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black history, African American, black heritage, black history month, egypt, pyramids, rosetta stone, frederick douglass, george washington carver, booker t. washington, slave ship, abolition, british slave trade, phillis wheatley

Phillis Wheatley

   George Moses Horton, though of pure African parentage, was born a slave in North Carolina in 1797. In the little spare time he had he taught himself to read and began to compose poems, which he had to commit to memory because he was unable to write. Though his efforts were unappreciated by both the slave owner and his fellow slaves (who considered him "a vain fool"), he convinced his master to send him weekly to the nearby campus of the University of North Carolina, where he was able to sell produce. Soon he was composing love poetry on commission (ranging from twenty-five to seventy-five cents per poem) for students, who would claim it as their own when wooing Southern belles. Horton's business thrived and in a short time some of the academics helped him to learn to write and aided in his getting published. Sadly, his master continuously refused to allow him or others to buy his freedom. Freed by Union troops after sixty-seven years of slavery, he spent the remainder of his life in Philadelphia and died in 1883. Among his distinctions, he was the first published black Southern poet, the first black male writer to have a book published in America (Hammon's works were all published as pamphlets), the first black poetic voice to protest against slavery, and the first black author to earn money from his writings. A marvelous assemblage of two seminal figures in African-American literature, whose works are preserved for their quality as well as their historical importance.

-- An intriguing vintage "Negroe Slave Girl Appraisal" document mentioning a girl, Phillis...dated April 14th, 1766 -- Philadelphia. A one-of-a-kind Early American document; entirely hand-penned on laid, watermarked paper, especially since the typical spelling of the girl's name is "Phyllis." It appears as though Dr. Robert Elton settled the account and/or estate of Thomas Hart ---most important was the inclusion of the appraisal of a "Negroe Girl named Phillis" for the amount of thirty pounds. Measures about seven by twelve inches. After cursory research it has been determined that the "Phillis" mentioned in this document is not the Phillis Wheatley, even though the first name is spelled the same. Our initial thought was that perhaps John Wheatley had purchased Phillis from the estate of Thomas Hart. Phillis Wheatley was purchased by John and Susanna Wheatley in Boston a few years earlier. We are still researching to determine the identity of Phillis Wheatley's seller. The same first name of Phillis and same approximate time period of the 1760s and approximate age are items of interest. This document gives us a glimpse into early American life and the life of a young girl with the same first name as the famous, Phillis Wheatley.

-- The September 1773 edition of the Gentleman's Magazine -- first published mention of Phillis Wheatley's book.

-- Vintage engravings (3) of Selina, Countess of Huntingdon. She funded many organizations and people, including John Newton. Even though the Countess and Phillis never actually met, she funded the printing of the first edition of Phillis Wheatley's book.
-- A 1.5" brass 1937 commemorative coin of the founding of Huntingdon, PA. On the front of the coin is a Bust of Selina Hastings  Countess of  Huntingdon. On the reverse is a Quaker shaking hands with an Indian chief at Standing Stone Monument.  Around the edge  is  Sesquicentennial  adoption of the constitution of the United States. Coin shows aging patina  but in excellent condition.

-- 1851 biography page of Phillis Wheatley, with her famous image prominently placed at the top (Illustrated Biographies)
-- 1855 wood engraving of Phillis Wheatley from Lossing's "Our Countrymen, Brief Memoirs of Eminent Americans."  It is a half-page portrait engraving, with biography of Phillis.

-- First Edition copy (1886) of Chips from the White House 1886 by Jeremiah Chaplin. A large collection of responses from the presidents starting with Washington to Cleveland. One response was to Phillis Wheatley slave who wrote poetry to George Washington.

-- Vintage 1909 edition of "The Poems of Phillis Wheatley", published by Richard R. Wright, Jr. and Charlotte Crogman Wright (A.M.E. Book Concerns, Philadelphia)

-- A hard-to-find 1930 hardcover edition of Phillis Wheatley's book, published by the Wrights and printed by A.M.E. Concern, Philadelphia...with Introduction and Notes by Charlotte Ruth Wright.

-- Scarce First Edition copy of, "The Story of Phillis Wheatley" (New York: J. Messner, 1949) by Shirley Graham Du Bois, 2nd wife of NAACP mentor, W.E.B. Du Bois.

-- Limoges platter, upon which the SS Phillis Wheatley ship was beautifully hand painted. It is signed on the back of the platter by the painter, Mrs. E.F. Cantrill (Chicago, IL dated Aug. 1921). It measures 12 inches by 17 1/2 inches and is in great condition. There is quite a story behind this image.
BACKGROUND: On September 17, 1919 the Black Star Line (run by Marcus Garvey) signed a contract to purchase its first ship, the "S. S. Yarmouth," later renamed the "Frederick Douglass," for $165,000. On November 5, 1919, plans were announced to float a second Black Star Line ship, the "S. S. Phillis Wheatley." Marcus Garvey was arrested and later deported for mail fraud and other charges. In spite of all the controversy that swirls around him, Marcus Garvey legacy is rather inspiring. Out of the destitute of a society built on White supremacy in 19th century Kingston, Jamaica; Marcus Garvey literally pulled himself up by the boot straps and became one of the most recognized symbols in the fight for the liberation of Africa. Based on his ideology, the idea of Pan-Africanism not only emerged world-wide, but started to become a reality. His legacy provided vision to such giants as W.E.B. Dubois, George Padmore, Kwame Nkrumah, Nnamdi Azikiwe, and Jomo Kenyatta at the 5th Pan-African Congress which ultimately led to the liberation from the colonization of African nations such as Ghana and Kenya. Most importantly, Marcus Garvey’s life and philosophy is still inspiring millions upon millions of present day freedom fighters from Africa, America, Europe and the Caribbean to make sacrifices that will one day in the near future make his dream of Africa for the Africans realized. On October 3, 2002 Jamaican Prime Minister  P.J. Patterson has reiterated his strong support for current legislation, pending in the United States House of Representatives, that would vindicate National Hero, Marcus Mosiah Garvey, thus clearing the way for an official absolution of the Jamaican patriot by the American President.
 

2. Wedgwood jasperware Abolitionist, Anti-Slavery cameo medallion (3 medallions in collection), with the bound slave on the front, and the words "Am I Not A Man and A Brother?" around it. From 1787 until his death in 1795, Josiah Wedgwood actively participated in the British Abolition of Slavery cause. Josiah’s most important contribution to the movement for the Abolition of Slavery, the so-called Slave Medallion, was one which brought the attention of the public to the horrors of the Slave trade. (There are varying views on the portrayal of bound slave and slogan.)

  Josiah Wedgwood sent a large number of cameos to Benjamin Franklin in Philadelphia who also remarked on the value of the medallion as a means of bringing awareness of the existence if slavery to the public. What is particularly amazing is that the climate of the Revolutionary War was hostile to good British/American relations. In this context the abolitionist movement was born and people came together to fight the evils of the Slave Trade.
-- Also, an absolutely rare mid-1800s antique bronze figure of man (weighs 18 oz.) pictured to the right -->
 

-- Unique vintage brass door knocker with an image of William Wilberforce on the knocker. On the part affixed to the door is an image of the African slave with the words, "Am I Not A Man and A Brother?".

-- Deluxe Ruskin Folio Limited Edition JMW Turner R.A. - The Slave Ship -- Fine Laid Paper with full Intaglio plate mark ~ VERY RARE 1 of only 160 published plates. Beautiful JMW Turner R.A. illustration from the work in the Collection of the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, U.S.A." published in 1900 as one of only 160 de-luxe folio edition illustrations compiled by Frederick Wedmore as an "Exposition of the Work of Turner from the Writings of Ruskin" and published by George Allen, Charing Cross, London.

3. Rare 7" figurines of Tom Molineaux and Tom Cribb (figurines dated, early-mid 1800s -- 2 sets). Born 1784, Tom Molineaux was the first unofficial American Boxing Champion. Tom Molineaux was born a slave but fought his way to freedom and ultimately a shot at the heavyweight title. He began boxing other slaves while plantation owners wagered on the bouts. Finally after defeating a slave from a rival plantation, he was given his freedom and $500. He traveled to New York and then, in 1809, he left for England and began boxing. Molineaux was trained by Bill Richmond,

Negro Actor's Guild

Olaudah Equiano

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Return To Glory film on DVD

-- Congressional Globe 1858 debates proceeding US congress. The Congressional Globe: Containing the Debates and Proceedings of the Second Session of the Thirty-Fifth Congress: Also, of the Special Session of the Senate. by John C. Rives. Washington: John C. Rives, 1859. Mid-19th century period 1/2 leather binding. Smooth spine in five gilt-ruled compartments w/ gilt title and date. Blue marbled paper covered boards w/ leather board corners. Binding tight and sound. 1000s of pages of information on the proceedings of Congress. Index for both the US Senate and the US House of Representatives. This covers Dec. 10, 1858 through Feb. 14, 1859. Includes much on the Native Americans and the Slavery Trade bill. VG+ near fine condition, very little wear. Measures 9" x 12." 1040 pp.

-- 1862 Congressional Globe, 960 pages. Containing the debates and proceedings of the Second Session of the Thirty-seventh Congress. Edited by John C. Rives and published at the Congressional Globe Office, Washington, 1862.  very slight occasional foxing, otherwise in remarkably good condition.. Includes many debates on military support, slavery, secession, and other issues relevant to the Civil War. Scarce item.

-- 1854 Congressional Report -- African Slave Trade -- Brazil. 33d Congress, 1st Session - Senate - Ex Doc. No. 47.  14 pages. Titled "Message From The President of the United States, Communicating, In compliance with a resolution of the Senate, the correspondence between Mr. Schenck, United States Minister to Brazil, and the Secretary of State, in relation to the African slave trade." 

