Henry Highland Garnet

Henry Highland Garnet Revisited Via His Diplomatic Correspondence: The Correction of
Misconceptions and Errors

Author(s): Hanes Walton, Jr., Ronald Clark, James Bernard Rosser and Robert L.
Stevenson
Source: The Journal of Negro History , Winter, 1983, Vol. 68, No. 1 (Winter, 1983), pp.
80-92
Published by: The University of Chicago Press on behalf of the Association for the
Study of African American Life and History
Stable URL: https://www.jstor.org/stable/2717461
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DOCUMENT
HENRY HIGHLAND GARNET

REVISITED VIA HIS DIPLOMATIC
CORRESPONDENCE: THE CORRECTION
OF MISCONCEPTIONS AND ERRORS
By
Hanes Walton, Jr., Ronald Clark, James Bernard Rosser and Robert L.
Stevenson*
The two recent books on black abolitionist and diplomat Henry Highland Garnet,
both written in the late 1970s, are saturated with factual errors about his diplomatic
mission and the end of his life because the authors did not retrieve and analyze all
of the available data. Both books omitted and failed to make any use of Garnet's
diplomatic correspondence, thereby setting into motion major mistakes of interpre-
tation, judgment and facts.
Moreover, the errors committed in this instance are typical of the numerous er-
rors that characterize contemporary books on the black experience in America.
When juxtaposed against the two books, the attached diplomatic correspondence of
Garnet will clearly reveal and correct the sundry factual errors.
According to the official government's list of ambassadors, ministers and envoys,
prepared by the Historical Office of the Bureau of Public Affairs of the Department
of State, Reverend Henry Highland Garnet was appointed by President Garfield on
June 30, 1881, during a Senate recess.1 Secretary of State, James G. Blaine, notified
Garnet of his nomination by the President on July 15, 1881, and sent the Presiden-
tial Commission to him along with State Department instructions on July 19, 1881.'
(See Documents one and two) Because Garnet was first commissioned during a re-
cess of the Senate, he had to be recommissioned on October 26, 1881 after the
Senate had voted to confirm his nomination.8 The other intervening variable was the
death of President Garfield [who had nominated him] on September 19, 1881. (See
Documents three and four)
According to his own correspondence, (see Documents five and six) Garnet left
New York on Saturday, November 12, 1881 enroute to Monrovia, Liberia, traveling
via England and arriving in Monrovia on the steamer Egypt on December 10, 1881.
* Hanes Walton, Jr. is Fuller E. Calloway Professor of Political Science at Savannah State College;
Ronald Clark is Professor of Education at Savannah State College; James Bernard Rosser is Instructor
of Social Studies, Hinesville Middle School; and Robert L. Stevenson is Professor of English, Savannah
State College, Georgia.

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HENRY HIGHLAND GARNET 81
He was able to present his credentials to th

ence with him on December 22, 1881. And
send four diplomatic dispatches before his d
From these dispatches, we are able to lear
thousand dollars a year and that he reques
(See Document eight) We further learn th
about Liberian laws regarding possible duty
ment ten)
Lastly, we learn from a letter written by his daughter, Mary Highland Garnet
Barboza, written on November 21, 1882, that Garnet "died at 4 o'clock on Monday
afternoon February 13, 1882." She also reveals in the letter that he was "smitten
with fever on January 9th," 1882 and never "entirely rallied from the attack." And
during this illness, he suffered a severe attack of asthma, an old malady of his, and
simply passed away in his sleep.
Before closing the letter his daughter says that Garnet came to "Africa to die";
that he "was delighted with the country" and that he was greatly welcomed by the
Americo-Liberians. She closes by saying that his funeral was attended by members
of all the branches of the Liberian government and representatives of other nations
in the country.
We have attached all of Garnet's communication with the State Department,
both from the United States and Liberia. In addition, we have also attached the
letter from his daughter along with the various enclosures sent with some of his
diplomatic correspondence to the Secretary of State.
However, before closing we would like to set forth various erroneous statements
taken from the two books on Garnet and list under each statement corrective data
taken from the diplomatic correspondence.
In the first book, Earl Ofari, Let Your Motto be Resistance: The Life and
Thought of Henry Highland Garnet (Boston: Beacon Press, 1972), the numerous
errors of fact are listed below.
1. "Later in the year, Garnet was appointed United States Minister resident and consul general
to Liberia." (page 122)
CORRECTION
His documents show that he received notice of his nomination on July 15, 1881, w
President having made that nomination on June 30, 1881.
2. "Leaving New York City, he arrived in Monrovia in early January, 1882." (page
CORRECTION
His documents show that he arrived in Monrovia on December 10, 1881.
3. "Garnet had contacted the fever on his arrival . . ." (page 123)
CORRECTION
"He was first smitten with fever on January 9th."
4. "Still weakened by the fever, he was unable to gain his strength. Garnet died on the mo
of February 12, 1882 at the age of sixty-six." (page 123)
CORRECTION
"He died at 4 o'clock on Monday afternoon the 13th of February, 1882" after
asthma attack. The date of his death given by his daughter is corroborated by th
Department's publication.4 The State Department's publication states that Garnet d
post on February 13, 1882.

