Autograph Letter Signed to Hon. B[enjamin] F[ranklin] Jones, Chairman of the Republican National Committee

Chase, W[illiam] Calvin, 1854-1921

Published by Washington, 1884

About this Item

Holograph letter written on both sides of a lined personal-sized sheet (purple-stamped Washington Bee address at top). 23 cm. Dated: Washington, 6 October 1884. Creases where folded for mailing or storage. Modest tear with no loss of text. Telling Jones that "My services are greatly needed in Maryland and Virginia," Chase asks that Jones intercede with Robert Lincoln, the Secretary of War and Chase's employer (his day job?), so that Chase can have 35 days paid leave to campaign for James Blaine in Maryland and Virginia. "I am willing to devote that much time in those states on my own responsibility . I am now distributing as many papers (free) as I can afford in the above states." Chase was born to a free black family in Washington, D.C. and attended Howard University Law School. He edited the Washington Bee, an influential African American newspaper, for nearly forty years (1882-1921). Chase, a dedicated 'Race Man,' later used the power of his newspaper to promote the interests of Booker T. Washington. Seller Inventory # 89495

Bibliographic Details

Title: Autograph Letter Signed to Hon. B[enjamin] F...

Publisher: Washington

Publication Date: 1884

Condition: Very Good