Rare 1839 Letter from Maryland Governor William Grason to Joseph J. Speed Regarding Deaf and Mute Welfare
This fascinating original document, dated April 22, 1839, was authored by William Grason, Governor of Maryland, and addressed to Joseph J. Speed in Baltimore. The letter discusses compliance with an 1835 Maryland law (Ch. 189), which required the Mayor and City Council of Baltimore to report deaf and mute individuals aged 9-21 in indigent circumstances. The letter references the difficulty in managing this process and requests additional information to be submitted annually.
Annapolis April 22, 1839
Dear Sir,
The Mayor of Baltimore has made a return of two deaf and dumb persons residing in that city. The law passed in 1835, chapt. 189, makes it the duty of the Mayor and City Council to inquire into and make returns of the deaf and dumb from 9 to 21 years of age who are in indigent circumstances. The two are private fortune and insufficient to send to the institutions. The Mayor gives his opinion that the two persons named are deaf and dumb and indigent by the city. I regret to give him and yourself further trouble, but suppose that the returns should be made as directed by the act of assembly, the act requires to enquire more on this. These returns should be made on the first Monday of every year. As you have taken an interest in this matter, I write to you intending to inform you. Let this return be made, the particulars and the number of the males will receive an order on the Governor. I will see others to pay the part. Should this be attended to, performance of this kind in time is better explanation because no order will probably be obtained from my connection.
Yours sincerely,
Wm Grason
This letter discusses the legal requirement from an 1835 law that required Baltimore’s Mayor and City Council to submit annual reports on indigent deaf and mute residents. William Grason, as governor, seeks further compliance and suggests a state-supported plan for assistance. The letter reflects early efforts at structured social welfare in Maryland, particularly concerning disabled individuals.
William Grason (1788–1868) was the 25th Governor of Maryland, serving from 1839 to 1842. He was the first governor of Maryland to be elected by popular vote after reforms were made to the state constitution. A politician with moderate views, Grason often dealt with issues involving economic management and social welfare. His term is remembered for his work on legislative reforms, including matters involving public health, education, and social care, such as the one referenced in this document. His efforts reflect early attempts by the state to address social issues like poverty and disability.
Joseph J. Speed was a civic figure in Baltimore in the early 19th century. Known for his involvement with the Maryland Assembly, Speed played a role in infrastructure development, particularly relating to the Baltimore Canal. His civic duties also extended to welfare-related issues, as evidenced by this letter, which indicates his responsibilities in ensuring that Baltimore complied with state laws regarding the welfare of indigent individuals.
This document is a rare and significant piece for collectors interested in early Maryland history, social welfare legislation, or political figures such as William Grason and Joseph J. Speed.