Rosine Amé-Draz to Frederick Douglass, October 15, 1864

FenStanton

Hunts

Oct. 15^th / 1864

My very dear Friend

When this reaches you you will be too much occupied to read the long letter which I so much wish I could now write to you. I will therefore put a restraint upon my thoughts, And only send you a few lines this time to assure you that you are never one moment forgotten and that my sympathy and most sincere affection for you—are the same as ever—also to beg you will

accept the enclosed £5/—which I hope you will keep for your own personal use. M^r Coate has bought some of my drawings for five pounds, just the sum, which I have now the joy of sending you—You see that as it is the produce of my work. I may ask you to use it for your own self dear friend—for you must want many things. And I know you would give it all away—did I not ask you to render me happy—in keeping this for yourself—I know you will understand—and forgive my making this request. I am so very happy to be allowed the privilege to work a little for my most valued & loved friend.

M^rs Carpenter has kindly permited me to read your letter, in which you describe your visit to Washington—ect—I know therefore all about you and yours. I have written to poor Rosetta. How I do feel for her, for you all, and for you especially, my beloved friend. Most ardently do I pray that each of your dear ones

may be protected from harm—and brought back safely to you. Oh dear friend my constant prayer is that God may keep up your courage—and your hope in His justice and mercy. I never doubt even when things look darkest for your dear people—Their salvation you may depend on it is near at hand. Even should McClellan be elected—We know that God is higher than he—and he may even use him—to bring about your people's emancipation. We must not be weary of holding up our supplicating hands to God—

I have not had a very happy visit in Switzerland. All things seem sometimes to work together to crush our hearts but God never leaves us without some consolation I am happier than many—I have known you, dear friend—and you have called me your friend—This is

an ever springing source of joy to me—even in the darkest moments —I am thankful to my God for the gift of such friendship—it lightens all the burdens of my life and the privilege of praying and working—a little—for your poor despised people is indeed great—and worth living for—Then there is the hope of the Eternal meeting in Heaven. This is cheering on the thorny road. When you get this, we shall be at our winter residence in Hampshire—I dread going there where

I have no friends or even acquaintances—

When you can—will you—my beloved friend send me a line there—to let me know—that this has reached you safely. I am so afraid, always of letters being lost—when they contain money.

God bless and protect my very dearest friend—For ever yours

Rosine Amé-Draz