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John Rogers to Mary Jane Derby Peabody (aunt), January 19, 1860: Asks her to solicit subscribers for The Slave Auction so that he can afford to patent the design. Describes his difficulties selling the sculpture in New York.

John Rogers to Aunt

                                    N. York, Jan.19-
Dear Aunt-
                        Knowing the interest you take in your Nephew I want to take advantage of it to ask a favor. I suppose you have heard that I have been very busy in this village for the last few weeks in getting up some groups preparatory to putting them in the market. Now I have one child of especial favor amongst them which is rather a pet of mine & I wish to get a patent right on it so as to prevent its being copied & to enable me to sell the right in other places- The expense I find will be nearly forty dollars. As my exchequer has had a great drain on it lately, I hardly felt like spending so much money without being sure of a return- It occurred to me that you could get me a dozen subscribers amongst your friends who would be willing to pay $5. a copy which would probably cover all the expense & I would agree to deliver them safely. It is the group of the Slave Auction & though perhaps not as pleasing a subject as some of my other works is by far the best I think- It is cast in composition which is much harder than plaster. It is hardly fair to ask people to subscribe for what they have not seen but anyone who is acquainted with my work can judge somewhat about this- It struck me that such people as Mrs Lee might take an interest- I am going to work next week to cast a good many & then I intend to send them round the streets as the stores will not receive them for fear of offending their Southern customers- It is so strong anti slavery that I should not wonder if it made some excitement amongst the pro slavery party, but it will do no harm if it does. It will be like the lawyer in one of Dickens works who begged that someone would only kick him so as to make himself famous. Now if you have any objection to doing this for me I beg you will not hesitate to say so-
            I hope Annie will forgive me for not writing a letter to her long ago to thak her for her cap. I wear it constantly & almost sleep in it – I feel quite lost & my ideas are flying off in all directions if I dont have it on. It is so light & soft & the sentiment connected with it have such a soothing influence that I feel as happy as a lark all day- Remember me to Ellen & tell her I am anxious to see me new relative. I hear its an individual to be proud of. Please let me hear from you soon what you think of my plan & direct to 599 Broadway Room 28 & oblige Yr. Af. Nephew
                                                            John Rogers-
How shall I direct to you?