Legation d'Haïti,
New York, March 1st, 1892. Honorable Frederick Douglass,
Washington, D.C. Sir,
Compliantly with the instructions addressed
to this Legation by the Secretary [of]
of State of Foreign Affairs of Port au
Prince and received in the temporary absence
of the Minister, I have the honor to transmit
to you herewith the commission whereby
His Excellency the President of Hayti
appoints you first Commissioner of the
Republic to the World's Columbian Exposition
to be held next year at Chicago. While congratulating the government upon
the wisdom of its choice on this occasion
and yourself upon the eminent qualities that
befit you for the successful discharge of
the various duties attached to your position,
I should like to be informed opportunely
by yourself whether you deem your credentials
sufficient [*3026*]sufficient in the premises or should you be
formally accredited now the authorities at
Washington. If such is the custom on like
occasions, I will be pleased to call at the capital
any time you may suggest in order to
present you to the Secretary of State. Accept, Sir, the assurance of my distinguished
consideration. John Hurst
Chargé d'Affaires ad interim[*[1892 Fe 8]*] LIBERTÉ, ÉGALITÉ, FRATERNITÉ
RÉPUBLIQUE D'HAÏTI Section
No. _____ le _______ 18__ an 8me del Indépendance Hyppolite
PRÉSIDENT D'HAÏTI A tous veux qui ces présentes verrent. Salut Attendre que notre Gouvernement à
accepte l'invitation de celui des Etats-Unis
d'Amerique à participer à l'Exposition
Universelle qui doit avoir lieu à Chicago,
et qu'il convient de prendre des mesures
pour que notre Gouvernement y soit
représenté.
Ayant pleine er entière confiance dans
les capacités, le zèle et le dévouement [*58*] [*2984*]
de Monsieur Frederic Douglass,
ancien Minister-Résident des
Etats-Unis d'Amérique à Port-au-Prince,
Nous avons décidé de le nommer,
et par ces présentes le nommons premier
Commissaire du Guvernement d'Haiti
à l'effet de la représenter à la sus dite
"Exposition" et de prendre sous la
réserve de notre ratification, toutes les décisions nécessaires pour contribuer,
avec les Représants des Puissancesintéressées, à atteindre le but de cette
Exposition.
En foi de quoi, Nous avons de notre
main signé les présents plaeins- pouvoirs,-
en y faisant apposer le sceau de notre
République.
Fait au Palais National de Port-au-Prince,
le 8 Février 1892, an 89e de l'Indépendance. Hyppolite Par le Président;
Le Secrétaire d'Etat des Relations Exterieures, G [Rychivalle?] [*REPUBLIQUE D'HAITI*] Dear McKindlay.
I understand
Mr. Wm. E. Mathews is thinking of
purchasing the ''Reed P[?]chback
house. I want to say this to you
I will give to the [?sum] of my
loan for it sixty seven hundred
dollars; and if it should go for
such a figure, I think I am
entitled to the first consideration.
I really think the home should
bring $7,500, there is no doubt
in my mind, that it is worth
every dollar of this amount; I feel
assured friend "Reed, would prefer
the property to fall in my hands
if he is sacrifice it.
I placed the
"[?Haw] notes" in the Capital
Savings Bank for collection the
Cochrane note is overdue
and I have informed Harry 3077I notice the Washington Loan
is gradually going up--I think
now it may go to 110, I will
wait a little longer to note
the Market before offering it
for sale - let me have a line
from you--

 mind, that it is worth
every dollar of this amount; I feel
assured friend "Reed, would prefer
the property to fall in my hands
if he is sacrifice it.
I placed the
"[?Haw] notes" in the Capital
Savings Bank for collection the
Cochrane note is overdue
and I have informed Harry 3077I notice the Washington Loan
is gradually going up--I think
now it may go to 110, I will
wait a little longer to note
the Market before offering it
for sale - let me have a line
from you-- Accept my Sincere
sympathy in the loss of your
Son - in the bloom of life. Such
is fate, alas! it is hard at times to
say thy will be done Very truly Yours
Jas T. Bradford Balto. Mar 3”/92CAPITAL, $1,600,000. 2730. Surplus, $320,000.
THE THIRD NATIONAL BANK,
J.D. Hearne, President.
C.H. Kellogg, Jr. V. Pres
WM.A. Lemmon, Cashier
C.T. Perin, Ass't Cashier
Cincinnati, 3/4 1892
Hon. Fred'k Douglass
Dear Sir
The Board of Directors of the
Colored Orphan Asylum of this
city and county contemplate
giving a Fair for the purpose
of erecting a new building for
their inmates. It is probable
that the Fair will open on or
about April 18th and our
contributions will come from our
most prominent business men
and of that character as to
assume a ready sale. At a
meeting of the board last night
we thought of opening the
Fair with an address or lecture
by you and Gov McKinly
provided we can secure you on
reasonable terms. We propose
to secure Music Hall one of
the largest and most 1144CAPITAL, $1,600,000. 2730. SURPLUS, $320,000.
THE THIRD NATIONAL BANK,
J. D. HEARNE, PRESIDENT
C. H. KELLOG, JR., V Pres.
WM. A. LEMMON, CASHIER.
C. T. PERIN, ASS'T CASHIER
Cincinnati, ___ 189____ spacious halls in the country
and would like to secure
your services.
If possible let me hear
from you by the 11th.
Respy
L. H. Wilson
of 3d Natl BankWORLD'S COLUMBIAN EXPOSITION.
LATIN AMERICAN DEPARTMENT.
WILLIAM E.CURTIS (IN CHARGE)
2 LAFAYETTE SQUARE.
WASHINGTON. D.C. March 8, 1892. To the Honorable Frederick Douglass,
Anacostia,
District of Columbia. Dear Mr. Douglass:--I am very glad to learn, through an
official despatch to the Department of State, that you have been
appointed as a Commissioner from Haiti for the Chicago Exposition
and that the government now awaits your acceptance.
I should be very glad to confer with you in regard to this
matter if you can call at the Bureau of the American Republics,
#2 Lafayette Square, some time when you are in the city. I am
very anxious that Haiti shall make a good show, and I am sure that
it can be done on the twenty-five thousand dollars that they have
appropriated.
Very sincerely yours,
William E. Curtis
1145LÉGATION DE LA RÉPUBLIQUE
D'HAÏTI.
New York, le 8 Mars 1892.

