November 2018 Auction Ends Thursday, November 8th, 5pm Pacific
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 11/8/2018
Francis Scott Key autograph document signed, defending a slave named ''Negro Tom'' from barbaric and tortuous treatment by his owner. Well known as the author of America's national anthem, ''The Star-Spangled Banner'', Key was also an influential lawyer in his day who performed pro bono work defending slaves, especially those who had been abused. Dated 3 August 1803, Key writes in part, ''The petition of Negro Tom humbly showeth that...he daily receives from his master the said Dietric the most inhuman treatment, that on very frequent occasions he has been beaten by the said Dietric with the most excessive violence, & has at other times suffered most cruelly by being chained, tied and in other ways barbarously treated...He therefore humbly prays that your honors will take his unfortunately condition into your consideration & take such measures to prevent any repetition of his injuries as the law directs...F. S. Key / for Pet'r''. Single page measures 8.25'' x 13.25'', with docketing and witnesses for the petitioner listed on verso. Beautifully housed in a custom clamshell case with quarter leather boards and spine tooled in gilt. Case measures 9'' x 13.75''. Some chipping and toning to letter, and smudging to signature, overall very good condition. Case is near fine. With transcription.
Francis Scott Key Signed Legal Petition From 1803 Defending ''Negro Tom'', Who Was Being Tortured by His Slaveowner -- Petition Written Entirely in Key's Hand
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