4 September 1859

Thompson, Dauphin Adolphus, 1838-1859

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his brother and sister

Discusses preparations for the raid on Harper's Ferry. Never mentions a raid, or any specific plans, but states "we have not got ready to begin operations yet." Also does not reveal his location, saying he is writing from "parts unknown." Discusses a religious meeting of the anti-slavery "winebenarians" (Winbrennians). Worries that "we have to be very careful how we act in everything we have one colored man in our company who has been seen by a woman but she thinks he is a fugitive slave and that we are trying to help him onto his freedom," and thinks she will not report them. Also in…

GLC06471

1743-1759

Franklin, Benjamin, 1706-1790

Header Record

Title: Pennsylvania gazette. [Nos. 735-1567] [Incomplete] [Decimalized]

Collection of unbound newspapers. Edited with frequent pseudonymous contributions by Benjamin Franklin. Subjects include colonial and Indian affairs, European and Parliamentary news, commercial notices, and acts of Assemblies. Small folios with deckle edges.

GLC06670

30 August 1861

Confederate States of America. Congress

Printed document

Title: An Act to perpetuate testimony in cases of slaves abducted or harbored by the enemy, and of other property seized, wasted, or destroyed by them. No. 270.

Appears to be a circular. Possibly created in Richmond, Virginia. Gives orders for the procedure slave owners may follow when their slaves are abducted or harbored. Notes that the Confederate States are not liable to make compensation for Confederate citizens' property that is lost or destroyed.

GLC06607

1879

Pettit, Eber, fl. 1879

Book

Title: Sketches in the history of the Underground Railroad...

Title continued: "Comprising many thrilling incidents of the escape of fugitives from slavery and the perils to those who aided them." First edition, with mounted albumen photograph frontispiece of Pettit. Original publishers brown cloth. Pettit was one of the chief conductors of the Underground Railroad. Not in Blockson Collection. Schomburg 326.973F-P, Work p.338.

GLC06839

1869

Tubman, Harriet, 1822-1913

Book

Title: Scenes in the life of Harriet Tubman / by Sarah H. Bradford

First edition printed by Moses. The story of Tubman, an escaped slave who became a "conductor" on the Underground Railroad. She made more than nineteen trips into the south, rescuing 300 people. During the Civil War, she served as a nurse and spy. Royalties from this book paid off the mortgage on her home when she married Nelson Davis, an African American Civil War veteran. Exlibris stamp of the Phillis Wheatley Library. Blockson Collection 3950, Schomburg 326.93-B. Including engraving of Tubman.

GLC06840

February 12, 1861

Lincoln, Arch., fl. 1861

Broadside

Title: $100.00 reward!

Runaway slave broadside with stock wood cut of a runaway. For a slave named Lewis, "aged about 31 years, heavy set, about 5 feet 5 or 6 inches high, inclined to be bow legged, dark complexion, and will weigh 175 or 180 pounds..." Dated from Liberty, Missouri. Lincoln states, "I will give for the apprehension of said boy...$25 if taken in Clay county, Mo., $50 if taken out of Clay and in the State, and $100 if taken out of the State."

GLC05525

10 May 1878

Garrison, William Lloyd, 1805-1879

Autograph letter signed

Title: to John Greenleaf Whittier

Garrison replies to a letter from Whittier, the Quaker poet and abolitionist. Discusses the deaths of other abolitionists. Whittier had informed Garrison of the death of Captain Jonathan Walker, a fellow abolitionist. Laments Walker's death, describing him as "a kind-hearted, honest, unsophisticated man, who, for attempting to aid certain slaves to escape from their taskmasters, bore with martyr-like fortitude and serenity the penalty burnt into his living flesh by the decree of a court acting in accordance with the provisions of the Slave Code." Notes that the "SS" which was burnt on…

GLC05748

circa 5 October 1850

Friends of Freedom (Boston, Mass.)

Broadside

Title: Declaration of sentiments of the colored citizens of Boston, on the fugitive slave bill!!!

