“We are endeavoring to establish a course of semi monthly Lectures for Colored persons in Clarksons Hall No. 615 Cherry Street. On behalf of the Evening School Association we are commissioned to request that thee will favor us with a Lecture on any instructive subject …”

In 1813, the Pennsylvania Abolition Society opened a school for African-American students, which it named Clarkson Hall in honor of the British anti-slavery leader. It also served as Headquarters for the Abolition Society until the building was sold in 1864. There is no mention in newspapers of the time of the planned lectures for Black adults.

Harriet Elizabeth Stockly was a veteran Abolitionist, having signed a statement in support of William Lloyd Garrison as early as 1835. The year she signed (or wrote) this letter, she also published a book of “Conversations” about Quakers.