Frederick Douglass, the Orator - Monroe County Library System

Central Library of Rochester and Monroe County · Historic Monographs Collection
LIFE OF FREDERICK DOUGLASS. 59
chief magistrate. Great credit should be given
Mr. Hayes for the courage he displayed in appointing
Mr. Douglass in opposition to the wishes
of the pro-slavery sentiment of the District, and
that he could not be induced to revoke the appointment.
It had long been the cherished desire of Mr.
Douglass to visit his old Maryland home. During
slavery times he did not think it safe to gratify
his wishes in this respect. The opportunity to
do so, however, presented itself while he was
holding this office. He went first to St. Michael's
upon the invitation of Mr. Charles Caldwell, a
colored man. Arriving there he was invited by
his old master, Captain Auld, now eighty years
of age, to visit him, he at this time being on his
deathbed. When Mr. Douglass entered the
room in which the sick man lay, the captain addressed
him as Marshal Douglass and treated
him with great respect. The interview was a
most affecting one, but lasted only a few minutes,
owing to the weak condition of the aged veteran.
Mr. Douglass while in this neighborhood also visited
the Eastern jail, where in youth he had been
confined with other slaves for attempting to run
away from their masters.
He some time after paid a visit to the Lloyd
plantation in Talbot county, which he left when
he was only eight years old, in 1825, He there