Slavery & Abolition
Slavery & Abolition
Three slave-related ads from this leading slave import city...
Item #695243
August 10, 1847
THE CHARLESTON COURIER, South Carolina, Aug. 10, 1847
* Rare antebellum publication
In 14 years this city would be the hotbed for secession from the Union, not surprising given it was the largest American point of disembarkation for the trans-Atlantic slave trade.
Page 3 has three slave-related ads, two are reward ads for runaways, and the other is headed: "For Sale--Land, Neg
... See More
Great news from the Mexican War... Four slave-related ads from this leading slave import city...
Item #695246
August 12, 1847
THE CHARLESTON COURIER, South Carolina, Aug. 12, 1847 In 14 years this city would be the hotbed for secession from the Union, not surprising given it was the largest American point of disembarkation for the trans-Atlantic slave trade.
Page 2 has a great wealth of reporting from the Mexican War, including historic reports on General Scott having come to the gates of Mexico City, one of th
... See More
The Mexican War... Three slave-related ads from this leading slave import city...
Item #695244
December 30, 1847
THE CHARLESTON COURIER, South Carolina, Dec. 30, 1847 In 14 years this city would be the hotbed for secession from the Union, not surprising given it was the largest American point of disembarkation for the trans-Atlantic slave trade.
Page 2 has some lengthy reporting on the Mexican War headed: "From the Rio Grande".
Page 3 has three slave-related ads, one headed: "For S
... See More
Page 3 has three slave-related ads, one headed: "For S
Two slave reward ads from this leading slave import city...
Item #695245
December 31, 1847
THE CHARLESTON COURIER, South Carolina, Dec. 31, 1847 In 14 years this city would be the hotbed for secession from the Union, not surprising given it was the largest American point of disembarkation for the trans-Atlantic slave trade.
Page 3 has two reward ads for runaway slaves, particulars are shown in the photos.
Four pages, archival strengthening across the central fold on pages 2
... See More
Four pages, archival strengthening across the central fold on pages 2
Early from Florida...
Item #647352
February 19, 1848
THE FLORIDIAN, Tallahassee, Florida, February 19, 1848
* Rare antebellum publication
Nineteenth century newspapers from Florida are uncommon, particularly those from before the Civil War. Here is such an issue from the capital city of Florida, five years before the Civil War.
The front page has various literary items including: "Natural History of Humbugs". Pages 2 & 3 h... See More
Millard Fillmore on slavery...
Item #583405
September 13, 1848
NEW YORK SEMI-WEEKLY TRIBUNE, New York, September 13, 1848 On the front page of the issue is an article entitled "Millard Fillmore on Slavery" in which a gentleman(John Gayle) had sent Mr. Fillmore a letter stating that Southern papers were stating the he was an Abolitionist. Mr. Fillmore's written response is included in the article.
On page four, an article "A Remarkabl... See More
Details of a slave case brought to trial...
Item #611282
October 26, 1848
NATIONAL INTELLIGENCER, Washington, D.C., Oct. 26, 1848 The top of page 3 has an article: "Important Slave Case Decision" which begins: "The Case of Lewis Pierrie, alleged to be the slave of Robert Tilghman of New Orleans, came up again before Judge King..." followed by much detail concerning the case (see).
Four pages, nice condition.
Early from Florida...
Item #682206
November 04, 1848
THE FLORIDIAN, Tallahassee, Florida, Nov. 4, 1848
* Rare antebellum publication
Nineteenth century newspapers from Florida are uncommon, particularly those from before the Civil War. Here is such an issue from the capital city of Florida, three years before the Civil War.
Over half of the ftpg. has various political Acts and documents signed in type by the President: James K. Polk. Va... See More
The tragedies of dividing slave families...Zachary Taylor elected president...
Item #583417
November 15, 1848
NEW YORK SEMI-WEEKLY TRIBUNE, November 15, 1848 Page three contains an article entitled "The Slave Trade" which deals with the tragedies which occur when families foresee that they may possible be separated. This includes inducing their own bodily harm and even their to the point of their own death instead of being separated. "That was a most merciful attempt that was made in the la... See More
Early report of the gold diggings in California... Slave ship captured...
