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Letter: Cora L. V. Daniels to Amy Kirby Post January 2, 1866

Washington Jan 2nd ’66-

My Dear Mrs. Post [Amy (Kirby) Post] _ _ _

It has long been in my heart to write to you _ . but a multitude of duties + occupations have prevented _ until now _ it becomes a greater pleasure _ as dear old “Sojourner Truth” is here _+ says _ “I wish somebody would write to Amy Post for me and ask my daughter + grandchildren are” I cannot tell you the pleasure it gives me to write for her. And to hear her talk _ her words are like pearls cast from the crown of [Isulti?] _ She is a noble old hero [3 words underlined?] and the world will long remember when other names are forgotten. She is now one of the attendant managers in the hospital of the Freedmans’ [?] Aid Society in this city and is doing a good + great [illegible, ends in k] in behalf of those suffering [END PAGE 1]

[PAGE 2] people _ she says “it does her soul good to see + talk with anyone from the North _ + specially one who has seen [Amy? OR IS CROSSED OUT] Post” But she says _ “Where’s Frederick _ that his voice in not heard in this trying hour” _ he is needed to instruct his people _ and lead them on to freedom _ There are important events transpiring here now and I am so glad he [?] came to Washington _ I have spoken twice to the Colored people in their churches _ and am to give another this evening. They listen with profound attention and hearts full of interest _ They feel that a great change is to come for them _ but not through the government _ it is distinctly understood that they are to fight for their Freedom._

    Last evening we also had a most delightful + interesting occasion _ a few Friends were [GO TO PAGE 3]

[ON PAGE 2 VERTICALLY FROM BOTTOM TO TOP IN LEFT MARGIN:] Don’t forget to write to Sojourner _ I know you will not. [END PAGE 2]

[PAGE 3] invited to witness some Tableaux which our household gave for their entertainment _ among the most interesting scenes _ were the “Past-Present-+Future” which represented the three conditions of the color’d race _ First as slaves _ 2nd as soldiers -+ “Freed Men” _ 3rd as Free men + women _ black + white all together _ It was a glorious hit to these Washington “Conservatives” and their Color’d people were invited into the parlor _ and shared equally our hospitality _ How often I wished you were here _ and all your household _:_

    Washington has [see’n?] several new ideas thro’ the humble instrumentality of the writer + I think many hearts will have come to remember the lectures which have been given foretelling the future _ and war _ until the nation shall be willing [GO TO PAGE 4]

[ON PAGE 3 VERTICALLY FROM BOTTOM TO TOP IN LEFT MARGIN:] Tell Frederick Douglass to speak with all his might in behalf of his people.

[PAGE 4] to do justice for all. I have so much to write _ but neither time nor room to express all I would say here _ I am very happy [3 words underlined] _ My husband is the noblest of men and good [underlined] + true [underlined] as he is loving _ I know your dear motherly heart rejoices in my happiness _ + that I have at last found the “haven of Rest” in a loving heart!

    Now  Sojourner _ wishes you to find + see her daughter _+ to please write to her all about her grand [underlined] children _ one [?] that was in prison _ and one that [she?] took care of _ 

    It would cheer her dear old heart so much to hear from you + her children _ _ Address her _

Sojourner Truth _ Campbells’ [?][ Hospital Care of Dr Gleinaeu [???] Washington D.C. _

    My dear husband and myself leave for Boston this week _ if it is not too much tax upon your time I shall be so happy to receive a letter from you _ direct to me care of Col W. W. Daniels _ Boston _ Remember me most kindly to Mr [?] Post.[END OF PAGE 4 TEXT]

[ON PAGE 4 VERTICALLY FROM BOTTOM TO TOP IN LEFT MARGIN:] She wishes you to write to her daughter Elizabeth + have her write to Sojourner _ her health is pretty good —:

[TRANSCRIPTION BY ELLIOT RICHMAN PhD BS’70 PhD’75 P’08. richmanelliot@gmail.com. 201-681-4200 (voice/text)]