144 Linn Street

Cincinnati Ohio, May 3r^d 1876.

Hon. Frederick Douglass:

My Dear friend—

I seize this respite to write you a few lines. Myself and wifeWilliams, Sarah A. Sterrett

enjoyed the hospitalities of your board and roof, just before we took our departure for this city, for which we are deeply grateful.

I found the weather what we needed for traveling with a child—damp sufficient to keep down the dust. We found ourselves next door neighbours to the great Democrat—Chief, Geo. H. PendletonPendleton, George H.

. He was an early bird on the Sleeper. Whether from habits of industry acquired in the days of his small things, or from pleasant dreams of the luxuries of the White House?—But it is not given unto common mortals to know

the bliss in which such choice spirits revel!

He arrived next day evening, having had a pleasant trip.

I find this an important field, geographically, as to the number and quality of the people in it. The friction of political sentiment at this point has been great, and as a result has produced a positive element. It has done the colored men good. The opposition that they have encountered, has developed a self-hood, and hardihood in every respect praisworthy.

Clark is a capital little fellow. He is Sarcastic, industrious, earnest, nervous, and even poetical at times. He is doing an excellent work for the rising generation. He has quite an interesting family.

My church is the ruins of a once fashionable society. I am glad. I want to carve out my own destiny. I build on no other man's foundation.

I am hopeful. The outlook is encouraging. The seats are filling up, and the people are working. I have been preaching the individuality of christianity; personal virtue &c &c.

I enjoy excellent health. I rise at half-past six, take half an hour for the toilette, take my little boy in his carriage to Lincoln Park, spending an hour in open air. I breakfast at 8, and have family devotions immediately after, read the papers, and at 9 enter my study, where I remain until half-past twelve. I dine at half past one. I spend an hour in answering letters, and the remaining afternoon in visiting, looking at pictures, & in conversations of the highest interest.

I have time for literary work—three nights each week. I am finishing the life of D. W. Anderson, which has had a vacation ever since I left Boston. I want to make it the best work I ever done in the line of biography. I have read much literature this month,—past. Please do write me. I could read a letter from you every week for the next fifteen years! or as long as we live. My wifeWilliams, Sarah A. Sterrett

joines me in much love to yourself & family –

With Distinguished considerations,

I am Yours &c.

Geo. W. WilliamsWilliams, George Washington

.