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Anti-Harrison Tract- 1840 Presidential Election

Currency:USD Category:Collectibles / Historical Memorabilia Start Price:50.00 USD Estimated At:200.00 - 400.00 USD
Anti-Harrison Tract- 1840 Presidential Election
<B>Incredible Anti-Harrison Tract from 1840 Presidential Election.</B></I> Booklet, "White Slavery!! Or Selling White Men For Debt!", four pages, 5.5" x 9", n.p., June 27, 1840. Small perforations on left margin from string binding, uneven edges and light toning as expected. Fine condition. Martin Van Buren's spin-doctors went for the Whig jugular in this virulent attack on William Henry Harrison. It reads in small part: "We have received from Indianapolis a certified copy, under the 'broad seal' of the State of Indiana, of the 11th, 30th, and 31st sections of the act of 1807, approved by General Harrison, providing for the sale of white men and women in certain cases; and also the 3d section of an act regulating elections, approved in like manner, requiring a property qualification in voters for Representatives, &c. The copy is in the following words, viz: An Act Respecting Crimes and Punishments…When any person or persons shall, on conviction of any crime or breach of any penal law, be sentenced to pay a fine or fines, with or without the costs of prosecution, it shall be lawful for the court, before whom such conviction shall be had, to order the sheriff to sell or hire the persons so convicted, to service to any person or persons who will pay the said fine and costs for such term of time as the said court shall judge reasonable…" Although "White Slavery" makes an eye-catching headline, the text actually considers indentured servitude as an option for non-payment of a debt. Still, the concept of returning to a pre-Revolutionary justice system would have been abhorrent to the average nineteenth century voter.<BR><BR><b>Shipping:</b> Small Flat (<a target="_blank" href="http://www.heritageauctions.com/common/shipping.php">view shipping information</a>)