(Page 1)
I have just received ^read^ thy ^[strange]^ letter from macedon and
have crept up from my sick cough to answer it,
desiring as speedily as possible to remove [from thy] if I can all that
is uncomfortable between us, in the first place I am
sorry and ashamed of having said (though in a jocose manner
something about my inflewance [sic] [with the] I had no thou
ght thee could for a moment think me in earnest, in
that expression – or think that I thought of inflewanceing [sic]
the [sic] in the least by the implied threat as the [sic] calls it, I am
really shagreened [sic] at the thought, that thee should believe
me willing to threat thee in so undignified ^disrespectful^ a manner
but Frederick I shall not pretend to deny that I do wish
to know for my own satisfaction, and to be able to say to
others that I am perfectly satisfied that the donations and
subscriptions to the NS are used for FSs benefit
it was from thyself that the proposition for this Com
came, stating as a reason ^[illegible]tance with book keepings^ thy incompetency and freq
uent absence from home, for which reasons I Seems
to me best that thee should have assistance to do it
^and advocate it for the advantage and thine alone^ but who ever thought of such a thing as the paper
belonging ^to or being under the control of^ any other than thy owne^self^, [sic] or of any other person
being responcible [sic] for its charactor [sic], its debts or [if]
its advantages, beside thyself I know not, I am
sure I never did – But above all it astonishes
and grieves me that the [sic] should think it necesary [sic] to
say “Now if any person thinks that I am
disposing of the public money improperly or
fraudulently the books are open to them” what
have I said that [could have] ^has^ given [such] to such a
thought? As to thy invitation to the com
to examine thy books, I presume it will never be
accepted until opened and proffered by thy owne [sic]
hands, I should consider thy books a [sic] sacred as thy
purse and should as soon think of opening one
as the other and I presume every other member of the
committee will feel the same
(Page 2)
I agree with the [sic]
^[entirely]^ entirely [concede?]
with the thot [sic] it
would be degrading
to the [sic] as a man and
making the [sic] a mere cy
pher in thy owne [sic] [busines] ^affairs^
to give the controll [sic] and
responsibilities of the paper
into the hands of others and I
hope the [sic] never will do it, [but] to have
two or three friends ^[illegible] to call upon^ to assist the [sic] in it looks to me
like a very different thing now my dear friend if
I have not clearly asked pardon for my errors and explained
my vews [sic] of the whole matter, I beg of the [sic] to be kind
enough to let me know it, if at any time I have appeared
to be deficient in interest for the welfare of the AS cause the NS
and last tho [sic] not least for thy self, [I believe] I have acted
as wide as the poles from my true judgment and feelings
It is for thy
It is for thy
10
311
412
513
[Text upside down, bottom of page]
Julia & Eliza Griffith are seting [sic] us a glorious example on
this depart^ment^ of our A S work, and I pray that they may
continue to ^nobly^ bear all the reproach that pro Slavery invention
may [reap] ^reflect^ upon them
and and
should you continue to give us your countenance
(which I hope ^for the cause sake^ you will, [for the good of the] North I look
every as we fo that it is one of the most important
^[illegible]^ instrumentalities in the country – on [illegible] position
of all others in which its magnanamous [sic] Editor can
do the greatest amount of good) we have applyed [sic] our
energies ^mainly^ to its support
I returned home yesy fatigued but refreshed in spirits
we have [comprised?] ^accomplished^ the fourth, entirely to satisfaction
(Page 1)
The Educator. What is it? It is the Title we have
chosen for out Lycium Monthley [sic]. and what is its object?
It is to give all of us an opportunity to learn, by practice and
study, how to express our thoughts, and ideas in writing.
None of us are too young or too old to commence the study
of this very useful, and beautiful accomplishment. All the
great thinkers, who have furnished us, and the world, with
so many valuable books, have served an apprenciceship[sic] in
obtaining this art. No doubt, they were unskillful[sic] at first
like some of us, but by persevereance [sic], they have attained a
graceful and easy style of expression, so charming, to all
readers. We are ^all^ very liable, sometime in our life, to find
ourselves, in a position, where it will be imperitive [sic] for
us to write something, and it will be extremely mortifying
not to know how to do it properly, I remember the circumstance
of a young gentleman, who anxiously desired to gain the
esteem and love of a young lady, who had removed some distance
away, this young man had neglected to improve himself in this
(Page 2)
beautiful accomphshment[sic] ^that^ we are talking about, so that he
did not dare to write, fearing that his uncultured style would
be offensive to her fine taste; and, in his dilemma he asked the
advice of an Uncle of mine; he told him, never to write
upon any provocation whatever; but always to go in person
After he had made his several visits, which she had
received with favour; he thought now us he had made
her several visits and the object of them ^was^ understood and
so far settled between them, that it could do no harm to
write, And he did write, and The letter proved fatal to
his cherished prospect ^hopes^.
(Page 1)
I was not a little mortified
with the undignified manner of our report
if it will help it any I would gladly apologize
and say that we promptly attended to business
selected articles according to the best of our
judgment to the amount of 43 dollars 56 cents
and forwarded there by express, for the
transportation of which we paid 25 cents
Amy Post
(Page 1)
Dear Sister and all
I have only a few moments
we had a very pleasant and prosperous
journey to Edmund & M [had?] retired but
bid us welcom [sic] M not quite well, ^they^ talk of
going up to fathers 7 day next took tea
at J Willetts all well called at Andrew's
and saw Esther she and A all of the family
that are at home, called to see Aunt May P
but all shut up, also at Horace Greelys [sic]
and were interested in his wife the Foxs
and Fishes gone out were told they were to
go to Rochester this morning so we shal[l?]
not see them except Catharine, we dined
with her yesterday at a Mr Rolphs, very
splendid place, & people some of them,
no time for particulars we were also at
A S office Fowlers office and Rose St -
Monthly meeting Dr Seamans, &c accomp
lished a great deal in one day for us this
morning we set off for Isaac Rushmores
hope to hear of your welfare soon dear
little Willie I often think of him and hope his
cough will not be troublesome love to all
the household wonder what Ansly's
fate is affectionately Amy
[1] probably means barouche
[1] Probably means barouche
(Page 1)
My Dear Friend
A. M. Powell
Thee will not know
unless I tell thee, that it was the
longing desire of my mind to meet
with you all at the Commemorative
Meeting, but as it did not seem prac
tical, I stayed at home, and waited,
in a hurry, for the A. S. Standards
report of it. which I have now
eagerly read & considered, I ^mainly^ approved,
until I came to the asounding an-
nouncement that the Standard
henceforth was only to be issued
Monthly, The idea of not hearing
from Aaron M. Powell & Wendal [sic] Phillips
only once a month, is perfectly shocking
& not to see the Standard entering our
door, but once a month, fell upon my
living & earnest soul, like the a death knel [sic]
(Page 2)
of a dear [sic], and ever welcom [sic] friend
who had long ministered to our
growth - widened our friendships –
instigated our good works, and
kept the chance bright, that has found
the coworkers so pleasantly Together.
