[SLAVERY & ABOLITION]. PERALI, Joseph T. Copy of a letter ordering a property vacated on behalf of Thomas M. HOLMES, a free person of color. Charleston, SC, 8 June 186[5.

1p, 7 3/4 x 10 in., creased at folds, with some spotting/discoloration and light wear from handling. Labelled "copy" to upper left and "signed" next to Perali's name.

"Permission is hereby given to Thomas M. Holmes to take possession of the property known as No 62 Liberty St Charleston S.C. He having paid the U.P. taxes on the same and exhibited his receipts at this office. The party or parties now occupying the said premises are hereby notified to vacate the same by the 16 inst."

The 1861 Charleston census lists Thomas M. Holmes as "Thomas M. Holmes, f.p.c." Holmes also served as President of the Colored People's Convention of South Carolina, appearing in the 1865 Proceedings of that convention as such.

Later, Holmes gave a deposition to Congress in 1879, in which he is listed as "Thomas M. Holmes (colored)." In the deposition he testified to residing at No. 2 Liberty Street and belonging to the Republican Party, though he served as the president of a local "colored Democratic club" in 1877. Due to a local contest between Republican E.W.M. Mackey and Democrat M.P. O'Connor, Holmes testifies that a "great number" of "colored people, who were Republicans" told him they voted instead for O'Connor. Holmes was clearly an influential person in his community, and a leader among Charleston's population of free people of color.

Estate of Carroll J. Delery III, Formerly the “Historical Shop”

This lot is located in Cincinnati.

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.

Katie Horstman

VP, Head of Department, American Historical Ephemera and Early Photography

[email protected]513.666.4958

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.

African Americana

[SLAVERY & ABOLITION]. PERALI, Joseph T. Copy of a letter ordering a property vacated on behalf of Thomas M. HOLMES, a free person of color. Charleston, SC, 8 June 186[5.

Lot Description

Condition Report

Preview

Auction Contact

Shipping | Pickup