7. Bergh, Henry. Autograph letter signed (“Henry Bergh”), 1 page (8 x 10.5 in.; 203 x 267 mm.), on “The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals” letterhead, New York, N.Y., 3 July 1885, written to “Gentlemen of the Societies for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals”. Moderate bleedthrough of mounting adhesive on corners; slight chipping on lower margin.

ASPCA founder Henry Bergh reaches out to European like-minded society members for the betterment of the cause.

Bergh writes in full:
Gentlemen of the Societies for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. Permit me to present Mr. George W. Johnston, Editor of the official newspaper of this Society – “Our Animal Friends”, who visits Europe at this time, in order to inspect – with your obliging co-operation – the systems and practices in operation in your respective countries, to the end that we in America may profit by your experience. Any assistance in your power which you can afford him, to the advantage of our Common Cause, will be gratefully appreciated, by this Society – and, Your obedient servant Henry Bergh President

Diplomat, philanthropist and founder of both animal and child protection movements in the United States, Henry Bergh was both honored and reviled for his work in the latter half of the 19th century. Newspapers dubbed him “The Great Meddler” for his aggressive actions to protect animals. Conventional wisdom of the time treated animals like property – to be treated in whichever way the owner deemed fit. Born into a wealthy family, Bergh was appointed in 1863 to the United States Embassy in Russia, serving as secretary of the delegation. While in St. Petersburg, he was reputed to have witnessed a Russian peasant beating his fallen cart horse. Bergh intervened, saving the horse from a further beating that day. Upon his return to the U.S. in 1865, Bergh stopped in England and met with the president of the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA). Once back in New York, Bergh took quick action to establish a similar society in the United States. On 10 April 1866, with the backing of many influential people, Henry Bergh was granted a charter by the New York State legislature for the formation of The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. Bergh would serve as the organization’s president until his death in 1888. $400 - $600

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