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Twelve years a slave: narrative of Solomon Northup, a citizen of New York, kidnapped in Washington City in 1841, and rescued in 1853, from a cotton plantation near the red river, in Louisiana.

Published in Auburn by Derby and Miller; Buffalo, New York by Derby, Orton and Mulligan; and Cincinnati, Ohio by Henry W. Derby. Woodcut illustrations. Northup dedicates the book to Harriet Beecher Stowe.

GLC05840

Williamsburgh Daily Gazette [Vol. 18, no. 290, whole no. 1675 (April 26, 1853)]

Includes preview of a work soon to be published called "The Narrative of Solomon Northrop, a Citizen of New York, Kidnapped and Sold into Slavery in Washington City, in 1844, and Rescued in 1853 from a cotton plantation, near the Red River, in...

GLC06069.01

Williamsburgh Daily Gazette [Vol. 18, no. 291, whole no. 1676 (April 27, 1853)]

Includes the conclusion of a preview of a work soon to be published called "The Narrative of Solomon Northrop, a Citizen of New York, Kidnapped and Sold into Slavery in Washington City, in 1844, and Rescued in 1853 from a cotton plantation, near the...

GLC06069.02

The local news. [no volume or number information (November 6, 1861)]

Union occupation newspaper. Also published by W.F. Carne (fl. 1861-1862). Short item says the body of "the negro lad Sam," who had drowned in Hunting Creek during a previous storm, had been found. Report on the popularity of "Foot-ball" -- says it...

GLC06107.02

to John Langdon

Written by New Hampshire Congressman Thompson to Langdon as Governor of New Hampshire. Says nothing of interest has occurred since the suspension of the non-importation law. Claims domestic issues take up most of their time. Has hope that...

GLC06545

The American Museum: or repository of ancient and modern fugitive pieces, & c. prose and poetical. Volume IV.

Printed by Carey. Carey dedicates this volume to General George Washington. Includes a printing of Washington's farewell orders to the armies of the United States, issued 2 November 1783 from Rocky Hill, near Princeton, New Jersey (pages 240-242)....

GLC06565

[Oath certifying Cuffee Saunders's purchase to freedom]

One document certifying Cuffee Saunders's emanicipation dated April 30, 1781. States that Saunders, who mustered with the enslaved name, Cuffee Wells, enlisted to the Continental Army in May 1777. The document is composed of two oaths attesting to...

GLC00318

[Reconstruction leaflet denouncing the Freedman's Bureau and supporting Andrew Johnson]

One side titled, "ECONOMISE AND PAY YOUR DEBT!: Restore the South and increase your resources." The other side titled, "ONLY SEVEN MILLIONS!" One side denounces the funding Congress passed in the Freedman's Bureau Bill as support for "lazy negros."...

GLC00329

Acts of Congress, general orders, and instructions for the guidance of boards of Registration, in the third military district, (Georgia, Alabama, and Florida.)

Acts of Congressional reconstruction, centering on the registration of freedmen to vote, beginning with two Acts "to provide for the more efficient government of the rebel states," signed in type by Schuyler Colfax and Lafayette Foster; a second Act...

GLC00349

Free Negroes in the North

Depicts a scene of urban depravity. Volck is seeking to convey the hypocrisy of the North when it comes to the plight of blacks. The focal point of the sketch is a well-dressed white man who may be Henry Ward Beecher, a leader in the antislavery...

GLC00493.26

to William A. Williams

One letter from William Henry Heyward, enslaver and proprietor of Clay Hall plantation in Reconstruction-era South Carolina, to William A. Williams dated December 2, 1865. Discusses going to Charleston to receive a pardon and to attain ownership of...

GLC00496.254.06

to John C. Calhoun

One letter from by Major General Andrew Jackson to John C. Calhoun, Secretary of War dated April 27, 1820. Jackson notes that he is sending documents (not included) from General Gaines related to the illegal enslavement of Black people and freed...

GLC00639.13

to Arnold Elzey

Retained copy of a letter to Elzey on which a pencil signature of Wise has been added by a secretary. General Wise (Confederate) describes a recent Union raid near White House, Virginia. He informs Major General Elzey, commander of the Department of...

GLC00662

Grant's Petersburg progress. [Vol.1, no.1 (April 3, 1865)]

Union occupation newspaper announcing the capture of Petersburg: "Petersburg Ours! We are here! Hallelujah!" Prints the official surrender correspondence, describes Black celebrating as the "colored population." Brief report that Union forces had...

