The American Dream or Nightmare
Was
America a dream for all or just a dream for a few selected privileged
people? They saw themselves as a chosen group of people that could
take what ever they believed their creator ordained them to have? The
they we speak of are those that brought the true Israselites over to
this land called America on cargo slave ships. They put them in slavery,
and subjected them to the worse type of treatment that is still not
talked about are taught in the schools today.This Dream became a nightmare for millions of Israelites.
Through the words of the first 18 presidents you will see just how they really felt about the so called Negro (a.k.a Israelite), slavery and the upholding of the constitution's 13th amendment as a right to enslave a people as property and 3/5 a person.
Declaration of Independence, July 4, 1776
...We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness...
17th President Andrew Jackson put it best that the constitution was not written for the newly freed Israelite (a.k.a. slave) nor to have him enter into government.
1864: "As for the negro I am for setting him free but at the same time I assert that this is a white man’s government… If whites and blacks can’t get along together arrangements must be made to colonize the blacks (that is, send them back to Africa).” (Winston, p252)
Jeremiah 30:14 All thy lovers have forgotten thee; they seek thee not; for I have wounded thee with the wound of an enemy, with the chastisement of a cruel one, for the multitude of thine iniquity; [because] thy sins were increased.
Isaiah 47:6 I was wroth with my people(Israel), I have polluted mine inheritance, and given them into thine hand: thou didst shew them no mercy; upon the ancient hast thou very heavily laid thy yoke.Deuteronomy 28:32Thy sons and thy daughters shall be given unto another people, and thine eyes shall look, and fail with longing for them all the day long; and there shall be no might in thine hand.
Through the words of the first 18 presidents you will see just how they really felt about the so called Negro (a.k.a Israelite), slavery and the upholding of the constitution's 13th amendment as a right to enslave a people as property and 3/5 a person.
Declaration of Independence, July 4, 1776
...We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness...
17th President Andrew Jackson put it best that the constitution was not written for the newly freed Israelite (a.k.a. slave) nor to have him enter into government.
1864: "As for the negro I am for setting him free but at the same time I assert that this is a white man’s government… If whites and blacks can’t get along together arrangements must be made to colonize the blacks (that is, send them back to Africa).” (Winston, p252)
Jeremiah 30:14 All thy lovers have forgotten thee; they seek thee not; for I have wounded thee with the wound of an enemy, with the chastisement of a cruel one, for the multitude of thine iniquity; [because] thy sins were increased.
Isaiah 47:6 I was wroth with my people(Israel), I have polluted mine inheritance, and given them into thine hand: thou didst shew them no mercy; upon the ancient hast thou very heavily laid thy yoke.Deuteronomy 28:32Thy sons and thy daughters shall be given unto another people, and thine eyes shall look, and fail with longing for them all the day long; and there shall be no might in thine hand.
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Barack Hussein Obama
44th President, Barack Obama
Deuteronomy 28:65-68
65 And among these nations shalt thou find no ease, neither shall the sole of thy foot have rest: but the Most High shall give thee there a trembling heart, and failing of eyes, and sorrow of mind:
66 And thy life shall hang in doubt before thee; and thou shalt fear day and night, and shalt have none assurance of thy life:
67 In the morning thou shalt say, Would God it were even! and at even thou shalt say, Would God it were morning! for the fear of thine heart wherewith thou shalt fear, and for the sight of thine eyes which thou shalt see.
68And the Most High shall bring thee into Egypt again with ships, by the way whereof I spake unto thee, Thou shalt see it no more again: and there ye shall be sold unto your enemies for bondmen and bondwomen, and no man shall buy (save) you.
Note: Barack Obama is not the deliverer of Yah's people. Yah is our deliverer and He will send Yahoshua to gather us back to the land of Israel.
65 And among these nations shalt thou find no ease, neither shall the sole of thy foot have rest: but the Most High shall give thee there a trembling heart, and failing of eyes, and sorrow of mind:
66 And thy life shall hang in doubt before thee; and thou shalt fear day and night, and shalt have none assurance of thy life:
67 In the morning thou shalt say, Would God it were even! and at even thou shalt say, Would God it were morning! for the fear of thine heart wherewith thou shalt fear, and for the sight of thine eyes which thou shalt see.
68And the Most High shall bring thee into Egypt again with ships, by the way whereof I spake unto thee, Thou shalt see it no more again: and there ye shall be sold unto your enemies for bondmen and bondwomen, and no man shall buy (save) you.
Note: Barack Obama is not the deliverer of Yah's people. Yah is our deliverer and He will send Yahoshua to gather us back to the land of Israel.
Jeremiah 2:14 Is Israel a servant? is he a home born slave? why is he spoiled?
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Jeremiah 5:19
And it shall come to pass, when you shall say, Why does the Most High
our Yah do all these things to us? then shall you answer them, Like as
you have forsaken Me, and served strange gods in your land, so shall
you serve strangers in a land that is not your's.
1 Kings 9:9 And they shall answer, Because they forsook the Most High their Yah, who brought forth their fathers out of the land of Egypt, and have taken hold of other gods, and have worshiped them, and served them: therefore has the Most High brought on them all this evil.
Jeremiah 17:4 Through your own fault you will lose the inheritance I gave you. I will enslave you to your enemies in a land you do not know, for you have kindled my anger, and it will burn forever."
Lamentations 5:2 "The land we inherited has been turned over to strangers. Our homes have been turned over to foreigners.
Jeremiah 9:13 The Most High said, "It is because they have forsaken My law, which I set before them; they have not obeyed Me or followed My law.
Jeremiah 5:18 "Yet even in those days," declares the Most High, "I will not destroy you completely.
1 Kings 9:9 And they shall answer, Because they forsook the Most High their Yah, who brought forth their fathers out of the land of Egypt, and have taken hold of other gods, and have worshiped them, and served them: therefore has the Most High brought on them all this evil.
Jeremiah 17:4 Through your own fault you will lose the inheritance I gave you. I will enslave you to your enemies in a land you do not know, for you have kindled my anger, and it will burn forever."
Lamentations 5:2 "The land we inherited has been turned over to strangers. Our homes have been turned over to foreigners.
Jeremiah 9:13 The Most High said, "It is because they have forsaken My law, which I set before them; they have not obeyed Me or followed My law.
Jeremiah 5:18 "Yet even in those days," declares the Most High, "I will not destroy you completely.
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How Many Presidents Owned Slaves?
An American Dream for white Americans and A Nightmare for the Israelites.
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George Washington 1789-1797
The
first president of the United States George Washington, in 1786 owned
216 Israelite slaves. Technically 200 of those Israelites enslaved by
George Washington belonged to the estate of his wife's first husband.
Washington died in 1799, leaving behind a will that stated for his male servant William Lee to be given a pension and freed immediately. He also wanted the remaining slaves to be freed upon the death of his wife Martha.
Fearing her life might be in danger, Martha chose to free them two years after the death of Washington, not wanting her slaves to get the idea of killing her for their freedom.
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Washington died in 1799, leaving behind a will that stated for his male servant William Lee to be given a pension and freed immediately. He also wanted the remaining slaves to be freed upon the death of his wife Martha.
Fearing her life might be in danger, Martha chose to free them two years after the death of Washington, not wanting her slaves to get the idea of killing her for their freedom.
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Words from Washington
- 1766: Washington sent a “rogue and runaway” slave to the islands to be sold for rum, molasses, etc. (Flexner,p114)
- 1774: Washington said new British laws would make Americans "as tame and abject slaves as the blacks we rule over with such arbitrary sway." (Flexner, p114)
- 1778/9: Washington was reluctant to buy or sell slaves, although he felt that: “If these poor wretches are to be held in a state of slavery, I do not see that a change of masters will render it more irksome, provided husband and wife, and parents are not separated from each other, which is not my intention to do." (Flexner, p118)
- 1786 Washington complained about a Quaker abolitionist society: “I can only say that no man living wishes more sincerely than I do to see the abolition of (slavery)…But when slaves who are happy & content to remain with their present masters, are tampered with & seduced to leave them… it introduces more evils than it can cure."(Hirschfield,p187)
- Before 1793:"The unfortunate condition of the people whose labors I in part employed has been the only unavoidable subject of regret. To make the adults among them as easy and comfortable as their actual state of ignorance and improvidence would admit; and to lay a foundation to prepare the rising generation for a destiny different from that in which they were born, afforded some satisfaction to my mind, and could not, I hoped, be displeasing to the justice of the Creator." (Flexner, p121)
- 1793: As president Washington signed the Fugitive Slave Act.
- Approx 1794: One of Washington’s slaves died: “I hope every necessary care and attention was afforded him. I expect little from (Overseer) McKoy, or indeed from most of his class, for they seem to consider a Negro much in the same light as they do the brute beasts on the farms, and often treat them as inhumanely.” (Wilkins,p83)
- 1796: Oney (or Ona) Judge ran away to New Hampshire.She was one of Washington’s slaves – Martha’s personal servant. President Washington asked the Treasury Secretary for help in getting her back: “I am sorry to give you, or any one else trouble on such a trifling occasion, but the ingratitude of the girl, who was brought up and treated more like a child than a Servant (and Mrs Washington’s desire to recover her) ought not to escape with impunity if it can be avoided.”(Wilkins,p82)
- 1799: Washington complained that he had too many slaves. “To sell the overplus I cannot, because I am principled against this kind of traffic in the human species. To hire them out is almost as bad, because they could not be disposed of in families to any advantage, and to disperse the families I have an aversion.What then is to be done? Something must or I shall be ruined…” (Hirschfield,p74)
John Adams 1797-1801
The
second president John Adams was said not to have owned any slaves but
upon further review we discover that his cousin Samuel Adams received a
slave named Surry as a gift in 1765. She remained as Samuel's family
cook for many decades even after slavery was outlawed in Massachusetts
by a bill Samuel introduced. One is not sure if Surry was freed
immediately when she was given to Samuel or if she remained a slave.
