CUBA Autograph Letter Signed by John A Smith the US Vice Con

Sale 2377 - Lot 42

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Estimate: $ 400 - $ 600

CUBA. Autograph Letter Signed by John A. Smith, the U.S. Vice Consul to Cuba, to the Cuban Captain General, asking for the release of two black American seamen. Bi-folium, written on one side in a neat secretarial hand, signed by Smith. Washington, 31 October 1835

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The American Vice Consul, in the most lukewarm terms, asks about the release of "Two blackmen confined in the prison of Cabanes," one of them Benjamin Tindall, the cook on an American brig, the "New England," the other named John Hamilton, "who has been in prison some time, I am ignorant of what he is confined for." It is clear from the Vice-Consul's tone that he is not particularly aroused by the two blacks' plight. The chances are they were drunk and possibly in a fight or some similar minor infraction.