Subject: Sectionalism

This 15-page pamphlet, published in Washington, D.C. in 1849, reprints the "Address of Southern Delegates in Congress, To Their Constituents." The address, initially drafted by John C. Calhoun, represents an attempt to unify the South in a pro-slavery stance following the Mexican-American War and before Zachary Taylor's inauguration. While initially considered "too drastic" by some Southern congressmen, the final version articulates the South's grievances against the North's perceived violation of the constitutional agreement to protect slavery. The address was signed by 48 of the 121 Southern congressmen. David Levy Yulee of Florida is listed among the signatories. The pamphlet is a first edition and represents an important document in the lead-up to the American Civil War.

This pamphlet contains an excerpt from a speech delivered by Judah P. Benjamin in the United States Senate on May 2, 1856, concerning the Kansas-Nebraska Act. Benjamin, a Louisiana senator, discusses his reasons for joining the Democratic Party and argues against the power of Congress to exclude slavery from the territories. He contends that such power is unconstitutional and has been abused by northern majorities, violating the principle of equality among states. The speech reflects Benjamin's growing concern about the South's position within the Union and his advocacy for Southern Rights. Published circa 1856 in Washington, D.C., this pamphlet is cited in Sabin 4707 and LCP 1098.