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NEW HAVEN, CONN. Aug. 5, '56.
FREDERICK DOUGLASS, ESQ: DEAR SIR:— Thinking that a letter from the "Elm City might prove itself interesting to you, I have embraced the present opportunity of giving you a brief account of things in general in our beautiful urbs. I had the pleasure of meeting you, sir, while on a visit to my uncle's (Mr. George Duplex) at Danby, N. Y., during the fall of '52. At that time you addressed the citizens of the above place, at the Town Hall. I also met you again in Ithaca. Since that time, I have, thro' the columns of your paper, gained the general news of the day, and kept watch of your own movements. It will, perhaps, be interesting for you to know, sir, that, upon returning home, I instantly made arrangements for prosecuting the study of medicine. I had my fears and doubts as to whether I would be admitted at "Yale." Knowing that prejudice against color was somewhat apparent, in time past, I, however, felt nerved for a trial; knowing, too, that I ever had received, at the "Academical Schools and Seminaries" which I attended in my younger days, every marked attention, both from instructors and students, i felt encouraged to make a commencement. Accordingly, I entered the office of George E. Budington, M. D., of this city, a distinguished surgeon, physician and scholar. December 18th, 1853, as an "office student," applying myself closely to my studies, I was not long in unravelling the dedicated network which surrounds the study of medicine.— By degrees, the doctor generally would send me to look after his patients, until at last he seldom operated without my assistance or presence.— On the 14th day of last September, I applied and was admitted into the "medical class" of the "Yale Medical University." During the past winter, I dissected largely, in common with my class-mates; and both in college and out of its walls, the truth compels me to say, that I never experienced any other than the most polite treatment from my fellow class-mates. The required time of study is three years, also attendance upon the lectures, three years. you are then examined privately "by the Medical Board," after which the graduating exercises take place. As I am a member of the class of '56, I shall graduate, if I live, in that year. As to practice, after that I receive my sheep-skin. I rather think of spending a year or more in Europe, and shall settle down in practice either in Jamaica or Liberia. It is now vacation with us, which makes the city appear quite dull.— Commencement at Yale is over, and ninety young men have gone forth to commence the battle of life. The attendance was as usual quite large, and the annual "Commencement Exercises" were very good. The "valedictory address" was very brilliant and intellectual; it was delivered by John E. Hodd, of Pittsfield, Massachusetts.
The Maine Law, which has been so carefully obeyed throughout our State, is getting to be a dead letter. Liquor can be got at the present time almost anywhere, and drunkenness is quite a common occurrence.
The Black Swan gave a concert here in June, which was rather largely attended. Her style of singing is good, and with careful training, she may make a fine vocalist.
The people of color, of which I am proud of being one, are making rapid progress.
The "Young Men's Literary Society," connected with the Temple-street Church, is progressing finely throughout the State. In fact, the young men seem to have roused as from a deep sleep, and are either storing the mind with useful knowledge or are learning some of the mechanical trades.
But I have already wearied your patience, and will, therefore, close. If you should find that this lengthy production has aught of interest in it, I shall, in my next, write something in reference to quackery.
Very respectfully yours,
C. VAN RENSSELAER CREED.
