From the beginning of French rule of Missouri in 1720 through this state's abolition of slavery in 1865; liberty was always the goal of the vast majority of its enslaved people. The presence in eastern Kansas of a host of abolitionists from New England made slaveholding risky business. Mennonites and Quakers had voiced their detestation of human bondage long before the United States existed. A number of devout persons served time in the Missouri state penitentiary for "slave stealing." Based largely on old newspapers; prison records; pardon papers; and other archival materials; this book is an account of the legal and physical obstacles that slaves faced in their quest for freedom and of the consequences suffered by persons who tried to help them.
#6974341 in Books 2007-02-09 2007-02-09Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 8.79 x .60 x 6.16l; .80 #File Name: 0786429836264 pages
Review
0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. What a treat for history buffs!By MaggieStuart's prose is both beautiful and refreshing -- who knew that kind of engaging style ever happened in a scholarly and meticulously researched examination of history and politics. Brand new stories about fascinating men that worked with and around many of the most famous names in American history; about individuals at work in the background; that no doubt had a hand in the successes of the famous men they served. Not only are Stuart's accounts of these relative unknowns historically accurate and well written; the political and cultural events; the intrigue and manipulation; the behind-the-scenes maneuvering he describes are all remarkably familiar. Except for the dates and period details; each mini-biography could have been written about national and international politics today. A wonderful; engaging read!
