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Anti-abolition Alabama Broadside from 1856 Broads

Currency:USD Category:Collectibles / Cultures & Ethnicities Start Price:1,700.00 USD Estimated At:2,500.00 - 3,500.00 USD
Anti-abolition Alabama Broadside from 1856 Broads
<B>Anti-abolition Alabama Broadside from 1856</B></I> Broadside, 12" x 18 1/2", issued in Alabama during the presidential election of 1856 and the crisis of "Bleeding Kansas." Titled "To All True Southern Men," the text reads: <I>"Shall Kansas be Surrendered to the Abolitionists? Shall we sit down in idleness and permit our enemies to wall up Southern institutions, and thus endanger our existence as a people? We have the ability to prevent it. Do we lack the patriotism? Massachusetts says we must be driven out. Her legislature has just appropriated $20,000 to affect this purpose, and her people propose to raise immediately by private efforts $100,000 more. These people are engaged in the business of fanaticism and treason. Will Alabamians be less liberal in maintaining their substantial, vital rights under the Constitution. Shall we turn our backs on the brave Missourians who stretch out their hands to us for help in a common cause. If we intend to do anything now is the time. This is a living, pressing issue. Is it possible we are dead to its importance? Southern Freemen must be true to themselves. We know there are men among us who discourage this great movement to save the South, by predictions of failure and inability to succeed. Down with such men. Turn from them as our worst enemies and let all true men unite in crushing out this spirit of submission to abolition aggression and willingness to surrender Southern Rights without a struggle. Messrs. Baker & Johnston, Who have been aiding in emigrating Southern men to Kansas, have just returned for the purpose of raising more men and money. H. D. Clayton, Esq. and Dr. Joseph Jones will accompany and assist them in this enterprise. They are prepared to give reliable and valuable information, and for these purposes will meet and address the people at the following times and places:"</B></I> (followed by a list of twelve locales such as Selma and Tuskegee) June 12, 1856. During the crisis in Kansas, advocates for slavery from Missouri (derisively known as "Border Ruffians") flooded the territory in order to "win" it as a slave state. Abolitionists came from New England to turn the tide in their favor, hoping to use Stephen Douglas' doctrine of popular sovereignty to achieve their goal. Opposing governments and constitutions were adopted by each side, resulting in widespread violence, notably the sack of Lawrence and John Brown's retaliatory raid on Pottawatomie Creek. South Carolina sent members of its state militia to assist in the struggle. The unrest served as a vivid prelude of the Civil War to come. As far as historical importance is concerned, it would be hard to outdo this broadside, which must rank as a great rarity, especially considering its origin. This is the first Southern political broadside of this period we have encountered. One small border tear and a 1" x 3" detached section in the bottom left corner. Mounted many years ago on cardboard, resulting in moderate browning or acid burn, especially in the upper half. Likely the only surviving example. Lot:251