Rare 1861 WILLIAM H SEWARD Senate Speech THE UNION Fugitive Slave Act Civil War

Description

THE UNION
SPEECH OF WILLIAM H. SEWARD,
IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES.
JANUARY 12, 1861.
[FIRST EDITION] Washington: Congressional Globe, 1861. Disbound (or issued loose?) copy. Octavo (measures 9-1/2 x 6 inches); 8 pages. A statement of Seward's and the Republican Party's belief that slavery is a matter exclusively within the concern of each State; that the Fugitive Slave Act must be enforced; and that, if necessary in order to save the Union, he would agree to a constitutional amendment to that effect. But, he warns, this "is the only Government that can stand here. Woe! Woe! to the man that madly lifts his hand against it." Sabin 79589.
Pages toned, lightly spotted, etc., old tide mark upper corner, but otherwise good complete condition.
William H. Seward (1801-1872) served as Secretary of State under Presidents Lincoln and Johnson, during the critical Civil War period. He was also a U.S. Senator, and Governor of New York, and was almost assassinated at the same time President Lincoln was shot and killed. Seward was probably one of the most influential politicians of the 19th century, with many accomplishments, including the purchase of Alaska from the Russians in 1867.
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