LLOYDS, ESSEX [Co. Va.], May 9, 1851.
MY DEAR SIR: You will be surprised to hear that your letter has just
reached me. The mail comes here from the North but twice a week and it is
irregular at that. No man can appreciate such a compliment more highly than I
do and I wish to act according to the advice of my friends but they differ as
to this matter. The same mail which brought your letter brought also one from
Douglass. Confidential it was but there are no secrets from you. He advises me
to decline, but to visit New York without parade during the summer. In the same
letter he speaks in the highest terms of the skill and judgment with which you
manage affairs. He himself I think is one of the coolest observers even when he
himself is concerned that I ever saw. For myself I do not mean or wish to be
obstinate. You know what my opinion has been all along. But I suppose and hope
I shall soon hear from you again. Your report of progress is encouraging beyond
any expectations I have ever had. I think that Douglass will take well in this
state.
P. S. If Bev[erly] Tucker is in New York when this reaches you please
tell him I had intended writing him by this mail but upon considering [?] the
day of his sailing I found the letter would probably not reach him. I regret
this very much as it was an oversight on my part.
* This and the following letter are in the Library of Congress.
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