New Port Decb 18.1876

Frederick Douglass,

My old, my dear friend,

"The Peoples Advocate" brought to me by my last nights mail, says; you are "quite ill." The news produced a sad feeling around my family board, nine in number, who were at supper. Not one of whom but has been taught; shall I say, to love you; yes; I am not extravigant in using this endearing word. I hope this will find you better. Rally is the word; live—so far as resolve can make it so. live; because you have friends, live; because you are needed. You will live. I do not in fact realise that you are seriously ill. I know about news paper reports. I am anxious to hear from you.

How many associations come to my mind; happy moments, duties performed, trials

endured, dangers encountered, hair breadth escapes, life imperiled. I remember when you first landed in New York. I remember the very first time I heard you speak with all this is associated none other than the feelings that would not be out of place in a brothers breast. But why refer to this & I feel that you realise in your feelings all I say. I look around all most in vain for dear old associates—gone, gone,—a sense of loneliness comes over me, let us live on for each others sake. May it be. my health has not been good. I have been so well and free from all pain and ailments, that to be atall affected, produces anxiety. I have been affected for several weeks by what seems to be some derangement of the kidneys, but I am better. I will not refer to politics, though I should like to see you and talk with you. I would come to Washington but I have to consider the expense. My reason has been was poor three of my stores were not rented, I cannot collect rent due me. I have a large family and I have to meet expenses, taxes, insurance, interest and the like, the same as though I was receiving rents, had leasings and was otherwise prosperous, but enough of this.

My wifeDowning, Serena Leanora de Grasse

and children including my son in law join me in sending the warmest greetings to you and yours.

Truly yours

Geo T DowningDowning, George T.

George T. Downing (1819-1903) was the eldest son of Thomas Downing, a well-known black restaurateur in New York City. After an education at the city's segregated Mulberry Street School and at Hamilton College, he worked in his father's business until 1855, when he opened a hotel in Newport, Rhode Island. Downing was active in the Underground Railroad and led a successful effort to integrate Rhode Island public schools. He supported Douglass in the public controversy with Henry H. Garnet over the merits of the latter's African Civilization Society. In 1859 Downing presided over a convention of New England blacks that gave a qualified endorsement to the Republican party. During the Civil War, Downing moved to Washington, D.C., and became manager of the House of Representatives' restaurant. In February 1866 Downing was the chairman of a committee of blacks,including Douglass, who attended an interview with President Andrew Johnson during which the chief executive urged his audience to abandon their advocacy of black suffrage. Lib., 20 July 1855; New York Weekly Anglo-African, 19 September 1859, 21 April 1860; NASS, 24 February 1866; Cleveland Gazette, 12 September 1885; New York Times, 22 July 1903; Simmons, Men of Mark, 1003-06; Quarles, Black Abolitionists, 145, 150, 190, 218-19; McPherson, Struggle for Equality, 343-46; Guichard Parris, "George T. Downing," NHB, 5:42 (November 1941); Freeman, "The Free Negro in New York City," 46, 49-56; DANB, 187-88.