Frederick Douglass Isaac Post, July, 1849
Pavilion Hotel,
Niagara, Canada Side.
Dear Friend
You will have heard perhaps, from Mr. Sick, that I have been seriously indisposed, and in consequence returned from my Western Tour, without meeting any of my appointments. This is a sad blow to me, as I started with large hopes & expectations, all of which I believe would have been realized, could I have persevered.
To things which we cannot control, it is wisdom quietly to submit.
On arriving at Detroit the 3rd. of July, I was taken with a burning fever, & intense head-ache, & pains in all my limbs, & for a week, was compelled to keep my bed—and although now much better, I am still very weak and unfit for service–I propose to remain here for the present, with the hope, to be improved by the bracing air, & freedom from the cares consequent upon being, either at Rochester or in places, where people are desirous of seeing me, & hearing me speak.
Our mutual friend Julia Griffiths, I am sorry to say has not enjoyed her health well since we left the Falls for the West, though for the most part, she has been able, to attend to me during my illness, she is now however quite prostrate confined to her bed during the last two days, her illness
yesterday was so serious, as to justify the calling in of a Physician, she is now I am happy to say, convalescent & hopes to be on her feet again in a few hours. Eliza G. has kept equal to the emergency, & we are staying in a very delightful situation for fresh air—Remember us all kindly to Mrs. Post & thank her sincerely for me for her kind little note, which but for my illness, I should have answered, — Yours truly
F. Douglass