Robinson, Josie M., (fl. 1879) to Blanche Kelso Bruce
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC09400.152.01 Author/Creator: Robinson, Josie M., (fl. 1879) Place Written: Washington D.C. Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 28 January 1879 Pagination: 2 p. : docket ; 20.3 x 12.7 cm. Order a Copy
This letter is to ask Senator Bruce if he can help Robinson reinstated in her former position. She was on the regular roll but upon the retirement of the former commissioner was dismissed, since then multiple people have been put back on the regular role and she is inquiring if she may be placed back on, or if not if there is any other employment to be had.
Blanche Kelso Bruce was born into slavery near Farmville, Prince Edward County, Va. on March 1 1841. He was tutored by his master's son, but left his master at the beginning of the civil war and taught school in Hannibal Mo. After the civil war Bruce became a planter in Mississippi, and a member of the Mississippi Levee Board, and Sheriff and Tax Collector for Bolivar County from 1872-1875. Bruce was then elected as a Republican to the United States Senate, where he served from March 4 1875 - March 3 1881. Bruce was the first African American to serve a full term in the U.S. Senate. In 1881 Bruce was appointed by President James Garfield as the Register of the Treasury. Bruce then went on to serve as the Recorder of Deeds for the District of Colombia from 1891-1893, returning to the office of Register of the Treasury from 1897 until his death on March 17, 1898.
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