(CIVIL RIGHTS) LYNCHING Seven letters connected to the lynch

Sale 2342 - Lot 248

Price Realized: $ 2,125

?Final Price Realized includes Buyer’s Premium added to Hammer Price

Estimate: $ 1,500 - $ 2,500

(CIVIL RIGHTS.) LYNCHING. Seven letters connected to the lynching of Samuel J. Bush in Decatur, Illinois on June 2, 1893 (several with their envelopes); a newspaper clipping with the original 'Open Letter' regarding the lynching of Samuel J. Bush, plus the remnants of a larger, old envelope that housed the letters. total of 22 pages, pencil and pen, one typed, various sizes. should be seen Decatur, Illinois, 1893

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an exceptional collection of letters reacting to 'an open letter to the participants in the mob of june 2, 1893 by reverend n.m. baker of long creek township.' The letter, by Reverend N. M. Baker, an African American was printed in the Decatur Republican, and expressed abhorrence at the 'crime' of lynching Samuel J. Bush, for an alleged rape. Included is a four page letter from Reverend Baker, author of the Open Letter, and several other letters, the majority of which are in sympathy with Reverend Baker. However, there is one dissenter who is convinced of Bush's crime, and incensed at Baker's insinuation that one or both of the alleged victims might have lied. The story of Samuel J. Bush, and his death is recorded in detail in the Illinois Historical Journal, Volume 83, Autumn, 1990 ('Join hands and hearts with law and order.' The 1893 Lynching of Samuel J. Bush and the Response of Decatur's African American Community.) The sequence of events is classic. Bush, a homeless man was traveling South on foot, and stopped at two farms, asking for food. In the first instances, the women claimed an attempted rape and was able to resist her attacker; but the second woman reported that she was indeed raped. The incident really shocked and divided an otherwise racially calm community. all letters have been transcribed.