"THE YEAR JUST PAST WILL LONG BE MEMORABLE FOR THE BOLD ATTEMPT OF JOHN BROWN AND HIS COMPANIONS TO BURST THE BOLTED DOOR OF THE SOUTHERN HOUSE OF BONDAGE"

(BROWN, John) (GARRISON, William Lloyd). Annual Report of the American Anti-Slavery Society, by the Executive Committee, for the year ending May 1, 1860. New York: American Anti-Slavery Society, 1861. Octavo, original tan printed wrappers. $1250.

Uncommon first edition of the 27th annual report of the American Anti-Slavery Society, including a lengthy tribute to John Brown, in the original wrappers.

On December 2, 1859, abolitionist John Brown became the first person executed for treason in the United States following his efforts to incite a slave insurrection. Brown's momentous raid on Harpers Ferry and its aftermath are the focal point of this 1859-60 annual report from the American Anti-Slavery Society, one of the most prominent U.S. organizations of its kind. Although the Society and its president William Lloyd Garrison took an official position in favor of pacifist abolitionism, the detailed account given here of the attack and subsequent events ("John Brown," pp. 75-134) is a "tribute to the memory of the noble hero-martyr" that expresses ardent sympathy and admiration for Brown. Additional portions of the report are also connected to Brown, including "John Brown's Companions" and "Opinions from Over Sea"; other sections describe legal and political developments related to slavery, stories of individual slaves and updates on the status and activities of free Blacks. LCP, Afro-Americana 321. Sabin 81823.

Wrappers expertly restored with small ink spots. An extremely good copy of this uncommon item, scarce in original wrappers.