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“The Compromise of 1850” – Daniel Webster’s costly plea for unity…
May 19, 2025 by GuyHeilenman · Leave a Comment 
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Whereas it is hard for those of us living today to imagine any “compromise” regarding slavery as a good thing (i.e., if it was wrong – and it was, how could anything less than abolishment be acceptable?), but the passionate antislavery politicians who lived through this era had to navigate the treacherous path between what they knew to right and the likely fracturing of what had increasingly become a fragile union. If they pushed too hard too fast, such a splintering would most assuredly result in an all-out Civil War with countless deaths, and if lost, the Southern institution of slavery would continue unabated by abolitionist sentiment. Even if it is agreed that an attempt at arriving at a compromise is in order, as with any deep-rooted, entrenched disagreement, any move to the middle requires someone to risk taking the first step.
It is with the above in mind history declares Daniel Webster’s “Seventh of March Speech” as being pivotal in bringing both sides to a compromise. Although it cost this anti-slavery Senator from Massachusetts his reputation and career, all are agreed his multi-hour oration was instrumental in holding succession/war at bey for over 10 years (although it may have ultimately deepened the divide). We are thankful to have found a lengthy report in a New York Tribune (March 8, 1850) which included excerpts, paraphrases, and commentary on the speech.
The following is the result of our research regarding its significance (Wiki, ChatGBT, Grok, etc.):
Summary of Daniel Webster’s “Seventh of March” Speech and Its Impact
Daniel Webster’s “Seventh of March” speech, delivered in 1850, was a heartfelt appeal for national unity and compromise amid escalating tensions over slavery that threatened to tear the United States apart. Webster declared, “I speak today for the preservation of the Union. ‘Hear me for my cause,’” emphasizing his alarm at the prospect of secession and civil war. He urged both the North and South to make concessions to safeguard the Union, a stance that significantly influenced the passage of the Compromise of 1850. However, this plea for moderation sparked widespread controversy and exacted a heavy toll on Webster’s career and reputation.
Key Points of the Speech
- Call for Unity: Webster positioned himself as an American, not merely a representative of Massachusetts or the North, advocating for the Constitution and the Union against the specter of disunion.
- Support for Compromise: He endorsed measures like the Fugitive Slave Law, hoping to bridge the divide between Northern and Southern interests and avert conflict.
Impact on Public Opinion
- In the North:
- Abolitionist Backlash: Northern abolitionists and anti-slavery Whigs felt betrayed by Webster’s support for the Fugitive Slave Law, which mandated their participation in returning escaped enslaved people—a stark departure from his earlier anti-slavery rhetoric.
- Regional Fallout: In Massachusetts, his home state, Webster’s reputation plummeted as he was branded a traitor to the anti-slavery cause, eroding his political base.
- In the South:
- Cautious Approval: Southern leaders appreciated Webster’s defense of the Fugitive Slave Law, seeing it as a gesture of respect for their rights under the Constitution.
- Lingering Distrust: Despite this, many Southerners remained wary of Webster due to his prior anti-slavery positions, viewing the Compromise of 1850 as a stopgap rather than a solution.
- Nationally:
- Passage of the Compromise: The speech rallied moderates across regions, providing Northern politicians with the justification to back the Compromise of 1850 without seeming disloyal to the Union.
- Deepened Divide: While it delayed immediate conflict, the speech underscored the irreconcilable differences over slavery, setting the stage for future strife.
Cost to Webster’s Career and Reputation
The “Seventh of March” speech marked a turning point that ultimately derailed Webster’s political career and tarnished his legacy:
- Northern Alienation: His endorsement of the Fugitive Slave Law alienated his Northern supporters, particularly in Massachusetts, where he lost the goodwill of abolitionists and anti-slavery advocates. This backlash effectively dashed his presidential ambitions.
- Incomplete Southern Acceptance: Although the South valued his compromise efforts, his earlier anti-slavery stance prevented him from fully gaining their trust, leaving him without a solid regional alliance.
- Political Isolation: Webster’s attempt to occupy a middle ground failed to heal the nation’s fractures. The Compromise of 1850, while a temporary success, only postponed the inevitable Civil War, and his role in it left him isolated as sectional tensions intensified.
