Rosine Amé-Draz to Frederick Douglass, August 17, 1863
Plymouth
16. The Crescent
August 17th/63
My dear friend
I send you a small sum for yourself. I do not want this money and I feel sure that I shall never need it. But even if I did at some future time want it I—like you—am willing to suffer any thing for the sake of my oppressed brethren & Sisters. My dear friend I offer this to you in the name of the God of your enslaved people who alone knows how deeply I sympathize with their sufferings and with your sorrows. It is very little only four pounds Sterling. God knows how happy
I should be to send you more! You must buy something for yourself with it. I have sent a small parcel by opportunity to Montreal which I hope will be forwarded to you. It contains some little remembrances for Mrs. Douglass and for dear Rosetta. Also a purse which I have made for you. Do not give yourself the trouble to acknowledge this. You have not time I know to write. Only ask Rosetta to send me a line, that I may be sure you have had it. She has not written to me for many months. And I have only received the June Monthly during the whole year. I miss it so very much. I do wish it could be addressed to me regularly.
I wrote to you from Wincobank this Summer. I spent a short time at Halifax with your friends the Carpenters. They were most kind to me. I love Mrs. Carpenter very much, and feel happy to have made her personal acquaintance. I was very happy to see your portrait there. My dear friend, I do not think your friends will have thought me a wild enthusiast I did not speak much of the things which are dearest to my heart! I find more and more that very few hearts understand my own, and I endeavor to keep my feelings to myself. You are perpetually in my thoughts. And I never cease praying for you.
and yours, especially for you and your dear Sons—exposed to the terrible dangers of this cruel war. Oh my beloved friend. You must know how earnestly how continually I bring you before the throne of our God. Oh may he soon—soon very soon give you happiness and peace. I know—I believe you will see and enjoy the fruits of your noble devoted labors. Take courage my beloved friend. God is near to save his people. I write briefly not to take up too much of your time. When will you send me your portrait? A full face do look please. God ever bless you and preserve you from harm.
Yours for ever affectionately & devotedly
Rosine Amé-Draz