Frederick Douglass, the Orator - Monroe County Library System

Central Library of Rochester and Monroe County · Historic Monographs Collection
LIFE OF FREDERICK DOUGLASS. 211
of the party were deeply impressed with the generous
hospitality of the host, and realized that
they were in the presence of a man of varied experience,
having a mind stored with useful knowledge;
and the success of whose life illustrates
the difference between mere knowledge and practical
wisdom. On the departure of the company
Mr. and Mrs. Douglass followed them to the door,
and all were delighted with the charming beauty
of the view of Washington and the Potomac
illumined with the glory of the setting sun.
He is fond of music and often plays the violin
accompanied on the piano by Mrs. Douglass. It
is related that in earlier days while an exile in
Scotland, passing along the street in a despondent
mood he saw a violin hanging out at a store
door, and going in bought it. He then went
home, shut himself up, played for three days until
he was in tune himself and again went out into
the world—a cheerful man.
Mr. Douglass is of a bright and buoyant disposition
at home as well as in public. An indication
of his vivacity is shown in the fact that when
confined in the Easton jail, with liability of being
sold to New Orleans, he unraveled his socks and
made a ball with which he played.
He is a man of temperate habits and strict in
his business engagements. In Washington, as
elsewhere, his word is his bond. He has accu-