that I feel as if we can hardly be
kept alive without it. We take
many other periodical papers & dailys [sic]
monthlys [sic] & weeklys [sic], but they were
allways [sic] laid aside when the A S. Stan
dard came & that, was first among
them all, a monthly can never
fill its place, it seems to me, and I
hope thee & Mr Phillips, will contrive
some way to let us hear from you every
week, and not go out of sight, like our
revered pioneer, I know I have no reason
to think of such a thing as being possible
excuse me for saying it. I remember thee
spoke of a proposition having been made
to organize a Reform League, something
may come out of that, that will supply
(Page 3)
this great vacancy, which I feel so
much. In reading the proceedings
of the commemorative meeting I was
supprized [sic] that all your speakers should
touch the Woman question so gingerly,
when so many of the speakers, so well
understand the fearful danger of the
procrastination of that theme.
It was the only Thing that made
me feel that we could possibly
spare the organization,
How shall we get our Waterloo
Meeting advertised without the Stand.
I have to day recieved [sic] a letter from
P Dean saying that the it will be
held on the 3rd 4th and 5th of June
I hope thyself & Anna will not fail to
be there, before that _ I hope My husba
nd and I will meet you at the
American Womens Sufferage [sic] Anniver
sary,
(Page 1)
Dear Mary Ann
I sympathize with thee most
deeply in thy great trial, away from all thy relatives
but I hope not from all thy friends, We have tryed [sic]
every way to plan and arange [sic] to have dear Sarah’s
remains brought here for interment, but there
seems to be no way without its costing so much
that it seems to be intirely [sic] beyond our reasonable
duty, if we had it in our power to bury her in Mount
Hope after she was brought here, we should think it
best to bring her down, but they will not allow it-
because she did not die here. I am very sorry, and
I know it will be a great trial to thee, I feel as if
I could not have it so, but after trying every way, I
dont see but we must give it up, The poor Master
of Albion must furnish a coffin a hurs [sic] and a
carriage, and charge the expence [sic] to our county
if they are a mind to- I hope Mr Carter will not
be sick, he is almost tired out, as I know thee is
too, I hope thee wont feel as if it was any disgrace
to have the County furnish the burial, I wish I
could be with you, and help bear the responcibility [sic]
and trial- Thy affectionate sympathiser [sic]
Amy Post
(Page 2)
[Text in top margin, written upside down]
Mary A Pitkin
(Page 1)
Locust Grove at the Paternal
Mansion where we arived [sic]
on 6 day in season to dine, with good health and apetites [sic]
Isaac stoped [sic] at Carl place, we came on to Hicks Ville
and took pasage [sic] in Smith Town Stage, came very unex
pectedly to our friends, Mother not very well got over
done going to Bethpage Mo Meeting, and then fifth day
was up to Johns when theat poor child was burned
and took some cold so, that she looks poorly, but is
up and about mary Dale seems to be at home helping
around – has been very useful so far – we left our
line boat at Palmyra and waited two hours in the
Edictors [sic] office for the packet, when it came it was so
full that Isaac got no mattrass [sic] to lay on but the floor
and hardly space enough of that without encroaching
upon his neighbours [sic] but, he however got sleep enough
to feel prety [sic] well the next day, matilda and I mounted
the top shelf, she slept well and I some, we arived [sic] at
Utica in season for the evening cars, but Nicholas
Hallock and Lewis met us there and gave us so kind an
invitation to stay the night there that we accepted it
we all think Nicholas has got a nice wife and seems
suitable to [sic], she is so large that it gives her an appearance
of more age, his daughters seem like nice girls and
treat her very familiarly as for [us?] we saw I wish Mary
U Post and Sisters would stop and see how nicely, they
seem to live, when they pass through, she enquired
after them, in the morning after a good nights [sic] sleep
and a good breakfast we took the cars and arived [sic] in
(Page 2)
Albany after the usual hour for the steam boats
but found on hurrying down that they lay there wait
ing for us, I suppose we may thank competition
for that good luck, the cause of our detention was
the cars turning out, to try a race in the field, but
they silicted [sic] so muddy a spot that their race was
short, it happened after the Locomotion was detached
near Albany, where the horses are put on, four bagg
-age cars run out our side, right through a board
fence on the inside of which there was a little ditch
dug which the first car stuck fast in and prevented
others from going, one car with pasengers [sic] got partly trim
ed off, but they soon lifted all on again except the
one that was in the mudd [sic], that was broken, wheels
stoor ^up^ through the bottom of the car, they unloaded it
and left it there, we were brought to a stand prety [sic]
sudinely [sic], but no one was hurt - - Lewis and company
were not with us, they had left at Schenectady to take
stage to Troy, made no stop in New York saw no one
we recognized. - - Thus for first day morning
now we are at Henry Willis’s – expecting to go north
John and Mary to Westbury to day, Joseph Post was here
yesterday but we were not quite ready to go home
with him Sister Mary & Phebe are going to Philidelphia [sic]
set out fifth day Isaac will probably go with them
but as trying as it is, I see no way but for me to give
it up & Mother and Sister mary are so compasionate [sic]
to matilda that I should not dare leave her with them
we saw Samuel Hicks at John’s and I like him better
than I expected Elizabeth’s little Sarah is a nice
baby and I believe as heavy as Matilda – all four of us
have colds taken first day, which was ^a^ stormy day but
I hope they will not be very tedious Matilda seems so happy
(Page 3)
as if she was at home rather shy but not affraid [sic] of any
one Rachel says she is quite as pretty as she expected to see her
tell Martha and Fanny she looks very well in her white aprons
and I think every day about what they said about cleen [sic] ones
tell Fanny to not be frightened if the pills give her some
considerable pain, Sister Mary says it is of favourable simp
tom [sic], shews [sic] it is rooting out disease- I hope she will feel enco
uraged to try them – Sister M – tells of several extraordin
ary cures of persons who took them, and our case very semil
ar [sic] to Fannys [sic], of Irisipelus [sic] in the head, and after suffering
extremely a long time, was cured by the Hygean [sic] – we
have not seen Sister Elizabeth yet, mother expects they have
commenced housekeeping by this time. Edmund and
his father are going down this afternoon but he will tell
you all about that – how is Jacobs [sic] car, try to doctor [obliterated]
up , hope the boys will be good, we undist[obliterated]
Lewis and company stayed in New York to meet [obliterated]
first day- what they said or heard said have not heard
Rachel Hicks wished a [minute?] so that if it seemed right
when Philidelphia [sic] Y-M- came, that she could attend it
probably she will attend, Understand George FW- intends
returning his English minute – his communication
at J M last week was about as usual we understand-
Edmund can tell you – I do not think of any thing
worth writing they consider Silas Carl in a
critical situation yet
affectionately [sic]
Amy Post
(Page 4)
Mary H Post
Rochester
(Page 1)
Somers Town 9 Mo 11 1826.
