Lot 19

[SLAVERY & ABOLITION]. 1200 Dollars Reward. Illustrated broadside seeking runaways, incl. Allen Davidson and Sylla. Easton, [MD], 23 August 1858.

Sale 1118 - African Americana

Feb 28, 2023 10:00AM ET

Live / Cincinnati

Estimate

$8,000 - $10,000

Sold for $9,450

Sold prices are inclusive of Buyer’s Premium

Lot Description

[SLAVERY & ABOLITION]. 1200 Dollars Reward. Illustrated broadside seeking runaways, incl. Allen Davidson and Sylla. Easton, [MD], 23 August 1858.

Visible 10 7/8 x 19 5/8 in. (toned, offsetting, some creasing); framed to 12 3/4 x 22 in. (not examined out of frame). Signed in type by M. Tilghman Goldsborough.

Identified to the estate of Colonel Nicholas Goldsborough VI (1787-1857), his son Nicholas Goldsborough VII (1829-1891), and his son Matthew Tilghman Goldsborough (1812-1861), the administrator of the estate. The 1850 Federal Slave Schedule indicates that the Goldsborough family enslaved over 75 individuals in the Easton District of Talbot County, Maryland. Nicholas Goldsborough II (1662-1705) immigrated from England to Maryland in about 1679.

The broadside, illustrated with vignettes of both a man and a woman, offers a hefty $1,200 reward, or $200 for each adult, for the return of seven self-emancipated formerly enslaved individuals: Allen Davidson (about 28), "Sylla, or Priscilla" (about 30 to 35) with an infant (about 6 or 8 months old), twin brothers Bob and Perry Davidson (20), Horace Davidson (18), Charles Davidson (15 or 16). A physical description is also listed for each.

Property from the James Milgram, M.D., Collection of Broadsides, Ephemeral Americana, and Historical Documents

Condition Report

Hindman strives to describe historic materials in a manner that is respectful to all communities, providing descriptive contexts for objects where possible. The nature of historical ephemera is such that some material may represent positions, language, values, and stereotypes that are not consistent with the current values and practices at Hindman.

The physical condition of lots in our auctions can vary due to age, normal wear and tear, previous damage, and restoration/repair. All lots are sold "AS IS," in the condition they are in at the time of the auction, and we and the seller make no representation or warranty and assume no liability of any kind as to a lot's condition. Any reference to condition in a catalogue description or a condition report shall not amount to a full accounting of condition. Condition reports prepared by Hindman staff are provided as a convenience and may be requested from the Department prior to bidding.

The absence of a posted condition report on the Hindman website or in our catalogues should not be interpreted as commentary on an item's condition. Prospective buyers are responsible for inspecting a lot or sending their agent or conservator to inspect the lot on their behalf, and for ensuring that they have requested, received and understood any condition report provided by Hindman.

Please email katiehorstman@hindmanauctions.com for any additional information or questions you may have regarding this lot.