Item #680902
December 16, 1848
NATIONAL INTELLIGENCER, Washington, D.C., Dec. 16, 1848 The ftpg. has a brief report headed: "Value Of Land in California" due to the discovery of gold.
Page 3 has over half a column of detailed reporting headed: "Later From the Gold Region" which is an early report, as most gold diggings were in 1849.
Also on page 3 is a report: "The Mormons in California have lai... See More
When Abraham Lincoln was an unknown... "Claim for a Slave", votes "nay"...
Item #686921
January 20, 1849
DAILY NATIONAL INTELLIGENCER, Washington, D.C., Jan. 20, 1849
* Early in Abraham Lincoln's political career
* Slavery related U.S. Congress vote "nay"
Page 3 has much reporting from the "House of Representatives" which includes 2 mentions of when Abraham Lincoln voted on two topics. On a debate headed "Claim For A Slave" his name appears under the &q... See More
John James Audubon... The Comanche Indians... The California Gold Rush...
Item #686985
May 02, 1849
DAILY NATIONAL INTELLIGENCER, Washington D.C., May 2, 1849
* John James Audubon
* American ornithologist
Page 3 has a report beginning: "Col. Webb, commander of a large California expedition...They give quite a gloomy account of their adventures. Mr. Audubon remained behind, and had determined to prosecute his journey towards California with a party..." with more.
Also on ... See More
Henry W. Longfellow Poem 1849....
Item #215386
May 04, 1849
SALEM GAZETTE, Salem, Mass., May 4, 1849.
* Henry Wadsworth Longfellow
* Front Page Poem
* Henry Wadsworth Longfellow
* Front Page Poem
The front page has a poem: Resignation. By Henry W. Longfellow. News of the day includes: "Kentucky Emancipation Convention" "Cholera at New Orleans" "California Emigrants" and much more. Interesting advertisements as well. First leaf is trimmed close at t
... See More
On emancipation in Kentucky, and the gold in California...
Item #686987
May 05, 1849
DAILY NATIONAL INTELLIGENCER, Washington D.C., May 5, 1849 The top of page 3 has: "Emancipation In Kentucky" which has a report from the Convention of the Friends of Emancipation. This is followed by: "Late From California" which has half a column of reports concerning events related to the gold rush.
Four pages, very nice condition.
Great Salt Lake... Capture of a slave ship...
Item #687004
June 16, 1849
DAILY NATIONAL INTELLIGENCER, Washington, D.C., June 16, 1849 Page 3 has half a column taken up with: "Expedition To the Great Salt Lake" which is very descriptive of their findings.
Page 3 also has a small article: "Capture Of A Slaver" noting the capture of the slave schooner Zenobia: "...with 500 slaves on board...Great suffering had been experienced by the unfor... See More
Early "Postscript" notice of the death of President Polk... Great content on the Gold Rush.... Capture of a slave ship...
Item #687005
June 19, 1849
DAILY NATIONAL INTELLIGENCER, Washington, D.C., June 19, 1849 The most notable report is the black-bordered "Postscript" at the upper right of page 3 which is headed: "Death Of Ex-President Polk" with the brief report noting: "...announcing; the melancholy news of the decease of Ex-President Polk at Nashville..." with a bit more.
We have never had an earlier re... See More
Mormons are settling at the Great Salt Lake... Wonderful letter on the Gold Rush of California...
Item #687011
June 28, 1849
DAILY NATIONAL INTELLIGENCER, Washington, D.C., June 28, 1849
* California gold rush - 49ers
* Mormons at Salt Lake City
* Mormonism - emigration
Page 2 has 1 1/3 columns taken up with great content headed: "Affairs In California" which is prefaced with: "The following letter from Col. Stevenson to a friend in New York contains a very interesting statement of the cond... See More
Heading to the gold fields... Slave ship captured...
Item #657383
July 25, 1849
DAILY NATIONAL INTELLIGENCER, Washington, D.C., July 25, 1849
* California gold rush
* Slave ship captured
Page 3 has reports headed: "From Salt Lake" with reports on the travails of people heading West.
