Frederick Douglass to Mrs. W. D. Griffing, March 9, 1863

Rochester March 9th 1863

Dear Madame:

Please accept my respectful thanks for the lines you have done me the honour of dedicating to me and bringing to my notice. They should have been copied into the general number of my monthly paper had it not gone to press before they came to hand.

Every expression of genuine sympathy for my enslaved fellow countrymen every word of rebuke to the brokers in human bodies—every aspiration for the reign of righteousness, Liberty and peace among the sons of men, awakens in me a sentiment of profound gratitude and hope. There is no peace, no safety, no real security for the Country while the Curse of human bondage lingers within any part of its extended border.

Respectfully and Gratefully yours

Fredk Douglass

Mrs. W. D. Griffing

Rochester