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 | GLC03170 |
| From Archive Folder | Documents Relating to 1850 |
| Title | James Shields to John Chathen regarding slavery |
| Date | 29 June 1850 |
| Author | Shields, James (1810-1879) |
| Recipient | Chathen, John |
| Document Type | Correspondence |
| Content Description | Shields writes as a U.S. Senator from Illinois to Chathen at Jacksonville, Illinois. Argues that Henry Clay opposes the extension of slavery and is no more a pro-slavery man than Thomas Hart Benton (both Clay and Benton were U.S. Senators). Also notes that Chathen has made the mistake of labeling compromise (the Compromise of 1850) as a pro-slavery measure. Argues that the Compromise is opposed violently by the south, and will be defeated by southerners, because they see it as an enactment of the Wilmot Proviso. Contains various pencil notes on verso, apparently unrelated to Shields's letter. |
| Subjects | African American History Slavery Abolition Compromise of 1850 Politics Congress |
| People | Shields, James (1810-1879) Chathen, John (fl. 1850) |
| Place written | Washington, D.C. |
| Theme | African Americans; Slavery & Abolition |
| Sub-collection | The Gilder Lehrman Collection, 1493-1859 |
| Additional Information | During his political career, Shields, a Democrat, served as Governor of the Oregon Territory 1848-1849 and as a Senator for three states: Illinois, Minnesota, and Missouri. |
| Copyright | The Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History |
| Module | Settlement, Commerce, Revolution and Reform: 1493-1859 |
| Transcript | Show/hide |