Washington, D. C., July 1st, 1872

Hon: Gerrit Smith:

My dear Sir: I was very glad to receive your note with five dollars for poor Anderson. He is not likely to recover and the money will help him a little in procuring needed nourishment while he lingers with us. I have not yet seen him though I have sent him some money. A man who had the heart to go into the mountains with John Brown ought not to suffer destitution on his death bed.

I have lost five or six thousand dollars by my fire and many things to which I can attach no money value; but if I get my Government securities all right, as I have no doubt I shall, I can stand my loss. It is very hard to give up my old home. Mrs Douglass is here with me and wishes to be kindly remembered to you and to Mrs Smith. Your handwriting I am glad to see remains firm.

Very truly yours

Frederick Douglass.