Mr. Frederick Douglass, recorder of deeds of this city, and one of the most prominent colored men in the United States, entered the clerk's office in the City hall yesterday afternoon in a hurried and somewhat flurried manner. He glanced furtively around, and after bowing to the clerks and habitues, drew the chief clerk aside and a whispered conversation followed. The clerk then took the marriage license book, and after filling out one of the blanks handed Mr. Douglass a certificate. Mr. Douglass took it and after paying the $1 fee, looked about him sheepishly, and went out. The clerks and every one in the office had been attracted by these actions, and consultod the license book for an explanation. The last blank was filled out with the names of “Frederick Douglass, of Washington, and Helen Pitts, of New York.” It took but a few minutes to circulate the news. When Mr. Douglass secured the license he enjoined the strictest secresy, and asked that it be kept from the recorder's office. A REPUBLICAN reporter was the first to disclose the information in that ofice, and Mr. Douglass's daughter, who is employed there, was visibly affected when told of it.
After securing the licenise Mr. Douglass immediately repaired to his home, in Anacostia, where his family were assembled. His house sets on a bluff called Cedar Hill, overlooking the eastern branch of the Potomac and commanding a good view of this city and surrounding country. He remained at home until shortly after 5 o'clock, when he returned to this city. A REPUBLICAN reporter called on Miss Helen Pitts, at 913 E street northwest, and, after submitting to persistent questioning for awhile, she admitted that she was to be married to Mr. Douglass. She refused to say when and where, or to answer any further questions. She is a white lady, and has been employed as a copyist in Mr. Douglass's office. She is petite in figure, with dark eyes and hair, and is about 36 years of age. She is quite pretty.
When Mr. Douglass returned to the city he went to the house of a friend and remained there until after 6 o'clock, when he sent for a carriage and drove to the residenee of Miss Pitts. Arriving, he entered the house and soon came out, with his affianced leaning on his arm. They were then driven to the residence of the Rev. Francis Grimke, No. 1608 R street northwest. They entered the parsonage and were married by Mr. Grimke, two members of the household acting as witnesses. During the ceremony Miss Pitts retained a composure of mien that showed steady nerve, and her answers were clear and distinct.
On the conclusion of the ceremony, and of the hearty congratulations of Dr. Grimke and family, the “grand old man” and his bride again entered the carriage, man and wife. They went to the house on E street, where Mrs. Douglass received the congratulations of her friends. It was while Mr. Douglass was standing on the steps that a REPUBLICAN representative approached him and extended his congratulations. The face of the distinguished bridegroom wore a benign and comfortable smile, and he shook the reportor's hand with a hearty grip. He was a trifle nervous, When asked about his marriage he admitted that, for the second time, he bad taken unto himself a wife. He gave the reporter all the information he could in good spirit, but finally hinted that his questioner was rather “cheeky.” Mr. and Mrs. Douglass were the recipients of many congratulations. Early in the evening the carriage was driven toward Anacostia, and soon the bridal couple were in the midst of the family of Mr. Douglass. The first introductions were performed with some embarrassment; but in a short time this disappeared, and an elegant wedding supper was pleasantly discussed. Mr. and Mrs. Douglass will probably leave for an extended tour of the north to-day.
The marriage, as might have been anticipated, created considerable surprise. The family of Mr. Douglass knew nothing of it until last evening, and his courtship was conducted with strict secresy. The lady has no relatives in this city, but has resided here for a number of years. She came originally from Troy, N. Y., and made the acquaintance of Mr. Douglass about a year ago. She is a lady of education, and is possessed of charming manners. Mr. Douglass is a widower, having lost his wife a few years ago. He has four children living, three boys and a girl.