Conclusion
Daniel Webster’s “Seventh of March” speech was a critical moment in American history, encapsulating both a desperate bid to preserve the Union and the profound challenges of compromise in a divided nation. While it facilitated the Compromise of 1850, it came at a steep personal cost, shattering Webster’s reputation in the North, limiting his influence in the South, and ending his political aspirations. The speech remains a poignant symbol of the era’s turmoil—a warning of division and a missed chance to confront slavery head-on.
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An historic broadside with a connection to early newspapers… revisiting “The Gerry-Mander”…
May 12, 2025 by TimHughes · Leave a Comment Email This Post
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Although we just discussed the historic broadside, “The Gerry-Mander”, a few days ago, since it was initially part of Timothy Hughes’ personal collection, we thought it might enjoy hearing from him directly. Enjoy.
From Tim…
Many years ago I had access to a very unusual broadside (single sheet, printed on one side only) titled: “Natural And Political History of THE GERRY-MANDER! In Two Chapters…..With Cuts.” Although it was not a newspaper, which was always my focus, a little investigation showed it had a newspaper collection. It would not be until many years later that I discovered how historically significant it really was.
“Gerrymander” is an interesting term that came into being in 1812 at a meeting of Federalist political leaders and newspapermen in Boston. Complaints about the efforts of their Republican opponents to rig state elections by altering voting districts led artist Elkanah Tisdale to add a head and wings to an outlined map of a new senatorial district in Essex County and name it the “gerrymander” after the leader of the Jeffersonians, Governor Elbridge Gerry. The cartoon shocked the public and proved very effective. Gerrymander has since become embedded in the political lexicon of America.
This broadside we offer is described by dealer Barry Lawrence Ruderman as a “Rare political broadside featuring the first political cartoon in American history to visualize and satirize gerrymandering, one of the most enduring distortions of democratic representation…”.
As seen in the photos, this broadside pairs two woodcut maps with satirical letterpress text mocking the 1812 Massachusetts Senate redistricting law. The cartoon appeared in the Boston Gazette in March 1812, and quickly spread.
The left woodcut depicts the now-famous creature with wings, claws, and a serpent-like neck, labeling the towns it distorts. The right side features a straightforward district map of Essex County showing the two senatorial districts under the new law. The surrounding text is divided into “Natural History” and “Political History.” The first, reprinted from the Gazette, invents a monstrous genealogy for the gerrymander; the second details the law’s consequences—particularly how the Democratic-Republicans expanded their Senate majority from 21–19 to 29–11 despite losing the popular vote.
The American Antiquarian Society tentatively dates this broadside printing to between 1813 and 1822, the latter date coinciding with renewed controversy around redistricting. The cartoon here is virtually identical to the original Gazette version, suggesting either reuse of the block or a careful recutting of it.
Everything about this broadside makes this a landmark artifact of political commentary and electoral history in the United States.
It measures 18 by 20 inches, has minimal foxing, and is in nice condition. One dealer offers this very same broadside for $24,500.
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The Gerry-Mander (1813-1822) – an extremely rare find…
May 9, 2025 by GuyHeilenman · Leave a Comment Email This Post
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And so it began… but not without a bit of push back…
Shown below is a somewhat detailed analysis of an intriguing item which is rarely seen. When published in the early 1800s it brought to light a new technique in the election process which was certainly not conceived by the original “founders” of the United States: Gerrymandering. Whereas a brief description can be found posted on the item’s listing (The Gerry-Mander!), due to the volume of information available through multiple sources – especially in the face of its under-the-radar significance and rarity, we thought others might appreciate learning about the broadside as much as we have. We hope you enjoy.
Summary
The broadside “Natural And Political History of THE GERRY-MANDER! In Two Chapters…..With Cuts” is likely from 1813–1822, published in Boston, and satirizes early U.S. gerrymandering. It reprints an 1812 cartoon and article coining “gerrymander,” linking to Governor Elbridge Gerry’s redistricting favoring Democrat-Republicans. Included are two sections:
• “Natural History”: Reprints the 1812 Boston Gazette piece, humorously describing the “Gerry-mander” as a new political monster.
• “Political History”: An original essay explaining the 1812 redistricting’s origins, noting it favored Democrat-Republicans (winning 29 seats to Federalists’ 11, despite more votes for Federalists). It calls for ending such practices, though gerrymandering persists today.
The broadside is a historically significant document which is only found in a few institutions – one being the Massachusetts Historical Society. It is not listed in Shaw & Shoemaker, a bibliography of early American imprints, underscoring its rarity.