GLC01022

In Hanover County Court, January 23rd 1838

One orders dated January 23, 1838 from the Hanover County Court to the sherriff. The order lists the names of freedmen who were not able to pay their taxes: [Cussis] Austin, Milton Rook, John Redd, Peter Page, Frank Harris, Moses Harrison, Jordan...

GLC01447.06

To: Freedman's Aid

Address to President Lincoln regarding the Freedman's Bureau.

GLC08008

to wife

Envelope has free frank signature of Reuben Eaton Fenton. Writes from Camp Caldwell near Mt. Hope. Has just commenced his work as chaplain for the 3rd Regt. Excelsior. A committee of two colored men from the nearby church asked him to preach at...

GLC09006.01

[Print of Oliver Otis Howard]

Depicts General Howard in Civil War uniform.

GLC00723.04

to Carrie

Letter written to a friend (or family member) away at school. Comments on news of friends, family, and recent events in Chester. Writes, "Since you left here our village population has been honorably in[creased] by a colony of Negroes- bucks, wenches...

GLC00919.25.24

to unknown

He is against the renomination of Grant, "believing him entirely unworthy." He also writes that Grant has "little thought for the colored race" and freedmen. re: attacking Grant's nomination

GLC04324

Report of cases argued and adjudged in the Supreme Court of the United States. December term, 1856.

Published by William M. Morrison and Company. Includes report on Dred Scott v. Sandford.

GLC04394

to Captain J. W. Francis

A passionate letter in which Tobias refuses to comply with General Sheridan's orders to act as a commissioner of elections. He claims that supporters of negro voting rights are violating the U.S. Constitution, which he believes supports a "white...

GLC04501.099

to Uriah Tracy

Adams writes about the possibility of an amendment against slavery, the fact that the House of Representatives represents freemen, and discusses the New York elections.

GLC04754

to George A. Baltimore

McLain writes to Baltimore in Whitehall, New York. Describes the difficulty of a free black man traveling to Washington: "I shall be glad to see you here. But there will be some difficulty in your getting through Baltimore. At the R. Road Depot...

GLC04981

to W. B. Todd

Custis, the adopted son (and step-grandson) of George Washington, writes to Todd in Washington, D.C. Recently read a letter stating, "from a prohibitory Law in the District of Columbia touching the hiring of Negro Slaves from Virginia in the...

GLC04989

Union refreshment saloon [in paper case]

Image shows busy street corner with large crowd gathered at Union Volunteer Refreshment Saloon in Philadelphia. Imprint on flap of case "With the Compliments of the Union Volunteer Refreshment Committee. See back of Photograph." Ink inscription on...

GLC05111.02.0982

Henry Clay's letter on emancipation.

While opposed to slavery, Clay argues that emancipation is a greater evil. His solution combined gradual emancipation with colonization. He says that the "Social, moral and political degradation would be the inevitable lot of the colored races" and...

GLC00267.043

A Discourse, on the moral, legal and domestic condition of our colored population, preached before the Vermont Colonization Society, at Montpelier, October 17, 1832.

Converse preaches that Blacks, "though they might be freemen in name, can never be raised to the rank and privileges of freemen in this country." He blames white American racism for this situation and proposes colonization as the solution. First...

GLC00267.050

Acts passed at the general assembly of the state of North Carolina, at its session, commencing on the 25th of December, 1826.

Signed by [Danl S. Paterson?]. Printed by Lawrence & Lemay. Includes an act prohibiting trading with enslaved people, an act regulating the survey and sale of lands recently acquired from the Cherokee, and "An act to prevent free persons of colour...

GLC00267.063

An appeal to the people of Massachusetts, on the Texas question

Appeals to the people to oppose the annexation, arguing that adding Texas to the Union will further entrench and empower the institution of slavery. Suggests holding a convention. Attributed to "A Massachusetts Freeman." Printed by Charles C...

GLC00267.104

to his wife

The letter discusses Confederate invasion of Pennsylvania, slaves, and northern racism. Mentions Lee's offensive into Pennsylvania and offers insight into his own attitudes toward race. "I am very sorry to hear that the Rebels are in Pennsylvania But...

GLC00267.332

to Sister

Writes to his sister, likely Selina, about registering Black people in town as free, enslaved, or as employed by White people.

GLC00066.032

Extraordinary slave-related court document

Aa complex legal case in which a freed man of color is fraudulently sold as a slave to pay for a purchase of cattle.

