In 1854, Anthony Burns liberated himself from slavery in Virginia and escaped to Massachusetts; however, under the power of the Fugitive Slave Act of 1850, he was captured and forcibly returned to slavery. Burns sued for his freedom by arguing the law was unconstitutional. Though he lost the case, supporters from the North bought his freedom and he moved to Ohio to study for the ministry. In this letter dated July 9, 1859, to his lawyer and friend, Burns describes a visit from his brother, who had recently bought his own freedom, and discusses his reasons for not celebrating the Fourth of July.

Creator:

Anthony Burns

Materials and Measurements:

Paper; 20.4 cm x 12.7 cm

Point of Origin:

Cincinnati, Ohio

Object Identifier #:

Ms. N-1088

Alt Text:

Letter from Anthony Burns to Richard Henry Dana, Jr., 9 July 1859 Manuscript

Citation Label:

Letter from Anthony Burns to Richard Henry Dana, Jr., 9 July 1859, Manuscript from the Dana Family papers, Massachusetts Historical Society, www.masshist.org/database/2499

Anthony Burns to Richard Dana Jr., 9 July 1859
Cincinnati 9 July 1859
Mr Dana
Most highly esteemed
Sir,
with pleasure I avail myself of the opportunity to write you a few lines, and hope they may find you family & frinds all well. I had thought of writing before now, but anticipating to come again to Boston this Summer, I thought it not worth while. But I now see that I shall not be able to come for several reasons namely time, & Money &c. will prevent. I hope you will not think for a moment that my unfrequent Correspondence with you is for want of respect. I do take pleasure in saying that there is no one whom I respect more than I do you, as a Gentleman friend & scholar. I persume to say though I now write, that there will be nothing found in my letter interesting to you.

[Page 2]
Though it contains one thing, which I deem quite so to me. It is the emmancipation of one of my Brothers in Louisiana Wachita Monroe. He bought himself. He has been to pay me a visit not long since. I had not seen him for Twenty years, you may know that the day on which we meet, was one of rejoycing more than 4th July.

I am not able to speak very fauvorable of July or the cause of rejoicing, on the day in this country, as it was not the day on which my liberty, nor the liberty of my Race was achieved. notwithstanding the people here did rejoice much. But I proposed to my people, to spend the day in prayer to God for the hasting of a general emmancipation day to all the Human Race, & I yet continue my Studies and hope to for some time to come.

[Page 3]
Mr Dana I wish to ask of you a favor hoping it will not be deemed as asking two much. I am out of
money & have a little in the five cents Savings Bank. But can not get it unless I have some one in
whom I my put confidence enough so as to Send them my Bank Book that they may draw apart of the money and send it to me. I know of now one more confidential than yourself or worthy. If I send you my Book and a Draft to the Bank, will you please to attend to this for me. If so you will please write me by return mail as I am in great need
Sir believe me yours
with regards
Anthony Burns.

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In 1854, Anthony Burns liberated himself from slavery in Virginia and escaped to Massachusetts; however, under the power of the Fugitive Slave Act of 1850, he was captured and forcibly returned to slavery. Burns sued for his freedom by arguing the law was unconstitutional. Though he lost the case, supporters from the North bought his freedom and he moved to Ohio to study for the ministry. In this letter dated July 9, 1859, to his lawyer and friend, Burns describes a visit from his brother, who had recently bought his own freedom, and discusses his reasons for not celebrating the Fourth of July.

Creator:

Anthony Burns

Materials and Measurements:

Paper; 20.4 cm x 12.7 cm

Point of Origin:

Cincinnati, Ohio

Object Identifier #:

Ms. N-1088

Alt Text:

Letter from Anthony Burns to Richard Henry Dana, Jr., 9 July 1859 Manuscript

Citation Label:

Letter from Anthony Burns to Richard Henry Dana, Jr., 9 July 1859, Manuscript from the Dana Family papers, Massachusetts Historical Society, www.masshist.org/database/2499

Anthony Burns to Richard Dana Jr., 9 July 1859
Cincinnati 9 July 1859
Mr Dana
Most highly esteemed
Sir,
with pleasure I avail myself of the opportunity to write you a few lines, and hope they may find you family & frinds all well. I had thought of writing before now, but anticipating to come again to Boston this Summer, I thought it not worth while. But I now see that I shall not be able to come for several reasons namely time, & Money &c. will prevent. I hope you will not think for a moment that my unfrequent Correspondence with you is for want of respect. I do take pleasure in saying that there is no one whom I respect more than I do you, as a Gentleman friend & scholar. I persume to say though I now write, that there will be nothing found in my letter interesting to you.

[Page 2]
Though it contains one thing, which I deem quite so to me. It is the emmancipation of one of my Brothers in Louisiana Wachita Monroe. He bought himself. He has been to pay me a visit not long since. I had not seen him for Twenty years, you may know that the day on which we meet, was one of rejoycing more than 4th July.

I am not able to speak very fauvorable of July or the cause of rejoicing, on the day in this country, as it was not the day on which my liberty, nor the liberty of my Race was achieved. notwithstanding the people here did rejoice much. But I proposed to my people, to spend the day in prayer to God for the hasting of a general emmancipation day to all the Human Race, & I yet continue my Studies and hope to for some time to come.

[Page 3]
Mr Dana I wish to ask of you a favor hoping it will not be deemed as asking two much. I am out of
money & have a little in the five cents Savings Bank. But can not get it unless I have some one in
whom I my put confidence enough so as to Send them my Bank Book that they may draw apart of the money and send it to me. I know of now one more confidential than yourself or worthy. If I send you my Book and a Draft to the Bank, will you please to attend to this for me. If so you will please write me by return mail as I am in great need
Sir believe me yours
with regards
Anthony Burns.