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Letter from Anthony D. Allen
The source is a letter from former slave Anthony D. Allen to Dr. Dougal, the family of his former masters. Whilst dictated by Allen the letter is written by missionary Hiram Bingham. The letter details Allen’s experiences in becoming a free man, his…
Chisel
This object is a chisel, most likely used by labourers during the Gold Rush Era, and in the development of the railway network in California. Chisels were digging tools which helped to shape the metal railway tracks that were gradually laid across…
Abraham Lincoln Swears He Shall Not Modify The Emancipation Proclamation, Or Return To Slavery Any Person Freed By It
This is a handwritten letter by President Abraham Lincoln to Henry Wright, a member of the Massachusetts Anti-Slavery society. Lincoln vows in 1863, not to revoke or modify the Proclamation, or return any slave to their former bonded labour. Although…
Lincoln's Office Suit
This object is the suit with Abraham Lincoln wore to the office a President of the United States, 1861-1865. It shows a black broadcloth coat, vest and trousers, although the shirt and tie are reproductions. Lincoln used this suit when he delivered…
Digger Indians, Yosemite Valley
This is a wet-plate processed photograph of a group of Indigenous people in Yosemite Valley, California. The appearance of the four subjects is muddy, with soil streaks on their faces and clothes. The title is actually a derogative term used by white…
The flower from Lincoln's grave: sung with great success by James Holbertson words by Burton Lawrence; music by James Holbertson
This is sheet music for a tribute song to Abraham Lincoln, written by Burton Lawrence and sung by James Holberton. The lyrics suggest that it derives from an African-American perspective, with “dis darkey’s” and “ole massa”, who undoubtedly holds…
Slave advertised for sale
This is a newspaper advertisement for the auction of a 'Negro' slave for $300 by his master B.G. Lathrop. The significance of the source lies in the fact that it is the first sale of a slave in California despite its declaration as a free state in…
‘The General Laws of the State of California from 1850 to 1864’
This is a manuscript of California state laws. It outlines the inalienable rights of its citizens, social, political and personal prohibitions, as well as local legislation. Slavery was prohibited unless it was a punishment for a crime, the fugitive…
The White Slave
This is a photograph of a white child shining a black man’s shoes. It was used in the anti-slavery movement in California to evoke sympathy and show how inhumane slavery was. Although bonded labour was deemed illegal in the state laws, there were…
Scene in Uncle Sam’s Senate
This is a political cartoon depicting a heated moment in the senate debate about admitting California as a free state, during the Compromise of 1850. On the left, Mississippi senator Henry Foot is pointing a pistol at the senator of Missouri, Thomas…