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- Description:
- Typewritten letter from D. McNicol, the manager of the telegraph office of the Soo Line of the Minneapolis, St. Paul, and Sault Sainte Marie Railway Company to Thomas E. Clark, dated April 11, 1902. In the letter, McNicol agrees the sentiment of Clark in a previous correspondence that mysterious wireless telegraph signals picked up by McNicol in Minneapolis were most likely were not sent by Clark in Detroit. McNicol says he will continue learning and experimenting with wireless telegraphy, and hopes to help monitor for signals from Clark when he uses his "big coil." The letter closes with McNicol's signature. It is printed on Minneapolis, St. Paul, and Sault Sainte Marie Railway Company letterhead. "622 Guaranty Loan Bldg," is handwritten at the bottom.
- Date Issued:
- 1902-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Detroit Historical Society
- Description:
- Typewritten letter of introduction written by the Acting Secretary of State Huntington Wilson, on behalf of the windowed Annette Alger, who is about to embark on a trip abroad, and addressed to "the Diplomatic and Consular Officers of the United States." The letter is dated August 17, 1910.
- Date Issued:
- 1910-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Detroit Historical Society
- Description:
- This 14-page letter was handwritten in black ink on slightly yellowed paper by Sara M. Philleo Skinner. The paper is printed with light blue lines. The text of the letter has been transcribed as follows: "Woman's Suffrage - Retrospect and Prophecy. One of the largest questions before the civilized world at the close of the 19th century is Woman's Suffrage, for it underlies the just settlement of mans problems of the day. There is no better evidence of the progress of an era than that found in the progress of its women. The line that marked woman's limitations at the beginning of the 19th century was long since broken. 100 year ago, married women in any country could not control their property or will it at death. The Common Law of England and in [the] United States held husband and wife as one and that one the husband. The wife was 'dead in law.' the husband collected and used her wages, he could legally whip her if he wished. Many husbands were so much better than the law that they treated their wives humanely. Very few occupations were open to women; no college admitted her, men did most of her thinking (or thought they did) and most, because women's minds were so inferior, pulpits emphasized women's subordination. But women were thinking and there were premonitions of coming events. Mary Wollstonecraft plead eloquently for greater opportunities for women. In 1809, Connecticut was [the] first state to enact a law giving married women right[s] to make wills. In 1820, Gov. Clinton of New York called attention in his annual address to the 'Academy for Female Education at Waterford, N.Y.' established by Mrs. Emma Willard. In the following year Mrs. Willard combined her school with the Troy Seminary, the first institution in the United States offering higher education to women. Later, Boston had a high school for girls and Mt. Holyoke Seminary in Mass. was opened for higher education for women. The lectures of Abby Kelly, Frances Wright, the Grimke sisters, the book of Lydia Main Childs, 'History of Woman' published in 1832, Catharine Beecher's high school for girls in Cincinnati, the opening of Oberlin College for women, Prudence Crandall's school for colored girls in Canterbury, Conn. (in 1834), Ernestine Rose, in 1836, pleading for enfranchise of women, Margaret Fuller's book, "Women of 19th Century' an appeal for equal rights for women. These and many other events were clarion notes whose sounding roused sympathy in favor of woman's suffrage. States gradually gave women power to make wills, the right to control property and wages, and to have equal guardianship of children, though as late as 1817, husbands could legally will away their children, even unborn ones. In 1840, a world's anti-slavery convention was held in London, Eng. A few women delegates were sent from America, but they were not allowed to have any voice in [the] convention. This circumstance marked a new era for women. Lucretia Mott and Elizabeth Cady Stanton (then a bride) resolved then and there to call a 'Woman's Rights Convention.' It was held in Seneca Falls, N.Y., July 19 & 20, 1848. When equal rights were demanded for men and women in colleges, universities, trades, professions, the right to vote, to share in political offices, honors and emoluments, equal rights in property, in wages for equal work, equal rights in minor children, etc., in fact, they asked for all that the most radical have ever asked for up to this date. Other conventions followed, many leading men and women, even in the face of ridicule, espoused the cause. Many laws pertaining to women were modified; ridicule and persecution began to abate. The Civil War gave women opportunity to show their ability in many ways. The planned money-making enterprises and millions of dollars were realized for the relief of sick and wounded soldiers. Dorothea Dix, superintendent of nurses, Clara Barton on the field relieving wounded soldiers, Dr. Elizabeth Blackwell founding in New York City the Woman's Loyal League which developed into the Sanitary