Advanced Search

[Collection of letters of the first African American to serve a full term in the Senate] [Decimalized .001- .660]

Over 600 letters and documents received by the first African American to serve a full term in the Senate. Born into slavery, Bruce was elected by Mississippi and served from 1875 to 1881. Includes over 100 letters seeking appointments, political...

GLC09400

to Brother

thanks him for sending him food. glad to hear that he is well. have had bad times concerning the food that is currently available. other side dated March 14th. handwriting very shaky.

GLC09400.537

to Blanche Kelso Bruce

A personal letter to the Senator, describing the poor condition of a horse of the Senators that was injured. the back page, which also has the docket on it is ripped, and missing a 7.2 x 12.1 cm section.

GLC09400.064

to Blanche Kelso Bruce

An accounting of some sorts, this document is a list of expenses, including names, with a money amount next to them.

GLC09400.135

[Morton Eulogy List]

The title is derived from the docket on the back of the document which states "Sent Morton eulogy to these parties" the document itself is a list of 27 names.

GLC09400.121

to Blanche Kelso Bruce

A letter that recounts the election of a bishop to a local church in Mississippi. The docket mentions that Milton is a relative of Senator Bruce.

GLC09400.055

[Partial Will and Testament for Ransom Lee]

A partial Last Will and Testament from the estate of Ransom Lee, It includes a metes and bounds description of real property. This document states that Susan Lee can live on the estate for the rest of her life, when she dies Thomas Lee and his wife...

GLC09400.008

to Blanche Kelso Bruce

A letter from Stewart asking Senator Bruce to look into a petition put forth to oust his son Robert from his position of Post Master in Macon for a Mrs. Gilmero. He says that one of the only reasons the signers want this is because her husband John...

GLC09400.045

receipt for Millie Bowers

mother of Morris Bowers, "allowed January 12th, 1872 on certificate for $285..."

GLC09400.423

to Blanche Kelso Bruce

An apology for not making a meeting with Senator Bruce, due to being stuck at the U.S. Court at the time of the appointment.

GLC09400.173

to Blanche Kelso Bruce

A letter from Pease saying that he would be in Washington D.C. soon and that he had personal business to discus with the Senator.

GLC09400.082

to Blanche Kelso Bruce

encloses a letter from W.H. Gibbs recommending her and asking for the senator's attention to her husband's case.

GLC09400.460

to Blanche Kelso Bruce

asks for whiskey and cigars. writes that Bruce must enter the lists at Chicago and he cannot afford not to appear.

GLC09400.544

Tag for Mayers' Furniture

GLC09400.611

to Blanche Kelso Bruce

This letter to Senator Bruce outlines the coming election for Sheriffs in Mississippi. Ousely outlines the different runners, as well as his expectations on how it will all go. He is also asking if possible for Senator Bruce to come to Mississippi to...

GLC09400.146

to The National Mercantile Clearing House

GLC09400.602

to Blanche Kelso Bruce

Parker is writing to get Senator Bruce's support in retaining McKenna as the Post Master of Georgetown Colorado. a position McKenna holds, against opposition.

GLC09400.191

to Blanche Kelso Bruce

asks him if there is any possible employment. says he has been doing nothing and waiting until Spring.

GLC09400.311

to Blanche Kelso Bruce

requests his help in obtaining temporary employment at least with the Justice department

GLC09400.562

to Blanche Kelso Bruce

sympathizes over his wife's illness. then mentions some business concerning Hon. Geo. C. Gorham.

GLC09400.428

to Blanche Kelso Bruce

A letter from Thompson asking Senator Bruce for help securing a position as school teacher for himself and his wife in another county since he wants to leave his current placement in De Soto county due to threats of violence, and a pay cut. Thompson...

GLC09400.019

to Blanche Kelso Bruce

This item is a letter to Senator Bruce from E.P. Natch. This letter announces that he was appointed to position as Post Master of Holly Springs Mississippi, and is asking Bruce for advice in appointing an assistant that may not be approved by the...

GLC09400.056.02

to Blanche Kelso Bruce

Buchanan is apologizing to Senator Bruce about keeping him on the eve of travel. He also wishes to make an appointment with Bruce when it is convenient to him to discuss further issues.

GLC09400.157

to P.J.

will temporarily appoint Mr. Wall to the position of Post Master until he hears from P.J.