-- Abraham Lincoln signed 25 copies of the Emancipation Proclamation. In this collection are two copies of the Emancipation Proclamation directly from one of the originals signed by Lincoln in 1863.

-- Rare Abraham Lincoln Campaign first edition book printed during Lincoln's presidential campaign of 1860. POLITICAL DEBATES BETWEEN HON. ABRAHAM LINCOLN and HON. STEPHEN A. DOUGLAS In the Celebrated Campaign of 1858, in Illinois; INCLUDING THE PRECEDING SPEECHES OF EACH, AT CHICAGO, SPRINGFIELD, ETC: ALSO, THE TWO GREAT SPEECHES OF MR. LINCOLN IN OHIO, IN 1859, AS CAREFULLY PREPARED BY THE REPORTERS OF EACH PART, AND PUBLISHED AT THE TIMES OF THEIR DELIVERY. COLUMBUS: FOLLETT, FOSTER AND COMPANY, 1860.
BACKGROUND: The Lincoln-Douglas Debates were a series of debates that took place during the 1858 presidential campaign in seven locations across Illinois. Even though Douglas won the election, these debates had launched Lincoln into the national spotlight. These debates are considered a major contributor to the separating of the South from the Union and ultimately leading to the Civil War.

-- "The Emancipation", January 24, 1863 Harper's Weekly. Famous double page engraving by Thomas Nast, the subject of which is Emancipation. Measures 22" x 15 1/2". Condition is very good.

-- 1860 Congressional Report Civil War, 835 pages. A lot of discussion about slavery-related issues.

-- Rare Senate report (March 8, 1860) stating that 7 families are asking for compensation for slaves taken and carried away by the British during the War of 1812.
-- House of Representative Resolution (February 26, 1866) about the "Protection of Emancipated Slaves and Freedmen."
 

-- Front Cover Portraits of Dred Scott, His Wife, Harriet and Children Eliza & Lizzie!. Multi-Column Details of His Life, Family and The Decision of The Supreme Court! An Original and Complete Issue of LESLIE'S WEEKLY dated  June 27, 1857. Fine Illustrations with Reports Including: A Front Cover Series of Portraits with Indepth Report: "VISIT TO DRED SCOTT---HIS FAMILY--INCIDENTS OF HIS LIFE---DECISION OF THE SUPREME COURT---ELIZA AND LIZZIE, CHILDREN OF DRED SCOTT, HIS WIFE, HARRIET" Fine Descriptive Report! BACKGROUND: Dred Scott (1799 - Sept. 17, 1858), was a slave in the USA who sued unsuccessfully for his freedom in the famous Dred Scott v. Sanford case of 1857. His case was based on the fact that he and his wife Harriet were slaves, but had lived in states and territories where slavery was illegal, including Illinois and Minnesota (which was then part of the Wisconsin Territory). The United States Supreme Court ruled seven to two against Scott, finding that neither he, nor any person of African ancestry, could claim citizenship in the United States, and that therefore Scott could not bring suit in federal court under diversity of citizenship rules. Moreover, Scott's temporary residence outside Missouri did not effect his emancipation under the Missouri  Compromise, since reaching that result would deprive Scott's owner of his property.

-- Reports of the Committee on the Conduct of the War: "Fort Pillow Massacre" and also a report titled "Returned Prisoners", no date of publication, but probably May, 1864 just after the reports were made public.  Graphic Eyewitness testimony and question and answer sessions. Four prints of prisoners. In April 1864, the Union garrison at Fort Pillow, a Confederate-built earthen fortification and a Union-built inner redoubt, overlooking the Mississippi River about forty river miles above Memphis, under the command of Maj. Lionel F. Booth. Confederate Maj. Gen. Nathan Bedford Forrest attacked the fort on April 12 with a cavalry division of approximately 2,500 men. Approximately 300 African American troops were massacred here. Up to that time comparatively few of our men had been killed; but immediately upon occupying the place the rebels commenced an indiscriminate butchery of the whites and blacks, including the wounded. Both white and black were bayoneted, shot, or sabred; even dead bodies were horribly mutilated, and children of seven and eight years, and several negro women killed in cold blood. Soldiers unable to speak from wounds were shot dead, and their bodies rolled down the banks into the river. The dead and wounded negroes were piled in heaps and burned, and several citizens, who had joined our forces for protection, were killed or wounded. Out of the garrison of six hundred only two hundred remained alive. Three hundred of those massacred were negroes; five were buried alive. Casualties were high and only sixty-two of the U.S. Colored Troops survived the fight. Many accused the Confederates of perpetrating a massacre of the black troops, and that controversy continues today. The Confederates evacuated Fort Pillow that evening so they gained little from the attack except to temporarily disrupt Union operations. The Fort Pillow Massacre became a Union rallying cry and cemented resolve to see the war through to its conclusion. The massacre at Fort Pillow had raised the question in every mind, does the United States mean to allow its soldiers to be butchered in cold blood?

-- Remarkably rare Journal of the Senate of the Commonwealth of Virginia: Begun and Held in the City of Richmond, 1859-1860 (1500 pages!!!). James E. Goode, Senate Printer. This is an enormous volume that includes hundreds of documents including Governor Reports and other state reports, featuring reports from the Generals dealing with the John Brown/Harper’s Ferry situation, information on slavery and many other important documents. Here are some examples:
  a. "Communication from the Governor of this State in Respect to His Action on the Harpers Ferry Outrage" (66 pages)
   b. "Communication from the Governor asking Relief For Edward M'Cabe who was Wounded at Harpers Ferry"  (2 pages)
   c. "Communication from the Adjunct General Relative to Transportation of Troops to Charlestown and Harpers Ferry" (2 pages)
   d. "Communication from the Governor of the State Enclosing the Report of General Taliaferro. Commander at Harpers Ferry (4 pages)
   e. "Report of the Commissioners Appointed to Audit and Pay the Expenses Incurred by the Late Invasion at Harpers Ferry (54 pages)
   f. "Communication from the Governor of Virginia Enclosing Letters from the Gov of Ohio relative to Requisitions for Fugitives From Justice (22 pages)
   g. "Hostile Legislation of the North" This is a 64-page report detailing the legislation hostile to Slavery emanating from the Northern States: Maine, Connecticut, Vermont, New Hampshire, Indiana, Ohio, Rhode Island, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Illinois, Michigan, Wisconsin, Iowa, Minnesota. This Special Report even shows the legislative response of the Northern States toward the Dred Scott decision, which occurred in 1857 at the Old Court House, St. Louis, MO.
   h. This Journal also includes an 11-page report with "Extracts from the Index of Colonial Records" from 1585 to 1782. Here are some examples: 1585 (Proposals to Inhabit Porte Ferdinand, Discovery from James Forte into the Main), 1607 (State of the Virginia Plantation), 1609 (100 men Planted at the Falls of James River, Memo Relating to the Colony of Virginia), 1610 (250 Persons go out as Planters, Descriptive Letter), 1613 (Suit in Chancery Instituted by Virginia Company to Compel Adventurers to Pay Up), 1705 (1800 Negroes Imported This Year. Sold at 54 Pounds a Pair), 1730 (Proclamation Against Unlawful Meetings of Slaves), 1731 (An Opinion Asked Whether Slaves Baptized into the Christian Church can Continue in Slavery), 1741 (List of Naval Officers Enlisted for the Invasion of Canada), 1749 (Notice of the Trade to Africa), 1782 (Dunmore's Plan to Subdue the Colonies by Means of Indians and negroes. Cruden's Plan for Arming 10,000 Slaves Handed in by Lord Dunmore)...
 

-- Incredibly rare JOURNAL OF THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, BEING THE FIRST SESSION OF THE THIRTY-EIGHTH CONGRESS, BEGUN AND HELD AT THE CITY OF WASHINGTON, DECEMBER 7, 1863, in the Eighty-Eighth Year of the Independence of the United States, 1042 pages (pictured to the right), Washington: Government Printing Office, 1863. This Senate Journal, from the Third Session of the 38th Congress, lasted from December 7, 1863 to July 4, 1864, a crucial time in our nation’s history. Each 19th-century volume of the Journal of the United States Senate provides a record of the Senate’s activities for a particular session of Congress. Unlike the Congressional Globe (later the Congressional Record), that record does not include the words spoken on the floor of the Senate, but rather all the procedural occurrences, and in particular the introduction of proposed legislation and resolutions, along with the decisions and votes of the senators on these items. However, each volume does open with the President’s Annual Message to Congress (now called the State of the Union address), with other important written documents that he may submit to Congress.

In the case of Abraham Lincoln’s annual message, which in this volume occupies pages 8-18, the message is followed immediately by the most famous and significant document that Lincoln ever signed: the Emancipation Proclamation, dated December 8, 1863, the same date as that of his annual message. The annual message naturally deals with the ongoing Civil War, as well as with foreign affairs, Indian matters, the economy, and Lincoln’s plans for eventual reconstruction of the Union. The Emancipation Proclamation (pp. 18-20) lacks an elegant style, being fundamentally a war measure, justified by the exigencies of the conflict and applicable by its terms only to those currently held in slavery beyond the Union’s power of control. Nevertheless, every prescient statesman saw that there would be no turning back, and that slavery was doomed throughout the United States, as soon enshrined constitutionally by the Thirteenth Amendment (probably the least cited, because most effective, of all the amendments to our constitution). The Emancipation Proclamation of course received widespread attention upon its official appearance, which followed the publication of a preliminary version in August 1863, but this volume marks its official publication within a Senate Journal.