African American citizens of Boston respond to the Fugitive Slave Law. Published by the "Friends of Freedom." Signed in print by Lewis Hayden as President of the Friends of Freedom and William C. Nell as Secretary. Also includes another text block at the bottom titled "Address to the Clergy of Massachusetts." Printed at No. 86 Hanover Street, Boston.

GLC05345

1785

Varlo, Charles, fl. 1725-1795

Book signed

Title: A New System of Husbandry from Many Years of Experience. . .

Title continues, ". . . with tables shewing the expence and profit of each crop : ... also many chosen receipts in physic and surgery, for the human species, and others for the cure of all sorts of cattle, to which are annexed a few hints humbly offered for the perusal of the legislators of America, shewing how to put a stop to runaway servants, volume 1." Signed by Thomas Nelson on free front endpaper. Another signature on the title page has been clipped. Contains fold-out table concerning crop rotation, with list of subscribers. Information on crop rotation, grasses suitable to United…

GLC05633

4 October 1857

Douglass, Frederick, 1818-1895

Letter

Title: to Hugh Auld

Douglass writes to his former master after twenty years, admitting that he has often wanted to hold correspondence with Auld. Inquires after the Auld children, who are dear to Douglass: "...I feel nothing but kindness for you all- I love you, but hate Slavery." Asks Auld what year he came to live with the Auld family (the same year a frigate was built by Mr. Beacham). Inquires as to the date of his birth. Mentions seeing Amanda (daughter of Thomas and Lucretia Auld) and that he would like to see other members of the Auld family. Writes, "I could have lived with you during life in freedom…

GLC07484.06

6 August 1782

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to John Crane

Writes that he has mentioned to General George Washington his and Crane's opinion that the west redoubt is the best place to deposit the powder now at Fishkill, and Washington agrees completely. Declares that Washington has asked Knox to direct the preparations, so he asks Crane to examine the west redoubt with a Captain Lieutenant Sears. If they find it an acceptable place, Crane should order Sears to prepare the redoubt to "render it proper for the safety of the powder that may be placed there." Also asks Crane to provide Crane's regiment and Captain Moody's company [likely Captain…

GLC02437.01516

1856

Williamson, Passmore, 1822-?

Book

Title: Case of Passmore Williamson. Report of the proceedings on the writ of Habeas Corpus, issued by the Hon. John K. Kane, judge of the district court of the United States...

(title continues)... for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, in the case of the United States of America Ex. Rel. John H. Wheeler vs. Passmore Williamson, including the several opinions delivered; and the arguments of counsel, reported by Arthur Cannon, Esq., phonographer. Published by Uriah Hunt & Son.

GLC08853

1842

Prigg, Edward, fl. 1842

Book

Title: Report of the case of Edward Prigg against the commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Argued and adjudged in the Supreme Court of the United States, at January term, 1842. In which it was decided that all the laws of the several states relative to fugitive slaves are unconstitutional and void...

(title continues)... and that Congress have the exclusive power of legislation on the subject of fugitive slaves escaping into other states. Reported by Richard Peters, reporter of the decisions of the Supreme Court of the United States. Stereotyped by L. Johnson. Contains a George Peabody College for Teachers Library sticker on inner front cover. Signed on front flyleaf by Congressman Richard Wigginton Thompson of Indiana.

GLC08856

August 19, 1782

Pendleton, Edmund, 1721-1803

Autograph letter signed

Title: to James Madison

The letter discusses the progress of peace negotiations, his nephew's missing enslaved person, Anthony Wayne and Indian Wars, American independence and restitution. Also mentions: General Carleton, General Washington, Paris, France, and Admiral Rodney.

GLC00099.094

July 29, 1782

Pendleton, Edmund, 1721-1803

Autograph letter signed

Title: to James Madison

The letter discusses war in the South, Loyalists, loss of an enslaved person belonging to his nephew. Also mentions: Evacuation of Charleston, SC, General Carleton, and prisoner exchanges.

GLC00099.092

August 26, 1782

Pendleton, Edmund, 1721-1803

Autograph letter signed

Title: to James Madison

The letter discusses prisoner exchanges, hopes for peace, and annexation of Canada. Also mentions: General Carleton and Edmund Pendleton Jr's runaway slave. There is purple mold staining on the letter.

