Collection Search

The anti-slavery papers of James Russell Lowell.

First edition. No. 141 of a Limited edition of 525 copies. Uncut and unopened. Published by Houghton Mifflin and Company.

GLC00267.013

The Slave-power: Its character, career and probable designs: Being an attempt to explain the real issues involved in the America contest.

Second edition. Published by Macmillan and Company. Contains pencil notes on title page. Includes dedication to John Stuart Mill: "...the opportunity of connecting my name in public with that of one from whose works I have profited more largely...

GLC00267.014

An abstract of the evidence delivered before a select committee of the House of Commons in the years 1790 and 1791...

(title continues)... on the part of the petitioners for the abolition of the slave trade. Pamphlet bound as a book. With a note "Printed at the expense of the society in Newcastle for promoting the abolition of the slave-trade. Includes one...

GLC00267.028

A letter to Wm Wilberforce, Esq. M.P. on the subject of Impressment; calling on him and the philanthropists of this country ...

Title continues "... to prove those feelings of sensibility they expressed in the cause of humanity on negro slavery, by acting with the same ardor and zeal in the cause of British seamen." First edition. Published for the benefit of the Maritime...

GLC00267.029

Resolutions of the Legislature of New Hampshire in relation to slavery and the domestic slave trade.

29th Congress, 2d session, document no. 155. Opposes slavery in the territories, favors abolition in the District of Columbia and abolition of the domestic slave trade. Signed in print by John P. Hale as Speaker of the House, James U. Parker as...

GLC00267.037

Fifth annual report of the Board of Managers of the Massachusetts Anti-Slavery Society, with some account of the annual meeting, January 25, 1837.

First edition. Printed by Isaac Knapp. List of lifetime members of the Society on the back cover. Contains a report and proceedings of the annual meeting, which began on 25 January. One section of the report states: "Abolitionists may not...

GLC00267.051

Remarks on the slavery question, in a letter to Jonathan Phillips Esq.

Attacks colonizationists like Senator Henry Clay, "who dream of removing slavery by the process of draining it off to another country; a process about as reasonable as that of draining the Atlantic." He also argues that colonization confirms racial...

GLC00267.052

Slavery in the United States: its evils, alleviations and remedies.

Reprinted from the North American Review. Sees colonization as the only solution to slavery. "Were legal slavery abolished at the South, it would probably be centuries before it could be abolished from the Southern mind." Believes abolitionist...

GLC00267.056

Proceedings of the bench and bar of Baltimore, upon the occasion of the death of the Hon. Roger B. Taney, Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States.

Prints speeches of Maryland lawyers and judges eulogizing Taney. Includes speeches of William Price, District Attorney, Judge Giles, Mr. Wallis, William Schley, Judge Merrick, Andrew Sterett Ridgely, and Reverdy Johnson, an abolitionist who...

GLC00267.059

The unjust judge. A memorial of Roger Brooke Taney, late Chief Justice of the United States.

Contains a critical review of Taney's career and his decision in the Dred Scott case, where he upheld the existing slavery laws. Discusses the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution as they relate to the issue of slavery in the United...

GLC00267.060

Slavery and the remedy; or, the principles and suggestions for a remedial code.

"Fifth edition: with a review of the decision of the supreme court in the case of Dred Scott." First edition published after Dred Scott, with a review of the case. Nott is an apologist for the court. Reminds readers of the possibility of secession...

GLC00267.061

A legal argument before the Supreme Court of the state of New Jersey... for the deliverance of 4,000 persons from bondage.

Delivered at the May term in Trenton, New Jersey. Challenges state laws concerning slavery because they contradict New Jersey's 1844 constitution which abolished slavery. Published by Finch & Weed, New York. Printed by S.W. Benedict.

GLC00267.069

To the people of Suffolk Co. Information, acquired from the best authority, with respect to the institution of slavery.

Suffolk County in New York. First edition. Printed by R. Craighead, New York.

GLC00267.080

Barbarism the first danger. A discourse for home missions.

Claims that slavery has diminished southern society. Printed for the American Home Missionary Society, by William Osborn in New York. Bushnell was the pastor of the North Church in Hartford, Connecticut.