Another item is brief: "Slavers Captured" noting: "...that a British man of war has recently taken into that port a Brazilian brig & barque, having on bo... See More
Lengthy & descriptive on early California...
Item #692465
August 03, 1849
DAILY NATIONAL INTELLIGENCER, Washington, D.C., Aug. 3, 1849 Page 2 has a simply terrific & very lengthy letter on California, taking nearly two columns it is headed: "A Mexican View Of California" "California Seen by a Mexican--Description of the Country--Its Physical, Agricultural, Commercial, and Mineralogical Characteristics".
This is perhaps the best description... See More
1849 Pistol ad by Samuel Colt... slave ad...
Item #688311
September 29, 1849
THE DAILY UNION, Washington, D.C., Sept. 29, 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, dark stain along the top, blank margin (se... 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.
Debating the Compromise of 1850... Heading for the gold fields...
Item #682930
June 06, 1850
NATIONAL INTELLIGENCER, Washington, D.C., June 6, 1850 The entire front page & some of page 2 are taken up with the: "Debate In The Senate" on what would be called the Compromise of 1850, championed by Henry Clay. This work would determine whether new territories won in the Mexican War would be free or slave.
Page 2 has reports from the Senate including the: "Fugitive Sla... See More
Noted fugitive slave case... Describing the Great Salt Lake area...
Item #689546
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
On vegetarians... Fugitive Slave... Traveling to California...
Item #692177
July 06, 1850
THE GREENSBOROUGH PATRIOT, (Greensboro), North Carolina, July 6, 1850 Rarely are we able to secure antebellum newspapers from this city.
This issue is chock full of interesting articles, a few on the front page including: "Effects of a Vegetable Diet" which is a curious item with refutations from "...a beef-eating German..."; "Milwaukie" [Milwaukee] which conce... See More
Death of President Taylor, inauguration of Fillmore...
Item #687991
July 13, 1850
NEW YORK WEEKLY TRIBUNE, July 13, 1850 The front page begins with: "Two Weeks Later From California - Battles With The Indians - Troubles with the Foreign Miners" which has some nice content concerning the situation in California. The ftpg also has: "Slave Cases in California".
Inside has: "Slavery And Freedom" as well as an editorial: "Death Of the Presid... See More
Slave ads in this antebellum Louisiana newspaper...
Item #689708
July 20, 1850
THE DAILY DELTA, New Orleans, July 20, 1850 Newspapers from the pre-Civil War South are rather difficult to find. Here is one from Louisiana.
Among the many back page ads is one headed: "Slaves! Slaves! Slaves!" which notes in part: "The subscribers are prepared to receive, on consignment, for sale in this market, any number of slaves, having one of the best showrooms in the ... See More
Frederick Douglass rebukes a stance on the "colored race"...
Item #684239
July 27, 1850
SEMI-WEEKLY TRIBUNE, New York, July 27, 1850 The top of page 5 has a column: "The Blacks--Labor Independence--F. Douglass" which begins: "We were rather sharply rebuked, not many months ago, by Mr. Frederick Douglass's 'North Star' for urging on the Colored Race the duty and policy of taking an independent, a separate position, & proving therein their ability &... See More
Slave ads in this antebellum Louisiana newspaper...
Item #684378
July 30, 1850
THE DAILY DELTA, New Orleans, July 30, 1850 Newspapers from the pre-Civil War South are rather difficult to find. Here is one from Louisiana.
Among the front page ads is one headed: "Slaves! Slaves! Slaves!" which notes in part: "The subscribers are prepared to receive, on consignment, for sale in this market, any number of slaves, having one of the best showrooms in the city... See More
Slave ads in this antebellum Louisiana newspaper...
Item #684374
August 03, 1850
THE DAILY DELTA, New Orleans, Aug. 3, 1850 Newspapers from the pre-Civil War South are rather difficult to find. Here is one from Louisiana.
Among the front page ads is one headed: "Slaves! Slaves! Slaves!" which notes in part: "The subscribers are prepared to receive, on consignment, for sale in this market, any number of slaves, having one of the best showrooms in the city,... See More
Earliest use of the term 'underground railroad' we have discovered...
