Frederick Douglass — Haiti Correspondence & Speeches
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House of Representatives U.S., Washington, D.C. June 3, 1892 Dear Sir Yours received- I appreciate your suggestion to save me from trouble and in return, will state that your anxiety will be removed by obtaining another endorser. Yours John M. [Fo Mr. Mortimore A Downes [*1178*]CEDAR HILL, ANACOSTIA, D. C. JUNE 4th. 1892. My dear Mr. Preston; I have duly received your two respected letters, dated May Ist and also the several dispatches you have prepared to be sent to Port-au-Prince. I think those papers admirable and have found it necessary to make but one alteration and that was to strike out the item stating that we should require fifteen dollars a day for travelling expenses. I think that the Government at Port-au-Prince would look upon that item as an extravagant estimate and would therefore [be likely to] be prejudiced against other sums specified as essential to the success of our mission. On the private matter referred to in your letter I have to state that such is the state of my exchequer and the many immediate and pressing demands made upon me for money that I am compelled to deny myself the pleasure of complying with your request for a loan on the terms you have deemed necessary specify. I am, sir, Very sincerely yours, I am sorry to have been unable owing to my Southern tour to have been so long out of rapport with you and am glad that you have been able [to] by your intelligent attention to the work of our mission to see that no interest has suffered by our separation. Here after I hope I shall be in more frequent communication with you. [*3019*] [*93*]The Arlington New York June 7th My Dear Mr. Douglass, We hear that a letter of yours was sent to Mrs Carpenters, or was forwarded here, but has never arrived. We sail next Wednesday so you see it is quite impossible for us to pay another visit to you. We have been hoping we could all through our travels, but time and money place an impossible barrier between us, & we can only look forward to seeing you very soon in England. We quite frightened them all at home with our pet idea of bringing "Little Grant" home, both MrsThomas & my eldest sister write & tell us not to think of such a thing particularly as we are not going to our little house in the country after all, & if we were in lodgings for some time, he would be such a responsibility. Is it not sad about Dr. Ph. Carpenter? We were at Montreal about a week before his death. Mrs Carpenter wished us to call on her & told us she could send no good news to England. In the midst of all her nursing & trouble she thought so kindly of us, and sent a friend to show us about, & told us she had so wanted us to stay there. We have found everybody so very kind& shall be very sorry to say goodbye to America, though of course we are longing to see them all at home. We have been to Chicago, Cleveland, Buffalo Niagara, down the St. Lawrence to Montreal, on to Quebec and Montmorency and through the White Mountains to Boston and on by water here, since we saw you. Tomorrow we are going a trip up the Hudson. us, and sent a friend to show us about, & told us she had so wanted us to stay there. We have found everybody so very kind& shall be very sorry to say goodbye to America, though of course we are longing to see them all at home. We have been to Chicago, Cleveland, Buffalo Niagara, down the St. Lawrence to Montreal, on to Quebec and Montmorency and through the White Mountains to Boston and on by water here, since we saw you. Tomorrow we are going a trip up the Hudson. A fortnight ago we [went] went up Mount Washington. The railway had not begun for the summer, so we climbed up. Howard walked to the base from Fabyon but I had a horse, which we left there about three & commenced our climb, going mostly on fttrussels of the railway but got off & toil our way near the top & did not get up till seven when it was nearly dark. So the good people at the observatory took us in for the night and we spent a very interesting evening hearing the secrets of Photography, telegrams barometers, etc. Next morning we started back again in the midst of blinding snow, which they did not think would last far down, but which was impenetrable [for] for a mile & a half.ALBION W. TOURGEE, President Headquarters, National Citizens' Rights Association. 740, Hennepin Ave [Mayville, N.Y.] June 8, 1897 Hon. Fred Douglas Dear Sir: I should have called to see you yesterday but am not able to get about much because of the old wound. I am especially working here in behalf of the rights of the citizens of the United States in the various States. It seems to us that the time is ripe to declare that a man who is not free everywhere, is free nowhere. I enclose my memorial and hope [yo] I may see you before I leave. Yours truly, Albion W. Tourgeé [*1179*]The following Ode was written especially for the day of fasting and prayer on the part of the colored people (May 31st) that they may be delivered from the persecutions and injustice their race is compelled to suffer in "The land of the free and the home of the brave." It will undoubtedly voice the sentiment of the Colored Christians of America until that day shall come when every citizen shall peacefully enjoy the same rights, exercise the same privileges and have the same opportunity as any other in every corner in the Union. Speaking of the merits of this poem, Bishop Coxe, says: "That ode is worthy of Whittier, especially the last stanza. In a country which calls. Walt Whitman a poet, it may not be appreciated but ask dear old Whittier if he would be ashamed of it." A New "America." O Country, 'tis for thee Pledged to fair Liberty-- For thee we cry! Land where the greed of gain, Forged Slavery's galling chain, Land of our grief and pain, Must thou too, die? Die to the sense of wrong, While of thy lips, the song Of liberty? False to thy sacred trust? False to thy hallowed dust? False to the true and just Who died for thee? Shame on thy starry crown: No black hand tore it down, In days of strife: But blood of bond and free, Thy Black sons gave to thee, And save by loyalty A Nation's life. "These black sons have no right For which thou needs't to fight!" Thou now dost say: We hurl thy recreance back From million throats of black! Pray God thou clear the track For freedom's way! Shall Justice longer call From legislative hall To thee in vain? Where is thy boasted