The Life and Times of Sam: A Poem

Henry Chase

Tracy and Sanford, Claremont, N.H., 1855

[Rare Anti-Catholic, Anti-Immigrant, Anti-Irish, Know Nothing Pamphlet] Publisher's printed wraps.  Front wrap has an image of Sam, holding an American flag and a ballot box, standing on a half Pope- half serpent figure. The rear wrap has a 14 line anti-immigrant platform.  Old dampstaining throughout bottom corner.  Loss along the bottom margins to pages 3, 23, 31 (with larger tear on the final page). 32 pages ; 22 cm.  Sold with all faults.  An anti-Catholic pamphlet written in American nativist verse.  Sabin 41011.  "The hordes of thronging emigrants, New crowding to our shore, He thought to make the instrument To bring us in his power, And make this happy country Like Italy or Spain; Quench the last fire of liberty, Which ne'er might burn again; Or like to starving Ireland, Which bows at his behest -- The loveliest of ocean's isles But for those papal priests, Who grind her people down to earth In ignorance and pain; Sure the Apocalyptic Beast has there commenced his reign.  And could it be this western land, Fair freedom's lastest hope, Should be thus wretched and despised, And governed by the pope?" - page 6.  Someone has written, "dogrel shaddy slang" on the front wrap in pencil.  Early signature of Melvin Wright.