My dear Amy,
I do not know but thou wilt think
me intrusive, but really I feel such an inclination
this morning to write to thee, that I scarcely know how
to withhold. Thou knowest that we, as a people, do not ap-
prove of ceremony. I was aroused very early this morning
by a dear cousin, she called me to look at the planet Saturn
and as we had not seen it this fall, I very readily obeyed
the summons. The sky was unusually clear, and ^all^ around
was still, except the cheerful note of one little bird, which ten[-]
ded to enliven the scene. How do the beauties of the morning
seem calculated to inspire devotion; but alas! dear friend, so
stupid are ^we,^ that the silent invitation of the sweet charms of
nature, is too often extended in vain. They are by no means
confined to the morning; every succeeding hour has its pecu-
liar charm. Then is it not astonishing, that we can be so un-
mindful of Him who only should engross our affections, when almost
every surrounding object, (in the natural world I mean) seems to
speak his name in the most emphatic language? I think
thou seems to answer in the affirmative. We see those beauties
and we admire them superficially; yet as Watts observes,
“But when we go to read his name,
A dimness veils our sight.”
I believe I have dwelt long enough on this subject, which I
confess, is quite too sublime for my pen, but I hope I have
not treated it irreverently. I did not intend to.
Last 2nd day morning, I was very agreeably surprised by the
arrival of brother Joseph. I was surprised because ^he^ came sooner
than I expected him. He will be the bearer of this, & I hope
thou wilt favour me with a few lines by him, for he intends cal-
ling to see thee. I think we shall not reach home in several
(Page 2)
weeks yet, & I wish thou wouldst conclude to go with us. I know of no
female company, & for that reason, I rather dread going, tho’ I have not
suffered much uneasiness on the account. I believe I must close with
desirings to be remembered to the several members of thy father’s
family, not forgetting to include thyself.
I remain thine in extreme haste,
Mary Ann Burkes
[Address at bottom of page, written upside down]
Amy Kirby
Jericho
Long Island
Attention of J. B.
[M. B. 1/24/2018]
Rochester Nov. 5th 1869
My Dear Friend
Lucy Stone
I thank thee most
sincerely for thy kind remembrance
and invitation to attend the
approaching American Womans
Suffrage Meeting to be held at Cleve
land the present month. I assure
thee that it would be a great joy
to me to meet so large a number
of revered men and women in
convention as are appended to
the call, but I find myself asking
the question, have all these wise
Men & Women deliberately agreed to
have this a delegate convention ?
Well be that as it may, allow me to say
that with my present light and
experience I cannot but seriously
regret it, It seems to me like starting
(Page 2)
a grand project with planting the
very seed of death to the movement
What you wish, no doubt, is to
reach the ears and hearts of the
people, and I believe this ^call^ cannot be
done without first causing them to
feel and understand that we accept
them as one with us, and are desired
to come in and work with us, all
alike responsible. I think dear friend
that the spirit of freedom and equality
has grown taken root, and grown
up too tall with the mass of the
people, for them to accept of any
outside position, They surely
will soon grow weary of being seated
out oneside, admitted as mere listen
ers_ no rights_ no vote – no voice
Oh! I do not want to be an
outsider in this glorious cause, I
want to be folded and sheltered in
your beneficent arms and loving
hearts, but now can I go back into
(Page 3)
the bondage of exclusiveness, even
in company with those who I look
up to, as so superior in good word
and works.
Our little Equal Suffrage
association, will meet next Tuesday
when the appointment of delegates
will be presented and considered.
what action will be taken I
cannot say, but we are all quite
tired of the red tape systim [sic] of doing
business.
I trust dear friend, my
freedom of expression will be
received with kindness, as nothing
but my love for the cause, and a
sincere desire to see, and do the right
has prompted me to define my
position.
Very truly & affectionately
Thy friend
Amy Post
Copy-
(Page 1)
Kirby Hall fifth day morning
Isaac is writing and I will add a little
in the first place I have somehow, notwithstan
ding my constant care, got my stomach out of
tone, and this morning, have omited [sic] eating
breakfast, and feel prety [sic] trembling in arms
and lower setting poles as Willet calls them
Notwithstanding the superabundance of water
on the ground, it commenced in the night
to pour down with great rapidity, and conti
nues yet, now eight o clock, the pond is up
about half way across the garden, much enda
ngering the beans and beets seed which are
planted, and now under water, have had a
consultation about let out the pond again
so as to take it some out of the garden, but some
of the family are affraid [sic] of disturbing the
sensitive neighbour and I suppose it will be
left to dry away, We came from Henry s yester
day afternoon, Isaac brought us down on his
way to the post Office, and we called at cousin
Williams, had a pleasant call, did not see Ed
mund though he is so as to come down
and walk the plasa [sic] once or twice a day.
they said he was takeing [sic] a very little medicine
only a doce [sic] of Quinine and a dose of Iodide
and another of Read compound once ^of each^ a day,
we thought for us it would be more than a
very little. Isaac Willis hopes to be well enough
to come home with us next third day, we shall
(Page 2)
probably go down second day Edward Willis
was quite sick the night we stayed there, night
before last, (third day night) and the twins bothe [sic] some
fenvorish, sister Mary better so that she and I walked
out on the new rail road up to the turnpike, where
J Jones told us a stopping place is to be, it looks
like bringing those back woods folks, quite in
town_ the rattle of car wheels, and the unfamiliar
whistle will break in upon their quiet solitude
which has been their fortune, or fate so many
years _ to day is monthly Meeting here, I suppose
we shall not meet acceptably with them, and therefore
think best to keep away _ we stoped [sic] at Westbury when
we came up, and stayed until first day afternoon
Joseph & Mary brought us on here, stoped [sic] a while
at Uncle Willets, and saw them in their new part
John Ketcham called next day to see us, have not
seen any others, myself, Isaac been to see aunt Rachel
with brother John _ and called at Samuel Underhills
Matilda has a troublesome time to rear up her
little turkeys, but with her care has only lost one
out of her hundred, and this morning takes off and ^three^
[her]^other^ hens with I do not know how many more, she
is faithful_ I do not know what ourfolks [sic] would
do without her_ Isaac says he has told you about
our adventure on the north shore among the shell fish
thunder, Lightning, hail, and rain_ wether [sic] we
shall get to see Janes & Elizabeth to day I know not
Vegetation progresses rapidly wheat is a foot or two in
height and rye heading out Joseph girls have commenced
going to school last second day the new school teacher
commenced she came up with us it seems there had been
quite a jealousy left if Joseph had any thing to do with procuring
a teacher he might bring spiritualism with her - well it seems
he was instrumental in obtaining one from beyond Boston
she came with us from N.Y. & while eating dinner before any
thing had been said that I know of she observed she was a medium
for table mooving [sic]. she appeared to know but little about the
subject except the one fact. Many wished nothing said about it to
[Continues upward into right margin]
the neighbors &c [&c?]
