Guide to the Martha Waldo Greene and Frederick Sherman Collection of Frederick Douglass papers, 1845-1936, undated

(bulk 1862-1893)


John Hay Library, University Archives and Manuscripts
Box A
Brown University
Providence, RI 02912
Telephone: Manuscripts: 401-863-3723; University Archives: 401-863-2148
Email: Manuscripts: hay@brown.edu; University Archives: archives@brown.edu

Published in 2017

Collection Overview

Title: Martha Waldo Greene and Frederick Sherman Collection of Frederick Douglass papers
Date range: 1845-1936, undated, (bulk 1862-1893)
Creator: Greene, Martha Waldo
Extent: .5 Linear Feet
Abstract: The Martha Waldo Greene and Frederick Sherman Collection of Frederick Douglass papers contains a total of 26 items by and relating to Frederick Douglass (1818-1895): 19 letters and documents, 5 photographs, and 2 published books. Items span from 1845-1936, with the bulk of materials ranging from 1877-1893. Most letters are of a personal nature to friends or acquaintances; some address business, speaking engagements or publishing. Collection contains a letter from author, lawyer and African American freedom activist James Weldon Johnson (1871-1938). Other significant materials include a mortgage discharge document listing the names of Douglass and Sherman, correspondence about the Holley Graded School in Lottsburg, Virginia, established in 1868 to educate freed African Americans, and a photograph of the San Domingo Commission.
Language of materials: English
Repository: John Hay Library, University Archives and Manuscripts
Collection number: MS.2016.007

Scope & content

Access Points

Subject Names Subject Topics Subject Topics

Arrangement

This collection is arranged in three series.

  • Series 1. Letters and Documents
  • Series 2. Photographs
  • Series 3. Published Books

Biographical/Historical note

Martha Waldo Greene (née Brown) was born in Rhode Island around 1822 into an abolitionist family active in Anti-slavery movements. The Brown family associated with well-known abolitionists and social reformers like Stephen Symonds Foster (1891-1881), Parker Pillsbury (1809-1888), and Abby Kelley (1811-1887). She married William Arnold Greene around 1842, and died sometime after 1895. Greene appears to have been a close confidant of Frederick Douglass (1818-1895), writing him from at least 1861, up until a month before his death in 1895. Her daughter, Martha Gertrude Greene (born circa 1848), married William Frederick Sherman (born circa 1850) in 1872.

Frederick Douglass was an American social reformer, abolitionist, orator, writer, women’s rights advocate, and statesman, born into slavery in Maryland around 1818. He did not know his actual birthdate, so he celebrated the day he escaped slavery as his date of birth. His route on the Underground Railroad took him through Delaware, New York, Newport, Rhode Island and finally to New Bedford, Massachusetts, where he received the help of Nathan and Polly Johnson, prominent African American abolitionists. He published the Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass in 1845, and My Bondage and My Freedom in 1855; both autobiographies were best sellers. Douglass held several public offices throughout his lifetime, including Federal Marshal and consul-general to the Republic of Haiti from 1889-1891. He had previously traveled to the island as a part of the Santo Domingo Commission in 1871. Douglass lived in New Bedford, Massachusetts soon after his escape from slavery in 1838, but later moved to Washington, D.C. He married Anna Murray (1813-1882), an abolitionist and member of the Underground Railroad, in 1838, and they remained married until her death in 1882. In 1884, he married Helen Pitts (1838-1903), a suffragist and abolitionist. He had five children in total. Douglass died on February 20, 1895.

Access & Use

Access to the collection: There are no restrictions on access, except that the collection can only be seen by prior appointment. Some materials may be stored off-site and cannot be produced on the same day on which they are requested.
Use of the materials: Although Brown University has physical ownership of the collection and the materials contained therein, it does not claim literary rights. Researchers should note that compliance with copyright law is their responsibility. Researchers must determine the owners of the literary rights and obtain any necessary permissions from them.
Preferred citation: Martha Waldo Greene and Frederick Sherman Collection of Frederick Douglass papers, MS.2016.007, Brown University Library.
Contact information: John Hay Library, University Archives and Manuscripts
Box A
Brown University
Providence, RI 02912
Telephone: Manuscripts: 401-863-3723; University Archives: 401-863-2148
Email: Manuscripts: hay@brown.edu; University Archives: archives@brown.edu

Administrative Information

ABOUT THE COLLECTION  
Acquisition: Collection purchased by the library in 2016.
ABOUT THE FINDING AID  
Author: Finding aid prepared by Jane'a Johnson.
Encoding: This finding aid was produced using the Archivists' Toolkit 2017-05-15
Descriptive rules: Finding aid based on Describing Archives: A Content Standard (DACS)

Additional Information

Inventory

Series 1. Letters and Documents

Container Description Date
Box 1, Folder 1 Lucy Thomas to Frederick Douglass
4.0 pages

Contents Note: Concerns the visit of her son and his wife to America, that they will call on Douglass. Writes of photographs enclosed of her husband and herself. In part: "...you have not yet forgotten your visit long ago to our old house at Bridgwater..." and closing "Your sincere friend."