GLC00267.081

Daniel O'Connell upon American slavery: with other Irish testimonies.

Anti-Slavery tracts no. 5, new series. Published by the American Anti-slavery Society.

GLC00267.088

Papers related to the Garrison mob.

Describes the October 1835 mob which kept William Lloyd Garrison, the editor of the Liberator, an anti-slavery newspaper, from having a meeting where Mr. George Thompson, an abolitionist, was to speak. Garrison had to be put in the jail to be...

GLC00267.089

An address, delivered December 22, 1837, in the village of Lockport, N.Y. commemorative of the martyrdom of Rev. E. P. Lovejoy, who was killed by the mob...

Title continues, "... in the city of Alton, Ill., on the night of November 7, 1837." Elijah P. Lovejoy was a Presbyterian minister, editor of a religious newspaper who was killed by a pro-slavery mob. Keep was the pastor of the Presbyterian Church...

GLC00267.090

Remarks of Henry B. Stanton in the Representatives Hall... on the subject of slavery.

Delivered on 23 and 24 February before the Committee of the House of Representatives of Massachusetts. Published by Isaac Knapp in Boston. Protests the Gag rule passed by Congress which stated that slavery in the District of Columbia could not be...

GLC00267.092

The trial of Theodore Parker for the "misdemeanor" of a speech in Faneuil Hall against kidnapping, before the circuit court of the United States...

(title continues)... at Boston, April 3, 1855. With the defence. Published for the author. Other works by Parker are listed on the last two pages.

GLC00267.096

A memorial to the Congress of the United States on the subject of restraining the increase of slavery in new states to be admitted into the Union.

Memorial from the citizens of Boston. "Prepared in pursuance of a vote of the inhabitants of Boston and its vicinity, assembled at the State house, on the third of December, A.D. 1819." Committee composed of Daniel Webster, George Blake, Josiah...

GLC00267.097

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

Conscience and the constitution with remarks on the recent speech of the Hon. Daniel Webster on the subject of slavery.

Published by Crocker & Brewster. Stuart discusses the problems of ending slavery. In closing, writes "The last thing I have to say, is, to ask the question, whether it would not be a feasible thing, and the best thing we can do, to colonize the...

GLC00267.138

A Review of the Rev. Moses Stuart's pamphlet on slavery, entitled conscience and the Constitution.

Published by C. C. P. Moody. Clark, pastor of the North Church in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, rebuts Stuart's argument regarding slavery (Stuart argued for colonization; refer to GLC00267.138). In closing, writes "...notwithstanding the strong...

GLC00267.139

Review of Webster's speech on slavery.

Published by the American Anti Slavery Society in Boston, Massachusetts. Printed by J.B. Yerrinton and Son, Printers, Boston.

GLC00267.140

Anti-fugitive slave law meeting: at a large meeting of persons from various parts of the state of New York, held in the City of Syracuse January 9th 1851...

[Title continued] and of which Frederick Douglass was president, the following resolutions and address were unanimously adopted. The Address is the same, and, with an inconsiderable exception, the Resolutions are the same, as those, which were...

GLC00267.143

The South Bend fugitive slave case, involving the right to a writ of habeas corpus.

Reports on the legal case of Norris vs. Newton. Case pertains to an enslaved person seeking emancipation. Marked for sale at the Anti-slavery office, 48 Beekman Street, 1851.

GLC00267.144

Argument of Wendell Phillips, Esq. before the Committee on Federal Relations, (of the Massachusetts Legislature,) ...

Title continues "... in support of the petitions for the removal of Edward Greely Loring from the office of Judge of Probate." Inscribed with the initials W.P. to Albert G. Brown. Calls for the removal of Massachusetts probate Judge Loring because...

GLC00267.149

History of the Oberlin-Wellington rescue.

Published by John P. Jewett and Company. Also published in Cleveland, Ohio, by Henry P. B. Jewett, and in New York City by Sheldon and Company.

GLC00267.153

Reminiscences of fugitive-slave days in Boston.

Bearse, a Massachusetts native, served as a mate on many ships transporting enslaved people up and down the coast between 1818 and 1830. He shares his experiences from these days, showing great empathy for the enslaved people with whom he came into...