and that the government now awaits your acceptance.
I should be very glad to confer with you in regard to this
matter if you can call at the Bureau of the American Republics,
#2 Lafayette Square, some time when you are in the city. I am
very anxious that Haiti shall make a good show, and I am sure that
it can be done on the twenty-five thousand dollars that they have
appropriated.
Very sincerely yours,
William E. Curtis
1145LÉGATION DE LA RÉPUBLIQUE
D'HAÏTI.
New York, le 8 Mars 1892. Dear Mr. Douglass,
I wrote you under date of the
29th ultimo and sous with my letter, i
n a sealed official envelope, two enclosures,
one of which was your commission
as first Commissioner of Hayti to the
World's Fair.
I am anxious to know if you have
received those documents so that I may
report it to my government in my
correspondence of next Friday. Won't
you please favor me with an answer?
Yours truly,
John Hunt
101 Pearl St.
1146Decatur Ills March 11th 92
Hon Frederick Douglass
Dear Sir
I had the honor of writing
you sometime ago inquiring
if you could and would come
out here and deliver a few
(four or five) lectures. Up to this
date I have received no reply.
Now if you can do so I
should be very much pleased
to have you. Please answer
this by return mail stating
your terms and oblige
Respectfully yours
J.S. Woods
Editor of Afro-American Budget and
pastor of A.M.E. Church
Decatur IllsWORLD'S COLUMBIAN EXPOSITION, CHICAGO, 1893.
DEPARTMENT OF ETHNOLOGY ADN ARCHÆOLOGY. F.W. PUTNAM, PEABODY MUSEUM OF ARCHÆOLOGY, CAMBRIDGE, MASSS.
Professor of American Archæology and Ethnology,
Harvard University,
Chief of Department. March 15, 1892 The Honorable Frederick Douglass,
World's Fair Commissioner from Hayti,
Boston, Mass. Dear Sir:-
I have just heard from Washington that you would be at the
Parker House today, and I hoped to be able to call upon you, but
find that I shall not be able to leave Cambridge.
I wish very much to secure your interest in my Department of
the Exposition as I am very desirous of obtaining an archaeological
collection from Hayti. The archaeology of the West Indies is of
great importance, and up to the present time we know very little
about it. Everything relating to the people living on the islands
before the advent of the Spaniards is of the utmost importance in
tracing the migrations of the prehistoric people of the West Indies.
Many stone implements, utensils and ornaments made of various materials
must be found about the old village-sites and burial-places
of these early people, particularly in the caves. Will it not
be possible for you to interest parties in Hayti to obtain everything
relating to the past that can be secured.
Many objects must have been collected and now in the hands of
various persons, and it seems to me that a little effort might
bring together a very interesting collection for the Columbian
Exposition. I venture to call your attention to this matter as I
know that in preparing the exhibit from any country the material
interests are the first to be considered; and it is only when a
commissioner realizes the importance of an archaeological exhibit
in its bearing on the great question of the distribution of mankind
over the earth, that an effort is made to secure such a collection.
Should you remain in Boston over today I shall be very much
pleased to have you call at the Museum where I should be able to
show you many things of interest, and indicate more fully what I
hope will come from Hayti.
I am sincerely yours
J.M.. Putman
Chief, Dept. Ethnology, etc.
[1148]38 Sever St. Mar. 16 /92
Worcester Mass
My dear Mr. Douglas: -
The bearer Mr. Williams
is a dear friend of mine,
and goes to you, for me,
as its impossible for me to
leave home just now -
I want your lowest
terms for coming to Worchester
and giving your
lecture upon "Hayti"

 be able to
show you many things of interest, and indicate more fully what I
hope will come from Hayti.
I am sincerely yours
J.M.. Putman
Chief, Dept. Ethnology, etc.
[1148]38 Sever St. Mar. 16 /92
Worcester Mass
My dear Mr. Douglas: -
The bearer Mr. Williams
is a dear friend of mine,
and goes to you, for me,
as its impossible for me to
leave home just now -
I want your lowest
terms for coming to Worchester
and giving your
lecture upon "Hayti" [*1138*] I'm anxious once more to
have you in our home
and shall hope you may
be able to come and
not be hurried away —
Our old friend Judge
Thayer is not here to give
you his cordial welcome
as of yore, but
the friend at 38 Sion
will try and make
up in a measure, his absence - The lecture, if you can
come to us, I shall
assume myself entirely
and pocket the profits.
as I know of no one
who wants to make
an honest penny
any more than your
old friend — Hoping Mr. Williams
will return with a favorable
answer I amSincerely yours
Lottie E. ComstockNew York, March 17, 1892 Lines to the Hon Frederick Douglass. To him whose honored presence here
Gives added zest to this good cheer
I hasten my respects to pray
And gladly hail this longed-for day
In which my tongue may speak the part
For years deep seated in my heart.
Thy whitened locks that tell of time's swift pace
Commanding form and noble generous face
Fit, outward tokens of the man within
Who warrior, sage and scholar, long has been,
While yet my head lay on my mother's breast
Thy eloquence provoked a deep unrest
Where e’er a bondsman bore his load of chain
Or suffered neath, the weight of wrong and pain
Thy weary feet for years have trod thy way
To scatter seed that we might pluck today
The ripening fruits suspended overhead
That without thee their blessings ne’er had shed
On thirsty souls who trod the thorny road
Hopeless neath heartless masters’ goad.
Let those who will but eulogize thy clay
I rear my monument to thee to day
Champion who dared defend thy fallen race
Here who never feared the foe to face
A Jove whose thunderbolt could reach
As far as tongue could bear thy silver speech
Adonis in the beauty of thy mind
Philanthropist, in loving all thy kind.I weave a wreath to deck thy brow to day
And gently place it on thy locks of grey
An humble offering from a grateful heart
Of thanks to him who in the noble part
Which he has born through life's long weary day
Has pioneered for us and cleared the way
For our ambitions loftiest eagle flight
And proved that justice is forever right. Sire thy footsteps tend towards the shade
And shadow lifes' declining sun hath made
Mine be the task with reverence to say
Peace to thy footsteps Heaven guard thy way
And when lifes’ sun for thee in glory sets
Be thy grand soul removed from all regrets
And thy last hour be brightened by the thought
Of all the good thy hand in life hath wrought. Lewis Howard LatimerConeygar Villa,
Bridport March 18th / 92 Dear Mr. Douglass,
Thank you very warmly
for your very kind words of sympathy
with me in my great
trial & of true appreciation
of my beloved husband - It is
indeed terribly hard to have
the tie of nearly 40 years so
suddenly broken, & I cannot
yet feel resigned to give up
my greatest earthly treasure.
For him I must believe that
it is better and happier as it is
than for him to have years
of increasing infirmity &
perhaps suffering. - A lingering
decline of bodily and mental
power I know wld. have been
peculiarly trying to him - This

 you very warmly
for your very kind words of sympathy
with me in my great
trial & of true appreciation
of my beloved husband - It is
indeed terribly hard to have
the tie of nearly 40 years so
suddenly broken, & I cannot
yet feel resigned to give up
my greatest earthly treasure.
For him I must believe that
it is better and happier as it is
than for him to have years
of increasing infirmity &
perhaps suffering. - A lingering
decline of bodily and mental
power I know wld. have been
peculiarly trying to him - This I fear that Mrs.
Crofts suffers a
good deal from
failing eyesight
I have not seen
her for many
years. [*1155*]he was spared - For some months
I had noticed increased weakness
& that he was very tired after a
trifling exertion or quite short
walk. But On the final Sunday in
December he preached in our chapel
with his usual power & acceptance
& there was an article of his
in the Inquirer of Jany - 2nd - written
a fortnight before. We went
as well to our friends at Bridge
for a fortnight before. We went
as usual to our friends at Bridport
for a fortnight at Christmans - &
the final week he enjoyed the
family gathering, - after that he
was more unwell, - we returned
home on the 7th Jany - & at once
sent for our doctor who said
he should keep to his bed - have
perfect rest - a frequent [worriment?] -
but he fell weaker each
day and at last was unconscious
thus he was spared the agony
of parting. Till the last night
I clung to the hope that he wd.
recover as he had so often before
after alarming illness - then our doctor told we that he could
not last many hours! & I watched
him thru the last night as the breathing
became weaker, & life ebbed
away. I am grateful that I
have been blessed with his
loving companionship for so
long, & I feel now that the separation
cannot be for many
years. How we long to look
behind the veil, & to know what
is the condition of the loved ones
who have gone before; one can
only hope & trust that they are
enjoying a higher life & more glorious
beauty than any other world can
give & above all that they are
in happy communion with the
dear ones who had passed from
earth before them. I dont think we have sent you
one of the last photographs taken
of Wm Carpenter - wih. I shd. like you
to have. I have two taken at the
same time - one a front face - theOther in profile. I shall send
both for you to keep the one you
like best, -- & it occurs to me
that perhaps the other might
be liked at the Tuskegee Institution
if you think it would will you
be so very kind as to send it
to Mr B. T. Washington
Tuskegee
Alabama - ?
I shall be sending our subscription
to Mr Washington In a few days —
It is an Institution in which
we have both felt much interest
-- as it seems to be doing
really good work judging by the
Reports & the "Southern Letters"
I hope that you are feeling the
benefit of being out of office, &
that you are taking life easily,
& after all your toils & troubles
enjoying your well earned
repast. With kind regards to
Mrs Douglass Believe me to be
very sincerely your friend
Mary Carpenter.

