Office of the Public Printer.

Washington, April 19, 1877

My Dear Mr Douglass,

I am somewhat surprised this morning at an attack made upon me in the Republican, by W. C. ChaseChase, William Calvin

, a late employé of this office, and now, as I am informed connected with your office. Why Mr Chase should assume to speak for the people of this office other than himself, he must answer; but I think it an assumption that none here will thank him for. I think none know better than yourself that the attack is unwarranted by the facts, for if I have been obnoxious to any charge relating to the colored people it is that of fairness & sympathy, even to partiality, in the discharge of my duties. You know all about this yourself, and if Chase is in your employ I trust that you

will admonish him to cultivate an acquaintance with truth and justice, before he enters too far upon the labors of a public censor. If Mr Chase truthfully represents me in this matter I am unfit for my position and should leave. If he does not, it appears to me he's unfit to hold position under you. This will be handed you by Mr Winston whose name is prominently used as the cause of the attacks. I have not exchanged a word with him on the subject, but leave him free to make any statement or complaint to you, that he feels justified by his treatment here in making. He has never complained to me, nor shown signs of dissatisfaction with his position & treatment.

Yours truly

A. M. ClappClapp, Almon Mason

Hon. Fred. Douglass