Liberia was an independent Black Republic that had bee created by freed slaves from the United States. The Illustrated London News, 9 August 1862. Courtesy of University of Missouri Libraries.

As reported by the artist, fugitive slaves, escaped from their “Secessionist” masters, are taken into a “Federal camp” as contraband of war. The Illustrated London News, 27 July 1861. Courtesy of University of Missouri Libraries.

Soldiers of the 2nd New York Regiment reside in a camp outside Washington. The Illustrated London News, 29 June 1861. Courtesy of University of Missouri Libraries.

Formally dressed slaves stand in a line while an older white man examines them for purchase. The Illustrated London News, 6 April 1861. Courtesy of University of Missouri Libraries.

A slave in a top hat shields a cloaked woman in the rain with an umbrella as she unlocks her door. The Illustrated London News, 6 April 1861. Courtesy of University of Missouri Libraries.

Portrait of a fugitive slave. The Illustrated London News, 9 March 1861. Courtesy of University of Missouri Libraries.

Portrait of President Lincoln who would later serve during the Civil War and would sign the Emancipation Proclamation. The Illustrated London News, 8 December 1860. Courtesy of University of Missouri Libraries.

Geffrard was one of the collaborators in the coup to remove Emperor Faustin I. He would later express support for the US abolition movement, give a state funeral for John Brown and even assist in the blockade of the Confederacy. The Illustrated London News, 29 October 1859. Courtesy of University of Missouri Libraries.

This sceptre was given to the King of Abeokuta in 1859 by Consul Campbell, the British representative at Lagos. The Illustrated London News, 9 April 1859. Courtesy of University of Missouri Libraries.

Free black men composed a noteworthy portion of the West Indian martial arm. The Illustrated London News, 24 April 1858. Courtesy of University of Missouri Libraries.