Speech of James Dixon, of Connecticut, Delivered in the Senate of the United States, February 9, 1858

This copy of the Speech of James Dixon, of Connecticut, Delivered in the Senate of the United States, February 9, 1858 contributes to our understanding the legislative battles between the North and South in regard to the expansion of slavery to the Territories and, particularly, the attempts of Kansas to be accepted as a State in the Union while insisting on the legality of slavery in the State.

The paper, which measures approximately 5 ¾ x 9 inches, contains fifteen 2-column pages of text describing the lead-up to the speech (1 page) and the complete text of the speech (pages 2-15). The paper was printed by Buell & Blanchard, Printers in Washington, D.C. The pages of the speech are slightly tanned, with text that is clear and easily read. The paper has no cover and has a small tear on the upper edge of the pages near the spine, and several pages detached. The overall condition of the paper is good.

The illustrations accompanying this description show the first page and a typical 2-page spread of the speech's text.

James Dixon (August 5, 1814 – March 27, 1873) was a United States representative and Senator from Connecticut. Dixon was a member of the Connecticut House of Representatives in 1837–1838 and 1844, and served as speaker in 1837; he moved to Hartford, Connecticut, in 1839 and continued the practice of law. Dixon was elected as a representative of Connecticut's 1st District, as a Whig, to the House, serving during the Twenty-ninth and Thirtieth Congresses (March 4, 1845 – March 3, 1849), and was a member of the State house of representatives in 1854. He declined the nomination for governor of Connecticut in 1854, and was an unsuccessful candidate for United States Senator in 1854. Dixon was elected as a Republican to the U.S. Senate in 1856, and reelected in 1863, serving from March 4, 1857, to March 3, 1869. [Wikipedia]