In addition, the pages of this volume are chock-full of interesting Civil War items, though they are often buried in the procedural record. For example, on page 233 we find Lincoln’s message to the Senate submitting the decision from the Interior Department fixing the point in Iowa, across the river from Omaha, at which the Union Pacific Railroad would start its construction. Page 362 deals with amendments to a bill to accept only three-year enlistments into the Union Army, and to provide that as of January 1, 1864, “all persons of color who have been or may be mustered into the service of the United States shall receive the same uniform, clothing, arms . . . as other soldiers of the regular or volunteer forces.” The creation and maintenance of the Internal Revenue Service, then a new concept for raising money through taxation, occupies many pages of the record, just as it would today. The actual record ends on page 768, followed by a mammoth Index of the Bills and Joint Resolutions of the Senate and House of Representatives during the session of Congress, and an even longer 175 pages!) index, which makes it easy to look up any particular topic, with, for example, two dozen references to the proposed constitutional amendment to abolish slavery, or, much more quietly, a note of the memorial (i.e., petition) requesting equality of pay for his soldiers from Thomas Wentworth Higginson, the colonel of the 1st regiment of South Carolina volunteers, the first black regiment to fight in the Civil War (see the movie “Glory” for a stunning visual presentation). Messages of various sorts from President Lincoln appear at more than three dozen places, dealing with topics such as the treatment of Kansas troops when captured by the Confederates, the conditions of the people in East Tennessee (who, Lincoln long but vainly hoped, would provide a bastion of support for the Union), Mexican affairs, and the pursuit of hostile bands of Sioux Indians into the Hudson’s Bay territories. All in all, this is a terrific record of the United States at the great cusp of the Civil War, as a Union victory finally seemed near—though not so near, as things turned out, as many hoped during the first half of 1864. The book measures 5 ¾ by 9 inches and is 2 ½ inches thick. It is bound in leather boards, with red and black spine labels, noting that this book once was part of the Office of the Secretary of State. The boards are holding well, though the hinges have grown quite tender, especially in front, and they are in pretty decent shape, only somewhat scuffed and dented at the corners. Inside the pages are in good shape, only slightly browned, still supple and of high quality.

-- REPORT OF THE JOINT COMMITTEE ON THE CONDUCT OF THE WAR. IN THREE PARTS. Washington: Government Printing Office. 1863. 37th Congress, 3rd Session. Rep. Com. No. 108. Part III—Department of the West. As the Civil War entered its third year, a feeling arose throughout the country that the Union armies had failed to measure up to their Confederate opponents in organization, not to mention results—a feeling highly reinforced when General Ambrose Burnside so bungled the battle of Fredericksburg that his removal inevitably followed, leaving his only legacy the word “sideburns,” of which Ambrose had a marvelously showy pair. Congress decided to investigate matters, and the three-volume report that appeared in the spring of 1863 related in long detail what had made the situation so dicey in all the theaters of war. This third volume deals with the Department of the West, an area of extreme importance (of course, they all were) because the state of Missouri was closely divided between northern and southern loyalties, and keeping it in the Union was essential, if only to maintain control over the Mississippi and Missouri rivers. Unfortunately, the political general John Charles Frémont, the Republican party’s first presidential candidate, had his own ideas about what to do that brooked little interference from his superiors in Washington, Abraham Lincoln in particular. Eventually Frémont had to go, but initially his fame, his well-proclaimed love of the Union, and his interest in eliminating slavery made him too well fixed to oust, even though this last-mentioned attitude risked losing the affections of Union-loyal Missourians, who saw in him a dangerous abolitionist. Basically, the investigatory committee was dominated by hard-line anti-slavery figures, who suspected that Lincoln and his administration were dangerously soft on the slavery question; for their part, as Lincoln well knew from his boyhood in Kentucky and Indiana, this issue had the potential to divide the Union, and he had to move slowly to let public opinion crystallize in favor of abolishing slavery entirely. In its 659 pages, this volume presents the record of testimony taken by the investigatory committee from military and other figures that deals with the military situation in in 1861 and 1862, not only in Missouri, Kentucky, Tennessee, and neighboring territories, but also, and in contradiction of its title, with matters in Virginia and neighboring states (this material presumably should have gone into the first two volumes, but they were already complete). Of this material from the eastern theater of war, much refers to the debacle of the second battle of Bull Run, apparently so rich in such stories that more remained to be told after the primary treatment in earlier volumes. A typical quotation appears (p. 654) in the testimony of a Colonel McLean: “I have seen privileges granted to secessionists that I think they ought not to enjoy . . . Secessionists were inviting out the rebel prisoners to their residences, and entertaining them at dinners.” This volume measures 6 by 9 inches and is 1 ¼ inches thick, bound in leather boards, with brown tape now covering the spine and extending onto those boards, which are in good shape except at their edges and corners, which are damaged. The book’s binding is holding firmly, and the pages remain clean and supple, though some of them are quite noticeably browned. Those who want to study how the early years of the Civil War unfolded, as presented by Congress in this investigation, will find this book chock-full of variegated information.
 

Declaration of Independence Silver Plaque

-- Absolutely rare bas relief copy in miniature of the DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE with signatures and a vignette of the Signers at the center.  Done by S H Black in 1859.  Says at bottom "Entered according to Act of Congress in the year 1859 by S H Black in the Clerk's Office of the District Court of U S for Southern District of New York".  This Plaque or bas relief is executed in silver over brass with silvering almost completely intact.  Plaque measures 7 1/2 x 8 1/4 inches  (complete with original gold  frame measures 9 x 9 3/4.  An outstanding example of pre Civil War Americana. This is an original old item, not a reprint, copy or a restrike. -- Christian Advocate and Journal, New York, December 11, 1862. An 8-page original Civil War Era newspaper in very good condition. Bright, durable and readable. Contents include, Emancipation: The President's Scheme -- The preliminary Emancipation Proclamation to take effect on January 1, 1863. There are extracts of the President's second annual message to Congress given December 1, 1862.

-- A ticket book containing all nine tickets for the 1936 Track and Field events (August 1-9), still attached...with two tickets unused. Mint. The photo is of Jesse receiving gold medal for the Long Jump -->
-- Also rare August 1936 German and American newspapers and 1936 German Olympics books with images of Jesse (with other African American athletes) and write-ups.
-- Plus, two mint sets of German 1936 Olympics postal stamps, with official cancellation mark of the Berlin Olympics, both sets signed by Jesse Owens. Have not heard of another set signed by Jesse.
-- All 30 editions/volumes of "Olympia Zeitung," the official German newspaper of the 1936 Olympics. Many photos and articles about Jesse Owens and other African American athletes.
-- An hard-to-find original seating chart and order form from the Official Organizing Committee for the Berlin Olympics, "Organisationskomitee Fur Die XL Olympiade Berlin 1936." It is a four page piece with diagram of the venues and price of tickets for the different events. This seating chart helps us determine the approximate location of the ticket-holders while watching Jesse Owens win events.
-- Rare 1936 propaganda postcard with Adolph Hitler pictured at work shoveling dirt.
 

Jesse Owens receiving 1 of 4 Gold Medals. This medal was for his win in the Long Jump.

 14. A tin that, to put it mildly, is of great historical significance. It is Madame CJ Walker's Glossine with the statement on the front, "For Beatifying and Softening Kinky Hair." Madame CJ Walker was an early industrial pioneer around the time of other industrial titans such as Carnegie and Rockefeller. She became, as some say, the first African American millionaire in the United States. This is open to debate once people discover that Annie Malone (below) actually taught Madam Walker. She did so simply by inventing a line of cosmetics specifically for Black people. She capitalized on an untapped market at the time and the rest is history. This is a rare tin to find. The condition is excellent, measuring 2 inches across.
 

Annie Malone

-- The collection owns seven (7) Madam Walker tins of hair care products.
-- Vintage wood handled pressing combs (twelve) are in used, as-found condition. They've been in a storage building for years. The brand name on the handles is "Black Beauty," similar to what Madam Walker used in her business. They measure approximately 9" long. >>>>>
-- Nine (9) small bottles of Madam C. J. Walker's Perfumes (Carnation, Gardenia & Wisteria (spelled Wistaria on bottles). These seem to be very scarce. We have researched high and low for information about these perfumes bottles. What we discovered was that the perfumes were not among the original products manufactured during Madam Walker's life (1867-1919) and probably were added during the late 1930s or early 1940s. We did review a copy of the mail order form from the 1944 Madam C. J. Walker Yearbook and the three perfumes were listed. At least now we can confirm that it was an authentic product sold by the Madam C. J. Walker Manufacturing Company in 1944.

Pressing Combs
 

 16. Scarce First Edition copy of Stowe's  "A Key To Uncle Tom's Cabin", published in London (1853). It contains 595 pages of the original facts, documents, and corroborative statements upon which the story "Uncle Tom's Cabin" is founded.
-- Five copies of the "Uncle Tom's Cabin, Young Folks Edition" (1890)
-- First Edition copy of the scarce "Uncle Tom's Cabin" (1852) Sheet Music.

"Four Negro Heads", Peter Paul Rubens

-- A beautiful original charcoal drawing of Peter Paul Rubens, the famous Flemish painter. The picture is signed "Frederic Le???, 1834. It measure approximately 8x10 and is drawn on paper with age marks typical for that time period.
-- Also in this collection is an original painting (Study of Four Negro Heads) from the 19th Century Belgium painter, Maurice Goffin, who was born in Luik (Angleurin) in 1845 and died relatively unknown in Seraing in 1898 at the age of 53. He was the son of parents who were active in the metal industry. He was the painter of mainly portraits, figures and still life. In this painting Goffin is trying to mimic the "Four Negro Heads" painting by Peter Paul Rubens -->
-- A stunning and rare (circa 1870s) bronze relief of Ruben's painting (1.5" x 10.75"), with stand,  "Study of Four Negro Heads. Weighs four pounds.