 T. Washington
Tuskegee
Alabama - ?
I shall be sending our subscription
to Mr Washington In a few days —
It is an Institution in which
we have both felt much interest
-- as it seems to be doing
really good work judging by the
Reports & the "Southern Letters"
I hope that you are feeling the
benefit of being out of office, &
that you are taking life easily,
& after all your toils & troubles
enjoying your well earned
repast. With kind regards to
Mrs Douglass Believe me to be
very sincerely your friend
Mary Carpenter. [*1 of 2*] LAW OFFICES
OF
EDMUND R. TERRY
AND
ELIPHALET B. TERRY,
7 NASSAU STREET. New York, March 19th, 1892 Dear Sir:
A brother of yours was in my
class - Yale 78 - at New Haven - so much for
my identity.
In connection with a certain case, I have
become somewhat acquainted with the foreign
policy of the present administration; but upon
that point I am not in a position as yet
to enlarge.
What I wish to say is simply this: if it is
ever remotely contemplated to yield to certain men
of large influence with the present national
authorities (U.S.) certain valuable concessions; before
yielding an inch advise with me for I
can be of assistance in such a matter.
The fact that Mr. Egan is still retained
in Chile makes me fear that it will be
attempted to gain by bulldozing what Mr.
Balmacidas' fall rendered it impossible for
him to grant as a return for the covert assistance
rendered him by our jury &c.
Respy Yours
Edmund R. Terry Hon. Ricardo Turnbull [*1149 1 of 2*] LAW OFFICES
OF
EDMUND R. TERRY,
AND
ELIPHALET B. TERRY,
7 NASSAU STREET. New York, 189 obtaining of certain subsidies and
for private parties
exclusive privileges; for I have been
informed that the admirals first
remark to Hayti's representatives was,
"How about the concession to the Clyde line.”
Further, that when you were first appointed,
it was with the expectation of being called
upon to treat with Legitime; but that
convenient difficulties in obtaining a vessel
to carry you to your post were put in your
way until Hyppolyte had been established,
which may or may not be significant. Now there are two things in regard to
which if with propriety you can, I wish
you would enlighten me, namely: had
you no instructions in regard to the
Mole when you first went to Hayti, that
is before the admiral's arrival? And did the first commission to the admiral
emanate from the State or the
Navy Dept. I would also like to ascertain if there
was any hint to you from the State Dept.
in regard to obtaining the private concessions
or whether the admiral did not have charge
of that part of the negotiations. Yours respy
Edmund R. Terry. Hon. Frederick Douglass [1149]1079 Bedford Ave.
Brooklyn Dear Mr. & Mrs. Douglass, It is such a pleasure
to be once more writing to you &
I trust that my letter may not prove
to be unwelcome; for altho' so long
long silent you little know how
frequently I have been with you in
spirit, how many many times I have
spoken of & longed once more to chat
vis-a-vis - some times have taken my
album and looked at & thought of you
both so intently that it was as if
my spirit communed with you &
freed you to give one little thought
to me & my husband & Cousins you

. Douglass, It is such a pleasure
to be once more writing to you &
I trust that my letter may not prove
to be unwelcome; for altho' so long
long silent you little know how
frequently I have been with you in
spirit, how many many times I have
spoken of & longed once more to chat
vis-a-vis - some times have taken my
album and looked at & thought of you
both so intently that it was as if
my spirit communed with you &
freed you to give one little thought
to me & my husband & Cousins you [*1150*]you have been no longer strangers,
for they have listened too often to
every little incident & the happy
times I passed at your house &
my cousin (Mr Thomas Grey) has
frequently expressed his desire to
have the pleasure of knowing you
personally that he might thank
you for all the great kindness you
bestowed upon me in my time
of need -- Through the Newspapers
we have ever followed you with
the deepest interest, & most anxiously
have I watched & greedily read
every account. __ Last Sunday I was
not very well, & was lying down when
Mr. Meadley called hastily, Ninie
come here quickly, here is something
that will please you, & then read
the Ads. of Mr Douglass' Lecture.
We were so sorry to be unable to go,
but ¼ of an hour later my little
letter was in the post box. It
is impossible for me to find words
to express the intense delight I
felt at seeing Mr. Douglass again!
Five long years had passed & once
more I saw one of my dear dear
friends! do you know dear Mrs Douglass
I scarcely know what I said
only one thing that I had not said one
half of what I wanted to have said
& when I returned home, I only
wanted to have a good cry. Oh!
how kind & good it was of him to
come & see me, I feel so grateful!
And now that you are once more
back at dear Cedar Hill, do please[* N. Mendlar to Mr & Mrs D.
March 20 1892 *]
let me have the pleasure of hearing
from you sometimes, & let me beg
of you never to come to New York
without letting me know, & oh! please
do come & see me, our home may be
small, we have only 9 rooms, but we
have ever a spare room & you will
ever, ever find a warm welcome
& big hearts to receive you, & feel
of, so honored by your presence
There is one think I want to
ask if you will kindly not
think me rude & that is Mr
Douglass once promised me
his book, his life of bondage &
freedom I have spoken of it
many many times & you know
not how infinitely I should
treasure it; do you think hewould still honor me with
that gift. I have tried to procure
it, but have not succeeded
& truthfully his once promised
gift would have a
far greater value. -- There is
so much I want to tell you,
but fear to tire you with too
long a letter & as it is getting
late will hasten; only first
let me beg of you so kindly
let me have the pleasure of
hearing from you very soon.
And now with love andthe deepest esteem & trusting
Mr Douglass arrived home
safely
Believe me
ever affectionally & gratefully yr
Malaina L Meadley
P.S. My husband desires
his kind rgds.
Sunday evening
March 20th / 92.Cedar Hill, Anacostia, D.C.
March 21, 1892. To the Honorable
Secretary of Foreign Affairs
Port au Prince Haiti Sir,
I have the honor to acknowledge
the receipt of your communication of the
24th of February, 1892 bringing to my
knowledge the desire of the Government of
Haïti that I should be present in my
quality of Haïtien Commissioner to the World Exposition, at the
meeting of the Foreign Commissioners in the
city of Chicago on the 11th, 12th, and 13th of October
1892, I have the [further] honor to [state] further
state that the wishes of the Government of
Haïti [in this accordi] will be carried out according
to the instructions given in your respected
communication.

