McBlain Books

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

Chase, W[illiam] Calvin, 1854-1921

Washington: 1884. 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. Very Good. Item #89495

Price: $375.00