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82 JOURNAL OF NEGRO HISTORY
In the second book, by Joel Schor, Henry Hig

Radicalism in the Nineteenth Century (Connecti
are both factual and conceptual. Writing in 1977,
committed the same factual errors about Garnet's arrival in Monrovia and his
death. These factual errors were stated in the introduction to the book in a footnote
in that section.
1. "He accepted the position against the advice of close friends and died of tropical fever shortly
after his arrival in Monrovia in 1882." (page xii, footnote 3)
CORRECTION
The comment that he took the position against the "advice of close friends" is
because he seemingly chose to die in Africa. Secondly, he arrived in Monrovia
10, 1881 and died February 13, 1882.
2. "Grateful Republicans offered him the diplomatic post of minister resident and c
to Liberia." (page xii, footnote 3)
CORRECTION
The term and idea of grateful is a bit misleading because the Republican patronage po
appointing high level and highly visible blacks to ministerial post was a deliberate pat
policy to keep the masses of black voters attached to the party as the party slowly sh
interest and support elsewhere.5
The next error which Schor committed was a conceptual one. He wr

period of Garnet's greatest activity and accomplishment runs from 184
(page xii) Therefore, he stops his book and the discussion of Garnet's li
In a brief footnote he quickly describes the rest of Garnet's life, which
other seventeen years beyond Schor's purview! And this had led one r
Schor's book to write: "One would like to know more about Garnet's work with
Freedmen during Reconstruction and his appointment and service as Minister and
Consul General to Liberia."6 In essence, Schor's conception of Garnet is both too
limited and too abbreviated.
For instance, Garnet's own statements in 1849 reveal, and as these attached docu-
ments show, that he had Liberia on his mind and wanted to die there. Thus numer-
ous questions arise: Did he use his political influence and take advantage of the
Republican patronage policy toward blacks to get there? Did the Republican ad-
ministration learn of his desire and maneuver such a highly respected and visible
Garnet to Liberia to fulfill their black patronage objectives? There are other ques-
tions: Did this eventual goal and objective of Garnet's figure into the degree and
intensity of his radicalism? What role did this goal play in his tactics, strategies and
proposals? What impact did he have on Liberian society and political stability? And
finally, what did his acceptance of the Liberian post and his subsequent death there
do to blacks and the Republican party voting alliance? Answers to these and other
questions will not be found in Schor's book because Schor's conception of Garnet
ends in 1865.
Beyond these two books, several early articles committed some of the same fac-
tual errors and possible errors of interpretation and judgment.7 Although William
Brewer's article is one of the earliest, there are no factual errors about his arriva
and death.8 It is still the best conceptualized work on the man's life. On the other
hand, factual errors in contemporary works are just simply inexcusable and harm-