The owner of slaves
_______________________________________________________Words from John Adams
- 1819: “Negro Slavery is an evil of colossal magnitude.” (Ellis,p140)
- 1820: “I shudder when I think of the calamities which slavery is likely to produce in this country. You would think me mad if I were to describe my anticipations…If the gangrene is not stopped I can see nothing but insurrection of the blacks against the whites.”(Smith,p 138)
- 1821: “Slavery in this Country I have seen hanging over it like a black cloud for half a century…”(Ellis p138)
Thomas Jefferson 1801-1809
It
is said that the third president inherited many slaves and purchased
many more over his life time. The dowry of his wife brought in more than
100 slaves alone.
In 1790 the very wealthy and loving Thomas gave his newly married daughter 25 slaves and 1,000 acres of land as gifts. By 1798, just three years before taking office Thomas Jefferson owned 141 slaves.
Also not to leave out the private relationship Thomas Jefferson had with one famous slave he owned by the name of Sally Hemings the half sister of his deceased wife. This relationship even lasted during his presidency and continued until his death.
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In 1790 the very wealthy and loving Thomas gave his newly married daughter 25 slaves and 1,000 acres of land as gifts. By 1798, just three years before taking office Thomas Jefferson owned 141 slaves.
Also not to leave out the private relationship Thomas Jefferson had with one famous slave he owned by the name of Sally Hemings the half sister of his deceased wife. This relationship even lasted during his presidency and continued until his death.
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James Madison 1809-1817
The
fourth president James Madison owned slaves all his life. James grew up
in a slave owning family and enjoyed the pleasures of the good southern
life.
In his death James made sure he did not give freedom to his slaves. Although while he lived he did sell about 16 slaves to a relative.
In his death James made sure he did not give freedom to his slaves. Although while he lived he did sell about 16 slaves to a relative.
Words from James Madison
- 1789: "Establishing a Settlement of freed blacks on the Coast of Africa... might prove a great encouragement tom manumission in the Southern parts of the U.S. and even afford the best hope yet presented of putting an end to the slavery in which not less than 600,000 unhappy Negroes are now involved. In all the Southern States of N. America, the laws permit masters, under certain precautions to manumit their slaves. But the continuance of such a permission in some of the States is rendered precarious by the ill effects suffered from freedmen who retain the vices and habits of slaves. The same consideration becomes an objection with many humane masters against an exertion of their legal rights of freeing their slaves. It is found in fact that neither the good of the Society, nor the happiness of the individuals restored to freedom is promoted by such a change in their condition."(Madison.1999 p472-3)
- 1819: "A general emancipation of slaves ought to be 1. gradual. 2. equitable & satisfactory to the individuals immediately concerned. 3. consistent with the existing & durable prejudices of the nation... To be consistent with existing and probably unalterable prejudices in the U.S. freed blacks ought to be permanently removed beyond the region occupied by or allotted to a White population." (Madison.1999,p729)
James Monroe 1817-1825
The fifth president James Monroe owned about 40 slaves on a farm called Highland.
Monroe faced his first crisis as President with the Panic of 1819, which resulted in high unemployment as well as increased foreclosures and bankruptcies. Some critics derided Monroe for not responding more forcefully to the depression. Although he believed that such troubles were natural for a maturing economy and that the situation would soon turn around, he could do little to alleviate their short-term effects.
Monroe's second crisis came the same year, when the entrance of Missouri to the Union as a slave state threatened to disrupt the legislative balance between North and South. Congress preserved that equilibrium, negotiating a compromise in which Massachusetts allowed its northernmost counties to apply for admission to the Union as the new free state of Maine. The Missouri Compromise also called for the prohibition of slavery in the western territories of the Louisiana Purchase above the 36/30' north latitude line. Monroe worked in support of the compromise and, after ascertaining that the provisions were constitutional, signed the bill.
Monroe faced his first crisis as President with the Panic of 1819, which resulted in high unemployment as well as increased foreclosures and bankruptcies. Some critics derided Monroe for not responding more forcefully to the depression. Although he believed that such troubles were natural for a maturing economy and that the situation would soon turn around, he could do little to alleviate their short-term effects.
Monroe's second crisis came the same year, when the entrance of Missouri to the Union as a slave state threatened to disrupt the legislative balance between North and South. Congress preserved that equilibrium, negotiating a compromise in which Massachusetts allowed its northernmost counties to apply for admission to the Union as the new free state of Maine. The Missouri Compromise also called for the prohibition of slavery in the western territories of the Louisiana Purchase above the 36/30' north latitude line. Monroe worked in support of the compromise and, after ascertaining that the provisions were constitutional, signed the bill.
Words from James Monroe
- 1802: The government considered sending insurgent slaves to Sierra Leone. Governor Monroe discovered that under the law of Sierra Leone the slaves would be free as soon as they arrived. "Still I am persuaded that such was not the intention of the Legislature, as it would put culprits in a better condition than the deserving part of those people... The ancestors of the present Negroes were brought from Africa and sold here as slaves, they and their descendants forever. If we send back any of the race subject to a temporary servitude with liberty to their descendants will not the policy be mild and benevolent?" (Monroe. v3, p 352-353.)
John Quincy Adams 1825-1829
Although President John Quincy Adams never owned slaves he at times
held views that would in no doubt keep slavery and or the placement of
class-ism heavily upon the necks of the disadvantaged Negro a.k.a.
Israelite.
In 1804 John Quincy set up a government for the Louisiana Territory Congress and passed a bill to forbid the slave trade but not slavery.
1815: As Ambassador to Great Britain at the end of the War of 1812 John Quincy negotiated the return of
American property taken by the British – including slaves captured by the army and others who sought
refuge with them. (Hecht, p259.)
1841: In spite of ill health, advanced age John Quincy was asked to represent the Amistad prisoners before the Supreme Court. He did so for no fee and won.
In 1804 John Quincy set up a government for the Louisiana Territory Congress and passed a bill to forbid the slave trade but not slavery.
1815: As Ambassador to Great Britain at the end of the War of 1812 John Quincy negotiated the return of
American property taken by the British – including slaves captured by the army and others who sought
refuge with them. (Hecht, p259.)
1841: In spite of ill health, advanced age John Quincy was asked to represent the Amistad prisoners before the Supreme Court. He did so for no fee and won.
Words from John Quincy Adams
possibility… would have suggested that Negroes and mulattoes (mixed Israelites with Europeans) were not only human beings but capable of constituting a sovereign state and if I had escaped impeachment there would have been a Resolution carried…that featherless bipeds with wool for hair and their descendants till bleached into Anglo Saxons are not entitled to the rights of man."
(Hecht p548)
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- "Slavery in a moral sense is an evil; but as connected with commerce it has important uses. The regulations offered to prevent slavery are insufficient. I shall therefore vote against them."
- 1826: A decade after leaving the presidency John Quincy explained why he hadn’t attempted to get
possibility… would have suggested that Negroes and mulattoes (mixed Israelites with Europeans) were not only human beings but capable of constituting a sovereign state and if I had escaped impeachment there would have been a Resolution carried…that featherless bipeds with wool for hair and their descendants till bleached into Anglo Saxons are not entitled to the rights of man."
(Hecht p548)
- 1833: "I believe that the spirit of the age and the course of events is tending to universal emancipation. But bound as I am by the Constitution of the United States, I am not at liberty to take a part in promoting it. The remedy must arise in the seat of the evil (the south)."
- 1838: Pro-slaver ministers are "prevaricating with their own consciences, and taxing their learning and ingenuity to prove that the Bible sanctions slavery... These preachers of the Gospel might just as well call our extermination of the Indians an obedience to Divine commands because Jehovah commanded the children of Israel to exterminate the Canaanitish nations."
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Andrew Jackson 1829-1837
President
Andrew Jackson most profitable business during his life was the trading
of Negroes, a.k.a Hebrew Israelites. In 1788 Andrew purchased his
first slave which was a woman and by 1794 he had obtain 16 slaves to his
estate.
Increasing in wealth, by the 1820's Andrew owned as many as 160 Israelite slaves. Being apart of his wealthy estate, Andrew could not bring himself to free the slaves in his will.
Also to add 1821: Andrew Jackson threatened one of his wife’s slaves with 50 lashes, to be publicly delivered, for disobedience and insolence.
(Remini, 1977. p134)
Increasing in wealth, by the 1820's Andrew owned as many as 160 Israelite slaves. Being apart of his wealthy estate, Andrew could not bring himself to free the slaves in his will.
Also to add 1821: Andrew Jackson threatened one of his wife’s slaves with 50 lashes, to be publicly delivered, for disobedience and insolence.
(Remini, 1977. p134)
Words from Andrew Jackson
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- 1814: When New Orleans was in danger from British forces it was suggested that the free Black men of the city be invited to participate in it's defense. Andrew Jackson, commanding the army, agreed: "They must be either for, or against, us. Distrust them and you make them your enemies, place confidence in them, and you engage them by every dear and honorable tie to the interest of the country, who extends to them equal rights and privileges with white men." He told the Black men: "As sons of freedom you are now called upon to defend your most inestimable blessing. As Americans, your country looks with confidence on her adopted children, for a valorous support, as a faithful return for the advantages enjoyed under her mild and equitable government."
- 1814: From an ad for a runaway slave: "If taken (that is, captured) out of state, the above reward ($50), and all reasonable expenses paid – and ten dollars extra, for every hundred lashes any person will give him, to the amount of three hundred."