power? Thine is the waiting hour, Rise and no longer cower; Remove thy stain. Then shall we sing of thee,-- "Land of the noble free, Thy name we love." Ours too this land so bright, Ours, Freedom's holy light; Protect us by its might Just God above! Rosa Hazard Hazell St Neots Hunts - 10th June hurl thy recreance back From million throats of black! Pray God thou clear the track For freedom's way! Shall Justice longer call From legislative hall To thee in vain? Where is thy boasted power? Thine is the waiting hour, Rise and no longer cower; Remove thy stain. Then shall we sing of thee,-- "Land of the noble free, Thy name we love." Ours too this land so bright, Ours, Freedom's holy light; Protect us by its might Just God above! Rosa Hazard Hazell St Neots Hunts - 10th June My dear Friend, It is a very long time since a letter from you had greeted me - I trust you are not ill. - I have been under [*3168*]The care of a first class oculist since last January for a singular afliction of the eyes termed "hemorhage arteries" _ It greatly interferes with my correspondence or rather with the length of my letters _ but I have still the gratification of reading my friends' letters - & there has seemed a strange blank of late, my dear old friend by none avoiding from you _ So do write to me as soon as you cando so I have had very much to distress me since we entered on the year 1892 - Poor Janes husband ran away from her, early this year & went abroad leaving her penniless. & in a wretched state of health - So "Arthur" & Mattie & I have had a heavyburden upon us in the L. S. D. - line - and in Easter week from Jane departed this life - only 41 - a wasted wretched existence - Arthur followed her to the grave & he & I had to difray expences - Poor Mathi is greatly distressed about her poor sister, forMay supposes, and alltogether we have as yet failed to see "the silver lining to the cloud" though most surely it exists, possibly beyond "mortal ken" - Poor Daisy is troubled with the "temper" - and at times her violence greatly upsets me - a fine looking, good hearted girl - but so very excitable - and then she does not know what she says - Possibly you remember "Wallenstein" a young German in business with Arthur & staying when we were in Glasgow, in Arthur's house. Well! or rather not well! - the trio have made a most disastrous mess of the "partnership" & then the two separated after great losses - I blame Arthurfor coming to London to please Wallerston without having some thing tangible put upon paper & signed London & its suburbs are very expensive places to live in - Jock, dear old friend Frederick you will say this is a dreary letter & possibly it may seem so - "we are all immortal 'till our work is done" - & some day mine will be ended - & "the rest" will remain for ever. - Think of me always as your faithful friend J G Crofts258 Franklin St. Buffalo, N.Y. June 10 - 1892 Dear Helen: Somebody sent me a paper containing an account of your mother's funeral at Honeoye and a few items of her sickness & death - of her children, who with her, etc. I was very thankful to be remembered, and felt a deep sympathy for you and all the children that the "dear blessed, little mother" (that you used to tell me of, in Norfolk) had left to mourn her loss. I am sure it must here been a great comfort to you to have her with your at the last. I hope that the meeting by her death-bed united your paper containing an account of your mother's funeral at Honeoye and a few items of her sickness & death - of her children, who with her, etc. I was very thankful to be remembered, and felt a deep sympathy for you and all the children that the "dear blessed, little mother" (that you used to tell me of, in Norfolk) had left to mourn her loss. I am sure it must here been a great comfort to you to have her with your at the last. I hope that the meeting by her death-bed united your [* 1180 *]your hearts once more in a fellowship with each other that will remain unbroken during your earthly stay. How can it be otherwise? She certainly desired it - and those who loved her, unselfishly, can but follow where she led. I am sorry I could not have seen her - "A mother in Israel" - Dear as she was in her home, her sweet influence was evidently felt in church & society - How Mr. Douglass natural nobility has been exemplified in his own household - under very trying circumstances! I am proud to have him honored wherever he appears - and to know that he is on the platform at Minneapolis, working for the right candidate - and that his appearance everywhere calls for cheers gives me great delight — But where are you? I saw in the papers that Mr. Douglass was in Rochester on Decoration day - with his son, in the Presidents company - so I infer that he did not go home before the convention. What a fight they are having! This morning's Independant takes an article from the N.Y. Sun, which makes Mrs. Blaine the leader of her husband in his erratic movements. Have you seen it? She is as sincere as intense - I think the death of her children has made her insane - I never have liked what I have heard of her -[* L. A. Woodbury To F. Douglass *] The article represents Harrison & Blaine as getting along well together. But Mrs. Blaine hates the President and charges him with the death of Walker! Am I bringing coals to Newcastle? I certainly am letting my pen run away - & I'll stop it. I imagine Jenny & you are keeping the Castle in the king's absence, n'est ce pas? What is the use of asking questions when I know you will not answer them - no, not one? I some expect to visit Haine next month - . She don't mention E.K. now. Dan returns to his old position when he leaves Princeton the last of June. Salary $1800.00June 10, 1892 2 of 2 Mrs. Taylor still lives! and the rest are anchored till her departure. How very sad is her position - to hold all those young folks, necessarily, in exile (?) not from home, but from surroundings that would develop & satisfy them. No complaints from them - If I go there you can imagine me for a time domiciled in Mrs. Taylor's front chamber, running over to [Haine's?] for meals, water, etc & running down to Mrs. Taylor if a thunder shower comes up in the night! What am I going for? Change and to see the - dear ones I love so much - May be you are in the Honeoye home with [Jenny] or, has that place been sold? Why won't you write, say next week & tell me where you are?