Rosine Amé-Draz to Frederick Douglass, May 12, 1863

Plymouth

16 The Crescent

May 12^th/63

I thank you My Dear Friend for your last very dear letter. You know how fully I appreciate the kindness which—at this time—prompts you to write even a few lines to me. And it is useless to repeat that my own thoughts are as ever, always with you, following you in your present conflicts and labors—My heart and my hands are still daily uplifted, in hope and steady confidence for you and your dear people—to God, our only sure refuge is these times of trouble—And

to the end. I shall continue thus to pray—If called hence before seeing the Slave's full redemption I cannot help believing that in the world of spirits mine will still even then intercede for you and for them—Dear Friend my thoughts as usual rise and overflow. It is difficult to restrain them—but the effort must be made your valuable moments must not be taken up by them. You are never—never—forgotten—the very hairs of your head are committed to the care of our Almighty Preserver by your friends across the Sea. I feel assured

that you will be cared for and watched over. No evil will befall you—even on the battle field if it be God's will to call you there. Yet I pray that you may not be needed there. Oh—no, not there. Your life is your people's life therefore most precious. God preserve and prolong it for long and happy years to come. I have written to dear Rosetta several times I hope she is now with you, consoling and cheering you and her Mother in the absence of her dear brothers. May God preserve them.

I wonder if Rosa received a little note which I enclosed in my last to dear M^r. Cheever. I hope you have received my letter of the 16^th of March enclosing five pounds. You must not write about it dear Friend. Only let me know through dear Rosetta if you have it safe. I long to get the dear Carte de Visite which you have promised me. Please do not forget to send them very soon. Oh yes, it is a great happiness to possess the portraits of those we love. I have an altar in my little room. I wish you could see it. Upon it the images of many dear friends are placed.

Before the dearest of them all, I always keep flowers—They abound here—in all colors. And it is a real joy and consolation to me whenever I place a vase of the choicest which friends often lend to me—before a dear most valued portrait—and accompany the offering with my hearts best blessings upon the beloved friend whom it so truly represents. You will perhaps think all this very childish. My poor life is deprived of the joys and pleasure, which are the portion of most of those who surround me—but God has given me the duty of finding