Rare letter, signed twice, transmitting an address written by Ira Aldridge, one of the first, and the most esteemed, African American actors of the nineteenth century.Aldridge writes transmitting the text of an address he gave upon his first visit to Amsterdam: 

“I herewith beg your acceptance annexed of the few words spoken by me on the occasion of the serenade and

welcome given me by the inhabitants of Amsterdam on Monday 19th Feby.” Aldridge then proceeds to thank the citizens of Amsterdam for their warm welcome upon his first visit and goes on to express his thanks for the efforts of the Dutch to emancipate the slaves held in their colonies: “Ladies and Gentlemen the very high and distinguished honour you have this evening conferred upon me is so far beyond my humble deserts, that it is utterly impossible for me to command words sufficiently expressive of my feelings. I will ever retain in my memory and with the deepest gratitude the enthusiasm and friendly reception you have given me on this my first visit to the ancient and world renowned City of Amsterdam, distinguished alike for its wealth, as for its hospitality to the stranger and the sympathy of its inhabitants with the oppressed. I need only refer to the noble work in progress among you, the Emancipation of my fellow countrymen in your Colonies. When that great work shall be accomplished (which may God prosper) I trust and I am sure that the poor slaves evince their gratitude and convince the world that they are deserving and know how to appreciate fully that great and glorious boon, the inalienable right of every man Freedom. I feel truly thankful to the Burgomaster and Magistrates for their permission in allowing this great assemblage to welcome and honour me, an honour that Kings might be proud of. I once more thank you from the bottom of my heart, a heart that must be cold and dead indeed when it ceases to remember this eventful occasion with feelings of gratitude and though shortly lands may divide and seas may sever your envied and noble reception of me will form one of the proudest and most gratifying reminiscences in my profession[al] life” Ira Aldridge

 

American National Biography, vol. 1, pp., 256-258

Appiah and Gates, Africana, p. 62-63

Marshall, Herbert and Stock, Mildred, Ira Aldridge: The Negro Tragedian (1958)