Liverpool Emancipation Society records
Scope and Contents
The Liverpool Emancipation Society records include correspondence, notes, printed circulars, and other memorabilia, which document the activities of the society from its founding in 1863 until the end of the American Civil War in 1865. The records are arranged in chronological order.
Correspondence addressed to the society's secretary Robert Trimble comprises the bulk of the records. Most correspondents write either accepting or rejecting membership in the society. Those declining membership express their opinions on the seriousness with which the North was pursuing the abolition of slavery. There is also correspondence with other local emancipation societies such as those in Manchester and London. Several letters in 1865 included donations of money and supplies to aid distressed freedmen. Other records concern arrangements and speakers for society meetings and fund raising events. Henry Ward Beecher appeared at the October 30, 1863, meeting of the society.
Nelson Works donated the records to the Yale University Library in 1986.
Dates
- 1863-1865
Creator
Conditions Governing Access
The materials are open for research.
Conditions Governing Use
Unpublished materials authored or otherwise produced by the creator(s) of this collection are in the public domain. There are no restrictions on use. Copyright status for other collection materials is unknown. Transmission or reproduction of materials protected by U.S. Copyright Law (Title 17, U.S.C.) beyond that allowed by fair use requires the written permission of the copyright owners. Works not in the public domain cannot be commercially exploited without permission of the copyright owners. Responsibility for any use rests exclusively with the user.
Immediate Source of Acquisition
Gift of Nelson Works, 1986.
Extent
0.25 Linear Feet (1 box)
Language of Materials
English
Catalog Record
A record for this collection is available in Orbis, the Yale University Library catalog
Persistent URL
Abstract
The records include correspondence, notes, printed circulars, and memorabilia which document the organization and functioning of the Liverpool Emancipation Society. The society sought to educate the public and thereby garner support for the Union side during the American Civil War. The society also raised funds to aid distressed freedmen.
Biographical / Historical
The Liverpool Emancipation Society was founded in 1863. As was true of other emancipation societies in Britain, the Liverpool society was founded to "instruct the public mind in England of the true conditions of the American question through lectures and public discussions." The society was, in a city looked upon as a stronghold of southern and pro-slavery sentiment, avowedly abolitionist and supportive of Abraham Lincoln. John Croper served as chairman of the society and Robert Trimble was its secretary. The society's leadership tried to secure the participation of many of the local clergy.
- Title
- Guide to the Liverpool Emancipation Society Records
- Status
- Under Revision
- Author
- compiled by Diane E. Kaplan and Marisa Gonzales
- Date
- February 1990
- Description rules
- Finding Aid Created In Accordance With Manuscripts And Archives Processing Manual
- Language of description note
- Finding aid written in English.
Part of the Manuscripts and Archives Repository
Yale University Library
P.O. Box 208240
New Haven CT 06520-8240 US
(203) 432-1735
(203) 432-7441 (Fax)
beinecke.library@yale.edu
Location
Sterling Memorial Library
Room 147
120 High Street
New Haven, CT 06511