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ful. In addition, they say something about th

errors.
The following attached documents which we have obtained from th

partment's official diplomatic dispatches9 should clear up that missing
period in the last months of Garnet's life. And these documents loudly proc
new views of Garnet must start with a full assessment of his entire activities and
include a full review of all the data on his life and activities.
DOCUMENT ONE
165 West 26th (Street)*

New York
July 16th 1881
(The Honorable James G. Blaine)

(Secretary of State)
(Dear) Sir(:)
I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter (,) dated the 15th
Inst.(,) informing me that it has been the pleasure of the President to appoint me
Minister Resident and Consul general of the United States at Monrovia, Liberia.
With a due sense of the responsibility involved an(d) the confidence which the
Chief magistrate (has) reposed in me, I gratefully accept the appointment(,) and
when I shall quality myself in accordance with your instructions, I will present my-
self at the Department of State. I am(,) sir(,) very respectfully your obedient and
dutiful servant.
Hnry. (Henry) Highland Garnet.
DOCUMENT TWO
165 West 26th Street

New York
(July 27, 1881)
Honorable (James G. Blaine)

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Secretary of State
(Dear) Sir:
I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of

dent and Consul General of the United States a
In accordance with your instructions(,) I herew
oath of office. I was born in the State of Mary
State of New York. It is my intention to depart
tember. The day (of) my departure(,) when it sh
be duly made known to you.
I have the honor to be Sir,
Your obedient servant(,)

Hnry. (Henry) Highla
ENCLOSURE WITH DOCUMENT TWO
The Honorable James G. Blaine
Secretary of State of the United States
(Dear) Sir:
I was born in New Market, Kent. County(,) in the state of Maryland, and at
time of my appointment by the President, I resided in New York City.
Your obedient servant(,)

Hnry. (Henry) Highland Garnet
DOCUMENT THREE
165 West 26th (Street)

New York
(October 2, 1881)
Honorable James G. Blaine

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Secretary of State
Sir(:)
Accept my acknowledgement of your telegram telling me to wait. The wisdom of

which is seen by the nomination of Resident and confirmation by the Senate.
I await now only further instruction from you relative to my letter of Residence,
on the receipt of which I am prepared to depart at once for my post of duty.
I am(,) sir(,) very respectfully

your obedient servant(,)
DOCUMENT FOUR
165 Wet 26th (Street)

New York
(Nov. 2, 1881)
The (Honorable James G. Blaine)

Secretary of State
Dear Sir:
I have the honor of acknowledging the receipt of the documents transmitted t

me, containing letter of credence for President Arthur, and your own directions and
orders, for which please accept my thanks.
It is my purpose to sail from this port 9th Inst. by the steamer Denmark. I sha
consider it to be my duty and pleasure to comply with your orders on my arrival at
Monrovia.
I am(,) dear sir(,) very

respectfully your obedient
servant(,)
DOCUMENT FIVE
165 West 26th (Street)

New York

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(Nov. 10th(,) 1881)
(William Hunter(,) Esq.)

Acting Secretary
(Dear) Sir
I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of

Please accept my thanks for the information you
additional compensation concerning which I inqu
tirely satisfactory. In regard to the case of Mr. Osb
informed regarding it from the Department as
strictly follow instructions in reference to it, an
my report concerning it. It is my purpose to depar
by the steamer Egypt of the National line going
I am(,) sir(,) your obedien

servant(,)
DOCUMENT SIX
Monrovia, Liberia
West Africa
December 10, 1881
(Dear) Sir(:)
I have the honor to inform you of my arrival in Monrovia this day, making the
voyage in thirty one days.
Having informed the Secretary of State of my arrival(,) according to instructions,
and (an) audience with the President of Liberia was arrange(d) for the 22nd inst,
and (I) was received very cordially and courteously by his Excellency who on receiv-
ing my letter of Credence expressed his hearty good will toward our President and
the Government of the United States(.)
On the same day John H. Smyth(,) the returning Minister Resident, and Consul
General delivered to me the archieves and other property of the Legation(,) with an
inventory of the same, which(,) upon examination(,) I found to be correct, and have
so certified. And (I) have the honor to transmit the paper to the Department of
State.
The Hon(orable James G. Blaine)