- 1822: To his slave overseer: "As far as leniency can be extended to these unfortunate creatures I wish you to do so; subordination must be obtained first, and then good treatment."
- 1822: Andrew Jackson recaptured four of his slaves who had run away: "Although I hate chains (I was) compelled to place two of them in irons, for safekeeping until an opportunity offers to sell or exchange them."
- 1833: “I could not bear the idea of inhumanity to my poor Negroes.”
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Martin Van Buren 1837-1841
The 8th president Martin Van Buren, nominated for president by the Free Soil Party, and accepted a platform that called for
keeping slavery out of the territories. Martin announced that, if elected, he would not veto a law that forbid slavery in the District of Columbia. (Cole, p415)
When Martin was a young man his father own six slaves (Cole,p13) Martin himself own only one slave by the name of Tom. The slave ran away in 1814 and was found nearly 8 years later. Martin sold Tom for $50 to the Man that found him. (Cole, p110)
Like most presidents that were not for slavery, Van Buren seem to have conflicting views between the idea of it being wrong and it being OK. In 1821 a convention to create a new constitution for New York proposed for bidding free Blacks(a.k.a. Israelites) from voting (which they had been able to do in New York until then). Van Buren fought that but approved a compromise that allowed only Blacks who possessed $250 to vote. He said this “held out inducements to industry.” (Cole, p13) Just a year before he would leave the presidency, in 1840 president Martin ordered a federal marshal to bring the Amistad prisoners to a Navy ship to be returned to their Spanish (alleged) owners. The courts ruled against Martin and, a year later, the prisoners went free. (Cole, p362) Later in the same year of 1840 President Martin got in trouble with the South for supporting his Navy Secretary’s decision that Black witnesses could testify in a court martial, even though the alleged crime took place in North Carolina which forbid such testimony. (Cole, p362)
keeping slavery out of the territories. Martin announced that, if elected, he would not veto a law that forbid slavery in the District of Columbia. (Cole, p415)
When Martin was a young man his father own six slaves (Cole,p13) Martin himself own only one slave by the name of Tom. The slave ran away in 1814 and was found nearly 8 years later. Martin sold Tom for $50 to the Man that found him. (Cole, p110)
Like most presidents that were not for slavery, Van Buren seem to have conflicting views between the idea of it being wrong and it being OK. In 1821 a convention to create a new constitution for New York proposed for bidding free Blacks(a.k.a. Israelites) from voting (which they had been able to do in New York until then). Van Buren fought that but approved a compromise that allowed only Blacks who possessed $250 to vote. He said this “held out inducements to industry.” (Cole, p13) Just a year before he would leave the presidency, in 1840 president Martin ordered a federal marshal to bring the Amistad prisoners to a Navy ship to be returned to their Spanish (alleged) owners. The courts ruled against Martin and, a year later, the prisoners went free. (Cole, p362) Later in the same year of 1840 President Martin got in trouble with the South for supporting his Navy Secretary’s decision that Black witnesses could testify in a court martial, even though the alleged crime took place in North Carolina which forbid such testimony. (Cole, p362)
Words from Martin Van Buren
impressed with the delicacy of this subject, and they treated it with a forbearance so evidently wise that in spite of every sinister foreboding it never until the present period disturbed the tranquility of our common country. Such a result is sufficient evidence of the justice and the patriotism of their course; it is evidence not to be mistaken that an adherence to it can prevent all embarrassment from this as well as from every other anticipated cause of difficulty or danger. Have not recent events made it obvious to the slightest reflection that the least deviation from this spirit of forbearance is injurious to every interest, that of humanity included? (Before the election I declared that:) ‘I must go into the Presidential chair the inflexible and uncompromising opponent of every attempt on the part of Congress to abolish slavery in the District of Columbia against the wishes of the slaveholding States, and also with a determination equally decided to resist the slightest interference with it in the States where it exists.’"
(Van Buren.)
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- 1837: "The last, perhaps the greatest, of the prominent sources of discord and disaster supposed
impressed with the delicacy of this subject, and they treated it with a forbearance so evidently wise that in spite of every sinister foreboding it never until the present period disturbed the tranquility of our common country. Such a result is sufficient evidence of the justice and the patriotism of their course; it is evidence not to be mistaken that an adherence to it can prevent all embarrassment from this as well as from every other anticipated cause of difficulty or danger. Have not recent events made it obvious to the slightest reflection that the least deviation from this spirit of forbearance is injurious to every interest, that of humanity included? (Before the election I declared that:) ‘I must go into the Presidential chair the inflexible and uncompromising opponent of every attempt on the part of Congress to abolish slavery in the District of Columbia against the wishes of the slaveholding States, and also with a determination equally decided to resist the slightest interference with it in the States where it exists.’"
(Van Buren.)
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William Henry Harrison 1841
This
9th president never owned slaves in his short time in office but did
own slaves earlier in his life. William Harrison's father and
grandfather owned many slaves. He was raised and brought up in the
riches that slavery afforded his family.
His prime task as governor was to obtain title to Indian lands so settlers could press forward into the wilderness. When the Indians retaliated, Harrison was responsible for defending the settlements.
In 1800 William inherited about a dozen slaves and took seven (Israelites) slaves to the Northwest Territory where slavery was illegal. To get past the law he made them indentured servants on terms indistinguishable from slavery. (Clanin, p1 and Cleaves, p47) In 1802, Governor William of Indiana called a convention which asked Congress, among other things, to repeal for 10 years the ban on slavery.
(Green, p104)
In 1801, William purchased a runaway slave and later freed him. This freed slave then stayed on for many years as a servant. (It is not known if he was paid as a servant or just allowed to work for his lodging and food.) (Cleaves, p351) 1803: Governor Williams and Indiana’s judges adopted a Virginia law (the territory couldn’t create new laws, just borrow existing ones) that allowed virtual slavery to exist: a master bringing in a slave could force them to sign up as an “indentured servant” with a term running for, say ninety years. (Goebel, p76-78) William took advantage of this but after the indenture law was repealed - with his signature - his servants were generally freed after about a decade of service.
Later in 1804 William was appointed Governor of Indiana territory, which was “free soil.” He attempted to have slavery made legal there, but generally followed the law by keeping Blacks as indentured servants who were free after about a decade of service. (Cleaves,p351)
The threat against settlers became serious in 1809. An eloquent and energetic chieftain, Tecumseh, with his religious brother, the Prophet, began to strengthen an Indian confederation to prevent further encroachment. In 1811 Harrison received permission to attack the confederacy.
While Tecumseh was away seeking more allies, Harrison led about a thousand men toward the Prophet's town. Suddenly, before dawn on November 7, the Indians attacked his camp on Tippecanoe River. After heavy fighting, Harrison repulsed them, but suffered 190 dead and wounded. The Battle of Tippecanoe, upon which Harrison's fame was to rest, disrupted Tecumseh's confederacy but failed to diminish Indian raids.
In the War of 1812 Harrison won more military laurels when he was given the command of the Army in the Northwest with the rank of brigadier general. At the Battle of the Thames, north of Lake Erie, on October 5, 1813, he defeated the combined British and Indian forces, and killed Tecumseh. The Indians scattered, never again to offer serious resistance in what was then called the Northwest.
Thereafter Harrison returned to civilian life; the Whigs, in need of a national hero, nominated him for President in 1840. He won by a majority of less than 150,000, but swept the Electoral College, 234 to 60.
But before he had been in office a month, he caught a cold that developed into pneumonia. On April 4, 1841, he died--the first President to die in office--and with him died the Whig party program.
William Henry Harrison
His prime task as governor was to obtain title to Indian lands so settlers could press forward into the wilderness. When the Indians retaliated, Harrison was responsible for defending the settlements.
In 1800 William inherited about a dozen slaves and took seven (Israelites) slaves to the Northwest Territory where slavery was illegal. To get past the law he made them indentured servants on terms indistinguishable from slavery. (Clanin, p1 and Cleaves, p47) In 1802, Governor William of Indiana called a convention which asked Congress, among other things, to repeal for 10 years the ban on slavery.
(Green, p104)
In 1801, William purchased a runaway slave and later freed him. This freed slave then stayed on for many years as a servant. (It is not known if he was paid as a servant or just allowed to work for his lodging and food.) (Cleaves, p351) 1803: Governor Williams and Indiana’s judges adopted a Virginia law (the territory couldn’t create new laws, just borrow existing ones) that allowed virtual slavery to exist: a master bringing in a slave could force them to sign up as an “indentured servant” with a term running for, say ninety years. (Goebel, p76-78) William took advantage of this but after the indenture law was repealed - with his signature - his servants were generally freed after about a decade of service.
Later in 1804 William was appointed Governor of Indiana territory, which was “free soil.” He attempted to have slavery made legal there, but generally followed the law by keeping Blacks as indentured servants who were free after about a decade of service. (Cleaves,p351)
The threat against settlers became serious in 1809. An eloquent and energetic chieftain, Tecumseh, with his religious brother, the Prophet, began to strengthen an Indian confederation to prevent further encroachment. In 1811 Harrison received permission to attack the confederacy.
While Tecumseh was away seeking more allies, Harrison led about a thousand men toward the Prophet's town. Suddenly, before dawn on November 7, the Indians attacked his camp on Tippecanoe River. After heavy fighting, Harrison repulsed them, but suffered 190 dead and wounded. The Battle of Tippecanoe, upon which Harrison's fame was to rest, disrupted Tecumseh's confederacy but failed to diminish Indian raids.
