and not
a widow as now. Do all you can, dear Mrs. Keckley--nobody can
do more than you in removing the mountains of prejudice
towards that good lady, and opening the way of success in the
plan.

"I am, dear madam, very truly yours,
"FREDERICK DOUGLASS."

Many persons called at 609 Broadway to examine Mrs. Lincoln's wardrobe,
but as curiosity prompted each visit, but few articles were sold.
Messrs. Brady & Keyes were not very energetic, and, as will be seen by
the letters of Mrs. Lincoln, published in the Appendix, that lady
ultimately lost all confidence in them. It was proposed to send
circulars, stating Mrs. Lincoln's wants, and appealing to the generosity
of the people for aid, broad-cast over the country; but the scheme
failed. Messrs. Brady & Keyes were unable to obtain the names of
prominent men, whom the people had confidence in, for the circular, to
give character and responsibility to the movement--so the whole thing
was abandoned. With the Rev. Mr. Garnet, I called on Mr. Greeley, at the
office of the _Tribune_, in connection with this scheme. Mr. Greeley
received us kindly, and listened patiently to our proposals--then said:

"I shall take pleasure in rendering you what assistance I can, but the
movement must be engineered by responsible parties. Messrs. Brady &
Keyes are not the men to be at the head of it. Nobody knows who they
are, or what they are. Place the matter in the hands of those that the
people know and have some confidence in, and then there will be a chance
for success."

We thanked Mr. Greeley for his advice, for we believed it to be good
advice, and bowed ourselves out of his room. When Messrs. Brady & Keyes
were informed of the result of our interview, they became very much
excited, and denounced Mr. Greeley as "an old fool." This put an end to
the circular movement. The enterprise was nipped in the bud, and with
the bud withered Mrs. Lincoln's last hope for success. A portion of the
wardrobe was then taken to Providence, to be exhibited, but without her
consent. Mr. Brady remarked that the exhibition would bring in money,
and as money must be raised, this was the last resort. He was of the
impression that Mrs. Lincoln would approve of any movement, so it ended
in success. This, at least, is a charitable view to take of the subject.
Had the exhibition succeeded in Providence, it is my opinion that the
agents of Brady & Keyes would now be travelling over the