MARSHALL JEWELL¹The son of a New Hampshire tanner, Marshall Jewell (1825–83) was trained in his father’s trade but abandoned it to become one of the earliest telegraph operators. He returned to partner with his father in the leather industry and became wealthy as a result. Turning to politics as a Republican, Jewell won election as Connecticut governor (1869–73). He served President Grant first as minister to Russia (1873–74) and then as postmaster general (1874–76). An unsuccessful candidate for the Republican presidential nomination in 1876, Jewell chaired the Republican National Committee (1880–83). Sobel and Raimo, , 1: 180; , 10: 431–32. TO FREDERICK DOUGLASS

New York, [N.Y.] 22 Sept[ember] 1880.

HON. FREDERICK DOUGLASS,

WASHINGTON, D. C.

MY DEAR MR. DOUGLASS:

Many thanks for your esteemed favor of the 20th inst.²Douglass’s letter to Jewell has not survived. I am glad you are
at home: glad you are resting: glad to learn that your voice will soon be
all right again: for, when the Republican party looses “Fred.” Douglass’
voice, it will meet with a heavy loss, and may the time be long [illegible]
before [illegible] calamity shall overtake the friends of [illegible].

I have written Mr. Sherman³John Sherman. to-day in accordance with your suggestions, asking him to give leave of absence to Mr. William H. Green,⁴William H. Green is listed as a customs inspector working for the U.S. Treasury Department in New Orleans. He was an active Republican leader in Louisiana. (Washington, D.C., 1979), 121; Foner, , 114.
which I hope he will do.

I trust you will soon be able to enter the field again.

Very truly yours,

MARSHALL JEWELL

ALS: General Correspondence File, reel 3, frame 424, FD Papers, DLC.