In the War of 1812 Harrison won more military laurels when he was given the command of the Army in the Northwest with the rank of brigadier general. At the Battle of the Thames, north of Lake Erie, on October 5, 1813, he defeated the combined British and Indian forces, and killed Tecumseh. The Indians scattered, never again to offer serious resistance in what was then called the Northwest.
Thereafter Harrison returned to civilian life; the Whigs, in need of a national hero, nominated him for President in 1840. He won by a majority of less than 150,000, but swept the Electoral College, 234 to 60.
But before he had been in office a month, he caught a cold that developed into pneumonia. On April 4, 1841, he died--the first President to die in office--and with him died the Whig party program.
William Henry Harrison
Words of William Henry Harrison
1840: Presidential candidate William swore he had never been an abolitionist and that the organization he
had joined at age 17 was simply a “humane society.” (Goebel, p358)
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- 1790: At age 17 William joined an abolitionist organization. Many years later he would use this
- 1819: William wanted for a female Kentucky slave he could convert to an indentured servant. “I want one more than ever as Priscilla’s former master has much to my satisfaction come on for her and repaid her the money I gave him… The woman should be of such a character as will promise fidelity in the performance of her engagements. I will agree that she shall be free at from 6 to 8 years in proportion to the price she may cost.” (Cleaves. p250)
- 1819: As a congressman from Ohio William claimed to be against slavery, but consistently voted
- 1820: “We cannot emancipate the slaves of the other states without their consent, but by producing a convulsion which would undo us all…We must wait the slow but certain progress of those good principles which are everywhere gaining ground, and which assuredly will ultimately prevail.” (Cleaves. p254)
- 1833: "I am accused of being friendly to slavery. From my earliest youth to the present moment, I have been the ardent friend of Human Liberty. At the age of eighteen, I became a member of an Abolition Society established at Richmond, Virginia; the object of which was to ameliorate the condition of slaves and procure their freedom by every legal means... I have been the means of liberating many slaves, but never placed one in bondage(Really? This man goes back and forth on what he believes just like a true politician. Notice dates 1835, 1836 and 1840 )... I was the first person to introduce into congress the proposition that all the country above (North of) Missouri... should never have slavery admitted into it.” (Todd, p133-5.)
- 1835: “Am I wrong, fellow-citizens, in applying the terms weak, presumptuous and unconstitutional, to the measures of the emancipators? Some of the emancipators propose immediate abolition. What is the proposition then, as it regards the states and parts of states (where Israelites are in the majority) but the alternatives of amalgamation with the blacks, or an exchange of situations with them? Is there any man of common sense who does not believe that the emancipated blacks, being a majority, will not insist upon a full participation of political rights with the whites; and when possessed of these, they will not contend for a full share of social rights also?" (Todd, p137)
- 1836: Presidential candidate WHH declared that Congress had no power to eliminate slavery in the
1840: Presidential candidate William swore he had never been an abolitionist and that the organization he
had joined at age 17 was simply a “humane society.” (Goebel, p358)
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John Tyler 1841-1845
Dubbed
"His Accidency" by his detractors, John Tyler was the first Vice
President to be elevated to the office of President by the death of his
predecessor.
He owned slaves and believed in keeping it in law for as long as it could be excepted by the people of the territories.
The administration of this states'-righter strengthened the Presidency. But it also increased sectional cleavage that led toward civil war. By the end of his term, Tyler had replaced the original Whig Cabinet with southern conservatives. In 1844 Calhoun became Secretary of State. Later these men returned to the Democratic Party, committed to the preservation of states' rights, planter interests, and the institution of slavery. Whigs became more representative of northern business and farming interests.
When the first southern states seceded in 1861, Tyler led a compromise movement; failing, he worked to create the Southern Confederacy. He died in 1862, a member of the Confederate House of Representatives.
Note: (Taken from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Congress_of_the_Confederate_States )
The 1989 motion picture Glory portrayed an act of the Confederate Congress to execute black troops as well as white officers captured in command of them. This was loosely based on a proclamation passed by Jefferson Davis calling for the return of any African American(a.k.a. Israelites) taken as a prisoner of war to respective state governments where they were to be receive "punishment in accordance with the laws of the said state" as slaves bearing arms. The same law also called for similar penalties for white officers in command of black troops as well as execution of white officers who were then serving under the command of Benjamin Butler "as robbers and criminals deserving death." The last measure was due in part to Butler's General Order No. 28.[2]
Apart from Glory, a passing mention of the Confederate Congress is made in the mini-series Roots. In the final episode of the series, set during Reconstruction, a former Confederate Congress Senator named Arthur Johnson (played by Burl Ives) arrives in the local county to begin several business ventures including buying up all available land and keeping the black population from leaving through heavy interest on sharecropping supplies. The mini-series depicts the senator as being highly respected by the white population, seemingly to imply that even after the Civil War ex-Confederate Congress members were still regarded with a sense of reverence.
He owned slaves and believed in keeping it in law for as long as it could be excepted by the people of the territories.
The administration of this states'-righter strengthened the Presidency. But it also increased sectional cleavage that led toward civil war. By the end of his term, Tyler had replaced the original Whig Cabinet with southern conservatives. In 1844 Calhoun became Secretary of State. Later these men returned to the Democratic Party, committed to the preservation of states' rights, planter interests, and the institution of slavery. Whigs became more representative of northern business and farming interests.
When the first southern states seceded in 1861, Tyler led a compromise movement; failing, he worked to create the Southern Confederacy. He died in 1862, a member of the Confederate House of Representatives.
Note: (Taken from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Congress_of_the_Confederate_States )
The 1989 motion picture Glory portrayed an act of the Confederate Congress to execute black troops as well as white officers captured in command of them. This was loosely based on a proclamation passed by Jefferson Davis calling for the return of any African American(a.k.a. Israelites) taken as a prisoner of war to respective state governments where they were to be receive "punishment in accordance with the laws of the said state" as slaves bearing arms. The same law also called for similar penalties for white officers in command of black troops as well as execution of white officers who were then serving under the command of Benjamin Butler "as robbers and criminals deserving death." The last measure was due in part to Butler's General Order No. 28.[2]
Apart from Glory, a passing mention of the Confederate Congress is made in the mini-series Roots. In the final episode of the series, set during Reconstruction, a former Confederate Congress Senator named Arthur Johnson (played by Burl Ives) arrives in the local county to begin several business ventures including buying up all available land and keeping the black population from leaving through heavy interest on sharecropping supplies. The mini-series depicts the senator as being highly respected by the white population, seemingly to imply that even after the Civil War ex-Confederate Congress members were still regarded with a sense of reverence.
Words of John Tyler
- 1835: In the House of Representatives, John proposed eliminating the slave trade (but not slavery) in the District of Columbia. “Mr Tyler stated that… (he) had a decided objection to the District of Columbia being made a slave mart, a depot for the slaves brought from the two neighboring states.” (Tyler, v1. p571)
- 1836: John opposed the suggestion that slavery be eliminated in the District of Columbia, which had been ceded to the government by Maryland and Virginia. “To interfere with the subject of slavery, not only without, but against the consent of the people of Maryland and Virginia, would be in flagrant violation of the public faith, an abuse of the trust conferred on Congress by the cession, and hazardous of the peace and security of these two states.” (Tyler. v1, p581)
- 1838: Newly elected president of the Virginia Colonization Society John compared this movement to send free Blacks to Africa to the Abolition movement. “Policy and humanity go hand and hand in this great work… Philanthropy , when separated from policy, is the most dangerous agent in human affairs. It is no way distinguishable from fanaticism. It hears not, sees not, and understands not…. And is there not a spirit of that sort now at work in our own fair land? It is the antagonist of that which we cherish. It invades our hearth, assails our domestic circles, preaches up sedition, and encourages insurrection… in a word, it is the spirit of abolition.” (Tyler. v1, p568-9)
- 1838: “(God) works most inscrutably to the understandings of men; - the negro is torn from Africa, a barbarian, ignorant and idolatrous; he is restored civilized, enlightened, and a Christian.”
(Tyler. v1, p569)
James K. Polk 1845-1849
This
11th President of the United States in 1832 had fifteen slaves who he
treated most cruel. Many of his slaves would runaway to escape the
harsh treatment of his hard disciplinary ways toward them.
It is clear by his own words that James Polk saw himself as the superior and the slave (a.k.a. Israelite) as the subservient heaven sent servant.
Often referred to as the first "dark horse" President, James K. Polk was the last of the Jacksonians to sit in the White House, and the last strong President until the Civil War.
By 1835 as Speaker of the House of Representatives Polk had to deal with the constant barrage of anti-slavery petitions delivered by Congressman John Quincy Adams and others. Polk ruled that the petitions had to be received, but could then be rejected – a compromise that pleased no one. His inability to control the House permitted Adams to link abolitionism to the Constitutional right to petition. (McCormac, p94)
1841: Polk’s plantation was troubled by slaves running away to nearby plantations, claiming mistreatment by the overseer. When Polk visited the plantation he had the most recent two brought back and whipped. (Sellers. P446)
It is clear by his own words that James Polk saw himself as the superior and the slave (a.k.a. Israelite) as the subservient heaven sent servant.
Often referred to as the first "dark horse" President, James K. Polk was the last of the Jacksonians to sit in the White House, and the last strong President until the Civil War.