 the
24th of February, 1892 bringing to my
knowledge the desire of the Government of
Haïti that I should be present in my
quality of Haïtien Commissioner to the World Exposition, at the
meeting of the Foreign Commissioners in the
city of Chicago on the 11th, 12th, and 13th of October
1892, I have the [further] honor to [state] further
state that the wishes of the Government of
Haïti [in this accordi] will be carried out according
to the instructions given in your respected
communication. I avail myself of this occasion to express
to you the assurance of my high consideration. [*1067*]Tarrytown, N.Y.
Mar. 23 1892 Hon. Fred'k Douglass.
My dear Sir, I had the pleasure, and
the honor, of receiving your kind favor of Feb. 16th.
It is always pleasant to receive a cheery word,
'and particularly as when, after a desperate struggle,
one finds himself standing above the ruin which
threatened to overwhelm him. You wonder how one - in my condition - can
accomplish the work I have brought to your notice.
I will not weary you with multiplying words
in explanation. I ask you to revert to your own
unparalleled achievements which so amply
illustrate that golden axiom "Where there is a
will there is a way". The darkness that enveloped
you was Cimmerian when compared with that which
has fallen upon me. I am glad of an opportunity
to say that the contemplation of your own
triumphs has nerved me through a large [*1151*]2 part of my life, and I derive great satisfaction
from having been instrumental in perpetuating
your head in marble, only regreting
that the wall is not in the more enduring [B]
Bronze, always clean, fresh and indestructible. The statue of Washington Irving is also a
great satisfaction to me. I shall, probably, rest
my reputation upon it, and confidently rely upon
it, and the bust of yourself, to preserve my name
from the maw of oblivion. Irving was a most loveable man, and
he loved art and artists, was, himself, a great
artist who has left such charming pictures
from his glowing pen. So the work of the Statue
has been con amore, a continual delight to me
altho wrought under, seemingly, insuperable difficulties.
I send herewith a Boston publication
containing an accurate biographical sketch, and
a fair statement of my condition and the methods
pursued in the modeling of the statues.
The newspaper notices have been a little sensational,
and not strictly correct in details.I am told that the portraits look rather older than
I do. I do not yet feel conscious of the withering
influence of age, altho I must confer that time
has shorn my youthful locks, and touched
my beard with frost; but the vigor of earlier
years still bring me up, and were it not
for the chains my poor sight encumber me
with, would feel equal to the best efforts of those
days when our good friend Searle and I went gypsying
in the high-ways and by-ways of dear old Rochester.
What a great, patient, honest soul he was!
Confiding, helpful and entertaining! A man of
rare mechanical skill, if artistic proclivities and
not devoid of genius. I remember him with
sincere respect and affection, and I trust that he
has entered into the rest prepared for the good.
If you should see Mrs Searle, kindly remember me
to her. I am glad she has enough to be comfortable.

 the best efforts of those
days when our good friend Searle and I went gypsying
in the high-ways and by-ways of dear old Rochester.
What a great, patient, honest soul he was!
Confiding, helpful and entertaining! A man of
rare mechanical skill, if artistic proclivities and
not devoid of genius. I remember him with
sincere respect and affection, and I trust that he
has entered into the rest prepared for the good.
If you should see Mrs Searle, kindly remember me
to her. I am glad she has enough to be comfortable. Thanking you again for your kind notice of me and
my work, and with every assurance of respect, I am Very Sincerely Your's
Johnson M. MundyIndiana Univ. Bloomington,
Ind.
March 25th. 1892
Hon. Frederick Douglass, Dear Sir:
As there is one production
of yours which I have never
yet been able to find entire,
I have written to you, in
order that I may procure
it, if you have it in
print. It is the speech
which you delivered, [inlogistics?]
of the life and
character of Wendell
Phillips, shortly after the
death of that great and
noble man. You delivered
it, I think, in Washington
themselves to the admiring
judgment of posterity. If
the task is too laborious
for yourself, entrust it to
some scholar friend, and
allow the work to be done
under your own supervision.
I speak thus, not that
I think your judgment on the
matter inadequate, but because
I know great and
master minds are ever
prone to under rate their own
creations, be they so ever
grand. In ranking you as
of this this age's foremost spirits,
I have only voiced the
judgment of critics and of
scholars; therefore, you see,
that if you deem my estimate
of your powers to be
that of the enthusiast, 2 If you can possibly furnish
me with that eulogy
please do so, as I have never
yet been able to procure
it. Is there a published volume
of your speeches? If not,
do you intend, finally to
have your speeches published?
If such a volume is extant,
I shall procure it,
if you inform me where
it may be had. If there is
not such a volume, there
should be one. Your speeches
are not such as should be
allowed to live only in
the traditions of men. There
is in them that element
which characterizes all
orations commendingand hence overdrawn, I
have a most impregnable
defense --- the opinion of
the learning of the age.
Scholars agree that many
of your speeches are master
pieces in the way of
eloquence, and it seems
to, me, and to all whom
I have heard speak on the
subject, that you can leave
no richer legacy to posterity
and to your race, no more
enduring monument of your
fame, than a collection
of your soul stirring speeches.
Hoping to hear from your at
once, I am most respectfully
yours:
James H. Williams,
Bloomington,
Indiana Univ, Ind.Kingsbridge, N.Y. City.
3/26/92

.
Scholars agree that many
of your speeches are master
pieces in the way of
eloquence, and it seems
to, me, and to all whom
I have heard speak on the
subject, that you can leave
no richer legacy to posterity
and to your race, no more
enduring monument of your
fame, than a collection
of your soul stirring speeches.
Hoping to hear from your at
once, I am most respectfully
yours:
James H. Williams,
Bloomington,
Indiana Univ, Ind.Kingsbridge, N.Y. City.
3/26/92 Hon. Fred'k Douglas,
Washington D. C. Dear Sir: It has been said that when Henry Ward
Beecher first invited you to his church you
wanted to decline the invitation for fear of
causing embarrisment among the congregation. Now, would you be willing to tell me if
this is so, and at what date it occurred? Pardon me for intruding upon your time,
but your answer will greatly help me in my
labor. With all respect to you Truly
John Hodgins [*1152*]Roxbury March 1892.
Mr. Douglas
Dear Sir
Pardon
me but - I cannot think
it possible that you intend
to utterly ignore my appeal
to you although it has
been a long long time for
me to wait for a reply
to my letter written in great
distress & in which I tried
hard to make you see the
worthy need of my appeal.
My brother (by name alone)
has since died leaving
my mother who worshiped
[*1143*]of the love & social feeling which his
soul so needed to sustain him
God knows there was not one human
soul who in all respects suffered more
than he - who parsed through more than
he in those trying times Wendell Phillips
said he would go & wish victorious success
where no other dared venture -
& my father suffering ever with poor
health & no encouring word from
those nearest & dearest him - is there
no heart - among all those souls
for whom you struggled that will him pennyless thus she
is at the mercy of High
Heaven & her only living
child (myself) who has
her heart - & hands full
to overflowing could you
visit me either yourself
or wife I think you would
see this & would fail to
do something for me
in the way I asked -
I want to pay off the
Mortgage on the house -
I want you & your people
to help me - Can it be
possible there is no response
from them for whom my
father's best life has
given out - a sacrificeopen their eyes to the truth & need &
worthy need for this appeal - money
money money that the last days
of my poor old Mother may be
comfortable & my old home retained
in honor of him & the good cause
for which he passed on - -
O Mr Douglas can you not
feel the heart-beats of his only daughter
as she writes these lines to you
& will you not give me some
reply, some hope, some light
2702 Washington St. Corner of Dale St Sarah A. HadcockNumber I. Cedar Hill, Anacostia, D.C. April 1, 1892
Honorable, C. Archin,
Secretary of Foreign Affairs,
of the Republic of Haiti,
Sir: --
In my quality of Commissioner of Haiti to the Columbian
Exposition, to be held in the city of Chicago, I have the honor
to state, that there are two separate methods of presenting the
exhibits at that Exposition. One is, to exhibit the productions
of each country altogether in a separate department, appropriated
for the purpose. Another is, to distribute such products
according to their kind and class, with similar products
from other countries. The object of this communication is to
receive instructions as to which of these methods is preferred by
Haiti. My impression is, [as to these respected methods] that the
first method is to be preferred. The moral effect will be better, if
at a glance, in a suitable booth can be seen the Haitien exhibits altogether. Whereas, if they are scattered, coffee in one place,
logwood and mahogany, etc., in other places only labeled; the productions of Haiti
would scarcely be seen to general advantage in the multitude of products
among which they would be placed from other countries. The only argument in favor
[*1071*]2
[*The only argument in favor.*]
of the diffusion and distribution of Haitian exhibits is, that
Haiti would thereby compete with other countries in the particular products of the same kind and would be entitled to receive
medals according to the superiority of her contributions.

