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Original October 5, 1847 handwritten religious and academic correspondence sent from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania to the Rev. A. B. Brown, D.D. at Canonsburg, Pennsylvania.
A fascinating piece of antebellum American religious and educational history, written approximately fourteen years before the outbreak of the Civil War.
Unlike an ordinary family letter, this substantial manuscript contains discussion centered upon the professional, religious and academic world of mid-19th-century Protestant clergy.
The writer addresses Brown warmly as “Dear Brother Doctor” and congratulates him upon his newly attained academic/theological distinction, with an unusually lively discussion of the honors and privileges associated with his doctorate.
The correspondence continues into matters involving Presbyterians, religious and educational affairs, and—most notably—the prospect of Rev. Brown being called to a presidency.
The writer expresses his pleasure at the prospect of Brown receiving the position and asks what Brown thinks of the matter should it be offered to him with unanimity. The letter also discusses the possibility of Brown succeeding his father “in station as well as title.”
These passages provide an unusual firsthand glimpse into the interconnected world of clergy, higher education, religious institutions and professional advancement in western Pennsylvania during the 1840s.
ADDRESSED TO:
The Rev’d A. B. Brown, D.D.
Canonsburgh, Pennsylvania
The original address panel remains present and bears a striking red Pittsburgh postal marking.
The handwriting itself is particularly attractive, displaying the elaborate flowing penmanship characteristic of the period. The manuscript retains numerous sweeping capitals, flourishes and other characteristics of handwritten antebellum correspondence.
HISTORICAL CONTEXT:
This document was written in 1847, during the antebellum period and approximately fourteen years before the beginning of the American Civil War.
Religious institutions, clergy and denominationally connected colleges and seminaries occupied an important place in American intellectual and community life during this period. This letter is especially appealing because its religious and academic context appears directly within contemporary correspondence between participants in that world.
CONDITION:
Original antique condition with substantial age-related wear.
The paper shows pronounced original fold lines, staining/toning, edge wear, tears and separations along portions of the folds, with small areas of paper loss. Please note that this document is fragile and should be handled carefully.
Despite the condition issues, a substantial majority of the handwritten content remains present and legible, as does the original address panel and red Pittsburgh postal marking.
Please examine all photographs closely as they are an important part of the condition description.
No attempt has been made to clean, repair, tape, flatten or otherwise alter the document.
This is an original 1847 manuscript document, not a reproduction.
An especially interesting piece for collectors and researchers of:
• Antebellum American history
• Presbyterian and Protestant history
• American religious history
• 19th-century clergy
• Canonsburg and Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania history
• Early American colleges and theological education
• Historic manuscripts and correspondence
• Pennsylvania postal history
A compelling original document from the religious and academic world of western Pennsylvania in the 1840s.
