1856 “Freedom in Kansas” Speech by William H. Seward With Steel Engraved Portrait /SOLD

1856 “Freedom in Kansas” Speech by William H. Seward With Steel Engraved Portrait - Inventory Number: HIS 263 / SOLD

A significant antebellum political relic pairing a rare original 1856 printing of Senator William H. Seward’s famous “Freedom in Kansas” speech with an engraved portrait of Seward. The speech, delivered in the U.S. Senate on March 3, 1856, was a passionate condemnation of the spread of slavery into Kansas Territory under the Kansas-Nebraska Act. Seward, a leading voice of the anti-slavery movement and a prominent figure in the emerging Republican Party, argued powerfully for the rights of free settlers and denounced the pro-slavery violence known as “Bleeding Kansas.”

This speech helped solidify Seward’s position as a national leader opposed to the expansion of slavery and anticipated his role as Secretary of State under President Abraham Lincoln. The accompanying engraving captures Seward in oratorical form, poised with determination beside a Senate desk, symbolizing his resolute stand for freedom.

Presented together in a museum-style display, this pairing offers a striking visual and textual representation of one of the most influential anti-slavery voices of the 1850’s a tangible link to the turbulent politics that preceded the Civil War.

 Comes housed in 12 x 16 riker display case with velvet and descriptive card.

Inventory Number: HIS 263 / SOLD