Hamlin, Hannibal (1809-1891) to unknown
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC06596 Author/Creator: Hamlin, Hannibal (1809-1891) Place Written: Washington, D.C. Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 6 February 1854 Pagination: 3 p. ; 20.3 x 16.2 cm. Order a Copy
Directed to "Dear Dr." Hamlin replies to a letter from the recipient. Mentions affidavits pertaining to an unspecified matter. Writes, "How the reopening of the Slavery questions will effect me and our friends, I cannot tell at this time- They ask us to repeal the Missouri Compromise line of 1820- I cannot do so- They assert that the Compromise measures of 1850 intended to repeal that of 1820- It is false, & I will not vote a lie..." Discusses an upcoming political convention, to be held possibly in the spring or fall. Refers to other political matters, and in closing asks that this letter remain confidential.
Hamlin was a United States Representative from Maine 1843-1846, and Senator 1847-1860, 1869-1880. He was Vice President under Abraham Lincoln. Hamlin strongly opposed Senator Henry Clay's Compromise of 1850. In 1854 he also opposed the passage of the Kansas-Nebraska Act, which repealed the Missouri Compromise of 1820. After the Democratic Party endorsed that repeal at the 1856 Democratic National Convention, he withdrew from the Democratic Party and joined the newly organized Republican Party.
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