Historical Context and Origin of “Gerrymander”
The term “gerrymander” emerged in 1812 during the governorship of Elbridge Gerry, a prominent figure in early American politics who signed the Declaration of Independence and served as James Madison’s vice president. In February 1812, Massachusetts Republicans, led by Gerry, engineered a radical redistricting plan to disadvantage the Federalist majority in the upcoming state senatorial elections. This plan was particularly evident in Essex County, where one district was redrawn into an irregular, elongated shape that resembled a salamander. The cartoon, first published in the Boston Gazette on March 26, 1812, was attributed to illustrator Elkanah Tisdale, who added wings, claws, and fearsome teeth to the map, transforming it into a monstrous creature. The term “Gerry-mander” was coined during a dinner conversation, possibly by painter Gilbert Stuart or poet Richard Alsop, combining Gerry’s name with the mythical beast.
The redistricting was highly effective: in the 1812 election, the Republicans’ majority grew from 21-19 to 29-11, despite the Federalists receiving more votes. This outcome highlighted the manipulative potential of gerrymandering, where politicians could pick their voters rather than voters choosing their representatives. However, ironically, Gerry lost his re-election bid in 1812, and there is little evidence he strongly supported the redistricting law, though his name became indelibly linked to the practice.
Additional Details & Summary
The broadside reprints the original 1812 cartoon and article from the Boston Gazette (March 26, 1812), attributed to illustrator Elkanah Tisdale, which depicted the district as a winged, clawed monster with satirical text. It is a rare and historically significant artifact that encapsulates the early American political practice of gerrymandering, a term and concept that remain central to discussions of electoral fairness. It’s call for ending gerrymandering contrasts with its persistence, as seen in modern debates over redistricting and voting rights. It serves as a reminder of the long-standing tension between political strategy and fair representation, with the term “gerrymander” remaining a symbol of electoral manipulation. The pronunciation note from some sources, suggesting it should be “gerrymander” with a hard ‘g’ rather than the common “jerrymander,” adds a linguistic dimension to its legacy, reflecting regional and historical variations in usage.
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Accusatory reporting is nothing new… Callender vs. Jefferson…
May 9, 2025 by TimHughes · Leave a Comment Email This Post
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In a world where partisan politics and accusatory reporting seem rampant, it is nothing new in the media world. Nor is it more vicious, at least compared to one interesting event in American history of over 220 years ago.
As a bit of background, one needs to appreciate the acrimonious relationship between newspaperman James Callender and Thomas Jefferson.
James Callender was one of America’s earliest “scandalmongers”. A political journalist, his writings were often controversial. He curried favor with Republican interests early on, landing a job with Benjamin Franklin Bache’s newspaper, the Aurora General Advertiser. Firing darts at Federalists like Washington, Adams, and Hamilton made him good friends with Republicans like Jefferson. In fact, Jefferson called Callender “a man of genius”.
He became a central figure in the press wars between the Federalist and Democratic-Republican parties. Pleased with Callender’s attacks on his rivals Hamilton & Adams, Jefferson viewed him as a journalistic ally, even supporting Callender financially.
But Callender’s attack on President Adams had him jailed under the Sedition Act. But after Jefferson won the presidency he pardoned Callender, who then solicited employment as a postmaster which he felt was owed him by Jefferson. Jefferson denied it.
Callender then began publishing existing rumors claiming President Jefferson had children with slave Sally Hemings.
Now more to the point. An issue of the “Windsor Federal Gazette” of Vermont has much content on the feud between Thomas Jefferson and James Callender. Included is a letter from Richmond, dated Sept 2, 1802, signed by James Callender, that notes in part: “Sir, I am extremely tired of these long stories…attempting to show that Mr. Jefferson disapproved of the contents of ‘The Prospect’ and that he paid me these hundred dollars without being aware what kind of a book it was to be…”.
It continues on and includes a very dramatic statement: “…Sally’s business makes a prodigious noise here. You may save yourself the trouble of a moment’s doubt in believing the story. But what will you pious countrymen upon the Connecticut say to such African amours? After this discovery I do not believe that, at the next election of 1804, Jefferson could obtain two votes on the Eastern side of Susquehanna; and I think hardly four on this side of it. He will, therefore, be laid aside…”.
