POOR OLD SLAVE Originl 1851 Minstrel Music ABOLITIONIST

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*** This week I will be listing some very interesting engravings and other historic items from my collection, which I have begun selling on eBay. If you'd like to see some of the others, please click on "view seller's other items" (which you will find at the top of this page). * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * ANTEBELLUM BLACK AMERICANA Original! "POOR OLD SLAVE" Abolition Minstrel Music 1851 This is a fantastic old piece of Black Americana, over a century and a half old, an Abolitionist song published in the very same year as "Uncle Tom's Cabin" was first published, just one decade before the start of the American Civil War. This great historical piece, titled "Poor Old Slave," was published in 1851 (and dated as such). The illustration on the cover is a background sketch of the slave about whom the song was written. Unfortunately, however, he has somehow been given rather simian features, which is certainly not in keeping with the Abolitionist theme of the lyrics! The mood of this song is sadness, and it tells the story of a poor old slave for whom freedom came only with death. This music was published in Boston by G. P. Reed & Co., and the lyrics of the song are as follows: 'Tis just one year ago today, That I remember well, I sat down by poor Nelly's side And a story she did tell. 'Twas 'bout a poor unhappy slave, That lived for many a year; But now he's dead, and in his grave, No master does he fear. CHORUS The poor old slave has gone to rest, We know that he is free. Disturb him not but let him rest, 'Way down in Tennessee. She took my arm, we walk'd along, Into an open field, And t she paused to breathe awhile, Then to his grave did steal. She sat down by that little mound, And softly whisper'd t; Come to me, father, 'tis thy child, Then gently dropp'd a tear. (CHORUS) But since that time how things have changed, Poor Nelly that was my bride, Is laid beneath the cold grave sod, With her father by her side. I planted t upon her grave, The weeping willow tree; I bathed its roots with many a tear, That it might shelter me. (CHORUS) This great piece of historical music was made at a time when Abolitionist fervor was growing in intensity, fueled by a number of writings, plays and songs depicting the plight of the Southern slaves. This was one of these, a classic piece of Black Americana, published just ten years before the question of slavery would be settled by America's bloodiest war. This item is an ORIGINAL - IT IS GENUINE, NOT A REPRODUCTION OF ANY SORT! This sheet music is comprised of three sheets (six pages) - the first page is the front cover (shown in scan); pages 3, 4 and 5 contain the music; and page 6 is the back cover. T is a very slight amount of browning on the cover, a few tiny binding holes along the spine and the pages are loose, but aside from these very minor imperfections, this 156-year-old historic item is in excellent condition - and t are no holes, missing pieces, or any other problems that would significantly affect the display potential of this great old item. I'm a longtime collector, not a dealer, and over the past 40 years I have collected a great variety of historical memorabilia. Not too long ago I decided to sell some of the items from my various collections, and I have found eBay a very good way to reach other collectors who might be interested in some of these. Please see my "feedback" for how others have evaluated the quality of other items from my collection that I have previously sold on eBay. ---- PAYMENT AND SHIPPING Payment may be made by PayPal, by money order, or by personal check, but I reserve the right - depending upon a buyer's eBay "feedback" - to delay s... read more

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