Burns March Military Auction
Lot 106:
Description
A rare circa 1861 anti-slavery illustrated cover with an early depiction of and use of the term “contraband,” referencing self-emancipated slaves who fled to Union lines during the Civil War. At left, a group of slaves is toiling in the fields, guarded by a whip-wielding overseer shouting, “Come back here, you black rascal,” as several enslaved individuals run for Fort Monroe at the far right. One man looks back and taunts (in vernacular): “Can’t come back nohow, massa; Dis chile’s CONTRABAN’.” The depiction of Fort Monroe is significant, as it was General Benjamin Butler’s headquarters where he first conceived and enacted what became the Union’s “contraband policy.” On May 27, 1861, he announced that his troops would not enforce the Fugitive Slave Act. Butler argued that Virginia’s secession meant that escaped slaves, under international law, were “contraband of war,” and he was not required to return them to their former owners. Cover measures 5.56″ x 3.06″. Some light foxing in bottom left corner and a small chip in the upper left corner, neither of which affects the illustration. Minor loss of the back upper right envelope flap. Cover is unused. Pick up is Sunday, March 29 from 10 am to 4 pm at our gallery in Lancaster, Ohio 43130 or we will provide in-house shipping for this item. We will charge a $5 fee if you want to pick this lot up another day. Once packed up we will send you an invoice for shipping & handling. Shipping questions: [email protected]. Sales tax is collected on this auction. TL27
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