 the Haitien exhibits altogether. Whereas, if they are scattered, coffee in one place,
logwood and mahogany, etc., in other places only labeled; the productions of Haiti
would scarcely be seen to general advantage in the multitude of products
among which they would be placed from other countries. The only argument in favor
[*1071*]2
[*The only argument in favor.*]
of the diffusion and distribution of Haitian exhibits is, that
Haiti would thereby compete with other countries in the particular products of the same kind and would be entitled to receive
medals according to the superiority of her contributions. Of
course this objection could be overcome, by sending to the exhibition
a sufficient quantity of each class of exhibits from Haiti,
so as to enable the Commissioner to amply furnish a single
booth, properly set apart for Haiti and at the same time have enough
of such exhibits to distribute among the different booths
provided for the purpose, to compete with the same class of products from other countries, which may be there exhibited. I am, sir,
With the highest consideration,
Your obedient servant,WORLD'S COLUMBIAN EXPOSITION
LATIN AMERICAN DEPARTMENT,
WILLIAM E. CURTIS, (IN CHARGE,)
2 LAFAYETTE SQUARE,
WASHINGTON, D.C. April 5, 1892. Dear Sir:
In order to avoid confusion and delay in getting things
through the custom house, I should be greatly obliged if you would
send all packages intended for this Department addressed "W. E. Curtis, World's Columbian Exposition, Care U.S. Despatch Agent,
New York." At the time of shipping, a bill of lading should be
sent to I.P. Roosa, U. S. Despatch Agent, New York, and it would
greatly facilitate matters if you would write me a letter stating
briefly the contents of each package, so that I can state them to
the Secretary of the Treasury in asking for entry for the goods. Yours truly
(Signed) W.E. Curtis
[*1193*]WORLD'S COLUMBIAN EXPOSITION,
LATIN AMERICAN DEPARTMENT,
WILLIAM E. CURTIS, (IN CHARGE,)
2 LAFAYETTE SQUARE,
WASHINGTON, D.C. April 5, 1892
Sir:
I have the honor to send to you by mail, under separate cover
copies of the classification and Rules of the Departments of
Electricity, Liberal Arts and Horticulture. These phamphlets
contain all information in connection with these departments. They were originally intended for the information of residents of
the United States; but they apply equally well to foreign exhibitors,
subject, of course, to the provisions of the Official Circular
for the Information of Foreign Exhibitors, copies of which have
been furnished you. Great facilities have been offered for exhibiting growing
plants, flowers, etc., and it is hoped that intending exhibitors
from your country will take advantage of them. Your obedient servant,
(Signed) W. E. Curtis. [*3028*]Légation d'Haïti,
New York, le 6 Avril 1892 Monsieur le Commissaire,
J'ai l'honneur de vous transmettre
sous ce couvert une letter du Departement de
l'Agriculture de la République d'Haïti et
de vous informer que, de'apris les instructions que
je vieux de recervir de Mr. C. Archim, Secrétaire
d'Etat de Relations Extérieures, vous
devrez désormais communiquer exclusivement
avec le Département de l'Agriculture pour
toutes instructions touchant la qestion de
votre charge.
Veuillez signéer, Monsieur le Commissaire,
l'assurances de ma plus haute considération.
Le Chargé d'Affaires par intérieurs,
John S. Hurst

 d'Haïti et
de vous informer que, de'apris les instructions que
je vieux de recervir de Mr. C. Archim, Secrétaire
d'Etat de Relations Extérieures, vous
devrez désormais communiquer exclusivement
avec le Département de l'Agriculture pour
toutes instructions touchant la qestion de
votre charge.
Veuillez signéer, Monsieur le Commissaire,
l'assurances de ma plus haute considération.
Le Chargé d'Affaires par intérieurs,
John S. Hurst Monsieur Frederick Douglass,
Premier Commissaire du Governement haïtien a l'Exposition
de ChicagoLegation of Haiti, N.Y.
April 6, 1892.
Mr. Commissioner,
I have the honor to transmit to you, under this
cover, a letter from the Department of Agriculture of the Republic
of Haiti, and to inform you that, in accordance with instructions
I have received from Mr. C. Archin, Secretary of State for Foreign
Relations, you will hereafter communicate exclusively with the
Department of Agriculture for all instructions touching the administration
of your charge.
Be pleased to accept, Mr. Commissioner, the assurance
of my most high consideration.
JOHN HURST,
Charge d' Affaires par interim.
Mr. Frederick Douglass,
First Commissioner of the Government of Haiti
to the Exposition in Chicago.
[*1159*]Legation of Haiti, N.Y.
April 6, 1982. Mr. Commossioner,
.
I have the honor to transmit to you, under cover of this letter, LIBERTÉ ÉGALITÉ FRATERNITÉ AGRICULTURE
Section d République d Haïti. No 61 Port-au-Prince, le 24 Mars 1892 an 89e de l'Indépendance Le Secrétaire d'Etat,
Au Département de l'Agriculture
A
Monsieur F. Douglass
Commissaire du Gouvernement de l'Exposition de Chicago.
Cedar Hill, Anacostia D.C. Monsieur le Commissaire, La Commission instituée à Port-au-Prince
pour la réunion des produits destinés à l'Exposition
de Chicago, ayant reçu avis que vous avez bien
voulu accepter d'être le premier Commissaire
du Governement d'Haïti à cette Exposition,
se félicite d'être appelée à ce titre et avec l'autorisation
du Gouvernement Haïtien, à entrer en
communication avec vous.
Elle a donc l'honneur de vous prier de
vous aboucher avec le Directeur Géneral, Monsieur
Geo. R. Davis, pour prendre connaissance (si ce
n'est pas encore fait), de l'emplacement qui nous
est offert et nous en dire alors les dimensions.
c'est pour remplir les prescriptions des réglements,
aux articles 2, 3, & 4.LIBERTÉ ÉGALITÉ FRATERNITÉ AGRICULTURE
Section d République d Haïti. No 61 Port-au-Prince, le 24 Mars 1892 an 89e de l'Indépendance Le Secrétaire d'Etat,
Au Département de l'Agriculture
A
Monsieur F. Douglass
Commissaire du Gouvernement de l'Exposition de Chicago.
Cedar Hill, Anacostia D.C. Monsieur le Commissaire, La Commission instituée à Port-au-Prince
pour la réunion des produits destinés à l'Exposition
de Chicago, ayant reçu avis que vous avez bien
voulu accepter d'être le premier Commissaire
du Governement d'Haïti à cette Exposition,
se félicite d'être appelée à ce titre et avec l'autorisation
du Gouvernement Haïtien, à entrer en
communication avec vous.
Elle a donc l'honneur de vous prier de
vous aboucher avec le Directeur Géneral, Monsieur
Geo. R. Davis, pour prendre connaissance (si ce
n'est pas encore fait), de l'emplacement qui nous
est offert et nous en dire alors les dimensions.
c'est pour remplir les prescriptions des réglements,
aux articles 2, 3, & 4.
Nous nous proposons de vous faire parvenirPort au Prince, March 24, I892.
Mr. Frederick Douglass,
Commisioner to the Exposition at Chicago:

