Latest news with #BenjaminHarrison
The Guardian
05-07-2025
- Politics
- The Guardian
Lost Jefferson letter on arms and democracy resurfaces for Fourth of July sale
A rare, handwritten letter by Thomas Jefferson, in which the founding father and third president expounds the right of citizens to bear arms in a revolutionary cause, has been uncovered in New England and offered for sale to mark the Fourth of July holiday. The holiday also marks the 199th anniversary of his death. Jefferson penned the letter to Virginia's then governor Benjamin Harrison on 31 December 1783, shortly after the conclusion of the revolutionary war that ended British opposition to the US declaration of independence seven years earlier. Written from Annapolis, the temporary capital of the fledgling country, the letter is notable for Jefferson's observation of a rising tide of revolutionary fervor in Europe, and his citing of the insistence of citizens there to be able to take up arms against their rulers, as residents of the 13 colonies had done against the British crown. He tells Harrison that 'citizens of the Dutch states are all in commotion' against the stadtholder regime of William V, the prince of Orange. He goes on to say that 'of 80,000 men able to bear arms among them it is believed scarcely any will refuse to sign this demand'. The original was in the hands of a private collector for more than half a century, dealer Nathan Raab of the Pennsylvania-based Raab Collection said. It was considered missing by custodians of the Jefferson papers at the University of Virginia. 'We are not aware of any letter having reached the market from a signer, let alone author of the declaration of independence on the right of democratic citizens to bear arms and oppose autocracy,' said Raab, who values the document at about $90,000. 'To see Jefferson, whose declaration of independence lit the spark of … western hemisphere liberty, rejoicing that these independence movements are gaining steam, and the people are making demands … it's about as evocative an expression of the democratic right to bear arms of the people as you can get. 'He's basically saying the momentum is toward democracy, not royalty.' While the letter showcases Jefferson's thoughts on justice overseas, his life in the US was much darker and less stable. He was the owner of more than 600 slaves – more than any other person who became president. Another letter uncovered by Raab last year highlighted Jefferson's financial misadventures that left him also penniless immediately before, and during, his time in the White House from 1801 to 1809. The letter to Harrison, Raab said, also reflects Jefferson's growing anxiety over ratification of the Treaty of Paris, which was signed in France in September 1783 by Britain, the US and others, to end the revolutionary war. The agreement required at least nine of the 13 new states to sign the document at a congressional summit in Annapolis called for November, and send it back to London – a two-month voyage away – by March 1784. But bad weather prevented several delegations from reaching the summit, and in his 31 December letter Jefferson wrote: 'We have yet but seven states, and no more certain prospects of nine than at any time heretofore. We hope that the letters sent to the absent states will bring them forward'. Raab said: 'It's like you're at the finish line and waiting to cross it. This is not a situation where you send it over by email; it had to cross the Atlantic twice. It's also the 1700s. You're not hopping on transatlantic flights, these people are coming from distant destinations on horseback.' Representatives from Connecticut and South Carolina eventually arrived days later, and the treaty was ratified on 14 January and dispatched urgently to London. The letter, Raab said, provides an intriguing snapshot of a crucial time in American history, with a brand new nation beginning to find its feet and in turn inspiring others to challenge centuries of established rules of governance overseas. 'It speaks to us today on many levels,' he said. 'We can see the power and inspiration of Jefferson's pen as he can begin to reflect on the success of his work and the American revolution, and witness democratic ideals spreading worldwide.'
