Page 118 - Swann Galleries - Printed & Manuscript Americana - Sale 2310 - April 16, 2013

260 ● (SLAVERY AND ABO-
LITION.) Autograph album
signed by many prominent
abolitionists and Civil War
officers. 59 manuscript pages.
Oblong 8vo, original morocco gilt,
recased; minor wear and foxing. In
modern 1/4 morocco folding case.
Boston, MA and Beaufort, SC,
1861-87 [2,000/3,000]
The collector of these autographs was
apparently an active abolitionist and
supporter of the Union cause. The ear-
liest entries in this volume are dated at
Boston from April through September
1861. Most of the entries from late
1862 through 1878 are dated at Beaufort, SC. Beaufort was captured by Union forces very early in
the war and soon became a nexus for escaped slaves and abolitionist educators. Two entries from 1881
are again dated at Boston, and an 1887 entry has no place. Here are some of the most interesting
entries:
Martin, J. Sella (1832-1876). An escaped slave and minister of the First Independent Baptist
Church in Boston. Long inscription beginning “Never be allured from conviction or duty by the plea-
sures of life.” Signed and dated April 1861
Garrison, William Lloyd (1805-1879). Long quotation from William Cowper beginning “I would
not have a slave to till my ground.” Signed and dated Boston, 10 April 1861
Pillsbury, Parker (1809-1898). A stirring inscription by an important abolitionist during the Battle
of Fort Sumter: “First battle against slavery with deadly weapons! Memorable in American history
will the twelfth of April be, as well as the nineteenth . Yesterday began the canonade of Fort Sumter!
God speed the night.” Signed and dated Boston, 13 April 1861.
Phillips, Wendell (1811-1884). Quotation from John Brown: “Count that day lost / Whose low
descending sun / Sees at thy hand / No worthy action done.” Signed and dated April 1861
Everett, Edward (1794-1865). Quotation from an address he had delivered three days
previously at a dinner for Prince Napoleon: “For a family of kindred states, there can be neither peace
nor prosperity at home, nor consideration nor influence abroad, but in a harmonious union under one
government.” Signed and dated Boston, 28 September 1861
Holmes, Oliver Wendell (1809-1894). Another quote from the Napoleon dinner, from a poem
Holmes presented there: “O land of heroes! In our need / One gift from heaven we crave / To stanch
these wounds that vainly bleed / The wise to lead the brave.” Signed and dated Boston, 27
September 1861
Seymour, Truman (1824-1891), Brigadier General in the Union Army who later led the famous
assault on Fort Wagner. Signature dated Beaufort, 27 December 1862
Bridgham, Charles Burr (1841-1904), as Assistant Surgeon of the 54th Massachusetts Infantry the
year after their famed assault on Fort Wagner. Signed and dated Beaufort, 21 July 1864
Trotter, James Monroe (1842-1892), 2nd Lieutenant of the 55th Massachusetts and the first
African-American officer in the United States Army. Inscribed “Yours for a free and enlightened
humanity.” Signed and dated Boston, 18 October 1881
Stone, Lucy (1818-1893), advocate of women’s rights. Inscribed “Equal rights for all,” and signed.