[*Give much love to your sisters - & take the love & sympathy & congratulations of yours, sincerely, L.A. Woodbury. Give my kindest regards to your noble husband*] Mrs. Taylor if a thunder shower comes up in the night! What am I going for? Change and to see the - dear ones I love so much - May be you are in the Honeoye home with [Jenny] or, has that place been sold? Why won't you write, say next week & tell me where you are?[*Give much love to your sisters - & take the love & sympathy & congratulations of yours, sincerely, L.A. Woodbury. Give my kindest regards to your noble husband*] I always feel that I am casting my bread upon the waters, when I write to you - or kicking awfully hard against nothing because I get no response - Please kick back! A fight is preferable to this. I am not swearing in those blanks but am despairing of doing justice to my feelings - To change the subject. Row & Florence called here the other day. They were not invited here to the receptions after my nephew's marriage - & I told them why - Row has never returned my sister's calls, that she made with me - Row begins to see that she is depriving Florence of society & so has begun a different course - They are all well - Clayton & Row & baby are going to the farm soon - Florence and Rob. stay here I find Florence a very bright girl - more intellectual than her mother - She needs to be separated from Row for development - Hotel Fredonia Washington June 13th 92 Mr & Mrs Douglass - Dear Friends, I am preparing to leave the city in a few days and would like to see you before I go -- Will you not come here and lunch with us, or [send?] [Fred?] in the after noon? I cannot offer you a sumptuous repast, but we can make it out with a "Flow of soul" -- Wine not being admissable - Mrs. Ora Lang home of Culpeper -- formerly of Lynchburg -- wants to meet Mrs Douglass [*1182*]and he'll meet you here. Please tell me if you will come and when - I shall be here till Thursday P.M. - With pleasant remembrance of my visit in your home, and kindest regards, I am Yours [?] Lessy T Meyerthe State of Louisiana County of Terrebonne June 14th 1892 To the Hon. Fred. Douglas My Dear Sir and friend we write you these few lines. As you are the hero of the poor Colored Race thus down troden in the South by the enmys that opreses us day & night and are Cruelly treated by bad government. My Dear Sir Mr Douglas we call you attention as you is our great Statesman. And further more we feels that it is our duty to inform your of these Great wrong that have been heaped upon our Poor Race in the South, the facts have never been told how the Poor Colored People have suffered and are suffering for the want of Protection even at their little homes. My Dear Sir to just think we are not Even allowed to call our Ballot nor either to own our names As Republicans if so we are driven from home As dogs and not to return until our Enmys wants us to return after they have did all they want to do, my Dear Sir what a shame in the way we are treated. we have writen to [*1181*]President Harison some time ago because he can do us some good Even in his message to Congress in regard to this out Rage that cramp us both day & night we have no one to represent us in Congress from Louisiana Especially we poor colored people Please to try and have some conversation with the President in the name of god for we poor creatures in the south in order that god may send him as he sent Moses to lead children from the terrible hand of the Enmys you can Publish this in the paper As we are afraid to Sign our names from yours friends now And for alwaysMarine Barracks Navy Yard, Washington D.C. June 15th, 1892 this out Rage that cramp us both day & night we have no one to represent us in Congress from Louisiana Especially we poor colored people Please to try and have some conversation with the President in the name of god for we poor creatures in the south in order that god may send him as he sent Moses to lead children from the terrible hand of the Enmys you can Publish this in the paper As we are afraid to Sign our names from yours friends now And for alwaysMarine Barracks Navy Yard, Washington D.C. June 15th, 1892 Dear Mr. McKinley; I have been disappointed in not receiving the money I expected to-day: but will positively assure you that I will take up my paper before the end of the current month. I send you enclosed herewith the interim $11.25 for this month. I sincerely hope this will prove entirely satisfactory: please let me know by to-night's mail so that I will have in the morning. Very truly etc., J. Glover Filletti W.McKinley Esq. [* 3119 *]New York. 15 June, 1892. My dear Mr. Douglass, I duly received your letter of the 4th inst. and noted the contents - I am not a little flattered that you approve of what work I have been able to do for our Commission - but as I have more to report, I must await your further concurrence. In the first place I have [had] deemed it necessary to address Mr. Wm E. Curtis the letter, copy of which I enclose. - I am as yet without any acknowledgement of the same! Then I have been [for] the passed fifteen days in "pour-parlers" with different architects for plans and specifications for the Haytien Pavillion [*1191*]2 at the Exposition. - The result of whichall was that I found that the National Architects' Union of Philadelphia and New York, best responded to the ideas of our Government's design. — To them, therefore, , I have thought it best to entrust the care of drawing the plans and making the specifications. — They will undertake the entire affair — subject, of course, to our superiors. — Should their designs and estimates fail to obtain our Government's approval, I have agreed, as per copy of letter enclosed & addressed to this association, that the Government will pay Seventy five dollars ($75.00) for the plans etc - furnished by these gentlemen. — I shall abstain from any description of the building for which these plans are being prepared3 except to say that we will not be ashamed of Haïtis quota to the World's Columbian Exposition. These plans and all that pertain to them will be ready on Saturday next. I shall forward them to you - and they will speak for themselves. - The last mail from Haïti arrived here on Monday of this week. but brought no communication for this Commission. - My father writes me, however, that perfect tranquility reigns in the Republic - that there has been a fire at Port-au-Prince, in which only one house was destroyed. This house was occupied