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Description of performance by "Blind Tom", the famous black pianist; "I went to hear 'Blind Tom' play on the piano Saturday night at Entertainment Hall Exposition Building. He could imitate nearly every instrument on the piano."

Mr. Douglass has gone to Charleston, South Carolina. Expresses her appreciation for the photograph and congratulations sent by Adams.

Douglass notes that his schedule in August, September, and October is "full of Congresses to promote various objects, moral, scientific social and religious." He praises the World's Columbian Exposition. Written on printed "Exposition Universelle de Chicago, Pavillon Haïtien" stationery.

Letter from Brooks, an African American "Buffalo Soldier," sending gratitude from Troop H, 10th U.S. Cavalry, for "the compliments you have bestowed upon us." 10th U.S. Cavalry are "upholding and perpetuating the constitution of this glorious United States." References the "hard fights" the regiment has encountered since its formation in 1867, including those "in the late Cuban campaign" and "during the Indian Warfare." Glad the "soldiers of the 'Black Race'" are gaining recognition after years of public silence. 71st New York Volunteers and the Rough Riders will attest to the courage, sacrifice, and friendship displayed at San Juan, Santiago, and other Cuban battles, and their service should be "recorded in the front rank of the United States history among the first for heroism and bravery." Comments on African American soldiers and how they deserve positions as commissioned officers. Attested and signed by Shelvin Shrapshire, Sergeant, "troop 'H' 10 Cav." [NB: In November 1898, John R. Brooks was murdered in Huntsville, Alabama, by an African American civilian who was promised payment from local white men for each black cavalryman killed.]

Has received first proofs of his Frederick Douglass biography; "I presume, from present indications that the book will be out before very long." [would be titled Frederick Douglass]

Pleased at Howard's response to Chesnutt's Frederick Douglass biography; Mentions [Parker] Pillsbury's Acts of the Antislavery Apostles, which he has not read; he requests a spare copy should Howard have one. "I am going to try the lecture platform, as a method of diversifying the literary life..."

Grateful for Boardman's letter, his "interest in my people," and to hear he has overcome his recent illness. "I am very much interested in the Negro Young People's Christian and Educational Congress, and shall not only attend it myself, but as one of the Commissioners for Kentucky I am doing all I can to interest others." Comments on his A.M.E. Church at Louisville and their publication of a weekly paper in coordination with other A.M.E. churches. Briefly comments on his wife and their meeting in Chattanooga while he was pastoring there. Writes about"the Maryville College boys," some of the first African American graduates from Maryville College, including W[illiam] H[enry] Hannum (1869-1942), F[rank] M[arion] Kennedy, O[liver] C[ampbell] Wallace (1872-1955), J[ames] A[llen] Davis, T[homas] B[artholomew] Lillard (18742-1904), and James M[oses] Ewing (d. 1944). Remarks on their work in churches, government offices, and colleges - including Livingstone College, "the leading institution of the A.M.E. Zion Church, and ranks among the leading Negro schools of the country." Mentions Bishop George W[ylie] Clinton (1859-1921). Written on printed Jacob Street Tabernacle A.M.E. Zion Church stationery. [Note: Recipient may be Samuel Ward Boardman (1830-1917), who also had a son who graduated from Maryville College - though, with same name.]

From the President and General Manager of the Detroit Negro Base Ball Association to the General Manager of Briggs Stadium. He is pleased with attendance at the weekend's baseball games. Written on printed "Detroit Negro Base Ball Association" stationery.

John Doar, Assistant U.S. Attorney General, Civil Rights Division, responds to Mrs. Manning's letter following the shooting of James Meredith (b. 1993), in which she asked "whether the department of Justice employs a double standard in the carrying out of its responsibilities." Comments on federal and state roles in regards to violence against people, noting that the shooting interfered with the federal protections afforded by the "commerce clause of the federal Constitution" and the Voting Rights Act of 1965. "The response of the President and the Department of Justice to the shooting of Mr. Meredith resulted from the likelihood that the act of violence, in addition to being a violation of Mississippi law, was also a violation of these federal criminal statutes. It is our responsibility to enforce these laws independent of the race of the victim." Includes a copy of the letter as well as the envelope.

Bound volume containing a membership list, arranged by geography, following a printed copy of the Society's constitution on the front page. Includes names of members from New Hampshire, Vermont, Maine, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, New York, Ohio, Michigan, Illinois.