Item #684244
August 28, 1850
SEMI-WEEKLY TRIBUNE, New York, Aug. 28, 1850
* Slavery - slaves - pre-Civil War tensions
* Rare "Underground Railroad" mention
The front page has an article: "From The Plains" which is a great letter concerning those traveling across the country, including Mormons heading to Utah. A few bits include: "The Gold Diggers have all disappeared among the Black Hills... See More
Slave ads & notices in this antebellum Louisiana newspaper...
Item #698435
August 31, 1850
THE DAILY DELTA, New Orleans, Aug. 31, 1850 Newspapers from the pre-Civil War South are rather difficult to find. Here is one from Louisiana.
Among the many page 3 ads are: "$100 Reward" for a runaway mulatto woman, with a small print of her. Also a front page ad: "$20 Reward for a runaway with a print; "Negro Clothing" with much detail. There are also 24 illustrate... See More
California becomes a state... Key acts in the Compromise of 1850...
Item #682815
September 12, 1850
NATIONAL INTELLIGENCER, Washington, D.C., Sept. 12, 1850
* California joins the Union (statehood)
* From the nation's capital
Not only does page 3 contain the official Act of Congress creating California as a state, the report is in the newspaper which was the unofficial voice of the government in any matters political.
Page 3 has: "An Act for the Admission of the State of C... See More
Adventures of a gold digger... Slave trade abolished in the District of Columbia...
Item #684246
September 18, 1850
SEMI-WEEKLY TRIBUNE, New York, Sept. 18, 1850
* Slavery trade abolished
* District of Columbia
* Fugitive Slaves Act of 1850
* Passes the United States Senate
The front page has most of a column headed "Abolition of the Slave Trade in the District of Columbia--Bill Ordered to be Engrossed--All the Amendments Rejected--Fremont's California Indian Bill..." with much det... See More
Slave ads in this antebellum Louisiana newspaper...
Item #684370
November 29, 1850
THE DAILY DELTA, New Orleans, Nov. 29, 1850 Newspapers from the pre-Civil War South are rather difficult to find. Here is one from Louisiana.
Among the front page ads is one headed: "Slaves! Slaves! Slaves!" which notes in part: "The subscribers are prepared to receive, on consignment, for sale in this market, any number of slaves, having one of the best showrooms in the city... See More
Slave ads in this antebellum Louisiana newspaper...
Item #684368
December 03, 1850
THE DAILY DELTA, New Orleans, Dec. 3, 1850
* Rare antebellum publication
* Runaway slaves & for sale ads
* From the deep South
Newspapers from the pre-Civil War South are rather difficult to find. Here is one from Louisiana.
Among the many inside page ads is one headed: "Slaves! Slaves! Slaves!" which notes in part: "The subscribers are prepared to receive, on co... See More
On the Fugitive Slave Act... Fillmore's state-of-the-union address...
Item #689777
December 05, 1850
NEW HAMPSHIRE PATRIOT & STATE GAZETTE, Concord, Dec. 5, 1850 The front page has 2 1/2 columns taken up with a length report concerning; "The Fugitive Slave Law--Is it Constitutional? Shall we Obey it? Or Shall We Disobey it & Become Rebels & Traitors to the Constitution and the Union?"
Much of pages 2 & 3 are taken up with the: "President's Message" w... See More
Slave ads in this antebellum Louisiana newspaper...
Item #684366
December 05, 1850
THE DAILY DELTA, New Orleans, Dec. 5, 1850 Newspapers from the pre-Civil War South are rather difficult to find. Here is one from Louisiana.
Among the many inside page ads is one headed: "Slaves! Slaves! Slaves!" which notes in part: "The subscribers are prepared to receive, on consignment, for sale in this market, any number of slaves, having one of the best showrooms in the... See More
Much on the case of fugitive slave Henry Long...
Item #692806
December 28, 1850
NEW YORK DAILY TRIBUNE, December 28, 1850
* Fugitive slave case
* Henry Long
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 pa... See More
The famous anti-slavery newspaper...