 vous.
Elle a donc l'honneur de vous prier de
vous aboucher avec le Directeur Géneral, Monsieur
Geo. R. Davis, pour prendre connaissance (si ce
n'est pas encore fait), de l'emplacement qui nous
est offert et nous en dire alors les dimensions.
c'est pour remplir les prescriptions des réglements,
aux articles 2, 3, & 4.
Nous nous proposons de vous faire parvenirPort au Prince, March 24, I892.
Mr. Frederick Douglass,
Commisioner to the Exposition at Chicago: Mr. Commissioner,
The Commission instituted at Port au Prince for the
bringing together the products destined for the Exposition at Chicago,
having received intelligence that you have been pleased to
accept being First Commissioner of the Government of Haiti to that
Exposition, congratulates itself upon being called to this dignity
and, with the authorization of the Hatien Government, to enter
into communication with you.
It therefore has the honor to desire that you communicate
with the Director General, Mr. Geo. R. Davis, in order to learn,
if this has not already been done, concerning the site which has
been offered to us, and also its dimensions. This is to fulfill
the regulations and articles 2, 3and 4.
We propose to send to you, at the time and place, the plan of
a Kiosque to be constructed upon the grounds.
We nevertheless would be very happy to receive on these points
as on all others, the suggestions and counsels that you may find
proper to address to usin order to carry to worthy completion the
participation of Haiti in the grand celebration of the discovery
of the new world.
[*1154*]2
The Commission desires especially to be kept informed of all
and everything done for the Exposition by other countries of the
same strength as its own.
The Commission eagerly seizes the occasion here offered to
present to you, Mr. Commissioner, the assurance of its most distiguished
consideration.
Dr. Jn. Joseph
The Vice President of the Commission
Dr. T. B. DehouxHatien Secretary of Agriculture
TO
Mr. Douglass.
March 24, 1892.LIBERTÉ ÉGALITÉ FRATERNITÉ AGRICULTURE
Section de la Cer Sufariuere République d Haïti No. 72 Port-au-Prince, 1e 9 Avril 1892 an 89e de l'Indépendance. Le Secrétaire d'Etat,
Au Département de l'Agriculture
A Monsieur F. Douglass,
Commissaire du Gouvernement à l'Exposition de Chicago.
Cesar Hill, ana costia. D. C. Monsieur le Commissaire, J'ai l'avantage de vous confirmed la lettre
en date du 24 Mars écoulé que vous a éceite la
Commission siégeant à Port-aux Prince, et de vous
annonces le départ, ce soir, de Monsieur C. Preston
second Commissaire 'nomme' pour l'Exposition de Chicago.
Je vous prie de faire à Monsieur C. Preston, que
est le fils de l'honorable Monsieur L. Preston, ancian
Ministre plénipotentiaire, l'accueil, que mératent
son nom et ses qualités personnelles.
Monsieur le Commissaire, prévoyant o[?] en votre
qualité de représentant d'Haïti à l'Exposition
de Chicago, vous avoez des frais de déplacement
et autres à faire pour son compte, - quoique ne
sachant pas encore à combien pourront s'élever
ces débours, le Gouvernement m'a autorisé à
vous faire parvenir una premierè valuer à cet effet.J'ai donc l'honneur de vous donner avis
que Monsieur C. Preston est porteur de la somme
de mille dollars à vous remettre dù son arriveé
aux Etas-Unis.
En attendant l'avantage d'une prochaine
communication de votre part, et espérant beaucoup
de votre précieux concours, je vous prie d'agreir,
Monsieur le Commissaire, les assurance sincères
de ma considération la plus distingueé.
Do Jn JosephNO ROOM.
Dedicated to the Queen Isabella Association.

 effet.J'ai donc l'honneur de vous donner avis
que Monsieur C. Preston est porteur de la somme
de mille dollars à vous remettre dù son arriveé
aux Etas-Unis.
En attendant l'avantage d'une prochaine
communication de votre part, et espérant beaucoup
de votre précieux concours, je vous prie d'agreir,
Monsieur le Commissaire, les assurance sincères
de ma considération la plus distingueé.
Do Jn JosephNO ROOM.
Dedicated to the Queen Isabella Association. To the Queen Isabella Association:
“The committee are compelled to decline the
application owing to lack of space.”
COMMITTEE ON GROUNDS AND BUILDINGS.
World's Columbian Exposition. “No Room!” No Room! in this limitless land.
With its plains and its mountains, its silvery sand;
With its forests and valleys where white lilies grew
‘Thwart our wide-spreading Zone with its girdle of blue,
“No Room” for the feet that came down from the Throne,
That the winged seed of progress afar might be sown,
“No room" for the hand giving jewels of flame,
‘That Freedom might write in the New World her name
“No Room” for the heart counting nothing as loss,
If the fresh virgin soil but saluted the Cross.
“No Room” for the Torch which illumined the sky
That a Hero might see how to do or to die.
O Patriot—O woman! Mother and Queen!
The light of thy jewels no mortal can screen,
For they flash o’er all waters, they shine o’er all lands,
’Neath their light all Nations now meet with clasped
hands,
Thy pure jewels blaze on our Flag as its stars,
Shall our shame darkly deepen the red of its bars?
Shine on glorious Queen. Hark! a voice from the Tomb,
The voice of Columbus cries, “Room! there shall be room !’’
By love’s deathless jewels, by that Flag, Cross and Tomb,
With that voice the WORLD thunders,—
“ROOM—THERE SHALL BE ROOM.” April 10, 1892. ALICE S. MITCHELL
2839 Wabash Ave
[In?] Hall,
Hon. Fredrick Douglass:
Dear Sir
[*5*] At the
close of your remarks
I would be pleased
to sing two verses
of the "Battle Hymn of
the Republic" if you
desire it sung.
Respectfully
Alice S. Mitchell
[*1174*]Sioux Falls So. Dak.
April 10th 1892 Mr. Douglas Dear Sir;
I am engaged upon
a picture of Abraham Lincoln, and
I have great-difficulty in finding
out about just how he looked,
I can find plenty of engravings
of him but have been unable
so far to see a painting. What I
should like most, is to know the
color of the eyes and hair, and if
the hair was much grey. And I
have been informed that you
could supply these "missing links"
for me, If you can, I shall feel
under many obligations to you.
The picture is to be entirely of needle
work, the back-ground is cream Satin,
the thread used is (filo silk) The picture
will go to the worlds fair if there is
[*1196*]Hon Fred Douglass Denver
Colo
April 10th 92 Dear Old Friend.
Thanks for your last
kind and considerate letter, as all your letters
are. You imagine correctly the sad
predicament I am in, being unable to
read or write, for myself, and am so
averse to trouble anybody to write for
me, I hope the sick ones in your family
are restored to health again. Already I
have been applied to, to use my influence
with you, to get a young Colored man
by the name of LeRoy Hayes into the
Haytian Department at the Chicago World's
Fair, which is under your entire control.
Let me caution you against anything coming
from him though he is a sweet
fellow and a good speaker he [is] nevertheless
needs watching as he is full of
small tricks and unreliable,
Kind regards to all your family, and as
always to the end.

 for
me, I hope the sick ones in your family
are restored to health again. Already I
have been applied to, to use my influence
with you, to get a young Colored man
by the name of LeRoy Hayes into the
Haytian Department at the Chicago World's
Fair, which is under your entire control.
Let me caution you against anything coming
from him though he is a sweet
fellow and a good speaker he [is] nevertheless
needs watching as he is full of
small tricks and unreliable,
Kind regards to all your family, and as
always to the end. H. O. Wagner [*1160*]PS. Grandly have you risen above your
would be traducers, of both white and
Black, by the crushing rebuke given
them, by the Haytian Government. I
heard read with interest. What Col Ingersoll
Said at your meeting in New York.
H.A.W.Port au Prince, Haïti, April 11.1892. Honorable Frederick Douglass.
Anacostia Cedar Hill, D.C.
U. S. A. Dear Sir:
I have the pleasure of
acknowledging the receipt of your
favor of the 9th ultimo. I thank
you kindly for the felicitations
therein, on my appointment
as Deputy Consul here. I am happy to learn that
you have recovered from the
attack of the grippe, and
trust that your health is
entirely reestablished which
I infer is the case since I
learn from a letter of Mr. Bassett
that you have been lecturing
in New York, New Haven &
[*1161*]Boston; saying a good word
for our poor country's defense.
I learn also with pleasure
of the good health of Mrs Douglass.
Mr. Durham is still in Sto.
Domingo, we expected that he
would have returned here on
Saturday last but he did not
arrive.
Our old friend Dr. Terres is to
be married on the 19th instant
to a Miss Corine Pascal, step
daughter of Mr. Lenders.
All is quiet here, and from
all appearances may continue so
for some time.
Mr. Preston leaves by this Steamer
to join you; as your cooperator
in the representation of this country
at the Chicago World's Exposition.
Mr. Price the Haitien Minister
will also leave by same occasion. Mrs. Battiste begs to be remembered
to you and Mrs. Douglass and
sends best of wishes.
Mr. Jones is about as usual he
is still with us. We have removed
the offices to the house of
the late Dr Aubry on the street
leading to the Cathedral.
With my best respects to yourself
and Mrs. Douglass.
I remain,
Yours truly
A. BattisteHIGH SCHOOL
M, bet. 1st Street and N. J. Ave., N. W. Washington D. C. April 15, 1892 Hon. Frederick Douglas,
Dear Sir:
I return the
book - 'Harold" - that you kindly loaned me
by Master Shippen. I owe you an apology
for keeping it so long though I took the
liberty of loaning it to Mrs. Cooper. The book is a very remarkable one in
many respects. It is unique, as I do not
remember ever having read anything like
it; although the central thought - the education
of a man beyond his sphere will
make him dissatisfied and unhappy - is
an old theory of pessimists. There is this much truth in that theory,
if the man so educated is purely selfish,
and wishes to use his education for his own
individual advancement and transfer into
a sphere in which there are objections
against him on other grounds, he is apt
to be disappointed, if he should fail.
[*1162*]But where a man is educated beyond the
sphere in which he was born and partly
reared, and uses his advantages for the
benefit and elevation of his fellow men, I
cannot conceive of a happier and nobler
life.

