FREDERICK DOUGLASS TO JAMES WORMLEY¹The hotel operator James Wormley (1819–84) was born free to a livery stable operator named Pere Leigh Wormley and his wife, Mary. Wormley briefly operated a horse and carriage hack in Washington, D.C., but left to seek his fortune in the California gold rush of 1849. After a stint as a steward on Mississippi River steamboats, he returned to Washington and worked as a steward at the Metropolitan Club. He started a catering business just before the Civil War erupted, and then expanded his business to include a restaurant, which was patronized by important politicos. In 1868 he traveled to Great Britain as the personal steward of the newly appointed U.S. minister, Reverdy Johnson. In 1871, Wormley opened the hotel that made him famous, at the southwest corner of H and Fifteenth streets. With its central location, the Wormley Hotel attracted many important guests and counted Schuyler Colfax, John Hay, and Roscoe Conkling among its long-term residents. In February 1877, a meeting held at the hotel produced the “Wormley Agreement,” which formed the basis for the Compromise of 1877. The Wormley Hotel continued operations under the direction of Wormley’s three sons for several years after his death. Cleveland , 23 October 1886; Charles E. Wynes, “James Wormley of the Wormley Hotel Agreement,” , 19: 397–401 (Winter 1975); , 23: 882–83.
Washington, D.C. 25 March 1877[.]

MY DEAR WORMLY.

A thousand thanks for your words of Cheer and Congratulation. A multitude of friends in all parts of the Country have followed your kind example. I want to say something to all, and in order to do so I must say but
little to each, you will therefore excuse this brief but, sincere acknowledgement of your kind letter, and accept my thanks for the same

your friend

FREDERICK DOUGLASS

ALS: Charles Roberts Manuscripts, PHC.