By 1835 as Speaker of the House of Representatives Polk had to deal with the constant barrage of anti-slavery petitions delivered by Congressman John Quincy Adams and others. Polk ruled that the petitions had to be received, but could then be rejected – a compromise that pleased no one. His inability to control the House permitted Adams to link abolitionism to the Constitutional right to petition. (McCormac, p94)
1841: Polk’s plantation was troubled by slaves running away to nearby plantations, claiming mistreatment by the overseer. When Polk visited the plantation he had the most recent two brought back and whipped. (Sellers. P446)
Words of James Polk
- 1826: “ When this country became free and independent, this species of population (slaves a.k.a. Israelites) was found amongst us(found amongst us, give me a break). It had been entailed upon us by our ancestors, and was viewed as a common evil; not confined to the locality where it was, but affecting the whole nation. Some of the States which then possessed it have since gotten clear of it: they were a species of property that differed from all other: they were rational; they were human beings.” (McCormac, p612)
- 1830: “A slave dreads the punishment of stripes (i.e. whipping) more than he does imprisonment, and that description of punishment has, besides, a beneficial effect upon his fellow-slaves.” (Sellers, p186)
- 1838: “The Abolitionists (are) fanatical and wicked agitators.” (Sellers. P349)
1837, poster to alert citizens of the Abolitionist. Notice the appeal to the Union.
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Zachary Taylor 1849-1850
The
12th President Zachary Taylor was very accustom to the benefits of free
labor through slavery. In 1800 Zachary's father owned 26 Israelite
slaves and by 1847 he himself owned well over 100 Israelite slaves.
Zachary Taylor by his words was a very frugal man but the investment in slaves shows he was also very wealthy and was determine to keep slavery alive even by war.
Zachary supposedly never sold a slave. (Hamilton.P31)
Traditionally, people could decide whether they wanted slavery when they drew up new state
constitutions. Therefore, to end the dispute over slavery in new areas, Taylor urged settlers in New Mexico and California to draft constitutions and apply for statehood, bypassing the territorial stage.
Southerners were furious, since neither state constitution was likely to permit slavery; Members of Congress were dismayed, since they felt the President was usurping their policy-making prerogatives. In addition, Taylor's solution ignored several acute side issues: the northern dislike of the slave market operating in the District of Columbia; and the southern demands for a more stringent fugitive slave law.
In February 1850 President Taylor had held a stormy conference with southern leaders who threatened secession. He told them that if necessary to enforce the laws, he personally would lead the Army. Persons "taken in rebellion against the Union, he would hang ... with less reluctance than he had hanged deserters and spies in Mexico." He never wavered.
Then events took an unexpected turn. After participating in ceremonies at the Washington Monument on a blistering July 4, Taylor fell ill; within five days he was dead. After his death, the forces of compromise triumphed, but the war Taylor had been willing to face came 11 years later. In it, his only son Richard served as a general in the Confederate Army. ( whitehouse.gov )
Zachary Taylor by his words was a very frugal man but the investment in slaves shows he was also very wealthy and was determine to keep slavery alive even by war.
Zachary supposedly never sold a slave. (Hamilton.P31)
Traditionally, people could decide whether they wanted slavery when they drew up new state
constitutions. Therefore, to end the dispute over slavery in new areas, Taylor urged settlers in New Mexico and California to draft constitutions and apply for statehood, bypassing the territorial stage.
Southerners were furious, since neither state constitution was likely to permit slavery; Members of Congress were dismayed, since they felt the President was usurping their policy-making prerogatives. In addition, Taylor's solution ignored several acute side issues: the northern dislike of the slave market operating in the District of Columbia; and the southern demands for a more stringent fugitive slave law.
In February 1850 President Taylor had held a stormy conference with southern leaders who threatened secession. He told them that if necessary to enforce the laws, he personally would lead the Army. Persons "taken in rebellion against the Union, he would hang ... with less reluctance than he had hanged deserters and spies in Mexico." He never wavered.
Then events took an unexpected turn. After participating in ceremonies at the Washington Monument on a blistering July 4, Taylor fell ill; within five days he was dead. After his death, the forces of compromise triumphed, but the war Taylor had been willing to face came 11 years later. In it, his only son Richard served as a general in the Confederate Army. ( whitehouse.gov )
Words from Zachary Taylor
(Noticed he believed the constitution gave them the right to own slaves. He was right to believe so and don't let anyone tell you a lie that the constitution was also written with the slave (a.k.a. Israelite) in mind. Zachary was willing to fight for this constitutional right to keep slavery alive.)
________________________________________________________________________________________________
- 1847: “I too have been all my life industrious and frugal, and that the fruits thereof are mainly invested in slaves, of whom I own three hundred.” (McKinley, p208)
- 1847: “The moment (the abolitionists) go beyond the point where resistance becomes right and proper, let the South act promptly, boldly and decisively with arms in their hands, if necessary, as the Union in that case will be blown to atoms, or will be no longer worth preserving.” (McKinley, p270)
- 1847: “So far as slavery is concerned, we of the south must throw ourselves on the constitution and defend our rights under it to the last, and when arguments will no longer suffice, we will appeal to the sword, if necessary." (Hamilton, p45)
(Noticed he believed the constitution gave them the right to own slaves. He was right to believe so and don't let anyone tell you a lie that the constitution was also written with the slave (a.k.a. Israelite) in mind. Zachary was willing to fight for this constitutional right to keep slavery alive.)
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Millard Fillmore 1850-1853
Born
in the Finger Lakes country of New York in 1800, Fillmore as a youth
endured the privations of frontier life. He worked on his father's
farm, and at 15 was apprenticed to a cloth dresser. He attended
one-room schools, and fell in love with the redheaded teacher, Abigail
Powers, who later became his wife.
He owned no slaves and gave the notion that he detested slavery but would endure it's evil until it could be done away with entirely. He had no desire to see the slave trade continue are see any other state join the territories as more ground for the institution of the evils of slavery. Millard Fillmore seems to be a breath of fresh air amongst a sea of men bent on conquest and the pursuit of their own gain of prosperity and the American dream that was a nightmare for the Israelite slave. Signing the Fugitive Slave Act of 1850 leaves one to believe that although Fillmore detested slavery and all its evils he only saw them no more than mere property and not human beings.
President Fillmore track record speaks for its self. Using Senator Stephen A. Douglas of Illinois at this critical juncture, President Fillmore announced in favor of the Compromise. On August 6, 1850, he sent a message to Congress recommending that Texas be paid to abandon her claims to part of New Mexico. This helped influence a critical number of northern Whigs in Congress away from their insistence upon the Wilmot Proviso--the stipulation that all land gained by the Mexican War must be closed to slavery.
Douglas presented five separate bills to the Senate:
1. Admit California as a free state.
2. Settle the Texas boundary and compensate her.
3. Grant territorial status to New Mexico.
4. Place Federal officers at the disposal of slaveholders seeking fugitives.
5. Abolish the slave trade in the District of Columbia.
Each measure obtained a majority, and by September 20, President Fillmore had signed them into law.
Some of the more militant northern Whigs remained irreconcilable, refusing to forgive Fillmore for having signed the Fugitive Slave Act. Which helped deprive him of the Presidential nomination in 1852.
Within a few years it was apparent that although the Compromise had been intended to settle the slavery controversy, it served rather as an uneasy sectional truce.
As the Whig Party disintegrated in the 1850's, Fillmore refused to join the Republican Party; but, instead, in 1856 accepted the nomination for President of the Know Nothing, or American, Party. Throughout the Civil War he opposed President Lincoln and during Reconstruction supported President Johnson. He died in 1874.
Whitehouse.gov
(Note: It is very interesting to me for a President so against slavery and the slave trade that Fillmore would sign such a bill into law. This clearly shows that he favored the owners of slaves more so than the slaves themselves. As you see below the Fugitive Slave Act of 1850 gave no rights to the runaway slave by no means. All power was placed in the hand of the Federal Marshal and law-enforcement agencies to capture so called runaway slaves whether they were freed citizens or really runaways at all. The free Israelite was not allowed a trail or jury to proclaim his/her freedom in a court of law. The Israelite (slave) could be apprehended on a white persons claim that the slave belonged to them even if they were a free citizen.)
He owned no slaves and gave the notion that he detested slavery but would endure it's evil until it could be done away with entirely. He had no desire to see the slave trade continue are see any other state join the territories as more ground for the institution of the evils of slavery. Millard Fillmore seems to be a breath of fresh air amongst a sea of men bent on conquest and the pursuit of their own gain of prosperity and the American dream that was a nightmare for the Israelite slave. Signing the Fugitive Slave Act of 1850 leaves one to believe that although Fillmore detested slavery and all its evils he only saw them no more than mere property and not human beings.
President Fillmore track record speaks for its self. Using Senator Stephen A. Douglas of Illinois at this critical juncture, President Fillmore announced in favor of the Compromise. On August 6, 1850, he sent a message to Congress recommending that Texas be paid to abandon her claims to part of New Mexico. This helped influence a critical number of northern Whigs in Congress away from their insistence upon the Wilmot Proviso--the stipulation that all land gained by the Mexican War must be closed to slavery.
Douglas presented five separate bills to the Senate:
1. Admit California as a free state.
2. Settle the Texas boundary and compensate her.
3. Grant territorial status to New Mexico.
4. Place Federal officers at the disposal of slaveholders seeking fugitives.
5. Abolish the slave trade in the District of Columbia.
Each measure obtained a majority, and by September 20, President Fillmore had signed them into law.
Some of the more militant northern Whigs remained irreconcilable, refusing to forgive Fillmore for having signed the Fugitive Slave Act. Which helped deprive him of the Presidential nomination in 1852.
Within a few years it was apparent that although the Compromise had been intended to settle the slavery controversy, it served rather as an uneasy sectional truce.
As the Whig Party disintegrated in the 1850's, Fillmore refused to join the Republican Party; but, instead, in 1856 accepted the nomination for President of the Know Nothing, or American, Party. Throughout the Civil War he opposed President Lincoln and during Reconstruction supported President Johnson. He died in 1874.
