Catalog Archive
Auction 181, Lot 727

Early Reports on the Formation of the Mormon Church and Nat Turner’s Rebellion

"“Mormonism” [and] “Insurrection of the Blacks” [in] Niles' Weekly Register",

Subject: Documents - Mormonism, Nat Turner Rebellion

Period: 1831 (published)

Publication:

Color: Black & White

Size:
6.6 x 10.3 inches
16.8 x 26.2 cm
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This volume contains a complete run of 26 issues of the Niles' Weekly Register, covering the period from March to September 1831. Of particular interest is a section (page 353) entitled "Mormonism" in the July 16 issue. Niles provides a harshly critical view of the new church. While the article indicates “most of our readers must recollect that certain knaves…started a new religion,” this is the first mention of the Mormons in the Weekly Register and one of the earliest, and possibly the first, mention in a national periodical. Also of interest is the article "Insurrection of the Blacks" (pages 455-456) in the August 27 issue. Drawing on local newspaper articles and letters, Niles quickly broke the news to his national audience of the slave insurrection that began on August 21 in Southampton, Virginia that became known as the Nat Turner Rebellion. Nicely rebound in faux leather with gilt titles on front cover and spine.

References:

Condition: B+

Text is very good with an occasional spot of foxing. Modern binding is pristine.

Estimate: $250 - $325

Sold for: $210

Closed on 2/10/2021

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