The full content of this document is only available to subscribing institutions. More information can be found via www.amdigital.co.uk
If you believe you should have access to this document, click here to Login.
| Field name | Value |
|---|---|
| Collection Reference Number | GLC09292 |
| From Archive Folder | Undated Documents Relating to the Post-Revolutionary Era |
| Title | Diary of Susan B. Boomer |
| Date | 1848-1858 |
| Author | Boomer, Susan B. (fl. 1848-1858) |
| Document Type | Diary |
| Content Description | Exceptional diary of a young woman who left her native Massachusetts to settle in Bristol, Illinois, with opinions on slavery, patriotism, the Compromise of 1850, and the Fugitive Slave Act. "I spent the night at Uncle James's. During the evening a fugitive slave was introduced to the family. He was entertained with more sympathy than is common for strangers. And indeed his situation demanded it. A man bearing the image of his God & equally deserving to enjoy equal freedom.… I never saw a man fleeing for his freedom before.… I am reading Sewards life of J. Q. Adams. It arouses in my soul the spirit of Revolutionary days.… such bills as have passed during the last session of congress would never have found a place in the annals of that body-granting lands to Texas to make slave states in a future day-then the infamous Fugitive Slave bill! What high treason to freemen-opening our gates for an influx of irresponsible men-hunters-forbiding us by law & with a penalty affixed to feed the flying outcast. It is the highest treason the world ever witnessed. The constitution was wrought by the blood of freemen." |
| Subjects | US Constitution Religion Women's History Slavery Fugitive Slave Act Runaway Slave African American History Congress Law Texas Treason Freemen Slave Life |
| Theme | Slavery & Abolition; African Americans; Women in American History; Religion |
| Sub-collection | The Gilder Lehrman Collection, 1493-1859 |
| Copyright | The Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History |
| Module | Settlement, Commerce, Revolution and Reform: 1493-1859 |