Whitehouse.gov
(Note: It is very interesting to me for a President so against slavery and the slave trade that Fillmore would sign such a bill into law. This clearly shows that he favored the owners of slaves more so than the slaves themselves. As you see below the Fugitive Slave Act of 1850 gave no rights to the runaway slave by no means. All power was placed in the hand of the Federal Marshal and law-enforcement agencies to capture so called runaway slaves whether they were freed citizens or really runaways at all. The free Israelite was not allowed a trail or jury to proclaim his/her freedom in a court of law. The Israelite (slave) could be apprehended on a white persons claim that the slave belonged to them even if they were a free citizen.)
Words from Millard Fillmore
(Note: These Presidents saw slavery as a constitutional right whether they believed in owning slaves are not. They proudly upheld the right for those who owned slaves as it was the idea attached to "Life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness", something given to all white men of the newly established territories.)
________________________________________________________________________________________________
- 1838: After Fillmore was nominated to Congress an abolitionist group sent him the following list of questions: “Do you believe that petitions to congress…on slavery and the slave trade, ought to be
- 1846: Fillmore called the Mexican War a “wild and wicked scheme of foreign conquest” to add “another slave territory to the United States.” He added that while the North had the majority, “the South has managed to have the Speaker of the House about two-thirds of the time, and the Presidency about two-thirds of the time…I cast no imputations upon the South for this, but ask: Shall we submit to our servile condition?” (Rayback, p162)
- 1850: Fillmore signed the Fugitive Slave Act and warned that he would use federal troops to enforce it. “God knows that I detest slavery, but it is an existing evil, for which we are not responsible, and we must endure it,(what is he actually enduring) and give it(slavery) such protection as is guaranteed by the constitution, till we can get rid of it without destroying the last hope of free government in the world.” (Their freedom seemed more important than the slave.) (Rayback, p252 and 271)
- 1852: MF wrote about slavery in the draft of his last state-of-the-union message, but his cabinet convinced him to leave that text out. He predicted that within a century the population, White and Black, would overwhelm the land. “It will give birth to a conflict of races with all the lamentable onsequences which must characterize such a strife… The terrific scenes of St. Domingo (i.e. the slave rebellion in Haiti) are sooner or later to be re-enacted here, unless something be done to avert it.” The only solution would be to free the slaves and send them back to Africa. “If emigration could take place at the rate of 100,000 per annum, that would not only prevent the increase of the slave population, but constantly diminish it, and at last…wipe it out entirely.” Asians would be permitted in to replace the slave labor force. (Rayback, p368-9)
(Note: These Presidents saw slavery as a constitutional right whether they believed in owning slaves are not. They proudly upheld the right for those who owned slaves as it was the idea attached to "Life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness", something given to all white men of the newly established territories.)
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1851 poster warning Israelites in Boston of policemen acting as slave catchers.
The Fugitive Slave Act of 1850
The Fugitive Slave Law or Fugitive Slave Act was passed by the United States Congress on September 18, 1850, as part of the Compromise of 1850 between Southernslave holding interests and Northern Free-Soilers. This was one of the most controversial acts of the 1850 compromise and heightened Northern fears of a 'slave power conspiracy'. It declared that all runaway slaves be brought back to their masters. Abolitionists nicknamed it the "Bloodhound Law" for the dogs that were used to track down runaway slaves.
In response to the weakening of the original fugitive slave act of 1793, the Fugitive Slave Law of 1850 made any Federal marshal or other official who did not arrest an alleged runaway slave liable to a fine of $1,000. Law-enforcement officials everywhere now had a duty to arrest anyone suspected of being a runaway slave on no more evidence than a claimant's sworn testimony of ownership. The suspected slave could not ask for a jury trial or testify on his or her own behalf. In addition, any person aiding a runaway slave by providing food or shelter was subject to six months' imprisonment and a $1,000 fine. Officers who captured a fugitive slave were entitled to a bonus or promotion for their work. Slave owners only needed to supply an affidavit to a Federal marshal to capture an escaped slave. Since any suspected slave was not eligible for a trial this led to many free blacks being conscripted into slavery as they had no rights in court and could not defend themselves against accusations.
The Fugitive Slave Law or Fugitive Slave Act was passed by the United States Congress on September 18, 1850, as part of the Compromise of 1850 between Southernslave holding interests and Northern Free-Soilers. This was one of the most controversial acts of the 1850 compromise and heightened Northern fears of a 'slave power conspiracy'. It declared that all runaway slaves be brought back to their masters. Abolitionists nicknamed it the "Bloodhound Law" for the dogs that were used to track down runaway slaves.
In response to the weakening of the original fugitive slave act of 1793, the Fugitive Slave Law of 1850 made any Federal marshal or other official who did not arrest an alleged runaway slave liable to a fine of $1,000. Law-enforcement officials everywhere now had a duty to arrest anyone suspected of being a runaway slave on no more evidence than a claimant's sworn testimony of ownership. The suspected slave could not ask for a jury trial or testify on his or her own behalf. In addition, any person aiding a runaway slave by providing food or shelter was subject to six months' imprisonment and a $1,000 fine. Officers who captured a fugitive slave were entitled to a bonus or promotion for their work. Slave owners only needed to supply an affidavit to a Federal marshal to capture an escaped slave. Since any suspected slave was not eligible for a trial this led to many free blacks being conscripted into slavery as they had no rights in court and could not defend themselves against accusations.
Franklin Pierce 1853-1857
Franklin
Pierce became President at a time of apparent tranquility. The United
States, by virtue of the Compromise of 1850, seemed to have weathered
its sectional storm. By pursuing the recommendations of southern
advisers, Pierce--a New Englander--hoped to prevent still another
outbreak of that storm. But his policies, far from preserving calm,
hastened the disruption of the Union.
Franklin did not own any slaves but like most presidents before him whether fore or against slavery he upheld the right for slave owners to own slaves under the rights afforded by the constitution. Franklin played politics at the expense of the unfortunate slave (a.k.a. Israelite) .
Franklin did not own any slaves but like most presidents before him whether fore or against slavery he upheld the right for slave owners to own slaves under the rights afforded by the constitution. Franklin played politics at the expense of the unfortunate slave (a.k.a. Israelite) .
Words from Franklin Pierce
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- 1835: (In his state, New Hampshire, there was) “not one in a hundred who does not entertain the most sacred regard for the rights of their Southern (slave owning) brethren – nay not one in five hundred who would not have those rights protected at any and every hazard. There is not the slightest disposition to interfere with any rights secured by the constitution.” (When an abolitionist newspaper in New Hampshire published a petition signed by far more than one-in-five-hundred, Pierce responded that he meant (white) voters – not women and children, who he says, made up most of the petition signers) (Nichols, p84-5.)
- 1838: "Would any man here abridge the liberty of speech, or assail the freedom of the press? I think not... I oppose the Abolitionists, for the very reason that I entertain a sacred regard for these in common with all other rights secured by the Constitution... the citizen of New Hampshire is no more responsible, morally or politically for the existence and continuance of this domestic institution (Slavery) in Virginia or Maryland, than he would be for the existence of any similar institutions in France or Persia. Why? Because these are matters over which the States...retained the sole and exclusive control, and for which they are alone responsible... It is admitted that domestic slavery exists here (in Washington, DC) in its mildest form. That part of the population are bound together by friendship and the nearer relations of life. They are attached to the families (slave owners) in which they have lived from childhood (speaking of the Israelite slave). They are comfortably provided for, and apparently contented." (Congressional Globe 1838. v6n1 p54)
- 1853: “I believe that involuntary servitude as it exists in different states of this Confederacy, is recognized by the constitution. I believe that it stands like any other admitted right, and that the states where it exists are entitled to efficient remedies to enforce the constitutional provisions…. I fervently hope that the question is at test, and that no sectional or ambitious or fanatical excitement may again threaten the durability of our institutions.” (from his inaugural address) (Nichols. p235-6.)
- 1855: “If the passionate rage of fanaticism and partisan spirit did not force the fact upon our attention, it would be difficult to believe that any considerable portion of the people of this enlightened country could have so surrendered themselves to a fanatical devotion to the supposed interests of the relatively few Africans in the United States to totally abandon and disregard the interests of 25,000,000 Americans.” (Nichols. P 433)
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James Buchanan 1857-1861
15th
President, James Buchanan, on paper did not own any slaves. For
political reasons only he purchase his sister's husband two slaves and
immediately converted them to his indentured servants. Daphne Cook, age
22, was indentured for seven years and Ann Cook, age 5, was indentured
for 23 years of her life. (Klein, p100)
James was the only president who never married. For more than a decade he shared a home with Senator William Rufus King of Alabama, leading to speculation, then and now, that they were homosexuals. King was a slave owner and some historians think his influence was the reason James was more pro-South and pro-slavery than the typical Pennsylvania politician. (“The Other Buchanan Controversy.”)
James was the only president who never married. For more than a decade he shared a home with Senator William Rufus King of Alabama, leading to speculation, then and now, that they were homosexuals. King was a slave owner and some historians think his influence was the reason James was more pro-South and pro-slavery than the typical Pennsylvania politician. (“The Other Buchanan Controversy.”)
William R King
Most
evidence of James and Williams relationship was destroyed by the
nieces of the two in an effort to hide their love for one another. In
one letter James Buchanan wrote in 1844, after William left for
France, makes it very clear what relationship the two men had between
each other. "I am now solitary and
alone, having no companion in the house with me. I have gone a wooing
to several gentlemen, but have not succeeded with any one of them. I
feel that it is not good for man to be alone; and should not be
astonished to find myself married to some old maid who can nurse me
when I am sick, provide good dinners for me when I am well, and not
expect from me any very ardent or romantic affection."