Genre: autograph letter signed
 [no year] March 22
Box 1, Folder 2 Theodore Tilton to Frederick Douglass
4.0 pages

Contents Note: Begins: "I send you an enclosure for your last article. Everybody said it was the best and strongest article in that number of the Independent. The President's [word unclear] is the most miserable piece of statesmanship of his whole administration...his resolutions, & fall back upon the Proclamation; or better yet, pass a comprehensive thorough bill of universal Emancipation." In December 1862, Tilton was assistant editor of The Independent, a weekly magazine published in New York City. Its editor was Henry Ward Beecher. Tilton would succeed Beecher as editor in February 1863.

Genre: autograph letter signed
 1862(?) December 7
Box 1, Folder 3 Charles Sumner to Frederick Douglass
3.0 pages

Contents Note: In part: "I am in earnest when I thank you...for that address & the notice of me. Still more shall I thank you if you will send me 6 or 10 copies of it. The copy you sent me I forwarded to Mr. Motley. England is becoming more tranquil."

Genre: autograph letter signed
 1869 September 7
Box 1, Folder 4 Henry I. Bowditch to Frederick Douglass
3.0 pages

Contents Note: Congratulations on becoming a Federal Marshal. In part: "...and make you one of the best Marshals of the District that has ever been seen. I want you to succeed perfectly and that you can I have no doubt." Letter is 27 x 11 cm., folded at top to 14 x 11 cm. One fold. With envelope, 7 x 11 cm., postmarked Boston, March 20 [year obscured]. Addressed in black ink to Frederick Douglass, Esq./ U.S. Marshall/ Washington D.C. No return address. On recto, in ink at top "answer not necessary" in unknown hand.

Genre: autograph letter signed
1877 March 19
Box 1, Folder 5 Sallie Holley to Frederick Douglass
4.0 pages

Contents Note: Thanks Mr. Douglass for his kindness "to Miss Putnam and our Post Office...we still live in undisturbed possession and are trying to be very wise and prudent -- keeping our own enclosure during these troublous times. The school goes on bravely...I have been exceedingly pleased with the effect of your late famous Baltimore lecture. Nothing in your life so becomes you. I have laughed over it in secret places...P.S. Our Lottsburgh flurry is nothing to your Washington whirlwind."

Genre: autograph letter signed
[1877?] June 2
Box 1, Folder 6 Rutherford B. Hayes to Frederick Douglass
1.0 page

Contents Note: Printed Letterhead: Executive Mansion/Washington. Begins: "My dear sir: I am not personally acquainted with the merits and qualifications of Mr. Chase, but if he is what appears in his habits, I shall be gratified if you will give him such place consistent with the public good and justice to others as you [final words excised]." At some time, President Hayes' signature was clipped from this letter. Verso with a few later sentences in pencil, which do not seem related to the letter's topic.

Genre: autograph letter
 1877 April 18
Box 1, Folder 7 Envelope addressed to the Marshal of the District of Columbia
1.0 envelope

Contents Note: Envelope without postmark. Printed return address "U.S. Senate Chamber." On recto, at left side, in pencil. "R.J. Bright." Richard J. Bright was the Sergeant at Arms of the United States Senate from March 24, 1879 to December 18, 1883 and from August 8, 1893 to February 1, 1900.

Genre: Envelope
 [circa 1879-1883]
Box 1, Folder 8 James McCormick Dalzell to Frederick Douglass
4.0 pages

Contents Note: "To Hon. Frederick Douglass [sic], Washington D.C." From J.M. Dalzell [James McCormick Dalzell, 1838-1924] in Caldwell, O. [Ohio]. "Dear Friend." Regrets that Douglass is unable to visit. "It would have guaranteed success to our Reunion and the completion of our proposed monument to our heroic dead...maybe you can come yet. Maybe you will...you are very kind to pause for a moment amid such splendid surroundings to think of your compagnon de voyage on the cruise through Indiana in 1880..."