The key content, without question, is the report of Callender’s “Sally” accusation, obliquely referenced above. Taken from the now infamous report in the Richmond Recorder, Calender’s newspaper, it begins: “It is well known that the man, whom it delighteth the people to honor, keeps, and for many years has kept, as his concubine, one of his own slaves. Her name is Sally. The name of her eldest son is Tom. His features are said to bear a striking although sable resemblance to those of the president himself. The boy is ten or twelve years of age. His mother went to France in the same vessel with Mr. Jefferson and his two daughters. The delicacy of this arrangement must strike every person of common sensibility. What a sublime pattern for an American ambassador to place before the eyes of two young ladies!…” with more.
The “Sally” discussion in this letter includes details that mention Jefferson having had several children by her: “…By this wench Sally, our President has had several children. There is not an individual in the neighbourhood of Charlottesville who does not believe the story…”.
Callender’s letter concludes with a pointed challenge to Jefferson: “…The allegation is of a nature too black to be suffered to remain in suspense. We should be glad to hear of its refutation. We give it to the world under the firmest belief that such a refutation never can be made. The African Venus is said to officiate as housekeeper at Monticello. When Mr. Jefferson has read this article, he will find leisure to estimate how much has been lost or gained by so many unprovoked attacks upon J. T. CALLENDER.”
This report was not to be found in many newspapers of the day, not even in all those opposed to Jefferson’s politics. Two years later Jefferson would win a second term as President.
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They Put It In Print – but should they have? Lewis & Clark edition…
May 5, 2025 by GuyHeilenman · Leave a Comment Email This Post
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Over the years we have amassed a series of posts under the heading, “They Put It In Print”. However, we recently came across a letter William Clark (of Lewis & Clark fame) wrote to his brother while on his famous expedition, which made us wonder if it was intended to end up printed in a handful of newspapers for others to read. While the line between private and public affairs is often blurred for those in the public eye, in this case a citizenry who was anxiously awaiting any news from the frontier probably never gave this tension a thought. Regardless of whether lines were crossed, over 200 years later we still benefit from the details provided regarding this historic trek through the wilderness.
The entire letter, warts and all, is shown below as printed in the Boston Gazette dated November 13, 1806. We hope you enjoy. We also have a note following the letter.
Whereas educators are welcome to use the photos above as a teaching resource for no cost (or credit given to us), in addition to the actual collectible issue which may still be available, we also have high-resolution digital photos of the above available through our Etsy Store: “THEY PUT IT IN PRINT – Historical news from the day it was first reported.”
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Announcing: Catalog #354 for May, 2025 – Rare & Early Newspapers…
May 2, 2025 by GuyHeilenman · Leave a Comment Email This Post
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The May catalog (#354) is now available. Shown below are links to various segments of the catalog, our currently discounted
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[The links above will redirect to the latest catalog in approx. 30 days
upon which time it will update to the most recent catalog.]
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The Continuation of a Genre… The American West Still Keeps Giving…
April 28, 2025 by Laura Heilenman · Leave a Comment Email This Post
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Yesterday, I heard a podcast discussing the growth-arc a genre typically takes over the course of time. In this podcaster’s opinion, when a movie/TV genre begins to produce shows which are a parody of their kind, the sunset for this genre has arrived. As an example, the speaker discussed superhero movies, and although some might argue with their analysis, there seems to be a decline in quality and enthusiasm for these sorts of movies. Later in the day, as I was looking through our archives, my attention was caught by an issue of THE TOMBSTONE EPITAPH from Arizona, October 31, 1880, and my mind quickly went to thoughts of the many great Westerns I’ve viewed over the decades including the 1993 blockbuster: TOMBSTONE, which told of the well-storied shoot-out at the OK Corral. In fact, from John Wayne in True Grit… Val Kilmer as Doc Holliday… to today’s hit show Yellowstone and its endless spinoff’s, unlike superhero movies, the western is still alive and well and nowhere near its final curtain-call no matter how many cowboys and their trusty steads slowly ride into the sunset.
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Prior to the November 22,1963 assassination of JFK… History does repeat itself!
April 25, 2025 by Laura Heilenman · Leave a Comment Email This Post
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I would imagine every American is familiar with the assassination of JFK – perhaps even more so since his nephew has joined our most recent presidential survivor of a similar attempt. Additionally, the JFK Papers everyone has spent decades clamoring for may soon be released for public perusal. In light of all the newly ignited interest, the August 29, 1961, NEW YORK TIMES had an interesting article describing an earlier assassination attempt on JFK where the killer was stopped by the fact that Jackie and the kids were with Kennedy at the time. Below is a description of the event written by Smithsonian Magazine.
