Author: Rice, Roswell Esq.
Title: Orations and Poetry on Moral and Religious Subjects
Description: Albany, Printed by C. Van Benthuysen, 1850. Early edition, n. d. (ca 1850), possibly a second, expanded edition, as the AAS has a copy, with its "Introduction" dated 1849 and a smaller number of pages; 7 1/2 x 4 3/4; pp. [7], 4-400, [2]; full red morocco over boards, lavishly embossed, with gilt title and decorations to spine; illustrated with portrait frontis and small, woodcut vignettes; a bit of rubbing to edges and corners and some wear to boards; contemorary gift inscription to second free leaf; a few small spots of foxing, mostly to first and last few leaves; overall in about very good condition. Research has not revealed much about Roswell Rice (1803 - ?), but for the fact that he was a New York Assemblyman (listed in Issue No.4, 1858 of "Documents of the Assembly of the State of New York"), that he had been chronically ill for most of his life, and that he was deeply religious. Judging by his chapter on slavery, he was also an ardent abolitionist, writing: "Why raise the cry of freedom, when the African remains in bondage? Ye sons of America, blush for the treason you have committed on the flag of your liberty and the Declaration of your Independance." Other subjects covered included war, temperance, and a large section of his original poetry. (Sabin 70859). Very good .

Keywords: Americana


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