Lincoln and the Peculiar Institution

[Rsmyth]

Lincoln once remarked about John Brown's raid on Harpers Ferry. Does anyone remember his comments? Did he ever remark about the Constitution's stance on slavery? Being a lawyer, did he ever remark on the Dred Scott Decision? These events were all on the road leading to the Civil War and the beginning of the Lincoln legacy. I realize that someone's stance on an issue can change as they acquire additional information and I believe Lincoln's did. Did the Emancipation Proclamation jeopardize the Union or did Lincoln feel that since the country was already in the midst of that great struggle he would do what was right for the 6 million slaves? Answers to these questions could add to his greatness or detract from it. I am sure there are no easy answers. Being president is difficult enough without adding the war, the possibility of foreign intervention and the simple domestic issues of losing a son in the White House and dealing with Mary.

[RJNorton]

Rich, I feel inadequate to tackle everything you brought up, so I just will reply to one part. Yes, indeed Lincoln gave a speech on the Dred Scott Decision. You can read the text here.

[Rsmyth]

Thanks Roger. That was very informative. If I am reading correctly Lincoln felt the Dred Scott Decision was a mistake. I believe he was also being very liberal in stating that if Utah adopted polygamy into their state constitution than he was "ok" with it.

[Richard Lawrence Miller]

Wow, here is a challenge to my ability to be succinct .

Yes, Lincoln publicly criticized John Brown. Lincoln believed that the law had to be obeyed in efforts to end slavery.

Regarding the Constitution's treatment of slavery, Lincoln argued that the Founding Fathers were embarrassed by the institution and sought to put it on the road to extinction, that the Constitution sought to end slavery rather than perpetuate it.

Lincoln declared that the Dred Scott decision was part of a conspiracy to make slavery legal everywhere in the United States, to end the right of free states to forbid slavery within their boundaries.

The Emancipation Proclamation reflected his belief that the law had to be obeyed when seeking to eliminate slavery. Until then he thought that he had no legal right to end slavery anywhere in the United States. But when the proper moment arrived, he exercised war powers available to the commander-in-chief to liberate slaves in areas that were engaged in military revolt, a liberation that became real as the Union army advanced. He did not, however, believe he could end slavery in loyal slave states. For that, he advocated the 13th Amendment.

[LincolnMan]

(08-21-2012 08:00 PM)Richard Lawrence Miller Wrote:  Wow, here is a challenge to my ability to be succinct .

Yes, Lincoln publicly criticized John Brown. Lincoln believed that the law had to be obeyed in efforts to end slavery.

Regarding the Constitution's treatment of slavery, Lincoln argued that the Founding Fathers were embarrassed by the institution and sought to put it on the road to extinction, that the Constitution sought to end slavery rather than perpetuate it.

Lincoln declared that the Dred Scott decision was part of a conspiracy to make slavery legal everywhere in the United States, to end the right of free states to forbid slavery within their boundaries.

The Emancipation Proclamation reflected his belief that the law had to be obeyed when seeking to eliminate slavery. Until then he thought that he had no legal right to end slavery anywhere in the United States. But when the proper moment arrived, he exercised war powers available to the commander-in-chief to liberate slaves in areas that were engaged in military revolt, a liberation that became real as the Union army advanced. He did not, however, believe he could end slavery in loyal slave states. For that, he advocated the 13th Amendment.

Well summarized.

[LincolnMan]

(08-21-2012 08:00 PM)Richard Lawrence Miller Wrote:  Wow, here is a challenge to my ability to be succinct .

Yes, Lincoln publicly criticized John Brown. Lincoln believed that the law had to be obeyed in efforts to end slavery.

Regarding the Constitution's treatment of slavery, Lincoln argued that the Founding Fathers were embarrassed by the institution and sought to put it on the road to extinction, that the Constitution sought to end slavery rather than perpetuate it.

Lincoln declared that the Dred Scott decision was part of a conspiracy to make slavery legal everywhere in the United States, to end the right of free states to forbid slavery within their boundaries.

The Emancipation Proclamation reflected his belief that the law had to be obeyed when seeking to eliminate slavery. Until then he thought that he had no legal right to end slavery anywhere in the United States. But when the proper moment arrived, he exercised war powers available to the commander-in-chief to liberate slaves in areas that were engaged in military revolt, a liberation that became real as the Union army advanced. He did not, however, believe he could end slavery in loyal slave states. For that, he advocated the 13th Amendment.

Excellent analysis.