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Chase, Thomas N., fl. 1872 to Charles Sumner with Sumner's autograph endorsement signed

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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC07202.02 Author/Creator: Chase, Thomas N., fl. 1872 Place Written: Atlanta, Georgia Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 14 December 1872 Pagination: 4 p. : Height: 20.3 cm, Width: 24.7 cm Order a Copy

Chase, a professor at Atlanta University, updates Sumner on the condition of African Americans in Georgia. States that "[t]he opposition to the elevation of the colored people is becoming more & more intense. 'I don't want a nigger to know more than I do' is the general sentiment." Reports that in Georgia, African Americans are excluded from the benefit of agricultural scrip. States that Joseph Emerson Brown, Chairman of the Atlanta Board of Education, does not support African American schools as much as he supports white schools. He indicates that black students only get female teachers, whereas white students get some male teachers as well. Complains about insufficient travel accommodations for African American students, stating "[w]hen our pupils returned to their homes last summer, they were obliged to ride in a low filthy uncomfortable car put close to the engine before the baggage car"; he also mentions that the young African American ladies of breeding should not be subjected to the smoky train car they were obliged to ride in. Offers to send a school catalog to Sumner, and requests Sumner's advice. Endorsed by Sumner: "There is but one answer - my Civil Rights Bill. C.S".

Chase, Thomas N., fl. 1872
Sumner, Charles, 1811-1874
Brown, Joseph Emerson, 1821-1894

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