2008-09
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 8/31/2008
A great American missionary's letter, 4pp. 4to., written in ink by Abraham Hanson, Monrovia, Liberia, Sept. 3, 1862 to his wife concerning his trip to and events in Monrovia after just arriving in his new country, reading, in part: "…after eleven long & weary weeks I am at the end of my journey…a thousand dangers have surrounded me…I reached Cape Palmer, in Liberia on the 16th of Aug but did not find very comfortable mode of conveyance…we cast anchor at Monrovia on Sunday the 31st…at present I am boarding at the Hotel…[Sept. 4]…I have to write by snatches. I am so much interrupted and occupied that it will be impossible…to write you that long letter…I am very much pleased with Monrovia and my reception by the Government and people of Liberia…all the forms of recognition have now been observed and I intend to hoist my nice new flag tomorrow. It is a fine flag 15 x 9 ft. as soon as I learn from our Government what my relation is to be…I will give you my views in reference to future movements…keep [the] house and furniture just as they are…the weather here is warm. I am now sweating profusely but do not feel uncomfortable from it. Though my health is good I am somewhat prostrated from my long voyage of the last 250 miles…I have had a call from Bishop Burns. He lives next door…the church is on the next lot to my boarding place…so I can get to meeting by a few steps…". Hanson was appointed as the United States first ambassador to Liberia on June 8, 1863, but did not receive his credentials until Feb. 23, 1864. Soon after he reached Liberia and remained at his post until July 20, 1866 when he died of disease. Removed from scrap album with negligible glue residue affecting last page with minor soiling, else very good.
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