by Mr Clement4/ Haentjens and belonged to my family - He further tells me that we may soon expect a new cabinet - but this, as you know, does not mean anything violent - shall forward them to you - and they will speak for themselves. - The last mail from Haïti arrived here on Monday of this week. but brought no communication for this Commission. - My father writes me, however, that perfect tranquility reigns in the Republic - that there has been a fire at Port-au-Prince, in which only one house was destroyed. This house was occupied by Mr Clement4/ Haentjens and belonged to my family - He further tells me that we may soon expect a new cabinet - but this, as you know, does not mean anything violent - I trust that the outside excitement which made Minneapolis the focus of all attention, has had no other effect than to see you back contented at "Cedar Hill". - I am, my dear Mr Douglass, with best remembrances to your wife, Always very sincerely yours Chas A. PrestonCopy Exposition Universelle de Chicago - Commission Haïtienne - New York - 9 June, 1892. Wm E. Curtis Esq. In charge Latin- American Section World's Columbian Exposition - Washington D. C. - Sir, During the stay of myself and Mr Douglass at Chicago - we presented ourselves at the offices of the administration of the Exposition where we were cordially welcomed by the Chief of the Foreign Affairs Department -- After our interview with the Hon. Walker Fearn we proceeded to the Exposition grounds where ample facility was afforded us to inspect the progress of the buildings now in course of erection thereon. - On our return from Jackson Park, Mr Douglass being prevented, I endeavored to meet Mr Davis and succeeded in paying my respects to the Director General. - In the course of our interview I was informed [*3031 Enclosed with Chas Preston to F. Douglass June 15, 1892: Chas Preston to WM. Curtis June 9, 1892- 1 of 2 JRA*] by the Director General that that very morning he had signed allottments of spaces in the various exposition Departments from the Republic of Haïti. Colonel Davis, however, mentioned the fact that he was yet undecided as to whether Haïti should be granted the site originally assigned to The Argentine Re[plic]public or as to the giving us of Chile's emplacement. He called my attention to the diagrams and maps, pointing out the advantages of either site for the erection of our Pavillion. - The Director-General positively assured me that one or the other of these sites would be immediately accorded to the Republic of Haïti. - - This Commission is as yet in possession of no official reply to the application for space it had the honor to make through you. - But replying on the assurances I personally received from the Director General, our Government has been advised by us that our application had been granted. It is the earnest desire of my Government that our Pavillion be completed or the exterior at least, before the2 inaugural ceremonies that will celebrate the 400th anniversary of the discovery of America in October next. I have the honor, therefore to request that you kindly advise this Commission of the decision of the Director General as to the spaces that are finally assigned the Republic of Haïti. - I have the honor, Sir, to be your very humble and obedient servant (signed) Charles A. PrestonCopy Exposition Universelle de Chicago - Commission Haitienne - New York. 15 June, 1892 E. S. Child Esq. Manager National Architects' Union - New York City - Sir, Referring to our various conferences on the matter of erecting a government building for the Republic of Haiti on the grounds of the World's Columbian Exposition - I have the honor to say that the plans such as we have discussed there appear to me to be acceptable. You are hereby authorized to make the drawings and specifications for such a building, subject to the approval of my government. - On this approval you will contract to undertake the work - but should my government reject your plans then the government of Haiti will pay you for them at the rate of seventy five dollars ($75.00/00) net. - [*3033*]I have the honor to be, sir, Your very obedient servant (Signed) Charles A Preston Haytien Commissioner. to say that the plans such as we have discussed there appear to me to be acceptable. You are hereby authorized to make the drawings and specifications for such a building, subject to the approval of my government. - On this approval you will contract to undertake the work - but should my government reject your plans then the government of Haiti will pay you for them at the rate of seventy five dollars ($75.00/00) net. - [*3033*]I have the honor to be, sir, Your very obedient servant (Signed) Charles A Preston Haytien Commissioner. [*Enclosed with Chas. Preston to Douglass June 15, 1892 J R H*]Republican State Executive Comm., Petersburg, VA., Oct. 15th, '90. Dear Sir: - Yours of the 20th inst, is just received, in which you say the party or the voters in your bailiwick are not for Langston, and you want to know if I am for Langston. Langston is not the nominee of the party, nor shall I vote for him, and for the following reasons:, 1st. That Langston is honestly no more a Republican than the Democratic nominee. 2nd. That Langston is a bolter and disorganizer, and let the Democrats use him in 1888 to defeat our regular Republican nominee for Congress in this district, and by which he gave the State to Cleveland against Harrison. 3rd. That Langston, in that case, ran for Congress outside of the party, openly defying both the Republican State and National Committees, and openly declaring that if he could not himself be elected that the Democratic nominee should be. 4th. That Langston threatened the Republican nominee in the Richmond District, Judge Waddill, that unless he repudiated the opposition of the State Executive Committee (of which Judge Waddil was a member) against him, - that unless he (Judge Waddill) repudiated the regular Republican nominee in this district, -that he (Langston) would invade the Richmond District and do his best to elect the Democratic candidate there too. 5th. That Langston made his canvass on the hurtful race issue, arraying black against white and this in direct opposition to the efforts of the Republicans to put down that issue in our politics as injurious no less to the two races than to the welfare of the State. For that reason I was, and am still, opposed to Langston, and do not know of any person whose conduct