ALS, one page, lightly-lined, 5.75 x 9.25, December 15, 1884. Letter to the Brooklyn Magazine. In full: “Candidly I do not see at this distance from the scene of his labors, why I am called upon to cooperate in the proposed testimonial to Doctor Talmadge [sic, Talmage] upon his 53d birthday. Though that excellent gentleman is not a young man, he certainly is not an old man. He is but midway the field and his hands are still upon the plow. Why not let him get a little nearer the turning point before we applaud the perfection of his work. There is much vitality about him, and I have little doubt that he will (as I certainly hope he will) reach his three score and ten. It will not hurt him to wait till then some such testimonial as you now propose to give him. I sincerely admire the zeal, courage and ability of Doctor Talmadge [sic] and thank him for the many good words he has been able to say in behalf of humanity but I do not accept his theology and do not wish that any word of mine shall be construed into such an acceptance.” A couple creases to lower right corner, lightly touching the end of the signature, and a trimmed right edge, otherwise fine condition. The Brooklyn Magazine did not take Douglass’s advice, and published letters of congratulations to Talmage in January 1885. Pre-certified PSA/DNA and RR Auction COA.
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