An 1819 Letter Concerning Donation by Charity for the "Aid of the Civilization &c of the Indians Within the U.s."

L. (1761-1836). A Pennsylvania merchant, Ralston created a large fortune in the East Indian trade. He spent his fortune on various charities, including the establishment of a widows' and orphans' asylum, the Mariner's Church in Philadelphia, and the Philadelphia Bible Society. EDWARD CROUCH (1764-1827). An United States Representative from Pennsylvania, he fought during the Revolutionary War and the Whisky Insurrection of 1794. He served in Congress from October 12, 1813 until March 3, 1815. L. 2pp. 7 " x 9 ". Swatara [Pennsylvania]. Octr 26 1819. A contemporary copy of an important letter from Edward Crouch to Robert Ralston. The front side of the letter states: "There is lately a small society formed by the name of the Dauphin Missionary Society. There revd. James R. Sharon President The Revd. Dimma Vice Prest. Dr. King Secty & Edwd Crouch Treasr. They have instructed me to send on the funds to the American Board of Commissioners for Foreign Missions & to a society formed at N York probably by the name of the American Foreign Mission Society in equal proportions, with positive directions that it be appropriated to the aid of the Civilization &c of the Indians within the U.S. Not knowing to whom, or when to send the money, I have enclosed Twenty five dollars to you, with a request that you forward it to the Society of whom you are a member of the board of Commissioners - with the instructions as above. Be so good as to acknowledge the receipt of this, and I would request you to inform me to who and where I ought to transmit moneys for the Society of which you are a member. Also of the society formed at NYork together with its proper name. Any other information which would be useful to lay before the board of which I am a member will be thankfully recd... ". On the verso, Raltson wrote "Herewith you have Copy of a letter received this day, accompanied with Bank Notes for the... laid therein. Agreeably to the directions I have the pleasure to enclose a draft in your favor for $12.50 bring the proportion which attaches to your Society... Robt Ralston". The letter is in very fine condition overall with dark and readable ink; the usual folds affect nothing. A terrific and early letter showing white citizens donating money to the Native Americans (Inventory #: 630)