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The Fugitive Slave Law and Its Victims / Anti-Slavery Tracts No. 18 cover

The Fugitive Slave Law and Its Victims / Anti-Slavery Tracts No. 18

By Samuel May
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History - AmericanHistory - Modern (1750+)Law & Criminology

About This Book

A contemporary anti‑slavery tract provides a clear, section‑by‑section synopsis of the 1850 Fugitive Slave Act, explaining how commissioners, marshals, and courts were empowered to seize and return alleged fugitives, to deny the testimony of the person claimed, and to impose fines and imprisonment for those who aided escapes. It outlines fee schedules, posse powers, and a separate record‑based method for transfer between states, then shifts to moral and political denunciation by reproducing congressional roll calls and censuring lawmakers who supported the statute, framing the law as an instrument enabling abduction and oppression.

About the Author

May, Samuel portrait

Samuel May

Samuel May was an American abolitionist and a prominent advocate for anti-slavery causes in the 19th century. He is best known for his work "The Fugitive Slave Law and Its Victims," which highlights the injustices faced by escaped slaves under the Fugitive Slave Act. May's writings contributed to the broader anti-slavery movement, emphasizing the moral and ethical implications of slavery. His activism and literary contributions played a significant role in raising awareness about the plight of enslaved individuals and the legal challenges they encountered. Through his efforts, May became a notable figure in the fight for civil rights and social justice.

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