The Usurpations of Slavery – Speech of William H. Seward, 1855

Description

The Usurpations of Slavery – Speech of

William H. Seward, 1855

 

An original antebellum political pamphlet titled “The Usurpations of Slavery,” featuring a speech by U.S. Senator William H. Seward delivered in the Senate of the United States on February 23, 1855. The address concerns the bill to protect officers of the United States and reflects Seward’s firm opposition to the expansion of slavery during a critical pre-war period.

 

The pamphlet is complete and retains clear, legible text throughout. The paper exhibits moderate age toning, scattered foxing, and edge wear consistent with period use. There is visible staining at the lower portion and a horizontal fold line across the center, all typical of ephemeral political printings of the era. The binding remains intact.

 

William H. Seward, later Secretary of State under Abraham Lincoln, was one of the most influential anti-slavery voices in the Senate. This speech captures the mounting political tension of the 1850s and offers a firsthand look at the debates that helped shape the course toward Civil War.

 

A desirable and historically important piece of mid-19th century political literature, representing the growing resistance to slavery in the United States.

 

Inventory Number: HIS 313