The Fugitive Slave Law.

The Fugitive Slave Law.

Colonel Wynkoop, United States Marshal of the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, has advised the Secretary of the Interior that certain of his deputies, whom he had sent to Wikesbarre [sic] with a warrant, issued by Commissioner Ingraham, for the arrest of a fugitive slave, were forcibly resisted as disturbers and violators of the laws of the commonwealth, and that the process had been isued by the State authorities for their arrest as such. The following is the reply of the Secretary:--

                                DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR,}
                                            Washington Oct. 4th, 1853.}
    SIR--Yours of the 3d instant has been received, and I have telegraphed you to consult the District Attorney, employ counsel, if necessary, and use all reasonable means for the enforcement of the law. This Department is determined that the Fugitive Slave Law shall, so far as depends upon it, be executed in good faith, and that the officers legitimately employed in carrying it into effect shall be sustained. They need not fear any difficulty here so long as they discharge their duties efficiently and faithfully.     I am, Sir, &c.,
                                            R. McCLELLAND, secretary.

Gov. McClellann, was, as the representative of a Congressional District in Michigan, an advocate of the Wilmot Proviso, but he was the warm friend of Gen. Cass. His former course, however, cannot be quoted as inimical to the Fugitive Slaw [sic] Law. At any rate his action in the case leaves no room to doubt that he will use the power with which he has been clothed for its enforcement.

Source:

Unknown, "The Fugitive Slave Law," Brooklyn Daily Eagle, Brooklyn, Thursday, 6 October 1853, p. 2.

Created March 1, 2004; Revised March 1, 2004
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