Slavery & Abolition
Slavery & Abolition
1849 Pistol ad by Samuel Colt... slave ad...
Item #682575
October 13, 1849
THE DAILY UNION, Washington, D.C., Oct. 13, 1849
* Colt Revolver Ad
* Runaway slave ad
* Gold Rush era newspaper
The front page is filled with ads including a: "$150 Reward" ad for a runaway slave, with details. Beneath this is an ad: "Colt's Improved Repeating Pistols" signed in type: Samuel Colt. (see)
Four pages, a little stray period writing within the ma... See More
Item #615380
April 25, 1850
EMANCIPATOR & REPUBLICAN, Boston, April 25, 1850 Although the title would seem to imply this is an anti-slavery newspaper, the content is almost entirely political, plus advertisements as well.
Four pages, never bound nor trimmed, a few minor archival mends.
Noted fugitive slave case... Describing the Great Salt Lake area...
Item #652831
June 29, 1850
NATIONAL INTELLIGENCER, Washington, D.C., June 29, 1850 Page 3 has half a column headed: "Fugitive Slave Case" "The Constitution & Laws Vindicated" which is concerning a suit: "...for the recovery of damages for aiding & abetting the escape of slaves...the Circuit Court...determined...in favor of the plaintiff. A verdict of $2856 was given by the jury against... See More
Printing of the historic Fugitive Slave Act...James Hamlet, first victim of the Fugitive Slave Act...
Item #684272
October 05, 1850
SEMI-WEEKLY TRIBUNE, New York, Oct. 5, 1850
* Fugitive Slave Act Law of 1850
* Passes the United States Congress
* Southern slave holders & Northern Free-Soilers
Page 7 has a very historic report headed: "The Fugitive Slave Law" which begins by noting the vote by which the controversial Act passed Congress--names included voting yea and nay--followed by the full text of... See More
Much on the case of fugitive slave Henry Long...
Item #594783
December 28, 1850
NEW YORK DAILY TRIBUNE, December 28, 1850
* Fugitive slave case
Pages 4 & 5 have over a column taken up with an article headed: "Alleged Slave Case" with various subheads, concerning the case of fugitive slave Henry Long, about whom much is written on the web. Much detail, as this was from the beginning of the very controversial Fugitive Slave Act.
Eight pages, ver... See More
Fort Laramie Treaty... Fugitive slave law & lynching law...
Item #677419
October 30, 1851
NATIONAL INTELLIGENCER, Washington, DC, Oct. 30, 1851 Page 3 has: "The Treaty with the Prairie Indians" noting: "The Treaty was concluded and signed by the Commissioners and Indians on the 17th September. It guaranties to the latter the payment of $50,000 annually, in money or goods, for fifty years, upon their faithful compliance during that time with the terms of the treaty.... See More
"The North Star" becomes "Frederick Douglass' Paper"...
Item #650774
June 17, 1852
FREDERICK DOUGLASS' PAPER, Rochester, New York, June 17, 1852 We are pleased to offer this exceedingly rare--and highly desirable--newspaper by the famed Frederick Douglass. This weekly title is the continuation of his newspaper "North Star" which began in 1847.
Douglass was perhaps the most famous 19th century African-American abolitionist who escaped from slavery and then ri... See More
Relating to Uncle Tom's Cabin... The Fugitive Slave bill...
Item #679337
August 19, 1852
THE NATIONAL ERA, Washington, D.C., Aug. 19, 1852 Among the reports in this anti-slavery newspaper are: "Gen. Pierce and the Fugitive Slave Law". The back page has an ad for: "Little Eva, Uncle Tom's Guardian Angel. A song composed & dedicated to Mrs. Harriet Beecher Stowe, author of Uncle Tom's Cabin. Poetry by John G. Whittier..." with more.
This newspaper ... See More
England celebrates Harriet Beecher Stowe & "Uncle Tom's Cabin"...
Item #652797
May 05, 1853
NEW YORK OBSERVER, May 5, 1853
* England celebrates Harriet Beecher Stowe & "Uncle Tom's Cabin"
* Treatment of Indians in California
Page 6 has under the title, "Reception of Mrs. Stowe in England," details concerning her trip to England - which includes the address made in her honor, and the response given by her husband on her behalf. Included is an intriguing ... See More
The fugitive slave case of Bill Fisher...
