[Slavery] 1861 Envelope Depicting Gen. Butler's Ft. Monroe "Contraband" Decision

A Civil War envelope representing General Butler's "contraband" decision, also known as the "Fort Monroe Doctrine". Measuring 5.25" x 3", Middleborough, Massachusetts, dated November 24, n.y. [ca. 1861]. Addressed to Henry M. Warren who served in Co. D, 18th Regiment of Porter's Division. At the top margin of the envelope is an illustration of slaves fleeing from their plantation owners toward Fort Monroe. With small tears, minor paper loss, and wear at the edges. Soiling, toning, and ink stains throughout. Overall good.

Henry M. Warren enlisted as a Private at the age of 24 on May 14, 1861 and was later mustered into "D" Company, MA 18th Infantry on in August. He was wounded at Fredericksburg on December 13, 1861 and had to have his right leg amputated. Tragically, he would die of his wounds one week later.

On May 27, 1861, Major General Benjamin Butler made his famous "contraband" decision, or "Fort Monroe Doctrine", declaring that any enslaved men who reached Union lines would be considered "contraband of war" and would not be returned to bondage. Prior to this, the Union had generally enforced the Fugitive Slave Act, returning escaped slaves to their owners. Butler's order resulted in thousands of slaves fleeing to Union lines around Fort Monroe, which came to be known as "Freedom's Fortress". Many contrabands were employed by the Union Army in supportive roles such as cooks, wagon drivers, and laborers until January 1863, when the United States Colored Troops were formed.

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

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