Mar 20 at 10:30 AM - Sale 2697 -
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Sale 2697 - Lot 9

Estimate: $ 600 - $ 900
(ABOLITION.) Richard Allen of Dublin. Letter announcing "The cause is won!!" after the final passage of emancipation by Parliament. Autograph Letter Signed to fellow abolitionist Richard Davis Webb. One page, 12¾ x 7¾ inches, cross-written, with address panel on verso bearing postmarks and free frank of MP Daniel O'Connell; short separations at folds, minor wear, mounted on verso to a scrap of album leaf. London, 22 May 1838
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In Great Britain, the Slavery Abolition Act of 1833 mandated the gradual abolition of slavery throughout the empire, leaving in place an apprenticeship system which was due to end in 1840. Abolitionists advocated strenuously to end this apprenticeship system even sooner. On 22 May 1838, Parliament agreed to end it effective on 1 August 1838, allowing for full emancipation for all. This letter was written by an ardent Irish supporter of abolition at 11 p.m. on the night of the bill's passage.

"The cause is won!! The House has just decided. A majority of 3 is the result. I write in Browne's Hotel, where I am surrounded by delegates. Sir E[ardley] Wilmot has just come into the room & been rec'd with several rounds of applause. Editor Bulwer closed the debate & made a splendid speech. The delegates have met at Browne's Hotel immediately after the decision. O'Connell, Sir E. Wilmot, Bulwer & Jos Pease &c came over to us here. The government will still oppose Strong for treason. I have sent 6 dispatches . . . . Tell all the other members of the Comm'e immediately. . . . Thou gets the first frank after emancipation."

This letter was written by the white Quaker abolitionist Richard Allen (1803-1886) of Dublin, who had gone to London for the deliberations. The recipient was abolitionist Richard Davis Webb, who later arranged a 1846 speaking tour of Ireland for Frederick Douglass, and arranged for the Dublin printing of Douglass's Narrative. The letter references the great Irish nationalist leader, Daniel O'Connell (1775-1847), a Member of Parliament who was also an abolitionist. O'Connell signed the letter on verso with his free frank, allowing it to be sent without postage.

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