 and unhappy - is
an old theory of pessimists. There is this much truth in that theory,
if the man so educated is purely selfish,
and wishes to use his education for his own
individual advancement and transfer into
a sphere in which there are objections
against him on other grounds, he is apt
to be disappointed, if he should fail.
[*1162*]But where a man is educated beyond the
sphere in which he was born and partly
reared, and uses his advantages for the
benefit and elevation of his fellow men, I
cannot conceive of a happier and nobler
life. But in addition to such a life of usefulness
there is an exquisite enjoyment in the education
that will enable a man to hold
intelligent and profitable communion
with the great minds of previous ages
through their writings. If I occupied the humblest and poorest
position in society, with an education I
should feel myself the peer of the richest
and most exalted; with the capacity
afforded by my education of holding intelligent
converse with the great through
their works, I should feel supremely happy. It is true that this very education will enable
you to feel more keenly the injustice of any distinction
not founded on merit; still I reject
totally the inference or conclusion of the author
that therefore you ought not to educate the
Negro. Respectfully,
F. L. CardozoOmaha Nebraska
April 16, '92 Hon. Fredric Douglas, Kind Sir:-
I am a poor orphan colored girl
seventeen years, of, age; my
father died when I was
three years old, my mother
when I was eleven.
I have been working out
since my mother died &
managed to get a common
school education.
I have been staying with
my sister Maggie in
Dover Mo., during vacations
What education I have
obtained is in Independence
Mo. My sister that
lived in Dover moved up
[*1163*]
[*April 16, 1892*]
[*A. Johnson to Douglass*] here (Omah) last summer,
and has been sick ever
since, & I was up here
helping her. I would have
taught a country school
in Missouri & help send
myself to college, had it
not been for my coming
up here. I hate to be out
of school, knowing that
there is [a] so much for me
to learn. My sister is about
well now, & I am working
up here. I don't like
to be a servant, I have
broader ideas than that;
but it is the only thing
a colored girl can do up here to
make an honest living.
They say those who try to
help themselves, others
will help them. I have
certainly helped myselfe;
[*2 of 3*]3 those who know me are
astonished at me being
so energetic, having no
one scarsely to help me.
I have read "The life & times
of Fredric Douglas," (my
sister has the book) and
I saw how energetic you
were, and what you obtained
by it. I have also
talked with several persons
up here who heard
you lecture; they said how
favorable you were of
seeing your race elevated
& educated. I ask you please
to help me advance my
education. I just ask you
to pay my board, at the
Central Tenn. College, Nashvill
Tennessee for one term
(next) or as many as you
will; if you pay one I(4)
am confident that I can
pull through the others.
My sister says she will
help me. I wrote to Rev.
Braden, President of Central
College to send me a
catalogue & the board is
from $8 to $10 per month.
You can just send the money
to him not to me if you
would rather, do so. I am
working out and can pay
my fare down there and
get sufficient clothe. If I
were a boy I would not
ask [you] this favor of you.
Girls have to be so particular
where they are and what
they do. I have also learned
it it is hard to do justis
by your studies & do the
work of a family too. Here
are some rec[c]omendations[*Inclosure 1893, June 6*]
[*J. H. Jenkins to whom it may concern*]

 to me if you
would rather, do so. I am
working out and can pay
my fare down there and
get sufficient clothe. If I
were a boy I would not
ask [you] this favor of you.
Girls have to be so particular
where they are and what
they do. I have also learned
it it is hard to do justis
by your studies & do the
work of a family too. Here
are some rec[c]omendations[*Inclosure 1893, June 6*]
[*J. H. Jenkins to whom it may concern*] showing you what I am.
If you wish to know further,
write to my teacher. Please
pardon me for detaining
you for so long, as I wanted
to give you a thorough
understanding of my condition.
If you will grant me this favor I will certainly
return it when am
capable of making my own
living. Please answer me
favorably & give me some
advice.
Yours Truly
Augusta Johnson
#2022 St. Marys Ave,
Omaha
Nebraska
P.S. Please return these recommendation
as I want to preserve them. [*April 16, 1892*]
Legation d' Haïti New York, 20 April, 1892
[*2 enclosures*] My dear Sir & Colleague, I have been instructed
by the Government to hand you one thousand
dollars ($1,000.00) and the enclosed letter. I have therefore the honor of remitting you
herewith, Messrs [Lyon?] who's check on the Bank
of New York, for $1000.00, endorsed to your
favor. I have both verbal & written instructions
from the Government concerning our mission;
and, unless you telegraph me to the contrary,
I purpose reaching Washington on Friday
morning next in order to confer with you. - I am dear Sir & colleague
Yours very sincerely
Chas. A. Preston To The Hon. Frederick Douglass
Etc., Etc. Etc.,
Washington. D. C. [*3027*]5126 Madison av.
Chicago Apr 21st, 1892 Hon, Frederick Douglas
My Dear Sir:
I have just
read your ringing paper in the
Independent advocating, in the name
of our colored fellow citizens, the re-nomination
and election of Benjamin
Harrison as President. The words
of high commendation which you
so ungrudgingly bestow will meet
with a ready response from all good
republicans both north and South. I
am glad to see, too, that you recognize
the limitations of the President and now
of the republican party to cause some
hardest[?] justice to be meted to the oppressed
colored people of the Earth, Your brief
but emphatic recital of the outrages committed
[*1164*]2 against them is a sad but truthful
witnessing, But the awful brutality practiced
against the colored people is only
a more open disregard for law and
personal rights than is manifested
in the north and especially the west,
I have sometimes seriously considered
whether the enfranchisement of the slaves
was more of a blessing than evil. In
the old slavery days it passed into a parent
that there was "no land for a free
nigger," but there was plenty of law
to protect the slave and no man harmed
him with impunity, except his
master, and property rights if not the
dictates of humanity were sufficient to
keep him generally within the bounds of
reason, But how changed is everything
now! The lives of the colored people
seem to be absolutely at the will of
every white barbarian who has the price3.

