N. W. Sherley to Frederick Douglass, March 9, 1853
TALLADEGA, Ala., March 9, 1853.
FREDERICK DOUGLASS:—
DEAR SIR:—You, I have no doubt, will
think it strange in receiving this letter, and
equally strange of the requests I make of you;
but I assure you, as a gentleman, that it is not
done for the purpose of casting any reflec-
tions upon you, or your course in making an
effort to improve the condition of your race.
The information which I ask, I am anxious to
obtain, and I know of no one else to ask the
favor of. I have been informed by gentle-
men who have traveled with you, that they
were satisfied, from your gentlemanly deport-
ment towards them, and the free manner of
which you spoke of yourself, that you would
readily comply with my requests.
I wish to learn where and when you was
born, and whose servant you was born—when
you ran away or left your owner, and who
he was at the time you left—how long you
have been a fugitive?
Be pleased to furnish me with the above
information as early as practicable, and I
assure you it will afford me much pleasure to
receive it.
I would be glad if you would send me a
copy of your paper. Please answer this as
soon as possible.
Respectfully,
N. W. SHERLEY.
The above letter was, evidently, not intend-
ed for publication; yet there is nothing in
it, as I apprehend, to make its publication
improper. It is a strange letter, from a
strange quarter, addressed to a stranger,
and containing strange enquiries.
I willingly give the information required,
so far as I can.
1st Question.-"Where was you born?"
Answer.—In Tuckahoe, Talbot Co., East-
ern Shore Maryland.
2d Q.—"When were you born?"
I cannot answer; don't know my age.—Slaves have no family record.
3d Q.—"Whose servant were you born?"
Ans.—Captain Anthony's.
4th Q.—"When did you run away?"
Ans.—On the 3d of September, 1838.
5th Q.—"Who was your owner at the time
you left?"
Ans.—Thomas Auld of St. Michaels-son-
in-law to Anthony.
6th Q.—"How long have you been a fu-
gitive?"
Ans.—14 years and 8 months.
I should, really, like to know what use the
enquirer intends to make of the information
given.