Hatch, E.P., (fl. 1875-1876) to Blanche Kelso Bruce
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC09400.073 Author/Creator: Hatch, E.P., (fl. 1875-1876) Place Written: Holly Springs Mississippi Type: Typed letter Date: 18 February 1876 Pagination: 1 p. : docket ; 24.5 x 20.2 cm. Order a Copy
A letter from E P Hatch about a reported conversation between Senator Bruce and President Hayes in which Bruce was reported saying "that he was not, and had not been, the friend of the colored people, and that he could pursue his course and that you would pursue yours." Hatch is asking Bruce if this is true, as well as what his views actually are so that as Bruce's friend if asked he knows. Hatch also mentions a speech that Bruce had sent him, as well as asking for copies of any speeches Bruce had in print. Hatch also makes a request for seeds. This letter was typed, but did have some edits in pencil written in.
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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