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Secretary of State
I am(,) Sir(,) respectfull

your obedient Servant(,)
Hnry. (Henry) Highla
ENCLOSURE WITH DOCUMENT SIX
Inventory of books in the Library of the U.S. Legation at Monrovia an

Miscellaneous books reports from the various departments of Govern
United States Statutes (bound) 32
Do Do Do (unbound) 33
Letter Press 1
Record Books 30
Desk 1
Book cases 2
Case with shelves for blank forms 1
Chairs (1 revolving office chair) 7
Tin trunk for papers 1
Stamps, official (one large and one small) 2
Ink stands 1
Candle stick 1
Office lamp 1
Flags 2
Flag pole 1
Arms 1
Thermometer 1
Ruler 1
Bound copies of letters and despatches 3
Packages of despatches 4
Map (Liberia)
Blanks and stationary, (pens, p
Rubber straks, long cap paper,
Etc. etc.
Numerous pamphlets
Elements of International law (Wheaton) 1
U. S. Consular Regulations (copies) 2
December 23, 1881
John H. Smyth, Late

U. S. Minister Resident
Hnry. (Henry) H. Garnet

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DOCUMENT SEVEN
Monrovia, Liberia
January 10, 1881
The Honorable James G. Blaine

Secretary of State
(Dear) Sir:
I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter dated No

1881 in reference to Mr. Smyth's despatch 153, and have complied with
and transmitted the same to secretary of State of Liberia.
I am authorized to say that the President and the Cabinet of Liberia
know that their sincere sympathy in our national bereavement is kindly r
the government and the people of the United States.
I am(,) sir(,) your obedient

servant,
Minister Resident and Consul
General of the United States
DOCUMENT EIGHT
Monrovia, Liberia
January 2, 1882
Honorable James G. Blaine

Secretary of State
(Dear) Sir:
I have the honor to transmit my transit-account on the basis of a salary of Four

thousand Dollars ($4000) per annum(.)
From November 12th to December 20th(,) 1881-one month and eight days or
38 days-(you owe me) $413 05/100(.)
So Salary from and including the 24th of December to and including the 31st of
December(,) which is eight-days(,) $86 96/100 (which is) total for the quarter end-
ing December 31st $413.05
86.96
$500.01

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I am your obedient ser

Hnry. (Henry) High
DOCUMENT NINE
US Legation
November 21, 1882
(Honorable) Fred T. Frelinghuysen

(Secretary) of State
Dear Sir:
This is to inform you of the death of my father(,) Henry Highland Garnet(,) th

Late U.S. Minister.
I had to hasten down from my mission post on the river to see my father a corpse
and to attend his funeral.
He died at 4-o'clock on Monday afternoon the 13th inst.
He was first smitten with fever on Jan. 9th and he never entirely rallied from the
attack.
His old disease of Asthma was developed and during a severe attack of the com-
plaint he fell asleep.
He was not taken by surprise. He expected the fatal result and had often said he
came to Africa to die.
He expressed great pride that his country had chosen him one of her representa-
tives abroad. He was delighted with the country and was received here with great
eclat. Never could mortal have been made more welcome. He found the country in a
state of political strife and his very presence was a habinger of peace.
His death was deeply felt-here by the people generally. His funeral was at-
tended by the Executive Legislative, Judiciary, Military and Civil force of the Re-
public and Representatives of other nations. My ardent desire, is, and it was his
also(,) that life and strength my be vouschsafed me to labor Christ in the field so
dear to my heart.
My four children and myself are his only relatives here. He was a devoted father.
He has left me in charge to settle up his business and as he had only been in the
country seven weeks and was fitting up the Legation(,) matters were quite unsettled
at his death. I am compelled to remain here away from my station until I hear from
the Gov't(:) my father left a will yet unopened.
The vice consul, Mr. Anmery(,) has charge of the Legation. As soon as it can be
so arranged I should like to visit the United States to Settle(,) finally(,) some of my
father's affairs Afterward D.V. I shall return to my chosen work. Africa is doubly
dear to me now that his precious dust-slept in he(r) bosom(.)
Hon(orable) Fred T. Frelinghuysen Very respectfully yours(,)

