[EMANCIPATION PROCLAMATION]. LINCOLN, Abraham (1809-1865).
Proclamation of Emancipation, by the President of the United States, January 1st, 1863. [Boston: John Murray Forbes, ca. 20 January 1863].

32mo (3 3/8 x 2 5/16 in; 88 x 63 mm). Original limp printed light brown sewn wrappers, small spot to both covers; in chemise.

SCARCE EARLY POCKET-SIZED EDITION OF THE EMANCIPATION PROCLAMATION, published to inform Southern slaves of their freedom, and urging them to take up arms for the Union.

Lincoln's preliminary Emancipation Proclamation was dated 22 September 1862, while the revised, final document became official on 1 January 1863. This thin, miniature pamphlet contains the quotation by Alexander Stephens on the front wrapper that appeared on the back wrapper of the comparable miniature pamphlet edition of the preliminary proclamation (Eberstadt 7). It also differs in page count (8 pp. instead of 7 pp.), and contains a quote on the lower wrapper that reveals this printing's other purpose: to convince freed slaves to take up arms in the cause of the Union. The quote comes from Andrew Jackson's appeal to the free black population of New Orleans, as he prepared to defend the city from a British attack at the close of the War of 1812: "General Andrew Jackson's Proclamation of September 21, 1814. To the Free Colored Inhabitants of Louisiana. 'Through a mistaken policy, you have heretofore been deprived of a participation in the glorious struggle for national rights in which our country is engaged. This no longer shall exist. As sons of freedom, you are now called upon to defend our most inestimable blessing. As Americans, your country looks with confidence to her adopted children for a valorous support, as a faithful return for the advantages enjoyed under her mild and equitable government. As fathers, husbands, and brothers, you are summoned to rally around the standard of the Eagle, to defend all which is dear in existence.'"

This printing of the proclamation "corresponds to the miniature pamphlet edition of the preliminary proclamation and hence was probably published at the insistence of John Murray Forbes with the support of Governor John Albion Andrew of Massachusetts." Eberstadt recorded three extant copies of this scarce edition, including examples held by The Huntington Library, Illinois State Historical Society, and the Massachusetts Historical Society. Eberstadt 15; Monaghan 235.

A VERY BRIGHT COPY.

Provenance:

Louise Taper, Beverly Hills, California

Property from the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Foundation

This lot is located in Chicago.

[EMANCIPATION PROCLAMATION]. LINCOLN, Abraham (1809-1865). Proclamation of Emancipation, by the President of the United States, January 1st, 1863. [Boston: John Murray Forbes, ca. 20 January 1863].

[EMANCIPATION PROCLAMATION]. LINCOLN, Abraham (1809-1865).
Proclamation of Emancipation, by the President of the United States, January 1st, 1863. [Boston: John Murray Forbes, ca. 20 January 1863].