While escaping slavery in Missouri, John Anderson killed “by accident” a man trying to recapture him. He fled to Canada, and the U.S. sought his extradition. When his case caused a media, legal and political stir, the British courts ordered him to be transported to England. In the meantime, the Canadian courts set him free on a technicality. Canadian opposition to the British intervention led to the Habeas Corpus Act of 1862 which denied the jurisdiction of the British courts over British colonies or dominions which had their own courts. This constituted a significant step toward Canada’s gaining its independence. Anderson subsequently traveled to England, received some schooling, and eventually was relocated to Liberia. Nothing more is known about him. For a detailed summary of the case, click here. 45 pages of uncut and untrimmed text. Self-wrappers with original string ties.

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Condition: B+

Mostly clean with occasional faint foxing.