ASPCA Letter book, 1868

2

compels to labor for their masters profit.

But, I am aware, that it is not immediately your province to attend to this matter.

There is, however, something collateral to it, of which I desire [to?] speak.

Captain Wilson of the 32nd Precinct is, strange to say, Superintendent [underlined] of [underlined] this [underlined] Line! [underlined] is this fact known to you - and if so, is it in accordance with your permission that [crossed out] that he performs this double service?

It is evident that one branch of his duties is cruelly neglected, however that of Police Captain may be.

He once came to see me in his double capacity, and I presume that it is correct, that is both Capt and [Superintendent?]. I deem it my duty to lay this fact, before you - and have the honor to be

your most obt Servant

Henry [underlined] Bergh [underlined] [signature] [Pres.?]

3

19 "Aug". 18.

[Wm.?] H. [Sholl?] Esq Cleveland. Ohio,

Dear Sir

I gladly comply with your request to send you a copy of the Laws of this State preventing cruelty to animals; you will find this in the 2nd Annual Report, which we this day have forwarded to your address by mail.

I truly hope that a perusal of the Report of the proceedings of this Society, during the last year, will fill your heart, and the hearts of your wife & the ladies of your city, with a desire to found a Sister Society in your city, & thus build up a power, which shall teach & compel the doctrine to be observed, that the brute creation [has rights?] which must be respected.

The field is a vast one, but it is one which can be made profitable, not only in ameliorating the condition of "our dumb chattels," but in its effects upon our own race. The [scenes?] through which we [have?] passed, & are daily passing, [do?] not it is [true, give away every exalted idea?] of the dignity of man, or of the gentleness of [woman?], but [there?] is [illegible] satisfaction which impels us onward, & forward in the good cause, we know that God is with us in our efforts to protect this vast portion of His creation from cruelty.

In organizing a Society, we hope that you will make it applicable to the whole State, under the title of "The Ohio Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals" and adopt our seal, so as to make it uniform throughout the U.S.

We hope to hear of the organization of such a Society in your city in a short time. & would be pleased to have you communicate to us your progress, to [further?] which we will render you all the [and?] in our power.

Yours Very [Respectfully?] Henry [underlined] Bergh [underlined] President

4

Aug 19th 8.

George B. Lincoln Esq.

Dear Sir

I deem it an appropriate moment to invite your co-operation in the labours of this society, having for their object the amelioration of the sufferings of the brute creation, by the practice of humane treatment of them; and the consequent moral elevation of their masters.

It would be taxing your valuable time too [greatly?], to give in detail, the effort we have made modify the conditions of animals while in course

5

of transportation to the East.

It is a well established fact, that most animals can endure the deprivation of food for a far longer period than they can water. Acting on this suggestion, this Society prepared an Actt which I presented last winter in person to the Legislature, one of the provisions, of which, required, that all cattle waggons be provided with a water [trough?] attached outside thereto, and easily accesible to the animals confined within each vehicle.

Certain pecuniary, interests were effected by [this?] humane, [&?] sanitary measure, and it failed of becoming a law! The extraordinary, & appropriate powers given to the Health Commission, prompts my addressing you on this subject, with a view to the enforcement of the Land of God, where those of man [are?] defective, or disregarded. I inclose what relates to the matter in the Statute. That many of the physical ills we are afflicted with, arise from eating the flesh of animals, [brought?] from a [great?] distance, deprived [underlined] of [underlined] food, [underlined] water [underlined] [&?] [underlined] rest [underlined] for [underlined] many [underlined] [days?] [underlined]; [along?] with other barbarous treatment ; is clearly demonstrated: and it is the opinion of scientific men, that the present Plague among cattle, is occasioned thereby, or cognate causes. Failing [therefore?] the law we have advocated the "[Refrigerating?] Car" for the transporting of the flesh of animals.

I have the honor to be, your most obt servt Henry [underlined] Bergh [underlined] President

6

19 August [8?].

Capt Jameson

Dear Sir,

A complaint has been made at our office in regard to a piece of wanton cruelty perpetuated on a dog in [Beaver?] St, by Policeman Franklin [Ficam?], F.D. Rorke & [Connover?]. by firing at it & wounding it.

The complainant says that he is unable to testify which of these three committed this outrage, but from all appearances, [Ficam?] is the party who fired at the unoffending animal.

[Owing?] to this inability, [we?] cannot prosecute this man, who thus shows his bravery by [maiming?] a little dog: had he been able to identify, we would have had him arrested & [punished?], & we ask you in the name of humanity, to reprimand these men for their misconduct, not only for this crime, but [also?] for the epithets used upon the occasion, [because?] [he?] [had?] the [temerity?] to find fault [within?] the act.

We also hope, Captain, that you will instruct your force that for policemen [to?] be chasing dogs for amusement in killing them, is not the business they [are?] [expected?] to be looking after, and that they are not countenanced & are forbidden by the Laws governing cruelty [to?] animals.

Yours Respy Henry [underlined] Bergh [signature] [underlined] Pres