He was nominated for vice president of the United States

Grant ratified the Civil Rights Act of 1871, sometimes referred to as the Klan Act, as well as the second and third Enforcement Acts after the midterm elections. Grant zealously acted under its provisions, suspending the habeas corporation in South Carolina and sending soldiers there and elsewhere. Over 5,000 arrests were made while he was in charge. Douglass admired Grant despite the fact that many white people disliked him because of his success in dismantling the Klan. African Americans would always value Grant's name, reputation, and great services, according to a colleague of Douglass.

As Victoria Woodhull's running partner on the Equal Rights Party ticket, Douglass made political history by becoming the first African American to be nominated for vice president of the United States in 1872. Douglass, however, was not asked for his permission before the nomination was made, and he never accepted it. Additionally, Woodhull's candidacy is debatable since, on Inauguration Day, she won't be of legal age to serve as president. He never formally entered the race for president, but he was given one vote at each of the two nominating conventions. He represented the State of New York's votes in Washington, D.C. that year as a presidential elector at large.