ALS, four pages on two adjoining sheets, 8 x 10, October 10, 1857. Private letter to a friend. In part, “The South, in my opinion, are committing a fatal error in urging and insisting on this law. The clause in the Constitution is a mere compact among the States, wherein each state binds itself to two things - first that the state will pass no law relieving a fugitive from service in another state - second that the state will deliver him up on claim from the person to whom service is due. It was the true policy of the South to have demanded that the States should each fulfill its constitutional obligations...But the great interest involved has made our Southern friends oblivious to the fundamental doctrines of the party and the teachings of Jefferson, and in their desires to get their runaways, they forget or are unmindful of constitutional rights & restrictions. Not only this departure from the faith on primitive principles, it has I fear had a corrupting tendency in other respects. In no other way can I account for this indifference manifested respecting the stupendous friends and improper practices involving high office delinquents. The fugitive slave law has done more to break down a correct public opinion and sweep away the distinctions of party through the North than anything they had around in my day.” In very good condition, with scattered toning and soiling, some small separations along folds and at fold junctions, light show through from text on reverse. COA John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and R&R COA.
