2005-03
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 2/28/2005
Important archive pertaining to Dr. Elizur Butler of Connecticut, friend to the Cherokee Nation, and his immediate descendants. In 1821 Butler left New England for North Georgia to serve as a physician and missionary to the Cherokee. Ever sympathetic to the Indians' plight, Butler achieved a certain notoriety in 1831 by refusing to swear allegiance to the State of Georgia on account of the government's harsh anti-Cherokee policies. Along with a fellow missionary, Dr. Samuel Worcester, Butler served half of a four-year sentence in the Georgia State Penitentiary until pardoned by the Federal Government. Butler subsequently accompanied the Cherokees on the Trail of Tears and worked tirelessly on their behalf. This grouping consists of 18 manuscript items, over 40 pages, 1817- ca.1890. Highlights include: Autograph Letter Signed "Elizur Butler" and "Lucy A. Butler", 3 pages, quarto, July 9, 1835, Brainerd, Tennessee to their son, William S. Butler. Here Butler imparts a set of eleven Christian principles by which to live. Light stains, split on address panel, else VG condition...Plus; Manuscript document, "An extract from a letter from Dr. Butler to his wife while in the Penitentiary in Georgia", 2 pages, quarto, ca. 1850's. This transcription by an unknown hand reads in small part: "...Though I felt myself a sinner, I felt that my sins were in a measure beneath my feet. Sin appeared so degrading - so far beneath an immortal mind, how could i ever descend to it again...". Tiny splits, else VF condition...Plus; Autograph Letter Signed "Will P. Ross", 2 pages, quarto, February 21, 1867, Washington, D.C. to Dr. S.W. Butler, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. William P. Ross (1820-1891), an influential Cherokee politician, published the "Cherokee Advocate", served two terms as a principal chief, and represented Cherokee interests in Washington. During a stay in the nation's capital, he wrote this letter. It reads in part: "...It would afford us sincere pleasure to have our general interest committed to your care as Agent & we have no doubt much also to our people. In any event please let me hear from you at once in regard to it...". VF condition...Plus; Manuscript document, one page, quarto, January 24, 1878, Atlanta, Georgia. Penned on official stationery by John W. Nelms, Principal Keeper at the Georgia State Penitentiary, this document transcribes 1830's notations regarding the cases of Butler and Worcester. Fine condition...Plus; Manuscript copies of articles and letters published in newspapers such as the "Cherokee Advocate", the "New York Observer", and the "Christian Observer". Mostly written in the 1840's by Elizur Butler and his son, these essays concern public education, religion, and temperance among the Cherokee. Overall Fine condition...Plus; A packet of 1830's newspaper clippings regarding the imprisonment of Butler and Worcester. Good condition.
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