Jan. 15 [187]5

Hon. Frederick Douglass

My dear Sir:

I see by an extract from the N.Y. World in the Chicago Tribune—that two things are stated one is that the Freedmen's Bureau suffers loss by Howard University $75.000. and the other enumerates me among the wicked ones who are responsible.

Now the first is not true & I understand the note is paid—If it is not paid , this security is ample—As to the 2^nd, I was elected a trustee—but at once resigned—I was just on an Advisory Board & was not called upon for advice—I resigned that place, though merely nominal, long ago. I do not believe the Bank has lost or will lose our rent by me. I gave ample security for all I borrowed.

Have the commissioner any allegation against me—or is there any foundation for the false statement of his correspondent against me?

Yours truly

O O Howard