Raynors HCA 2020-02
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 2/27/2020
A rare escaped slave related letter, 1p. legal folio, written by two passengers onboard the Steamship Philadelphia, "near New castle, Delaware, April 23, 1854", to James Thomas, Esq. of Richmond, concerning his escaped slave, reading, in part: "We were hailed a short time ago by the "Virginia" and informed that a dispatch had reached Phila…of the escape of a slave from yr. city on this vessel. Capt. Bassmore seemed very much surprised…immediately ordered a rigid search…[and] your servant was discovered between deck and will be lodged in jail at New Castle until the return of this ship, when he will be taken back to you. We are passengers on board and volunteer this letter to assure you of our confidence in the Capt. & his clerk in his determination to do everything…any Virginian could require. We are respectfully, Charles P. Moncure [&] Joel Rawlings of Richmond. P. S. We omitted to state that this vessel was searched by the officers of police in Norfolk." The original stamped transmittal leaf addressed: "James Thomas, Esqr. Richmond, Va." is included. Overall near fine.
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