Is Enthusiastic
July 16, 1898
Summary
An African American man from Pennsylvania congratulates the Planet on its success in granting African American officers the opportunity to command their troops.
Transcription
Likes our position—praises our governor—colored troops recognized—a glowing tribute.
Harrisburg, Pa., July 2, 1898,
Hon. John Mitchell, Jr.,
Dear Sir and Brother: —Please except my sincere congratulations upon your successful fight for the colored volunteers. I can assure you, we people here of the oppressed race appreciate your great work.
If we had a governor who was as broad and generous as you governor showed himself to be, Pennsylvania today would be represented by colored troops as well as white. But Pennsylvania has not a governor who represents the state and if she had, she would be fore-front in her duty toward her best and most patriotic citizens.
Therefore, I ask you to convey to your distinguished governor out best wishes for his health and successful administration. And to you, sir, continue the good work and permit me to say that there is no better paper in the United States, than the Richmond Planet. God speed the day when we shall have Richmond Planets all over the United States. And there shall be no question of the Negro’s future. Trusting you’re well, I remain yours for the race,
W. J. Bailor,
Secretary of Afro-American League, Pen.; Sole Candidate for U.S. Consul to Haitien; General Manager of “Defender:” Editor of “Gazette.”
Harrisburg, Pa., July 2, 1898,
Hon. John Mitchell, Jr.,
Dear Sir and Brother: —Please except my sincere congratulations upon your successful fight for the colored volunteers. I can assure you, we people here of the oppressed race appreciate your great work.
If we had a governor who was as broad and generous as you governor showed himself to be, Pennsylvania today would be represented by colored troops as well as white. But Pennsylvania has not a governor who represents the state and if she had, she would be fore-front in her duty toward her best and most patriotic citizens.
Therefore, I ask you to convey to your distinguished governor out best wishes for his health and successful administration. And to you, sir, continue the good work and permit me to say that there is no better paper in the United States, than the Richmond Planet. God speed the day when we shall have Richmond Planets all over the United States. And there shall be no question of the Negro’s future. Trusting you’re well, I remain yours for the race,
W. J. Bailor,
Secretary of Afro-American League, Pen.; Sole Candidate for U.S. Consul to Haitien; General Manager of “Defender:” Editor of “Gazette.”
About this article
Source
Location on Page
Lower Right Quadrant
Topic
Contributed By
Cali Hughes
Citation
“Is Enthusiastic,” Black Virginia: The Richmond Planet, 1894-1909, accessed January 20, 2026, https://blackvirginia.richmond.edu/items/show/1436.