion.
The next home of my father was in Lynn, Mass. This home a small frame located on Union St. of that village was built by him and became his first property. It was in this home Oct. 21. 1844 that I was born. One year after my birth, 1845, my father made his first trip to England in the interest of the Anti-Slavery cause. During his absence my mother took up shoe-binding as a partial means of support of the family which consisted of my sister Rosetta, my brothers Lewis, and Frederick and myself. Shoebinding by the women of the town was quite a popular and profitable employment at that time, as there were no sewing machines in those days, and Lynn then as now was a prosperous shoe-manufacturing town. After remaining abroad for about two years, lecturing in England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales on Slavery and its evils, and in assisting in the organization of several anti-Slavery societies, he returned to his home in Lynn Mass. fully determined to establish a paper of his own through which to continue the agitation of abolition sentiment throughout the North. To carry out this latest determination a change of residence was decided upon. In 1847 he removed with his family to Rochester N.Y. where he at once set about the publication of “The North Star” a copy of the 4 number of which dated Jan. 23 1848 I hold up before you. To maintain this paper every effort was put forth by every member of the family to keep it alive. Unlike the Negro press of to-day every column of this paper was original matter devoted to the cause of those in bondage, and the Underground R.R., my fathers home in Rochester being the last Station on that road before reaching Canada the goal of the fleeing slaves ambition. Canada was but 40 miles away, across Lake Ontario.
In the publication of “The North Star,” the Office force consisted of the foreman Wm Oliver a scotchman, Horace McGuire an Irishman, my brothers Lewis and Frederick, and my sister Rosetta. My brothers and sister were taken from school one day each week to attend to the folding and mailing of the paper until they became old enough to be apprenticed at the trade of typesetting, being too young I was continued in School until at the age of ten I was taken from school one day in each week to deliver the paper to local subscribers. My sister being the only one of the family to be sent to a college, or higher institution of learning than the common schools of Rochester. She was sent to Oberlin. These sacrifices of my fathers family school advantages were made for the good of the cause in which he was engaged. Of the over 5000 subscribers in this Country and abroad to The North Star, less than 500 were of our own race, and they of course were scattered throughout the North, and Canada.
Several colored young men were taken as apprentices into our family, and under the foremanship of Mr. Oliver learned the art, and branched out into new fields. We were a happy family in this work for the enslaved of our race, but we were marked as constant violators of the Fugitive Slave laws. The white people of Rochester while in the main were opposed to Slavery, they did not encourage to any marked degree Anti-Slavery agitation. They would aid an escaping slave in his flight to Canada but they did not are to have their names mentioned. They were afraid of being held to account under the infamous fugitive slave laws.
There was no break in the Douglass homestead until 1859. The Winter of that year brought to our home to be secreted John Brown of Harpers Ferry fame. He was being hunted on account of his operations [sic] in Kansas and Missouri in behalf of the enslaved, and a reward of $2000 was placed upon his head dead or alive. While at our home I became his errand boy. I went twice a day to the post office two miles away to receive his mail which was set to my father’s box addressed to N. Hawkins, the assumed name of John Brown. He spent nearly two months at one time at our home prior to his raid upon Harpers Ferry. Our hired man, Shields Green, himself an escaped slave from Charleston S.C. joined him, and was executed the week following Capt Browns execution.
Gov. Wise of Va, used every means in his power to obtain possession of the person of my father, that he might have him indicted and tried with John Brown as an accessory. He obtained from Prest. Buchanan the appointment of two men as agents of the Post Office dept. to be used in running Douglass down, being armed with a requisition upon the Gov. of New York, but my fathers friends and neighbors in Rochester kept him advised of what was going on. The United States Marshal in Rochester was receiving many telegrams to watch Douglass’s movements, his home, his sons and all others who came and went forth from the home, but the telegraph operator kept my father advised so that he knew what moves were being made to arrest him before the Marshal did. My fathers friends advised him to go to Canada and thence to England which he did. The efforts to get him becoming hotter and hotter.
The taunts of the school children whose parents were pro-slavery made the further attendance at No. 13 school of my youngest sister Annie and myself intolerable, so mother took her out of school at the age of 11 and sent her to a private teacher. I went to work of my own choosing on the farm of Thomas Pierson 20 miles from Niagara Falls, and my brothers Lewis and Fred. continued at work on the paper under the editorial control during my fathers absence in England, of Peter H. Clark of Ohio.
The execution of Capt. John Brown was a heavy blow to my youngest sister Annie, he had become very fond of her, and she of him, and to think of his being hung appalled her. She pined away and died a few months after his execution with congestion of the brain. We soon became a dismembered family. Although it was considered unsafe for him to return, upon learning of the death of my sister Annie my father hurried home having been absent over a year. Thus at the age of 16 I left my fathers home never to return again only as a visitor. The following year the War of the rebellion broke out and the following year I became anxious to go to War. The colored young men of Rochester and surrounding Country to the number of 35 organized and offered their services to Gov. John A. Dix, but were refused. The next year however 1863, we found the bars down, and I had the honor of being the first to enroll at Rochester for the 54 Mass. Inf. Feb. 9 1863.
With the abolition of Slavery Jan 1. 1863 by proclamation of President Lincoln my father discontinued the publication of his paper. My brother Lewis began teaching school at Salem N.J., but upon learning of my enlistment in the 54 Mass. gave up his school and joined me. He was at once made Sergeant Major of the regiment while I became 1st Sergeant of Co. F. My brother Fred. and Mr. Aaron Coleman of Boston were appointed agents for the state of Massachusetts to go to Mississippi to recruit colored men for the 55 Mass Inf.