GLC00267.154

The landmark of freedom. Speech of Hon. Charles Sumner against the repeal of the Missouri prohibition of slavery north of 36 30'.

Published by John P. Jewett and Company. Published in Cleveland, Ohio, by Jewett, Proctor, and Worthington. Contains a Burnham Brothers College, School, and Library imprint on front cover. Bound with string. Pages are gilt-edged.

GLC00267.157

Controversy between New-York Tribune and Gerrit Smith.

Printed by John A. Gray. Smith, a United States Representative 1853-1854, had been accused of missing an important vote on the Kansas-Nebraska Bill. Claiming previous misrepresentation in the Tribune, argues that he voted against the Kansas...

GLC00267.158

Last three speeches on Kansas and freedom.

Published by Higgins and Bradley. Includes "Origination of Appropriation Bills" (delivered 7 February), "The Abrogation of Treaties" (delivered 6 March), and "The Crime Against Kansas. The Apologies for the Crime. The True Remedy" (19 and 20 May...

GLC00267.162

The Big Little Person's Book of Songs For Democratic Action

The book, published by the Students for Democratic Action (SDA), is a mix of common picketing and protest songs and original works by the author. The table of contents is ordered by genre of the song as follows: popular folk songs; old favorites; SDA...

GLC09590

to Simon Perkins

In the letter, John Brown discusses his wool business. "Burlington" continues to make excuses for not paying, while at the same time pleading for wool to be sent to him. Burlington Mills Manufacturing Company in Vermont was one of Brown's clients in...

GLC00106

["The man is not bought!"]

Printed broadside protesting slavery. The text reads, in part: "The Man is Not Bought!....The kidnapper agreed, both publicly and in writing, to sell him for $1200. The sum was raised by eminent Boston citizens and offered him. He then claimed...

GLC07887

Draft of Ladies Home Journal article "Woman's Mission and Woman's Clubs."

Draft of Ladies Home Journal article "Woman's Mission and Woman's Clubs." Opposing women's suffrage." Let it be here distinctly understood that no sensible man has fears of injury to the country on account of such participation. It is its dangerous...

GLC08000

[Quotation of Charles Sumner on freedom]

Complete quotation reads: "Freedom always for all!" Marked Senate Chamber.

GLC02095.28

to unknown

Regrets having to decline attending a meeting: "Consider me always as deeply interested in the cause, but as reluctantly compelled to forego participation in your meeting."

GLC02095.02

to Thomas L. Sprague

Thanks Sprague, a schoolboy, for his compliments: "Through my mother, who recently visited your friends in Hingham, I have learned your kind interest in me, & the manner in which you have spoken of me in one of your exercises at school. The words of...

GLC02095.04

to T. P. Chandler

Writes about speaking in the Senate: "Had I made that speech, I would have taken a vacation of a week or more. Now I wait the Civil Appropriation Bill, when I shall move an Amendment, that nothing be paid [to] the execution of the Fug. Sl. Bill, but...

GLC02095.03

to Azariah Smith

Thanks him for his letter. Plans to leave for Washington, D.C., "simply to vote" presumably in Senate. After Washington, Sumner plans to travel to Europe "in search of that complete restoration which I have not yet found at home."

GLC02095.05

[Quotation of Charles Sumner on liberty]

Complete quotation reads: "And I cannot go wrong when I lean to the side of Liberty."

GLC02095.27

to unknown

Thanks an unknown "sir" for his words of sympathy: "Accept my thanks for the words of cheer & sympathy which you kindly write. I have tried to do my duty & shall continue unto the end."

GLC02095.08

to Charles Sumner

Written on her personal stationery, embossed with a "D," to her benefactor and friend, Sumner. Requests him to send certain government publications to her at the Government Hospital for the Insane of the Army and Navy in Washington, D.C. Among...

GLC02075

[Quotation of Charles Sumner on the struggle to end slavery]

Complete quotation reads: "Our cause is nobler even than that of our Fathers, in as much as it is more exalted to struggle for the Freedom of others than for our own."

GLC02095.26

to Harriet Jane Hanson Robinson

Abolitionist and suffragist Foster responds to questions from Robinson who was doing research for her book, "Massachusetts in the woman suffrage movement. A general, political, legal and legislative history from 1774 to 1881" (Boston, 1881). Foster...

