Frederick Douglass to Amy Post, October 27, 1859

Clifton, Canada west. 27. 1859

My dear Friend:

I am sincerely thankful to you for your last kind notes. They seemed like good news from a far Country. Your face here w^d be quite a benediction, but I cannot urge you to come. I am stopping at a low Dutch Tavern, the very opposite of your taste & that of my own. I bear it for the moment as the best I can do for to change boarding place would be to make enemies—and I happen to be quite sufficiently blest with these already. No: my friend Amy—you must not urge me to remain on this side the water. It will take many months to blow this heavy cloud from my sky, and I cannot consent to an inactive exile. I am very sorry not to have been able to send you a line by Dear Henry W. last night. Both Brothers have shown themselves true and valued friends in my present trouble. Had I gone down to Rochester with our mutual friends the other night, I should have walked into a trap. Make my kindest regards to Dear Isaac and your kind household.

I am dear, Amy, Very Truly, Your friend.

Frederick Douglass—

over—

I have just received your note sent me by Lewis with one from Dear Lucy N Coleman expressing fears in regard to my property. I am about convinced that nothing is to be feared at this point. It cannot be lost unless I am convicted. I cannot be convicted, if I am not tried. I cannot be tried, unless I am arrested. I cannot be arrested unless caught. I cannot be caught while I keep out of the way—and just this thing it is my purpose to do.

Again. Yours Truly

F. D.