Letter from Milo Hildreth to Samuel Downer accepting his invitation to the reunion with reminiscences

Letter from Milo Hildreth to Samuel Downer accepting his invitation to the reunion with reminiscences

In this three-page letter Milo Hildreth acknowledges receipt of his invitation to the reunion of the Free Soil Party and enthusiastically accepts it. He then proceeds to reminisce about his activist history in the Party, including the Buffalo Convention, the many people he met, and the achievements of the Free Soil and Republican Parties. He states that he is looking forward to meeting with his old comrades who are still alive, shaking their hands, talking about their shared experiences, and the difficulties they faced. He states that although liberty has been achieved through war, there is still much to do in order to ensure that all African Americans are treated fairly.

Downer, Samuel, 1807-1881

Reunions

Abolitionists

Abolition movement

Politcal parties

Amusement parks

Invitations

Friendship

Gratitude

Happiness

Political conventions

Political elections

Nostalgia

Civil wars

Death

Liberty

Suffrage

Race discrimination

Hildreth, Milo, 1824-1893

Hingham Public Library

1877 August 3

No known copyright restrictions

Contact host institution for more information

JPEG

6.81 MB

6.60 MB

English

Correspondence

bpc-0105a

folder6_09a

bpc-0105b

folder6_09b

Northboro (Mass.)

Hingham (Mass.)

1848

1861-1865

1877 August 9

Hingham Public Library

Northboro Mass. Aug 3^d/77

Samuel Downer Esq -

Dear Sir -

Your kind invitation to attend the reunion of the Free Soilers of 1848 at Melville Gardens on the 9^th of August, came duly to hand.  In reply, am happy to say that I gladly accept it and if unavoidable cir-cumstances do not prevent, will be present on that oc-casion.

My active political history began at that time.

The first presidential vote [word] I cast <insertion: was> for the nominees of the Buffalo Convention that year -

We know there are periods in the life of every individ-ual, distinguished above all others, for their importance: and ought not to be forgotten.  As with individuals, so with organizations and political parties.  The achievements of the Republican Party, were the <insertion: results of the> grand and noble purposes brought to maturity, by the Free Soiler of 1848.

And it is well to meet the few that remain, and shake hands.  And interchange thoughts - and speak kind words, and participate in the festivities of a reunion.

All great advances in civilization have been made through tears and through blood.  Every department in the world has been developed in this way.

The Abolition of American Slavery, was brought about through the great war, that was forced upon our Government.  And at a great cost of trea-sury and human life.

So let us not be discouraged, The <insertion: work> begun in 1848, is not yet complete.  The colored man, legally, has the right of suffrage - but practically he is still disfranchised in the South.  The Southern States are now consolidated.  There <insertion: ir> representation in Congress is not to be diminished.

We need to meet and take council for our present and future wants.

Again I thank you for the invitation and remain

                                Your[s] truly,                                                                            

Milo Hildreth

8" x 10"