Important ALS signed “H. Clay,” one page both sides, 6.75 x 8.5, November 22, 1850. Letter to Thomas R. Hazard of Newport, Rhode Island. In full: "I received your favor of the 14th instant which I have perused with much attention and pleasure. It is full of sentiments of humanity, benevolence and patriotism worthy of your heart. I am afraid with you that the Fugitive Slave bill is every where taking strong ground against its repeal or eventual modification. I fear that your remedy of paying a portion of the value of un-reclaimed Slaves would, if practicable to be adopted, would be liable to serious objections, and lead in operation to fraudulent results. I hope that the law can be maintained, unless it can be shown to have unconstitutional defects, which I do not believe.
You overrate, my dear Sir, my ability to allay the agitation; but whatever I have shall be freely devoted to the object, with the most perfect disinterestedness personally. I had intended to direct my exertions, at the coming session, to the great interests of Colonization, and especially to the object of establishing a line of Steamers on an economical plan; but I now apprehend that the agitation and excitement among ours of the Fugitive Law will render the moment inauspicious for any successful effort. The ultra South has seen, in the scheme of Colonization, through the distant vista, a project of general emancipation. That feeling was wearing away, but it is aroused again by what has recently passed and is passing in regard to Slavery. It is only in a period of calm, when the passions are stilted, that an appeal can be favorably made to the South. Without its co-operation to some extent, it would be inexpedient to rely altogether on Northern support. You, in your great delightful retreat at Vaucluse, can form no full conception of the violence of the passions boiling over in Congress.
I shall present your petition with great satisfaction, should I receive it during the next session. I thank you for the seeds which you sent me, and which I safely received. Do me the favor to present my respectful compliments to Mrs. Hazard." Includes the original mailing envelope addressed in Clay's hand, and franked in the upper right, "Free, H. Clay." In fine condition. Accompanied by a handsome custom-made presentation folder with a quarter leather binding.
Passed on September 18, 1850, the Fugitive Slave Act was one of the most controversial elements of the Compromise of 1850, of which Clay was a key architect. Made between Northern free-soilers and Southern slave-holding states, the compromise quelled tensions and preserved the Union for a decade. The Fugitive Slave Act, specifically, required citizens to assist in the recovery of fugitive slaves, even in the North—an unpopular provision. As a solution to the racial conflict in American society, Clay believed in 'colonization'—the migration of black Americans back to Africa—and he had previously served as president of the American Colonization Society, which helped to establish Liberia as a home for former slaves. This historic letter offers exceptional insight into Clay's thoughts on the most significant political matters of his time.
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