Words of James Buchanan
Abraham
Lincoln, the nation 16th President and one of the most memorable of
most leaders in the United States of present, owned no slaves but held
views that at times sympathized with the Southern slave owning states.
It was also noted that Lincoln held no different view than most of the Presidents and politicians before him on the matter of the white race being far superior than that of the Negro slave.
Words from Abraham Lincoln- 1826: "I believe (slavery) to be a great political and a great moral evil. I thank God, my lot has been cast in a State where it does not exist(slavery). But, while I entertain these opinions, I know it is an evil at present without a remedy. It has been a curse entailed upon us by that nation which now makes us a subject of reproach to our institutions. It is, however, one of those moral evils, from which it is impossible for us to escape, without the introduction of evils infinitely greater. There are portions of this Union, in which, if you emancipate your slaves, they will become masters. There can be no middle course. Is there any man in this Union who could, for a moment, indulge in the horrible idea of abolishing slavery by the massacre of the high-minded, and the chivalrous race of men in the South?" (Curtis, v1. p68)
- 1835: “What is now asked by these memorialists? That in this District (of Columbia) of ten miles square – a District carved out of two slave holding States, and surrounded by them on all sides, slavery shall be abolished! What would be the effects of granting their request? You would thus erect a citadel in the very hearts of these States, upon a territory which they have ceded to you for a far different purpose, from which abolitionists and incendiaries could securely attack the peace and safety of their citizens. You establish a spot within the slave holding States which would be a city of refuge for runaway slaves. You create by law a central point from which trains of gunpowder may be securely laid, extending into the surrounding States, which may at any moment produce a fearful and destructive explosion. By passing such a law, you introduce into the enemy (slave) into the very bosom of these two States, and afford him every opportunity to produce a servile insurrection.” (Horton, p153)
- 1836: "The natural tendency of their publications is to produce dissatisfaction and revolt among the slaves (speaking of the abolitionists), and to incite their wild passions to vengeance... Many a mother clasps her infant to her bosom when she retires to rest, under dreadful apprehensions that she may be aroused from her slumbers by the savage yells of the slaves by whom she is surrounded. These are the works of the abolitionists." (Curtis v1 p317)
- 1837: “When the States became parties to the federal compact, they entered into a solemn agreement that property in slaves should be as inviolable as any other property. Whilst the Constitution endures no human power, except that of the State within which slavery exists, has any right to interfere with the question..” (Horton. P246)
- 1852: "History teaches us that but for the provision in favor of the restoration of fugitive slaves, our present Constitution would never have existed. Think ye that the South will ever tamely surrender the Fugitive Slave Law to Northern fanatics and Abolitionists?" (Curtis, v2. p65-6)
- 1860: "The immediate peril arises... from the fact that the incessant and violent agitation of the slavery question throughout the North, for the last quarter of a century, has at length produced its malign influence on the slaves, and inspired them with vague notions of freedom." (Buchanan) p114)
- 1861-6: Between 1861 and 1862 James wrote a book defending his administration against charges ranging from incompetence to treason that had been made by congress and the press. It was published in 1866, after the war was over. "If the fanatics of the North (in the 1830s) denounced slavery as evil and only evil, and that continually, the fanatics of the South upheld it as fraught with blessings to the slave as well as to the master. Far different was the estimation in which it was held by Southern patriots and statesmen both before and for many years after the adoption of the Constitution. These looked forward hopefully to the day when, with safety both to the white and black race, it might be abolished by the people of the slave holding States themselves, who alone possessed the power." (Buchanan) p14)
Abraham Lincoln 1861-1865
Abraham
Lincoln, the nation 16th President and one of the most memorable of
most leaders in the United States of present, owned no slaves but held
views that at times sympathized with the Southern slave owning states. It was also noted that Lincoln held no different view than most of the Presidents and politicians before him on the matter of the white race being far superior than that of the Negro slave.
- 1841: “We got on board the Steam Boat Lebanon… By the way, a fine example was presented on board the boat for contemplating the effect of condition on human happiness. A gentleman had purchased twelve Negroes in different parts of Kentucky and was taking them to a farm in the South. They were chained six and six together.A small iron clevis was around the left wrist of each, and this fastened to the main chain by a shorter one at a convenient distance from the others; so that the Negroes were strung together precisely like so may fish upon a trot-line. In this condition they were being separated forever from the scenes of their childhood, their friends, their fathers and mothers, and brothers and sisters, and many of them, from their wives and children, and going into perpetual slavery where the lash of the master is proverbially more ruthless and unrelenting than any other where; and yet amid all these distressing circumstances, as we would think them, they were the most cheerful and apparently happy creatures on board.One, whose offense for which he had been sold was an over-fondness for his wife, played the fiddle almost continually; and the others danced, sung, cracked jokes, and played various games with cards from day to day.”(Lincoln, 1953, v1, p 260) (But see his letter to Joshua Speed,in 1855)
- 1854?: “The most dumb and stupid slave that ever toiled for a master, does constantly know that he is wronged…although volume upon volume is written to prove slavery a very good thing, we never hear of the man who wishes to take the good of it, by being a slave himself.”(Lincoln, 1953, v2, p 222)
- 1854?:“It is color, then; the lighter having the right to enslave the darker?Take care.By this rule, you are to be slave of the first man you meet, with a fairer skin than your own. You do not mean color exactly? You mean the whites are intellectuallythe superiors of the blacks, and, therefore have the right to enslave them. Take care again. By this rule, you are to be slave to the first man you meet, with an intellect superior to your own.”(Lincoln, 1953, v2, p 222-3)
- 1854: “Inasmuch as you (the Southern states) do not object to my taking my hog to Nebraska (Territory), therefore I must not object to your taking your slave. Now, I admit this is perfectly logical, if there is no difference between hogs and Negroes…In 1820 you joined the north, almost unanimously, in declaring the African slave trade piracy, and in annexing to it the punishment of death. Why did you do this? If you did not feel that it was wrong, why did you join in providing that men should be hung for it? The practice was no more than bringing wild Negroes from Africa, to sell to such as would buy them. But you never thought of hanging men for catching and selling wild horses, wild buffaloes or wild bears.”(Lincoln, 1953, v2, p 264)
- 1854: “You (the slave owner) despise (the slave-trader) utterly.You do not recognize him as a friend, or even as an honest man. Your children must not play with his; they may rollick freely with the little Negroes, but not with the ‘slave-dealers’ children. If you are obliged to deal with him, you try to get through the job without as much as touching him.”(Lincoln, 1953, v2, p 264)
- 1857: “But Judge (Stephen) Douglas is especially horrified at the thought of the mixing blood by the white and black races: agreed for once – a thousand times agreed… In 1850 there were in the United States 405,751 mulattoes.Very few of them are the offspring of whites and free blacks; nearly all have spring from black slaves and white masters… These statistics show that slavery is the greatest source of amalgamation; and next to it, not the elevation, but the degradation of the free blacks.”(Lincoln, 1953, v2, p 407-8)
- 1858: "A house divided against itself cannot stand.' I believe this government cannot endure permanently half slave and half free. I do not expect the Union to be dissolved -- I do not expect the house to fall - but I do expect it will cease to be divided. It will become all one thing, or all the other." (Appelman, p14)
- 1858: "Before proceeding. let me say I think I have no prejudice against the Southern people. They are just what we would be in their situation. If slavery did not now exist among them, they would not introduce it. If it did now exist among us, we should not instantly give it up... If all earthly power were given me, I should not know what to do as to the existing institution. My first impulse would be to free all the slaves, and send them to Liberia - to their own native land... (But this is not practical.) What then? Free them all, and keep them among us as underlings? Is it quite certain that this betters their condition? I think I would not hold one in slavery at any rate; yet the point is not clear enough to me to denounce people upon. What next? Free them, and make them politically and socially our equals? My own feelings will not admit of this; and if mine would, we well know that those of the great mass of white people will not." (Appelman, p20)
Note: As Lincoln gets closer to his presidency you can see his words start to move closer to the view of the Southern states. Just playing politics or was he sharing how he really felt about the two races. It is clear that Lincoln felt strongly about his race being given the superior role and the Israelite (a.k.a Negro) given the role of inferior.
- 1858: "I will say then that I am not, nor ever have been in favor of bringing about in any way the social and political equality of the white and black races, that I am not nor ever have been in favor of making voters or jurors of Negroes, nor of qualifying them to hold office, nor to intermarry with white people; and I will say in addition to this that there is a physical difference between the white and black races which I believe will for ever forbid the two races living together on terms of social and political equality. And inasmuch as they cannot so live, while they do remain together there must be the position of superior and inferior, and I as much as any other man am in favor of having the superior position assigned to the white race.” (Lincoln, 1953, v3, p145-6)
- 1858: "We profess to have no taste for running and catching niggers , at least I profess no taste for that job at all. Why then do I yield support to a fugitive slave law? Because I do not understand that the Constitution, which guarantees that right, can be supported without it.” (Lincoln, 1953, v3, p317, see also p91 and p94)
- 1859: "Negro equality! Fudge! How long, in the government of a God, great enough to make and maintain this Universe, shall there continue knaves to vend, and fools to gulp, so low a piece of demagogism as this." (Lincoln, 1953, v3, p399)
- 1862: (To an audience of free Blacks.) “I think your race suffer very greatly, many of them by living among us, while ours suffer from your presence…I need not recount to you the effects upon white men, growing out of the institution of Slavery. I believe in its general evil effects on the white race.” (Lincoln, 1953, v5, p37-3)
*Here you see the most common words of most politicians when appealing to
the people and saying things that will agree with all and offend none.
