American Historical Ephemera and Photography

McKIM, James Miller (1810-1874). Autograph letter signed ("J.M. McKim") as corresponding secretary of the Pennsylvania Freedmen's Relief Association (previously the Philadelphia Port Royal [SC] Relief Committee). Philadelphia, 25 August 1864. Addressed to Mr. H.J. Hudson of Roxbury, Massachusetts. 3pp, on "Penn'a Freedmen's Relief Association" letterhead. McKim discusses a candidate who may desire to fill a vacant spot in the Penn. Freedmen's Relief Association.

McKim was present at the organization in 1833 of the National Anti-Slavery Society, and was active with the American Anti-Slavery Society, the Pennsylvania Anti-Slavery Society, and other abolitionist activities including activities of the Underground Railroad. After the capture of Port Royal in 1862, he called a meeting of Philadelphia citizens to care for the estimated 10,000 freed slaves there, which resulted in the creation of the Philadelphia Port Royal Relief Association, later enlarged into the Pennsylvania Freedmen's Relief Association.

UNDERWOOD, John C. (1809-1873). Autograph letter signed ("John C. Underwood") as a member of the post-war Virginia State Constitutional Convention. Richmond, Virginia, 20 March 1868. 1p. on Virginia State Constitutional Convention letterhead. Underwood responds to a request for his autograph.

Underwood was a Virginia lawyer, planter, abolitionist, and a Union officeholder who served as District Judge in Virginia in 1864. He presided over the Virginia State Constitutional Convention from 1867-1868.

TUCK, Amos (1810-1879). Autograph note signed ("A Tuck") on verso of letter from Congressman Thomas Edwards. Np., nd. 1p.

Tuck was a New Hampshire political figure and anti-slavery advocate who is now credited with the founding of the Republican Party.

ANDREW, John A. (1818-1867). Autograph letter signed ("JA Andrew") as Governor of Massachusetts. 17 May 1864. 1p. Andrew asks recipient to please read the soldier's letter [not enclosed/accompanying] and give attention to his case.

Andrew was a staunch abolitionist who led the sate of Massachusetts during the Civil War and actively promoted the establishment of United States Colored Troops including the famed 54th Massachusetts.

[With:] Clipped signature of Charles SUMNER accompanied by an 8pp program from the "Sumner Centenary Celebration...By New England Suffrage League and Massachusetts Branch of the National Independent Political League...." Boston, Massachusetts, January 1911.

[Also with:] Additional signatures include: Horace GREELEY, Robert PURVIS, Gerrit SMITH, Joshua R. GIDDINGS, Hinton R. HELPER, James R. GILMORE, John S. HARFORD, Samuel HOAR, Richard H. DANA, Samuel HOPKINS, Benjamin Gratz BROWN, and George W. BUNGAY. -- Signed cabinet card of Henry L. Pierce.