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.
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.
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
with regards
[Endorsement]
Anthony Burns
Fairmount Theo. Seminary
Cincinnati Ohio