GLC02076

Mr. Sumner's Lecture on White Slavery in the Barbary States.

Sumner's lecture given before the Boston Mercantile Library Association, 17 February 1847. Published by William D. Ticknor and Company. Printed in Cambridge by Metcalf and Company, printers to the University. Inscribed on the original orange cover...

GLC02095.19

[Quotation of Charles Sumner on liberty]

Complete quotation reads: "For myself in a case of doubt I feel that I cannot go wrong when I lean to the side of Liberty."

GLC02095.25

The Crime Against Kansas. Speech of Hon. Charles Sumner, of Massachusetts. In the Senate of the United States, May 19, 1856.

Sumner delivered this speech after the May 1856 debates on slavery in Kansas. Condemns Southern advocacy of the expansion of slavery. Published by Greeley and McElrath, New York. Advertised on cover page as being "for sale at the office of the New...

GLC02095.20

At a meeting of the Corporation of Harvard College.

Copy of Harvard Corporation's vote of thanks to Granville Sharp of London for a donation of a six volume Polyglot Bible and seven copies of Sharp's "The Law of Retribution" to Harvard's library. The copy was sent by Wigglesworth to William Knox...

GLC02437.01220

to William Knox

Indicates that he has enclosed copies of a vote of thanks from Harvard College to Granville Sharp for a donation to the library that was conveyed through Knox (see GLC02437.01220). Asks that when Knox arrives in France he send thanks to Sharp, who...

GLC02437.01236

to unknown

"I believe that there were never so many thinking upon the subject, never were thoughts more nearly right on the great question of Liberty. I do not disesteem the political & Commercial aspects of Slavery. Its evils in these regards are greater...

GLC09133

to Reverend Putnam

"All that you said of Massachusetts...was true to the letter...she has always been the foremost state of the Union. How intensely has South Carolina - - slavery cursed, degraded, barbarous South Carolina - - hated her from the beginning!"

GLC09167

to Mother

A Southerner writing about "Divine Institution of Negro Slavery" and "old Abe and his abolition crew."

GLC09189

[Slavery related collection] [Decimalized .01- .10]

Collection of 7 abolitionist and slavery related autograph letter signed and one John Brown carte-de-visite.
Autograph letter signed dated 25 June 1861 from H. Giles, "If this war continues, we can not now even imagine our worst days - nor, do I...

GLC09190

The Anti-Slavery Record, Vol. 1

Six issues of The Anti-Slavery Record published by the American Anti-Slavery Society, each bearing a dramatic woodcut illustrating the horrors visited upon slaves. 12 pages each.
Includes: No. 6 - June, No. 7 - July, No. 9 - September (2nd edition)...

GLC09232

A Plan for the Abolition of Slavery

"A Plan for the Abolition of Slavery," imploring non-slaveholding whites in the South to combine with slaves to overthrow plantation owners. "Your numbers, combined with those of the Slaves, will give you all power. You have but to use it, and the...

GLC09235

to Charles T. Congdon

To Charles T. Congdon of the New York Tribune. Douglass thanks Congdon for his recently published reminiscences of Charles Sumner. "It was not merely the seed time of a great harvest, but the hard time when old and knarly oaks were to be hewed down...

GLC09238

The Law of Retribution...

The Law of Retribution; Or, A Serious Warning to Great Britain and her Colonies, founded on unquestionable examples of God's Temporal Vengeance against Tyrants, Slave-holders, and Oppressors. First edition, printed in London.

GLC09291

Liberator Extra issue

Scarce "Extra" issue of William Lloyd Garrison's weekly Liberator mainly devoted to the "Appeal of Clerical Abolitionists on Anti-Slavery Measures .... Declaration of Abolitionists in The Theological Seminary at Andover, Mass."

GLC09298

Review of Lysander Spooner on the Unconstitutionality of Slavery…

Spooner argues that certain "clauses in the United States Constitution universally supposed to refer to and recognize Slavery [have made] 'the preservation, propagation, and perpetuation of Slavery the vital and animating spirit of the National...

