Bates, Edward, 1793-1869 to Joseph Barrett

GLC01567

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GLC#
GLC01567
Type
Letters
Date
March 8, 1860
Author/Creator
Bates, Edward, 1793-1869
Title
to Joseph Barrett
Place Written
St. Louis, Missouri
Pagination
4 p. : Height: 23.1 cm, Width: 18 cm
Language
English
Primary time period
National Expansion and Reform, 1815-1860
Sub-Era
Age of Jackson

Letter written before the Republican Party Convention. Responds to a note from Barrett, fielding questions on legal matters and slavery. Argues that the United States should not extend slavery into free territories. Attests that in the Dred Scott case, Scott "being a negro could not be a citizen of Missouri therefore could not bring the actions in the Federal Court." Argues that the Constitution does not carry slavery into the Territories. Regarding a homestead bill, remarks that public lands "ought to be as little as possible, the subject of trade & speculation... I think it would be a wise and beneficent policy to give freely homes to such actual settlers..." Thinks Kansas should be admitted to the Union without delay.

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