Charles R. Douglass to Frederick Douglass, August 18, 1865

Freedman's Hospital Washington D.C. Aug. 18^th 1865

Dear Father

This is my first opportunity to write since I sent the boy to you which I did Tuesday evening the 15th ult. I gave him full directions after buying his ticket which was $16.15 and about two dollars in change I gave him a letter to you and one to the conductor to show, when changing cars.

My time is taken up pretty near all the time since we moved, I being the property Steward of this Hospl. and as we are transferring the property of this Hospl. to the control of the Freedman's bureau it keeps me pretty busy. Two weeks ago one of our number here was taken suddenly ill of small pox and died yesterday. Fred. knew him his name was Jas. R. Martin he was a native of Cleveland Ohio—I introduced him to you when you were on here, he was quite intelligent he sometimes corresponded with the Cleveland Leader he held the position of clerk while at this Hospl. there is still another

one of our number sick with the small pox Sam^l. Powell but he is fast recovering.

Dr. Abbot told me to day that his folks had written to you asking in what way they should send the cane. I hear from Lew. occaisionally and I send him the papers. Love to all the family.

Aff. Your Son

Charles R. Douglass