GLC09299

[Circular]

A New York Quakers Circular offering an alternative to goods made from slave labor: "The Managers of the Free Produce Association of Friends, of New York Yearly Meeting, have the satisfaction of stating, that a store has been opened for the sale of...

GLC09300

Minutes of the Proceedings of the Thirteenth American Convention for Promoting the Abolition of Slavery...

"Minutes of the Proceedings of the Thirteenth American Convention for Promoting the Abolition of Slavery, and Improving the Condition of the African Race Assembled at Philadelphia..." Reports on schools for African-Americans, kidnapping, arrests of...

GLC09328

to C.H. Howard

To C. H. Howard, an editor/publisher in Chicago, acknowledging receipt of six copies of a "little Letter" he had written. "I very rarely write anything for a newspaper. Almost all my articles appear first in Circulars." He cannot promise to write any...

GLC09329.01

To the voters of Oswego and Madison counties New York

Thanking them for electing him to a seat in Congress, and reprising his anti-slavery, pro-equality platform.

GLC09329.02

[Men and Women's Emancipation petitions]

Blank, unsigned petitions for the emancipation of slavery. Folded document. First page is titled "Women's Emancipation Petition," second page is titled "Men's Emancipation Petition." Calls on the U.S. House and Senate to abolish slavery throughout...

GLC07202.05

to his sister

Reminisces about childhood. Gives news of travels "all over New Mexico Kansas Nebraska Iowa and some in Illinois & Indiana." Outlines his commitment to the cause of "Human Freedom," saying "[I] expect to be in it untill slavery is done away in the...

GLC07231.08

to Robert Adams

Informs Adams, possibly an underground railroad train conductor in Fall River, Massachusetts, that British abolitionist George Thompson will be coming next Friday, the 13th. Tells Adams to meet him and states, "..He is a stranger and will need a...

GLC07356.02

Duty of the Free States, or remarks suggested by the case of the Creole

GLC07435

The Emancipator---Extra. February 24th 1838, Anti-Slavery Convention

Broadside inviting "Citizens of Connecticut friendly to immediate emancipation of the slaves of our Country, to send delegates to a convention to be held at Hartford" for establishing a state society. The names of the signers are printed in columns.

GLC07437

William Jay and the Constitutional movement for the abolition of slavery.

Written by Bayard Tuckerman. With preface written by John Jay, grandson of John and son of William Jay. Printed by Dodd, Mead & Company. Jay inscribes to the Honorable William Allen Butler, an author, lawyer, and poet.

GLC07440

Law of Liberty, or the Royal Law ... [abolitionism]

Title continued: "... Earnestly recommended to the serious consideration of all slaveholders and slavedealers." With 4 pages of printed advertisements.

GLC07441

Strictures on a Life of William Wilberforce

GLC07446

to Anthony Benezet

Written by the British abolition leader Sharp to the American Quaker abolition leader Benezet. References Benezet's letter of 14 May 1772. Sends him (not included here) a short answer he "drew up to check the insinuations of those persons who pretend...

GLC07483.03

to Thomas W. Higginson

Discusses their list of lecturers, including Frederick Douglass, which he will publish in the next issue of the Liberator. Believes Douglass is on his way from Rochester and will be able to lecture on the 18th. Praises Higginson's speech as...

GLC07483.04

to Messrs Walker and Wise

Letter of introduction for a Mr. F.M. Adlington of Weymouth. Garrison calls him "a very worthy citizen, possessing a talent for versification, and using it for many years past in the service of freedom, temperance, and other good causes." Informs...

GLC07483.05

to the Editor of the Tribune

Complains that the Tribune misused a statement made by him to Wendell Phillips at the recent meeting of the Massachusetts Anti-Slavery Society. The statement concerned John C. Fremont, who was active in the Radical Republicans, a group of hard-line...

GLC07483.06

to Mr. Northend

Discusses advertisements in The Nation, a liberal periodical devoted to politics and culture of which he was editor from 1865-1906. Recalls an excursion he took with his father, William Lloyd Garrison toward the end of his life. Talks of his fear...

GLC07483.07

William Lloyd Garrison

Original india ink sketch of Garrison from the shoulders up, framed in an oval.

