An Abolition Traitor

"An Abolition Traitor. There are traitors in the North as well as in the South …” [Signed in type:] A Democratic Workingman

Broadside. Folio (30.5 x 47.5 cm.), New York: August 29, 1863. Lain down on cardboard, dampstain in lower left corner, a few marginal chips.

The American Antiquarian Society attirubtes authorship of this broadside and eight others from the period to W.O. Bourne and Sincair Tousey, under the collective title Draft Riots of 1863 of New York City. Two of these bear the Tousey imprint, “Sold by Sinclair Tousey, 121 Nassau Street, New York.” Sinclair Tousey (1818-1887) was a publisher and founder of the American News Company. He was a abolitionist member of the Republican party. The New York Times obituary wrote, “During the draft riots the city awoke one morning to find dwellings, fences, and sidewalks placarded with small posters, headed, ‘Don’t unchain the tiger.’ The posters warned the rioters to be aware of outraged public feeling. A most wholesome effect was produced. Not until long afterwards did it become known that to Mr. Tousey the poster was due.” The ‘tiger’ broadside was issued on 24 July. The draft riots started on Monday 13 July 1863 and lasted four days. In New York, Copperhead politicians had denounced the conscription act of 1863, particularly on the grounds that the rich could buy an exemption. The local police proved themselves unable to control the rioters, and 13 regiments of Union troops were sent from Pennsylvania to garrison the city. Order was restored on 17 July. This broadside quotes the Richmond Enquirer, “Free society is a monstrous abortion, and slavery, the beautiful, healthy, and natural state of being … The slaves are governed far better than the Free laborers of the North” and urges the Workingmen of the Union to support abolition. Uncommon and inflammatory

Item #246347       Price: $1,000.00