December 11 1836 [i.e. 1863]
Contraband Camp Washington
3 o clock P.M. Have been up to
Columbia College Hospital found David
Whycof without difficulty, his eyes are not
well yet – but improving he says, his tent was
quite luxourously [sic] furnished – ten beds – so you
see it must be quite large, we saw them march
down to their dining hall, he had no appetite for
dinner, he was glad to see us, In the after
noon we Mrs Holt and Rev McCross,
(Mrs Lanzs brotherinlay [sic]) went in the Ambu
lance ^with Ann & I^ in search of Harwich Hospital, lost
our way, gave it up and returned to the City
and visited Judiciary Square Hospital, every
thing bore the appearance of good care, found
several N.Y souldiers [sic] – but no acquaintance
one by the name of John Jessup who appealed
so earnestly to us to go to the United Stat [sic] Ageant [sic]
to interced [sic] for him in geting [sic] a discharge, that
we went – The Ageant [sic] recieved [sic] us very politely
and immediately called up a man, giving him his
name, to go and see him, and would do all he could
though he said it was one of the difficult things to
(Page 2)
accomplish – sed [sic] if he did not succeed, he would
put us in a way to see one who had more pour [sic] than
he had, if we have time we shall call again tomorrow
I hope we shall be able to help the poor fellow out
after this call we went to the White house all alone
of course it was somewhat magnifficent [sic], in the
last room there were eight large myrors [mirrors?] – enquired after
the Presidents health, was informed that he was all
about the house the evening before, After this we took
a hasty [sic] run through Layfayett [sic] Park, A fine statue
of him, mounted – stood in the center. By this time it
had got to be about twelve at noon, when our kind
friends came and met us with the little mules and
Ambulance and we took our course toward Arlington
Hights [sic], on old Virginia shore, Crossed rock crick to George
town, thence over an Acquiduct [sic] of the old Ohio canal
into Virginia, rode four or five miles to the Home – being
the splendid mansion once belonging to Richard M
Cox, confiscated property, now used for coloured children
found about thirty already their [sic], we took two ^more^ from
here, the nice wilton carpets, splendid pictures on the
walls &c with ninety acres of land, looked as if they
were very nicely situated – high ground commanding
a splendid view of the Potomac for miles, and camps
covered hills in almost every direction, A Philadelphia
woman, Janet Jackson has the care, she sprang to her
feet, and grasped my hand the second time when she heard
my name, said she had known me ever since she could
remember anything about Antislavery, the little bright
amiable faces of the children and their caretakers, surely
impressed with the idea, that they were the hope of our coun
trys salvation, After makeing [sic] this very interesting
visit, we proceeded to Green Hights [sic], the Arlington Con
traband Camp, It is very extensive and mostly very
comfortable, but many have yet to live in tents, and look
like hard fair, Mr Simmons the teacher, & Dr Webster
and a noble young scotchman took great pleasure in show
ing us around, it is in contemplation to remove this
camp over their [sic] – which seems to me a pity to get so
many together, this is located on the farm of General
Lee, his mansion near by is now Head Quarters of Aju
nt [sic] General Thompson, the pillars of his [plasa [sic]?] are as large
as those of our courthouse, the grounds once beautiful
were all trampled over except a small enclosed
garden, from which I picked some branches
of Ivy which I hope to bring home for Mary, how I
wished she could have been their [sic] with us, the winding
(Page 3)
ride all around the steep hills among the trees
now and then caching [sic] a peep of the river, was
very beautiful – With what longing eyes the old
general and his lady, now in Richmond, must look
back to this splendid home – We called to see Aunt Sa
lly her husband & one son, who were his slaves, she
could hardly find language adequate to express her
sense of horror & scorn of the man, who had delib
erately sould [sic] her nineteen children away from her
she said she belonged Miss Custis, general Wash
ingtons grand daughter, and was her nurse, and
took comfort until she married the infernal
scoundril [sic] Lee – four of her children have returned
one a fine young man a few days before, got home
from Richmond, he thought it very hard times their [sic]
he had been away four years, they never expected
to see him again – now hopes to rest may be alive
and return, she said after Mrs Lee left they burned
up all the slaves quarters except the one they lived
in, did not want to see any more of them, she told
of terrible wipings [sic] &c On another hill, just crost a
gulph to the westward was Fort Oliphant, tents
waggons [sic] and souldiers [sic] innumerable in sight – we
passed another fort by the way side, before we got
their [sic] – At the school Room of the Contraband Camp we
saw Frederick Douglass autograph, which was the
first intimation that he had visited any camps of
the kind, they were regreting [sic] both here and at Alexan
dria that he did not visit them, his meeting here was ^is^
highly spoken of Mr Messer, and officer here, said he saw
several congress men at the door makeing [sic] great effort
to get in, but could not, they stretched up on tipto [sic] and
got in sight and [learning?] after a time, when one turned
to the others and said “Why it is Calhoon for all the
world” his manner and every thing is precisely his”
It is now Sunday evening all asleep but me
on the floor is sleeping a contriband [sic] who has had the me
asles, is quite restless – talking in her sleep frequently
thinks herself pursued, by muderers, Georgianna has
kindly brought her in to try and make her more comforta
ble than she was elsewhere – I hear the guard often walk
by the door, which they seldom lock, no fear that they
will use and distroy [sic] us, as the masters used to feel
This morning we went to the Mount Pleasant Catholic
church to hear the music, it was very fine, not much like
sacred music as it is called, but the more perfect a
thing is, the more nearly divine and sacred it must be
(Page 4)
therefore this must be entitled to that nomenclature
When we returned we had the pleasure of meeting
the famed Mrs Swishelm and her daughter at the
dinner table, She accompanied us in a beaut
ful ride to Mount Pleasant Hospital, I admired
her cheerful yet very kind manner of visiting the
poor wounded and sick men – Altogether I like her
very much, she gave us many very interesting
insidents [sic] of her Hospital labours, how much
suffering she has relieved, We find N.Y. soldiers
in every Hospital, but none that I knew except
Whycof – After our interesting visit to several
wards of this hospital – and seeing one young
man in dreadful convultions [sic] and many
with limbs taken of [sic] five months ago, not heal
ed yet – We went on to another splendid old
mantion [sic] – The Souldiers [sic] Home, where 130
of the old mexican soldiers remain, every
thing around is stately and the grounds beautiful
many buildings attached to the place – chappel [sic]
&c and one is the Presidents summer retreat –
the ride was interesting in the extreme, passed
on our return Carver Hospital, very extensive
situated quite near Columbia College Hospital
we also passed the small but Aristocratic
residence of Mrs Senator Douglass, stands alone
on a steep little green nole [sic], two lyons [sic] laying on
the stoop, cast iron, of course, Well this evening
I went with Mr & Mrs Holt to Channings church
he preached and read his prayer, I spoke to him
he remembered us, and desired love to his Rochester
friends – We do not feel as if our visit to
this great metropolis is quite through yet, we
are so greatly interested, and expecting that this
will be my only visit he[re], I am trying to get Ann
to stay another day or two – intend going to visit
the Smithsonian & Patent Office tomorrow
it is now after one o clock, good night
Thine own Amy
[Text written along left hand top of Page 1]
We are as
busy as bees
going all
the time
so that it
is very diffic
ult to write
White House
Lafayette Park:
Wilton carpets, machine made in England, were luxury carpets known for their “velvet-like” texture
Arlington House was the pre-Civil War home of Robert E. Lee. It was built in 1802 by George Washington’s step grandson, George Washington Parke Custis. Lee married Custis’s daughter, Mary Anna Randolph Custis, in 1831. The Lees lived in Arlington House until the beginning of the Civil War. After their departure he Union Army occupied the house and property. Freedman’s Village, a camp to house newly freed slaves, was established on the grounds in 1863.