Painting by M. Goffin (1845-1895)

John Brown

"Viewing the Rosetta Stone", 1874
London Illustrated engraving
(3 original images owned)

One of just 12-15 full-size
facsimiles of the famed Rosetta Stone ever manufactured by
the British Museum. Very rare.

The "Rosetta Stone" of replicas

Map of Rosetta region at the mouth of the Nile, with Fort Julian on the West Bank of the river.
 

-- St. Johnsbury Calcdonian newspaper, St. Johnsbury, VT, Mar.23, 1877. The column headlines -- "A 'Nigger' In a High Place" to bring the news that Frederick Douglass has been confirmed as U.S. Marshall". An historic event for an African American man over 125 years ago -- but shame on the editor's for using such a derogatory headline. Here is the article:
-- "Probably the most conservative politician will now admit that the world moves. Frederick Douglass, the eloquent and learned colored man, has been confirmed by the Senate to the best office in the District of Columbia -- four Democratic Senators voting for his confirmation, as well as all the Republicans, and two prominent Democrats of Washington -- Alexander and Christie -- becoming Douglass's bondmen. When such men as Ben. Hill vote for confirmation of a Black" Republican to office in the old slave District of Columbia, it is time for reformers to thank God and take courage. The world does move."

-- Three copies of the extremely rare Douglass' Monthly newspaper:  1. October 1861 – Complete. 16 pages. Minor repairs to back page affecting five or six words. Good condition.   2. November 1861 – Complete. 16 pages. Light purple stain to side margin and part of one column (5” by 3”) affecting 4 pages (2 sheets) but still readable. Good condition.   3. December 1861 -- Incomplete. 12 pages. Lacks cover and back sheet (4 pages). Good condition.

     On the rear page of Douglass's newspaper is a "Haytian Advertismement", written by Nicholas Fabre Geffrard (President of Haiti 1859-1867):      Hayti (sic) will soon gain her ancient splendor. This marvellous soil that our fathers blessed by God, conquered for us, will soon yield to us the wealth now hidden in its bosom. Let our black and yellow brethren, scattered through the Antilles and North and South America hasten to co-operate with us in restoring the glory of the Republic. Hayti is the common country of the black race. Our ancestors, in taking possession of it, were careful to announce in the Constitution that they published, that all the descendants of Africans, and of the inhabitants of the West Indies belong by right to the Haytian family. The idea was grand and generous.

Douglass' Monthly

-- Rare First Edition copy of "There Once Was a Slave" (New York: J. Messner, 1947) by Shirley Graham Du Bois, 2nd wife of NAACP mentor, W.E.B. DuBois. Book is about Frederick Douglass.

-- Hard-to-find First Edition copy of Paul Robeson ,Citizen Of The World, By Shirley Graham Du Bois Copyright 1946. Hard back with no dust jacket. In good—very good condition. Tight binding. 2nd face page has a color photo of Robeson attached. Back face page has news clipping, and small black/white newspaper photo attached. . Has 264 pages with 16 pages black/white photos.

-- An extremely hard to find copy of the British Emancipator (January 10th, 1840 -- LAST EDITION!), the Anti-Slavery Newspaper (Dec. 27, 1837-Jan. 10, 1840). "After having formally announced the Emancipator of December 25th as our last, we shall no doubt surprise our readers not a little by the appearance of another number. We beg permission to explain..." The newspaper was founded by Joseph Sturge (1793-1859). He was a member of the Religious Society of Friends, and refused, in his business as a corn factor, to deal in grain used in the manufacture of spirits. He went to Birmingham in 1822, where he became and alderman in 1835. He was an active member of the Anti-Slavery Society, Central Negro Emancipation Committee and British and Foreign Anti-Slavery Society. Sturge made a tour in the West Indies, publishing on his return an account of slavery as he there saw it in The West Indies in 1837 (London, 1837).  After the abolition of slavery in 1833, Sturge was one of the main instigators of a campaign of agitation against apprenticeship in the West Indies. The Central Negro Emancipation Committee was something he founded in 1837. Lord Brougham, the most prominent champion of anti-apprenticeship, acknowledged Sturge's central role in rousing British anti-slavery opinion in a speech to the House of Lords. In 1839, Sturge and others from the anti-apprenticeship campaign came together to found the British and Foreign Anti-Slavery Society, which survives until today as Anti-Slavery International. The new organization turned its attention to emancipating slaves outside Great Britain's borders. In 1841 Sturge traveled in the United States with the poet John Greenleaf Whittier to examine the slavery question there.

-- Folded letter (June 10th, 1841) addressed at front from Joseph Sturge to Governor Pennington, State of New Jersey -- Inside reads--- To The Governor of New Jersey Respected Friends I herewith forward thee a copy of a publication issued recently in England relative to American Slavery. The kind and candid tone of thy letter to Thomas Clarkson , so honorably contrasting with those of some of the Chief Magistrates of the other States , induces me to hope that thou will on all suitable occasions exert thy personal influence and the prerogatives of thy station to promote the great cause of Universal Liberty. Thy friend Joseph Sturge, Philadelphia June 10th 1841.
BACKGROUND: STURGE, Joseph - [British Quaker philanthropist and zealous abolitionist (1793-1859); secretary of the Birmingham Anti-Slavery Society; one of the founders of the British and Foreign Anti-Slavery Society; visited West Indies in 1837 to supply government with proofs concerning the apprenticeship system; son-in-law of James Cropper.

Comics in this Collection tell the stories of Toussaint L'Ouverture (pictured), Harriet Tubman, Crispus Attucks, Benjamin Banneker, Matthew Henson, Alexander Dumas, Frederick Douglass, Robert Smalls, J. Cinque (Amistad Mutiny), Martin Luther King, Ancient African Kingdoms, Alexander Pushkin, Black Cowboys, Louis Lattimer, Marcus Garvey, George Washington Carver, White, Marshall, and Wilkins.

  28. A three-volume 1803 English edition (quite rare) of "Travels in Upper and Lower Egypt During the Campaigns of General Bonaparte in That Country", written and illustrated by Vivant Denon, published by T.N. Longman & O. Rees (London). In the spring of 1797, with a direct assault against Britain out of the question, Napoleon Bonaparte suggested threatening Britain's rich commerce with India by invading Egypt. A unique feature of the expedition, which set sail on 19 May 1798, was the large number and high caliber of the attached civilians, among them Baron Dominique Vivant Denon (1747-1825). Denon was one of the founders of the Louvre Museum, and was responsible for saving many works of art and monuments of French culture from destruction during the French Revolution. Denon was entrusted by Napoleon to assemble a team of artists, archeologists, linguists and scholars to study the antiquities of Egypt for the first time since Antiquity. In addition to assisting in the formulation of practical measures for the rule of Egypt, the 167 savants accompanied the army to every corner of the country. Protected by the French troops, Denon was able to explore the country extensively. This book conatins many etchings of Egypt, including the famous etching of the Sphinx of Giza shown at the top of this web page. -- order postcard of Sphinx of Giza
 

Rare 3-Volume Set by Vivant Denon, 1803
 

Jean Champollion in Egypt

-- This collection has 82 extremely rare original plates/prints ( from "Description de l'Égypte" from the Napoleonic Egyptian Campaign, circa 1820. These official plates/prints came from a huge lot sold in an auction in 2001, Paris -- the seller was the French Government -- from the cellars of the French Government Publications Office. Average plate/print size is 29 inches x 22 inches. Some of the plates in this collection are 56 inches long! --  (Description de l'Égypte was the result of the collaboration of prominent scholars, several famous European scientists, cartographers, topographers, and more than 160 artists and technicians. They accompanied Napoleon's army during Napoleon's expedition to Egypt in 1798. Their goal was to methodically collect information in areas as widely varied as architecture, geography, botany and the humanities. Description de l'Égypte was published in 23 volumes from 1809 to 1828 and includes over 900 plates.)   Regions depicted/represented by the official plates in this collection are: Thebes, Karnak, El Kab, Medynet-Abou, Hypogees, Elethyia, Heptanomide, Beny-Hasan, Tentyris, Memnonium, Byban El Molouk, Latopolis, Ile de Philae, Edfou, Louqsor and much, much more...

Description de l'Égypte: Official plates/prints previously owned by the French Government.

   29.Four clay pipes depicting people of African descent dated back to the mid 1800s, one British.
 

Cuban Insurance Policies for Slaves
ESCLAVOS

 

No images on this page may be used without permission
© 2008 Joel A. Freeman, Ph.D.

Inge
Hardison

   Rillieux designed an evaporating pan which enclosed a series of condensing coils in vacuum chambers, issued as a patent U.S. 4,879. The invention was later used by sugar manufacturer in Cuba and Mexico. Rillieux's system took much of the hand labor out of the refining process, it saved fuel because the juice boiled at lower temperatures, and the new technique produced a superior final product. The Rillieux device was patented in 1846 and was used widely on sugar plantations in Louisiana, Mexico, and the West Indies. "It was stated by Charles Brown, a chemist in the U.S. Department of Agriculture, that [Rillieux's invention of the sugar processing pan] was the greatest invention in the history of American Chemical Engineering." This collection owns two of the Rillieux sculptures.

Frederick Jones (1892 - 1961) was one of the most prolific Black inventors ever, holding more than 60 patents in a variety of fields. Frederick Jones patented more than sixty inventions, however, he is best known for inventing an automatic refrigeration system for long-haul trucks in 1935 (a roof-mounted cooling device). Jones was the first person to invent a practical, mechanical refrigeration system for trucks and railroad cars, which eliminated the risk of food spoilage during long-distance shipping trips. The system was, in turn, adapted to a variety of other common carriers, including ships.

