The Duty of Disobedience to the Fugitive Slave Act / An Appeal To The Legislators Of Massachusetts, Anti-Slavery Tracts No. 9

Name: The Duty of Disobedience to the Fugitive Slave Act / An Appeal To The Legislators Of Massachusetts, Anti-Slavery Tracts No. 9
Author: Lydia Maria Child

By Lydia Maria Child

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About This Book

The author addresses Massachusetts legislators with a moral and legal appeal to resist enforcement of the federal Fugitive Slave Act, arguing that the statute is both unconstitutional and wicked and should not be obeyed. The pamphlet combines constitutional analysis of delegated powers and amendments, citations of judicial and legislative opinion, moral and religious argumentation, and eyewitness testimonies; it describes state-level personal liberty statutes like Vermont's as alternatives, urges officials to protect alleged fugitives with jury trials and humane treatment, and frames civil disobedience as a duty grounded in justice, state honor, and religious conscience.

About the Author

Lydia Maria Child

Lydia Maria Child (1802-1880) was an American abolitionist, women's rights activist, and author known for her influential writings on social reform. She gained prominence with her book "An Appeal in Favor of that Class of Americans Called Africans," which argued for the rights and dignity of African Americans. Child also contributed significantly to literature with works such as "The American Frugal Housewife," which provided practical advice for women. Her literary output included novels, essays, and children's books, reflecting her commitment to social justice and the improvement of women's status in society. Child's legacy continues to resonate in discussions of equality and human rights.