Frederick Douglass
Jane Swishelm & daughter
Mt. Pleasant Hospital
Soldiers’ Home and Lincoln
Carver Hospital
Columbia College Hospital
Senator Douglass
William Henry Channing
Smithsonian Institution
Patent Office
(Page 1)
Locust Grove 7th mo 17th 1825
Dear Brother and Sister
I have often wished that I [felt] ^could^ feel
like writing to you, as I believed you would be willing
to heer [sic] from an afflicted Sister, who still lives and
loves you. I was conscious also that I could not give
you any satisfactory account of my poor self – no you
will sorrow to heer [sic] that I have been unwise, and was
not sufficiently prepared with fortitude to meet this
poignant arrow of disappointment. – ah [yes] ^no^ it pierced
me deeply and pains me yet. – and can you wonder
when I have so long confidently looked to the dear, dear,
youth, who you deposited in the cold grave, six weeks
ago to day, as the only source of my earthly happiness
and comfort – Ah yes I had given up home, and
Skaneateles had for months, looked to me, the pleasantest
of any other spot, “beneath the azure sky”, & in anticipating
that it would shortly be my own dear home, I have
been as happy as my heart could wish, and so confidently
have I looked, that it seems as though I had almost
forgotten that I was resting upon any thing mortal
but now alas! alas, these anticipated years of Cliss
where are they, Ah with my precious Charles they
have fallen – Oh! how can I believe it, how can I
realize that he, who I need not be ashamed to acknowledge
to you, that I most sincerely and tenderly loved, has
gone to that country from whose bou[r]rn no traveler
returns Oh it does seem as though it could not be
though I know it must be so, and Oh that I could
bring my mind to feel that I did not wish him here
again – then I might hope to experience the wounds
of woe to be healed – and how deplorably selfish
I must be, when we have so much reason to believe
that he is now so transcendently happy, to what he
could have been here, with me. Oh may I be enabled
more and more to seek of resignation, believing as
you do, that it is the only balm that will permanently
console – and has it not been through the unmerited
mercy of him, who has seen meet, to dispense this bitter
^cup^ that I have been favoured [sic] at times feel a degree of
calmness ^and^ composure [obliterated]nd what my almost
(Page 2)
disponding [sic] heart once expected ever to witness, ah? yes
although he has chastised me I believe his banner over
me is love, and I sincerely desire, that I may ever
feel what I now do, a desire that I may persevere and
stop not short of the true rest, where I shall find
that, which will be an anchor to the soul, and ^to^ keep
me safe through all the storms and tempests that
may be permitted to assail me. Oh it is right that
I should mourn, but not so much for the loss of my
invaluable friend, as for my own errors and folly’s [sic]
this will be bourn to you by the hand of R. Searing who kindly
gave us the information of his going, tell cousin Hannah L
that her letter was very acceptable but she must pleas [sic] excuse me for not
answering at this time my love to them all and should be glad to
heer [sic] from you again the weather here is very dry, but not
quite as warm as a few days ago – the garden looks like the
fall of the year things either dead or dying affectionate sister
Amy
[Text sideways in left-hand margin]
when I heard of my dear Charles es desolution [sic] I soon thought of
the letters I had addressed to him that they would now be expo
-sed but it troubled me but little for I thought I had endevour’d [sic]
to write ^with^ care, but I am well aware that thy will seem very differ
-ent now from what they did when he received them if they are
not a burden to thee my dear Sister I am willing thou should
keep them, as I do not yet want to see them
(Page 1)
[Text in top margin]
Please write soon as our
Mr Weeks told George that he saw George
[Doty?] to day, and he wanted to see George
I suppose he wants business
[Text normal
No 6 Pavonia Place
My Dear Isaac
Many thanks for
thy two kind remembrances, but
I am sorry you should be in any
way uneasy about Willie or me, I
do not know that he has been in
danger of being lost, though he has
been out several times on errands
for Leah, and as far as I know
had no trouble in finding his way
back _ he and Lilly play consta
ntly, together and very pleasantly
Now I will begin back to the
next morning after thee left us
no one but Willie and I went to
Leahs to spend new years, it was
very cold and I kept my large black
wollen [sic] shawl on all the day, there
was a goodly number of their relatives
(Page 2)
assembled and a grand Turkey
and chicken and Oyster dinner
served up about six o clock
tea & coffee added, after tea we
had vocal & instrumental music
and the young folks waltzed & c
thus the day passed with us, I
did not stop to the Dr's that day
but each day since I have been
punctually there every morning
have found myself exceedingly
soar [sic] in my sides and back, and
the Dr has worked faithfully at them
hurt me at times badly, but as I
had faith that it was for my good
I groaned and bore it. I am per-
ceptably [cic] better, so that I am encour
aged to persevere, I stayed at Leahs
until yestereday morning (fifth day
when I came from there to the Dr &
thence here, having Willie to
do errands for Leah and play with
Lilly. he preferring to stay there. they
seem to abound in visitors here, the
(Page 3)
skaneateless sousins [sic] and a cousin
Arthur is also here, the girls are
very lively all together, this evening
they have had their neighbors Weeks
and family, four in number, here,
George came down and suped [sic] with
us, and soon after left again to
go up on the freight train, to be
ready for his service in the morn'g
he does not like his new train very
well, keeps him dodging all the time
on his taps he says, he is at home both
^to^ breakfast and dinner Thy letter
had no date, and the Post mark
looked the most like Jan 2 than
any thing [sic], but I was loth [sic] to think
it had been so long coming - I
think I shall go to James Haviland
first day, and so to hear Beecher
in the evening, I dont know whether
I shall go see Willie tomorrow or not
I have been no where [sic] except as above
named have not felt like visiting
I hope you will get along well and
happily for a little time longer, for
(Page 4)
I feel as if it is important for me
to try and get better ^a while longer^ before I go home
I start every morning as soon as I
get my breakfast, and seldom get back
until after twelve o clock, it is farther
from here and not near as cheap and
pleasant a rout [sic] as from Leah's I
shall go their [sic] again next week;
I will try and call at the Anti Slavery
office, will it be five dollars that I
must pay there? I am sory [sic] to miss
of all of Parkers company and meetings
do give my love to him, and tell him
I hope to get home time to see him some
