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Colfax, Schuyler (1823-1885) to William Pitt Fessenden

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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC01095 Author/Creator: Colfax, Schuyler (1823-1885) Place Written: South Bend, Indiana Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 24 May 1854 Pagination: 1 p. : docket ; 22.8 x 19.8 cm.

Summary of Content: Notes that he is not personally acquainted with Senator Fessenden, but they were both present at a previous National Convention. Hopes that instead of voting against the Clayton Amendment, Fessenden will allow it to pass, in hopes that its passage and effect will prove disastrous for the bill's supporters: "...it would drag down the Conspirators to a deeper degradation & a more decisive condemnation." Calls supporters of the bill "Douglasites," possibly a reference to Senator Stephen A. Douglas. Written on Register Office, South Bend stationery. Top left corner includes a printed description of the St. Joseph Valley Register, accompanied by the image of a Northrop Power Press.

Background Information: Colfax was a U.S. Representative from Indiana 1855-1868 and Vice President under Ulysses S. Grant. Fessenden was a U.S. Representative from Maine 1841-1842 and Senator 1853-1870. The Clayton ...Amendment to the Kansas Nebraska Act would have made it necessary for people to reside in the Territories for a certain length of time before they could vote.See More

People: Colfax, Schuyler, 1823-1885
Fessenden, William Pitt, 1806-1869
Douglas, Stephen Arnold, 1813-1861

Historical Era: National Expansion and Reform, 1815-1860

Subjects: African American HistoryLawSuffrageSlaveryAbolitionWestward ExpansionBleeding KansasPoliticsCongressVice President

Sub Era: Age of Jackson

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