ALS signed “Fredk. Douglass,” one page, lightly-lined, 4.75 x 6.5, Cedar Hill letterhead, July 20, 1888. Letter to Magnas L. Robertson. In full: “I am very sorry that I cannot serve you. I have already taken an interest in the People’s Advocate and promised to press its claims upon the National Republican Committee otherwise I would be glad to serve the National Republican Leader.” Suede matted and framed to an overall size of 7.5 x 9.25. This smaller frame was made to hang on a 15.5 x 28.5 framed display with two portraits of Douglass, as well as a biographical plaque. In fine condition, with a mild overall shade of toning.
As stated in this piece of correspondence, Douglass attended the Republican National Convention in Chicago, where he called for a strong civil rights platform and supported John Sherman for the presidency. He ultimately campaigned for the nominee, Benjamin Harrison, after the latter supports an item in the platform calling for federal protection of black citizens' voting rights. Interestingly, Douglass received one vote as president of the United States making him the first African-American to receive any vote as the nation’s Chief Executive. Robertson, this particular letter’s recipient, was the president of the National Emancipation Association. Despite the end of slavery, African-Americans continued to struggle for decades. Robertson found himself in 1899 specifically requesting that blacks not travel to Warrenton, Virginia to recognize the anniversary of Abraham Lincoln’s emancipation proclamation after the town’s white mayor said he would arm residents to prepare for potential conflict. Historically significant references to the 19th-century Republican Party and the civil rights movement. Pre-certified PSA/DNA and RRAuction COA.
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