Two documents detailing the ongoing challenges to extricate the U.S. from the slave trade in the 19th century:

A. Letter from the Secretary of the Navy, Transmitting Copies of the Instructions, Which Have Been Issued to Naval Commanders Upon the Subject of the Importation of Slaves…, published 1819 (5.8 x 8.5"). In 1807 Congress passed a law prohibiting the importation of slaves and authorized the capture and confiscation of any vessels involved in the trade. Despite the prohibition, vessels with slaves continued to lurk off the shores of Georgia and along the Gulf of Mexico seeking an opportunity to land. This document includes strongly worded instructions issued by the Naval Secretary to take aggressive action on suspicious vessels. Despite these instructions illegal importation of slaves continued until the Civil War with few arrests and convictions reported. Octavo, disbound, 10 pages. Condition: Light toning and scattered foxing. (B)

B. Message of the President of the United States, Communicating … a Report … with Documents Relating to the African Slave Trade, from Sen. Ex. Doc. 6, 31st Congress, 2nd Session, published 1850 (5.7 x 9.0"). This report communicates the frustration of the U.S. Consul in Brazil in preventing U.S. ships from importing slaves into Brazil. He estimated that half of the 50,000 slaves imported to Brazil were on ships with the American flag. The description of the slave trade in depositions is graphic and chilling. The names of vessels, masters and owners involved in the trade are listed. The last page has the penciled name “Hamlin” which might refer to Hannibal Hamlin, a Senator at the time, who went on to be Lincoln’s first Vice President. It does not appear to be his signature, but it may be his copy. Octavo, disbound, 43 pages. Condition: Occasional light foxing and toning. (B+)

References:

Condition:

Disbound. See description above.