Webster, Daniel

Autograph letter signed, 3 pages (10 x 8 in.; 253 x 203mm), Washington, 17 March 1850, to the Reverend Calvin Hitchcock; with franked envelope; some very light scattered spotting. Green cloth folding case, green morocco spine, grey morocco spine labels.

"I cannot but think that slavery was regarded by Christ and his Apostles as evil, an injustice to be  overcome." Webster explores the moral teachings of the Old and New Testaments especially relative to slavery with the Reverend Calvin Hitchcock. He expounds: "There is  . . . a difference between the spirit of the old system and that of the new, which is wonderful and marvellous . . . . In the Old Testament, the general tone of command, respecting the Gentile nations is 'root out and destroy.' In the new, it is 'convert and save.' Nevertheless, I cannot but think that slavery was regarded by Christ and his apostles as an evil, an injustice to be overcome, by inspiring individuals with that meekness and that love which the gospel enjoins. There is no direct denunciation of slavery, none of despotism, or monarchy, none of war; although we are well informed whence wars and fighting come . . . . "