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Shields, James (1806-1879) to John Chathen

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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC03170 Author/Creator: Shields, James (1806-1879) Place Written: Washington, D.C. Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 29 June 1850 Pagination: 1 p. ; 25.3 x 20 cm. Order a Copy

Shields writes as a U.S. Senator from Illinois to Chathen at Jacksonville, Illinois. Argues that Henry Clay opposes the extension of slavery and is no more a pro-slavery man than Thomas Hart Benton (both Clay and Benton were U.S. Senators). Also notes that Chathen has made the mistake of labeling compromise (the Compromise of 1850) as a pro-slavery measure. Argues that the Compromise is opposed violently by the south, and will be defeated by southerners, because they see it as an enactment of the Wilmot Proviso. Contains various pencil notes on verso, apparently unrelated to Shields's letter.

During his political career, Shields, a Democrat, served as Governor of the Oregon Territory 1848-1849 and as a Senator for three states: Illinois, Minnesota, and Missouri.

I find you fall into a slight error which pervades the most of the Northern papers. Clay is not a pro Slavery man. He is as strongly and certainly as sincerely opposed [to] the extension of slavery as Col. [Thomas Hart] Benton. The question which divides them, independent of personal pride is, whether certain measures which both are for will be passed jointly or severally. You have fallen into a slight mistake on another point. The Compromise Bill is not a pro Slavery measure. It is opposed most violently by the South, and it will be beat by the South--and beat because they consider it a virtual enactment of the Wilmot proviso--as it is--but what will turn up after it is beat God only knows.

Shields, James, 1806-1879
Chathen, John, fl. 1850

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