Wilson, Henry, 1812-1875 to Theodore Parker
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC08889 Author/Creator: Wilson, Henry, 1812-1875 Place Written: Washington, District of Columbia Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 14 March 1857 Pagination: 4 p. ; 25.1 x 20.3 cm. Order a Copy
Senator Wilson thanks Reverend Parker for Parker's recent criticism of Wilson's speech on the topic of slavery and states' rights. Defends himself, stating "I deny the right of any state or nation to hold men in slavery, but I maintain the right of every state or nation to settle that question. I do not believe I have any right by legal action to settle that question for every state in the Union any more that I have to settle it for the people of any other nation..." Believes states' rights must be maintained to preserve United States' citizens status as a free people. Discusses his differences with abolitionists William Lloyd Garrison and Phillips (possibly Wendell Phillips). States that his speech was advised by Seward (possibly Senator William Henry Seward). Declares that Massachusetts abolitionists "have but little idea of the bad thing they put upon our friends in N.J., Pa, Ind, & Ill." Writes that his party (Republican) was "was beaten by the disunion cry in 1856 and we shall be again if we do not avoid it." States that he praised Garrison and Phillips in previous speeches. Relates that the Liberator, Garrison's abolitionist newspaper, contained criticism of him. Writes that Sumner (Charles Sumner, an ardent opponent of slavery) and Giddings (possibly Joshua Reed Giddings, also a noted opponent of slavery) have been absent, or silent, during his criticism by other abolitionists.
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