Lewis Howard Latimer (1843-1928) is considered one of the 10 most important Black inventors of all time not only for the sheer number of inventions created and patents secured but also for the magnitude of importance for his most famous discovery. A pioneer in the development of the electric light bulb, Lewis was the only Black member of Thomas A. Edison's research team of noted scientists. While Edison invented the incandescent bulb, it was Latimer, a member of the Edison Pioneers, and former assistant to telephone inventor Alexander Graham Bell, who developed and patented the process

for manufacturing the carbon filaments. Latimer was born in Chelsea, Massachusetts, on September 4, 1848, and reared in Boston. His father, George Latimer, a former slave, had fled to Boston from Virginia during the 1830s. At sixteen Latimer joined the Union navy as a cabin boy on the USS Massasoit. After an honorable discharge in 1865 Latimer returned to Boston. Skills he had developed in mechanical drawing landed him a position with Crosby and Gould, patent solicitors. While with the company he advance to a chief draftsman and soon began working on his own inventions. His first patent, approved on February 10, 1874, was for a "water closet for railway cars." In 1880 Latimer left Crosby and Gould to work as a draftsman for Hiram Maxim, the inventor of the machine gun and head of the United States Electric Lighting Company in Bridgeport, Connecticut. The following year Latimer and fellow inventor Joseph V. Nichols received a patent for their invention of the first incandescent light bulb with carbon filament. Prior to this breakthrough, filaments had been made from paper. Latimer later became a chief draftsman and expert witness in the Board of Patent Control of the company that would eventually be know as General Electric. Latimer continued to display his creative talents over then next several years. In 1894 he created a safety elevator, a vast improvement on existing elevators. He next received a patent for Locking Racks for Hats, Coats, and Umbrellas. The device was used in restaurants, hotels and office buildings, holding items securely and allowing owners of items to keep the from getting misplaced or accidentally taken by others. He next created a improved version of a Book Supporter, used to keep books neatly arranged on shelves. He continued to invent and teach his drafting skills until his death in 1928.   Dr. Charles Richard Drew (June 3, 1904 -- April 1, 1950) was an American physician and medical researcher. He researched in the field of blood transfusions, developing improved techniques for blood storage, and applied his expert knowledge in developing large-scale blood banks early in World War II. He protested against the practice of racial segregation in the donation of blood from donors of different races since it lacked scientific foundation. In 1943, Drew's distinction in his profession was recognized when he became the first African American surgeon to serve as an examiner on the American Board of Surgery. Drew received a fellowship from Howard University's Medical School, enabling him to study at Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons. While at Columbia University, Dr. Drew worked with the renowned Dr. Allen Whipple and with Dr. John Scudder on the problem of blood storage. The science and practice of blood transfusion had developed from early work including preserving whole blood in refrigerated storage in World War I and the practice of having hospital “blood banks” in the mid-1930s. Drew focused his own work[1] on the challenge of separating and storing blood components, particularly blood plasma, as this might extend storage periods. Dr. Drew earned his Doctor of Medical Science degree from Columbia University in 1940, with a doctoral thesis under the title Banked Blood: A Study in Blood Preservation. This collection owns two of the Drew sculptures.      Benjamin Banneker, originally Banna Ka, or Bannakay (1731-1806) is considered to be one of the first African Americans to gain distinction in science. This beautiful sculpture was purchased from an elderly African American woman. On the back it is marked, "Property of Dorothy Thompson, #1" by the artist, S. Davis and dated ''79 (13" high and 7" across). BACKGROUND: At 21, Banneker saw a pocket watch that was owned by a traveling salesman named Josef Levi. He was so fascinated by it that Levi gave it to him. Banneker spent days taking it apart and reassembling it. From it Banneker then carved large-scale wooden replicas of each piece, calculating the gear assemblies himself, and used the parts to make a striking clock. The clock continued to work, striking each hour, for more than 40 years. This event changed his life, and he became a watch and clock maker.

1660 -- Charles II chartered the Company of Royal Adventurers Trading to Africa
1663 -- company reorganized with a monopoly in the slave trade
1667 -- Royal Adventurers went bankrupt largely due to losses in war with Holland
1672 -- Royal African Company, known colloquially as the Guinea company, granted royal charter with a new monopoly in the slave trade, operating on the west African Coast from the Gambia River to the Niger River. The Company built coastal forts as holding pens for slaves
1698 -- Parliament ended the RAC monopoly and opened the slave trade to all; average number of slaves transported on English ships increased from 5,000 to 20,000+ a year (we own this document also)
1750 -- Parliament (under King George II) created the Company of Merchants Trading to Africa to replace the Royal African Company with a policy of protected free trade -- Official Parliament document detailing the new Company-->
1752 -- Royal African Company dissolved
Later 1700s -- British exploration and settlement began

First English Slave Voyage: It was in 1562 by Sir John Hawkins, which was an encroachment on Portugal’s monopoly of Africa.  Slave trade dropped as British foreign policy in 1783, thus indicating 221 years of the trade.  The trade was sharply stimulated by the establishment of the British colonies in the Caribbean and the introduction of the sugar industry.”
Companies Involved:  Company of Royal Adventurers (which held a monopoly), which was replaced by the Royal African Company in 1672 (after the war with the Dutch).  Note the ties to the royal family.  “The policy of monopoly…provoked determined resistance…” from merchants and planters, the latter “…demanding free trade in blacks as vociferously and with as much gusto as one hundred and fifty years later they opposed free trade in sugar”.  The monopoly was complete: purchase and control of ships, sale of Negroes, importation of plantation produce.  Opposition to other monopolies was also common: 
“In 1698 the Royal African Company lost its monopoly and the right of a free trade in slaves was recognized as a fundamental and natural right of Englishmen”. The Royal African Company, once losing its competitive advantage, received parliamentary subsidy, only to abandon the slave trade in 1731, when it abandoned slaving in favor of traffic in ivory and gold dust. Gradually its powers lessened and it became unable to maintain the complex network of …"…lands, forts, castles, slaves, military stores, and all other effects…". “In 1750 a new organization was established, called the Company of Merchants Trading to Africa”. For many years His Majesty’s Exchequer had defrayed all the Company’s expenses via Parliament, and it was finally decided to, in effect, transfer the Company to public ownership, incorporating the lands in the colony of Sierra Leone.   "The Act for Extending and Improving the Trade to Africa" -->

Slave Trade Act, cover

Official Act, 1750

                                  KING WILLIAM III (of Orange) (1650 - 1702) ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
-- 1695 Parliamentary Act under the reign of William III and Queen Anne. Anno Regni Gulielmi III. Regis...At the Parliament begun at Westminster the two and twentieth Day of November, Anno Dom. 1695. This beautifully preserved original 1695 British Act of Parliament was published by Charles Bill & Thomas Newcomb. The act - in beautiful gothic script - is a parliamentary discussion on the trade of goods from Africa to England and its colonies, especially America. The act covers the trade of goods and the trade of slaves through the Royal African Company. (Ref: Tooley; M&B) -- 20 pages.
-- 1698 Parliamentary Act, under King William III -- A rare Act for enlarging the time for registering of ships, pursuant to the Act for preventing frauds, and regulating abuses in the plantation trade. It provides that only ships registered in Great Britain or in her African and American colonies may land goods in Great Britain, and not on the continent. Very interesting content, 17 pages -- March 25, 1698.
-- 1698 Parliamentary Act, under King William III -- The extremely rare Act pertaining to trade with Africa and the change in duties to cover the costs of protecting the colonies. Originally the Crown paid for the upkeep of defenses: "the Forts and Castles now on the said Coast of Africa have been, and now are maintained at the sole Cost and Charge of the present Royal African Company of England". This Act required "the said Company, and all other the said Subjects Answering and Paying for the Use aforesaid, a Duty of Ten Pounds per Centum ad Valorem for the Goods and Merchandize to be Exported from England, or from any of his Majesty's Plantations or Colonies in America, to and for the Coast of Africa, between Cape Mount and the Cape of Good Hope".

                                  KING GEORGE II (1727 - 1760) ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
-- 1742 Parliamentary Acts, under King George II -- An Act for "Granting to His Majesty the Sum of One Million out of the Sinking Fund, and for applying a further Sum therein mentioned, for the Service of the Year One thousand seven hundred and forty three; and for the further appropriating the Supplies granted in this Session of Parliament." This Acts details where the money is to be spent which includes:£5,000 for "form Alliances to support the House of Australia...and restoring the Balance of Power in Europe", £10,000 "towards the Maintenance of the British Forts and Settlements belonging to the Royal Africa Company of England, on the Coast of Africa"
-- 1743 Parliamentary Acts, under King George II -- An entire volume (over 900 pages), in immaculate condition, containing all of the Acts of Parliament in 1743. It includes an Act "For the Encouraging and Increasing of Shipping and Navigation, as to the Importation on the Account of Aliens, of Goods of the Growth or Production of the Plantations of Spain and Portugal, in England duly Navigated."
-- 1745 Parliamentary Act, under King George II -- An Act of interesting text relating to the preservation of the trade in Sugar to the West Indies.   "The Act for the Better Encouragement of the Trade of His Majesties Sugar Colonies in America".
-- 1750 Parliamentary Act, under King George II -- An Act establishing a new organization, the Company of Merchants Trading to Africa”.   "The Act for Extending and Improving the Trade to Africa".
-- 1751 Parliamentary Act, under King George II -- An intriguing Act for allowing further time to the Commissioners appointed by and in pursuance of an Act for exempting and improving the Slave Trade to Africa to inquire into the claims of certain creditors of the Royal African Company therein mentioned, and for the relief of David Crichton; and for the restraining of said company from disposing of such effects as are therein mentioned; and for staying all suits for money due from, or on the account of said company for the time therein mentioned (Two copies of this Act of Parliament).
-- 1754 Parliamentary Act, under King George II -- This Act is "For the Better Encouragement of the Trade of His Majesty's Sugar Colonies in America". This was the period of the Jacobite Rebellion led by Prince Charlie. Five pages of interesting text relating to the preservation of the sugar trade to the West Indies and the America colonies.

