THE LIBERATOR, Boston, Sept. 1, 1865  What a great issue! The back page has the complete text of a letter from a freed slave (Jourdan Anderson) to his former slave master (Colonel P.H. Anderson) - quite historic, and great to have in this famous abolitionist newspaper. The letter was written in response to his former master inviting him to return to "work" for him, and once made public, became an immediate media sensation. His response, dripping with sarcasm, makes it clear he most certainly will never return. Telling is his PS: "Say howdy to George Carter, and thank him for taking the pistol from you when you were shooting at me."

Background (Wikipedia): "Jordan Anderson or Jourdon Anderson (December 1825 – April 15, 1907) was an African-American and former slave noted for an 1865 letter he dictated, known as "Letter from a Freedman to His Old Master". It was addressed to his former master, Colonel P. H. Anderson, in response to the Colonel's request that Mr. Anderson return to the plantation to help restore the farm after the disarray of the war. It has been described as a rare example of documented "slave humor" of the period and its deadpan style has been compared to the satire of Mark Twain."

Other freedmen, anti-slavery, and abolition-themed articles are found throughout. Interesting is another article on the same page: "GEN. LEE" [Robert E. Lee], which relates quite well to current discussion regarding the honoring of former Confederate generals.

This is the famous anti-slavery newspaper by famed abolitionist publisher William Lloyd Garrison. The masthead features two engravings, one of a slave auction and the other showing slaves being emancipated.

Four pages, previously bound, in very good condition.