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Partly-printed DS as president, one page, 8 x 10, May 1, 1882. President Arthur authorizes and directs the "Secretary of State to cause the Seal of the United States to be affixed to envelope containing letter addressed to His Excellency The President of the Republic of Liberia, accrediting John H. Smyth as Minister President and Consul General of the United States of America." Prominently signed at the conclusion in ink by President Chester A. Arthur. In fine condition.
John H. Smythe (1844–1908) was born in Richmond, Virginia, to an enslaved father and free mother, making him a free man. He became the first African-American student admitted to the Academy of Fine Arts in Philadelphia and later enrolled in Howard University Law School, graduating in 1870. Following a series of federal clerkships he became a diplomat, serving as the United States ambassador to Liberia from 1878 to 1881 and from 1882 to 1885. Smythe's tenure was marked by efforts to broadly foster economic and cultural ties, strengthening relations between the United States and the nations of West Africa.
From the Collection of Paul K. Carr, former UACC President and Noted Expert.
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