Henry Bergh, Signed (2 results)

HENRY BERGH. Bergh was Lincolns Minister to Russia. When he saw a master beating a horse in St. Petersburg, he resolved to protect animals. When he returned to America, he founded the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals in 1866.ALS. 3pg. 6 x 8. December 13, 1869. New York. A lengthy autograph letter signed Henry Bergh on stationery with the ASPCA logo atop it. He wrote to Mr. Bedford: I feel that it is due to myself to say to you, that the case which you so kindly took charge of for the Society; but which terminated, I am sorry to add, adversely for the race of dumb creatures, we strove to protect today, was not brought into the Court of General Sessions through any act or desire of my own. On the contrary, I caused it to be taken to the Special Sessions, but Mr. Spencer discovered a trifling error in the spelling of the defendants name, moved for a dismissal, which was granted, and on making a new complaint for reasons best known to himself, advised his clients to demand a jury trial. I do not mean to understand as sharing the belief that some persons, that a goose is not entitled to protection but, my experience has shown me, that the public although great progress has been made is not yet quite ready to accord to that despised animal, the consideration and justice they now extend to the horse; hence I preferred to try and effect the punishment of the offender, with less publicity. I am familiar enough with the audiences not to have overlooked the absence of sympathy on the part of many present and silently predicted the cheap and easy victory of the opposing counsel the very name of goose being an argument in his favor, which of course he was aware of. But, when the atrocious Butcher cases come up, I trust, the result will be different for the element of his success ridicule will be wanting. Two or three examples in your Court are wanting to deter malefactors from demanding trial by jury and the sooner they are furnished, the better. The annoyance which our failure to convict occasioned me, was greatly alleviated by the humane and encouraging remarks f our excellent and learned Recorder, and your great courtesy & sympathy with me in the difficult and arduous labor I am devoting my life to; will serve to stimulate to increased effortsHenry Bergh. The letter has light mailing folds and is in fine condition.

HENRY BERGH (1813-1888). Bergh was the founder of the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) in April 1866. He also helped incorporate the New York Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children in 1874. ALS. 3pg. 6 x 8. January 7, 1867. New York. An autograph letter signed Henry Bergh on ASPCA letterhead. Bergh wrote to Thomas Acton, the Commissioner of the New York City Police Department: The bearer of this Alexander Wells, a policeman attached to the 29th Precinct, has been assisting our Society, during several days past; in the arresting of a brutal Hackman, and procuring the necessary testimony for his conviction; and having occasion to see me this morning, asks me to intercede with you for him, in an instance of dereliction of duty on his part on New Years Day. He does not attempt to excuse his error, only deserves to show his contrition for his conduct, and to implore forgiveness. I have promised to state this to you, and to request you, Mr. President, to take into consideration, the festive moment when he is charged with the offense New Years Night: and unless you know more of the circumstance than has come to my knowledge; to give him the benefit of his previous good character. This will no doubt serve as a good lesson to him: and if you will retain him in the service, I dare say he will profit by a knowledge of the fact that he has periled the support of his family, through his folly. The letter has light soiling and mailing folds, and is in very good condition.