Adams, Charles Francis, 1807-1886 to Edward Augustus Stansbury

Adams writes to Stansbury, editor of the "Free Soil Courier" in Burlington, Vermont. Attests "the report of what I said at the Convention in the eighth District, which nominated Mr. Mann, is misrepresented, as every thing is misrepresented which comes from the free soil men" (possibly referring to Horace Mann). Seeks to explain his position to Stansbury, arguing that he did not denounce the Democratic Party, but "I did intimate very distinctly that with the other class in both parties, the old, resolute, proslavery set, who consider the maintenance of the country to depend upon the cessation of agitation, I could have no communion." In further reflection, writes, "Really it would seem as if in America nothing is to be regarded as National but Slavery- and every obstacle to its perpetuation over the entire colored race is to be considered as unconstitutional and treasonable... instead of advancing in our notions of Liberty and Law since we became a people, we have been steadily going back to the doctrines of despotism... And all this, we are told is to sustain a Union intended to secure the blessings of freedom!"