Item #596652
July 27, 1853
NEW YORK DAILY TIMES, July 27, 1853
* Slaves - slavery
The front page has: "The Fugitive Slave Case--The Health of the City, etc." being the slave case of Bill Fisher. This report takes three-quarters of a column and includes: "...as soon as the marshal drove off with the slave, a number of them followed the carriage. The friends of the slave will follow him, probably, t... See More
From the deep South with slave related ads...
Item #677645
September 10, 1854
THE NEW ORLEANS DAILY DELTA, Louisiana, Sept. 10, 1854
* Rare antebellum publication
* 3 slave advertisements
News of the day with several advertisements including 3 slavery related ads on page 2..
Four pages, various news of the day, a little wear, generally nice.
Early from the capital of Florida...
Item #671841
October 14, 1854
THE FLORIDIAN AND JOURNAL, Tallahassee, Florida, Oct. 14, 1854
* Rare pre-Civil War publication
A nice & uncommon opportunity for a very early newspaper from the capital of Florida.
Very rarely are we able to find antebellum Florida newspapers, particularly from the capital. Formatted much like other newspapers of the day with various news reports both local & national, and a ... See More
1855 Passmore Williamson & the fugitive slave case...
Item #590182
July 21, 1855
THE NEW YORK TIMES, July 21, 1855
* Fugitive slave law
* Pre prison sentence
The first column on the front page has a report: "Seizure of Slaves at Philadelphia" with is early reporting on the famous fugitive slave case involving Passmore Williamson, a prominent abolitionist, and the slaves he freed owned by John Wheeler. This report notes that the hearing for Wi... See More
Early prints of the Southwest, including San Diego...
Item #645490
December 22, 1855
FRANK LESLIE'S ILLUSTRATED, New York, Dec. 22, 1855 The ftpg. shows: "Sunken Schooner Eudora, From City Island" with more relate prints inside including; "The Eudora Tragedy--Arrest of the Negro" and "Burning of the Steamers at Memphis". Also a print of: "Greytown, Nicaragua" "Explosion of a Steam Fire-Engine, Cincinnati" a doublepg. cent... See More
Fascinating slave case...
Item #662692
April 09, 1856
NEW YORK TRIBUNE, April 9, 1856 Page 5 has: "An Interesting Slave Case" concerning: "...a young colored woman & her children claimed as slaves..." and what follows are the details of a very fascinating case.
Eight pages, very nice condition.
Detailed account of the capture of a slave ship...
Item #665152
June 27, 1856
NEW YORK TRIBUNE, June 27, 1856
* Pre Civil War slavery
* African slave trade
Page 7 has: "The New York Slave Trade - Seizure & Condemnation of the General Pierce" with the lengthy article providing much detail on the capture of the slave ship.
Also: "From Fort Kearny" has a report on a skirmish with Cheyenne Indians.... See More
Very first use of the term "Bleeding Kansas"...
Item #676049
September 13, 1856
NEW YORK TRIBUNE, Sept. 13, 1856
* Origin of the expression "Bleeding Kansas"
This issue contains a notable first mention of a term which would come to define the conflict within the country in the years just prior to the Civil War, and indeed, would help lead to the divide that would take another 9 years and tens of thousands of lost lives to resolve.
"Bleeding Kansas... See More
Dr. Livingstone... William Walker...
Item #172018
January 31, 1857
HARPER'S WEEKLY, New York, January 31, 1857 Early from the first year (issue #5) with relatively few illustrations, but including a nice one of; "Dr. Livingstone, the African Explorer". Also is an article "Walker and Nicaragua". A few scenes from Russia. "More Insanity" showing several cures.
Complete in 16 pages, in very good condition (as shown), an... See More
Bermuda...
Item #172032
March 21, 1857
HARPER'S WEEKLY, New York, March 21, 1857 An article entitled "Welcome to Horace Vernet" features a small illustration of him as well as a drawing by him which contains his autograph with date. Contains ten illustrations of Bermuda and its people in this article headed: 'A Cruise To the Somers Islands'. Few other illustrations, still being an early volume one issue.
Co... See More
Holding slaves in Ohio...