“On December 11, 1960, JFK was the president-elect and Richard Paul Pavlick was a 73-year-old retired postal worker. Both were in Palm Beach, Florida. JFK was there on a vacation of sorts, taking a trip to warmer climates as he prepared to assume the office of the President. Pavlick had followed Kennedy down there with the intention of blowing himself up and taking JFK with him. His plan was simple. He lined his car with dynamite — “enough to blow up a small mountain” per CNN – and outfitted it with a detonation switch. Then, he parked outside the Kennedy’s Palm Beach compound and waited for Kennedy to leave his house to go to Sunday Mass. Pavlick’s aim was to ram his car into JFK’s limo as the President-to-be left his home, killing them both.
But JFK did not leave his house alone that morning. He made his way to his limousine with his wife, Jacqueline, and children, Caroline and John, Jr. who was less than a month old. While Pavlick was willing to kill John F. Kennedy, he did not want to kill Kennedy’s family, so he resigned himself to trying again another day. He would not get a second chance at murderous infamy. On December 15, he was arrested by a Palm Beach police officer working off a tip from the Secret Service.”
For JFK collectors, this is a nice addition to the most famous issues covering Oswald’s successful attempt just 2.5 years later.
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Americana at it’s best… The annual Egg Roll on the lawn of The White House…
April 20, 2025 by Laura Heilenman · Leave a Comment Email This Post
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I apologize upfront for the fact that so many of my posts lean heavily on nostalgia. Truth be told, I often have to apologize to my kids for how quickly I tear up when I think of the past. Keeping my soft pot for the “good” of the past in mind, it will come as no surprise that I chose the following issue for today’s installment.
The FRANK LESLIE’S ILLUSTRATED for April 23, 1887 featured a delightful full-page illustration of the annual White House Egg Roll. Whoever the artist was (it was described as being from a “staff artist”), they perfectly captured the best of America in all its innocence and deep-felt sense of community. American traditions are part of our core essence as a unified people and they build bonds between us which help us stand firm during the hardships of life. Keep in mind, as Spring and Summer arrive, we are about to be flooded with National Holidays drenched with American traditions. Especially during the upcoming year, in light of our nation’s 250th birthday, may we all pause to appreciate the small but powerful traditions which help define us as Americans.
PS “Red and yellow back and white”… playing out in 1887 🙂
PPS As much as I get weepy when thinking about the past, I do find myself very misty-eyed at what I see and experience in my present as well. Perhaps I’m just a softie?!!
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Words spoken softly would prove to be extraordinarily prophetic…
April 14, 2025 by TimHughes · 2 Comments Email This Post
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Some of the newspapers that are so desired by collectors are those with innocent reports–often inconspicuous amongst the jumble of lengthier articles–that would only find relevance in the passing of years. Such is the case with the “New York Semi-Weekly Tribune” issue of May 15, 1860. Keep in mind that at this date, the Republican National Convention in Chicago had yet to formally begin (May 16-18) and Abraham Lincoln was pretty much an unknown in the world of national politics. He did capture some attention with his famous “…house divided…” speech two years earlier, and more contemporarily with his Cooper Union address in February, 1860, but he was–at best–an outsider for the Presidency.
Page 5 has a column headed: “The Chicago Convention” “The People Gathering” “Prospects of Various Candidates” “Seward Leads Them All” and more. However, the report suggests Seward’s work will be difficult, noting in part: “The crowd gather thick & fast…The Seward leaders are also very confident and profess the utmost faith, but it is impossible to see how his nomination can be carried…”. As for the candidates, it notes: “…Mr. Seward will lead, Mr. Bates will come next, and Mr. Chase will be third…Mr. Cameron will come next, and then Mr. Lincoln…”. By the reporter’s reckoning, Lincoln was a distant 5th.
Ultimately, as the following days would give evidence, Seward led on the first ballot but fell short of a majority, while Lincoln would finish in a strong second place. Cameron’s delegates shifted to Lincoln on the second ballot, leaving Lincoln essentially tied with Seward. Lincoln clinched the nomination on the third ballot after consolidating support from more delegates who had backed candidates other than Seward.
All of this is intriguing and noteworthy, but of special collector interest is a comment in the page 4 editorial. It is a simple, yet very prophetic statement: “…Mr. Lincoln of Illinois, however, is rising in prominence.” And so he did, becoming unquestionably one of the most well-known names in all of American history.
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