[SLAVERY & ABOLITION]. $300 Reward. Ranaway...my Negro Boy George Johnson. Broadside with autograph letter signed ("Nath'l W. Hays") on bifolium integral leaf to Chief of Police of West Chester, Pennsylvania. Bel-Air, MD, 12 November 1849.
Sale 1118 - African Americana
Feb 28, 2023
10:00AM ET
Live / Cincinnati
Estimate
$2,000 -
$3,000
Sold for $3,780
Sold prices are inclusive of Buyer’s Premium
Lot Description
[SLAVERY & ABOLITION]. $300 Reward. Ranaway...my Negro Boy George Johnson. Broadside with autograph letter signed ("Nath'l W. Hays") on bifolium integral leaf to Chief of Police of West Chester, Pennsylvania. Bel-Air, MD, 12 November 1849.
7 11/16 x 9 11/16 in. letterpress broadside printed on bifolium (original creases, occasional brown spots). Signed in type by Nathaniel W.S. Hays.
Integral leaf with autograph letter signed (Nath'l W.S. Hays"), issuer of the broadside. Belle Air, [MD], 12 November 1849. 1 page, address panel to verso, with "Paid" and Baltimore blue postage stamps.
A reward broadside for a "Negro Boy George Johnson, twenty years of age" with an extensive description of his physical appearance, demeanor, and attire. Unusually, the broadside has been printed on a bifolium, where Hays writes a personal note to the "Chief or Head Police Officer" of West Chester, Chester County, Pennsylvania. He urges that the broadside be "kept in your pocket or shewn [sic] to persons that would be likely to assist me in getting him." He speculates further: "from what I can learn he is [in] your Town or the Vicinity of it. You may be able to find out throug[h] a confidential Negro, if you have one that you keep as a spy." RARE: No other broadsides with integral letters were located at time of cataloging.
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Property from the James Milgram, M.D., Collection of Broadsides, Ephemeral Americana, and Historical Documents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.
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.