Item #666640
April 24, 1857
DAILY NATIONAL INTELLIGENCER, Washington, D.C., April 24, 1857 Page 3 has a report from Cincinnati noting in part: "The Ohio Legislature...passed a bill making it a penitentiary offence to claim or hold slaves in Ohio, or undertake to carry away from the state as a slave any person of color. This is intended to prevent the operation of the Dred Scott decision..." and more.
Also a ... See More
The Holy Lands...
Item #172066
July 18, 1857
HARPER'S WEEKLY, New York, July 18, 1857 The front page has a half page illustration of: 'Hebron', being an overview of the city with the accompany article 'Travel Notes in Bible Lands'. Also small front page illustration of: 'Pilgrims Bathing in the Jordan'.
Inside has 9 small prints regarding: 'The Siamese--The Franks of Asia'. A full page illustration ... See More
Panchita slaver case...
Item #606472
July 28, 1857
NEW YORK DAILY TIMES, July 28, 1857
* Slaver Panchita case
Page 2 has an article headed: "THE SLAVE-TRADE" "Curious Case Of The Panchita" and more. Text takes up over four columns.
Other news of the day. Complete in 8 pages, minor spine wear, otherwise nice.
Stock Market... Cocking's Parachute... Steam-Plows...
Item #172082
September 12, 1857
HARPER'S WEEKLY, New York, September 12, 1857 Fine front page illustration plus an article on: "The New York Stock Board In Session" being a fine and early graphic on the Stock Exchange. "Barth's Travels in North and Central Africa" features several illustrations. "Flirtation at Newport" article features several small illustrations. The "Home the Am... See More
Interesting articles on slavery....
Item #656850
November 06, 1857
NEW YORK TIMES, Nov. 6, 1857 Page 2 has over half a column headed: "Reopening of the Slave-trade the Only Means of Securing the Power of Slavery" being a lengthy letter by L.W. Spratt of Charleston. This is followed by: "Kansas and Its Relation to This Subject--Political Power of Slavery" which was a very contentious issue in Kansas at this time.
Eight pages, bitr irregu... See More
Fugitive slave case...
Item #606649
December 05, 1857
NEW YORK DAILY TIMES, December 5, 1857
* Fugitive slave case
* Pre-Civil War
The front page has an article headed: "Fugitive Slave Case in Indiana" See image for text.
Other news of the day. Complete in 8 pages, nice condition.
Buchanan's 1857 state-of-the-union address to the nation...
Item #655321
December 09, 1857
DAILY NATIONAL INTELLIGENCER, Washington, D.C., Dec. 9, 1857
* President James Buchanan
* State of the Union Address
* Best title to be had - rare a such
A portion of the front page and most of page 2 are taken up with: "The President's Message" which was the annual state-of-the-union address of the President to the nation, signed in type at its conclusion: James Buchan... See More
Dogs... India...
Item #172110
December 19, 1857
HARPER'S WEEKLY, New York, December 19,1857 Front half-page illustration of "General Sir Henry Havelock at the Head of His Staff." Inside two illustrations of dogs including "The Great American Dog, 'Prince' and 'Bill' the London Fire-Escape Dog." Two illustrations pertaining to "Travel Notes in Bible Lands" including "The Tomb of Saint ... See More
Revival of the Southern slave trade?
Item #662769
March 06, 1858
NEW YORK HERALD, March 6, 1858
* African slave trade resumes
* Southern States pass bill (Louisiana)
Page 4 has an article headed: "Revival of the African Slave Trade in the Southern States". the article includes: "Some of our n****r worshiping contemporaries have started off upon a new scent. A bill has been passed by the Louisiana House...authorizing the importation i... See More
USS Niagara...
Item #538452
March 08, 1858
NEW YORK HERALD, March 8, 1858.
* USS Frigate Niagara
* Cable laying across the Atlantic Ocean
Front page has: "Departure Of The Niagara", "The Present Prospects and Condition of The Atlantic Telegraph Enterprise", "Is it Possible to Lay a Submarine Cable Across the Atlantic?", "The Reasons why it is Believed to be Practicable",&
White House reception...
Item #172136
March 13, 1858
HARPER'S WEEKLY, New York, March 13, 1858 The front page article "French Court Fashions" features a "Costumes of the Court of the Emperor of the French" illustration. "Travel Notes in Bible Lands" features a half-page "Landing at Smyrna". "The Approach to Canton" includes a map "Chart of Pearl River, showing the Position, at Last Acc... See More
Lucknow...
