Description:

Booker T. Washington
Tuskegee, AL, November 19, 1902
Booker T. Washington TLS to Harvard Professor: "Our work… grows in influence and importance from year to year"
TLS
A letter from Booker T. Washington as Tuskegee principal, Tuskegee, AL, November 19, 1902 to Harvard Professor LeBaron R. Briggs. Boldly signed at conclusion as "Booker T. Washington", the educator thanks Briggs for his monetary contribution to the Institute and speaks of its growing influence. 1p on Tuskegee Institute letterhead, 8" x 10.5". Exhibits expected age toning and letter folds throughout, with two pin holes present near upper right of date. Moderate ink bleeding from typed text, not affecting comprehension or signature. Otherwise, very good.


in full:

"Thank you heartily for your kind favor of November 15th, enclosing contribution of Ten Dollars toward our work. We shall find the amount most helpful and valuable especially at this time.
Our work continues to prosper, and I am glad to say grows in influence and importance from year to year.
I enclose our Treasurer's receipt and beg to remain,
Yours truly"

Born into slavery in Hale's Ford, Virginia, Booker T. Washington (1856-1915) was freed when U.S. troops reached the area during the Civil War. As a young man, he showed considerable academic promise, and worked his way through college. By 1881, the 25-year-old Washington was appointed head of what would become one of the most important historically Black colleges in the United States, Alabama's Tuskegee Institute. Under Washington's 34-year-long tenure at Tuskegee, the teacher's college raised a huge endowment and produced thousands of highly qualified Black instructors.

LeBaron Russell Briggs (1855-1934) was an American educator. He was appointed the first dean of men at Harvard College, and subsequently served as dean of the faculty until he retired. He was concurrently president of Radcliffe College and the National Collegiate Athletic Association.

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

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  • Dimensions: 8" x 10.5"
  • Medium: TLS

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