Artwork
This is a sketch drawn in 1854, depicting the march along State Street that Anthony Burns was led down by a posse of militia and federal marshals. Lining the streets on either side, standing behind further authorities to protect the procession, were Bostonians. Some watched in support of Burns' re-enslavement. Others voiced their displeasure for the Fugitive Slave Act and the treatment of Anthony Burns. They shouted "shame" at the passing authorities.
This sketch depicts the route Anthony Burns was led down after a Boston judge ruled that he was a runaway slave and was to be returned to Virginia. Surrounded by approximately 1500 federal marshals, officers, and Marines, Burns was handcuffed and led down State Street to Long Wharf, where a ship awaited. More officers can be seen lining either side of the street, as behind them stood hundreds of Bostonians. Some came to show support for the militia and the Fugitive Slave Act. Most came to give one last act of disobedience towards the federal law. The shouted at the officers, yelling “shame.” Though warned by the mayor of Boston to not create more violence, like what had occurred at the court house the night Burns was captured, abolitionists would not allow authorities to take Burns away silently.
