J. F. Pierpont Dickson to Maj. Gen. Oliver O. Howard, Jan. 14, 1870
- Title
- J. F. Pierpont Dickson to Maj. Gen. Oliver O. Howard, Jan. 14, 1870
- Date
- 01-14-1870
- Creator
-
J.F. Pierpont Dickson
- Recipient
-
Maj. Gen. Oliver O. Howard
- Description
- New Thomas Run teacher J. F. Pierpont Dickson writes to Commissioner Howard that he has left his previous school at East New Market, Md. and gone to Hickory (Thomas Run). The primary purpose of her letter, however, is to ask for Howard's assistance in seeking redress for abuse she suffered at the hands to two Dorchester & Delaware Railroad employees on Christmas Day, 1869. Dickson had attempted to board the train car of her choosing in order to travel to visit another teacher in Salisbury, Md. She had been prevented from doing so by these men, who insisted that she ride in the smoking car due to her race, and had manhandled her when she resisted being removed.
- Source
- Smithsonian, National Museum of African American History and Culture
- Courtesy of the U. S. National Archives and Records Administration, FamilySearch International, and the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture.
- Transcript
-
Thomas' Run
11.Jan.1870
To
Maj. Gen'l O. O. Howard
Sir
I was under the necessity of changing my school. Owing to the want of interest among the people in regard to sending their children to school I am now teaching at Hickory, Harford Co. Opened school this A.M. No. of pupils present 25. I wish, now sir, to make you acquainted with an occurrence which took place at East-New Market- Dec. 25. 1869. at which place I opened school Oct 18th. 1869. Wishing to visit a friend of mine who is teaching at Salisbury I bought a ticket for said place (or rather for Delmar) and stood awaiting the arrival of the train, The train came up.- I, with the other passengers stepped upon the platform of the car,- when the Brakeman looking at me told me that [[underline]] that, [[/underline]] was not the car for me at the same time locking the door. I asked him why; he said, pointing to the "smoking car", [[underline]] that [[/underline]] was [[underline]] my [[/underline]] car ordering me in it I refus'd to enter it. He asked me if I intended going in it, I told him I did not. He then said we will [[underline]] see. [[/underline]] Calling the Conductor he asked him if I was to go in that [[underline]] car [[/underline]] he said [[underline]] no, [[/underline]] at the same time telling me that, [[underline]] that [[/underline]] was not the car for [[underline]] me [[underline]] I asked him why, he replied, that was the car for [[underline]] "white folks", [[/underline]] telling me to go in the [[underline]] other [[/underline]] car. While this conversation was going on two white ladies were waiting to enter, finding that I still stood he unlocked the door for them to enter, when, as [[underline]] they [[/underline]] stepped in I [[underline]] also [[/underline]] stepped in, upon which the Brakeman seized me violently by my arm and shoulder (tearing my glove and cloak badly) dragging me fr. the car, and throwing me against the railing of the platform of the same car injuring my side. He then ordered me to go into the smoking car or [[underline]] leave. [[/underline]] I refused to do either; I told him he had no right to treat me in such a manner I also told him that I should sue him, he replied, sue and d____d. I rode on the platform of the same car fr. East New Market to Seaford. Upon arriving at said place I was nearly benumbed with cold. I am, and have been miserably ever since.
The name of the Brakeman, is Charlie Stewart. The Conductor, Daniel Muze. This happened on the Dorchester and Del. R.R. Is there redress? If so I seek [[strikethrough]] e [[/strikethrough]] it. Will you, sir investigate the matter? I feel that you are the teachers friend, and that you will befriend me.
Very Respectfully
[[signature]] J. F. Pierpont Dickson. [[/signature]]
Address
Thomas' Run
Harford Co.
Md.
Part of J. F. Pierpont Dickson to Maj. Gen. Oliver O. Howard, Jan. 14, 1870