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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.