United States Marshal's Office,

Washington City, D. C,

July 3^d 1877

I have no hesitation from what I know and what I have heard of the character and ability of the bearer Mr King: to commend him to the kind consideration of all with whom he may come in contact—He has the esteem and confidence of many estimable people in Washington, both white and colored—I would especially commend him as the Editor and publisher of the Plaindealer, a paper published in this City, and which is a staunch defender of his much maligned race and a firm supporter of the present Administration

Fred^k. Douglass

over

It affords me much pleasure to add my concurrences in all that is said within by the Hon. Fred'k Douglass, respecting Mr King; & I do so from my personal Knowledg & acquaintance with him & of the Plain Dealer, which is & has for the last several months, been published in my building.

M. Thompson