                                  KING GEORGE III (1760 - 1820) ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
-- 1767 Parliamentary Act, under King George III -- This Act documents the duty-free importation of wheat and wheat flour from Africa and rice from the North American colonies for a limited period of time. An important piece of primary historical source material. May 19th -- 6 pages.
-- 1780 Parliamentary Act, under King George III -- This Act is "To allow the Trade between Ireland and the British Colonies and Plantations in America and the West Indies, and the British Settlements on the Coast of Africa, to be carried on in like manner as it is now carried on between Great Britain and the said Colonies and Settlements.
-- 1780 Parliamentary Act, under King George III -- This Act is To continue the Act limiting the number of slaves per tonnage of vessel. Surgeon to be appointed. Customs Officer to search and count number of slaves to prove it does not exceed the limit -- 22 pages.
-- 1788 Parliamentary Act, under King George III -- An Act to regulate the slave trade, for an initial period of one year. It sets out a series of rules to be followed by masters and surgeons of ships in order to increase the likelihood of survival of the slaves onboard their vessels. Essentially it is a series of orders and financial incentives to get slaves to their destinations alive and in better conditions than existed at the time of the Act.
-- 1788 Parliamentary Act, under King George III -- A remarkable Act Establishing a company for carrying on trade in Africa, in the Peninsulas of Sierra Leone, called the Sierra Leone Company. The Company to have buildings and secure trade rights within Africa in joint dealings with African Princes. Naming about 100 persons, including William Wilberforce, as joint stockholders -- 24 pages.
BACKGROUND: Foreign trade was established through coastal African rulers who prohibited European traders from entering the interior. In 1787, British Philanthropists founded the “Province of Freedom” which later became Freetown, a British crown colony and the principal base for the suppression of the slave trade. By 1792, 1200 freed slaves from Nova Scotia joined the original settlers, the Maroons, another group of slaves, rebelled in Jamaica and traveled to Freetown in 1800.Through the efforts of such men as William Wilberforce, Thomas Clarkson and Granville Sharp, Lord Mansfield formed an administration in 1806, which was instrumental in the British Empire’s abolition of the Trans-Atlantic slave trade (1807). The British established a naval base in Freetown to patrol against illegal slave ships. A fine of GBP £100 was established for every slave found on a British ship. In 1808 Sierra Leone officially became a crown colony with the land possessions of the Sierra Leone Company (formerly known as St. George’s Bay Company) transferred to the crown. The colony was dedicated to demonstrating the principles of Christianity, civilization and commerce. The Sierra Leone Company was the organization involved in founding the first British colony in Africa in 1792 through the resettlement of Black Loyalist African Americans, mostly ex-slaves who had initially been settled in Nova Scotia after the American Revolutionary War. The Sierra Leone Company was the successor to St. George's Bay Company which had made a mostly unsuccessful attempt in 1787 to establish a free settlement for the 'Black Poor' of London. Both ventures were promoted by the anti-slavery activist, Granville Sharp who published a prospectus for the proposed company in 1790 This was entitled Free English Territory in AFRICA. The prospectus made clear its abolitionist view and stated that several respectable gentlemen had already subscribed had done so "not with a view of any present profit to themselves, but merely, through benevolence and public spirit, to promote a charitable measure, which may hereafter prove of great national importance to the Manufactories, and other Trading Interests of this Kingdom". Among the early subscribers are many friends of Sharp involved in the Clapham Sect: Henry Thornton, William Wilberforce, Rev. Thomas Clarkson, Rev. Thomas Gisborne, Samuel Whitbread
-- 1792 Parliamentary Register (House of Commons) -- Three issues from the 2nd Session of the 17th Parliament of Great Britain, dated March 1st, June 12th and June 30th. Various items of interest and reform including: An Inquiry into the Evils Arising from Lotteries, Wine License Bill, African Slave Trade and Slave Trade Bill. Each issue is about 60 pages, in quite good condition.
-- 1793 Parliamentary Act, under King George III -- An Act to continue Acts regulating the carrying of Slaves in British vessels. No more than 5 slaves to three tons burden of each vessel. The upper and lower cabin and the space between decks to be allotted to the slaves. A qualified surgeon must be aboard, and to produce a record of such trips. --  17th June, 22 pages.
-- 1795 Parliamentary Act, under King George III -- An Act to amend and continue Acts regulating the carrying of Slaves in British vessels. No ships to carry slaves unless specified for that purpose on leaving port. No more than 5 slaves to three tons burden of each vessel. The upper and lower cabin and the space between decks to be allotted to the slaves. A qualified surgeon must be aboard, and to produce a complete journal of such trips. Penalties for more than 2% mortality. Masters of ships prosecuted for breaking any regulations can have the ship and contents seized and sold. Master to have a copy of this Act posted in the most public place upon his vessel. -- 22nd June, 14 pages
-- 1797 Parliamentary Act, under King George III -- An Act to stop slaves being sold as chattels to repay debts. This is repealing a previous Act made for the recovery of debts in His Majesty's Plantations and Colonies in America. July 19th -- 2 pages.
-- 1799 Parliamentary Act, under King George III -- An Act for Regulating the Manner of carrying Slaves on British Vessels from the Coast of Africa. Printed by George Eyre and Andrew Strahan, printers for King George III. 16 pages.
-- 1802 Parliamentary Act, under King George III -- An Act of interesting text. "The Act for Duties to Be Suspended on the Treaty of Amity, Commerce and navigation between Britain and America".
-- 1804 Parliamentary Act, under King George III -- An Act to amend and continue, as relates to allowing British Plantation Sugar to be warehoused'. It is dated 3rd May 1804, on 2 pages of paper (only one piece has type on both sides, but both pieces are water-marked) and is printed by George Eyre and Andrew Strahan.

  In 1805 the House of Commons passed a bill that made it unlawful for any British subject to capture and transport slaves, but the measure was blocked by the House of Lords.

-- 1806 Parliamentary Act, under King George III -- An Act to prohibit for two years, after the conclusion of the present session of Parliament, any ships to clear out from any Port of Great Britain for the Coast of Africa, for the purpose of taking on board Negroes, unless such ships have been previously employed in the African Trade, or contracted for, for that purpose. 21st July 1806 -- 3 pages. Eight months before the abolition of slavery by British Parliament, pressure by some Members were forcing through such Acts as this to stop the spread of slavery.

  In February 1806, Lord Grenville formed a Whig administration. Grenville and his Foreign Secretary, Charles Fox, were strong opponents of the slave trade. Fox and William Wilberforce led the campaign in the House of Commons, whereas Grenville, had the task of persuading the House of Lords to accept the measure. Greenville made a passionate speech where he argued that the trade was "contrary to the principles of justice, humanity and sound policy" and criticized fellow members for "not having abolished the trade long ago". When the vote was taken the Abolition of the Slave Trade bill was passed in the House of Lords by 41 votes to 20. In the House of Commons it was carried by 114 to 15 and it become law on 25th March, 1807. British captains who were caught continuing the trade were fined £100 for every slave found on board. However, this law did not stop the British slave trade. If slave-ships were in danger of being captured by the British navy, captains often reduced the fines they had to pay by ordering the slaves to be thrown into the sea. Some people involved in the anti-slave trade campaign such as Thomas Clarkson and Thomas Fowell Buxton, argued that the only way to end the suffering of the slaves was to make slavery illegal. However, it was not until 1833 that Parliament passed the Slavery Abolition Act.

--  1807 Parliamentary Act (2 copies of this particular Act) -- “An Act for transferring to His Majesty, certain Possessions and rights vested in the Sierra Leone Company, and for shortening the Duration of the said Company, and for preventing any dealing or trafficking in the buying or selling of Slaves within the Colony of Sierra Leone.” – 3 pages, August 8th, 1807. The British Parliament felt the need to take over the Sierra Leone company with all its land and buildings to force the issue with known slave traffickers in the area.
-- 1807 Parliamentary Act, under King George III -- An Act to repeal so much of certain acts as relates to the regulations or conditions under which coffee, coca nuts, sugar and rice are allowed to be secured in warehouses, without payments of duty; and to authorize the collectors and comptrollers of the customs in His Majesty's colonies and plantations in America and the West Indies to administer certain oaths.
-- 1814 Parliamentary Act, under King George III -- "An Act dated 27th May 1814 regarding the Registration of Condemned Slave Ships as British-built Ships."
-- 1815 Parliamentary Act, under King George III -- "An Act dated 11th July 1815 regarding the Support of Captured Slaves During Period of Adjudication."
-- 1817 Parliamentary Act, under King George III -- An Act of fascinating text (after the War of 1812). "The Act Extending to Newfoundland, Permitting Exportation of Wares from the British Islands in the West Indies to any Other, and to and from the Colonies in America".
-- 1818 Parliamentary Act, under King George III -- An intriguing Act carrying an execution (agreement) between His Majesty George III and the King of Portugal for the preventing of traffic in Slaves. Gives details of agreements for Royal Navy Warships to board and seize vessels of both countries trading in slaves but gives (seemingly) exceptions to some Portuguese vessels with "issued paperwork". Mentions among others obscure West African colonies such as "Molembo" and "Cabinda", and also the "Brazils".
-- 1819 Parliamentary Act, under King George III -- "An Act dated 12th July 1819 regarding an Act for more speedy trial of offences upon the Seas against the Laws of Abolition of the Slave Trade."
-- 1819 Parliamentary Act, under King George III -- "An Act dated 12th July 1819 regarding an Act for making provision for the Removal of Slaves from British Colonies."

