January 13, 1851

Tappan, Lewis, 1788-1873

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Mary Ann Jackson

Inquiring if Jackson can try to interest her neighbors in the American Missionary Association and give them copies of the Association's publications. Writes, "Are there no other Christians in your place and neighborhood [whom] Mr R. and yourself can interest in the Association? Can you not effect this by getting them to read our publications?" Also thanks her for her donation, and sends a pamphlet (not present) on the Fugitive Slave Bill which passed in 1850. On illustrated stationery of the Association.

GLC04239

3 September 1840

Tappan, Lewis, 1788-1873

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Theodore Sedgwick

Tappan, an abolitionist supporting the freedom of the Amistad Africans, discusses a letter from Roger Sherman Baldwin to Sedgwick. States that Mr. B. (Baldwin) requests the advice of Sedgwick and Seth Staples regarding the trial. Refers to Judge T. (possibly Smith Thompson, Judge of the Amistad trial at the Circuit Court level). Writes "We ought to make a powerful onset on the 17th to obtain the liberation of the Africans- and to let the Judge understand explicitly that we expect to carry the point..." Expresses astonishment that President Martin Van Buren has not yet upheld a promise to…

GLC05799

1850

Tappan, Lewis, 1788-1873

Pamphlet

Title: The fugitive slave bill: its history and unconstitutionality

Gives various arguments why the Fugitive Slave bill should be declared unconstitutional. Also tells the story of James Hamlet, a mulatto arrested under the law despite protests that he was not a slave. Eventually Hamlet was returned to freedom. Full title reads: "The Fugitive Slave Bill: its history and unconstitutionality; with an account of the seizure and enslavement of James Hamlet, and his subsequent restoration to liberty." Printed by William Harned. First edition. With handwritten notes in an unknown hand in pencil on pages 24-6, 28, 30, 32, 24 and 36.

GLC05118

4 April 1862

Tappan, Lewis, 1788-1873

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Wilson

Tappan, an anti-slavery activist, writes to Wilson, a United States Senator from Massachusetts. Notes that the last time he saw Wilson, Wilson was walking down Broadway (in New York City) at the head of his regiment. Remarks, "But since, you have been performing still nobler acts in the Senate. For your late speech & vote on the subject of Emancipation I shall ever hold you in grateful esteem. I congratulate you on your success in getting the Bill through the Senate, & hope it will soon become a law. In 1814 I saw a coffle of slaves chained, and driven down Penn. Avenue by two…

GLC02448.16

February 1850

Tappan, Lewis, 1788-1873

Printed document

Title: [Circular letter urging opposition to the expansion of slavery]

Circular letter from the American and Foreign Anti-Slavery Society urging opposition to the expansion of slavery. Addressed "To each Friend of Liberty in the United States." Urges readers to write to Congress in opposition to slavery, and demand slavery be barred from any new territiories. Encloses pettitions for the reader and acquantainces to sign. Signed in print by the "Executive Committee of the American and Foreign Anti-Slavery Society," composed of Arthur Tappan, S.S. Jocelyn, William Jay, Lewis Tappan, William E. Whiting, Luther Lee, Christopher Rush, George Whipple, William…

GLC08998