The Guardian
04-07-2025
- Politics
- The Guardian
Lost Jefferson letter on arms and democracy resurfaces for Fourth of July sale
A rare, handwritten letter by Thomas Jefferson, in which the founding father and third president expounds the right of citizens to bear arms in a revolutionary cause, has been uncovered in New England and offered for sale to mark the Fourth of July holiday. The holiday also marks the 199th anniversary of his death. Jefferson penned the letter to Virginia's then governor Benjamin Harrison on 31 December 1783, shortly after the conclusion of the revolutionary war that ended British opposition to the US declaration of independence seven years earlier. Written from Annapolis, the temporary capital of the fledgling country, the letter is notable for Jefferson's observation of a rising tide of revolutionary fervor in Europe, and his citing of the insistence of citizens there to be able to take up arms against their rulers, as residents of the 13 colonies had done against the British crown. He tells Harrison that 'citizens of the Dutch states are all in commotion' against the stadtholder regime of William V, the prince of Orange. He goes on to say that 'of 80,000 men able to bear arms among them it is believed scarcely any will refuse to sign this demand'. The original was in the hands of a private collector for more than half a century, dealer Nathan Raab of the Pennsylvania-based Raab Collection said. It was considered missing by custodians of the Jefferson papers at the University of Virginia. 'We are not aware of any letter having reached the market from a signer, let alone author of the declaration of independence on the right of democratic citizens to bear arms and oppose autocracy,' said Raab, who values the document at about $90,000. 'To see Jefferson, whose declaration of independence lit the spark of … western hemisphere liberty, rejoicing that these independence movements are gaining steam, and the people are making demands … it's about as evocative an expression of the democratic right to bear arms of the people as you can get. 'He's basically saying the momentum is toward democracy, not royalty.' While the letter showcases Jefferson's thoughts on justice overseas, his life in the US was much darker and less stable. He was the owner of more than 600 slaves – more than any other person who became president. Another letter uncovered by Raab last year highlighted Jefferson's financial misadventures that left him also penniless immediately before, and during, his time in the White House from 1801 to 1809. The letter to Harrison, Raab said, also reflects Jefferson's growing anxiety over ratification of the Treaty of Paris, which was signed in France in September 1783 by Britain, the US and others, to end the revolutionary war. The agreement required at least nine of the 13 new states to sign the document at a congressional summit in Annapolis called for November, and send it back to London – a two-month voyage away – by March 1784. But bad weather prevented several delegations from reaching the summit, and in his 31 December letter Jefferson wrote: 'We have yet but seven states, and no more certain prospects of nine than at any time heretofore. We hope that the letters sent to the absent states will bring them forward'. Raab said: 'It's like you're at the finish line and waiting to cross it. This is not a situation where you send it over by email; it had to cross the Atlantic twice. It's also the 1700s. You're not hopping on transatlantic flights, these people are coming from distant destinations on horseback.' Representatives from Connecticut and South Carolina eventually arrived days later, and the treaty was ratified on 14 January and dispatched urgently to London. The letter, Raab said, provides an intriguing snapshot of a crucial time in American history, with a brand new nation beginning to find its feet and in turn inspiring others to challenge centuries of established rules of governance overseas. 'It speaks to us today on many levels,' he said. 'We can see the power and inspiration of Jefferson's pen as he can begin to reflect on the success of his work and the American revolution, and witness democratic ideals spreading worldwide.'
Indianapolis Star
13-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Indianapolis Star
Juneteenth 2025: Where to celebrate with food, music, exhibits and more
Several organizations around Indianapolis have plans to carry forward the spirit, history and legacy of Juneteenth across the next week. The holiday observed June 19 dates back to 1865, when enslaved people in Texas learned they had been freed two years after President Abraham Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation. Since then, many Black communities have celebrated the day, and in 2021, it became a federal holiday. To honor the day, here are several events that include art-making, videos, food, music and dance. Noon-7 p.m. June 21. Indiana State Fairgrounds, 1202 E. 38th St. The Indy Juneteenth parade was canceled this year, but organizers have invited the performers scheduled for the parade to play the fairgrounds celebration. The event will include a wellness circle, sip and paint as well as food and small business vendors. Indy Juneteenth will also include the following events: June 20-22. Madam Walker Legacy Center, 617 Indiana Ave. Three days of celebrations include the following highlights: 4:30 p.m.-8 p.m. June 13. Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site, 1230 N. Delaware St. Free. $20 early access pass. After he took office, President Benjamin Harrison hired Black chef and caterer Dolly Johnson, who ended up cooking for four U.S. presidents. The event will include re-enactments from Freetown Village as well as a slate of menu items that show contributions of Black cooks on American cuisine. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. June 14. Indianapolis Public Library's Center for Black Literature and Culture, 40 E. St. Clair St. The center will host an author fair, activities and music by Nu Destiny Christian Church Choir. Tickets to the moderated conversation with librarian Mychal Threets are sold out. 6 p.m.