and teachings has done, or could do, the colored race an equal amount of injury. Besides, he is not a bona fide citizen of this State and has no real share or lot in their affairs, and he has done nothing to claim the recognition of either the colored or white people. He is, all told, a political imposter, only desiring, by incendiary appeals to race, to gratify his insane vanity and selfish ambition. I can imagine no greater calamity that could possibly befall the proper relations and interests of the Republican party and the general welfare than the election of Langston. Of consequence, it seems to me, that Republican party duty should inspire every honest effort of the defeat of this insiduous enemy to the Republicans - the peace and common weal of the District and State. Respectfully, Mahone.Petersburg Va. June 17th 1892. Hon Fredrick Douglas. Washington D.C. Dear Mr Douglas: Recalling the very agreeable conversation that we had together on the stage at the recent Minneapolis Republican Convention, and complying with the promise I then made to you- I hand you enclosed copy of General Mahones letter on Langston which the General himself had printed and distributed throughout the State of Virginia during the Congressional Campaign of 1890. As to myself and the part that I have taken since the end of the war as Virginia Republican in behalf of the people of your race, I do not deem it all necessary to advise you. You will doubtless will remember the fact that I presided over and introduced you to a very large audience on the 4th of July 1867, I think, at Portsmouth Va, and since that time, about twenty-five years ago, on account of my position in the Republican Party I have been enabled to do many favors for the colored people. It is, without egotism I believe, admitted by all here familiar with the history of Virginia politics that I have provided more colored Republican in behalf of the people of your race, I do not deem it all necessary to advise you. You will doubtless will remember the fact that I presided over and introduced you to a very large audience on the 4th of July 1867, I think, at Portsmouth Va, and since that time, about twenty-five years ago, on account of my position in the Republican Party I have been enabled to do many favors for the colored people. It is, without egotism I believe, admitted by all here familiar with the history of Virginia politics that I have provided more colored [*1183*]men with positions of prominence than any other Virginia Republican. During the campaign of 1888 in this Congressional District I had charge of Langstons campaign and at great sacrifice and heavy pecuniary loss I stood by him to the end. According to his own admissions , frequently made in public, and by numerous letters from him to myself, had it not been by my management and direction he would not have been elected to Congress. He was then and afterwards profuse in his compliments towards me, and I am free to admit that his praises were at times, so extravagant as to embarrass me. In his contest for a seat in Congress I was his leading counsel and had associated with me at different times nine other Attorneys-at-Law. The services rendered in that contest are of record as shown by the voluminous proceedings before the Committee on Elections of the House of Representatives. The testimony and briefs in this case, mainly my work, and all of it performed under my advice and direction, consists of 1500 pages of printed matter. In supporting Langston I took my life in my own hands, and no one knows the sacrifices I made for him, and in his interests. I have never had an unkind nor an unfriendly word with him. In 1890 he returned to the District, brought together a number of his colored friends and had himself nominated for Congress as a Negro, and announced his determination to make the fight upon the race issue alone, and without regard to the wish of any white Republican. I advised him in a letter that he could not win in any such contest and declined to give him my support. In this action I was sustained by the National Republican Committee, and by the friends of the Administration at Washington. Since then Langston has devoted his time and his efforts against me. He has abused and denounced me without rhyme or reason, but I have paid no attention whatever to him. He is unquestionably one of the most deceitful, unreliable, and the worst man, white or colored, I ever had dealings with. he does not appear to know what friendship or gratitude is, and I do not think him worthy of the respect or countenance of any honest man. As you have stated to me General Mahone informed you of his (Langstons) treatment of him it is unnecessary for me to dwell further upon the subject. You are at liberty to make such use of this letter as you think proper. Very truly yours Jas. D. BradyCharles A Preston [C]Commissioner of Haïti to the World's Columbian Exposition Cedar Hill, Anacostia, D.C. June 18, 1892 My dear Sir: I have duly received your several communications connected with our respective missions in our quality of Commisioners of Haiti to the World's Columbian Exposition. You did well to take the iniative in securing plans and specifications for the proposed Pavillion of Haïti to be placed in the Exposition Grounds. This has not been done one moment too soon and I even now seriously fear that we cannot secure the approval of such plans and specifications, by the Haïtian Government, in time to have the Pavillion ready for the opening of the Exposition in October. I entirely approve your letter to Mr. William E. Curtis, and knowing that gentleman's usual promptitude I am surprised that you have received no reply. I have just now returned from Minneapolis [*1075*]2 specifications for the proposed Pavillion of Haïti to be placed in the Exposition Grounds. This has not been done one moment too soon and I even now seriously fear that we cannot secure the approval of such plans and specifications, by the Haïtian Government, in time to have the Pavillion ready for the opening of the Exposition in October. I entirely approve your letter to Mr. William E. Curtis, and knowing that gentleman's usual promptitude I am surprised that you have received no reply. I have just now returned from Minneapolis [*1075*]2 and passed a day at Chicago, on my way home. I found [that] the Exposition Grounds a scene of activity greater than that we observed there during our late visit. It would have been