CHAPTER I.

African Servitude.--A Retrospect.--Early Legislation with Regard to the Slave-Trade.--The Southern States foremost in prohibiting it.--A Common Error corrected.--The Ethical Question never at Issue in Sectional Controversies.--The Acquisition of Louisiana.--The Missouri Compromise.--The Balance of Power.--Note.--The Indiana Case.

The Session of 1849-'50.--The Compromise Measures.--Virtual Abrogation of the Missouri Compromise.--The Admission of California.--The Fugitive Slave Law.--Death of Mr. Calhoun.--Anecdote of Mr. Clay.