Lot 6

[LIBERIA]. PRIEST, James M. (1819-1883). Autograph letter signed ("James M. Priest"), to James B. Herron. King Will Town, Liberia, 23 October 1845.

Sale 1118 - African Americana

Feb 28, 2023 10:00AM ET

Live / Cincinnati

Estimate

$1,000 - $1,500

Sold for $1,890

Sold prices are inclusive of Buyer’s Premium

Lot Description

[LIBERIA]. PRIEST, James M. (1819-1883). Autograph letter signed ("James M. Priest"), to James B. Herron. King Will Town, Liberia, 23 October 1845.

2 pages, 4to, 7 3/4 x 9 3/4 in., address panel on integral leaf with 2 February New York stamp postmark, separations along old folds with repairs, toning, modern ink inscription above address panel on integral leaf.

He opens regarding abolition opinions among the recipient's acquaintances: "The people you say are all anti-slavery men, that is very good, but that they should oppose Colonization is very bad." He continues with an update on life in Liberia including his work with the Kroo people. He concludes with speculation regarding the expansion of enslavement: "I reckon Texas will afford a great opening for the extension of Slavery. The slave trade on the coast is going on in high rate."

James Priest would later be elected the 6th vice president of Liberia from 1864-1868. Born into enslavement in Kentucky, he was educated and manumitted by his former enslaver Jane Anderson Meaux. Upon her request, he traveled to Liberia to evaluate the situation of the formerly enslaved. He returned to the United States for training as a Presbyterian missionary before emigrating to Liberia in 1843 under the auspices of the American Colonization Society. In addition to his role as vice president, he served a justice on the Liberian Supreme Court.

This lot is located in Cincinnati.

Property from the James Milgram, M.D., Collection of Broadsides, Ephemeral Americana, and Historical Documents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

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