The full content of this document is only available to subscribing institutions. More information can be found via www.amdigital.co.uk
If you believe you should have access to this document, click here to Login.
| Field name | Value |
|---|---|
| Collection Reference Number | GLC09010 |
| From Archive Folder | Documents Relating to the 1880s |
| Title | Nathaniel Prentiss Banks to George F. Hoar regarding supporting an African American for a position in the Navy |
| Date | 9 September 1889 |
| Author | Banks, Nathaniel Prentiss (1816-1894) |
| Recipient | Hoar, George F. |
| Document Type | Correspondence |
| Content Description | Begins by asking Hoar to support John D. Powell Jr. of Boston, an African American for a position in the Navy. States, "He is quite a remarkable man ... His energy and activity are unlimited. He knows no fear ...These with other good qualities are balanced by frailties of his race. 'The Afro American Race' as he styles it." Lists some of Powell's accomplishments and describes repeated but unsuccessful efforts to assist Powell in getting a government job due to his race. Laments corrupt hiring practices in the Navy Yard and Federal services and gives examples where less qualified men were hired over Powell. Concludes, "...Nothing good can come out of it. I see men of the Union Army constantly who tell me they have no chance, and the same of the Union Navy! That is not right! It is the same with Mr. Powell & his compatriots. They have no chance." Mentions attending a reception for President Harrison at Fanueil Hall in Boston and noticed that there were few colored people there. Remarks, "Their numbers may be small, but if they turn upon the leaders of the Administration, it will be a wreck of one side or the other..." |
| Subjects | Navy African American History President African American Troops Corruption and Scandal |
| People | Banks, Nathaniel Prentiss (1816-1894) Hoar, George Frisbie (1826-1904) Powell, John D. (fl. 1861-1889) |
| Place written | Waltham, Massachusetts |
| Theme | African Americans; Naval & Maritime; Government & Politics |
| Sub-collection | The Gilder Lehrman Collection, 1860-1945 |
| Additional Information | Banks was a Union Major General in the Civil War. He served in Congress from Massachusetts both before and after the war. Hoar was a Representative and Senator from Massachusetts. |
| Copyright | The Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History |
| Module | Civil War, Reconstruction and the Modern Era: 1860-1945 |