-8 p.m. June 19. Indiana Landmarks Center, 1201 Central Ave. RSVP for free tickets. Indiana Landmarks' event will celebrate the impact of Black-built spaces like Lyles Station, Weaver Settlement, Gary Roosevelt High School, Allen Chapel AME and the Madam Walker Theatre. Poet and scholar Lasana Kazembe will give the keynote speech, and a panel will discuss spiritual, mental, emotional and financial resilience. 5 p.m.-8 p.m. June 19. Conner Prairie, 13400 Allisonville Road in Fishers. Free. Black-owned businesses, food vendors, a kids' zone, bounce houses, face painting and opportunities to learn about Black Americans' contributions will round out the event. Organizers include Fishers High School's Future Black Leaders Club, community members and the Fishers Arts Council. Conner Prairie also will have free admission during the day June 19. 4 p.m.-8 p.m. June 19. 10 Carter Green in Carmel. Free. The event will highlight Black-owned businesses and showcase artists and musicians. June 19. Kurt Vonnegut Museum and Library, 543 Indiana Ave. Free admission. RSVP at Free admission at the museum. 5 p.m. June 20. Crispus Attucks Museum, 1140 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. St. Free with RSVP at Author and journalist Paul Hendrickson; Eunice Trotter, Indiana Journalism Hall of Fame member; Robert Chester, curator of the Crispus Attucks Museum; and Julia Whitehead, Kurt Vonnegut Museum and Library founder, will discuss journalism's part in chronicling and impacting the Black experience in the U.S. After the discussion, people can see the grand opening of "Roots & Routes: African Americans and the World," which explores Black resistance and imagination across the globe. 4 p.m.-8 p.m. June 21. Fort Ben Cultural Campus, 8950 Otis Ave. Free. Artists showing handmade work, food vendors, activities and live music will be at this event hosted by Arts for Lawrence. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. June 21. Eiteljorg Museum, 500 West Washington St. Free. Over the course of the day, the Eiteljorg will host jazz music, storytelling, a percussion group and a reading by Shonda Buchanan from her book about singer, songwriter and civil rights activist Nina Simone. 4 p.m.-8 p.m. June 22. Crown Hill Funeral Home and Cemetery, 700 W. 38th St. Free. Bring chairs to enjoy musical performances by Alaina Renae, Peyton Womock & Friends, and more as well as food trucks and vendors selling goods. 'Painting the community:' John Hardrick's art chronicled 20th-century Black cultural life Admission to these institutions is free on the following days in honor of Juneteenth: Newfields: June 19. Spoken word and reflections, wellness activities and art-making. Advance tickets required. Indiana Historical Society: June 21. Crafts, videos and more will celebrate African Americans' contributions. Indiana State Museum: and Historic Sites: June 21. Exhibits, like John Wesley Hardrick's "Through the Eyes of an Artist"; the documentary "Major Taylor: Champion of the Race"; dancers; drummers; musicians; and more. IndianapoLIST newsletter has the best shows, art and eats
Axios
17-03-2025
- Politics
- Axios
New Orleans remembers mass lynching of Italians 134 years later
On March 14, 1891, 11 Italian-American immigrants were killed in New Orleans. It remains one of the country's largest single lynchings. Some of the victims were acquitted the day before in the murder of the city's police chief. Zoom out: Italy cut off diplomatic relations with the U.S in the aftermath and there was talk of war, according to the Washington Post. Read the Italian consul's statement at the time. The next year, President Benjamin Harrison, hoping to repair things, created Columbus Day to honor the Italian-born explorer. The U.S. also paid Italy about $760,000 in today's currency to make amends, the paper wrote. The bottom line: New Orleans officials formally apologized in 2019 for the lynchings. No one was charged in the deaths. No one was convicted in the police chief's death either. Go deeper
Chicago Tribune
24-02-2025
- Chicago Tribune
Today in Chicago History: ‘Great is Chicago. It gets the World's Fair.'
Here's a look back at what happened in the Chicago area on Feb. 24, according to the Tribune's archives. Is an important event missing from this date? Email us. Weather records (from the National Weather Service, Chicago) 1890: 'Great is Chicago. It gets the World's Fair.' The city was awarded the event by the U.S. House of Representatives on the eighth ballot. The Senate concurred on April 21, 1890. President Benjamin Harrison signed it into law on April 25, 1890. The World's Columbian Exposition opened in Chicago on May 1, 1893. 1993: A secret Chicago police internal report surfaced cataloging more than 50 instances of 'methodical' and 'systematic' torture by Jon Burge and his subordinates. Stories of the violence committed under Burge — including beatings, electric shock, suffocation with typewriter covers and games of Russian roulette — proved to have a long reach. Although most of Burge's alleged misconduct took place in the 1970s and '80s, his accusers played a fundamental role in former Gov. George Ryan's decision to vacate Illinois' death row in 2000 and declare a moratorium on capital punishment in the state. Burge himself never was charged directly in any of the torture allegations, though he was fired from the Chicago Police Department in 1993. Years later, in 2010, he was convicted of lying to federal authorities about his conduct and sentenced to prison. He was released in 2014 and returned to his waterfront home south of Tampa. Burge died in Florida in 2018. Lawsuits from Burge's victims have cost taxpayers many millions in settlements and judgments, much of it paid out of city coffers. 2001: The XFL's Chicago Enforcers played their first home game at Soldier Field — and lost 13-0 to the New York/New Jersey Hitmen. The league folded after one season. Want more vintage Chicago?