                                  KING GEORGE IV (1820 - 1830) ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
-- 1821 Parliamentary Act, under King George IV -- "An Act for Abolishing the African Company, and Transferring to and Vesting in His Majesty all Forts, Possessions, and Property now belonging or held by Them." [7th May, 1821]. London: printed by George Eyre and Andrew Strahan, Printers to the King’s Most Excellent Majesty. 1821, 4 pages long.
-- 1821 Parliamentary Act, under King George IV -- "An Act dated 10th July 1821  regarding the Appropriation of Proceeds Arising from Capture of Vessels & Cargoes belonging to Spain, Portugal and the Netherlands in Prosecution of the Slave Trade."

  A new Anti-Slavery Society was formed in 1823. Members included Thomas Clarkson, Henry Brougham, William Wilberforce, Thomas Fowell Buxton, Elizabeth Heyrick, Mary Lloyd, Jane Smeal, Elizabeth Pease and Anne Knight).
-- 1824 Parliamentary Act, under King George IV -- "An Act dated 31st March 1824 regarding the More Effectual Suppression of the African Slave Trade."
-- 1827 Parliamentary Act, under King George IV -- "An Act dated 2nd July 1827 regarding the Effect the Treaty with Sweden relative to the Slave Trade."
-- 1827 Parliamentary Act, under King George IV -- "An Act dated 2nd July 1827 regarding the Execution of a Convention between Britain and Brazil on the Abolition of the Slave Trade."
-- 1828 Parliamentary Act, under King George IV -- "An Act dated 25th July 1828 regarding Amending and Consolidating the Laws relating to the Abolition of the Slave Trade."
-- 1830 Parliamentary Act, under King George IV -- "An Act dated 16th July 1830 regarding the Reduction of Rate of Bounties Payable on Seizure of Slaves."

                                  KING WILLIAM IV (1830 - 1837) ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
-- 1833 Parliamentary Bill (Very Rare) -- For the Abolition of Slavery Throughout the British Colonies, For Promoting the Industry of the Manumitted Slaves, and for Compensating the Owners of Such Slaves, July 5, 1833. 25 pages. -- It was not until 1833 that Parliament passed the Slavery Abolition Act, which made slavery illegal and gave all slaves their freedom.

-- 1833 Parliamentary Act, under King George IV -- "An Act dated 28th August 1833 regarding Two Conventions with the King of France for Suppressing the Slave Trade."
-- 1834 Parliamentary Act [26th March 1834] (44 pages) -- "An Act for Punishing Mutiny and Desertion, and for the Better Payment of the Army and their Quarters.  It includes "...That all Negroes purchased by or on account of His Majesty...shall be considered as Soldiers having voluntarily enlisted..."
-- 1834 Parliamentary Act [15th August 1834] (27 pages) -- (On August 1, 1834 all slaves in the British Empire were emancipated, but still indentured to their former owners in an apprenticeship system which was finally abolished in 1838. £20 million was paid in compensation to plantation owners in the Caribbean.) -- An Act to apply a Sum of Money out of the Consolidated Fund and the Surplus of Grants to the Service of the Year 1834, and to appropriate the Supplies granted in this Session of Parliament. This document details where the money is to be spent: "£580 for Office of Registrar of Colonial Slaves", "£16,200 for Commissioners for preventing the Slave Trade", "£5,707 to defray the Charge of the Salaries of the Inspectors and Superintendents of the Factories...to regulate the Labour of Children and young Persons in the Mills and Factories...", "£12,750 to the Baptist Missionary Society, and to the Wesleyan Missionary Society, on account of Expenses incurred in the Erection of certain Chapels destroyed in the Island of Jamaica", £1,000 for the Female Orphan House, Dublin" and much more...

  The British government paid compensation to the slave owners. The amount that the plantation owners received depended on the number of slaves that they had. For example, the Bishop of Exeter's 665 slaves resulted in him receiving £12,700.
-- 1835 Parliamentary Act, under King George IV -- "An Act dated 31st  August 1835 regarding the compensation of Owners of Slaves upon Abolition."
-- 1835 Parliamentary Act, under King George IV -- "An Act dated 9th September  1835 regarding the Treaty with King of France and the King of Denmark for Suppressing the Slave Trade."
-- 1835 Parliamentary Act --  “An Act for Carrying into Effect a Treaty with the King of the French and the King of Sardinia for suppressing the Slave Trade [9^th September 1835]”
-- 1835 Parliamentary Act -- “An Act for carrying into effect the Treaty with the King of the French and the King of Denmark for suppressing the Slave Trade [9^th September 1835]” - 32 pages
-- 1836 Parliamentary Act, under King George IV -- "An Act dated 30th March 1836 regarding the Treaty with the Queen Regent of Spain on the Abolition of Slavery."
-- 1836 Parliamentary Act, under King George IV -- "An Act dated 7th June 1836 regarding an extension until 1840 of an Act of the Legislature of Jamaica for the Abolition of Slavery. "

                                  QUEEN VICTORIA (1837 - 1901) ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
-- 1837 Parliamentary Act -- “An Act to carry into further Execution the Provision of an Act completing the full Payment of Compensation to Owners of Slaves upon the Abolition of Slavery [23d December 1837]” – 3 pages
-- 1838 Parliamentary Act -- “An Act to amend the Act for the Abolition of Slavery in the British Colonies [11^th April 1838]” – 10 pages
-- 1838 Parliamentary Act -- “An Act for the better and more effectually carrying into effect the Treaties and conventions made with Foreign Powers for suppressing the Slave Trade [27^th July 1838]” – 3 pages
-- 1838 Parliamentary Act -- “An Act for carrying into effect a Convention of Accession of the Hans Towns to Two Conventions with the King of the French, for suppressing the Slave Trade [27^th July 1838]”
-- 1838 Parliamentary Act -- “An Act to carry into effect an additional Article to a Treaty with Sweden relative to the Slave Trade [27^th July 1838]”
-- 1838 Parliamentary Act -- “An Act for carrying into effect an additional Article to a Treaty with the Netherlands relating to the Slave Trade [27^th July 1838]” – 6 pages
-- 1838 Parliamentary Act -- “An Act for carrying into effect a Convention of Accession of the Duke of Tuscany to Two conventions with the King of the French for suppressing the Slave Trade [10^th august 1838]
-- 1838 Parliamentary Act -- “An Act for carrying into effect a Convention of Accession of the King of the Two Sicilies to Two Conventions with the King of the French for suppressing the Slave Trade [10^th August 1838]” – 7 pages
-- 1848 Parliamentary Act -- “An Act for carrying into effect the Treaty between Her Majesty and the Republic of the Equator for the Abolition of the Traffic in Slaves [4^th September 1848]” – 26 pages.
-- 1849 Parliamentary Act -- “An Act for carrying into effect the Agreement between Her Majesty and the Imam of Muscat for the more effectual Suppression of the Slave Trade [5^th September 1848]” – 6 pages
-- 1849 Parliamentary Act -- “An Act for carrying into effect Engagements between Her Majesty and certain Arabian Chiefs in the Persian Gulf for the more effectual Suppression of the Slave Trade [1^st August 1849]” – 8 pages
-- 1861 Parliamentary Act -- “An Act to apply out of the Consolidated Fund and the Surplus of the Ways and Means to the Service of 1861, and to appropriate supplies granted in this session of Parliament [August 6, 1861]  Includes mention of sums granted to David Livingstone (Expedition to the River Zambezi), Dr. Baikie (expedition to the River Niger), exploration of N.W. Australia, Bounties for Slaves, etc,. – 17 pages
-- 1869 Parliamentary Act -- “An Act to regulate and extend the Jurisdiction of Her Majesty’s Consul at Zanzibar in regard to vessels captured on suspicion of being engaged in the Slave Trade, and for other purposes relating thereto [9^th August 1869]” – 3 pages
-- 1869 Parliamentary Act -- "Original and complete Act of Parliament (one page only) This Act repeals the recited earlier Act due to the cessation of the importation of slaves to Brazil from Africa.
-- 1873 Parliamentary Act -- “An Act for regulating and extending the Jurisdiction in matters connected with the Slave Trade of the Vice-Admiralty Court at Aden, and of Her Majesty’s Consuls under Treaties with the sovereigns of Zanzibar, Muscat, and Madagascar, and under future Treaties [5^th August 1873]” – 5 pages

-- There are also other items of similar interest, like an Act to amend the Act for the Abolition of Slavery in the British Colonies (1838) and an Act to remove doubts as to the Rights of the liberated Africans in Sierra Leone (1853) and much more.

___________________________________________________________________

-- Journals of the House of Lords Volume LIV (January 23, 1821 - January 3, 1822) -- Covers many fascinating topics, including an Act going through between 2 and 10th July as follows: "An act for the appropriation of certain proceeds arising from the capture of vessels and cargoes of the property of the subjects of the kings of Spain Portugal and the Netherlands, taken and seized in violation of the conventions made with those States; and for granting Bounties for Slaves Captured in such vessels taken in the Prosecution of the Slave Trade". The Bill goes through various readings referenced in the book and was ultimately passed. It was called the "Captured Slaves Bill".
 

-- A priceless 4-page 1843 British Foreign Office Circular (see below) alerting British Consuls about the legal penalties placed upon British subjects still involved in the Slave Trade. This absolutely rare document is personally handwritten and signed by Lord Aberdeen, who later became Prime Minister of Great Britain (1852-1855). Lord Aberdeen wrote this while he was the British Consul at Trieste, Italy.
-- 1858 letter handwritten by Lord Aberdeen stating that he would not attend Queen Victoria's State Ball at Buckingham Palace because of his poor health. He died within the year.
-- Engraved image of Lord Aberdeen.

