Ardent Abolitionist, Prohibition Advocate Making Thousands of Speeches

ASHBEL WELLS RILEY (March 19, 1795 – April 3, 1888) was one of the first trustees of Rochester, NY. When the village became a city, Riley was made an Alderman. He and two other Aldermen refused to grant liquor licenses. He first became an advocate of prohibition while watching a tavern burn. He was also a strong abolitionist. The first abolitionist meeting in Rochester was held in his house. He began lecturing for temperance in 1838 and delivered thousands of speeches in the United States, the United Kingdom, France and Italy. [Research included]

CHARLOTTE RILEY was Ashbel’s second wife.

Offering a 2 ½ pp, 5 x 8, Saugerties, November [1862] Saturday PM, ALS, from Charlotte to her stepson, George, remarking about his father’s speeches on temperance, some of which he evidently was paid.

“…Your Father is absent at this present time but I expect him soon. How long we should remain here is uncertain…Your Father keeps well. The Temperance friends invited him to give some 3 or 4 Lectures & he has gone to fill the appointment. George, Ashbel [Jr.] has written to have his book of draughts sent him to Battle Creek.  He wrote me to know where they were…He wishes you to send it to him by express as quick as possible as he wishes to go to Chicago…How are the friends and how is your own health. Did you get home to vote?  Did you bring home with you that trunk from NY…Your Father has received no money from the West…He has received some letters but no money, not even the penny of some…The friends here are all well about as when you left here only we had a heavy snow storm & covered all nature with the white robe of winter…Do answer this letter & tell me all the good news and send AWR’s book of draughts of patterns as he wrote me not to delay writing you when they were at once so send to Battle Creek…Charlotte Riley”

Folds, toning, but very readable. Cover present.

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