GLC09400.561

to Blanche Kelso Bruce

This note is just an answer to Senator Bruce about someone's name. On the docket it notes that it was answered and a check was enclosed for 150.00. This folio also contains a blank page.

GLC09400.163

Anniversary Exercises of Greenwich Academy

for the graduating class of 1875

GLC09400.565

to Blanche Kelso Bruce

Heiderhoff is asking Senator Bruce to support him since the coming election caused the Democrats to take power in Shieldborough.

GLC09400.168

to Blanche Kelso Bruce

Pease is writing to tell Senator Bruce that he does not appreciate being followed and would like to talk to the Senator at his earliest convenience.

GLC09400.153

to Blanche Kelso Bruce

Hancock is writing Senator Bruce to request some documents be sent to him when the Senator can.

GLC09400.175

to Blanche Kelso Bruce

Harris is asking Senator Bruce for help in getting his brother a position in some department in Washington. He also mentions J. S. Wezles who drowned himself in the Mississippi River.

GLC09400.162

to Blanche Kelso Bruce

A request to sign two tax receipts, and send the receipts back if the taxes have been paid. At the bottom of the letter there are some sums worked out.

GLC09400.178

to Blanche Kelso Bruce

Baker is writing Senator Bruce to inquire to the possibility of a position as Doorkeeper on the Senate Floor.

GLC09400.169

to Blanche Kelso Bruce

Harvey is asking Senator Bruce for help in securing a position in the Post Office of Iuka Mississippi. He says the position is held by a woman who is thinking of giving it up and recommending someone who has never worked in a post office, and has no...

GLC09400.181

to unknown

letter fragment. refers to the corpses of "murdered colored men." mentions that Davis is going to resign as a compromise. says he once unseated six democrats and seated six republicans, wishes it could have been 60.

GLC09400.542

to Blanche Kelso Bruce

requests the procurement of an appointment to a route agency by J.W.S. Dodson.

GLC09400.418

to Blanche Kelso Bruce

Wells, a member of Congress is willing to call Secretary of the Interior in reference to her application and do everything he can on her behalf.

GLC09400.545

to Blanche Kelso Bruce

sent a bottle of whiskey to the senator.

GLC09400.549

to unknown

missing first page.believes there should be additional deputies allowed. right now only 2 are allowed as opposed to 4 in Washington.

GLC09400.555

to Blanche Kelso Bruce

informing him that the comptroller died shortly before one.

GLC09400.353

to Blanche Kelso Bruce

This is a series of two letters, and a separate docket. All three concern the post office and appointment to political posts.

GLC09400.056

to Blanche Kelso Bruce

This is a docket that accompanies by two letters by E.P Natch GLC09400.056.1 and GLC09400.056.2 this docket does mention that Natch is a relative of Senator Bruce

GLC09400.056.03

to Blanche Kelso Bruce

A letter to Senator Bruce advising him that McKees is after the Senator and regularly speaks ill of him. He also discusses his position as United States Attorney.

GLC09400.158

to Blanche Kelso Bruce

2 envelopes addressed to B.K.B.. letters are missing

GLC09400.563

to Blanche Kelso Bruce

This is a letter asking for Senator Bruce's help in getting Little Huggins, and Scullen. It also asks for Senator Bruce to help control the Post office in Jackson as there is no Republican Representatives in Jackson. He also inquires the reason for...

GLC09400.165

Calling Card for James Hill

GLC09400.566

loan agreement for R.C. Bruce

will pay $50 dollars/ month

GLC09400.590

to Blanche Kelso Bruce

Boyle and Chapman are requesting payment of a cash bill that was enclosed with the note. No bill is attached.

GLC09400.176

Coupon for the Living Age Company (renewal and subscription)

GLC09400.583

to Blanche Kelso Bruce

This is a recommendation for Joshua W. Ward for postmaster in Greenville. A petition has already been signed and sent to Washington, Kretchman is just asking Bruce for additional support.

GLC09400.164

to Blanche Kelso Bruce

Hatch received notice to complete his bond, but believes this to be a mistake. He claims he has received no notice that the matter of the bond had been settled and tells Senator Bruce he would like to discuss it with him.

GLC09400.179

to Blanche Kelso Bruce

Hodge is waiting for a bank draft and wants it by the first of the month.

