Please ensure Javascript is enabled for purposes of website accessibility

Lot #224
Frederick Douglass Historic Autograph Note Signed: "The Constitution written by John Brown at my house, is not for sale"

"The Constitution written by John Brown at my house, is not for sale"

This lot has closed

Estimate: $4000+
Sell a Similar Item?
Refer Collections and Get Paid
Share:  

Description

"The Constitution written by John Brown at my house, is not for sale"

ANS signed “Fred'k Douglass,” one page, 5 x 3, September 16, 1874. Historic handwritten note by Frederick Douglass, in full: "The Constitution written by John Brown at my house, is not for sale." In fine condition, with a few small stains.

In May 1858, John Brown gathered a group of like-minded activists in Chatham, Ontario, Canada, for a 'Constitutional Convention,' where he introduced a provisional constitution that he had written while a guest at the home of Frederick Douglass in February 1858. Brown wanted to establish an independent republic within the United States, waging war to liberate the South from slavery. He planned to create the state in the Appalachian Mountains, to be populated by escaped slaves and others devoted to the cause of freedom.

This provisional constitution was introduced in Brown's trial by his lawyer, Samuel Chilton, to suggest that his actions at Harpers Ferry were not treasonous, but rather evidence of insanity. Chilton called the constitution 'ridiculous nonsense—a wild, chimerical production' that 'could only be produced by men of unsound minds.'

Auction Info

  • Auction Title: Fine Autograph and Artifacts Featuring Revolutionary War, The War of 1812, and Civil War
  • Dates: #695 - Ended July 10, 2024





This item is Pre-Certified by PSA/DNA
Buy a third-party letter of authenticity for $150.00

*This item has been pre-certified by a trusted third-party authentication service, and by placing a bid on this item, you agree to accept the opinion of this authentication service. If you wish to have an opinion rendered by a different authenticator of your choosing, you must do so prior to your placing of any bid. RR Auction is not responsible for differing opinions submitted 30 days after the date of the sale.