Charles R. Douglass to Frederick Douglass, April 24, 1868

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Charles R. Douglass to FD. ALS: General Correspondence File, reel 2, frames 367-69L, FD Papers, DLC. Mentions Johnson’s impeachment trial and discusses the cost of living in Washington, D.C.

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WAR DEPARTMENT

Bureau of Refugees, Freedmen, and Abandoned Lands.

Washington City, April 24th 1868.

Dear Father,

I received your letter of the 21st inst, yesterday morning.

I was much disappointed in not seeing you here on the 16th, thinking that your desire to witness a portion of the trial would induce you to come on for a day at least. Mrs. Parker, who keeps the "Davis Hotel" informed me some time ago that you were coming, and that her husband had written to her from Cleveland, to have a room in readiness for you.

We are feeling confident of convicting Johnson at an early day. I have had the pleasure of attending the trial twice, the last time I went Judge Kelly gave me a ticket. He told me

Last edit 4 months ago by Frederick Douglass Papers
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that he had the pleasure of meeting you in Philadelphia the day before.

We are all well at home, Freddy is rather fretful and nervous, his teeth troubling him exceedingly. I intend to get a photograph of him as soon as he will be quiet long enough to have one taken. I am in quite a fever to buy a lot, but the last year has been a hard one for me, and rather discouraging also.

Rents are enormous, and provisions are at war rates. Potatoes are $250 per bushel, and the cheapest kind of beef is 25cts per pound. Pork is higher than beef. I dont see any thing better for me than to make this my home. I can get a living here at any rate. I will have one more year in the Bureau, as it is sure to be continued, and after that I can get a situation as clerk

Last edit 4 months ago by Frederick Douglass Papers
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either in the Government Departments or under the City Govt.

The amount that I pay a month for rent would soon pay for a small place on the outskirts of the city. Now if you would like to invest a small sum to advantage there is no better place just now than in this City. Property is increasing here rapidly, and everybody that can get hold of a small piece of land is building himself a shanty in order to avoid the high rents. Farming will be carried on this year on a larger scale than it was last, and of course provisions next winter will be cheaper. I can pay $30 a month on a place provided I be allowed to occupy the premises at the same time. Lewis is still here and hopes to get employment as soon as the trial is over. I am sorry to learn of Mothers illness, hope she has entirely recovered. Libbie sent her a lock of Freddies hair, has it been received?

All join with me in love to you and Mother.

Aff. Yr. Son

Chas. R. Douglass

Last edit 4 months ago by Frederick Douglass Papers
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