GLC07483.10

to Adam G. De Gurowski

Apologizes for not acknowledging Count Gurowski's correspondence sooner. Mentions the Count's diary, which was published as a pamphlet and states he would love to see public opinion run in the same channels. States, "I am hard at work in the...

GLC07483.11

to W. W. Greenough

Mentions his note that Greenough would like to read to the trustees. Discusses the board of trustees' objection to comments made by a Mr. Caper. States that Mr. Caper felt the charge against him of dilatoriness was exaggerated. Possibly speaking...

GLC07483.12

Memories of Wendell Phillips.

Essay of Smalley's personal memories of Wendell Phillips. Printed in the June 1894 edition of Harpers.

GLC07483.13

[Wendell Phillips]

Bust portrait engraving of Wendell Phillips as a young man. With his printed signature under the image.

GLC07483.14

to Judge Buell

Writes that he has not yet received a reply from Buell to his letter of October 22nd and asks that he write soon. Addressed to Buell in Albany, by W. Raymond.

GLC07483.15

to Daniel Cady

Writes to his uncle about two merchants, Shepard and Wright, who owe him money. Believes that if they start legal action against Shepard, he will pay. With note and docket on verso by recipient.

GLC07483.16

to Edward Augustus Stansbury

Mentions giving something about the men of the state to a W. Williams.

GLC07483.17

to Reverand W. Heath

Replies to a request to come speak at the Reverend's church by stating that he is getting old and has almost entirely given up public speaking. Tells him to visit when he can.

GLC07483.19

to William L. Starkey [?]

Has received his letter and states "Certainly, certainly, add my name to the list of subscribers." Comments that he was friends with the writer's father.

GLC07483.20

to Susan A. Doughty

Sends his autograph in reply to a request. Ends with "May you see many Happy years!" On gold paper.

GLC07483.21

to Mrs. Showbergh [?]

Recipient's name is illegible. Gives his condolences for her husband, Henry R. Showbergh's [?] death.

GLC07483.22

to C[?] Van W[?]

Asks recipient to send money to England because his daughter is spending a year in Europe. Recipient's name is illegible.

GLC07483.23

to E.L. Wyler [?] Esq.

Recipient's name is illegible. Mentions Ulysses S. Grant/ Schuyler Colfax running for president/ vice president in the election of 1868 and states he is in support of them.

GLC07483.24

to J.A. Spencer

Expresses his thanks for Spencer's condolences on the death of his child.

GLC07483.25

[Gerrit Smith]

Bust portrait engraving of Gerrit Smith with printed signature below image.

GLC07483.26

to Samuel Huntington

Written by Franklin, signer of the Declaration of Independence and U.S. Constitution, as President of the Executive Council of Pennsylvania to Huntington as Governor of Connecticut, three days after Connecticut ratified the Constitution. Writes in...

GLC07485.01

The constitution of the Pennsylvania Society for promoting the abolition of slavery, and the relief of free negroes, unlawfully held in bondage. Begun in the year 1774, and enlarged on the twenty-third of April, 1787...

(title continues)... To which are added, the acts of the General Assembly of Pennsylvania, for the gradual abolition of slavery. Franklin was President of the society, and Benjamin Rush was one of two society secretaries. Includes "An Act to give...

GLC07485.02

The universal asylum, and Columbian magazine for May, 1790.

Pages numbered 267-326. Contains "History of the Life and Character of Benjamin Franklin, L.L.D. &c." (pages 268-72), "Plan for Improving the Condition of Free Blacks" (281-82), "Thoughts on Female Education by Benjamin Rush" (continued from...

GLC07485.03

to Solomon Haven

Discusses political and social news. Mentions that the state legislature will meet tomorrow and that there is a movement toward legal reform, which he feels in necessary. Briefly comments on national and state debts. Written as member of Congress.

GLC02344

to Henry Maynadier

Written from Georgetown. Key writes to his uncle about depressed stock prices. He also discusses colonizing 12 captured Africans who are in Baltimore (he does not explain how they came to be there), in reference to his efforts through the American...

GLC02379

to Timothy L. Woodruff

Writes to Lieutenant Governor Woodruff of New York regarding political reform and democracy. As a candidate for president, he stresses the right of people to rule themselves. In the 1912 presidential election Roosevelt ran and lost under the...

GLC02372