very gratifying to me to have seen going on there something in connection with the Republic of Haïti. Tardiness on our part cannot fail to be noticed to our disadvantage, but we can do nothing in the matter until our Government shall authorize us to accept and act upon plans and specifications for our Pavillion. It will not do for us to assume pecuniary obligations for which no provision is made or authorized by the Government of Haïti. I am now prepared to devote my whole time and energies in the service to which we are equally appointed by the Government of Haïti and regret that we cannot confer together personally on all matters pertaining to our mission. Hoping that we shall soon hear of favorable action on the part of the Honorable Secretary of State of Public Works of Haiti. I am, sir, with profound esteem, Your obedient servant, Frederick DouglassLetter to Chas. A. Preston. June 18, 1892 Acknowledging letter and covering Pavillion Plans. [*2 of 2*]Washington D.C. June 18" 1892 Wm. McKinley Esq. Dear Sir: Please accept the enclosed amount. I can't do better a combination of circumstances seem to be against me. I will try to meet you the next time. Messers Catlett & Polite are standing by me. Very respectfully J. Albert Wilson 3084CEDAR HILL, ANACOSTIA, D.C. JUNE 21, 1892 Honorable Benjamin Harrison, President of the United States: SIR; Three and a half years ago the Government of the District of Columbia, having in its hands four thousand dollars ($4000.00) appropiated for grading and paving Jefferson street, Anacostia, D.C., so performed its work in front of my property, as to destroy my front entrance and cut me off from the street, to which I now have only a round a bout access. I have repeatedly called the attention of the Honorable Commissioners to the wretched condition in which they have left my property, and they have repeatedly assured me tha they would give it their attention, but from some cause they have done nothing about it. That they have recognized the existence of the damage is proven by their asking Congress for the sum of two thousand dollars ($2000.00) to remedy it. I have thought that a word from yourself to the Honorable Commissioners might induce them to give speedy attention to the matter and induce them to do something for my relief, especially as they have assured me that they intend to do me right and justice. to the wretched condition in which they have left my property, and they have repeatedly assured me tha they would give it their attention, but from some cause they have done nothing about it. That they have recognized the existence of the damage is proven by their asking Congress for the sum of two thousand dollars ($2000.00) to remedy it. I have thought that a word from yourself to the Honorable Commissioners might induce them to give speedy attention to the matter and induce them to do something for my relief, especially as they have assured me that they intend to do me right and justice. I have the honor to be Your obedient servant, (signed) Frederick Douglass. [* 3020 *]Cedar Hill. Anacostia. D.C. June 21. 1892 Dear Mrs Walters: The noise of the great convention and the constant demand upon my time and attention [wh] would have made any meeting with you hasty and imperfect. I have now been at home four days and have not yet gotten over the strain put upon my nerves by that great meeting. The handshaking alone was a tax upon my nerves. While I could not but be highly gratified by the kind attentions showered upon me by the many old & new friends I met there I was glad to leave. [*1088*]Minneapolis for the quiet of home - i do not stand the excitement of the crowd as twenty five years ago. While I regret that I did not see more of you I am glad to have seen you at all - and to have found you looking so well. Time seems to have touched you more tenderly than it has me. I now hear myself referred to as the "old man" and cannot resent or deny - my grandchildren are grown up. and one of them tells me she is 27 years old. My daughter will be fifty - three in three days from now. So You see that with such evidence against me I cannot claim to be young anymore. Still there is some work in me - and surely there is much work to do in the line I have pursued during more than fifty years. I have heard nothing from Lockport since reaching home. I was much shocked to hear that your sister Mary was ill. She has been the healthy one of your family and I hope to hear she has regained her health. I have seen neither of your sisters at any time during the last eight or nine years - Mr. Frank called upon me once while he was goingto school in PennsylvaniaHe made a very favorable impression for himself upon us all. I am to spend about six months in Chicago during the World's Columbian Exposition. I am one of the Commissioners of the Republic of Haiti. If you should visit the Exposition I should hope to see you.- May the blessings of Heaven attend attend you always Yours Sincerely Frederick Douglass Shall be glad of a line from you always 218 New Jersey Ave, S.E. June 24th [*1892*] Mrs. Frederick Douglass - Dear Madame - The present address of Mrs. A. L. Mayo is Harper's Ferry - Please say to Mr. Douglass that though I especially "desired" to see him, at the time I wrote, to have his opinion on a certain political & humanitarian question, I shall always be glad to see his once familiar face - shall be pleased and honored,if he will call on some Monday afternoon or evening the only hours when I can promise to be at home. without a special engagement But I do not want him to come without he "desires" to do so - for the sake of our old old friendship. You I should have called on, with my sister, if I had been strong enough. Washington climate seems very unfriendly to me - making me both asthmatic & rheumatic all the time - and not being one of the 'carriage people", I make very few calls. [* 1186*] With regards to Mr. Douglass, I remain, yours truly Grace Greenwood1013 T st Washington DC June 24th 92 I do not want him to come without he "desires" to do so - for the sake of our old old friendship. You I should have called on, with my sister, if I had been strong enough. Washington climate seems very unfriendly to me - making me both asthmatic & rheumatic all the time - and not being one of the 'carriage people", I make very few calls. [* 1186*] With regards to Mr. Douglass, I remain, yours truly Grace Greenwood1013 T st Washington DC June 24th 92 Friend