Lot 486: Henry Clay signed 1852 American Colonization Society Certificate – Liberia

Rare Henry Clay autographed Black History – Liberia related document. American Colonization Society Membership Certificate for Mrs. Hannah C. Flanders, dated June 22, 1852, signed by Kentucky senator Henry Clay, president of the Society. The partially printed document (by Henry Stone) includes an engraving of a sailing ship with bird overhead holding a scroll with the word LIBERIA printed on it and measures 9 1/8 in. x 6 3/4 in. Note: The American Colonization Society was founded to encourage and support the repatriation of Emancipated Slaves and free persons of color to Liberia, located on the West African coast. Henry Clay (1777-1852) represented Kentucky in both the U.S. House and Senate. He was the seventh House Speaker and the ninth Secretary of State, and ran unsuccessfully for president in 1824, 1832 and 1844. He helped establish the American Colonization Society in 1816.  Interestingly, this document is dated just one week before his death from an extended battle with tuberculosis, indicating these certificates (which rarely come on the market today) were likely signed by Clay well in advance of being issued. 

PROVENANCE:

Private Nashville Collection. 

CONDITION:

Overall very good condition with light, even toning, plate mark present only at lower margin, indicating possible trimming.