Douglass, Frederick

Estimate

3,000 - 4,000 USD

bidding is closed

Description

paper and ink

Autograph letter signed ("Fred^{k Douglass"), 3 pages (8 x 5 in.; 203 x 127 mm), Washington, D.C., 14 November 1880, to Mrs. John L. Clarke of Fall River, Massachusetts, being a letter of condolence on the death of her husband, a homepathic physician, together with the envelope addressed to "Mrs. Doctor Clarke"; folds subtly reinforced. Black linen portfolio, red morocco lettering piece.}

Catalogue Note

Douglass pens a poignant letter to the widow of a close friend, Dr. John L. Clarke of Fall River, Massachusetts. His tone resonates with quiet philosophy on the question of life and death: "There is sunshine as well as shadow in the valley of death although we are compelled to see it through fast flowing tears. The body is gone but the spirit is near. You are to my vision still together. I see you as in the days when the cause of the slave had few friends, cheering me on in my work by the silent influence of your presence and sympathy ...

"The living friends of those days are fast disappearing, the circle is dissolving ... We are not far behind our loved ones, and though no man can tell what there is beyond, there is reason to trust that the Almighty power that has called us into existence will do all things well in all Eternity."