Franca Amaral to Emperor Pedro II of Brazil Letter
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Scope and Contents
This collection consists of a single autographed manuscript letter authored by Brazilian railway engineer Constancio da Franca Amaral, dated May 13, 1888. Addressed to "Sereníssimo Senhor" Emperor Dom Pedro II of Brazil, the letter expresses profound gratitude to both the Emperor and his daughter, Princess Isabel, for their role in abolishing slavery in Brazil through the Lei Áurea ("Golden Law"), signed earlier that same day. Written from Rio de Janeiro, the letter reflects the immediate reaction to one of the most pivotal moments in Brazilian history.
Dates
- Creation: 1888-05-13
Conditions Governing Access
Collection is open for research. Researchers must register and agree to copyright and privacy laws before using this collection. Manuscript collections and archival records may contain materials with sensitive or confidential information that is protected under federal or state right to privacy laws and regulations. Due to the nature of certain archival formats, including digital and audio-visual materials, access to certain materials may require additional advance notice.
Conditions Governing Use
Researchers are responsible for using the materials in conformance with United States copyright law as well as any donor restrictions accompanying the materials. The user assumes all responsibility for identifying and satisfying any copyright claimants in collection materials. Copyright for official University records is held by The University of Alabama. The library claims only physical ownership of many manuscript collections. Anyone wishing to broadcast or publish this material must assume all responsibility for identifying and satisfying any claimants of literary property rights or copyrights. Please contact Special Collections (archives@ua.edu) with questions regarding specific manuscript collections.
For more information about copyright policy, please visit: https://www.ua.edu/copyright/. Any materials used for academic research or otherwise should be fully credited with the source.
Researchers are advised that the disclosure of certain information pertaining to identifiable living individuals without the consent of those individuals may have legal implications, for which the University of Alabama assumes no responsibility.
Biographical / Historical
Constancio da Franca Amaral (dates unknown) was a Brazilian railway engineer active during the late nineteenth century. In 1880, he was granted the concession to construct a narrow-gauge railway connecting the Bay of São Francisco (Baía de Babitonga, near São Francisco do Sul) in the province of Santa Catarina to Rio Negro in the province of Paraná. Under the terms of the concession, Amaral was required to initiate the necessary survey and research work for the railway project within six months. His engineering work was part of broader efforts to modernize Brazil's infrastructure during the reign of Emperor Pedro II (1825–1891), a period characterized by scientific advancement and social reform.
Extent
1 items
Language of Materials
Portuguese
Immediate Source of Acquisition
The University of Alabama Libraries acquired the Franca Amaral to Emperor Pedro II of Brazil Letter from Forum and Asher Rare Books in 2025.
Physical Description
Manuscript letter in Portuguese, in black ink on laid paper with the watermark "Original Turkey Mill Kent." Single sheet. A number and date of response ("R. no.75 24-5-88") has been added in brown ink in the upper right corner (recto) and an annotation in pencil stating thtat the author wants to give thanks ahs been added in the uper left corner (recto). The leaf is slightly foxed and browned and shows faint folding lines. Otherwise in good condition.
Processing Information
Processed by Courtney Tutt, April 2025.
- Title
- Guide to the Franca Amaral to Emperor Pedro II of Brazil Letter
- Status
- Completed
- Author
- Finding aid created by Courtney Tutt, April 2025.
- Date
- April 2025
- Description rules
- Describing Archives: A Content Standard
- Language of description
- English
- Script of description
- Latin
Repository Details
Part of the The University of Alabama Libraries Special Collections Repository