Nantucket, Mass.

April 1^st, 1877.

Marshal Douglass

Dear Sir.

It was with sincere pleasure that I read of your appointment to the office of Marshal of the District,—not that you were to be ennobled or exalted by it, for I am democratic enough to think that

"The rank is but the guinea's stamp, "The man's the gold for a' that." But a man who is not afraid to do his duty at all hazards, exalts the office which he fills above the human, even to the divine standard. Carrying my thoughts back over the long vista of 35 years, I recall

the incident of the Anti-Slavery Convention held here, when it was a dangerous voyage to pass over the few roads between Nathaniel Barney'sBarney, Nathaniel

house and the Town Hall in which you and Garrison & Foster were to speak—mob law being then in the ascendancy. Of those who then formed your body-guard in making those perilous passages, only 3 are now living on the Island—Aunt Eliza Barney (now 75 yrs. old), Miss Anna GardnerGardner, Anna

, whose life has been spent in sacrifices for the colored race, and myself. It is a cause of great rejoicing to us 3, to have lived to see the triumph of God's immutable laws of right, to know that in one instance, Colorphobia has been cured by real merit, superior intellect and culture. I hope to be well enough next winter to have the honor of being introduced by your self to our new President. Mrs Barney and Miss Gardener unite with me in kindest regards and good wishes for your continued health and happiness.

Respectfully your friend

Mary G. WrightWright, Mary G.

[written on cover]: Ans. 4/10/77