African Americana

8vo (162 x 250 mm). Publisher's advertisements at end. (Wear to edges.) Original publisher's engraved wrappers with portrait of Burns (paper tape repair to spine, chipping to edges, light soiling). 

FIRST EDITION of a report on one of the most important cases related to the 1850 Fugitive Slave Act. Anthony Burns escaped enslavement in 1854 but was captured just one month after his arrival in Boston. His case attracted national attention and there were large demonstrations from abolitionists including a rescue attempt. His case inspired legislation in Massachusetts forbidding state officials from aiding in enforcing the law and refusing the use of state jails. Although Burns was returned to enslavement, he was later ransomed and attended Oberlin College. Possibly married front wrapper which lists William V. Spencer, 1854 as the publisher. Title page, advertisements, and rear wrapper list Fetridge and Company. Finkelman, Slavery in the Courtroom, pp. 107-116.