Boston: Garrison and Knapp, 1832.
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Softcover. First edition. Octavo. 16pp. Sewn tan untrimmed printed wrappers. Front cover and first two pages of text have some early spotting, covers a little creased and soiled, else very good. A significant document in the Anti-Slavery movement; the American Anti-Slavery Society was not formed until December, 1833.
In announcing the formation of The New-England Anti-Slavery Society, this constitution proclaims: "We, the undersigned, hold that every person, of full age and sane mind, has a right to immediate freedom from personal bondage of whatsoever kind... We hold that whoever retains his fellow man in bondage, is guilty of a grievous wrong. We hold that a mere difference of complexion is no reason why any man should be deprived of his natural rights, or subjected to any political disability... ." The text concludes: "To do away the horrors of slavery, and prevent such ravages as are here depicted, we do most earnestly invite the co-operation of our fellow citizens; and we can hardly conceive how any one is entitled to the name of a philanthropist or of a Christian, who is either ashamed or afraid thus to show himself A Friend to His Country and A Friend to the Black Man. Arnold Buffum, President. Wm. Lloyd Garrison, Secretary."
Scarce and important. *Sabin* 52655n, *LCP* 6496, *AI* 13659. Not in *Work*, not in *Blockson*.
Item #469818