GLC09400.546

to Roscoe C. Bruce

GLC09400.601

Four Signatures

four signatures, one of which appears to be that of Blanche K. Bruce.

GLC09400.553

to Blanche Kelso Bruce

reminds him to go to the Treasury to have her reinstated.

GLC09400.550

to Blanche Kelso Bruce

informing him that the register of the treasury died.

GLC09400.354

to Blanche Kelso Bruce

This letter from Natch is about how he believes that Sterns is fixing an appointment of a U.S. attorney due to corruption and that appointments are necessary. This letter is accompanied by another document and a separated docket detailed in GLC09400...

GLC09400.056.01

to Blanche Kelso Bruce

Bamand is requesting Senator Bruce's help to get an appointment as a special agent of the treasury. He claims that there is not one from Mississippi. The docket says recommended this 25th of June 1875.

GLC09400.156

Advertisement for A Fool's Errand and A Compend of the Elements of Fact

GLC09400.520

to Blanche Kelso Bruce

This letter from Mrs. Tilly covers a few topics. The major topic is her asking the Senator for support in being re-appointed to her job, at a higher salary on the 1st of July. She asks the Senator to remember her, and put in a good word in for her...

GLC09400.012

to Blanche Kelso Bruce

Kimbrough is asking Senator Bruce for help securing a position in the Detective Service. He mentions that he would like help to become a member citing "there is not a colored man in the Employ of the Government in this Section"

GLC09400.160

to Blanche Kelso Bruce

wishes to get an apprenticeship in the printing or binding division

GLC09400.320

to Mrs. Bruce

offers present as token of appreciation for all the favors her husband has done for him.

GLC09400.524

to the Librarian

envelope addressed to the librarian at the Library of Congress

GLC09400.564

R. F. Crowell

A business card with the name R. F. Crowell with numbers and notes on the back. It was filed with a series of letters concerning a Miss Wright and her position in the treasury department and as a result may be related. This document is related to...

GLC09400.090

to Blanche Kelso Bruce

Bell is asking Senator Bruce for help in keeping his government position. He is also asking for help for a friend named Ino. T Dunbar who would like a position in the Post Office.

GLC09400.167

to Kelso Farm

GLC09400.644

to Mrs. B.K. Bruce

invitation to college alumni event

GLC09400.652

to Gov O. P. Morton

Hitchcock is asking for Gov. Morton for help in getting a position in the government. This note was according to the docket forwarded to Senator Bruce by Gov. Morton.

GLC09400.174

engraving of Blanche Kelso Bruce and other members of the Senate
(James T. Rapier, H.R. Revels, J.H. Rainey, and John R. Lynch.)

GLC09400.447

Rules for choosing a census supervisor

GLC09400.534

to Blanche Kelso Bruce

Hill is asking if "Bro James" is in Washington.

GLC09400.161

to Blanche Kelso Bruce

Blackman is requesting that Senator Bruce send him some papers when congress opens so that he can read the messages.

GLC09400.177

to Blanche Kelso Bruce

Senator Bruce's brother is writing to say he received his letter of the 3rd from Chicago and had sent a letter the same day to Washington D.C. H.C also asks what course Blanche is going to take in the future with the Senate.

GLC09400.166

to Blanche Kelso Bruce

Summer is asking Senator Bruce for help in getting a position either in Mississippi, or Tennessee. He has no preference and whatever the Senator can get for him will be fine.

GLC09400.180

Resolution of the Legislature of Ohio

protesting Against the action of the United States military authorities in the expulsion of certain members of the Lousiana Legislature. 6 copies

GLC09400.569

to Blanche Kelso Bruce

Hall is asking Senator Bruce for a loan of $200.00 for ninety days at which time he will be able to repay it. He asks that if the Senator agrees that he send a confirmation and if possible a Post Office Order for the amount.

GLC09400.183

to Blanche Kelso Bruce

Star requests that Senator Bruce send him copies of his speeches.

GLC09400.223

to Blanche Kelso Bruce

asks that he do all he can for G.V Boswell.

GLC09400.266

to Blanche Kelso Bruce

Trumble is writing to say that Sterling has paid; he is also informing Senator Bruce that his fee is $35.00.

GLC09400.186

to Blanche Kelso Bruce

Blackman is asking Senator Bruce to please see that his wife is appointed Post Master if he is removed from the office due to a report from the Special Agent.