- 1862:"My paramount object in this struggle is to save the Union, and is not either to save or to destroy slavery. If I could save the Union without freeing any slave, I would do it; and if I could save it by freeing all the slaves, I would do it; and if I could save it by freeing some and leaving others alone, I would also do that... I intend no modification of my oft-expressed personal wish that all men everywhere could be free." (Appelman, p29) (In other words I will do what it takes to keep the ball rolling.)
- 1862: In September AL announced that in January 1863 he would issue an emancipation proclamation, freeing any slaves in states that were still in rebellion at that date.(Lincoln, 1953, v5, p433)
- 1862: AL proposed three constitutional amendments: The first would have banned slavery in the year 1900, with compensation being made to the slave owners. The second would have kept free all slaves who were freed during the war; owners who had not been rebels would be compensated. The third would have authorized Congress to appropriate money to set up colonies of willing Blacks outside of the United States. (Lincoln, 1953, v5, p530)
- 1863: "The most that can be said, if so much, is, that slaves are property. Is there - has there ever been - any question that by the law of war, property, both of enemies and friends, may be taken when needed? ...some of the commanders of our armies in the field who have given us our most important successes, believe that the emancipation policy, and the use of colored troops, constitute the heaviest blow yet dealt to the rebellion; and that at least one of those important successes, could not have been achieved when it was, but for the aid of black soldiers... You say you will not fight to free Negroes. Some of them seem willing to fight for you; but, no matter. Fight you, then, exclusively to save the Union. I issued the proclamation on purpose to aid you in saving the Union... Negroes, like other people, act upon motives. Why should they do any thing for us, if we will do nothing for them? If they stake their lives for us, they must be prompted by the strongest motive - even the promise of freedom. And the promise being made, must be kept."(Lincoln, 1953, v6, p408-9.)
Andrew Johnson 1865-1869
President
Andrew owned slaves in his life time but not while he served in the
office of the presidency. He bought his first slave, a manservant named
Sam, in 1837 which he eventually owned.
Most of his slaves were owned at the beginning of the Civil War. It was said that most of them returned voluntarily after being confiscated by the Confederates, and these he treated as freemen. (Johnson, v6, p 549.)
In 1864, as military governor of Tennessee, he proclaimed freedom for all slaves in the state. (Johnson, p.xxxvii)
As a state legislator in 1841 Andrew proposed amending the Tennessee constitution so that slaves would no longer be counted in calculating representation. At the time they were being counted as three-fifths of a free person, the same as in the federal constitution, giving a large advantage to counties where many slaves were owned. The legislature voted down his amendment.(Thomas, p48)
Most of his slaves were owned at the beginning of the Civil War. It was said that most of them returned voluntarily after being confiscated by the Confederates, and these he treated as freemen. (Johnson, v6, p 549.)
In 1864, as military governor of Tennessee, he proclaimed freedom for all slaves in the state. (Johnson, p.xxxvii)
As a state legislator in 1841 Andrew proposed amending the Tennessee constitution so that slaves would no longer be counted in calculating representation. At the time they were being counted as three-fifths of a free person, the same as in the federal constitution, giving a large advantage to counties where many slaves were owned. The legislature voted down his amendment.(Thomas, p48)
Words from Andrew Johnson
- 1859: “Round and round the giddy circle of slavery agitation have we gone, until our heads are reeling and our stomachs almost heaving. It really seems to me that if some member of this body (the U.S. Senate) was to introduce the Ten Commandments for consideration… somebody would find a Negro in them somewhere; the slavery agitation would come up.” (Thomas, p 126)
- Before 1860: “If you liberate the negro, what will be the next step? …Blood, rape, and rapine will be our portion. You can’t get rid of the negro except by holding him in slavery.” (Winston, p118-9)
- 1860: After Lincoln was elected Andrew reacted to the threats of Southern states (including his own Tennessee) to secede: “Slavery will find no friends anywhere.”(Thomas, p 153)
- 1864: "Slavery is the cancer upon the body politic, which must be rooted out before perfect health can be restored... I have owned slaves - slaves that I bought with my own money - money earned by myself, a quarter of a dollar at a time. They were confiscated and sold; yet two of them ran away from the Rebel dominions and came here to me. I hired them - made a bargain with them for their labor, and thus recognized their freedom. And I find they do better than when they were slaves. Now if any of you are slave owners, I advise you to go and do likewise, while you have the chance. Hire your Negroes to work for you, and you will find they will do better labor for you than when they were slaves." (Johnson, Vol 6. p549-550. Also, Moore.)
- 1864:”As for the negro I am for setting him free but at the same time I assert that this is a white man’s government… If whites and blacks can’t get along together arrangements must be made to colonize the blacks (that is, send them to Africa).” (Winston, p252)
- 1864: (As military governor) “Colored men of Nashville - You have all heard of the President’s Proclamation, by which he announced to the world that the slaves in a large portion of the secede States were thenceforth and forever free. For certain reasons, which seemed wise to the President, the benefits of that Proclamation did not extend to you or to your native State. Many of you consequently were left in bondage.The taskmaster’s scourge was not yet broken, and the fetters still galled your limbs. Gradually this iniquity has been passing away; but the hour has come when the last vestiges of it must be removed. Consequently, I , …Andrew Johnson, do hereby proclaim freedom, full, broad, and unconditional, to every man in Tennessee!”(Johnson, p.xxxvii)
- 1865: to a group of Black soldiers: "This is your country as well as anybody else's country. This country is founded upon the principle of equality... He that is meritorious and virtuous, intellectual and well informed, must stand highest, without regard to color... (the great question is whether) this race can be incorporated and mixed with the people of the United States - to make a harmonious and permanent ingredient in the population." (Cox, 141)
- 1865: (If I were making the decision for the state of Tennessee) " I should try to introduce negro suffrage gradually; first those who had served in the army; those who could read and write; and perhaps a property qualification for the others, say $200 or $250. It would not do to let the negro have universal suffrage now; it would breed a war of races." (Cox, 144)
- 1866: (After speaking to a group of Blacks, including Frederick Douglass, who urged him to support suffrage for all Blacks.) "Those damned sons of bitches thought they had me in a trap! I know that damned Douglass; he's just like any nigger, and he would sooner cut a white man's throat than not." (Cox, 152-3)
Ulysses S. Grant 1869-1877
The 18th president Ulysses S. Grant owned slaves through the dowry of his wife Julia Dent Grant. She was given slaves from her father. (Simon,p 347)
When he was elected, the American people hoped for an end to turmoil. Grant provided neither vigor nor reform. Looking to Congress for direction, he seemed bewildered. One visitor to the White House noted "a puzzled pathos, as of a man with a problem before him of which he does not understand the terms."
As President, Grant presided over the Government much as he had run the Army. Indeed he brought part of his Army staff to the White House.
Although a man of scrupulous honesty, Grant as President accepted handsome presents from admirers. Worse, he allowed himself to be seen with two speculators, Jay Gould and James Fisk. When Grant realized their scheme to corner the market in gold, he authorized the Secretary of the Treasury to sell enough gold to wreck their plans, but the speculation had already wrought havoc with business.
When he was elected, the American people hoped for an end to turmoil. Grant provided neither vigor nor reform. Looking to Congress for direction, he seemed bewildered. One visitor to the White House noted "a puzzled pathos, as of a man with a problem before him of which he does not understand the terms."
As President, Grant presided over the Government much as he had run the Army. Indeed he brought part of his Army staff to the White House.
Although a man of scrupulous honesty, Grant as President accepted handsome presents from admirers. Worse, he allowed himself to be seen with two speculators, Jay Gould and James Fisk. When Grant realized their scheme to corner the market in gold, he authorized the Secretary of the Treasury to sell enough gold to wreck their plans, but the speculation had already wrought havoc with business.
Words from Ulysses S. Grant
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- 1846: "The people of Mexico are a very different race of people from ours. The better class are very proud and tyrannize over the lower and much more numerous class as much as a hard master does over his Negroes, and they submit to it quite humbly." (Simon, v1, p97)
- 1858: Speaking of a slave his father-in-law gave to his wife: "He is a very smart, active boy, capable of making anything... I can leave him here and get about three dollars per month for him now, and more as he gets older."(Simon, v1. p344)
- 1878: "As soon as slavery fired upon the flag it was felt, we all felt, even those who did not object to slaves, that slavery must be destroyed. We felt that it was a stain to the Union that men should be bought and sold like cattle." (Grant, 1969, p367)
- 1885: "The cause of the great war of the rebellion against the United States will have to be attributed to slavery... Slavery was an institution that required unusual guaranties for its security wherever it existed; and in a country like ours, where the larger portion of it was free territory inhabited by an intelligent and well-to-do population, the people would naturally have but little sympathy with demands upon them for its protection. Hence the people of the South were dependent upon keeping control of the general government to secure the perpetuation of their favorite institution." (Grant, 1885, v2, p386)
- 1885: "(Before the Civil War) many educated and otherwise sensible persons appeared to believe that emancipation meant social equality. (In 1860) the Republican party was successful in electing its candidate to the Presidency. The civilized world has learned the consequence. Four millions of human beings held as chattels ( Israelites) have been liberated; the ballot has been given to them; the free schools of the country have been opened to their children. The nation still lives, and the people are just as free to avoid social intimacy with the blacks as ever they were, or as they are with white people." (Grant, 1885, v1, 170-1)
- 1885: "The fact is, the Southern slave-owners believed that, in some way, the ownership of slaves conferred a sort of patent of nobility -- a right to govern independent of the interest or wishes of those who did not hold such property. They convinced themselves, first, of the divine origin of the institution, and, next, that that particular institution was not safe in the hands of any body of legislators but themselves." (Grant, 1885, v1, p 180)
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1847 Israelite blacksmith by the name Issac Jefferson
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