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At the Institute’s core is the Gilder Lehrman Collection, one of the great archives in American history. More than 85,000 items cover five hundred years of American history, from Columbus’s 1493 letter describing the New World through the end of the twentieth century.

Banks, Nathaniel Prentiss (1816-1894) to George F. Hoar

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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC09010 Author/Creator: Banks, Nathaniel Prentiss (1816-1894) Place Written: Waltham, Massachusetts Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 9 September 1889 Pagination: 4 p. ; 20 x 12.5 cm. Order a Copy

Begins by asking Hoar to support John D. Powell Jr. of Boston, an African American for a position in the Navy. States, "He is quite a remarkable man ... His energy and activity are unlimited. He knows no fear ...These with other good qualities are balanced by frailties of his race. 'The Afro American Race' as he styles it." Lists some of Powell's accomplishments and describes repeated but unsuccessful efforts to assist Powell in getting a government job due to his race. Laments corrupt hiring practices in the Navy Yard and Federal services and gives examples where less qualified men were hired over Powell. Concludes, "...Nothing good can come out of it. I see men of the Union Army constantly who tell me they have no chance, and the same of the Union Navy! That is not right! It is the same with Mr. Powell & his compatriots. They have no chance." Mentions attending a reception for President Harrison at Fanueil Hall in Boston and noticed that there were few colored people there. Remarks, "Their numbers may be small, but if they turn upon the leaders of the Administration, it will be a wreck of one side or the other..."

Banks was a Union Major General in the Civil War. He served in Congress from Massachusetts both before and after the war. Hoar was a Representative and Senator from Massachusetts.

Banks, Nathaniel Prentiss, 1816-1894
Hoar, George Frisbie, 1826-1904
Powell, John D., fl. 1861-1889

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