Black History
April 1848 Slavery in the United States Territories Letter
April 1848-Dated Pre Civil War Era, Autograph Letter referencing the propagation of Slavery in the "... United States Territories now free is looked upon with abhorrence and the Northern man," Fine.
This excellent political content Autograph Letter has two pages, measuring 9.75" x 7.5", Black Brook, New York, from John Rogers to Sidney Lawrence (1801-1892), U.S. Representative from New York with "Free" franked Integral Postal Cover. Rogers, is replying to an earlier communication from Lawrence soliciting his opinions on certain political matters related to the Election of 1848, and references the subject of Slavery in the United States Territories and of the opinion of the citizens of Clinton County (NY), reading, in small part:
"...You ask is it possible that the free Democracy of Clinton are about to take up the cudgels and fight for the propagation of the slave institution... I think the free Democracy will do no such thing... (T)he propagation of slavery into territory now free is looked upon with abhorrence and the Northern man who will assist in doing it as unworthy to enjoy himself the blessing of freedom..."
Lawrence would later give a speech on the subject titled "On the Power and Duty of Congress to Prohibit Slavery in the Territories", delivered in Committee of the Whole on the State of the Union, in the House of Representatives, June 12, 1848. Rogers also mentions the present objections to tariffs, a key concern in the 1848 presidential election. The letter shows original mailing folds, with some ink blurring to the text, overall Fine.
John Rogers (May 9, 1813 - May 11, 1879) was a Representative from New York. Rogers was born as John Weed in Caldwell, New York (now Lake George) on May 9, 1813. He completed preparatory studies, then moved to Black Brook in 1832. Rogers engaged in the manufacture of iron as a partner of his brother James in a firm they named the J & J Rogers Iron Company. In addition to the iron works, the Rogers' enterprises in and around Black Brook included a sawmill and a general store. In 1844 John Weed had his name legally changed to John Rogers.
Rogers was Town Supervisor of Black Brook for ten years between 1839 and 1866 and held other local offices, including Postmaster. He was elected as a Democrat to the Forty-second Congress (March 4, 1871 - March 3, 1873). He did not run for reelection in 1872, and resumed his business activities.
He died at "Rogers Place," his estate near Fort Edward and Moreau, on May 11, 1879. He was interred in the family burial ground on his estate.
Sidney Lawrence (December 31, 1801 " May 9, 1892) was a U.S. Representative from New York.
Born in Weybridge, Vermont, Lawrence moved with his parents to Moira, New York, in early childhood. He attended the common schools. He studied law. He was admitted to the bar and commenced practice in Moira, New York. He was Justice of the Peace for more than half a century. He served as supervisor and as assessor. Surrogate of Franklin County 1837"1843. He was a member of the New York State Senate (4th D.) in 1843 and 1844. He served as member of the State assembly in 1846.
Lawrence was elected as a Democrat to the 30th United States Congress, holding office from March 4, 1847, to March 3, 1849. Afterwards he resumed the practice of law. He also engaged in the real estate business and in banking. He died in Moira, New York, May 9, 1892. He was interred in Moira Cemetery.