GLC00099.095

September 2, 1782

Pendleton, Edmund, 1721-1803

Autograph letter signed

Title: to James Madison re: breakdown in peace negotiations

The letter expresses concern over the breakdown in peace negotiations, description of how his nephew's enslaved person escaped with the French Army as an officer's servant.

GLC00099.096

September 9, 1782

Pendleton, Edmund, 1721-1803

Autograph letter signed

Title: to James Madison re: withdrawal of British troops, Loyalist situation

The letter discusses withdrawal of British troops, the Loyalist situation, recovery of runaway slave, military rumors, Canada, New York, New Jersey, and the treatment of American Loyalists.

GLC00099.097

April 28,1785

Adams, John, 1735-1826

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Elbridge Gerry

Writes that although he lacks any sympathy for the "philanthropy" of slavery, he will not violate the treaty requiring the enslaved people who sought freedom to be returned to enslavers. One black and white bust engraving of John Adams included.

GLC00024

February 25, 1843

Sherwood, Adiel, 1791-1879

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Absalom Janes

Sherwood, President of Shurtleff College, writes to Colonel Janes, a trustee of Mercer University. He writes, "A lady from La. was visiting at Jacksonville a few days ago with a servant girl: an abolitionist decoyed her off & took her into Greene Co. The kidnapper & his father were [laid] under $5,000 bonds to appear at Court. While the friends of the lady were taking [inserted: the girl] to St. Louis to meet her mistress, the [boundary] party arrested them, (I suppose for same offence), but they claimed a trial in Alton & were acquitted. Mean while, the girl was sent across the…

GLC00328

March 11, 1865

Leach, Z.A., fl. 1865

Autograph letter signed

Title: to James McGuire

Written in pencil. Informs McGuire that he encountered an enslaved person who declared that he was running away. Suggests where McGuire might look for the enslaved person, and asks that he "say nothing that I told you."

GLC00434.02

1850

Broadside

Title: Read and ponder the Fugitive Slave Law!

A large anti-Whig broadside, attacking Samuel A. Elliott of Boston, and re-printing the Fugitive Slave law. Emphasis added with capital letters in some sections. Declares that the law is against the Constitution, habeas corpus and Christianity. States that the law, "...tramples on the Constitution, by its denial of the sacred rights of Trial by Jury, Habeas Corpus, and Appeal..." Appeals to the public, "Freemen of Massachusetts, Remember, that Samuel A. Elliott of Boston, voted for this law, that Millard Fillmore, our Whig President approved it..." Contains three columns, a large banner…

GLC01862

January 31, 1863

Seddon, James A. (James Alexander), 1815-1880

Letter signed

Title: to Thomas Hill Watts

Seddon, Confederate Secretary of War, writes to Watts, Confederate Attorney General. Seddon states, "You are respectfully informed in reply to the applications of D H Parker submitted by you, that the Exemption Act has not embraced overseers of negro hounds among the exemptions and the Department cannot supply the omission."

GLC01925

circa November 11, 1786

Washington, George, 1732-1799

Autograph letter signed

Title: to James McHenry

Describes his scheme to return a runaway slave to his master William Drayton of Charleston, S.C. After visiting Mount Vernon with his master, the enslaved person escaped and returned to Washington's home. Washington writes that "[t]he fellow pretends a willingness to return to his master, but I think it would be unsafe to trust to this, especially as he has discovered a great inclination to get back to Philadelphia..." Washington notes that he has sent the enslaved person to Baltimore "under the impression of assisting in bringing the Jack and mules home but the real design... is to have him…

GLC02065

26 August 1852

Sumner, Charles, 1811-1874

Newspaper

Title: Commonwealth. extra. [(August 26, 1852)]

Sumner's argument for the appeal of the Fugitive Slave Law was that the slaveholding southern states, and not the United States as a whole, condone the institution of slavery, and thus having a national law in which such an institution is aided and perpetuated in those states who have entered the Union as free (or have since outlawed slavery) is injust.

GLC02226