Douglass I certainly do not remember ever using any expression that could be construed as supporting prejudice against the colored people as a race that I do not feel & am likely to express against white people whose conditions of characters are the same and I have twice wondered at some remarks of yours that indicated the supposition that I had such prejudice. I do not believe that you are freer to meet & talk socially with any & all good respectable people than I, and I believe you like me would strive to avoid all low vile creatures no matter what the complexion. Let me tell you something of my history as an antislavery man. I was born & raised on the great lake Erie Ridge Road trading from Buffalo to Cleveland along Lake Erie. When I was 8 years old a middle aged colored man came to my house and sought food & shelter. My grandfather an old revolutionary soldier received & fed him. & kept him in an upper chamber till night then taking me with him my grandfather went to what had been the first family dwelling (log cabin) there filled in its upper story with a crop of flax in the story, & he prepared a space & placed in it blankets & a pillow for a siege (which lasted ten days). fixed a good hole up when I could climb & carry food & water, & at Dusk the man was conducted to his place & told not come Down or out except quite in the night & then to be very careful about being seen. I was Deputed to wait on him, and all others to keep away so as not to attract any attention & the passage up into the loft was made very blind. That arrangement proved well planned & a perfect success. [*Satifyers*] . circulars describing the man & offering 200.00 reward followed [*1185*]& were posted all along the highway & agents enquiring frequently if he had been seen. Next day about noon a courier with power of atty & all legal proof that somebody owned my man, & with larger hand bills & $300 reward appeared. My grandfather kept the only public house for several miles on the road and the pompous agent ordered oats for his horse & a Dinner for himself both of which orders were being executed. When our Agent inquired, Mr Holmes, have you seen any thing of a runaway slave about here or passing. I was bye & listening & wondered how any grandfather who was a presbyterian Deacon, (& I knew he would not lie) would answer, & I trembled for my pet in the loft on the floor, == seen a slave, what is a slave? A Runway negro from Virginia owned by Mr Blank & described in this circular & them $300 offered for him. = A slave owned by Mr blank of virginia, and is he a man. I did not know one man could own another, said my grandfather, I have not seen a slave in all my life & if I did see one I'd help him to be free if I could. The agent with a great oath or a lot of them says, bring out my horse & do what you will with the Dinner. I'm D'd if I stop or eat in such a place as this, grandfather refused pay for food or Dinner. The agent lost track of his slave Rode to Buffalo & back cursing Deacons & Antislavery men in general. = I made his acquaintance 20 years later at Meadwell Pa & told him how I had wig'd him out of $300 & helpt a man to his freedom in canada, when my grandfather heard the Captain of a lake schooner to land him at Fort Erie. I never forgot my early training and as I am at it I will write more whether you read it or notTo carry out my prejudices against slavery (not against color) I have spent more than three times as much as all that I am worth now, about 1833 I went into arrangements with a family of millers near Youngstown, Ohio to receive fugitives on the west side of French Creek four miles below Meadville Pa & forward them on to a station of Friends, 6 miles south of Waterford & for two years it was a pretty well traveled road. till over 60 Extra smart colored persons assisted to their manhood & womanhood in the Kings Dominions. I believe they were all grateful & became prosperous. it was the smartest & best that got away. It required secrecy tact & I think some bravery to to pursue that kind of engineering. The Shasplesses were quakers they were rich & the four sons knew their business, owning large mills & sending flour over 100 miles of country. they laid their plans as deliberately for freeing men as they did in selling bread stuffs. it was a pretty well traveled road. till over 60 Extra smart colored persons assisted to their manhood & womanhood in the Kings Dominions. I believe they were all grateful & became prosperous. it was the smartest & best that got away. It required secrecy tact & I think some bravery to to pursue that kind of engineering. The Shasplesses were quakers they were rich & the four sons knew their business, owning large mills & sending flour over 100 miles of country. they laid their plans as deliberately for freeing men as they did in selling bread stuffs. They had one ask of a wagon for four or 5 horses that had a Double bottom. well stuffed & bedded below where four or five men could be very comfortable & none but the driver knew the way in and out of the cabins & it was filled about with bags & barrels & was so nicely managed that for over two years it was used & the proslavery public never Detected or Discovered it. I think they carried over two hundred, some to Cleveland some to Ashtabula, & some to my home. Now one instance, about prejudice. Mrs Holmes father & one of her brothers was in this scheme with me, & his large barn & hay mow became the resting place for many fugitives. till the Danger of pursuit passed bye. Once four extra inteligent persons two men & wives were brought to us & we had to wait a week beforewe dared try move them when a schooner was to be at Erie to receive them. We had some good friends in Meadville who had never seen any escaping slaves & we invited 7 or 8 down (4 miles) to a Dinner & it was got up in good old Thanksgiving style on a large table. Our colored brothers & sisters were brought in & introduced & seats for them & which at first they declined to take but proposed to wait till the white had Dined. Mrs. Holmes' fathers reply was characteristic of the stuff that crowd was made of. said he "there are seats enough & food enough for all but if any body waited or fasted it would be us & not you" & they did sit & were feasted & they were treated like brothers & friends. one of the women afterward allowed her back to be Bared & showed where over 20 lashes had been brutally inflicted. Renewed vows of Eternal Hostility to