 the enfranchisement of the slaves
was more of a blessing than evil. In
the old slavery days it passed into a parent
that there was "no land for a free
nigger," but there was plenty of law
to protect the slave and no man harmed
him with impunity, except his
master, and property rights if not the
dictates of humanity were sufficient to
keep him generally within the bounds of
reason, But how changed is everything
now! The lives of the colored people
seem to be absolutely at the will of
every white barbarian who has the price3. of a revolver. In most communities
a revengeful and malicious
mob can decree the death of a negro
on many slight provocation, any hour
in the day with impunity, No doubt
there is a considerable element that deprecates
as much as we do the barbarity
of the south, But the mob spirit is ingrained
in this country and it will
take generations of manful patient
and constant effort to eradicate it. The south can hardly realize the awful
spectacle it presents to the world. Kill! Kill! Kill! appears to be a
sovereigin remedy for all distempers
in the body politic, That it does not
stop with the negro is witnessed by
the Italian butchery in New Orleans,
What an object lesson to the young was
that day, and how sure to bear bloody
fruit in the future at some real or fancied
wrong!4.
It is high time to call a halt to all
this bloody business, both north and
south, and to submit every question
to the entitlement of law.
Surely, nothing is so reasonable, nothing
as efficient, [and nothing so
divine as] in the hands of a just
people, and nothing in human
institutions more divine than
Law. To the maintainance of
this great principle the [the] republican
party is pledged and will take
no backward step, whatever other
parties may do to conciliate the lawless
and coddle the slums, republicans
will not flinch in the insistence
by every legitimate means of the
sacred principle of equal and exact
justice before the law to all classes
and conditions of men.5th.
In conclusion I wish to tell you
how I became a republican. That matter
dates back to the year 1856, I believe,
my second year of residence in Chicago.
My ancestors had been Whigs and
at that time, quite a young man, I had
caught on to the familiar phrase
[Oh] "I'm a freesoiler: We must not
disturb slavery where it exists legally,
but must keep it from the
territories, etc." Now possibly I might
have been talking that way yet, but
one notable day I went with a
friend to hear Fred. Douglas in
Metropolitan Hall. Curiously enough
I can not recall a single political
point, but I shall never forget the
word picture of the poor slave fleeing
through swamps and canebrake
pursued by armed men and bloodhounds
and all for no fault but6.
the love of liberty, I could but pay
the eloquent ex slave the tribute of
my tears, and after the lecture
said to my friend, I have called
myself a freesoiler but from
this time I am an abolitionist.
I would say further that I
endeavor to live above either
race or religion prejudices. That
was a grand sentiment of St. Paul's
and had perhaps as much potency
in it as any ever formulated
by [any] man. "For God hath made
of one blood all the nations of the
earth to dwell upon the face thereof."
Faithfully yours
C B CarterWorld's Columbian Exposition.
Latin American Department.
Willaim E. Curtis (In Charge)
2 Lafayette Square.
Washington, D.C.
April 23, 1892. To the Commissioners of the
Latin American Department,
World's Columbian Exposition. Gentlemen: A great deal of confusion and delay can be avoided in
the entry through the Custom Houses of exhibits intended for the
Latin American Department of the World's Columbian Exposition, if
each collection is accompanied by inventory giving the probable
age or date of origin of all archaeological and historical articles. Under the tariff laws of the United States all articles
originating or manufactured before the end of the seventeenth
century are admitted free as antiquities. It is also important that a copy of such inventory
should be attached to the bill of lading.


Latin American Department,
World's Columbian Exposition. Gentlemen: A great deal of confusion and delay can be avoided in
the entry through the Custom Houses of exhibits intended for the
Latin American Department of the World's Columbian Exposition, if
each collection is accompanied by inventory giving the probable
age or date of origin of all archaeological and historical articles. Under the tariff laws of the United States all articles
originating or manufactured before the end of the seventeenth
century are admitted free as antiquities. It is also important that a copy of such inventory
should be attached to the bill of lading. Very respectfully yours,
William E. Curtis [*1157*]Cedar Hill, Anacostia, D.C.
April 25, 1892. Honorable
Dablémar J. Joseph,
Secretary of Public Works,
Port au Prince, Haïtï; Sir:
I have the honor to acknowledge the
receipt of your favor of the 9th of April, informing
me of the departure from Port au
Prince of Mr. Charles A Preston, Second Commissioner
from Haïtï to the World's Columbian
Exposition at Chicago, and informing me that
Mr. Preston, upon his arrival [in the United States,]
would place in my hands, to be used in the
work of the Commission, the sum of one
thousand dollars, which sum I have received
from Mr. Preston and hereby acknowledge. Be pleased to accept Mr. Secretary, [*1072*]Cedar Hill, Anacostia, D.C.
April 25, 1892.
Honorable
Dablémar J. Joseph,
Minister of Public Works,
Port au Prince, Haïti; Sir;
I have the honor to inform you that
on Friday, the 23rd instant Mr. Charles A.
Preston, Second Commissioner from Haïti to the
World's Columbian Exposition at Chicago, upon
my invitation called at my house and had with
me an extended conversation in respect of the
subject of our mission. By agreement we together
called at the Bureau of American Republics for the
purpose of making application for suitable space
for the exhibits [from] to be presented [at the] from Haïti
at the Exposition. We were there informed by [the]
[honorable] Mr. Curtis of the Latin American Department
that the space allotted to the Argentine
Republic had been vacated and he advised us to make
immediate application for the same, which [we then]
[and there did] application we there and then made. In order, however, to make sure of equitable space
we have agreed to go in person on Sat the 8th inst to Chicago, + inspect the
ground for ourselves [*1073*]
I had hopedto be able by this mail to send to you, Mr. Minister,
a [joint] note jointly with Mr. Preston upon the
whole subject. His departure for New York has
made it impossible to do so. I hope we shall
[hereafter] be able to keep you duly informed
of our proceedings and of whatever pertains
to the honor and dignity of Haïti.Phila. Pa. April 25, 1892 My dear Friend
I have been out of
the city since Saturday but left
your book to be sent to M. Denning
I trust you have it ere this.
I expect to leave here on Thursday
morning. And I was thinking if
you would send me the check for
the other thirty dollars while I am
here, it would save me a trip to
Hartford after I get home to have
it cashed. Have you learned any
thing about the second class passage
for steamer from Charleston to N.J.
yet? The girl wants to come by [*1165*]the first of May. I think Joseph
will be in Washington soon to attend
some business - and of course will
see you. I am so glad to hear
that Essie is improving. How is
your little girl? You don't say
much about her.
Yours very truly
L. E. Ramey[?]

, it would save me a trip to
Hartford after I get home to have
it cashed. Have you learned any
thing about the second class passage
for steamer from Charleston to N.J.
yet? The girl wants to come by [*1165*]the first of May. I think Joseph
will be in Washington soon to attend
some business - and of course will
see you. I am so glad to hear
that Essie is improving. How is
your little girl? You don't say
much about her.
Yours very truly
L. E. Ramey[?] 768 Florida St. When you can spare the time, I wish
you would let me know how much
in all I have borrowed from you.
LERRomancoke
April 29, 1892 Hon. Frederick Douglass Doubtless you will be
surprised to receive a letter
from me, a comparative stranger,
but my dear daughter
has told me how kind you
have been to her, and as I
cannot thank you in person,
I will write, and assure you,
your kindness is appreciated. Nellie is home again though
she hopes but for a short
time. She is a good child and
I believe her one object has
been to support herself and [*1166*]in some way assist her family We have a comfortable home
in Virginia, but I often think
of "my Maryland' where so
many happy years of my
life have been passed. Many and great have been
the changes in old Talbot,
nearly all the old families
are broken up, dead or scattered,
and their property passed
into the hands of strangers. Of the colored family at
Emersons Point but two or three
are now living. Isaac Roberts
came to see me when in
Maryland. We had not heard
from him since he went
away, and I was very glad
to see him. I don't suppose
I would recognize you
now, we change so much
in growing old, though I have a distinct recollection
of you as a boy and in early
manhood, and Nellie says
you are looking remarkably
well. Nellie sends kind regards
to yourself and Mrs. Douglass.
I join her and am
Gratefully yours,
Sarah E Jenkins