Send me a Douglass Paper please _
George says he has a pass for Willie
and me to Corning, how kind he is
to us - sorry to hear Jennie was sick. I
wish she could be about a week under
the Dr care. I suppose our folks had
no gathering on new years day as they
said nothing about it. I am glad they
wrote brother John, I feel almost tempt
ed to go up and see them again before
it will cost_ it is good sleding [sic] here
with but little snow, on Broad way [sic]
it is all like sand yet _ Tell susan I
think every day about writing to her but
still put it off, hope to make it all up
when we meet, give my love to all the
household, and to the children as if named
and Edmund & Sarah reserving a very large
share to thy own self _
affectionately thine
Amy
(Page 1)
Rochester 2nd mo 5th 1839
Respected Friend
Thy letter of the 22nd of Dec.^r
was received the next day after its date, the conten
-ce [sic] of which – was quite animating to my then
rather drooping spirits, and I have been hoping
thee would not think it necesary [sic] to be so formal
as to wait for a reply before thee wrote again, but
seeing that it is not likely to be the case I again take
up my pen – I possess so small a portion of that happy
faculty thee seems to fancy, females so generally possess,
(that of conversing and writing when, and whatever they
choose) that my letters I very well know must seem very
dull to a fruitful mind but I will try to write in
good humour even if I touch upon the subject of
Abolition. I hope my letters will not have an
effect to lessen thy good opinion of the talents of my
sex, for I presume there are many who deserve all the
praise the [sic] gave them –
The first of last month Isaac and I went to Aurora
Skaneateles & Genoa, spent three weeks very delightfully
among our old neighbours [sic] and friends Jeffries Hallowell
and his Sarah seemed very happy and recieved [sic] thy god [sic]
wishes and kisses greatfully [sic], they made us a visit previous
(Page 2)
to [our?] going there. Miss Mary Willits came home with
us and Edmund P Willis & Mary H Post set out last seventh
to take her home and make Jeffries & Sarah a visit, soon
after they set off it came on very stormy I fear they have
had a tedious time, and a silent one I conclude as they are
neither of them very communicative, Miss Willits exceedingly
shy of Edmund, all the time she was here I presume she
never raised her eyes to the upper buton [sic] of his vest, Edmund
was pleased with thy prescriptions, invitation &c but fortuna
-tely for him, his walk to the illumination or something
else has entirely restored him to health if he was here
he would have a message for thee, our Jacob H Post has
been very sick but has so far recoverd [sic] as to ride out yesterday
Our neighbour Chapin has lost two beautiful children with
scarlet fever and a third lays very ill – and has the [sic] heard that
little Amy P Grover was laid beneath the sod more than a
month ago, they felt it a great trial to part with their only
daughter – Christina’s health is poor – Peters meeting zeal
I think is rather abateing [sic], Elder Goff [h]is now in there churc
-hing Christina for his declention [sic] she disapprooves [sic] of their
baptizeing [sic] their members, &c -- O I must tell the [sic] of
our invitation to go to England and make a visit, from
John Park – I am quite delighted with it, although hope
scarcely whispers that we shall ever be able to avail ousel
ves [sic] of the pleasure – John Park and family expect to go in
the spring, Mary Dale is undetermined about accompanying
them, her brother advises her to stay, I should be sorry to
losse [sic] her I have been faithful in
(Page 3)
delivering thy messages of love to the young Ladies, Eliza’s
blushes told what reception she gave them, and the Mary’s
less artless, thank thee – – –
Thee speaks of thy old complaint’s continuance
and adds (“wait until I see you,” how provoking, when
no one knows when that will be, I think thee had better
not neglet [sic] it until it becomes incurable – as the [sic] hints
that thy beting[sic] has deprived the [sic] of some cash I’ll add that I
give advice and information gratis in such cases
I hope to give no offence, but if it is convenient for the [sic] to pay
up that account I have against thee for kissing the girls
it would be an accommodation – the times are rather hard
at present, or I would not trouble thee – – –
We have plenty of snow which I should think
would be rather troublesome in thy business
Well I must close (I presume with thy full aprobation [sic] as
Jacob wants me to assist him in geting [sic] his geography leson [sic]
and he is puzling [sic] about the scriptures saying there is but
one God, and yet there was one for Abraham one for Isaac
and one for Jacob, and Joseph is insisting there is one for
him too.
Write soon and tell us all the news, I fear
it will be forgotten if thee waits until thee sees us, unless
thee favours us with a call before spring fairwell [sic]
thy friend
A Post
(Page 4)
Mr Henry Clayton
Engineers Office
G.V. Canal
Geniseo [sic]
(Page 1)
[Text aligned horizontally on top of first page]
Thy good son Lewis is the
only one of the family
that I have seen
since my return
they seem to be all well
and as far as these
honouring [sic] their father
by well doing- do
write me again
immediately, and
I shall again be
inexplicably
grateful
I shall
want to
hear of
this come
to thee
safely
Rochester Feb 13th 1860
My Dear Friend Frederick Douglass
Last evening about nine oclock [sic]
my heart was made glad by the reception of a
letter from thy hand, and I hardly knew how
to let the night pass without improving the privilege
of replying to it, it seemed to me it had been long
on its way, and I had been hoping some time, that
the time for the promised letter, was not much farther
in the distance, the time seemed very long before we
received the tidings of thy safe arrival ^in England^ and then I have
been from home two months, and did not even have
the privilege of reading thy letters in Frederick Douglass
Paper, until some time after they ^it^ were published, therefore
after such a death thee will not wonder that thy letter
was especially welcom [sic], and my heartfelt thanks may
be understood by my immediate response, if in no other
way. I am truly thankful to thee, dear friend for what
thee said on the first sheet of thy letter, But I do not know
(Page 2)
what to say myself- only ^looking on the brighter side to say^ that I am so sorry, that
we have lost five years of beautiful joyous friendship.
and my strongest wish is, that thee may return just
what thee was when we last parted. How dearly
I love to recur to the many many pleasures of our friend
ship dear devine [sic] friendship and especially to the few
hours of charming- holy hours of that day we spent last
together there are several spots, more thinking in the
recollection than the rest- but I need not now name them.