Commission with which Mrs. Mary A. Livermore was so grandly connected, there women and their works proved to the world that women could plan and carry out schemes for good as well as could men, and all was [were] a part in the evolution of woman's suffrage. In 1869, a National Woman's Suffrage Association was formed, and another named American Woman's Suffrage Association. The first had headquarters in New York and Mrs. Stanton and Miss Anthony published there 'The Revolution,' a strong suffrage organ. The other had headquarters in Boston where Mary A. Livermore, Julia Ward Howe, Lucy Stone, Wm. Lloyd Garrison, and L. W. Higginson published 'The Woman's Journal' a paper equally strong in favor of equal suffrage. Later the two associations united under the name 'National American Woman's Suffrage Association.' In 1861, school suffrage was given to women in Colorado and Kansas. In 1869, full suffrage was granted to women of Wyoming Territory. It was in this year that the University of Ann Arbor [Michigan] opened its doors to women. In 1870, the Territory of Utah had full suffrage; it was taken away in 1883, but restored when Utah became a state in 1896. In 1875, school suffrage was granted in Michigan and Minnesota. In 1876, Colorado was granted school suffrage when it was made a state. In 1878, school suffrage was given to women in New Hampshire and in Oregon. In 1879, it was granted to women in Massachusetts. In 1880, it was given to women in New York and Vermont. In 1881, a universal suffrage convention was held in Rome (Italy) where a strong appeal was made by Anna Mazzoni for woman suffrage. During all these years many foreign countries were given municipal suffrage for women. In 1883, school suffrage was given to women in Nebraska and in [the] same year full suffrage was granted to women in Washington by Territorial legislature. It was taken away on ground[s] of being unconstitutional. In 1885, full suffrage given to women of Dakota by legislature of the territory, but was vetoed by Gov. Price. In 1886, school suffrage was granted to women of Washington Territory. In 1887, municipal suffrage was granted Kansas women, and school suffrage to women of Arizona, Montana, New Jersey, North and South Dakota. In 1888, a permanent International Council of women was organized. In 1890, Wyoming became a state with equal suffrage for women. In 1891, school suffrage was given women of Illinois. In 1893, Colorado had full suffrage for women, and Connecticut had school suffrage. The Congress of Representative Women in Chicago, during World's Fair, helped the cause of woman's suffrage. In 1894 Ohio women had school suffrage. In same year 600,000 men and women petitioned New York constitutional convention for woman's suffrage. In 1895 Utah became a state with equal suffrage. 1896 brought same fate to Idaho. In 1899, the 2nd International Council of Women was held in London with delegates from nearly all civilized countries. So we see the gains for women during the 19th century were many. Condensed, it might read: 1. Married women granted control of their separate property in all United States but Alabama, Florida, Louisiana, N. Carolina, Texas, New Mexico, Tennessee. And the same was granted to Great Britain and her colonies; Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Austria, Russia. 2. Married women granted right to make wills in all United States in Great Britain and her colonies, and in many, nearly all European countries. 3. Married women given control of their wages in all United States except Louisiana and Texas (although control is not complete) in Arizona, California, Georgia, Idaho, Missouri, Montana, Nevada, N. Carolina, S. Dakota, Oklahoma, Oregon, Tennessee. The right was granted in Great Britain and her colonies, in Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Austria, Russia. 4. Mothers were granted control or rather guardianship with fathers over their children in California, Kansas, Maine, Nebraska, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island. In all the other states, the father only is the guardian. 5. The age of consent has been raised in nearly all United States and in Great Britain and her colonies, and this shows influence of women's work. 6. Nearly all professions (not ministry and law in certain states) have been opened to women; the right to labor in nearly all occupations; a voice is given women in most business and church meetings. 7. Women may petition city councils, legislatures, and Congress. Of the 44 United States, 25 have limited suffrage, 4 have full suffrage, limited suffrage is granted in many foreign countries and full suffrage in New Zealand, South and West Australia, and in Isle of Man. Woman has made progress in industries, in teaching, in medicine, in the ministry, in law, in journalism, in social-political liberty, and public opinion has materially changed in her favor in the 19th century. The prophecy for the new century is that she will make greater advance and with less opposition than she has in the 19th century. Popular opinion will be educated to grant woman's suffrage to nearly all parts if not all of the civilized countries. Ignorance, bigotry, conservatism, prejudice, and fear concerning woman's use of the ballot will have passed away, and by her use of the ballot, there will be less evil and a higher civilization. Sara M. Philleo Skinner."
