[Tennessee]:

THE CODE OF TENNESSEE. ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF 1857-'8. PREPARED AND EDITED BY RETURN J. MEIGS AND WILLIAM F. COOPER.

Nashville, Tennessee: E.G. Eastman and Company, State Printers, 1858. xxx, [2], 1150 pp. Modern tan buckram, title stamped on spine [with discrete library stamp]. Half title present [repaired tear], a clear and clean text. Very Good.

A detailed table of contents is followed by the Declaration of Independence, the U.S. Constitution with amendments and index to the Constitution, the Tennessee Constitution and its index; and U.S. laws on "Naturalization of Aliens."
Of the many detailed provisions of this Code, perhaps the most interesting for modern readers is Title 5, an array of laws concerning "Slaves and Free Persons of Color." These include establishment of Slave Patrols, treatment of runaway slaves and related judicial proceedings, restrictions on travel and movement of slaves, prohibitions on hunting and fire-arms. "Offences committed by Slaves" lists those "punishable by stripes" [no more than 39 lashes] "offences punished by death" [among others, "rape committed upon a free white female;" robbery, arson, burglary]. Wilful murder of a slave is prohibited, but not if the slave dies while "under moderate correction." Assemblies, "exciting slaves to insurrection," marriage, registration requirements for free Negroes, crimes by free persons of color, and other activities are closely regulated. Private emancipations are subject to court supervision and approval, and some emancipated slaves "shall be transported to the Western coast of Africa."
II Harv. Law Cat. 720. Allen 4505. Not in Cohen. Item #37685

Price: $500.00