“The end crowns all” in that case, is a solacing saying.
I have been sad- very sad over many errors of my life, but I
believe them so mixed with good, that I am very hopeful
but Oh if I had as much good to look back upon- the
result of my labours [sic], as thou hast– did as few errors
I should think I had always been a blessing. dear Frederick
be no more sad about all the scenes of the past, so unspeak
-ably painful, we will all resolve to be unspeakably good.
and happy again, when we must. Well- when will
thee be home? I never forget that high way of holiness, which
I promised to help thou up for thy safe footsteps ^on thy return^, I assure thee
if prayers will do anything towards it, it will be in readings for
thee in less than six months, thy aloted [sic] time of absence, only think ^if^
(Page 3)
just half the time has passed, I sincerely hope there will be
neither need, or desire on thy part to protract the time
ofor thy visit, I presume thee watches with so much anxiety,
and gets with the same accuracy, the proceeding at Wash-
ington- Virginia, &c as we do. Therefore I need only to say that the
signes [sic], favoring thy safety, here are favourable, hopeful. I am
happy to hear of thy kind and cordial reception from thy
old as well new friends, of which- I have ^never^ had a doubts,
for great and good people, generally find it easy to make
friends, sometimes, even out of former enemies, but how is it
that ^thy^ friend Foster should have been a Quaker, and not have dis-
covered, that to be a peace man, brings so much more happi-
-ness to the soul- I hope thee will, be true to the promptings of
thy own nature, and labour [sic] to show him his error. I have
no objection to your amusing yourselves by shouting at a mark
provided the mark is not a man.Frederick, the [sic] never saw
my Father. I had hoped that thee would, but it is to [sic] late now
he has passed beyond the vail [sic], As soon as we received Tidings
of his increasing illness, I made haste to get to him, Willie and I
took the first train, which left here at six oclock [sic] on the evening of the
John Brown, sympathy meeting, which I was anxious to present at
and move but did not like to delay, but father had peacefully
(Page 4)
closed his life here, two hours [on?] we could reach there
I experienced no regrets, no sorrow- ^for I know he was happy in the change^ but it brought a sad
and lonely feeling to see both parental chairs empty- and
the thought of hearing their paternal- loving greetings
no more sounding on my ear, produced many serious
reflections, as well as recalled many joyous and interesting
recollections, His age was ninety four years and four months
he and our mother lived 64 years together, and 5 lonely
years he has passed without her- but now they have met to
part no more. Isaac came down and spent two weeks
and then left Willie and I in Jersey City, between which
place and New York we spent three weeks, I stayed for the
purpose of medical treatment , having been much out of
health, previous to my Long Island visit= and ^I ^kept Willie for
company, George Willitts and many others made affectionate
enquiries for thee. I stayed most of my time with ^at^ Daniel
Underhills, who has married the eldest daughter of the
Fox family- she has a delightful home of their own, a
good husband, with wealth and refinement, I never saw
her as happy as now- she is not before the spiritual investigating
public now, though her medium ship [sic] is the same, now dont [sic]
let me feel as if thee is casting the lip of unbelief, Through their
(Page 5)
introduction I made one very agreeable, new
acquaintance, a gentleman and his wife- living
at New Rochelle- about 20 miles east of New York.
We accepted an invitation to spend a day or two
with them, and set out in a most dashing shower
of blessed raine [sic], but as the Locomotive waits for no one
after set times- and we were anticipating too
much pleasure to be disappointed, we went on,
trusting to the good sense of the gentleman to meet us
at the Depot. & behold he was there with his fine sleigh
and horse; and we were soon safely landed under their
pleasant and hospitable shelter, every eye brightly beaming
well childrens [sic] hands claping [sic] with delight. In the
night the rain ceased, and by mornings dawn the clouds
had all dispersed, and every tree and street looked
as if an Angel had passed by that way and left its
beautiful frost blossoms upon them all, but to be
brief- in all this splendor, and iceseckle [sic] glitter ^driping [sic]^ in a sun
-shine of almost summer mildness, we took a charming
sleigh ride- Oh! The highways and winding byways [obliterated]
(Page 6)
almost canopied with those beautifully decked trees, leading
to the Long Island Sound- and the many neatly ornamented
and some both neat and magnificent dwellings, made it
a ride of more than common interest, when we arrived at the
grave of Thomas Paine we all alighted, so as to press our
feet upon the soil this gifted man, so oft had trod. but I
shall grow tedious or I would tell thee of the superstition, after
all ^sects^ refusing to give him a burial, the purchaser of his farm, upon
which he was buried; years after, refused to let their friends pass
over his land, to erect a moment of his memory, though the
space was only three feet from the highway- so there stands the
moment as near to the grave (as the highway) as they could place
it. Thus it stands there a moment, not only of the genius of
one man, but of the ignorance and superstition of many.
Frederick, I wish thee could have been with us, but, at once,
I think, how many places of greater beauty- and more
thrilling interest, thy feet will press- thy eyes behold and thee
emotions of thy soul enjoy- well, please remember them all
and if I do not get the benefit of them previous to thy return,
then, live them on again, by repeating them to me-
Thy friend Susan Humphrey stayed here through my absence
and is still here, her friend from Chicago came last evening
(Page 7)
he is quite a dashing beau, elegant- and polished, just
such an one as I should suppose would take her attention
but whether he would continue to fill the void in her
soul, Is the great problem to be solved- she says that altho’
thee did not mention her, she doesn’t believe thee has forgotten
her, and wished me to say that she often thinks of thee kindly &
admiringly; and wishes thee a safe return. I have not seen
our mutual friend Mrs Colman since about the middle
of November, she has been busy, as thee anticipates, but I am
sorry to say, not as thee supposes in the Anti Slavery ranks, but
under the less desirable auspices of Wendall- Lucy & Susan
she is “alone, at present I believe, but she so seldom writes
either to me or her children, that we are left to wonder
where she is- I believe she must have arrived in Jersey City
the very day I left there, she was ^their^ [sic] with thy German friend, the
last letter ^[from announced?]^ I was very sorry to miss of seeing her, and I thought
too of trying to call upon Miss A-- but I did not feel myself quite
well enough acquainted, I assure thee I did smile right
joyously when I heard of Miss Remond, and thyself upon the same
platform, ah, I hope it will make way for many other reuni-
ons, of old friends who never should have been separated. Isaac
desires his love to thee, and says tell Frederick that it seems to him
(page 8)
as if he will not wish to stay very long away, and from all
the evidence yet adduced thee can return with safety as soon
as thee chooses, and he says tell thee that John Brown was a
great man, viewing him from Moses, and his own stand
point. but how is it when compared with the life of Jesus?
but I must not argue this question with thee now, but Oh dear
what a hurry I am on to see this relick [sic] of barbarism pass away
from some few minds, in the circle of my friends! Thee may tell
thy friend Foster, that we had the honor of the company of William
Foster company under our roof some three weeks, when he was in
this country- he was engaged in visiting the families of friends
in Scipio Monthly Meeting, I presume he was an Uncle of his.
