Draper, John William, 1811-1882 to Mrs. Maury
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC06452.02 Author/Creator: Draper, John William, 1811-1882 Place Written: Hastings, New York Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 2 May 1864 Pagination: 4 p. : Height: 20.4 cm, Width: 25.1 cm Order a Copy
Draper, a chemist and historian, discusses his views on black inferiority. "Inferior races cannot be merged in superior ones, without bringing the standard down. For such reasons I look upon all schemes for the removal of the Blacks by absorption in the whites with the severest reprehension, and not to be tolerated in civilized communities." Attests that there are anatomical differences between blacks and whites. Despite his beliefs, remarks, "But though I am thus led to look upon the Negro as of an inferior grade, I regard him as having equal rights with ourselves in the sight of God. The quality that marks him out as separate and distinct from those superior monkeys and apes to what you refer it this- he is capable of religious ideas, they are not. That is the grand test which separates the responsible and irresponsible from each other." In a post script mentions family and acquaintances, including Daniel (possibly his son).
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