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| Field name | Value |
|---|---|
| Collection Reference Number | GLC04555 |
| From Archive Folder | Documents Relating to 1844 |
| Title | Subscription letter for legal defense of John "Vansandt" (Van Zandt), who helped a fugitive slave |
| Date | 14 February 1844 |
| Author | Gilmore, Hiram Sandford (1819-1849) |
| Document Type | Correspondence |
| Content Description | Printed letter with blank subscription page summing up the case of Jones v. "Vansandt" (Van Zandt) and seeking contributions towards Van Zandt's defense. Van Zandt, a Cincinnati farmer, had transported an escaped Kentucky slave in his wagon, and was being held accountable in a Kentucky court for $1,700 for his actions. Trying to raise money for him to take his case to the Supreme Court and fight the "atrocious act of 1793" under which he was convicted. The act "renders any man liable to a fine of $500 for feeding, sheltering, or aiding a wayfarer." Says the suit is "one of the most important cases, that has yet come before the National Court" and affects the liberty of everyone, not just slaves. Requesting small donations totalling $1,200 to provide Vansandt's defense. |
| Subjects | Slave Life Slavery African American History Law Runaway Slave Superstition Charity and Philanthropy Finance |
| People | Gilmore, Hiram Sandford (1819-1849) |
| Place written | Boston, Massachusetts |
| Theme | Slavery & Abolition; African Americans; Law |
| Sub-collection | The Gilder Lehrman Collection, 1493-1859 |
| Additional Information | Hiram S. Gilmore was a Reverend from Cincinnati, who also ran a high school. |
| Copyright | The Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History |
| Module | Settlement, Commerce, Revolution and Reform: 1493-1859 |