Willie thought then, that there ever would be any family reciproci
-ty ^excuse me for classing this as one of our family^ I have had no opportunity to deliver thy message of love & to Willies
and Mary, but I know they would wish to return a similar message to
thee- William has spoken of his time spent at the Falls with thee ^a thought^ as the
most pleasant of his life. They as all others amongst thy friends
I believe are in usual health- Asa & [Halda?] have called and wish
us to come and spend a day with them this week, Cate Stebbins is
expected this week- I well know how to sympathise [sic] with her in the
loss of their darling little daughter. Girty has just called and
seems well and in fine spirits, though wishing much to see her
mother. Please give my love to ^Miss^ Julia Croffts, tell her there is
much which we have known, to make us love each other
and the rest should forgotten- I think thee will say when thee
opens this letter, well here is a job, but I shall not feel bad
about it, for I know thee knows better than to undertake to
read it when thee is in a hurry. I hope I shall get more
letters from thee if the [sic] has not promised to write more than one.
Mary Ann dreamed last night, that thee was here in our parlour [sic]
I have twice dreamed the same- I thought thee said six weeks was long
enough for thee to stay in England, Oh how much I want to say, but
dear Frederick adieu true always
Amy Kirby Post, an activist, is writing from Rochester, New York to Frederick Douglass, an abolitionist leader. Post refers to Douglass's arrival in England, which followed John Brown's raid on the armory at Harpers Ferry. Pro-slavery factions charged that Douglass had conspired with Brown to raid the armory, and Douglass fled to England. Post mentions Douglass's newspaper, formerly called the North Star, then called the Frederick Douglass Newspaper.
Post continues and refers to Shakespear's play Troilus and Cressida, with the phrase "the end crowns all".
Post mentions their mutual friend, Stephen Foster.
Post refers to her husband Isaac, and their youngest son Willie, and their relative George Willetts. Post mentions Daniel Underhill, and his new wife, Leah Fox. Fox was one of the founders of Spiritualism- a religious practice, whose believers spoke to the dead through mediums.
Post mentions Thomas Paine, the great American writer and orator, who wrote Common Sense in 1776. Post also mentions Lucy N. Coleman, a fellow abolitionist, Miss Remond- the wife of abolitionist, George Lenox Remond.
Post concludes and passes on the best wishes of her husband, Isaac, her daughter and son-in-law, Mary and William Hallowell. She mentions abolitionist Catherine Stebbins.
Post sends her best regards to Miss Julia Croffts, who lectured with Douglass.
Jericho Long Island August 24 1850
Dear Frederick
My husband and self as thou knowest [sic]
are on a visit to my parents the delightful home
of my childhood, that I have long wished thou couldst [sic]
visit with us, and share in it bounties, participate in its
pleasures, and partake of its inspirations, It is twenty
one years since I left it for ^a^ home in the west, but it has
lost none of its attractive loveliness, The eleventh
of this month was the 85 aniversary (sic) of my fathers birth
day, I shall long remember the day, several of his
children and grandchildren were came ^assembled^ together
on the occasion, ^my mother is^ with retrospect of the past, and
anticipations of the future, produced [illegible]
both pleasing and sad, well thought I , as Frederick
Douglass often says, “such is life”, my mother is
several years younger than my father [obliterated] have walked the path of life 60 years
together, and now they seem as happy and as full
of enjoyment as at any period of it, mutually
seeking to promotion of each others good, ^truly^ making
of this life a paradice [sic], which cannot fail to prepare
them for the joys of the next ^it is delightful to be with them^ on their sojourn and cheerful [obliterated] health is good
beautiful old age my father is an early riser
it is now early morning and he is out with
his hoe in hand cutting up some hay which his
^watchful scrupulous^ eye of neatness will not allow to spread among the grass
his garden is a paturn [sic] of neatnes [sic] and order kept by his own
My Dear Frederick I do always feel diffident in presum
ing to express any dissent from thy judgment, as I know
thy extraordinary clear vision, and logical powers of
reasoning, very easily puts my sage conclusions
in a fog, and makes me feel like the merest baby
before thee, but be all that as it may, allow me
in the freedom of an own sister to [obliterated
] say to thee that I cannot feel
happy about thee, since thy conclusion to give slave cach [sic] ers a bloodc hound reception, In the light of thy own
good, thy own safety and the good of the cause, it brings a
cloud of sadness on me, thee can much more readily
see the reasons than I can show them to thee, and if thee
will give thy self time to weigh them, I have little fear on
which side the balance would be, Allow me dear
Frederick ^to repeat^ that I still doubt the rightfulness and the as well as
thee polacy [sic] of making the Chaplin case an especial [sic] object of
Anti Slavery effort, I think you are were mainly indebted to the
fugitive Bill, for the interest manifested in the evening meeting
yet you are bound to apply thee funds in a different direction
but the most mortifying of all, ( and yet the most confirming
that I am not wholy [sic] blind) was that you were obliged to resort
to falshood (sic) to make it take with this proslavery community
whose money you hoped to get, to assert that it merely
happened that as Chaplin was riding out on the [7 avenue?]
that he kindly took in a couple of men who asked for him
(Page 2)
to take them on a [pace?] as they were walking the same
way
(Page 1)
Rochester Feb 2 – 50
Dear Friend
Will my friend
Frederick Douglass explain
what necessity there was
of giving so discouraging
an account of the Rochester
Fair, in the North Star just
received, that we came
very far short of realizing
in a pecuniary point of view
^what we wished^ is true, yet we would not
(Page 2)
dispise [sic] even the sum of
one hundred dollars, but
rejoice to have it to add
to other hundred’s that
have been raised and
used in the cause, during
that past year, and in
point of morals, I believe
we have no reason to
conclude, that because
some rudiness [sic] appeared
among a group of boys
one evening, the whole
tendency was immoral,
was it nothing that one
hundred people, of all
classes and colours [sic] sat
down to one table, and
(Page 3)
and the most perfect decorum
and order prevailed, to
my views ^and feelings^ of equality, it
was exceedingly gratifying
and for our cause in
Rochester a glorious achi
evement, I thought,
Dost thou really wish
to bring, thy Western New
York friends into disgr-
ace, and turn all
donations in another
direction, if so, then
thou has done the deed,
as much as I have val
ued and relied upon this
branch of Anti Slavery effort
for keeping the cause alive
(Page 4)
amongst us, and obtaining
the means for agitating
the trouble mind, I should
never advocate another
Fair did I think its tend
ency immoral.
Thy soarly aggrieved
friend
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