The Differences Slavery Made: A Close Analysis of Two American Communities
Staunton Vindicator, "Hon. Wm. L. Yancey," October 9, 1860

Summary

Even the Democratic editor was unwilling to countenance William L. Yancey's criticism of Virginia's commitment to slavery.

EXCERPT:

"While at times the [unclear] of a great mind would mark its line through the mass of his sophistry and superfloiulity [sic], yet as one could fail to perceive that he relied upon impassioned appeals to sectional prejudice, and excited denunciation and execration to produce an effect. For instance, in alluding to the charges preferred against him, based upon his own writings, of entertaining disunion sentiments, he denied that he did, and indignantly exclaimed--'I scorn it--(stamp)--I trample it under my feet--(stamp)--I grind it beneath my heel'--(stamp). This kind of logic did not answer the demand of a reading, intelligent people like the audience that listened to him."

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Points of Analysis to this Data:

"Augusta's Democratic Party emphasized that slavery was the country's economic engine of success, protected in the territories by the Dred Scott decision, and they defended Stephen Douglas to the end as the best candidate to defeat Lincoln."


Citation: Key = E178
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