The Booker T. Washington Papers, Vol.4, page 231, Nov. 1896, U. of Illinois Press

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N o v E M B E R · ~ 8 9 6 From Joseph Oswalt Thompson, Tuskegee, Ala., November ~4 1896 My dear Sir, I received a copy of the Washington Post, of the 7th inst, this morning, which makes a suggestion that I fully endorse. It is, that a colored man be given a cabinet Portifolio in the incoming administration, and gives sound reasons to sustain its position. The Post rightly maintains that the colored man has ever remained true to the Republican Party no matter in what part of the United States he may reside and that without his support the Republicans could not have won this last great victory, inasmuch as the Negro holds the balance of power in seven of the middle and western states. Therefore in acknowledgement of the support of these eight millions of People, the Republican Party should tender them some material recognition. Your name, together with Senator Bruce's, was suggested and I hasten to offer whatever assistance I can render and to devote what influence I may have with Alabama Republicans to have that honor bestowed on you. You are, according to my opinion, most fitted of all your Race to occupy that high position of honor, in as much as you have been placed as the foremost man of your people wherever your utterances have been heard or read. Not only would it prove a blessing to your race, that (though still in the full vigor of young manhood) you have already done so much for but also would it prove that a Negro can hold one of the highest political positions ~ our Nation and at the same time retain his love and respect for the southern People among whom he was born and has always lived. Such sentiments expressed in public speeches would forever do away with the race problem. If you decide to offer for this political honor, which I hope you will do, advise me and I believe Alabama Republicans to a marl will give you their support and endorsement. Wishing you success in all of your undertakings I am, Your friend, J. O. Thompson ALS Con. Ace? BTW Papers DLC. On stationery of the Thompson Hardware and Grocery Co., J. O. Thompson, manager. ~ Joseph Oswalt Thompson (b. 1869), member of a prominent merchant and cotton-growing family of Tuskegee and brother of the Democratic congressman 23I