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Buchanan, James (1791-1868) to Ezra B. Chase

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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC00529.06 Author/Creator: Buchanan, James (1791-1868) Place Written: Lancaster, Pennsylvania Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 7 November 1851 Pagination: 2 p. ; 25 x 20 cm.

Summary of Content: Buchanan states his position on slavery and the issue of fugitive slaves. Buchanan strongly supports the Compromise of 1850 and the Fugitive Slave Act, and believes it will reduce sectional strife. He is "decidedly in favor of 'the finality' of the compromise measures" and finds that the Compromise favors the North, except for the Fugitive Slave Law. Also states that the Democrats of Pennsylvania have decided to repeal the law preventing fugitive slaves from being housed in jails. Has received many congratulations from the South for his work on this cause. Concludes with election news. Written at Wheatland, Buchanan's estate in Lancaster.

Background Information: Ezra B. Chase was the District Attorney of Luzerne County, Pennsylvania.

People: Buchanan, James, 1791-1868
Chase, Ezra B., 1826-1894

Historical Era: National Expansion and Reform, 1815-1860

Subjects: African American HistoryElectionSlaveryPresidentFugitive Slave ActRunaway SlaveCompromise of 1850PoliticsGovernment and CivicsLawEnslaved people

Sub Era: Age of Jackson

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