In the collection of ephemera from the Morse accumulation, two covers related to the Female Anti-Slavery Society of Salem (1832-1866) have been discovered. One of these covers is addressed to Adeline Roberts, a member of the society who served as its corresponding secretary, treasurer, and a committee member. This cover bears an embossed return address from Adams, Sampson & Co., Directory Publishers, Boston. Given that the company operated from 1858 to 1865, and based on the use of this particular stamp, we can estimate the date of this cover to be around 1860.
The second cover, also dating to the 1850s, is addressed to Miss (unreadable) Roberts, Secretary at the Female Anti-Slavery Society. The sender appears to be Reverend Augustus Woodbury (1825-1895), a well-known abolitionist of that era. This is indicated by the inked inscription "A. Woodbury" on the verso of the cover and the penciled "Woodbury" on the front.
Mystery surrounds the identity of this second Miss Roberts. Apart from Miss Adeline, who was occasionally referred to as Adelaide or Adaline, there is scant evidence of another Roberts associated with the Salem Anti-Slavery Society. Nevertheless, this society thrived for over three decades, boasting a membership roster that spanned hundreds, and many of its dedicated members have regrettably faded into the annals of forgotten history.
No comments:
Post a Comment