Washington D. C.

November 12^th 1874

Deaer Senator Pomeroy:

Allow me to introduce to your friendly notice, Miss Mariana Gibbons, of Lancaster County Penn^a. Grand daughter of the late Thomas Earle of Philadelphia—and grand niece of the late John Milton Earle of Worcester Editor during thirty years of the Worcester Spy, I mention the grandfather and Uncle, because as an old servant of the cause of equal rights, you will at once call up the qualities of the family to which this lady belongs and regard her in the light of these, should your good offices be needed as a member of the board of Trustees of Howard University to have her retained in her place.

Miss Gibbons, upon the strongest recommendations of character, attainments and general fitness for the position, has
for several months filled the office of Matron at Howard University—and so far

I believe, with credit to herself and advantage to the institution. For some reason or other however, she fears that there are some elements in the institution which do, or may operate against her.

I have known you long and well, and your disposition to protect the weak against the strong— and to see justice done among men— and are quite sure that you will take all proper interest in Miss Gibbons.

Very truly yours

Fredk. Douglass