Skip to content

Subject: Southern States

No additional authority information available for Southern States.


Address of Southern Delegates in Congress to Their ConstituentsAddress of Southern Delegates in Congress to Their Constituents

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.

An Appeal for the Union: Letter from the Hon. Robert J. WalkerAn Appeal for the Union: Letter from the Hon. Robert J. Walker

This 15-page pamphlet contains a speech delivered by Robert J. Walker on September 30, 1856, advocating for the preservation of the Union while also expressing pro-Southern Rights sentiments. Sent as a "free frank" by Senator David Levy Yulee to Miss Lilly Arden in Putnam County, New York, this document offers insight into the political climate preceding the American Civil War and highlights the relationship between these two prominent senators.

Letter from Rachel Mordecai Lazarus to Emma Mordecai, April 11, 1832Letter from Rachel Mordecai Lazarus to Emma Mordecai, April 11, 1832

A one-page, stampless letter written on April 11, 1832, from Rachel Mordecai Lazarus of Wilmington, North Carolina, to Emma Mordecai of Richmond, Virginia. The letter details family events, daily life, social news, and mentions books they read. Rachel Mordecai Lazarus (1788-1838) was born in Goochland, Virginia, and her mother was the daughter of silversmith Myer Myer. Emma Mordecai (1812-1906), one of thirteen children, remained devoted to Judaism despite many family members converting to Christianity. She established a Sunday school for Jewish children and authored a textbook for Jewish youth.

South Songs: From the Lays of Later DaysSouth Songs: From the Lays of Later Days

First edition of Thomas Cooper De Leon's *South Songs: From the Lays of Later Days*, published in 1866 by Blelock & Co. in New York City. This collection of poetry is dedicated to the women of Richmond and the Sisters of Mercy. The book contains 153 pages and measures 4.5" x 7".

Speech of Hon. J.P. Benjamin, of Louisiana, on the Right of SecessionSpeech of Hon. J.P. Benjamin, of Louisiana, on the Right of Secession

This congressional record contains the speech delivered by Judah P. Benjamin in the United States Senate on December 31, 1860. In this address, Benjamin, representing Louisiana, provides a constitutional justification for secession and eloquently defends Southern policy. The speech is notable for its strong advocacy of Southern rights and its defiant conclusion against subjugation.

The Italian Bride: A Play in Five ActsThe Italian Bride: A Play in Five Acts

This is a first edition, presentation copy of *The Italian Bride*, a play in five acts written by Samuel Yates Levy for the actress Eliza Logan. Published by John M. Cooper & Co. in Savannah in 1856, this uncommon work was published for private distribution. The copy is inscribed by the author to Alfred J. J. Blois. Samuel Yates Levy (1827-1888) was a Jewish author who later served as a Confederate officer during the American Civil War. Eliza Logan (daughter of Cornelius Logan, a comic actor and playwright) was a popular actress in the antebellum South.