230

Lotus Ingalls.

Letter on the establishment of a School for Colored Children in Watertown.

Watertown, NY, 10 April 1848
Autograph Letter Signed to Millard Fillmore, as Comptroller of New York. Two pages, 9¾ x 7¾ inches, plus integral blank with address panel, inked postmark, and docketing; mailing folds, minimal wear. 

  • Notes: A letter requesting the allocated state funds for a new school in Watertown, in northern New York: "The school has been well instructed and the scholars have improved rapidly; and would, could the appropriation be continued, receive lasting benefit from the advantages of a school. . . . Here the colored children have heretofore received no advantages from the common schools. The colored children will not willingly attend a school for white children, doubtless for very obvious reasons, which lie beyond the control of either teacher, parent or any supervision. The colored population have been very much interested in the school, and seem capable of appreciating in some manner its advantages." He also thanks "the benevolent ladies of the village" for "fitting out these children with books and clothing to attend the school."

    The fragrantly named Lotus Ingalls (1818-1897) was a Watertown lawyer, temperance advocate, and newspaper publisher. He addressed this letter to the recently elected Comptroller of New York, Millard Fillmore, who was about to be plucked from obscurity to serve as Zachary Taylor's running mate, vice president, and successor.
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