Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02379 Author/Creator: Key, Francis Scott (1779-1843) Place Written: Washington, D.C. Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 26 November 1819 Pagination: 2 p. : address ; 30 x 21 cm.

Summary of Content: Written from Georgetown. Key writes to his uncle about depressed stock prices. He also discusses colonizing 12 captured Africans who are in Baltimore (he does not explain how they came to be there), in reference to his efforts through the American Colonization Society.

Background Information: Francis Scott Key was an attorney who penned "The Star Spangled Banner," the American National Anthem. He was an active supporter of the American Colonization Society.

Full Transcript: [draft] [excerpt]
... I have written to my father enclosing him a power of attorney to Henry Murray to transfer to you again the Union Bk shares, also a receipt to ...you for his legacy, which I have requested him to execute & return to me. I was very fortunate in getting my Father's disposed of at $70. for they have since sold here at 50. & I doubt whether, just now, even that could be had. By my absence I have lost the sale of mine, for I cannot well agree to take 50 - at least I will wait a little, they cannot well be worse. You may send the certificate for those in the U. Bank to Henry Murray, that he may transfer as soon as I can sell ... Mr. Ridout told you, I hope, all the African news. Is Shorter ready? & what sort of a Colonist would he make? Meade will be in Balt:e. (he is now in Phi:a.) in a few days, to select as many as they will have room for in the Ship from that place. They take out with them the 12 captured africans who are in Balt:e. We are going on very well. Mr. Mason is very zealous, & is a right hand to us. I saw him yesterday - they are all well at the Island. with love to my Aunt & Eliza I am affe:ly Yrs F S Key.
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People: Key, Francis Scott, 1779-1843
Maguadier, Henry

Historical Era: National Expansion and Reform, 1815-1860

Subjects: EconomicsFinanceAfrican American HistorySlaveryColonizationAfricaReform Movement

Sub Era: The First Age of Reform

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