- Date Issued:
- 1900-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Detroit Historical Society
- Description:
- Handwritten letter, consisting of two half-folded sheets, written by songwriter Samuel Francis Smith to B.J. Hathaway, telling the story of his inspiration to write "America." The second sheet includes the lyrics to the song, handwritten by Hathaway. The letter reads: Newton Centre, Mass. Nov. 3, '87 Mr. B.T. Hathaway D Sir The circumstances which led to the writing of the hymn "America" are briefly told. In 1832, a pile of German music books and books on music were put into my hands by Mr. Lowell Mason, he having rec. these from a friend who had lately brought them from Germany. Mr. Mason requested me, at my leisure to turn over the leaves, & if any pieces of music struck me favorably to furnish him either translations into English poetry or songs of my own adapted to the music. Falling in with the patriotic "God save the king," I liked the music and, without any reference to the German books, made on the impulse of the moment my own hymn which has since gained so wide currency. I had not thought of writing a national hymn, and was impressed at the way in which the people at once took it up. It was first sung at a children's celebration of July 4 in Boston, the same year in which it was written. My birthday as many sources of information reported was Oct. 21, 1808, in Boston, Mass.,--graduated at Harvard College, 1829. Sincerely yours, S.F. Smith America. My country, 'tis of thee, Sweet land of liberty, Of thee I sing; Land where my fathers died, Land of the pilgrims' pride, From every mountain side Let freedom ring. My native country, thee, Land of the noble, free, Thy name I love; I love thy rocks and rills, Thy woods and templed hills, My heart with rapture thrills Like that above. Let music swell the breeze, And ring from all the trees Sweet freedom's song; Let mortal tongues awake, Let all that breathe partake, Let rocks their silence break, The sounds prolong Our fathers' God, to thee, Author of liberty, To Thee we sing; Long may our land be bright With freedom's holy light, Protect us by Thy might, Great God, our King. Written in 1832. Newton Centre, Mass., Sept. 17, 1887. S.F. Smith
- Date Issued:
- 1887-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Detroit Historical Society
175. One 2-page letter from McNamee & Mann, Contractors, Montreal, to Dunbar & Sullivan, Port Colborne
- Description:
- One 2-page letter from McNamee & Mann, Contractors, Montreal, to Dunbar & Sullivan, Port Colborne. The letter is handwritten in black ink on white linen paper that is watermarked "Standard, Pure Linen." The letter is transcribed as follows: "15th Jany. 1902 Messrs. Dunbar & Sullivan Buffalo, N.Y. Dear Sirs 'In the American Co. Abbey Salts' A company has been formed in London, England, to take over and control the American Co. in which American Co. you hold $6500.00 in stock and on full owning terms. They exchange your $6500 in American Co. and give you stock in English Co. with a stock bonus of 25% this makes £1630 Stg. [Sterling] Also a cash bonus of 20% on $6500 = $1300. All our firm have accepted this offer and as we promised to place your firm upon same terms as we recd. we trust this will give you satisfaction. We wish you to do the following to complete the transfer - 1st Sign name of your firm upon the 2 stubs of the new scrip for £1630 Stg. and return us the stubs. You keep the scrip. 2nd Sign enclosed receipt for cheque for $1300.00 being the cash bonus of 20% and return us the receipt. 3rd Send us and order on the Quebec Bank here to deliver us the $6500.00 in American Co. scrip which was placed with the Bank merely for safekeeping. Sign all these papers before a witness and return them right away. The English Co. are only buying a sufficient nr. of shares to control the American Co. so if you do not wish to accepts one for the other you can return us the enclosed papers. The English Co. expect to pay another bonus part cash & part stock in March next - as they are selling rights to Australia & India but they will control the stock. Yours truly, McNamee & Mann."
