[LIBERIA]. PRIEST, James M. (1819-1883). Autograph letter signed ("James M. Priest"), to James B. Herron. King Will Town, Liberia, 23 October 1845.

2 pages, 4to, 7 3/4 x 9 3/4 in., address panel on integral leaf with 2 February New York stamp postmark, separations along old folds with repairs, toning, modern ink inscription above address panel on integral leaf.

He opens regarding abolition opinions among the recipient's acquaintances: "The people you say are all anti-slavery men, that is very good, but that they should oppose Colonization is very bad." He continues with an update on life in Liberia including his work with the Kroo people. He concludes with speculation regarding the expansion of enslavement: "I reckon Texas will afford a great opening for the extension of Slavery. The slave trade on the coast is going on in high rate."

James Priest would later be elected the 6th vice president of Liberia from 1864-1868. Born into enslavement in Kentucky, he was educated and manumitted by his former enslaver Jane Anderson Meaux. Upon her request, he traveled to Liberia to evaluate the situation of the formerly enslaved. He returned to the United States for training as a Presbyterian missionary before emigrating to Liberia in 1843 under the auspices of the American Colonization Society. In addition to his role as vice president, he served a justice on the Liberian Supreme Court.

Property from the James Milgram, M.D., Collection of Broadsides, Ephemeral Americana, and Historical Documents

This lot is located in Cincinnati.