Lot 198

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Description:

WILLIAM GASTON
(1778 - 1844) Southern politician, states-rights advocate, jurist and author of the official state song of North Carolina, "The Old North Song". Important A.L.S., 2pp. 4to., "State Street", Nov. 26, 1833, whereby Gaston, moved by the unfortunate circumstances of a black slave named Damon Jones who is imprisoned, though believes that he is free. The sympathetic Gaston reaches out to James McNeven, the former Irish revolutionary and compatriot of Wolf Tone and Thomas A. Emmet and who, as part of the "United Irishman", sought the aide of the French in securing an invasion of Ireland in June, 1797. In part: "...I had the honor of being introduced at your house, on the subject of a Blackman of the name of Daman Jones who is in prison and claims he is free. I have informed him, as in the past, that Damon is not free, and that it is not in my power to communicate any information that can uphold his claim. I feel compassion for the unfortunate critter, and I am desirous of rendering him any decision which I rightfully can. It has occurred to me...that possibly the owner of Damon might be willing to abandon his claim for a reasonable compensation, and perhaps a contribution might be made by benevolent persons sufficient to affect this purpose...I request that you will do me the favor....as a person who has humanly interested himself in this business, that if Damon's release can be accomplished - I am willing to contribute fifty dollars towards it. Forgive the trouble. Forgive the trouble which I give you and believe me with high respect". With a rare A.E.S. of JAMES MCNEVEN: "Hon. Wm. Gaston, 26, Nov. 1833, will give $50.00 towards the liberation of Damon Jones", and the original postal panel addressed by Gaston to Dr. McNeven. Ex. Argosy Bookshop and Derrick Warfield, founder and leader of the WOLF-TONES, one of the most successful and creative of the Irish Radical bands between 1964 and 1995. Mr. Warfield, besides being an internationally-known musician is also the writer of the acclaimed book The Irish in the American Revolution". In an interview he was asked: "Who is the only Catholic Irishman buried in Trinity Church graveyard?", he answered: "James McNevin". Fine condition.

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October 9, 2010 11:00 AM EDT
Stamford, CT, US

Alexander Historical Auctions LLC

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