Frederick Douglass, the Orator - Monroe County Library System

Central Library of Rochester and Monroe County · Historic Monographs Collection
96 LIFE OF FREDERICK DOUGLASS.
to interruption by members of his household and
visitors. In order that he may wholly give his
attention to the literary work which he has in
hand, he retires to his " den," as he calls it, a
small, one-room building, situated in the rear of
his dwelling, and used by former owners as a
storehouse, but now with certain interior alterations
made into a cozy study. It is a pleasant
retreat in summer, for it is protected from the
heat of the sun by trees and vines, and in winter
is made comfortable by a glowing fire in the oldfashioned
fireplace found within. The study is
furnished simply with a lounge, a high desk, and
a stool. It is the practice of Mr. Douglass to
write standing, when in this room, where he will
remain for hours at a time, denying himself to all
visitors. While composing, he thinks accurately
and correctly, and on this account his composition
requires but little correction. His manuscript
is always neat, not marred by erasures and
alterations. We mention this fact because it
proves that correct writing is the result of care
exercised by the writer in the beginning, which
in time becomes a fixed habit.