The Differences Slavery Made: A Close Analysis of Two American Communities
Franklin Repository and Transcript, "Crop Production, 1860," July 18, 1860

Summary

The Republican paper praised Franklin wheat farmers for their tremendous output. The paper pointed out Washington County, Maryland, produced nearly as much wheat and suggested its proximity to "free soil and good company" as the reason.

Full-text web version of newspaper

Points of Analysis to this Data:

"Newspapers in Franklin championed agricultural production as the means to future wealth and prosperity."

Staunton Spectator, "The Late Slave Murder Case," October 16, 1860

Summary

Whigs considered the murderer of a slave guilty of a crime against "human and divine law," but they were especially concerned because such brutal treatment would "fan the flame of fanaticism" and bring shame on the community.

EXCERPT:

"The jury hesitated much between a conviction for murder in the first and murder in the second degree. But finally they agreed and ascertained the term of imprisonment in the Penitentiary at eighteen years--the longest term known to the law."

Full-text web version of newspaper

Points of Analysis to this Data:

"White people in Augusta rarely discussed slavery openly and for the most part only did so under provocation when they hoped to defend their institution."

"Staunton newspapers bore visual and textual markings of slavery, as they regularly contained ads for runaway slaves, slave agents, and slave sales."


Citation: Key = E037E042
Historiography Tools