Free Republic University, Department of History presents U.S. History, 1855-1860: Seminar and Discussion Forum
Bleeding Kansas, Dred Scott, Lincoln-Douglas, Harpers Ferry, the election of 1860, secession all the events leading up to the Civil War, as seen through news reports of the time and later historical accounts
First session: November 21, 2015. Last date to add: Sometime in the future.
Reading: Self-assigned. Recommendations made and welcomed. To add this class to or drop it from your schedule notify Admissions and Records (Attn: Homer_J_Simpson) by reply or freepmail.
HAMILTON, June 5th, 1858.
DEAR FRIEND STILL: I have just heard that our friend Capt. B. have being taken Prisoner in Virginia with slaves on board of his vessel. I hard this about an hour ago. the Person told me of this said he read it in the newspaper, if this be so it is awfull. You will be so kind as to send me some information. Send me one of the Virginia Papers. Poor fellow if they have got him, I am sorry, sorry to my heart. I have not heard from my Uncle for a long time if have heard or do hear anything from him at any time you will oblige me by writing. I wish you to inquire of Mr. Anderson's friends (if you know any of them), if they have heard anything from him since he was in your city. I have written to him twice since he was here according to his own directions, but never received an answer. I wants to hear from my mother very much, but cannot hear one word. You will present my best regards to the friend. Mrs. Hill is quite sick.
Yours truly,
J. H. HILL.
P. S. I have not received the Anti-Slavery Standard for several weeks. Please forward any news relative to the Capt.
J. H. H
SOURCES: William Still, The Underground Railroad: A Record of Facts, Authentic Narratives, Letters &c., p. 200
June 5. A vigilance committee has just been triumphantly superseding the legal authorities of New Orleans. Very bad, for the transaction doesnt seem to have been (like the memorable movement at San Francisco, which probably forms its precedent) a unanimous up-rising of the conservative men and property holders of the community, compelled in self-defense to put down rampant scoundrelism, even at the expense of violated formalities and legalities. It has been rather a struggle for power between armed political factions, a party insurrection and revolution, of evil omen to democratic institutions
We shall very soon be ripe for a similar outbreak. Had Fernando Wood been reelected mayor last year, it might well have occurred in this city before now. People are fast coming to the conclusion that democracy and universal suffrage will not work in crowded cities.
The Diary of George Templeton Strong, Edited by Allan Nevins and Milton Halsey Thomas
Awesome to see a good opinion on the Germans!
The only thing curious is how he sees American gatherings as debauchery back then...including especially Fourth of July. Hate to have him see the Preakness now.
Abraham Lincoln: Speeches and Writings 1832-1858, edited by Don E. Fehrenbacher