Buchanan, James, 1791-1868 to Isaac G. McKinley
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC04903 Author/Creator: Buchanan, James, 1791-1868 Place Written: Lancaster, Pennsylvania Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 16 July 1851 Pagination: 2 p. ; 25.6 x 20.4 cm. Order a Copy
Buchanan voices his support for the Fugitive Slave Law, enacted under the Compromise of 1850. Believes the law will be the deciding issue in the upcoming election, and that the Democrats should strongly support it. He writes: "The great issue...ought to be: the maintenance of the fugitive slave law without modification." Another central issue must be "the repeal of our State law denying the use of our jails for the detention of fugitive Slaves." Worries that the South is already distressed, and will become more so if the Fugitive Slave Law is attacked. Mentions a Colonel, possibly Bigler, who is running for local office. Says Bigler's success may be crucial to his own, and discusses Bigler's enemies. Offers to assist McKinley with his "campaign paper." Written at Wheatland, Buchanan's estate in Lancaster.
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