[AMERICANA] [NEWSPAPERS] THE HARTFORD DAILY TIMES, 1851

Alfred E. Burr

Richmond, VA: Virginia Illustrating Company, 1917.

This collection of seven issues of The Hartford Daily Times, runs from January 13 to May 7, 1851. Each issue is 21 ½” x 16”, folded into quarters. 4 pages, 2 unbound leaves. This daily for the Hartford, Connecticut area cost $5 per year. The 1st, 3rd, and 4th pages contain ads for everything from groceries to insurance to miracle medical cures. Page 2 contains poetry and news stories at local, regional, national, and international news.~ ~Alfred E. Burr never sought political office, but was heavily involved with the Democratic party in Connecticut. His widely-circulated newspaper granted him significant influence over the platform, in addition to the influence over his readers. The Daily Times reflects his political affiliation, mentioning in most of these issues the state ticket and discussing political events. ~~Mr. Burr frequently discusses the Fugitive Slave Act of 1850, which required the arrest and return of enslaved individuals captured in free states such as Connecticut. Part of the Compromise of 1850, this act was supported by Democrats as a necessary measure in order to preserve the Union. In the February 21 issues, a mocking article discusses the frequent “surprising” rescues of captured fugitive slaves in Boston; other issues cover cases under trial. Other frequent subjects include the California gold rush, which lasted from 1848-1855. ~~Issues include that of January 13, 1851 (No. 2205), Jan. 22, 1851 (No. 2213), February 21, 1851 (No. 2239), March 7, 1851 (No. 2251), March 11, 1851 (No. 2254), May 3, 1851 (No. 2299), and May 7, 1851 (No. 2302). ~.

Item #298316

Price: $200.00