(SLAVERY AND ABOLITION) Williams Peter An Oration on the Abo

Sale 2503 - Lot 62

Price Realized: $ 15,000

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Estimate: $ 4,000 - $ 6,000

(SLAVERY AND ABOLITION.) Williams, Peter. An Oration on the Abolition of the Slave Trade, Delivered in the African Church, in the City of New-York. 26, [2] pages. 8vo, original plain wrappers; minimal dampstaining and wear; uncut; signature of early owner M. Dean on title page. New York, 1808

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In 1807, the British Parliament put an end to the slave trade. While this by no means ended slavery, it meant that no more Africans were to be legally wrenched from their homelands. It was cause for celebration throughout the African-American community, both slave and free. Peter Williams (1786-1840), a young parishioner from the nearby Trinity Episcopal Church and a "descendant of Africa," delivered this moving oration to mark the occasion. Williams was urged to publish it to help further the cause of anti-slavery. It is one of the earliest published anti-slavery speeches delivered by an African-American. It also features an endorsement by Isaac Fortune and an introductory address by Henry Sipkins, both leaders of New York's free black community. Williams went on to found the influential St. Philip's Episcopal Church and remained an active abolitionist. Blockson 9815; Sabin 104326. 6 copies in OCLC, and none known at auction since a Swann sale, 27 February 2003, lot 45.