Genre: autograph letter signed
 [circa 1880s?] August 13
Box 1, Folder 9 Roscoe Conkling to Frederick Douglass
3.0 pages

Contents Note: Printed letterhead of the Senate Chamber, Washington, D.C. Marked "Personal" at head. In part: "I do not want you 'removed' as Marshall, and I can tell why all who need telling -- you do not need it...it will embarrass me at this moment to write a letter to the gentleman you name touching any appointment to office...Presently and seasonally, it will not embarrass me to utter my voice for you in any presence...You will apprehend me I am sure. I have excused myself in all cases, from writing now on such matters." In blue ink; some fading of ink.

Genre: autograph letter signed
 1880 December 23
Box 1, Folder 10 Roscoe Conkling Club Boys in Blue Printed Program and Invitation
Contents Note: "Flag Presentation at Masonic Temple on Wednesday Evening, Feb. 23 '81." E.W. Oyster, President. Program no.4 Presentation address: Hon. Frederick Douglass. February 21, 1881. In holograph on invitation: Hon. Fred. Douglass, City Hall, City. Includes also stamped cover, postmarked Washington, D.C., February, 1881. Cover addressed to Hon. Fred. Douglass, U.S. Marshall, Washington, D.C. Cover with printed header and insignia. Roscoe Conkling Club Boys in Blue.

Genre: document
 1881
Box 1, Folder 11 Frederick Douglass's "Main Gallery" Pass to the Inauguration of President James Garfield
1.0 page

Contents Note: Pass to the Inauguration of President James Garfield, [March 4, 1881]. 6 x 10 cm. Signed by the Sergeant at Arms. Verso, no. 1004.

Genre: ticket
 1881 March 4
Box 1, Folder 12 Robert Underwood Johnson to Frederick Douglass
2.0 pages

Contents Note: Printed letterhead of the Editorial Rooms, Scribner's Magazine, New York. Concerns a paper by Douglass on the progress and future of the education of the colored race. Johnson tries to encourage Douglass to write. In part: "We are all the more regretful that you do not see your way clear to write the paper now." Underwood writes of the "drift of Southern opinion...the better elements of the South are waking up...General Garfield's emphasis of the subject of national education in his Inaugural makes the topic even more timely."

Genre: autograph letter signed
 1881 March 12
Box 1, Folder 13 Robert G. Ingersoll to Frederick Douglass
1.0 page

Contents Note: In total: "I hope that we can await the answer in getting a clubship. Be kind enough to do what you can." With envelope, return address of Robert G. Ingersoll, Washington, D.C. Envelope without postage or postmark.

Genre: autograph note signed
1881 April 5
Box 1, Folder 14 Scribner's Monthly to Frederick Douglass
2.0 pages

Contents Note: Letterhead of the Editorial Rooms, Scribner's Monthly, New York. Signed, "Faithfully yours, Editor." Concerns Douglass' paper on the "Education of the Colored Race" to appear in the August number of the journal. The name of the journal will change to The Century after the October number.

Genre: autograph letter signed
 1881 May 12
Box 1, Folder 15 Frederick Douglass to William F. Sherman
1.0 leaf

Contents Note: Printed letterhead Cedar Hill, Anacostia, D.C. In part: "I want much to see you and your dear household. I am leaving for the stump in Indiana." Written in unknown hand; not Frederick Douglass.

Genre: autograph letter signed
 1888 September 13
Box 1, Folder 16 Frederick Douglass to William F. Sherman
1.0 leaf

Contents Note: Written from Cedar Hill, Anacostia, D.C. One paragraph, an acknowledgement of "your check for sixty dollars in payment of interest up to Sept. 1890."

Genre: autograph note signed
 [circa 1890]
Box 1, Folder 17 Frederick Douglass to William F. Sherman
1.0 leaf

Contents Note: Printed letterhead Cedar Hill, Anacostia, D.C. One Paragraph. In part: "I am in no hurry for the payment of the balance of the mortgage." Together with the original envelope, addressed in Douglass's hand to Sherman in Lawrence, Mass. and postmarked Washington, April 10, 1893. Also with one small note: "I have received your check for sixty dollars in payment of six months interest in full up to the first of March 1892." Signed by Douglass.

Genre: autograph letter signed
 1893 April 10
Box 1, Folder 18 Discharge of mortgage for William F. Sherman and Joseph J. Chamberlain
1.0 leaf

Contents Note: Mortgage document, partially printed with blanks filled in. Begins: "Know all men by these presents..." Concerns the discharge of a mortgage for William F. Sherman and Joseph J. Chamberlain, from Sept. 7, 1885 to this date, April 14 1893. Signed by Frederick Douglass. With red seal and embossed stamps of notary public. Tipped on leaf, signed by the Clerk of the Supreme Court of the District of Columbia, John R. Young.

