The Branded Hand, No. 9, An Antislavery Circular
Philadelphia, PA: [1876]. An antislavery circular in two parts. The first is advertising the story of Captain Jonathan Walker (1799-1878), an abolitionist who was branded with "S.S." as part of his punishment for attempting to help several slaves escape to the West Indies. The brand was supposed to mean "Slave Stealer", however abolitionists soon tried to co-opt it as "Slave Savior". Along with Walker's story is a poem by John Greenleaf Whittier (1807-1892), called "The Branded Hand", that was inspired by Walker. The circular is especially advertising a lecture Walker was to give during a fair in Philadelphia, most likely the Centennial Exposition in 1876. The second part of the circular is short essay and poem entitled "Lines" by James Russell Lowell (1819-1891), regarding the capture of fugitive slaves near Washington. At the end of the circular, there is a short list of other antislavery publications available. Measures 8 3/4" x 5 3/4" (folded), 11 1/4" x 9" (unfolded). Age toning and soiling. Show through because the paper is thin.
Price: $225.00
Item #29001892