GLC09400.226

to Blanche Kelso Bruce

Harvey is asking Senator Bruce to send him 4 to 5 thousand dollars to pay a settlement. He says that he could pay it all upfront but to do so would cripple his business. So if the senator could help he would pay it more gradually over the course of a...

GLC09400.232

to Blanche Kelso Bruce

Seals is writing Senator Bruce to tell him that his health is good, but he asks the Senator to look after his claims and let him know what's going on in Washington.

GLC09400.221

to Blanche Kelso Bruce

Brown is requesting that Senator Bruce go with him to the Secretary of the Navy in the interest of Mr. Green.

GLC09400.231

to Blanche Kelso Bruce

Parker is asking for a loan from Senator Bruce for 200 dollars that he will pay back with his next check on the 25th of the month.

GLC09400.200

to Blanche Kelso Bruce

This is a short note that says the document that was originally forwarded with it was to be destroyed after reading. According to the docket the original document was about delegates to the convention in Cincinnati, which occurred in 1876. There is...

GLC09400.134

to Blanche Kelso Bruce

This is what seems to be the first page of a letter from Sullivan to Senator Bruce concerning a note that Sullivan received after a 6 page letter was sent to the Senator. The page ends in the middle of a sentence and there is no second page with it...

GLC09400.122

to Blanche Kelso Bruce

Vashon is asking Senator Bruce for help in securing his wife a position in some department of the government as his pay as a professor at Alcorn University is not quite enough to support their family.

GLC09400.204

to Blanche Kelso Bruce

Addie is requesting that the class of the Terry Post Office be raised as the area serviced is now larger.

GLC09400.207

to Blanche Kelso Bruce

A letter from Smith in regards to Robert E Leachman who is feeling ill. He is asking for Senator Bruce's help to get a sixty day leave of absence for Leachman to recover.

GLC09400.063

to Blanche Kelso Bruce

Hall is asking Senator Bruce's opinion on what the future of Mississippi is considering the proposed investigation into the election. Hall would also like information regarding a possible petition that has been put together to remove the present post...

GLC09400.172

to Blanche Kelso Bruce

A note to Senator Bruce to meet with Pease in the Marble room. Related to GLC09400.039.2 A longer letter between the two men.

GLC09400.039.01

to Blanche Kelso Bruce

2nd Lieutenant Kilpatrick was writing the Senator to request help transferring from the 17th Infantry into the 7th Calvary due to a vacancy through the death of an officer in the Calvary. He is writing the senator since he is from Mississippi, and...

GLC09400.066

to Blanche Kelso Bruce

Sillers wants Senator Bruce to appoint someone else as his agent as he can no longer do the job

GLC09400.217

to Blanche Kelso Bruce

asks him to use his influence to have the Hon. G.V Boswell appointed Post Master to fill the vacancy in said town.

GLC09400.264

to Blanche Kelso Bruce

Powers is writing to Senator Bruce to ask him to keep an eye on Power's nomination to the Senate, and if there is strong opposition to let him know so he can come to Washington to defend himself. In the second half of the letter Powers mentions that...

GLC09400.192

to Blanche Kelso Bruce

Blackwood is requesting that Senator Bruce send him copies of the Congressional Record, he says he will repay the Senator if there is any cost associated with sending it. This page is ripped under the salutation. It looks like there may have been...

GLC09400.224

to Blanche Kelso Bruce

A letter to say that there was $2200.00 collected in excess and that there is interest to pay on bonds. The letter also talks about a night where there was a fight; and someone said they would read Bruce's speech the next day but never came.

GLC09400.187

to Blanche Kelso Bruce

Baldwin wrote to Senator Bruce regarding purchase of a copper mine. There is also a section on giving Travis Rhodes a position. On the back there is a note saying answered Dec 7.

GLC09400.227

to Blanche Kelso Bruce

Harvey is requesting that Senator Bruce endorse for him on his settlement of 9 thousand dollars. He has the money and just needs the endorsement.

GLC09400.233

to Blanche Kelso Bruce

Pease is refuting claims that the Post Office in Carson should either be mover to Concordia, or a new one made in Concordia. He states that their arguments are false and is willing to supply a petition with more names that those on the oppositions to...

GLC09400.193