Rosine Amé-Draz to Frederick Douglass, April 25, 1865

Bournemouth

Hampshire

April 23^d / 65

My beloved Friend

It is with feelings of deepest gratitude to the God of Justice and Love that I take up my pen to wish you joy! The glorious news of the annihilation of the Armies of your cruel enemies have reached Europe—The day so long, so earnestly prayed for by us, has at last come—Yet I cannot fully realize yet that it is all true! Blessed be God—we can no longer doubt it—The

chains are broken—Your people are free—for ever free! Your heart is glad. I know that you are happy—You see at last at last the fruits of your long-devoted labors—As I have daily prayed that it might be thus with you—Since I have had the happiness of knowing you—So I shall henceforth—and to the End of my life—praise the Lord for his mercy to you and your dear people—And I shall never—never cease to ask for new blessings for joy happiness & prosperity for you—dear, dear friend had beloved brother. Oh—that I could fly over to you and tell you all that it is impossible to write! My heart overflows with joy at the thought of this wonderful deliverance from cruel bondage of your dear people. Oh—that I could at once go and join those privileged American ladies who

are now devoting themselves to the care and education of the Freedpeople—I do what I can for them here. Will you give me something to do for you—for them?—You know that it is the only pleasure left to me—on earth—though your people are free—I want to continue to work for you in working for them. I have not yet given up the dear hope to teach some of them—if it be God's will—

I have read an account of the celebration of the day of deliverance by the Coloured people at Charleston. Oh what A Scene it must have been!—Your own dear name among those of the Heroes of humanity—appeared on the banners carried in the procession! I wonder if you were there! I long to hear from you that you are happy beloved friend. I shall feel anxious until I know that all your sons are safe—

and dear Rosetta's husband—I think you will write—when you have a little leisure—Now, you must be overwhelmed with work—God grant that all this excitement may not injure your health—Your people will now want you as much as ever your life is most precious, do not expose it—May you live many—many long and happy years—is—and shall be the cry of my heart to God—

You once said that when Slavery was abolished you would come over to England. Oh! if I dared to hope it, how happy I should be!—Yet, I want to be Satisfied with your own happiness. I want to forget myself and to be content and grateful that now you are satisfied. I will send these few lines at once—that you may know that I am rejoicing with you

Remember me to all at home—I have written to Rosa—Will you kiss the precious baby for me?—God bless you all—Remember that you have in happiness as well as in sorrow a most devoted, affectionate loving sister whose prayers will through life follow you. God bless and protect you—

For ever yours

Rosine Amé Draz