Black History
1835 Original Poem Titled “ON AMERICAN SLAVERY”
April 1835-Dated, Manuscript Document, Original Poem titled, “ON AMERICAN SLAVERY” by Reverend Jonathan Huntting, unsigned, Southhold, L.I. (Long Island, NY), Very Fine.
An original Poem, Handwritten Document, 2 pages, written upon a single sheet back to back, measuring 12.5” x 8” being well and clearly boldly written upon clean, crisp wove period paper watermarked with an “O & H” as the paper marker. It is a poem titled “On American Slavery” by Reverend Jonathon Huntting (unsigned) of Southold, Long Island. This poem, written by Reverend Jonathan Huntting, is calling upon the Presbyterian Church and America to address the issue of Slavery. It reads in full, headed:

“On American Slavery.

‘My mothers children were angry with me - they made me the keeper of the vineyards - but my own vineyard have I not kept’ - Solomon.

America ! My country ! can it be

That all within thy bosom are not free?

Does thy star spangled banner proudly wave

And only mock and tantalize the slave?

Has legislation its materials wrought

To chain the mighty elements of thought?

To wrap in shades of ignorance the soul

Designed to live while endless ages roll?

And can the patriot, for love of gold

See fellow citizens thus bought and sold?

And does the christian deal in slavery too?

Angels of light! can you believe it true?

America! my country - can it be

That all they sons of freedom are not free?

I bid the slave unfettered walk abroad

And stretch his hand unmanacled to God.

Church of the living God! rise in thy might -

Take up the arms of truth and heavenly light;

From inspiration drone collected rays

Pour on this subject one incessant blaze -

Louder, and louder let the trumpet sound

‘Till conscience startled from her sleep profound

Assumes her empire - and with just control

Sends full conviction, thrilling o’er the soul.

Touched by the energy of God’s own word

Piercing and powerful as a two-edged sword

Slavery must fall, with all her cruel power

And fall like Babylon to rise no more.

Can the philanthropist look on, and dream

O’er human misery in its extreme?

While up to heaven ascend incessant cries,

From bleeding hearts, o’er nature’s broken lies?

Southold L.I. April 1835”

This is a Unique original and truly wonderful early treaties on the ills of Slavery. Reverend Huntting was a graduate of Yale University and the Yale library has a small archive of his early sermons. Rare and Unique.