The Draft Riots in New York
New York: Baker & Godwin, 1863. First Edition. Octavo. Item #028673
117 pages, Index. Inscribed: "To David C. Acton, with the esteem and respect of his friend, David M. Barnes, July 1864." Acton had been made President of the Board of Police Commissioners in New York in 1860, a position he held until the outbreak of the Civil War. He was replaced by John G. Bergen and John Kennedy who became incapacitated in July 1863 as the mob protesting the draft began to cause mayhem (burning down the Colored Orphan Asylum, p. 117). Acton re-assumed command for the next five days and did not sleep as he quelled the riot. He himself was left with severe health problems for the next five years. Pastedown on verso of Dedicatory page, handwritten note: "Times of August 16, 1863" with newspaper column printing letter to Gen. Harvey Brown which in the later reply from Gen. Brown gives the credit for subduing the riot to Mr. Acton. This book has his name stamped in gilt on the front cover as "Hon. Thomas C. Acton"). One of the great association copies inscribed by the author and a gift to the major participant who suppressed the riot. Bound in full black morocco decorated in blind, framed within double gilt rules, rebacked beautifully, raised bands with compartments lettered and decorated in gilt, all edges gilt, small piece torn away to upper corner of title page, closed tear to index (last page). A nice association copy.
Price: $2,500.00