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Roosevelt, Theodore (1858-1919) to Robert C. Cornell

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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC00529.08 Author/Creator: Roosevelt, Theodore (1858-1919) Place Written: Oyster Bay, New York Type: Typed letter signed Date: 22 August 1901 Pagination: 1 p. ; 26 x 19.5 cm. Order a Copy

Vice President Roosevelt discusses the reappointment of W. C. Church, an African American who worked as assistant clerk at Jefferson Market City Magistrate's Court, New York City. Informs Cornell, a judge in the Magistrate's Court, that Church attended Columbia University. Declares "I always have a profound sympathy with the Colored man of education, for such a man has so few opportunities that it does seem that the hand of Providence was especially heavy upon him." Typed on Vice President's Chamber stationery.

Roosevelt assumed the Presidency in September 1901 after President William McKinley's assassination. Robert C. Cornell was a prominent Magistrate, well-known for his philanthropic works.

Oyster Bay, N.Y, Aug. 22nd, 1901.
Hon. Robert C. Cornell,
Jefferson Market City Magistrate's Court,
N. Y. City.
Dear Bob: --
I understand that among the Assistant Clerks who come up for reappointment under your court is a Colored man, W. C. Church. Church is a graduate of Columbia. I have always heard him well spoken of, though of course I do not know how he has done his duties under you. If he has not done them well[inserted: ,] I have not a word to sa[struck: .][inserted: y]. If he has done them well, will you look into the case when the question of his reappointment comes up and do as your judgment dictates? I always have a profound sympathy with the Colored man of education, for such a man has so few opportunities that it does seem that the hand of Providence was especially heavy upon him.
It was a great pleasure to catch a glimpse of you the other day.
Faithfully yours,
Theodore Roosevelt

Cornell, Robert C., fl. 1901
Roosevelt, Theodore, 1858-1919
Church, W. C., fl. 1901

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