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African Americana
|
- Sale 1118
Live
| Cincinnati
Feb 28 | 10:00 AM EST
Live
| Cincinnati
Sale 1118
| Cincinnati
| Cincinnati
Estimate$600 – $800
1p, 8 1/4 x 4 5/8 in. (toning, creasing, light soil). [St. Mary's County, Maryland]. 11 July 1829. Document signed by "subscribers" Amos Davis and John Cole certifying that they "believe that Mckelva Armsworthy has done his duty as a constable in supressing the tumultuous meetings of negroes &c for the year of 1828."
Mckelva Armsworthy (ca 1800-1854) was born in St. Mary's County, Maryland, and spent his entire life in the county. An 1831 slave register records him enslaving three individuals, a number which had increased to 11 enslaved persons by the time of the 1850 Federal Census.
[With:] 1p, 7 1/4 x 3 7/8 in. (dampstaining, creasing, small pencil notation in bottom left corner). [St. Mary's County ?, Maryland]. [1834]. Document signed by four men certifying that "Thomas E. Harrison constable has Patrole and Endeavored to disperse The tumultuous meeting of negroes in said district for 1833."
[Also with:] 1p, 8 1/4 x 7 in. (creasing, toning, light soil). St. Mary's County, Maryland. 4 April 1834. Document signed by "subscribers" certifying that constable George Gibson has discharged his duty "with due diligence - particularly in visiting publick places on hallady for the purpose of dispersing large meetings of negroes." Docketed in part on verso "St. Marys County / to Geo. Gibson."
In 1723 an act was passed in Maryland to prevent "tumultuous meetings of negroes and other slaves" on Sabbath and other holidays, requiring the appointment of constables to visit monthly all gathering places suspected of allowing African Americans to freely meet. If and when "negroes or other slaves" were found upon a premises to which they did not belong or were found in "tumultuous assembly," the supposed offenders could be whipped, fined, forced to pay penalty in property, or imprisoned. Additional restrictions were put forth by the Maryland General Assembly to further restrict the rights of both enslaved and free African Americans to congregate, as well as instituting punishments for white enslavers who allowed gatherings of enslaved individuals "upon their premises." By the early 1800s, constables appointed to enforce these regulations were also given authority to deputize citizens to assist in their searches, forming "companies" or "patrols." With the power to search African American dwellings and other buildings by force, often both free and enslaved African Americans were subject to undue violence at the hands of the enforcers.
To request further details about this lot, please email [email protected]
Katie Horstman
VP, Head of Department, American Historical Ephemera and Early Photography
Hindman strives to describe historic materials in a manner that is respectful to all communities, providing descriptive contexts for objects where possible. The nature of historical ephemera is such that some material may represent positions, language, values, and stereotypes that are not consistent with the current values and practices at Hindman.
The physical condition of lots in our auctions can vary due to age, normal wear and tear, previous damage, and restoration/repair. All lots are sold "AS IS," in the condition they are in at the time of the auction, and we and the seller make no representation or warranty and assume no liability of any kind as to a lot's condition. Any reference to condition in a catalogue description or a condition report shall not amount to a full accounting of condition. Condition reports prepared by Freeman's staff are provided as a convenience and may be requested from the Department prior to bidding.
The absence of a posted condition report on the Freeman's website or in our catalogues should not be interpreted as commentary on an item's condition. Prospective buyers are responsible for inspecting a lot or sending their agent or conservator to inspect the lot on their behalf, and for ensuring that they have requested, received and understood any condition report provided by Freeman's.
Please email [email protected] for any additional information or questions you may have regarding this lot.
Ms. Horstman has spent over a decade specializing in historic photography and Americana at auction. During her tenure, she has overseen several notable single owner auctions, including property from the inventory of celebrated Americana and antique arms expert Norm Flayderman. During her time with the firm, she has maintained an active membership in the Daguerreian Society. Ms. Horstman holds an MA in Art History from the University of Cincinnati and a BA in Art History from The Ohio State University.
![[SLAVERY & ABOLITION]. A group of 3 manuscript statements certifying the work of Maryland constables to suppress "tumultuous meetings" of African Americans. Ca 1820s-1830s.](https://assets.basta.app/accounts/4832eb18-f9a7-4c12-8295-871abe232696/images/4fefd07c-f775-421d-ad47-da52c3e5c1d9?format=auto&width=1080&quality=75)
![[SLAVERY & ABOLITION]. A group of 3 manuscript statements certifying the work of Maryland constables to suppress "tumultuous meetings" of African Americans. Ca 1820s-1830s.](https://assets.basta.app/accounts/4832eb18-f9a7-4c12-8295-871abe232696/images/22eb9fc1-18cb-4c6e-82ed-3bc8578ab5ed?format=auto&width=1080&quality=75)