|
George Broome, autograph letter signed (" George Broome "), October 28, 1846, New York, with integral address. To Myron Barrett in Columbus, Ohio. 3p. quarto. Inventory# 20302 $1,500 Partial Transcript New York Oct 28 th /[18]46. ...A captain of one of the New Orleans packets on his passage from that port to N.Y. discovered there was secreted a slave on board the vessel & instead of putting back as is usual in such cases he continued to this port, said nothing of the matter & kept the boy on board the vessel in irons intending to take him back the next voyage. But as it happened some [2] "gunmen of colour" discovered how matters were situated complained to the Mayor who had the boy brought before Judge Edmonds for his decision in the case, there was a great excitement among the colored people & I never before though there were as many colored people in the City as assembled in the Park yesterday afternoon. Judge Edmonds after a very elaborate opinion decided that the slave should be set at liberty which opinion was received by the black people with the most uproarious applause. Shortly an other writ was got out for his rearrest the colored people heard of it, had him boxed up "a la Colt" "with this difference however that he was alive & kicking" duly directed to some place up the North [i.e. Hudson] River. The officers discovered him in spite of the box & he is now in the Tombs [a jail] to await a further decision & New York is saved.... the same as ever your affectionate friend George T. Broome Historical Background: The Fugitive Slave Act, passed in 1793 and amended in 1850, ordered that escaped slaves must be returned. However, after slavery was gradually abolished in the northern states, enforcement there was uneven. Note: this collection could use conservation, which should cost approx $250.
|
