THE HISTORY OF THE UNION, AND OF THE CONSTITUTION. BEING THE SUBSTANCE OF THREE LECTURES ON THE COLONIAL, REVOLUTIONARY, AND CONSTITUTIONAL PERIODS OF AMERICAN HISTORY, WITH AN APPENDIX CONTAINING THE CONSTITUTION OF THE UNITED STATES, AND THE VIRGINA AND KENTUCKY RESOLUTIONS OF '98. THIRD EDITION.
New York: Van Evrie, Horton & Co., 1863. 92, 4 pp. Later covers, light toning, Very Good.
The Van Evrie publishing firm became notorious during the Civil War and Reconstruction as a defender of Slavery and opponent of civil rights for Negroes, whom Van Evrie regarded as an inferior race. The firm sponsored an array of Copperhead and anti-Negro, pro-slavery publications. These opinions aligned well with many in the Democratic Party, which offered itself to voters as "The White Man's Party" during the War and Reconstruction.
The 'History,' first printed in 1862, matched these views. Burr renders a detailed analysis of early British history and colonial opposition to British rule; he concludes that local self-government is the foundation of civil liberty. Applying this principle to American Slavery and Civil War, Burr lauds the Virginia and Kentucky Resolutions of 1798 [printed here]. He opposes abolitionism, coercive attempts to prevent secession, and federal guarantees of civil liberty for the freedmen.
Sabin 9436. Not in LCP, Bartlett. Item #40706
Price: $375.00