Bates, Edward, 1793-1869 to Joseph Barrett
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC01567 Author/Creator: Bates, Edward, 1793-1869 Place Written: St. Louis, Missouri Type: Letter signed Date: March 8, 1860 Pagination: 4 p. : Height: 23.1 cm, Width: 18 cm Order a Copy
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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