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Burlington, New Jersey and Pennsylvania, Committee Minutes Abstract Mentioning Freeing Slaves, 1760

Currency:USD Category:Collectibles / Historical Memorabilia Start Price:625.00 USD Estimated At:750.00 - 1,500.00 USD
Burlington, New Jersey and Pennsylvania, Committee Minutes Abstract Mentioning Freeing Slaves, 1760
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Burlington, New Jersey & Pennsylvania (likely Philadelphia), dated 1760, possibly a copy written at a later date. Very early, 4 Page Handwritten Abstract of the Minutes of the Yearly Committee Meeting. Detailed with various names and topics, including a mention of freeing slaves. The Clerk and author of the document, John Smith, writes, "Several friends of the Committee heretofore appointed by this meeting to visit such friends, as keep negroe slaves, acquainted the meeting, that they have made some farther progress in that service...it is again recommended to friends in the several quarters, weightily to consider the importance of this engagement, and assist the said friends, therein as they may find freedom." The document continues to discuss other matters, such as the case of a man marrying his wife's half-sister, asserting that it "is forbidden by the laws of the government, and contrary to our Christian testimony." Various names of Committee members are listed throughout the piece, including John Woolman, who is likely John Woolman (October 19, 1720 - October 7, 1772), an American merchant, tailor, journalist, Quaker preacher, and early abolitionist during the colonial era. Based in Mount Holly, near Philadelphia, he traveled through the American frontier to preach Quaker beliefs, and advocate against slavery and the slave trade, cruelty to animals, economic injustices and oppression, and conscription. Beginning in 1755 with the outbreak of the French and Indian War, he urged tax resistance to deny support to the colonial military. In 1772, Woolman traveled to England, where he urged Quakers to support abolition of slavery. Fine condition, especially for its age, with archival reinforcements along fold lines. Very interesting piece with plenty of details to explore further.