Lot 68
Duties of Christian Masters. By H.N. McTyeire, Southern Methodist Publishing House, Nashville, Tenn., 1859, 290pp, small octavo in brown cloth boards, lacking spine. Edges are bumped and rubbed, but a tightly-bound copy. The author, who states that he is a native South Carolinian and the son of a slaveholder, sets forth the proper manner in which slaves are to be treated by their Christian masters, opining that slaves are property but not chattel and that "Both master and servant have rights." He suggests that slaves be given rest on Sunday, as well as "Sunday" clothes and extra food, according to their work. In the chapter titled "Servants as Social Beings," he urges restraint in punishment, condemns the slave trader for breaking up families, and urges that Christianity be introduced to all servants (his euphemism for slaves). Alternatively, he warns masters that blacks are the most effective liars (being unable to blush), are jealous of their masters, and could turn church services into social gatherings. The final chapters are entirely devoted to religious instruction of slaves and their existence as religious beings. Fascinating reading and surely provocative in its time! Very rare.
Estimated Value $1,000 - 1,250.
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