[SLAVERY & ABOLITION]. MORRIS, Thomas (1776-1844). Autograph letter signed ("Tho Morris"). Washington, 3 March 1838. Regarding slavery and "doctrine of Mr. Calhoun's resolutions".

2 pages, 4to, 7 3/4 x 9 3/4 in., with integral free franked address panel, toning and pinholes along old folds. Docketed to address panel leaf.

Morris writes at length about the attempted compromises regarding slavery in the government, spearheaded by John C. Calhoun: "The doctrine of Mr. Calhoun's resolutions cannot be well misunderstood, they claim for southern slavery the guaranty of the constitution, and admit that slavery and the freedom of speech and the press cannot exist together, and southern men in fact insist that we of the free states must abridge our rights in order to sutain theirs, and also insist that the paramount obligations of the constitution are in their favor and against us. But in the debate on this question the southern gentlemen were met by many from the free states in a desire to build a platform, as they termed it, on which both could stand in favor of slavery and in safety from free discussion, and Mr. Calhoun's resolutions were declared to be for that purpose, but this platform to the eyes of the American people, liberty and slavery in juxtaposition upon it, will increase their love for the former and their abhorrence of the latter." He continues at length, commenting in conclusion: "There can be no doubt but Congress possesses ample power to abolish Slavery in this district, no unprejudiced man here I think believes to the contrary."

Thomas Morris was a politician serving in the Ohio State House of Representatives, representing Ohio in the US Senate for a single term, and ran as the vice presidential candidate for the anti-slavery Liberty Party with James G. Birney in 1844.

Property from the James Milgram, M.D., Collection of Broadsides, Ephemeral Americana, and Historical Documents

This lot is located in Cincinnati.