Item #172152
May 08, 1858
HARPER'S WEEKLY, New York, May 8, 1858 Large front page illustration of "Hon. James S. Green, United States Senator From Missouri." Inside are many large illustrations pertaining to "The Final Capture of Lucknow" including "The Martiniere," "The Residency," "Plan of the City of Lucknow," "Lucknow, from the Residency," and &... See More
The Mormon War...
Item #172158
May 29, 1858
HARPER'S WEEKLY, New York, May 29, 1858 The front page shows: 'Hon. William M Gwin, of California'. 'Travel notes in Bible Lands' features 'Plain and Ruins of Sardis'. 'The Great Bell Crevasse' just above New Orleans shows 3 scenes. Nice full page illustrations of 'Battle of the Waxhaws, May 29, 1780' and 'The Storming of Ft. George, May ... See More
P.T. Barnum - "The Mammoth Opera Scheme"...
American slave trade...
Item #649082
June 03, 1858
NEW YORK DAILY TIMES, June 3, 1858
* The African slave trade
* P.T. Barnum's letter to the editor
The front page has an article headed: "The Slave-Trade And The American Flag". See image for text. Page four has an interesting letter to the editor entitled: "The Mammoth Opera Scheme", signed in type by P.T. Barnum.
Other news of the day. Complete in 8 pages, a ... See More
Billy Bowlegs... Yachting...
Item #172162
June 12, 1858
HARPER'S WEEKLY, New York, June 12, 1858 The front page article "A Visit to Captain Howes, of The Schoonoer 'Mobile'" also features a half-page illustration "The British Officer Boarding the 'Mobile' and a smaller illustration 'Side of the 'Mobile,' Showing the Mark of the Rifle-Ball". A text article on "Luncan's Light". "... See More
Rev. Henry Ward Beecher...
Item #172172
July 17, 1858
HARPER'S WEEKLY, New York, July 17, 1858 A front page illustration and article 'Rev. Henry Ward Beecher'. An article "The Boat and The Train" features two half page illustrations: 'Going On Board' and 'Waiting for the Train'. 'The Late Eruption of Vesuvius' features a half page illustration of the same plus a smaller illustration "A Crater i... See More
Burning of the Quarantine Hospital... The slave ship Echo...
Item #674545
September 03, 1858
NEW YORK TIMES, Sept. 3, 1858 The front page is almost entirely taken up with much detail on the burning of the Quarantine Hospital, the city's first line of defense against migrant-borne infectious diseases. First column heads included: "THE STATEN ISLAND ARSON "Full Details of the Burning of the Quarantine Buildings" "Boasts of the Incendiaries" "The Unshe... See More
Some Mormon content... A slave ship off Long Island...
Item #677751
October 12, 1858
NEW YORK HERALD, Oct. 12, 1858 The front page has: "Affairs in Utah" with page 4 having a more brief account: "News From Utah".
The back page has most of a column headed: "The Slave Trade" "The Case of the Ship Haidee--Testimony for the Prosecution Continued".
Eight pages, some minor margin tears and chipping, good condition.
Great account of the last of the Lincoln-Douglas debates...
Item #675983
October 23, 1858
NEW YORK TRIBUNE, Oct. 23, 1858 Keeping in mind that this was from the period of the Lincoln/Douglas debates, page 4 has a report from Springfield headed: "Illinois Politics" which talks of Stephen Douglas.
Taking over a full column is a fine report on the last of the famous Lincoln-Douglas debates, this one at Alton, Illinois.
A few excerpts from the report include: "... See More
2 slavers captured... African slave trade...
Item #675520
November 12, 1858
THE NEW YORK HERALD, Maine, Nov. 12, 1858
* The African slavery trade - slaves
Page 4 has two brief reports on the capture of2 slavers, one off the coast of Charleston and another off of Cuba. (see)
Eight pages, nice condition.
Capture of the slave ship "Brothers"... California gold... Indian Wars...
Item #678328
November 15, 1858
THE NEW YORK HERALD, Nov. 15, 1858 The 1st column of page two has: "Arrival of Another Captured Slaver at Charleston", which tells of the capture of the slave ship 'Brothers". Another related article providing additional details is found on page 4.
Page 2 also has: "Our California Correspondence - A Visit to Fraser River - The Gold Diggings and the Yield of the Preci... See More
The infamous General William Walker...
