THE FOUNDER OF THE ASPCA WRITES ABOUT LEGAL STRATEGIES: “THE CASE WHICH YOU SO KINDLY TOOK CHARGE OF FOR THE SOCIETY; BUT WHICH TERMINATED, I AM SORRY TO ADD, ADVERSELY FOR THE RACE OF DUMB CREATURES…WHEN THE ATROCIOUS BUTCHER CASES COME UP, I TRUST, THE RESULT WILL BE DIFFERENT – FOR THE ELEMENT OF HIS SUCCESS – RIDICULE – WILL BE WANTING”

HENRY BERGH.  Bergh was Lincoln’s Minister to Russia.  When he saw a master beating a horse in St. Petersburg, he resolved to protect animals.  When he returned to America, he founded the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals in 1866.

ALS. 3pg. 6 ¼” x 8”. December 13, 1869. New York.  A lengthy autograph letter signed “Henry Bergh” on stationery with the ASPCA logo atop it.  He wrote to Mr. Bedford: “I feel that it is due to myself to say to you, that the case which you so kindly took charge of for the Society; but which terminated, I am sorry to add, adversely for the race of dumb creatures, we strove to protect today, was not brought into the Court of General Sessions through any act or desire of my own.  On the contrary, I caused it to be taken to the Special Sessions, but Mr. Spencer discovered a trifling error in the spelling of the defendants name, moved for a dismissal, which was granted, and on making a new complaint for reasons best known to himself, advised his clients to demand a jury trial.  I do not mean to understand as sharing the belief that some persons, that a goose is not entitled to protection – but, my experience has shown me, that the public – although great progress has been made – is not yet quite ready to accord to that despised animal, the consideration and justice they now extend to the horse; hence I preferred to try and effect the punishment of the offender, with less publicity.  I am familiar enough with the audiences not to have overlooked the absence of sympathy on the part of many present – and silently predicted the cheap and easy victory of the opposing counsel – the very name of goose being an argument in his favor, which of course he was aware of.  But, when the atrocious Butcher cases come up, I trust, the result will be different – for the element of his success – ridicule – will be wanting.  Two or three examples in your Court are wanting to deter malefactors from demanding ‘trial by jury’ and the sooner they are furnished, the better.  The annoyance which our failure to convict occasioned me, was greatly alleviated by the humane and encouraging remarks f our excellent and learned Recorder, and your great courtesy & sympathy with me in the difficult and arduous labor I am devoting my life to; will serve to stimulate to increased efforts…Henry Bergh”. The letter has light mailing folds and is in fine condition.