"We plant ourselves, then, on this Constitution, and there we are determined to stand, firmly, unflinchingly, unmoved and unterrified by the combined assaults of Federal or of the Slave Power, whether manifested in fugitive or Nebraska Acts, Presidential Proclamations or Dred Scott decisions." 

Vermont House of Representatives. Report of the Select Committee on Slavery, the Dred Scott Decision, and the Action of the Federal Government Thereon. Montpelier, [Vermont]: E.P. Walton, 1858. 8vo. Original wrappers. 32 pages. FIRST EDITION.

A very rare original pamphlet detailing Vermont's stalwart defiance towards the return of fugitive slaves in the wake of the Dred Scott decision and their hostility towards slavery in general. The pamphlet is filled with strong words of resistance from the elected representatives of the Green Mountain State, including a proposed piece of legislation entitled, "AN ACT TO SECURE FREEDOM TO ALL PERSONS WITHIN THIS STATE." This Act plainly stated that, within the borders of Vermont, all "persons of African descent" were not only people entitled to the same rights as all Vermonters, they were free people - and anyone attempting to return them to slavery would be subject to the full force of law. It is quite clear that the authors of this stunning report were radical abolitionists who wished Vermont to openly defy the Supreme Court. 

EXCEEDINGLY RARE. Just five (5) copies of this anti-slavery pamphlet are known, including this one; all other extant copies are housed in institutional collections. No copies have ever sold at auction, making this perhaps the last remaining copy in private hands. Recently discovered in St. Albans, Vermont, this example remains in excellent condition and would be worthy of any advanced anti-slavery or Vermont history collection. 

[Ephemera, Pamphlets, Publications, Booklets] [African Americana, African American History, Black History, Slavery, Enslavement, Abolition, Emancipation] [Manuscripts, Documents, Letters, Signatures, Autographs]