"THE GOVERNMENT WAS NOT BY WHITE MEN, FOR WHITE MEN, BUT BY ALL MEN, FOR THE BENEFIT OF ALL": HANCOCK'S ESSAYS ON THE ELECTIVE FRANCISE: OR, WHO HAS THE RIGHT TO VOTE?, 1866

HANCOCK, John. The Great Question for the People! Essays on the Elective Franchise: or, Who Has the Right to Vote? Philadelphia: Merrihew & Son, 1866. Octavo, stitched as issued, original printed cream paper wrappers; pp. 40. $650.

Second edition of this pamphlet on the history of suffrage, focusing on African American suffrage.

Written by John Hancock, a Texas Unionist and eventual U.S. congressman, Essays on the Elective Franchise attempts to lay bare the true history of voting in America, including various times when African Americans were allowed to vote beginning at the founding of the United States. Hancock also discusses the Dred Scott decision; South Carolina's attempts to legally disenfranchise Black Americans; and the military participation of African Americans during the Civil War. The first edition was published in 1865. With publisher's advertisements.

Marginal dampstain to first few leaves, only faint and very occasional soiling to interior and wrappers. Near-fine condition.