Douglass, Frederick (1818-1895) to T. R. H. Johnson
High-resolution images are available to schools and libraries via subscription to American History, 1493-1943. Check to see if your school or library already has a subscription. Or click here for more information. You may also order a pdf of the image from us here.
Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC05312 Author/Creator: Douglass, Frederick (1818-1895) Place Written: Washington, D.C. Type: Autograph letter signed Date: circa 23 August 1876 Pagination: 1 p. : envelope ; 22.6 x 13.7 cm. Order a Copy
No year cited, but preliminary research suggests the year of publication. Thanks Johnson, editor of The Monthly Elevator, for a bound volume recently sent. Remarks that the Elevator, an African American journal, is "laying the foundation of a literature which will in time reflect credit upon our long oppressed and benighted people." A pencil note at the top states, "An Encouraging word from Hon. Frederick Douglass." Enveloped addressed to Johnson in Washington, Pennsylvania. Includes a three cent stamp.
Washington
I snatch my pen and a moment to thank you for a bound volume of the Monthly Elevator. This duty would have been performed on the arrival of the valuable gift had I been at home when it came. The Elevator, in your hands, has my best wishes for its success. Little by little, you are with others, laying the foundation of a literature which will in time reflect credit upon our long oppressed and benighted people. The Elevator though only a monthly and not over well supported, may yet do great things for us.
Frederick Douglass
Citation Guidelines for Online Resources
The copyright law of the United States (title 17, United States Code) governs the making of photocopies or other reproductions of copyrighted material. Under certain conditions specified in the law, libraries and archives are authorized to furnish a photocopy or other reproduction. One of these specific conditions is that the photocopy or reproduction is not to be “used for any purpose other than private study, scholarship, or research.” If a user makes a request for, or later uses, a photocopy or reproduction for purposes in excess of “fair use,” that user may be liable for copyright infringement. This institution reserves the right to refuse to accept a copying order if, in its judgment, fulfillment of the order would involve violation of copyright law.