On this day in 1846 Frederick Douglass wrote from London to the woman who was attempting to buy his freedom. He mentions his desire to return to America, the negotiations with his owner, and his speaking engagements in London.

“My Anna says ‘Come home’ and I have now resolved upon going home . . . I shall sail for America on the fourth November—and hope to meet the beloved one of my heart by the 20th of that month. Do not allow this arrangement [to] interfere in any way with your correspondence with my owner—as whether you succeed or fail good may come of the effort.”

Read this letter, written 166 years ago today . . .