Item #677746
November 26, 1858
NEW YORK HERALD, Nov. 26, 1858
* William Walker (filibuster)
* Nicaragua expedition
Near the top of the front page is a brief report on: "The Slave Trade" followed by a report: "Commodore Spaulding's Arrest of Walker".
This latter item concerns the infamous General William Walker, who organized several private military expeditions into Mexico and Central ... See More
Annual Message... President James Buchanan...
Item #678326
December 07, 1858
THE NEW YORK HERALD, Dec. 7, 1858.
* President James Buchanan
* State of the Union Address
* Much regarding slavery, the slave states, Kansas, etc.
The first column of the front page has: "NATIONAL AFFAIRS", "THE PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE", "New Political Epoch in the United States", and more, which provide the text followed by commentary regardin
Slaves delivered to America... Return of slaves from the "Echo" slave ship...
Item #683749
December 12, 1858
NEW YORK HERALD, Dec. 12, 1858 Page 4 has a brief, yet historic report with a small heading: "The Yacht Wanderer" with a Savannah dateline. This is an infamous ship, as the Wanderer's notoriety is that it (illegally) delivered the next-to last load of African slaves to America. It notes in part: "...succeeded in evading the vigilance of the cruisers & landed a cargo of... See More
Slaves delivered to America... Return of slaves from the "Echo" slave ship...
Item #666117
December 12, 1858
NEW YORK HERALD, Dec. 12, 1858 Page 4 has a brief, yet historic report with a small heading: "The Yacht Wanderer" with a Savannah dateline. This is an infamous ship, as the Wanderer's notoriety is that it (illegally) delivered the next-to last load of African slaves to America. It notes in part: "...succeeded in evading the vigilance of the cruisers & landed a cargo of... See More
American state prison...
Item #172216
December 18, 1858
HARPER'S WEEKLY, New York, December 18, 1858 The front page shows: 'Candidates for the Board of Education Opposed to Reading the Bible in Schools', looking monkey-like. Inside has two pages of illustrations: 'Torture and Homicide in an American State Prison', showing 6 types of torture used. "Glimpses at Life in Washington" article also features four illustratio... See More
The history of gold mining thru 1858... Slavery in South Carolina...
Item #677743
December 27, 1858
NEW YORK HERALD, Dec. 27, 1858 Fully one-third of the front page is taken up with: "OUR GOLD MINES" "The Gold Crop of the United States for Twenty Years" which offers a nice synopsis of gold mining thru that time.
Page 4 has: "the Purchase of Cuba--Mr. Branch's Bill..." and: "The African Slave Trade Question in the South Carolina Legislature".
Ei... See More
On the constitutionality of laws against slave trade...
Item #683867
December 28, 1858
DAILY NATIONAL INTELLIGENCER, Washington, D.C., Dec. 28, 1858 Page 2 has an article taking fully 1 1/2 columns headed: "Constitutionality of the Laws Against the African Slave Trade". Keep in mind that the importation of slaves had been outlawed since 1808.
Page 3 has: "Liberia and the Slave Trade".
Four pages, light damp stain at the top, good condition. The folder siz... See More
Front page print of the infamous slave ship "Wanderer"...
Item #172224
January 15, 1859
HARPER'S WEEKLY, New York, January 15, 1859 The front page features a rather large illustration of: "The Yacht 'Wanderer'" along with a related article on it. Its infamy is in that it was the last documented ship to bring a cargo of slaves from Africa to the United States, which it did on November 28, 1858. Part of the article notes: "...after detaining the Wandere... See More
Employment of women...
Item #172228
January 29, 1859
HARPER'S WEEKLY, New York, January 29, 1859 Half front page illustration of 'Rev. J.W. Cummings, D.D' also features an accompany article. "Employment of Women" features an article and many small illustrations of women working in Douglas & Sherwood's Skirt Manufactory. "The Pope's Railway Car" article also features three illustrations. Two one-third page ... See More
Yacht club bans the slaver Wanderer...
Item #670668
February 08, 1859
THE NEW YORK TIMES, Feb. 8, 1859
* The Wanderer (slave ship)
* New York Yacht Club bans her
Page 4 has a article with small heading: "The Wanderer And The New York Yacht Club" (see)
Other news of the day. Eight pages, very minor margin wear, nice condition.
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