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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.]

Business manager inquiring of the El Paso, Illinois, opera house manager, about upcoming dates, rent costs, and "full description of Hall size and seating capacity." On illustrated "Nashville Students and P. T. Wrights Grand Colored Comedy Co." letterhead, featuring a portrait of an African American man, a band on parade, and a train car. "With Turkish Uniformed Silver Band & Orchestra, a Talented Company of Vocalists, Comedians & Dancers, Best and Most Refined of All Colored Companies." "Music, Mirth and Merriment. Sweetest Singers. Funny Commedians [sic]... A Sure Winner. Book it Quick."

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.]

Family news, including graduation, marriage, jobs, residences, etc. Mother incapacitated by rheumatism. Recognizable landmarks still in existence, but notes other local changes. Mention of roads, compulsory education, telephones, and agriculture. Description of the Evansville Race Riot, noting violence and destruction as the mob made "war on the colored race, many of whom have left the city." Mentions the arrival of soldiers, their armed struggle with the mob, and restoring peace. "I believe that in the history of Evansville it is the first time such a disgraceful, heathenish act ever originated..."

Arrived at Charleston and explored with two new acquaintances, but it was too dark out to take a good picture. Visited the historic St. Michael church, which he points out was a site of rebellion. Explored an old slave market, which he notes is now occupied by African American meat and fish vendors. Was excited to visit the “bright cheerful” battery afterwards, with cannons and mortars meant to remind visitors of the start of the Civil War at Fort Sumter. Visited a garden with a large variety of plants. Description of and sketch illustrating the local architecture. Expresses shock at “how dirty people can live” after visiting an occupancy with multiple dogs, cats, and a monkey. Description of what may have been a minstrel show. Written on paper with a printed letterhead for the “Clyde Steamship Company.”

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.