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THBAmistad, Benjamin Gerhard Writes Theodore Sedgwick About his Role in the Case, "Alas the poor Africans! I am glad you have be
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About Auction
LiveSep 8, 2017 - Sep 9, 2017
Cowan's Auctions dawnie@cowans.com
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- Lot Description
Gerhard, Benjamin (1812-1864). Prominent Philadelphia lawyer most noted for representing British actress Fanny Kemble in her legal proceedings against Pierce Butler, and later appointed provost-marshal of his home city during the Civil War. ALS, "B. Gerhard," 1p, 5.5 x 8 in., Philadelphia. September 14, 1839. Addressed to Theodore Sedgwick, Jr.
Letter features Gerhard's exultation that New York lawyer Thomas Sedgwick, Jr., was retained to represent the enslaved Africans in what would become the landmark Supreme Court case United States v. The Amistad. Gerhard writes, "Alas the poor Africans! I am glad you have been retained for them - so you have gained a cause."
In July 1839, a group of Africans being transported as slaves aboard the Spanish vessel Amistad rebelled and were able to gain control of the ship. Though the Africans directed remaining crew members to return them to Africa, the crew members instead secretly turned the vessel North where they were eventually detained by the US Revenue Cutter the USS Washington. The ensuing court case over the fate of the Africans garnered immense national interest and became a celebrated cause of the anti-slavery movement. With the financial support of the abolitionist movement, the Africans were able to mount a legal defence and secure their freedom following a protracted legal battle. In January 1841 the Supreme Court began hearing the case with former President John Quincy Adams arguing on the Africans' behalf. The Court ruled in favor of the Africans in March 1841.
Sedgwick was one of three defense lawyers appointed part of the Africans' legal team by the Amistad Committee of the American Missionary Association. He would later become US Attorney for the Southern District of New York. The remainder of Gerhard's letter to him reads, "I annex a receipt for the costs of the last commission - to enable you to tax them. The other commission has been partly executed and will be despatched early in the week."
Condition
Top half of the sheet has been removed clear of the complete text. Small amount of soiling just to the left of the salutation not affecting text. Overall letter is in good condition.
Two teeth missing on comb. Wear to case.
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