Douglass, Frederick (1818-1895) to Benjamin Franklin Auld
High-resolution images are available to schools and libraries via subscription to American History, 1493-1943. Check to see if your school or library already has a subscription. Or click here for more information. You may also order a pdf of the image from us here.
A high-resolution version of this object is available for registered users. LOG IN
Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC07484.01 Author/Creator: Douglass, Frederick (1818-1895) Place Written: Washington, D.C. Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 24 March 1894 Pagination: 3 p. ; 20.2 x 26.3 cm. Order a Copy PDF Download(s): Download PDF
Thanks Auld for helping him obtain the date when Auld's father, Hugh, began the ship building firm where Douglass served in Baltimore. Asserts that Hugh may have begun the business as early as 1827, and he (Douglass) may have been eight years old in 1825 when he came to Baltimore to look after Benjamin's brother Thomas. Estimated the date based on the death of Captain Aaron Anthony, his early master. Recalls his service to the Aulds in Baltimore, carrying water and Hugh's dinners. Writes, "The principle thing I desired in making the inquiries I have of you was to get some idea of my exact age. I have always been troubled by the thought of having no birth day." Notes that Lucretia Auld (daughter of Aaron Anthony and wife of Thomas Auld, Hugh's brother) had previously informed him he had been eight years old when he was sent to Baltimore. After Anthony's death, he was relieved to be able to continue to serve in Baltimore. Written on Cedar Hill, Anacostia, D.C. stationery.
In his early years, Douglass was a slave for the Auld family.
Citation Guidelines for Online Resources
The copyright law of the United States (title 17, United States Code) governs the making of photocopies or other reproductions of copyrighted material. Under certain conditions specified in the law, libraries and archives are authorized to furnish a photocopy or other reproduction. One of these specific conditions is that the photocopy or reproduction is not to be “used for any purpose other than private study, scholarship, or research.” If a user makes a request for, or later uses, a photocopy or reproduction for purposes in excess of “fair use,” that user may be liable for copyright infringement. This institution reserves the right to refuse to accept a copying order if, in its judgment, fulfillment of the order would involve violation of copyright law.