During these publishing years, Frederick became good friends with John Brown. John had a vision of training groups of men to help slaves escape via the Underground Railroad.However, in 1859, Douglass learned it was Brown's intention to raid the Federal arsenal at Harpers Ferry. He was sure this would bring disastrous results, and took no part in the raid. Following the raid, Douglass fled to Europe, fearing the government would hold him responsible for what had happened. He stayed for six months, until finally returning to America to campaign for Abraham Lincoln during the Presidential election of 1860.At the outbreak of the Civil War, Frederick helped raise the regiment of the Massachusetts 54th. This group of soldiers fought hard, and Douglass was respected as a leader of ex-slaves. Frederick soon fought for the 13th, 14th, and 15th Amendments for the U.S. Constitution, which gave rights to everyone. He became U.S. marshal for the District of Columbia (1877-81), recorder of deeds for the District of Columbia (1881-86) and U.S. minister to the Republic of Haiti (1889-91). After his death in 1895, people mourned the loss of one of the great freedom fighters of the 1800's....
