Heading: (Anti-Slavery)
Author: Grenell, Jr., George
Title: Letter relating to Massachusetts Congressman's views on Abolitionism
Place Published: Washington, DC
Publisher:
Date Published: Feb. 1, 1837
Description:

3 pp. + stampless address leaf (with Grennell's signed free frank). Autograph Letter Signed as Whig Member of Congress. To James H. Coffin, Greenfield, Mass.

The nuanced views of a New England Whig Congressman who abhorred slavery but opposed the calls of radical Abolitionists for immediate Emancipation. At the same time, Grenell sided with fellow Massachusetts Congressman and former President John Quincy Adams in opposing the "Gag Rule" imposed through Southern pressures on the House of Representatives, that automatically tabled, without a hearing, the hundreds of thousands of petitions sent to Congress calling for an end to slavery, particularly in the nation's capital.

"...You speak of Abolition measures and lectures...We cannot by legislation interfere with Slavery in the States and I must say the measures and language employed by the Abolitionists are illy calculated to operate upon the conscience of the Slave holders in the States. Nor do I think it would be safe for either the white or the black race, instantly and at once, to set the latter free. This would drench the South in blood. Slavery ought to cease among men, and in a way, by means and at a time, the safest, the wisest and the best for both races. Slavery in this district [of Columbia] may constitutionally be abolished, and it ought by law to be abolished and although this is an impropitious time to demand it, so greatly agitated is all the South, in consequence of the Abolition measures of the last two years, our citizens ought to have and enjoy the right to petition and have their peittions...considered on this subject. Nor ought they to be deterred from petitioning by the violent denunciations of Southern men. The Slave trade, as it exists here, is an abomination which no State allows within its own jurisdiction. We are voted down and debate is suppressed when any proposition is introduced touching Slavery in this District and we are voted down, by your own political friends, the Jackson men of the House. You will not suppose I intend any unkind sentiment by this. But Mr. Van Buren and his party deem it quite important to propitiate Southern favor to secure Southern votes. The Northern Whigs always vote in favor of petitions and their rights. Northern Administration men vote with the South...."

Rectangular hole in third page, with no loss of text.