Handwritten letter from Joaquim Nabuco (1898)

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Retired from political life after the end of the monarchy, abolitionist Joaquim Nabuco responds to a request from the prestigious Brazilian Historical and Geographical Institute.

Handwritten letter from Joaquim Nabuco to Henri Raffard. One sheet, two pages. In Portuguese, 11 cm x 16.5 cm. May 11, 1898, Maricá (RJ), Brazil. Excellent condition. Single piece.

Pilar Farm, Marica

May 11th, 1898

My dear friend Mr. Raffard,

I see that the Institute has adopted the date of May 20th for its commemoration. Unfortunately I won't be able to be in the city that day , I've been coming to “a roça” because of my health and the time to return is very short – and with a speech. Please excuse me to the Institute. It is a beautiful occasion that I give to others to exalt the Portuguese: for my part, I have already done it enough and so many times that it would be monotonous for those who were listening to me. I won't telegraph to you because I don't fit in a telegram all this explanation. Believe me I am very sincerely

Your friend and confidant [?]

Joaquim Nabuco

Known for his fight against slavery, being the founder of the Brazilian Anti-Slavery Society, Joaquim Nabuco (1849 - 1910) strongly criticized the Catholic Church, which, in his view, would not have defended the emancipation of slaves in Brazil. In addition, he defended religious freedom, the separation of state and church. He was also a historian, jurist and journalist, in addition to being one of the founders of the Brazilian Academy of Letters. He assumed the position of ambassador of Brazil in the United States, between 1905 and 1910, at the end of his life.

With the advent of the Republic and Monarchism, Joaquim Nabuco withdrew from public life, got married and had five children, dedicated himself to journalism, his work and studies. It was at that time that this letter was written on the Pilar farm that belonged to Joaquim Nabuco's family. Interesting fact too, Princess Isabel visited Maricá in 1868, stayed at the Farm and participated in a ball in her honor in the noble hall of the Municipality of Maricá.

The addressee of this letter is named Henri Raffard (1851-1906), he was the son of a Swiss consul general, merchant, industrialist and elected first secretary of the IHGB from 1891 until his death. The IHGB is the oldest and most traditional entity supporting research and preservation of history and geography, culture and social sciences in Brazil, created in 1838.

Joaquim Nabuco is seen as one of the great names in the history of Brazil, he is considered a hero of the country and honored in various instances and monuments: his autograph documents appear very rarely, especially in excellent condition, with an important recipient (the IHGB) and a interesting content that reports a certain tiredness of Nabuco " It is a beautiful occasion that I give to others to exalt the Portuguese: for my part, I have already done it enough and so many times that it would be monotonous for those who listened to me”.