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Ronald Reagan Presidential Library, Simi Valley, CA.
Ronald Reagan Presidential Library, Simi Valley, CA.
Letter, Julia Ward Howe to the Editor of the Home Journal
Ronald Reagan Presidential Library, Simi Valley, CA.
Ronald Reagan Presidential Library, Simi Valley, CA.

Letter, Julia Ward Howe to the Editor of the Home Journal

Artifact ID1981.33283.01a-c
Object Type Letter
Gifter
Maker (Abolitionist, poet, author of "The Battle Hymn of the Republic")
Date December 17, 1883
Medium Paper, Ink
Dimensions13 × 11 in. (33 × 27.9 cm)
Physical DescriptionA two-page letter and envelope written by Julia Ward Howe were mounted on cardboard. (.01a-c) The two-page letter is handwritten and states(a-b) "241 Beam N. Boston Dec. 17th 1889 Editor Home Journal Dear Sir, May I ask you to amend the statement concerning my age which I hear of as lately made in your Journal. I was born in May 1819, and am [illigible], at this time of writing, sixty four yeard old, and not seventy three, as noted by your correspondent. I am [illigible] this correction may be made, not in consequence of any sensitivity concerning my age, which as long been made public in various biographical sketches, but because I do not wish to be retired from the ranks of [effective (crossed out)] active workers before my time. Respectfully, Julia Ward Howe" The envelope (c), addressed "Editor Home Journal, Office New York N.Y.," was postmarked in Boston on December 17, 1883, at 4 PM and had a two-cent stamp.
Historical NoteJulia Ward Howe (1819-1910) wrote this letter to the editor of the Home Journal in New York, from her home in Boston, December 17, 1883. Howe was known for writing the lyrics to The Battle Hymn of the Republic. She was complaining that they got her age wrong, writing, "I was born in May 1819, and am [illegible], at this time of writing, sixty four years old, and not seventy three, as noted by your correspondent." She adds this is not out of, "consequence of any sensitivity concerning my age, which has long been made public in various biographical sketches, but because I do not wish to be retired from the ranks of active workers before my time." Howe would live to be 91 years old. The envelope was postmarked in Boston December 17, 1883 at 4PM.
Additional Details
Custodial History NoteThe item was a gift from a member of the general public to President Ronald Reagan during the Reagan administration. It was received through the Executive Office of the President Office of Correspondence and maintained there until its transfer to the National Archives in January, 1989 for deposit with the Reagan Presidential Library.
National Archives Catalog CollectionRecords of the White House Gift Unit (Reagan Administration) (National Archives Identifier 6816362) and
National Archives Catalog SeriesGifts from the General Public (National Archives Identifier 6816363)
Use Restriction StatusUnrestricted
Use Restriction NoteReproduction or other use of these holdings or images thereof is unrestricted.
In Collection(s)