Martha Waldo Greene and Frederick Sherman Collection of Frederick Douglass papers (MS.2016.007)
Brown University Library
Box ABrown University
Providence, RI 02912
Telephone: Manuscripts: 401-863-3723; University Archives: 401-863-2148
Email: Manuscripts: hay@brown.edu; University Archives: archives@brown.edu
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
