Rochester, N. Y. July 4th 1871

My Dear Madam:

Your kind letter reached me here. It came too late for the preparation of an article announcing your purpose of making a southern tour in the New National Era, which will be published tomorrow. I will however, in next weeks paper, give you a suitable introduction to my southern readers and bespeak for you the cordial and respectful welcome which you so well deserve, not only because of your talents, but because of your many and efficient labors for the freedom, education and elevation of our still oppressed people. Go to the south, my friend, go with words of cheer, go with words of wisdom to our newly emancipated people and help them in their travels through the wilderness, and to all who know me of know of me, I commend you in all earnestness and truth.

Your Friend and fellow worker

Frederick Douglass

Mrs. M. A. Shadd Cary.