Adams, John Quincy, 1767-1848 [Speech fragment on the proposed annexation of Texas]
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC00567 Author/Creator: Adams, John Quincy, 1767-1848 Place Written: Washington, District of Columbia Type: Autograph manuscript Date: circa July 1838 Pagination: 2 p. ; 20 x 16 cm. Order a Copy
Report of Adams to his constituents on events in the 25th Congress, intended for newspaper publication. Adams mentions the speech of Vermont Congressman William Slade, which so offended southerners that they walked out. Discusses annexation of Texas, abolition of slavery in the District of Columbia, duplicity of administration and Southern slave states as well as the suspension of the rules of the House of Representatives for debate. Beginning on 16 June 1838, Adams filibustered Congress for three weeks, giving up the floor only when Congress adjourned for the summer recess. He spoke continuously against slavery, the gag rule and, most especially, the annexation of Texas. This fragment was previously believed to have been a part of speech delivered in 1842. Congress ended its session on 9 July, but Adams lingered in Washington to write out and publish his extemporaneous address. Adams roused public opinion against annexation to such an extant that the Van Buren administration withdrew support for annexation. Paginated 13 and 14. Draft preface to Adams's pamphlet publishing his filibuster speeches concerning the annexation of Texas. These pages were expanded for the preface of the pamphlet printing (pp. 3-8) of his speeches given June 16-July 7th in the House.
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