Guide to the Abolitionist Papers (1855-1872) , 1850-1886

(bulk 1861-1873)


Roger Williams University
Roger Williams University Library
One Old Ferry Road
Bristol, RI 02809
Tel: 401-254-3049
Fax: 401-254-0818
email: hbenedict@rwu.edu

Published in 2013

Collection Overview

Title: Abolitionist Papers (1855-1872)
Date range: 1850-1886, (bulk 1861-1873)
Creator:
Extent: 18 item(s)
Abstract: The Abolitionist Papers (1855-1872) highlight George T. Downing's political interests, and include letters from William Lloyd Garrison and Ambrose E. Burnside.
Language of materials: English
Repository: Roger Williams University
Collection number: UA 2013.01

Scope & content

The bulk of the collection relates to George T. Downing’s interest in civil rights. There are several letters to him from prominent New England politicians, as well as letters to others fighting for racial equality. Among them is a letter of support from Ambrose E. Burnside. (While the letter does not identify a specific issue, given its date and creator, one can assume it concerns Downing’s efforts to desegregate schools.) Another letter of note comes from William Lloyd Garrison regarding the Haitian emigration scheme.

Access Points

Subject Topics Subject Topics

Arrangement

Biographical note

George T. Downing (1819-1903), son of restaurateur and abolitionist Thomas Downing. He was a civil rights leader and successful businessman himself. He was a member of the 1855 Colored National Convention and in 1857 he began and financed a successful nine-year campaign to integrate public schools in Newport, Providence, and Bristol. During the Civil War, he managed the members’ dining room in the House of Representatives. In 1865, he and others financed the purchase of land for Touro Park in Newport. He continued to fight for civil rights until his death in 1903.

Access & Use

Access to the collection: There are no restrictions on access, except that the collection can only be seen by prior appointment.
Use of the materials: Researchers are advised that express written permission to reproduce, quote, or otherwise publish any portion or extract from this collection must be obtained from the University Library. Although Roger Williams University has physical ownership of the collection and the materials contained therein, it does not claim literary rights. It is up to the researcher to determine the owners of the literary rights and to obtain any necessary permissions from them.
Preferred citation:
Contact information: Roger Williams University
Roger Williams University Library
One Old Ferry Road
Bristol, RI 02809
Tel: 401-254-3049
Fax: 401-254-0818
email: hbenedict@rwu.edu

Administrative Information

ABOUT THE COLLECTION  
Acquisition: Gift from Daniel Tartaglia
ABOUT THE FINDING AID  
Author: Finding aid prepared by Benedict, Heidi.
Encoding: Finding aid encoded by Jencks, Molly 2013 March 20
Descriptive rules: Finding aid based on Describing Archives: A Content Standard (DACS)

Additional Information

Inventory


Box 1, Folder 1 William. H. Seward to Gentlemen
Auburn, N.Y.
1 page

Genre: autograph letter signed

Names:
William. H. Seward
Gentlemen

1850 October 7
Box 1, Folder 1 William. L. Garrison to George T. Downing, John V. de DeGrasse, and Robert Morris
Boston, M.A.
4 pages

Genre: autograph letter signed

Names:
William. L. Garrison
George T. Downing, John V. de DeGrasse, and Robert Morris

1861 May 13
Box 1, Folder 1 John A. Andrew to George T. Downing
Boston, M.A.
2 pages

Genre: autograph letter signed

Names:
John A. Andrew
George T. Downing

1863 March 19
Box 1, Folder 1 Thurlow Weed to Edwin McMasters Stanton
Albany, N.Y.
1 page

Genre: autograph letter signed

Names:
Thurlow Weed
Edwin McMasters Stanton

1863 July 12
Box 1, Folder 1 Edwin D. Morgan to Edwin McMasters Stanton
54 56 Exchange Place, New York
1 page

Genre: autograph letter signed

Names:
Edwin D. Morgan
Edwin McMasters Stanton

1863 July 29
Box 1, Folder 1 Francis Harrison Pierpont to Edwin McMasters Stanton
Alexandria, V.A.
1 page

Genre: autograph letter signed

Names:
Francis Harrison Pierpont
Edwin McMasters Stanton

1864 March 14
Box 1, Folder 1 [War Department Pass]
Washington, D.C.
1 page

Genre: military pass

Names:
Edward D. Townsend

1864 March 15
Box 1, Folder 1 Thomas Wentworth Higginson to George T. Downing
Newport, R.I.
2 pages

Genre: autograph letter signed

Names:
Thomas Wentworth Higginson
George T. Downing

1869 May 17
Box 1, Folder 1 Edward Atkinson to George T. Downing
Boston, M.A.
2 pages

Genre: autograph letter signed

Names:
Edward Atkinson
George T. Downing

1870 May 25
Box 1, Folder 1 Charles Sumner to George T. Downing
Senate Chamber [Washington, D.C.]
2 pages

Genre: autograph letter signed

Names:
Charles Sumner
George T. Downing

1872 December 6
Box 1, Folder 1 Charles Sumner to George T. Downing
Boston, M.A.
2 pages

Genre: autograph letter signed

Names:
Charles Sumner
George T. Downing

1855 May 29
Box 1, Folder 1 Charles Sumner to George T. Downing
Washington [D.C.]
2 pages

Genre: autograph letter signed

Names:
Charles Sumner
George T. Downing

1866 December 23
Box 1, Folder 1 Charles Sumner to George T. Downing
Washington [D.C.]
2 pages

Genre: autograph letter signed

Names:
Charles Sumner
George T. Downing

1871 December 28
Box 1, Folder 1 Charles Sumner to George T. Downing
Senate Chamber [Washington, D.C.]
2 pages

Genre: autograph letter signed

Names:
Charles Sumner
George T. Downing

1872 April 8
Box 1, Folder 1 Daniel S. Lamont to George T. Downing
Executive Mansion, Washington [D.C.]
1 page

Genre: autograph letter signed

Names:
Daniel S. Lamont
George T. Downing

1889 February 22
Box 1, Folder 1 George H. Norman to George S. Boutwell
1 page

Genre: autograph letter signed

Names:
George H. Norman
George S. Boutwell

undated
Box 1, Folder 1 Ambrose Everett Burnside to George T. Downing
Senate Chamber, Washington [D.C.]
1 page

Genre: autograph letter signed

Names:
Ambrose Everett Burnside
George T. Downing

[186-?]
Box 1, Folder 1 Cassius Marcellus Clay to George T. Downing
Madison County, [K.Y.]
1 page

Genre: autograph letter signed

Names:
Cassius Marcellus Clay
George T. Downing

1886 September 6