3c Dull Red, Ty. I (11). Full margins to in at top and right, tied by greenish-blue "Ballardvale Mass. Feb. 21" circular datestamp with day in manuscript on cover to Cavendish Vt., with British metallic gold Anti-Slavery propaganda design, depicting an African family in their native land at left, broken shackles at their feet and sailing ships on both sides, slogan reads "Haste Happy Day! The time we long to see when every son of Adam shall be free!", imprint at bottom is slightly off edge but shows name of John Marshall

EXTREMELY FINE. THIS MAGNIFICENT COVER IS ARGUABLY THE GREATEST OF ALL ANTI-SLAVERY ENVELOPES USED IN THE UNITED STATES. THE BRITISH DESIGN IS EXTREMELY RARE, AND THE USE OF THE 3-CENT 1851 ISSUE FOR UNITED STATES POSTAGE ADDS ANOTHER DIMENSION OF RARITY.

The African man at left holds a Bible, referencing Isaiah 58:6: "...loose the bands of wickedness, undo the heavy burdens, let the oppressed go free and break every yoke."

Illustrated in Brookman Volume I (p. 146) and on front cover of Chronicle (No. 220). Ex Bilden and Jarrett

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