American Books and Pamphlets from David Lesser Antiquarian Books

Here is a man who clearly saw the error of his ways. Item 47 is the Address of Brig.-Gen. E.W. Gantt, C.S.A. First Published October 7, 1863 at Little Rock, Arkansas (the publishing of this edition is uncertain). Lesser notes that this is not a reprint of an 1860 address Gantt gave as some, such as Howes, believed. Indeed, his views had turned 180 degrees by this time. Gantt was a prosperous official in Arkansas, owner of seven slaves, elected to Congress in 1860. He was also a secessionist, preaching against Lincoln and the North to rural Arkansas audiences, including some who were pro-Union. When the war began, he formed a regiment and fought along the Mississippi. He was captured with 7,000 others defending an indefensible island in the river in 1862. He was sent off to prison in the North, but liberated as a result of a prisoner exchange. Gantt returned to Arkansas, where he retained great support among his neighbors. Nonetheless, a reappointment to command in the Confederate Army did not come. It was during this period that Gantt's views radically changed. By 1863, he was convinced the Southern cause was lost and it was time to throw in the towel, end slavery, and seek reconciliation with the North. He surrendered again and proceeded to travel across the North preaching a pro-Union position and promoting Lincoln's reelection the following year against a more southern sympathetic opponent. In the years after the war, Gantt served in various government posts during Reconstruction, and served as Superintendent in the local office of the Freedmen's Bureau, designed to assist former slaves. He was active in attempting to provide such opportunities as work and health care for the former slaves. His activities were not always appreciated, Gantt receiving numerous death threats and was once severely beaten. He resigned from government in 1870 and died in 1874 from natural causes. $350.

Item 1 is a theatrical program for Abbey's Double Mammoth Uncle Tom's Cabin Company's performance of Uncle Tom's Cabin. A Great Wrong Righted. The date is probably 1886. This was a touring company in the late 1870s and 1880s, putting on performances of part of Harriet Beecher Stowe's notable book. The program carries a cover picture of Ms. Stowe and her apparent, though disputed, endorsement. The troupe featured singers, bands, actors and actresses, squeezing the most out of a book whose influence was still well appreciated at this time, particularly in the North. $350.

David M. Lesser Fine Antiquarian Books may be reached at 203-389-8111 ordmlesser@lesserbooks.com. Their website is www.lesserbooks.com.