95

(SLAVERY AND ABOLITION.) [WALTON, AUGUSTUS Q., pseudonym of Virgil Stewart] A History of the Detection, Conviction, Life and Designs of

VERY RARE PAMPHLET (SLAVERY AND ABOLITION.) [WALTON, AUGUSTUS Q., pseudonym of Virgil Stewart] A History of the Detection, Conviction, Life and Designs of John A. Murel. The Great Western Land Pirate! Together with his System of Villany, and Plan of Exciting a Negro Rebellion. Engraved portrait vignette title-page. [1]-4-46 pages. 8vo, original self-wrappers; wide, untrimmed edges wrinkled and with some wear; paper evenly toned. [New York, 1839.]

  • Notes: rare, probable fifth edition for which oclc locates only one copy. One of the most famous and intriguing American outlaw narratives, written by Virgil Stewart, supposedly one of Murel's cohorts. Known as a "land-pirate," Murel used the Mississippi River as a base for his operations. He employed a network of anywhere from 300 (Stewart's estimate) to 1,000 (as quoted in Mark Twain's Life on the Mississippi) to 2,500 (as some newspaper reports claimed) fellow bandits collectively known as the Mystic Clan to pull off his escapades. Many of these were members of racially mixed cultural/ethnic groups such as the Melungeons and the Redbones. He was also known as a bushwhacker along the Natchez Trace. While the title implies Murel's attempts to incite a slave rebellion, in fact Murel was known to have aided slaves in their escape, only to sell them back into slavery. Quite possibly the strangest American outlaw narrative. Howes, Final Edition, W74; Adams Six-Guns, 2301 ("Rare"); Cohen 14041 (earlier edition); not in Schomburg Collection.




  • Condition: All items are offered for sale subject to Swann Galleries' standard terms and conditions of sale, which are published in our catalogues.

Accepted Forms of Payment:

Money Order / Cashiers Check, Personal Check, Wire Transfer

Shipping

Upon request, Swann will facilitate the shipping of purchases to out-of-town buyers at an additional charge for packing, shipping and insurance, but will not be responsible for any loss, damage or delay resulting from the packing, handling and shipping thereof. Unless specific instructions are received, Swann is the sole judge of the method to be used for shipment. Packing and shipping costs will be noted on the invoice mailed to successful bidders after the sale, and are based on the actual costs involved. Be advised that a full commercial invoice must accompany any purchase shipped outside the US.

February 25, 2010 1:30 PM EST
New York, NY, US

Swann Auction Galleries

You agree to pay a buyer's premium of 23% and any applicable taxes and shipping.

View full terms and conditions

Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $149 $10
$150 $499 $25
$500 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $5,999 $200
$6,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,000
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
$200,000 $499,999 $20,000
$500,000 + $50,000