When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
3 pp, 4 ½ x 7, Oct. 16, 1876, ALS, JOHN BRIGHT in Rochdale [Manchester, England], to C.H. BRAITHWAITE in Leeds about the serious illness of George Thompson, who had done much for the “Negro, the once bread-taxed Englishman, the once unenfranchised artisan, the oppressed & suffering everywhere.” Offering a short but meaningful letter involving British abolitionists.
Bright (1811-1889 was a Quaker, a British reform politician and abolitionist who eloquently supported President Lincoln and the Union cause. Braithwaite (1816-1902) was a photographer in Leeds, active from 1856, who took portraits of many British politicians. GEORGE THOMPSON (1804-1878) was a British politician who lectured extensively in the UK and in the United States on abolition and human rights.
Bright writes, “I thank you for your letter tho it’s contents are sad.
“I am grieved to hear of the feeble condition of my old friend Geo. Thompson.
“Like most of us he will have to regret some, perhaps many, wasted opportunities – but I hope the remembrance of noble labors in many noble causes will afford him some consolation in his declining days.
“I have known him from the beginning of his career & have never known him employ his great powers of speech for an unworthy object.
“The Negro – the once head-taxed Englishman – the once unenfranchised artisan -- the oppressed & suffering everywhere owe much to him. His eloquent tongue has been their advocate and so far as right has triumphed during the past 40 years he has aided to secure the triumph. I honor him greatly and wish I could pay him a visit to tell him how strong is the sympathy I feel for him.
“In your note you do not give me his address. I think he is in or near Leeds.
“I am glad your son was pleased with your visit to Birmingham.
“Yours truly
“Signed John Bright”
“C.H. Braithwaite
“12 Beech Grove Terrace”
“Leeds”
The letter has been mended in a rudimental fashion at folds, which is visible in the scan. The mending has been accomplished with postage stamp strips. A separate, apparent period copy of the letter is included. We can imagine that Braithwaite, having kept the letter from his friend, Bright, about Thompson, who he admired, decided to both amend the original and copy it.
Everything we sell is guaranteed authentic forever to the original buyer. We also offer a 30-day return policy. If you discover a problem or are dissatisfied with an item, please contact us immediately. Our goal is to please every customer. We are pleased to be members of The Manuscript Society, Universal Autograph Collectors Club, The Ephemera Society, the Southern New England Antiquarian Booksellers and the Preferred Autograph Dealers and sale Houses. [BL 202]