My father devoted his time in public lecturing all over the Country encouraging colored men to enlist. He held that for the War to end with emancipation, without an assistance from the negro himself, would work to his future disadvantage, no matter what the conditions imposed upon our services were.
After the War the Anti Slavery agitation having ended with emancipation, a new field of activity opened up to my father, and he was in great demand as a Lyceum Lecturer. He entered the field and was accepted in the most prominent lecture courses in the Country. Courses which included orators such as Phillips, Beecher, Gough, Annie E. Dickenson [sic], Theodore Tilton and others of like note.
My fathers home life during my childhood days was not prolonged. My mother was the head of the house. She was the banker, the baker and general manager of the home. My father was in the field. The home-coming was for a brief season of rest from his labors.
In 1873 my fathers residence at Rochester was destroyed by fire. He was at the time visiting my home here in Washington. I accompanied him back to Rochester and found the ruins still smoking. My mother came immediately to this City while my father began plans for rebuilding of the home at Rochester. My mother objected saying that all of her children were residing here, and she preferred a home nearby. My father then purchased the home on A st. N.E. but was not satisfied with it. There was not ground enough about it to suit him.
In 1876 the spacious residence and grounds of Mr. Van Hook a land speculator, at Cedar Hill Anacostia was forced to a sale to satisfy a Trust of $7500. My father bid it in at $11000. It contained a 22 room house and 11 acres of land. He bought 4 acres more. It now contains the house and 15 acres of land.
In view [of] the efforts that are being made to lift a mortgage of $4000 on this property, it is due to my fathers memory to state that at the time of his death he was not indebted to anybody to the amount of one dollar. It was one of his strongest characteristics to keep out of debt by never getting into debt. That is not always easy of accomplishment, but it was true in his case. This encumbrance of a few thousand dollars on Cedar Hill, was placed there by his widow. For what purpose is not known for she had been sufficiently provided for in my fathers will, which was right and proper. There was no sacrifice made in willing this property to the colored people of this Country as a memorial to my father. If any sacrifice was made it was made by my mother who toiled side by side with my father from the day he escaped from bondage until the day of her death in 1882. Let it be remembered then that the appeals that are being made to lift this debt are for the purpose of clearing an encumbrance placed upon it by the donor. It is well that our women have taken this matter in hand. The home and Tomb of Washington at Mt. Vernon was rapidly going to decay until the white women of the County stepped in and saved it. There is less sentiment among our men than among our women and if Cedar Hill the home of my father and mother, and the product of their joint savings and economy, is to be secured for all time to the race, our women are the ones to
[p. 16 is missing from the document]
aided in their fight by friendly white farmers who took many risks, and suffered many inconveniences in passing their charges along from one point to another, often traveling all night through deep snow drifts, with the temperature many degrees below zero.
We have often had to get up at midnight to admit a sleighload, and start fires to thaw them out. Every member of the family had to lend a hand to this work and it was always cheerfully performed. We felt that we were doing a christian and humane duty.
I love to visit the old homestead, or at least the site of the old homestead which I do every year. The four acres that surrounded the house, and upon which we raised all our vegetables for the family use, is now well into the city, and is occupied by a Florist. It is a beautiful spot, and when any of our family visit there we are made welcome, and plants and flowers are freely given us. The present owner of the premises is a son of the man to whom my father sold the land after the house had been destroyed by fire. He was an old friend of my father.
There is but little to add to this recital except to say that the incidents of our home life were similar in character to those of any well ordered home. In Rochester all of our neighbors without a single exception were white people, and I can truthfully add that they were all neighborly, ready and willing at all times to do a neighborly act, and they were not all of the same political faith either. My father was honored and respected by the citizens of Rochester. On the 15 of the present month the 100th anniversary of my fathers birth will be celebrated at Rochester. The Mayor of the City will preside and the Governor of the State, Mr. Whitman and Hon. Charles W. Anderson of New York City will deliver the principal addresses.
In behalf of the decendents [sic] of Frederick Douglass, and as the last surviving member of his immediate family, I return to you and all others who cherish his memory our deep appreciation and heartfelt thanks.
Collecting Douglass: Three Douglass Letters to Thomas Wentworth Higginson, “Mr. Cook,” and Robert Coster
Letter to Thomas Wentworth Higginson
Dear Sir,
3d Feb. depend upon me and arrange accordingly. I will be on hand. I am on the point of leaving home for my appointments in New Hampshire. Blessed be railroads – by means of them I shall tomorrow be nearly five hundred miles from my desk, addressing those who have ears to hear on the subject of slavery among the Granite Hills.
Very truly yours,
Frederick Douglass
T. W. Higginson, Esqr.
Roch. 17 Jan. 1854
Letter to “Mr. Cook”
Cedar Hill
Anacostia, D.C. Aug 15, 1891
My dear Mr. Cook,
I had not read your article on Mr. Edward Harris when I wrote you yesterday. I see you speak of what he did - & etc. Now is my old friend really dead? When did he die. I had hoped he was still alive. I have hundreds of papers and slips cut from newspapers to read & it is hard to keep pace with them.
Your truly
Fredk Douglass
Letter to Robert Coster
Washington D.C. May 14, 1886
Robert Coster Esq:
Sir: Excuse me. I mean you no harm – but you ask me more than I can possibly grant. I never wrote a specimen letter in my life and I am now quite too old to learn. I should not know such a letter if I saw it among a thousand.
Very truly yours
Fredk Douglass