Description:

Mormons -
Mormon related immigration law fundraising DS addressed to William H. Hooper, U.S. representative from Utah territory, in 1871.

3pp DS addressed to William Henry Hooper as "Hon. Wm. H. Hooper, Salt Lake City, Utah" at bottom of third page and at back in docket section. On cream blind-stamped and blue-lined paper bound in two places along top with two brass brads. In very good to near fine condition, with expected paper folds. Handling has caused some browning to paper edges on the first page but the subsequent pages are very clean. Inscribed in elegant secretarial hand throughout. Three unknown signatures appear on the last page and in the docket section. Pages measure 8" x 10.5".

This document was drafted by executive committee members of the National Immigration Convention in Philadelphia in April 1871. Committee members prepared this report to give a summary of recent Congressional measures pertaining to immigration, and to rally national support for fundraising efforts.

Just a month earlier, U.S. Representative James Coburn of Indiana had introduced H.R. 81 to the 42nd Congress of the United States: "to encourage immigration to the United States, to regulate the carriage of European passengers in steamships and other vessels, and for their better protection before, upon, or after arriving at the ports of the United States." This 39-page bill was broken down into forty-five sections which discussed things like travelers' shipboard food, medicine, and quarters. Other hardships, like the so-called immigrant tax, would also be interrogated.

H.R. 81 was introduced after the National Immigration Convention was held at Indianapolis, Indiana in late November 1870. Twenty-four representatives from northwestern and western U.S. states and territories had discussed implementing laws that would better safeguard immigrants, who happened to comprise an ever-growing demographic bloc. Utah territory was interested in this legislation because it continually attracted many new converts, some financed and transported through the Perpetual Emigration Fund.

"The bills introduced to the last Congress by Mess rs. Coburn and Finkelenburg [sic] in the House and by Mr. Shurz [sic] in the Senate were referred to the Committees on Commerce and reported back favorably ... We therefore feel every assurance that the main features and provisions of the bill will become a law during the next session ... We feel that a great work has already been accomplished, that enlightened public sentiment has interposed its power in behalf of this National interest and that ere long the Immigrant will find upon landing at the ports of the United States and while intransitu a positive protection of law to guard him from the abuses that have heretofore been so systimatically [sic] practiced upon him ... For the accomplishment of these purposes, appealing so strongly to our philanthropy and involving material interests of states, Corporate bodies, and individuals to whom a well devised system for the encouragement of Immigration and the proper protection of the Immigrant is a matter of vital importance, this Committee must now appeal for material aid".

On the back of this bundle, in a note addressed to Utah's William H. Hooper dated April 29, 1871, the congressman is "respectfully and earnestly recommend[ed] that Utah should make a liberal subscription to aid the Executive Committee of the National Immigration Convention in the promotion of the reforms proposed ... "

Our document references: William Henry Hooper (1813-1882), Democratic Representative from the Utah territory; John Coburn (1825-1908), Republican Representative from Indiana; Gustavus A. Finkelnburg (1837-1908), Republican Representative from Missouri; Oliver H.P.T. Morton (1823-1877), Republican Senator from Indiana; and Carl Schurz (1829-1906), Republican Senator from Missouri.

H.R. 81 was not the only congressional bill to address immigration. The Naturalization Act of 1870, which regulated the process of naturalizing immigrants of European and African descent, had been passed in July 1870. Immigrants from Asia were excluded from this act.

A fascinating look into immigration laws affecting the Utah territory!

With original provenance information from the Robert A. Siegel Auction Galleries, New York City. This piece was part of Lot 62A sold for $4,750 at the 464th sale conducted between January 28-30, 1975.

Accepted Forms of Payment:

American Express, MasterCard, Money Order / Cashiers Check, Paypal, Personal Check, Visa, Wire Transfer

Shipping

Applicable shipping and handling charges will be added to the invoice. ***PLEASE NOTE: IF YOU WOULD LIKE YOUR SHIPMENT TO BE SENT TO AN ADDRESS OTHER THAN THE ONE YOU HAVE ON FILE WITH INVALUABLE, YOU WILL NEED TO INFORM US OF THIS AS SOON AS PAYMENT IS SUBMITTED FOR YOUR WINNINGS*** Shipping and handling costs are competitive as we maintain discounted contracts with FedEx. If you have any questions, contact University Archives prior to bidding. After payment has been made in full, University Archives will ship your purchase within 5 business days following receipt of full payment for item. We currently ship via FedEx but if your purchase is shipping to a P.O. Box, we ship via USPS. All items are insured. We ship from our offices in Westport, CT. We may opt to use a third party shipper for very fragile, bulky or oversized items. Items requiring third party shipping will be denoted in the item description. Packages shipped internationally will have full value declared on shipping form. International buyers will be responsible for any customs fees incurred.

Please remember that the buyer is responsible for all shipping costs from University Archives' offices in Westport, CT to the buyer's door. Please see full Terms and Conditions of Sale.

University Archives

You agree to pay a buyer's premium of 20% and any applicable taxes and shipping.

View full terms and conditions

Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $99 $10
$100 $299 $20
$300 $499 $25
$500 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $2,999 $200
$3,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 + $5,000