slavery were made & we all felt happy that something had thus been done. I kept track of these people thus emancipated & twelve years later visited & Dined with one of the families in Toronto Canada. They lived in their own House & seemed very well to do. He was a carpenter I suppose I have more time to write than you have to read & I write badly. I am proud of my antislavery record & I respect all colored people & in fact all people who respect themselves or make themselves respectable & I know how to make allowances for the condition the system of Slavery left the colored people in. The Best way to mend all is a problem because we have an Element of badness that we cannot yet control & I am afraid it will outlast our lives. Your Friend Joseph E Holmes558 Ellis St., Augusta, Ga. June 24, 92. Hon. Frederick Douglass, Dear Friend: It is indeed a pleasure for me to write you and I write to put a "little bug" in your ear, and request that that "bug" goes in no one's ear, but your grand daughter Hattie B. In all probability there will be a quiet wedding in 3 weeks, and if I mistake not, your humble friend will be one of the principal actors. Do you disapprove of this, after I have devoted nine years to my people? With love to you + Miss H.B.S. I am, Very truly, Frederick Douglass, Dear Friend: It is indeed a pleasure for me to write you and I write to put a "little bug" in your ear, and request that that "bug" goes in no one's ear, but your grand daughter Hattie B. In all probability there will be a quiet wedding in 3 weeks, and if I mistake not, your humble friend will be one of the principal actors. Do you disapprove of this, after I have devoted nine years to my people? With love to you + Miss H.B.S. I am, Very truly, Amy C. Warren. [*1184*]Coneygar Villa Bridport June 26 Dear Mr. Douglass I hope to get a small volume of sermons & other papers of Mr. Carpenter's published before very long, and my dear friend Miss F. E. Cooke of Birkenhead is writing a short memoir, which is to preface the book. I write now to ask if you would object to her quoting in it part of the beautiful letter you sent me on hearing of the death of your old friend? it shows such a 1187warm & true appreciation of him that I as well as Miss Cooke should like it to appear in the volume; - but if you would rather that it did not, please to say so, & your wish will of course be attended to. I am now occupied in copying the sermons which I have selected for publication, as the originals would often be puzzling to the printer, from corrections, & alterations & sometimes illegible writing. If the book ever comes out I shall of course send you a copy. You will understand I am sure that my home & life seem changed & desolate, tho' I have very many dear & kind friends, sisters, nieces, & others - but no one can fill the sad blank - or know what he was to me. I hope that you & Mrs. Douglass are both well - & all those who are nearest & dearest you. Ever very sincerely your friend Mary Carpenter.U. S. SENATE CHAMBER WASHINGTON, D. C. June 26 1892 My dear Mr. Douglass August 3d at Concord N.H. a bronze statue of John P. Hale will be unveiled in the State House yard, presented by me to the State. Col Daniel Hall will deliver the principal address. Will you deliver a 20 minute or half hour address and please everybody. Yours Truly W E Chandler Mr Fred Douglass 1421 I Street [* 1188 *]Exposition Universelle de Chicago COMMISSION HAITIENNE 72 West 19th Street - New York - 29 June, 1892 My dear Sir & Colleague, I enclose, herewith, the original of despatch No. 776, addressed to us by the Department of Agriculture. I also enclose its english text - and I send for your endorsement the government's check for three thousand dollars - our favor. Kindly return, by first mail - the original letter and the check endorsed - so that I may effectuate payment. There are two other despatches addressed to us - which with an English text I will [*1190 Inclosed June 29 -1892- Preston - Frederick Douglass*] forward to you tomorrow. - I do not think it necessary that our Secretary be given, for the present, communication of the despatch Enclosed. - On the payment of our remittance I will take train for Washington [and] to personally confer with you. In the meantime, however, I would suggest that you see the Hon. Mr. Curtis on the subject of my letter to him - this is important. I am my dear Sir and Colleague Very Sincerely yours Chas. A. PrestonCopy translation Via Havana Port au Prince - 17 June - 1892. Messieurs the Commissioners, Conformably with my letter of this day, which announced to you an early remittance of funds - I hasten to transmit, under this cover, the 1st of a draft for — Three Thousand Dollars ($3,000.) three days right - on the firm of G. Amsinck Co. of New York — for a quarter's due of your salaries, expenses, etc.,. Kindly acknowledge good receipt of this remittance and receive my hopes of a happy [success] success of the mission which has been intrusted to you. the Commissioners, Conformably with my letter of this day, which announced to you an early remittance of funds - I hasten to transmit, under this cover, the 1st of a draft for — Three Thousand Dollars ($3,000.) three days right - on the firm of G. Amsinck Co. of New York — for a quarter's due of your salaries, expenses, etc.,. Kindly acknowledge good receipt of this remittance and receive my hopes of a happy [success] success of the mission which has been intrusted to you. Accept, I beg you, Messieurs the Commissioners, the consideration of my very distinguished consideration — (signed) D. Jean Joseph [*[JEAN JOSEPH]*] To Messieurs F. Douglass [abolitionist?] [*3032*]Inclosure June 29, 1892 - Praston - Commissioner.U.S. Senate Chamber Washington, D.C. June 30 1892 My dear Mr. Douglass. My clerk sent you my letter. I meant to have gone in person and to have left the letter in case I did not find you. I go to Concord today to return next week. I hope you will be able to be present August third. I will see you on the subject on my return. Truly Yours WE Chandler Mr. Douglass Cedar Hill [*1189*]
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@misc{rasin:doc:douglass-haiti_mss1187900104, title = {Frederick Douglass Papers: General Correspondence, 1841-1912; 1892, June}, year = {2026}, howpublished = {Rasin.ai, via Frederick Douglass — Haiti Correspondence & Speeches}, url = {https://rasin.ai/document/douglass-haiti_mss1187900104}, note = {Accessed 2026-03-24} }