Frederick Douglass to Samuel D. Porter, March 21, 1877
Washington D.C. March 21. 1877.
S. D. Porter Esqr:
Your kind letter congratulating me upon my appointment and confirmation as U.S. Marshall of the District of Columbia is in keeping with your life. I think you sincerely for that letter. Only men like yourself were born in advance of their time, men who saw and comprehended the dignity of human nature, whether under one complexion or another, long before these Sunny days—can now fully comprehend the Significance of this appointment and Confirmation.
Your kind letter is one of hundreds of the same Spirit. You will be glad to know that I am getting along very well thus far with the duties of my office and am making friends both with the Bar and Bench. Please remember me gratefully to Mrs. Porter and your Sister Maria
Your friend
Fredk. Douglass