拍品 238
  • 238

CLARKSON, THOMAS, AND JOSEPH SOUL. A COLLECTION OF LETTERS FROM THOMAS CLARKSON, ONE OF THE LEADING CAMPAIGNERS AGAINST THE SLAVE TRADE IN THE BRITISH EMPIRE PERTAINING TO AMERICA'S ANTI SLAVERY MOVEMENT, TO JOSEPH SOUL, SECRETARY OF THE ANTI SLAVERY SOCIETY, DATED 1844-1846

估價
2,500 - 3,500 USD
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描述

  • A collection of letters from Thomas Clarkson, one of the leading campaigners against the slave trade in the British Empire pertaining to America's Anti Slavery Movement, to Joseph Soul, Secretary of the Anti Slavery Society, dated 1844-1846
  • paper, ink
Comprising 10 letters to Joseph Soul, written by Clarkson and his wife, Catherine:  

Autograph letter signed ("Thomas Clarkson"), n.p., n.d. 2 pages on a bifolium, mentions the exchange of pamphlets between Clarkson and Soul. — Autograph letter signed ("Thomas Clarkson"), n.p., n.d., 2 pages on a single leaf, mentioning Lewis Tappan, the New York abolitionist who worked to achieve the freedom of the illegally enslaved Africans of the 'Amistad', and Cassius Marcellus Clay, of whom Clarkson writes: "who has liberated all his slaves. I think we ought to show our gratitude to him for his splendid act of love and mercy to his fellow creatures." — Autograph letter signed ("Thomas Clarkson"), n.p., n.d., two pages on a single leaf, discussing Mrs. Smith, the daughter of Dr. Adam Clark, and a meeting of the Anti Slavery Society. —Autograph letter signed ("Thomas Clarkson"), 2 pages on a bifolium, Playford (Surrey) 25 October 1844, regarding the completion of Clarkson's "last and best work," being an address to the northern states. — Autograph letter signed ("Thomas Clarkson"), 2 pages on a single leaf, Playford (Surrey), 29 October 1844, discussing the exchange and dissemination of letters. — Autograph letter signed ("Thomas Clarkson), 3 pages on a bifolium, Playford (Surrey), 1 September 1844, outlining the danger in publishing Clay's letter in the 'Anti Slavery Reporter', with Clarkson fearing that doing so might result in Clay's death by plantation owners. He also writes of a letter to be passed to Maria Chapman: "I hope you will send my letter to Mrs. Chapman, which is to be inserted at her Request in the Boston Liberty Bell...I have reason to believe that it will exactly suit the Temper and disposition of the Americans at this particular time." — Autograph letter signed ("Thomas Clarkson"), 2 pages on a bifolium, Playford (Surrey), 7 November 1844, coordinating the exchange of letters with American abolitionists. — Autograph letter signed ("Thomas Clarkson"), 2 pages on a single leaf, Playford 29 January 1845, lauding the efforts of Gerrit Smith, a member of the Secret Six. — Autograph letter signed ("C. Clarkson), 4 pages on a bifolium, n.p., 2 July 1846, outlining a letter from John Howard Hinton, who was seeking information suitable for his biography on William Knibb, who freed slaves in Jamaica. — Autograph letter signed ("C. Clarkson), 4 pages on a bifolium, mourning paper, n.p., 11 December 1846, discussing her husband's legacy: "Dear Mr. Soul, I am much obliged to you for letting me see the letter which I return & which I recommend you to burn for though I am quite sure that the writer meant to draw a true picture yet the colouring is not good or the light & shadows well placed. Met me entreat you not to go on working at your one Idea whatever it may be. Something no doubt it is which you think will honour my dear Husband's memory. But do not fear that his country will forget him. And if it should it would not trouble me in the least.  People would not believe me if I were to say it but I am persuaded that my dear Husband never looked forward to any public notice being taken of his death." 

Each letter in separate modern paper sleeve, bound together in one volume (8 9/16 x 5 5/8 in.; 217 x 142mm). Full red calf, spine gilt-lettered.

Condition

Comprising 10 autograph letters signed ("Thomas Clarkson" and "C. Clarkson") to Joseph Soul, written by Clarkson and his wife, dated between 1844-1846. Each letter in separate modern paper sleeve, bound together in one volume (8 9/16 x 5 5/8 in.; 217 x 142mm). Full red calf, spine gilt-lettered.
The lot is sold in the condition it is in at the time of sale. The condition report is provided to assist you with assessing the condition of the lot and is for guidance only. Any reference to condition in the condition report for the lot does not amount to a full description of condition. The images of the lot form part of the condition report for the lot provided by Sotheby's. Certain images of the lot provided online may not accurately reflect the actual condition of the lot. In particular, the online images may represent colours and shades which are different to the lot's actual colour and shades. The condition report for the lot may make reference to particular imperfections of the lot but you should note that the lot may have other faults not expressly referred to in the condition report for the lot or shown in the online images of the lot. The condition report may not refer to all faults, restoration, alteration or adaptation because Sotheby's is not a professional conservator or restorer but rather the condition report is a statement of opinion genuinely held by Sotheby's. For that reason, Sotheby's condition report is not an alternative to taking your own professional advice regarding the condition of the lot.

拍品資料及來源

A compelling set of letters, written by one of the most significant figures in the anti slavery movement  Over the course of the correspondence, Clarkson mentions the efforts of Lewis Tappan, the New York abolitionist who worked to achieve the freedom of the illegally enslaved Africans of the Amistad, Cassius Marcellus Clay, who liberated his slaves, and Gerrit Smith, a member of the Secret Six, among others. The collection concludes with a moving letter from Mrs. Clarkson to Soul regarding the legacy of her husband: "But do not fear that his country will forget him. And if it should it would not trouble me in the least. People would not believe me if I were to say it but I am persuaded that my dear Husband never looked forward to any public notice being taken of his death."