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Se(cretary of State)
From
Mary Highland Garnet Barboza Mary Highland Garnet Barboza
DOCUMENT TEN
Monrovia, Liberia
January 13, 1881
Hon(orable) James G. Blaine

Sec(retary) of State
Washington, D.C.
(Dear) Sir:
I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your circular lette

Nov. 25, 1881 in relation to the purchase of supplies by vessels of war o
States in Liberian Ports.
I applied at once to the Hon. W. H. Roe, Secretary of the Treasury, for
desired information, and in reply to my inquiry he addressed to me the communica
tion dated the 11th inst. of which I enclose a copy.
I am(,) sir(,) your obedient

servant(,)
ENCLOSURE WITH DOCUMENT TEN
Hon(orable) H.H. Garnet
Sir(:)
In reply to the enclosed communication wishing to know "whether the privilege of

purchasing supplies, duty free from the public warehouses, is accorded by any law
or regulation of the Government to vessels of war of the United States, when in
ports of Liberia," I have the pleasure of informing you that there is no existing law
on the subject, and that the practice of the Department is to allow all vessels of war
of the nations, to obtain whatever supplies they may wish, without imposing any
duty of any kind whatever.
I have the honor to be(,) sir(,)

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Your obedient servant

(William H(.) Roe)
Secy. Treasury
Before we close our documentary essay,

Vice Consul Aenmey's dispatch to the Stat
Garnet. In particular, Aenmey accused him
Aenmey questions the authenticity of Ga
form of his correspondence" and his failur
However, the first part of the criticism
founded, for the style and format of Garn
and after his arrival in Liberia, are remark
Moreover, his dispatches, as a juxtaposition
sistent with other formal communiques sent
Finally, while we cannot judge the degree
canized," we can note that the criticism of
seem totally unfounded. Attached is H. A.
Garnet.
DOCUMENT ELEVEN
(Legation of United Stated)

(Monrovia)
(April 14th(,) 1882)
(Honorable) Fred T. Frelinghuysen

(Secretary of State)
Washington, D. C.
(Dear) Sir:
Your despatches(,) with enclosure no. 12 & 13(,) respectively dated

and 32(,) have been received at the Legation.
I beg to state on this occasion that the late Minister Resident(,) H.
(deceased) has, from the moment of his arrival here up to date of his
suffering from the effect of African fever, and that his official corresp
performed and under control of some of his friends and, family(;) hence
reason for) the unofficial form of this dispatches(,) of which I did not fi
one copied or recorded in the dispatch book.
It was impossible for me to afford him any relief as his Liberian
entirely charge of him and (had) so prejudiced his mind against fore
I have the honor to be,

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sir(,) your obedient serva

H. A. Aenmey
U. S. Vice-Consul (Gener
Richardson Dougall & Mary Patricia Chapman, compliers,

1973 (Washington, D.C.: Government Printing Office, 1973)
t Ibid., p. 94.
a Ibid.
4 Ibid., p. 93. See also Department of State, United State
ment (Washington, D.C.: Government Printing Office, 1975
6 See Rayford Logan, The Betrayal of the Negro (New York
Walton, jr. Black Republicans: The Politics of the Black
1975), pp. 30-43; Richard Sherman, The Republican Party
Hoover 1896-1933 (Charlottesville: University of Virginia P
* Betty Fladeland, Review of Henry Highland Garnet: A Vo
Century by Joel Schor, Journal of Negro History (October
7 James Padget, "Ministers to Liberia and their Diploma
1937), pp. 72-73.
8 William Brewer, Henry Highland Garnet, Ibid., (January
* National Archives and Record Series, Dispatches from Un
5, 1880-May 5, 1882. Microcopy Number 170, Roll T-8, V

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Henry Highland Garnet Revisited Via His Diplomatic Correspondence: The Correction of

Misconceptions and Errors

Stable URL: https://www.jstor.org/stable/2717461

This content downloaded from