Full Title:
Abraham Lincoln papers: Series 1. General Correspondence. 1833-1916: Edward M. Gallaudet to Abraham Lincoln, Monday, June 20, 1864 (Invitation to attend dedication of college for the deaf)
Excerpt:
Columbia Institution for the
Deaf and Dumb and the Blind.
Washington June 20, 1864.
Sir,
Under the provisions of a law of Congress, approved by your Excellency April 8th 1864, the Directors of this institution are about organizing a College for the Deaf and Dumb.
It is intended to inaugurate this new department of our institution in a public manner on Tuesday the 28th instant, at eleven o’clock A. M. in the Four-and-a-half street Presbyterian Church.
A College for the Deaf and Dumb is without precedent in the history of the world, and it would seem appropriate that the Chief-Magistrate of a nation so devoted to the elevation of the human race, as ours, should give his personal benediction to the foundation of an institution at the National Capital, whose influence will be felt for good not only in our own land, but in every civilized nation.
The law organizing this institution names the President of the United States as it’s Patron, and is it not fitting, that when the institution is making so important an advance as the establishment of a College, it’s Patron should give his sanction to such a step?
I would therefore respectfully extend to your Excellency an invitation to attend the exercises of inauguration of our College, and to honor the occasion with an address.
With sentiments of profound respect,
I have the honor to be
Your Excellency’s obedient servant
E. M. Gallaudet.
Superintendent.
Source Citation:
Gallaudet, Edward M. 1916. Edward M. Gallaudet to Abraham Lincoln, Monday, June 20, 1864 (Invitation to attend dedication of college for the deaf). Letter. Abraham Lincoln papers: Series 1. General Correspondence 1833-1916. https://www.loc.gov/resource/mal.3387000/