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Military discharge from 25th (Colored) Infantry; Smith had enlisted in 1875 to serve five years. On vellum.

Concerning the death of three African Americans; "this month there were already 3 negroes killed all 3 shot 2 of died 3d expected to die 2 of them were shot in one day..." On printed "Wm. Davie & Co., Distillers" stationery.

Inquest into the accidental drowning of Marcus Robbins, an African-American boy. Whittemore was a trial justice in Barnstable County, Massachusetts.

Commissions Smith as a sargent in "C" Company of the 25th (Colored) Infantry Regiment. On Vellum.

Typescript of a biography of Rev. John Rankin, "Rev. John Rankin--February 4, 1793 - March 18, 1886". With an endorsement in the hand of Mary Rankin: "For Mr. Rule" [Lucien V. Rule].

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.

Typed petition signed by 6 individuals, noted as chairmen of a "committee of citizens of African descent on education appointed to guard and promote the interest of their race in all matter pertaining to the public schools." Comments on the aims of the public school system and causes for higher truancy among African American residents. Need for truant officers "who are thoroughly familiar with the peculiar conditions of the colored people and who are not afraid to enter the haunts of the very lowest." Notes African American women are best equipped to secure "good results among colored truants, who are mostly of slave parentage" and inform the population of the "advantages to be gained by education." Petitioning for African American women to be appointed as truant officers, noting the ease of finding individuals qualified for the position. Written on Board of Commissioners of Cook County 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.]