Tappan, Lewis (1788-1873) to Henry Wilson
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02448.16 Author/Creator: Tappan, Lewis (1788-1873) Place Written: New York, New York Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 4 April 1862 Pagination: 1 p. ; 24.5 x 19.7 cm. Order a Copy
Tappan, an anti-slavery activist, writes to Wilson, a United States Senator from Massachusetts. Notes that the last time he saw Wilson, Wilson was walking down Broadway (in New York City) at the head of his regiment. Remarks, "But since, you have been performing still nobler acts in the Senate. For your late speech & vote on the subject of Emancipation I shall ever hold you in grateful esteem. I congratulate you on your success in getting the Bill through the Senate, & hope it will soon become a law. In 1814 I saw a coffle of slaves chained, and driven down Penn. Avenue by two miscreants on horse back who were snapping their whips while the U.S. flag was flying over the Capitol." Transmits three copies of a print entitled "Emancipation" (not present), originally published in England. Instructs Wilson to transmit one copy to the Vice President, Hannibal Hamlin, one copy to Galusha Aaron Grow, Speaker of the House of Representatives, and to keep one copy for himself. In a post script, thanks Wilson for befriending his wife's brother, Stephen Jackson.
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