Scarce First Edition of "My Bondage And My Freedom

Scarce First Edition of "My Bondage And My Freedom", Part I -- Life As A Slave, Part II -- Life As A Freeman, by Frederick Douglass, with an introduction by Dr. James M'Cune Smith. New York and Auburn: Miller, Orton & Mulligan, 1855. Illustrated with steel engraved prints, and Frontispiece Engraving of Frederick Douglass by J. C. Buttre from a Daguerreotype, with autograph signature of Douglas (facsimile). Autograph manuscript inscription on prefatory page of W.S. ? Davis, Westford, Otsego (?) County, N.Y. This book came from an estate in Rochester, NY, Upstate New York, where Douglas lived for many years. See #37 (below) for more information about Frederick's visit to Scotland. -- order postcard of Frederick Douglass

-- St. Johnsbury Calcdonian newspaper, St. Johnsbury, VT, Mar.23, 1877. The column headlines -- "A 'Nigger' In a High Place" to bring the news that Frederick Douglass has been confirmed as U.S. Marshall". An historic event for an African American man over 125 years ago -- but shame on the editor's for using such a derogatory headline. Here is the article:
-- "Probably the most conservative politician will now admit that the world moves. Frederick Douglass, the eloquent and learned colored man, has been confirmed by the Senate to the best office in the District of Columbia -- four Democratic Senators voting for his confirmation, as well as all the Republicans, and two prominent Democrats of Washington -- Alexander and Christie -- becoming Douglass's bondmen. When such men as Ben. Hill vote for confirmation of a Black" Republican to office in the old slave District of Columbia, it is time for reformers to thank God and take courage. The world does move."

-- Deed of Trust for James L. Barbour and Frank D. Johns, signed by Frederick Douglass, July 7, 1881. Douglass served as the Recorder of Deeds for the Washington, DC Government (1881-1886). This Deed was signed during his first months on the job. (gift from Mark E. Mitchell).

-- New York Times, Apr.29, 1842 -- A 1 1/2" front page column headed THE ANTI-SLAVERY CONVENTION, Cincinnati, Ohio.  Frederick Douglass chosen to be one of the Vice-Presidents.