This remarkable photograph shows the then oldest living ex-slave, Mrs. Sally Fickland, viewing the Emancipation Proclamation in the Freedom Train at Philadelphia, on September 17, 1947. This moving image reminds us of the importance of exhibition lighting policies to control both the intensity and duration of light exposure. The National Archives carefully limits the light exposure of this landmark document to ensure that it survives for future generations to see. Emancipation Proclamation, RG 11, ARC # 299998.
If you left your young wife at home, pregnant with your first child, to “walk in the path of duty,” and fight in the Civil War, what would you say when you gaze upon a photograph of your son for the first time, unsure if you’ll ever have the chance to meet? This letter from Joseph Culver to his wife, written 150 years ago today, is both of the time and timeless, but quite moving.
We are not here to bark, but to bite.
J-J. Grandville, from Vie privée et publique des animaux (Public and Private Life of Animals), under the direction of P. J. Stahl, Paris, 1867.
(Source: archive.org)
The nineteenth century seems like a pretty weird time.
Via Letters of Note:
April 29th, 1865: Queen Victoria, still grieving and “utterly broken-hearted” following the death of Prince Albert four years previous, writes an empathetic letter of condolence to Mary Todd Lincoln following the recent assassination of her husband, Abraham Lincoln.
April 29, 1865
Dear Madam,
Though a Stranger to you I cannot remain silent when so terrible a calamity has fallen upon you & your Country & must personally express my deep & heartfelt sympathy with you under the shocking circumstances of your present dreadful misfortune —
No one can better appreciate than I can, who am myself utterly broken-hearted by the loss of my own beloved Husband, who was the Light of my Life, — my Stay — my all, — what your sufferings must be; and I earnestly pray that you may be supported by Him to whom Alone the sorely stricken can look for comfort, in this hour of heavy affliction.
With the renewed Expression of true sympathy, I remain,
dear Madam,
Your Sincere friend
Victoria Rg
Views of Calcutta (Kolkata) between 1858-1861