Item #695947
March 20, 1851
THE NATIONAL ERA, Washington, D.C., March 20, 1851 An anti-slavery newspaper that is best known for its link to the best selling novel of the 19th century, "Uncle Tom's Cabin" by Harriet Beecher Stowe. This historic work first appeared as a 41-week serial in The National Era, starting on June 5, 1851.
The complete serialization appeared almost entirely in the National Era b
... See More
Great on the Thomas Sims fugitive slave case in Boston...
Item #698363
May 10, 1851
GLEASON'S PICTORIAL DRAWING-ROOM COMPANION, Boston, May 10, 1851 This was perhaps America's first successful illustrated newspaper, existing from 1851 thru 1859. It set the format for other more successful titles to emulate, most notably Frank Leslie's Illustrated (1855) and Harper's Weekly (1857). All were modeled after the British title 'London Illustrated News' whi... See More
Great on the Thomas Sims fugitive slave case in Boston...
Item #696676
May 10, 1851
GLEASON'S PICTORIAL DRAWING-ROOM COMPANION, Boston, May 10, 1851
* Thomas Sims - Negro
* Fugitive slave case
This was perhaps America's first successful illustrated newspaper, existing from 1851 thru 1859. It set the format for other more successful titles to emulate, most notably Frank Leslie's Illustrated (1855) and Harper's Weekly (1857). All were modeled after the... 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 #697755
May 20, 1852
FREDERICK DOUGLASS' PAPER, Rochester, New York, May 20, 1852
* Extremely rare publication
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.
Much of page 2 is taken up with: "The Annual Meeting of the American Anti-Sl... See More
"The North Star" becomes "Frederick Douglass' Paper"...
Item #689770
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
Mortality on the wagon train route to California...
Item #688251
July 19, 1852
DAILY NATIONAL INTELLIGENCER, Washington, D.C., July 19, 1852
* Emigrants travel to California
Page 3 has an article: "Mortality On The Plains" which reports on: "The mortality among emigrants to California by the overland route continues very large..." with some detail.
Also: "Intelligence From California takes over a full column and has subheads; "From... 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
Uncle Tom's Cabin... Slave woman wanted...
Item #691677
August 24, 1852
DAILY NATIONAL INTELLIGENCER, Washington, D.C., Aug. 24, 1852 The bottom of the back page has a small notice for: "Uncle Tom's Cabin As It Is, being narratives, scenes, and Incidents of the real 'Life Among the Lowly', by W. L. G. Smith...".
Also o the back page is an ad: "Wanted, a Colored Woman (a slave preferred), to cook, wash, and iron for a small famil... See More
Journey to Salt Lake City... Verdict in the famous slave case...
Item #688258
November 04, 1852
DAILY NATIONAL INTELLIGENCER, Washington, D.C., Nov. 4, 1852 Taking over 1 1/2 columns on page 2 is the very detailed: "Captain Stansbury's Expedition To The Great Salt Lake". This is a wonderful account of the journey, about which much can be found on the internet. The subheads include: "From the Literary World" "A Dutchman en Route" "A Happy Family on... See More
The Lemmon slave case in New York...
Item #688259
November 12, 1852
DAILY NATIONAL INTELLIGENCER, Washington, D.C., Nov. 12, 1852 The top of the front page has: "Another route to The Pacific". But the primary article is at the top of page 3: "A Slave Case At New York."
This is the famous New York vs. Lemmon slave case, about which much can be found on the internet. Ultimately the decision mandated the release of eight slaves brought into... See More
Slaves arriving at Cuba...
Item #691721
December 09, 1852
DAILY NATIONAL INTELLIGENCER, Washington, D.C., Dec. 9, 1852 Page 3 has an article: "Increase of the Slave Trade In Cuba" mentioning: "...a list of nine vessels which have landed at different parts of Cuba during the present year 4,170 slaves from Africa..." and more.
Page 3 also has: "The Florida Indians" as well as: "The Indians of Texas". The back ... See More
If you are searching for a newspaper from a specific date, please note that we have a vast selection available for purchase by using the date picker on our
gifts and birthday newspapers page.