-- Rare 1830 edition of the "Abolition of the African Slave-Trade", By the British Parliament. Abridged from Thomas Clarkson. Together with a Brief View of the Present State of the Slave-Trade and of Slavery. Volume I (Only). Augusta: Published by P.A. Brinsmade, At the Depository of Kennebec Co., Sunday School Union. 227 pages. 3 3/4" x 6". The book is hardbound cloth-backed boards with leather spine. The spine has gilt lettering. The book is complete and intact. The interior is clean. It has wear at the extremities. It has chipping and wear at the spine leather and an ex-library sticker. The front board and end page is detached.

-- Three rare First Edition books (1855, 1857, 1868) on the British Slave Trade presented to both Houses of Parliament by Command of Her Majesty -- with reports from Africa, Zanzibar, Portugal, Spain, Egypt, Brazil, Madagascar, France, The United States, Turkey, Sardinia and Tripoli -- providing a fascinating window into the 19th Century perceptions of slavery and the slave trades. Printed by Harrison & Sons, London. Includes special correspondence from Consul Charles Livingstone (Brother of David) on tribal slave dealers. Exquisite marbled leather covers.

--  The Map of Africa by Treaty, by Sir Edward Hertslet, Librarian of the Foreign Office. This book was printed for His Majesty's Stationery Office by Harrison and Sons, St. Martin's Lane, London, in 1909, and is Volume One. Original hardbound book on the various treaties establishing British colonies on the African continent, published more than 97 years ago. This volume describes British colonies, protectorates, and possessions in Africa. It includes the text of numerous treaties establishing boundary lines and other administrative details, organized in three major sections: i. British West Africa  ii. British South and Central Africa iii. British East Africa -- There are six fold-out maps, bound into the text to illustrate terms of the various treaties. In addition to the maps, there are more than 400 pages of text, detailing the actual language of the different treaties between Great Britain and the various chiefs and potentates of the African nations. And here is an excerpt from the 1861 cession to Great Britain of the port and island of Lagos, Nigeria: Pension to be paid to King Docemo  "In consideration of the the cession...the Representatives of the Queen of Great Britain do promise, subject to the approval of her Majesty, that Docemo shall receive an annual pension from the Queen of Great Britain equal to the net revenue hitherto annually received by him; such pension to be paid at such periods and in such modes as may hereafter be determined."  By an Additional Article to the above Treaty, dated 18th February, 1862, it was agreed that King Docemo should receive as a pension from the British Government 1,200 bags of cowries yearly, as equal to his net revenue, provided he did not break any of the the Articles of that Treaty, and resigned all claim upon former farmers of his revenue. Hertslet's text tells the story of Africa's partition in formal detail, and this volume is a valuable historical resource. The book was originally published in 1894, and this volume is the 1909 edition, with revisions by R.W. Brant and H.L. Sherwood. The overall size of the book is 10" x 6 1/2".

 

    Background and context: Immediately upon England’s deposition of James II in December of 1688, Boston merchants also seized and imprisoned Edmund Andros, the despotic royal governor of the ‘Dominion of New England’. The Dominion had been established in 1684 after England annulled various colonial charters in order to regulate

  37. Report of the Speeches of Messrs. Frederick Douglass, Henry Clarke Wright & James Buffum -- An extremely rare 32 page report of an anti-slavery soiree held in Dundee, Scotland on March 10th, 1846 by the reporter of the Dundee Courier -- Printed by D. Hill, at the Courier Office. (A rare documents dealer in Scotland said that this was the only such document he had seen in over 30 years of business.) Rev. George Gilfillan (see his image below), the pastor, had invited Douglass to speak. Over 1200 people attended to listen to the speeches past midnight. Here's the first paragraph of the booklet:
"On the evening of Tuesday the 10th March, a soiree in honor of Messrs Douglass, Wright and Buffum, the advocates of the abolition of American Slavery, was held in George's Chapel (now named Gilfillan Memorial Church). The anxiety to obtain tickets for this demonstration was so great that the number issued were all disposed of on the previous day., and consequently the chapel was filled in every part at an early hour, upwards of 1200 being present..." 

   38. Poulson's American Daily Advertiser (Philadelphia newspaper, with interesting articles) April 21, 1836 -- INVENTION BY A NEGRO - A patent given to 29 year-old Henry Blair of Maryland, a free colored man, for a Corn Planter machine now on exhibit at the Capitol - description of process - Blair thinks it will save the labor of eight men - he is adapting the machine for use with cotton. [NOTE: Henry Blair was the only inventor to be identified in the Patent Office records as "a colored man." Blair was born in Montgomery County, Maryland around 1807. He received a patent on October 14, 1834 for a seed planter and a patent in 1836 for a cotton planter. Henry Blair was the second black inventor to receive a patent the first was Thomas Jennings who received a patent in 1821 for a dry cleaning process. Henry Blair signed his patents with an "x" because he could not write. Henry Blair died in 1860.].
TRIAL OF REUBEN CRANDALL at Washington for circulating incendiary pamphlets to excite slaves to insurrection - description of the charges and description of the accused; more. This is a great piece of Black American History with two very important African American related articles together in one issue.
 

   39. Two-page letter (Jan. 11, 1917) written on Mrs. Booker T. Washington's (Margaret James Murray) own letterhead (Girls' Industries at Tuskegee Institute, AL) and signed by her.
   The Letter reads: My Dear Miss Elliott: I am writing to thank you for the cards, toys & notions for children. Through friends like you we were able to carry sunshine to many children & "grown ups" all about us. It was always Mr. Washington's desire that the children in the country should be thought of at this time. For him as much as for the people and ourselves we are grateful. We are doing our best to make young people willing to serve as well as being served. I want my friends to fell that we are doing our best. I remain yours sincerely, Mrs. Booker T Washington.
   The envelope has a Tuskegee institute, Ala postal stamp dated Jan 12, 1917. The back of the envelope is marked Booker T Washington, Tuskegee Institute, Alabama. It appears Mrs. Washington hand wrote Mrs. in front of Mr. Booker T's name. The letter is in nice condition with just a small tear at the top. Nice content with reference to Mr. Washington. Also, another two-page 1917 letter by Margaret.

A quote from Washington's classic, Up From Slavery: "I used to envy the white boy who had no obstacles placed in the way of his becoming a congressman, governor, bishop, or president by reason of the accident of his birth or race. I used to picture the way that I would act under such circumstances; how I would begin at the bottom and keep rising until I reached the highest round of success. In later years, I confess that I do not envy the white boy as I once did. I have learned that success is to be measured not so much by the position that one has reached in life as by the obstacles which he has overcome while trying to succeed. Looked at from this standpoint, I almost reach the conclusion that often the Negro boy's birth and  connection with an unpopular race is an advantage, so far as real life is concerned. With few exceptions, the Negro youth must work harder and must perform his task even better than a white youth in order to secure recognition. But out of the hard and unusual struggle through which he is compelled to pass, he gets a strength, a confidence, that one misses whose pathway is comparatively smooth by reason of birth and race. From any point of view, I had rather be what I am, a member of the Negro race, than be able to claim membership with the most favored of any other race. I have always been made sad when I have heard members of any race claiming rights and privileges, or certain badges of distinction, on the ground simply that they were members of this or that race, regardless of their own individual worth or attainments. I have been made to feel sad for such persons because I am conscious of the fact that mere connection with what is known as a race will not permanently carry an individual forward unless he has individual worth, and mere connection with what is regarded as an inferior race will not finally hold an individual back if he possesses intrinsic, individual merit. Every persecuted individual and race should get much consolation out of the great human law, which is universal and eternal, that merit, no matter under what skin found, is, in the long run, recognized and rewarded. This I have said here, not to call attention to myself as an individual, but to the race to which I am proud to belong."

Lindy Hoppers

40. Absolutely rare original 4-Page contract (1935) between the Lindy Hoppers and Samuel Goldwyn. Signing twice are George "Shorty" Snowden, Freddie Lewis, Madeline Lewis, Beatrice Gay, Beatrice Elam and Leroy Jones. They were paid $2500 for a week's service. Research has determined that this document is most probably the contract for the film short, "Ask Uncle Sol". One-of-a-kind! (We now have a copy of the "Ask Uncle Sol" film).   -- Rare authentic (10" 78rpm) record (Brunswick) of Count Basie and his orchestra with the song, "Shorty George." It is a familiar mistake to think the Count Basie (and other star's) recording of "Shorty George" referred to Snowden. It doesn't. Band mambers were quite clear about its relevance to a mythical "Shorty George" who was being commemorated in song before Snowden had even invented the Lindy Hop. Leon James & Willamae Ricker

-- Scarce (10" 78rpm) record (Decca) Lil Armstrong (Louis' wife) and her Swing Orchestra with the song, "Lindy Hop." (1937). Decca #1388.
-- Vintage (10" 78rpm) record (The Gramophone Company, Middlesex, England) Duke Ellington & his Orchestra with the song "That Lindy Hop" music by Eubie Blake and lyrics by Andy Razaf (recorded June 12, 1930). #B.6355.
-- Also a vintage 1943 Life Magazine photographic essay on "The Lindy Hop", which was considered a national folk dance. "One evening in 1927, after Lindbergh's flight to Paris, some young Negro couples began improvising eccentric off-time steps in a corner of the Savoy Ballroom in Harlem. On the sidelines a connoisseur of dancing names, 'Shorty George' Snowden watched critically, then muttered, 'Look at them kids hoppin' over there. I guess they're doin' the Lindy Hop."
BACKGROUND: The aforementioned quote from the 1943 Life magazine has no prior existence before 1943. In other words, it must have been contrived by a Life journalist. None of the prior accounts of the creation of the dance and its naming, including the actual 1928 newspaper reports agree with this. Yet unfortunately this account, plus some additions from a DANCE magazine article of 1956 have gone into wide circulation now and are regarded as the gospel truth.
-- Woodblock image titled, "Lindy Hop." It is 7 1/2" high by 6 1/4" wide. Pencil signed by ?.