- Date Issued:
- 1902-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Detroit Historical Society
- Description:
- This 2-page letter was handwritten in black ink on slightly yellowed paper by Orrin R. Baldwin, president of the American Harrow Company as well as president of the Merchants and Manufacturers Exchange. The paper has the watermark, "Crane & Co., Dalton, Mass., 1900 Bond No. 21." It was placed in a heavy tan envelope that was sealed with black wax that was impressed with the letter, "B." The text of the letter has been transcribed as follows: "Detroit Mich. Dec. 31 1900 To Detroit's First Mayor of the 21st Century Greetings: I have been requested by our present Mayor the Honorable Wm. C. Maybury to look into Detroit's Industrial and Commercial possibilities a full century and make a prophecy thereon. This is quite a problem and I will undoubtedly be wide of the mark but for your assessment and possible enrichment I cheerfully comply. Today we have about 2000 manufactories, none of which have been established a Century and nearly all less than one fourth of that period. Assuming that the number will increase one percent annually and those now in suburban territory, being then within the city limits, Detroit will have on January 1st 2001 about 5000 manufacturing plants. With the increase in number and the natural growth in size, employment will at that time be given to 500,000 employees supporting 2,500,000 inhabitants. (estimated) I predict that nearly all of Woodward Avenue, from the River north to the Grand Boulevard and Jefferson Avenue east to Belle Isle Bridge will be occupied by business houses. I predict also that Detroit then as now will possess its own Capital and maintain its Conservatism as its people will continue to cherish and keep their success and it will take more than one hundred years to make Detroit thoroughly progressive. I predict further that Sandwich, Windsor and Walkerville now in Canada will be a part of the City of Detroit and that Ontario will be a state of the United States of America. Also that the factory products will be largely transported in Air Ships and discrimination against Detroit shippers will then be a thing of the past; that mechanical skill will control the river's current and the rays of the sun to make power for the industries. Also that Detroit will have a Common Council that will adopt and keep a Time that is standard and in harmony with other great cities of our country. With all due respect for you and your posterity. Yours, Orrin R. Baldwin"
- Date Issued:
- 1900-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Detroit Historical Society
- Description:
- Two letters acknowledging receipt of ordnance addressed to Lieut. C. H. Curtiss. Letters are dated June 21st, 1864 and are sent from the Property Release Division in Washington D.C.
- Date Issued:
- 1864-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Detroit Historical Society
- Description:
- This folded sheet of writing paper was from the personal stationery of Charles L. Freer. It is slightly yellowed and the sender's address, "33 Ferry Avenue," is printed at the top in black text. The paper also has a watermark that shows "Scribner's Vellum." The handwritten text is transcribed as follows: "Hon. W. C. Maybury, Mayor etc., My Dear Sir: In compliance with your courteous request, I have taken pleasure in writing a few lines on the "Possibilities of Detroit as a Manufacturing Center," and beg to hand you the same herewith enclosed. Your plans to entertain our friends of a century hence is excellent and I only regret that my little paper is not more worthy of the occasion. With every good wish and heartiest New Year greetings, I am, Faithfully yours, Charles L. Freer."
- Date Issued:
- 1900-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Detroit Historical Society
- Description:
- Typewritten letter from John M. McKerchey to J.L. Hudson, dated April 1, 1908 expression congratulations and offering support for Hudson's campaign against liquor traffic. The letter is on McKerchey's stationery with the letterhead, "John M. McKerchey, Lake Sand and Gravel, Wrecking and Freighting." McKerchey's signature is at the end of the letter.
- Date Issued:
- 1908-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Detroit Historical Society
- Description:
- A handwritten letter from Lewis Cass to Sarah A. Sibley, written to accompany a wedding gift for Sibley's future sister-in-law, Marie Louise Miller, who married Alexander Hamilton Sibley on September 14, 1865. The letter reads: Mothersday My dear Miss Sibley, With you I am this [?] to present this paid[?] to your future sister-in-law, with my best and warmest wishes for her happiness. And please say to stay[?] that for many a long day nothing has given me half as much pleasure as the announcement of his intended[?] message. Yours Truly Lewis Cass Miss Sibley
- Date Issued:
- 1865-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Detroit Historical Society