George Washington Carver (circa 1864-1943), Framed Autographed Letter Signed to Tuskegee Institute Principal Dr. Robert R. Moton

Single small card (3 1/8 x 5 1/4 in.), handwritten letter, signed by Carver, and dated May 14, 1918; Carver writes: "Dr. Moton:- I plan to leave tomorrow for Mansfield La. to attend a farmers conference and to deliver the annual address at Northwest Institute. Very truly, G.W. Carver"; with a separate, later envelope with four 1948 U.S. postage stamps featuring George Washington Carver, sent from Tuskegee Institute and postmarked on their first day of issue (January 5, 1948); the letter and envelope are presented together in a wooden frame.

Frame dimensions 10 1/16 x 9 1/4 x 3/4 in.

Private Durham, North Carolina Collection

George Washington Carver was a scientist and inventor who was born into slavery in Missouri on an unknown day in 1864/5. He went on to study botany at Iowa State University and graduated with both a Bachelor's and Master's degree. He stayed at Iowa State to work on the faculty before becoming the head of the Agriculture Department at Tuskegee Institute in Alabama where he remained as a teacher for nearly half a century.

Dr. Robert Russa Moton (1867-1940) was an educator who worked at his alma mater Hampton Normal and Agricultural Institute, and then later at Tuskegee Institute where he succeeded his friend Booker T. Washington as the principal. Moton was the author of two books, the adviser to several presidents, and he delivered a keynote address at the dedication of the Lincoln Memorial.

The letter with a few minor spots and marks including a couple subtle spots of foxing; the envelope with light wear from age and use; scattered moisture spotting that appears to be on back of glass; not examined outside the frame.