2022-01 Raynors HCA Auction
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 1/28/2022
STEWART, Alvan (1790-1849) Abolitionist Lawyer. He was arrested in Canada as a spy after the outbreak of the War of 1812 and was for a time held as a prisoner. He acquired the reputation as a brilliant lawyer and devoted a great deal of time to temperance and anti-slavery causes. In 1835 he formed and became president of the New York Anti-Slavery Society where he raised money, organized meetings, and held public debates. Several times his planned affairs were broken up by angry mobs. Stewart argued that slavery was in violation with the Constitution and should be abolished. Autograph Letter Signed, 1pp., "Washington, Feb, 27, 45, on matters of his speeches and the tariff. In part, "Dear Sir, I regret to inform you that I have not a copy of my own speeches on the tariff, or any deliveries by other members at the former sessions of congress. There has been no discussion of the subject at this session, consequently it is out of my power to grant your request, which it would have given me much pleasure to have complied with, Respectfully, A. Stewart." Letter is footnoted with the addressee, Richard L. Pease, Esq. In 1837, Stewart shocked the Anti-slavery movement by arguing that the due process clause of the Fifth Amendment empowered the federal government to abolish slavery in the states. That speech marked the dramatic debut of radical antislavery constitutionalism. In May of the year this letter was written, 1845, Stewart delivered a speech to the New Jersey Supreme Court, "Legal Argument For the Deliverance of Persons from Bondage." This, along with his other works are still held today as some of the most brilliant and persuasive legal principles towards making slavery unconstitutional. Light age wear, 6½" x 8½"; mostly Fine.
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