Civil War-dated ALS signed “Amos A. Lawrence,” one page, 7.75 x 9.75, August 11, 1863. Letter to J. G. Appleton, in part: "I am much obliged to you for yr subscription to help save the Gov't by the negro power: but the book you must keep upon yr person & as opportunity offers take own the subscriptions of patriotic men. You are one of the negro military Com'ee wh. is to put an end to the war. The Black army is to be in the field before Christmas: the agents of the Com'ee have already gone forward, & you will soon see the black cloud rise out of the South from wh. will proceed the thunders & lightning. After the storm will come the rainbow of promise resting on the North & on the South." In fine condition, with a tiny area of paper loss to the second page. Amos Adams Lawrence, son of famed philanthropist Amos Lawrence, was an important abolitionist and strong supporter of the colored regiments in the Union Army. One of the first official African-American units was the 54th Massachusetts Infantry Regiment, raised in March 1863. The 'Black Committee' to which Lawrence refers was the primary recruitment group for the regiment.
