FD_to_Gerrit_Smith__August_19__1867

Rochester Aug. 19. 1867 Hon Gerrit Smith: My dear Sir: I am just home from Addison, Steuben Co and find your John Brown Circular on table. You can have easily affored to have remained Silent. Your character and reputation make such an explanation unncessary--nevertheless, to make sure of the future this statement may do well. I got your note from the Asburn house in season to prevent my writing to Chicago. Very truly yours Frederick Douglass.