Truth, Sojourner. Letter to Diana Truth.

Title

Truth, Sojourner. Letter to Diana Truth.

Creator

Truth, Sojourner

Contributor

Diana Truth

Date

1864-11-03

Description

Handwritten letter from Sojourner Truth to Diana Truth. Truth writes to her daughter, Diana, about her recent activities with the Freedman's Hospital in Washington, D.C.

Subject

Truth, Sojourner, d. 1883

Is Part Of

Isaac and Amy Post Family Papers

Rights

The organization that has made the Item available believes that the Item is in the Public Domain under the laws of the United States, but a determination was not made as to its copyright status under the copyright laws of other countries. The Item may not be in the Public Domain under the laws of other countries. Please refer to the organization that has made the Item available for more information. http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/NoC-US/1.0/

Identifier

1455

Location

Rare Books, Special Collections, and Preservation, River Campus Libraries, University of Rochester

Transcription

(Page 1)
       Mason’s Island Virginia.
    November 3^rd. 1864

My Dear Daughter.
                        And here I am in the
midst of the Free Men, Women, and
children- and I am in a comfortable
place here at the house of Rev D.B. Nichols
Superintendent of Freedmen and am
treated very kindly indeed. I do not
know but what I shall stay here on
the Island all winter and go around
among the Freedman’s Camps. they
are all delighted to hear me talk.
I think I am doing good. I am
needed here. Mr. Nichols ^P.^ sees that
the people here (white) are only
here for the loaves and fishes
while the freedmen get the scales
and crusts. ^and Mr. Nichols sees it [illegible] I have had an
opportunity to talk with Mr. Nichols
and his wife and they have told

[Text aligned vertically along the left marginof Page 1]

I have had two meetings in Wash. and
                                   two here at
                                    Masons Island.
                                    those in Wash. were
                                    for the benefit of the
                                   Freedmens Aid Society
                                  they took twenty five
                                  cents at the door
                                   from every one
                                    and gave me
                                   some of the
                                   money that
                                  was [brought in?]

(Page 2)

me things that would render a
heart of Stone. And to hear their
what Mr. Nichols and wife have gone
through in trying to elevate these
folks it is awful. these office seekers
get their tries to root every one out
that try to elevate these people and
make them know they are free
Mr N. knows how to reform he knows
what reform is. With the Colored Home
they never knew that Maryland
was free until I told them they
Hate [Miss Mann?] they say they
are treated worse or as bad as
when they were in slavery
When I told them they were free
one old woman clung around
my neck and amost [sic] choked me
she was so glad. Mr Nichols published
it all over when he heard that M^da
was free and had a great meeting
here. over the news I had good chance
to tell the colored people things that they

(Page 3)

had never heard.
   I am a going around among
the colored folks and find out who
it is sells the clothing to them that
is sent to them from the North they
will tell me for they think a
good deal of me.
   How are my daughters
Elizabeth and Sophia. Sammie
   and I are perfectly well and
he is delighted with the place
he thinks he can be useful.
I don’t calculate to ask the Government
for any thing [sic] only what I have
to eat for the colored people
must be raised out of bondage.
    I believe I am at the best place
on the Island. I want to know
how you are how is Elizabeth
Sammies mother Are they needful
of anything if so let me know.
I have been to see the President
and was there three hours.

(Page 4)

Miss Coleman was with me
all the fore noon from Eight
in the morning until twelve
at noon. he put his name
in my book and invited me
to come again.
   Say to my daughter Sophia
to go and see her Son Charlie
and if his place aint good to
take him home again.
Remember me to all [virginie?]
friends I have a good deal to
write but will write again to
you. and let the friends see
how I get along. I calculate to go
and see President Lincoln again
I hope all will do all they can in
putting him in President again.
I have a very comfortable room here
with Sammie a fireplace in it and
all comfortable. Direct to me at-

                  Washington D.C.
             Care of Rev. D.B. Nichols.
                          Lock box 22
                  Sojourner Truth

Annotations

Sojourner Truth, an abolitionist and former slave, is writing from Mason's Island, Virginia to her daughter, Diana. Reverend D.B. Nichols served as the Superintendent of Freedmen during the Civil War and was strategic in organizing a refugee camp on Mason’s Island. The government funded these camps and supported slaves fleeing to the North during the Civil War. The Freedmen Aid Society was one of the many organizations that assisted refugees to transition from slavery to freedom during the Civil War. Truth refers to meeting President Abraham Lincoln. Sammie was Truth's grandson. Lucy Coleman was a fellow abolitionist and woman's rights activist.

Tags

Freed Slaves; Personal

Collection

D.93 Isaac and Amy Post Family Papers

Citation

Truth, Sojourner, “Truth, Sojourner. Letter to Diana Truth.,” RBSCP Exhibits, accessed November 22, 2024, https://rbscpexhibits.lib.rochester.edu/items/show/3742.

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