Written by
United States Congress, American, founded 1789
Subject of
Fillmore, Millard, American, 1800 - 1874
Burns, Anthony, American, 1834 - 1862
Sims, Thomas, American, born ca. 1834
Date
1854
Medium
ink on paper
Dimensions
H x W: 9 x 6 in. (22.9 x 15.2 cm)
Caption
This printing of the Fugitive Slave Bill was sponsored by anti-slavery groups as a protest against the new law that required local and state authorities to assist slave owners in retrieving slaves.
Description
Booklet of yellowed paper and black text. Title reads "THE FUGITIVE SLAVE BILL ENACTED BY THE UNITED STATES CONGRESS." The entire bill is 8 pages, seven of which are printed with bold black mourning borders. The rear cover features a reproduction of an engraving with the caption, "The Boston Police executing the infamous law, in the case of Simms, who was delivered into the hands of the oppressor, between the hours of moon-setting and sun-rising, in 1851." The illustration on the back cover consists of a captured man being carried down the steps of a building by two armed men. The building is surrounded by rows of armed men and two dogs are facing off against each other in the foreground.
Place printed
Boston, Massachusetts, United States, North and Central America
Classification
Slavery and Freedom Objects
Books and Published Materials
Movement
Abolitionist movement
Type
bills (legislative records)
Topic
Antislavery
Free communities of color
Fugitive enslaved
Law
Politics
Self-liberation
Slavery
Credit Line
Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture
Object number
2012.46.5
Restrictions & Rights
Public domain
Proper usage is the responsibility of the user.
GUID
http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/fd5a28aa2c3-f9ee-45f4-b9f4-499214ecaccd

Cataloging is an ongoing process and we may update this record as we conduct additional research and review. If you have more information about this object, please contact us at NMAAHCDigiTeam@si.edu

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