[Philadelphia: 1850]. 7pp. Gathered signatures, folded, likely removed from a binding. Partially detached along spines. Moderate foxing. About very good. Item #3940

A quite rare pamphlet recording a jingoistic speech given by former Vice President George Mifflin Dallas in front of the Union meeting in November 1850. Supporting the Compromise of 1850 and the Fugitive Slaw Law, Dallas argues to his audience that "No form of government is more difficult to construct than a Federal Union of Sovereign Republican States.... When once established, and continued steadily in operation, it is the very best form by which to effect and secure the great aims and blessings of society." Dallas chronicles "the ripe fruits of our glorious confederacy," specifically the unparalleled gains in civilization, prosperity, and freedom nurtured by the American Union. As such, Dallas argues that the Fugitive Slave Act must not only be tolerated in order to preserve the Union, but is in "perfect harmony with the Constitution" and should be supported as just and necessary to combat "the progress of an imported fanaticism" which seeks "to weaken the bonds of our Union." Needless to say, Dallas's position has come down on the wrong side of history.

OCLC records just a single copy of this pamphlet, at Princeton, and there is a copy at the Library Company. Library Company's Afro-Americana Collection 2898. Sabin 61708.

Price: $650