Genre: mortgage discharge document
1893 April 14
Box 1, Folder 19 James Weldon Johnson to Mrs. Sherman
1.0 page

Contents Note: Sent from Fisk University, Nashville, Tenn. The subject is Sojourner Truth and interest in Black American history.

Genre: typewritten letter signed
 1936 January 25

Series 2. Photographs

Container Description Date
Box 1, Folder 20 Frederick Douglass cabinet photograph. Photographer: Ward, Fall River, Mass.
1.0 photo

Contents Note: Half Portrait, facing right. Photographer Ward, Fall River, Mass. Handwritten name on verso "Frederick Douglass" attributed to Harold Frederick Sherman. Accompanied by handwritten note attributed to Harold Frederick Sherman.

Genre: cabinet card
 [no date]
Box 1, Folder 21 Frederick Douglass cabinet photograph. Photographer: J.S. Kent, Rochester [NY]
1.0 photo

Contents Note: Head and shoulders portrait, facing left. Photographer J.S. Kent, Rochester [NY], 20 State St. Signed by Douglass on verso and dated April 16 1888.

Genre: cabinet card
 1888 April 16
Box 1, Folder 22 Stereograph of the Commission of Inquiry to Santo Domingo. Photographer: O[liver] B. Buell, Key West, Fla.
1.0 photo

Contents Note: Portrait of five men seated. Douglass is seated at far left with the other members of the Commission of Inquiry to Santo Domingo: Andrew White, Benjamin Wade, abolitionist Samuel Gridley Howe, and the ship's captain, William G. Temple. Deck of the U.S. Tennessee, January 17, 1871. Background of a harbor and ships' rigging. Photographer Oliver B. Buell, Key West Fla. On verso, "To be returned to F. Douglass, San Domingo Commission."

Genre: stereograph
1871 January 17
Box 1, Folder 23 Portrait of Abraham Lincoln. Photographer: Manchester Bros. & Angell, Providence, R.I.
1.0 photo

Contents Note: Head and shoulders albumen image, mounted on card. Photographer Manchester Bros. & Angell, 73 Westminster St., Providence, R.I.

Genre: photograph
 [no date]
Box 1, Folder 24 Sojourner Truth cabinet card
1.0 photo

Contents Note: Full portrait, facing camera, turned slightly to the left. She is seated at a side table, wearing a floor length full dark dress, a lightly colored shawl with matching cap and holding knitting yarn and needles. Side table is covered with a decorative cloth and a book and case of flowers on top. Printed on recto "I sell the shadow to support the substance." Printed on verso "Entered according to the Act of Congress in the year 1864 by Sojourner Truth, in the clerk's office of the U.S. District Court, for the Eastern District of Michigan."

Genre: cabinet card
 1864

Series 3. Published Books

Container Description Date
Codex 1 Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass: an American Slave / Written by himself
1.0 volume

Contents Note: Boston: Published by the Anti-Slavery Office, no. 25 Cornhill, 1845. First Edition. xvi, 125 p., [1] leaf of plates : portrait. Publisher's brown cloth, upper cover lettered in gilt. Presentation inscription on front free endpaper: "Martha W[aldo] Greene from her affectionate friend, Frederick Douglass."

Genre: published book
 1845
Codex 2 Kings Handbook of Boston Harbor / by M.F. Sweetser
1.0 volume

Contents Note: Cambridge, Mass : Moses King, Publisher, 1883. Second Edition, revised and enlarged. x, [3], 14-276, xi-xxix, [3] p.; 2 leaves of plates : illustrations, maps. Publisher's cloth, illustrated upper cover, gilt lettered. Illustrated by Charles Copeland and others. With first blank leaf. Presentation inscription to Frederick Douglass from the publisher Moses King, dated August 10, 1883.

Genre: published book
 1883 August 10
Box 1, Folder 25 Printed photographs of "bookmarks" found in Kings Handbook of Boston Harbor and Narrative Life of Frederick Douglass
1.0 page

Contents Note: One page with two printed photographs of individual "bookmarks" found in King's Handbook of Boston Harbor and Narrative Life of Frederick Douglass. The first photograph shows a dried leaf found between pages iv and v of Narrative Life of Frederick Douglass. The second photographs shows a dried four leaf clover found between pages 106 and 107.

Genre: photographs
 2016