GLC08141

A Few Scenes in the life of A "SOJER" in the Mass 44th

Illustrated Civil War diary by a soldier in the 44th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry. Written from camp at New Bern, North Carolina. Sketchbook illustrated with thirty-eight pencil editorial-type cartoon sketches satirizing the Northern press...

GLC08200

to unknown

Expresses his belief that reconstruction would not end if a short term Democrat is elected to the presidency, but that it would be disastrous for the Freedmen. Rutherford B. Hayes served as President 1877-1881.

GLC08201

[Document attesting the free status of Richard Jackson].

One document dated April 29, 1813. Pertains to Richard Jackson, a freedperson. The form is partially printed and filled out by Thomas Blake as a character witness. It states, "the said Richard became free in or before the year 1800." Validated by New...

GLC08251

[Certificate of marriage for Mingo and Dinah Night]

Records the marriage of Mingo and Dinah Night, "free black people."

GLC08257

to Mary Ann Davis

Written at Camp Parapet to a friend. First mentions a skirmish near Lake Pontchartrain. Visits a nearby plantation, visiting its sugar house, and conversing with former enslaved people who say they would rather be there than in the camp. Describes...

GLC02165.07

to his sister

Writes, "The whites have allmost all left and the nigers have full swing at every thing they never dreamt of living in such stile before. The inhabitants left every thing but themselves when Burnside came and beat a hasty retreat."

GLC02160.01

The Freeman's Journal [No. 8 (June 13, 1781)]

One issue of The Freeman's Journal dated June 13, 1781. Features an article concerning the passage of a bill connected to the gradual abolition of slavery that would re enslave people that were already freed in Westmorland County. There are also...

GLC09791.15

The James Basker and Angela Vallot Family Archive [Decimalized .01-.35]

A collection of material related to abolition in the United States as well as in England. Contains engravings, and newspapers.

GLC09791

to Sarah Wood

Written from Pulaski, Tennessee to his wife. Describes the situation of refugees (including African Americans) in the camp: "...and the darkies are here by thousands, by field fulls like cattle, they call these darky Camps corrals. The same that we...

GLC02176.17

to Amos J. Harding

Mustered out of service on 13 July and finally feels like a free citizen. Has not gone into business yet and is not sure where and what business he will get into, but it will happen soon. In St. Louis, he saw a mutual friend, who looked fine as...

GLC02178.10

[Slave Patrol Contract]

Appoints a captain to oversee a company of men for "Patrol duty at least two nights in each week; and on the Sabbath day to disperse all collections of negroes or boys violating the Ordinances of the Town. On all slaves found off their owner's...

GLC09122

[Petition of a free black to become a slave of Jefferson S. Nash]

Petition to the District Court of Texas. "Charlotte Frazier...respectfully states and shows that she is a free person of African descent - that she is... mother of Six children under the age of Fourteen ... to wit ... Mack ... Betsey ...Luke...

GLC09123

Draft amending Alabama Constitution

"Ordinance / in relation to the Institution of Slavery and the abolition thereof. / Sep. 16 - Subst[itution]. Ordered 100 copies be printed. Sp. order Monday 11. / Be it ordained by the people of the state of Alabama, in convention assembled, That...

GLC09131

The Pennsylvania Mercury and Universal Advertiser

Letter from "A Free Negro" printed in the Pennsylvania Mercury and Universal Advertiser. "I am one of that unfortunate race of men who are distinguished from the rest of the human species by black skin and woolly hair, disadvantages of very little...

GLC09151

Training Negro troops

Mounted albumen print of the members of the Louisiana Native Guard learning to read at Port Hudson, Louisiana, at a school set up for the soldiers and freedmen. The guard was one of the first all-black units in the Civil War, formed by Benjamin...

GLC09229

The Great Orations and Senatorial Speech of Daniel Webster

Collection of 16 antebellum pamphlets, including several scarce and rare items, touching on the major political topics in post-Jacksonian politics, mainly the future of slavery. Partial contents: "The Great Orations and Senatorial Speech of Daniel...

GLC09233

Susan B. Boomer Diary 1848-1858

Diary of a young woman who left Massachusetts to settle in Bristol, Illinois, with opinions on slavery, patriotism, the Compromise of 1850, and the Fugitive Slave Act. "I spent the night at Uncle James's. During the evening a fugitive slave was...

GLC09292