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Story
August 1, 1849
Morning Star
Limerick, York County, Maine
What is this article about?
In 1849, U.S. Secretary of State John M. Clayton denies a passport application for free Black citizen Henry Hambleton, citing policy against issuing them to persons of color, as requested by Edward Hurst of Philadelphia.
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Full Text
SHAMEFUL.-The Secretary of State of the United States wrote the following in reply to an application for a passport from a free colored citizen who is about visiting some foreign country.
It is the smallest and meanest thing that we have seen for many a day. But then, what business has a black man to ask a favor of this white republican government, though it be but a small one?
DEPARTMENT OF STATE,
WASHINGTON, June 9th, 1849.
Edward Hurst, Esq., Philadelphia, Pa.:—Sir:
Your letter of the 7th inst., soliciting for Henry Hambleton, a colored man, a passport or protection, is received, and in reply, I have to inform you, that passports are not granted by this department to persons of color; and that protections are only given to them when they are in the service of Diplomatic Agents, &c., of the United States, going abroad.
Hambleton's certificate of nativity is herewith returned.
I am, sir, respectfully, your obd't serv't
JOHN M. CLAYTON.
It is the smallest and meanest thing that we have seen for many a day. But then, what business has a black man to ask a favor of this white republican government, though it be but a small one?
DEPARTMENT OF STATE,
WASHINGTON, June 9th, 1849.
Edward Hurst, Esq., Philadelphia, Pa.:—Sir:
Your letter of the 7th inst., soliciting for Henry Hambleton, a colored man, a passport or protection, is received, and in reply, I have to inform you, that passports are not granted by this department to persons of color; and that protections are only given to them when they are in the service of Diplomatic Agents, &c., of the United States, going abroad.
Hambleton's certificate of nativity is herewith returned.
I am, sir, respectfully, your obd't serv't
JOHN M. CLAYTON.
What sub-type of article is it?
Historical Event
Curiosity
What themes does it cover?
Social Manners
Misfortune
Justice
What keywords are associated?
Passport Denial
Racial Discrimination
Secretary Of State
Free Black Citizen
1849 Policy
What entities or persons were involved?
John M. Clayton
Henry Hambleton
Edward Hurst
Where did it happen?
Washington, Philadelphia, Pa.
Story Details
Key Persons
John M. Clayton
Henry Hambleton
Edward Hurst
Location
Washington, Philadelphia, Pa.
Event Date
June 9th, 1849
Story Details
The U.S. Secretary of State refuses to issue a passport to a free Black man, Henry Hambleton, stating that such documents are not granted to persons of color except in specific service roles.