[
67]
If I were asked to name the man who, next to
Salmon P. Chase, most effectually and meritoriously contributed to the liberation of the black man in this country, I should unhesitatingly say
John Quincy Adams.
By the great majority of those now living
Mr. Adams is known only as having once been
President of the
United States and as belonging to a very distinguished family.
His name is rarely mentioned.
There was a time, however, when no other name was heard so often in this country, or which, when used, excited such violent and conflicting emotions.
It can justly be said that for many years
John Quincy Adams, individually and practically alone, by his services in Congress, sustained what Anti-Slavery sentiment there was in the nation.
It was but a spark, but he kept it alive and gradually extended its conflagration.
When
Adams entered Congress opposition to slavery was at its lowest ebb. It was almost extinct.
The victory of the slaveholders in the
Missouri contest had elated them most tremendously and had correspondingly depressed and cowed their adversaries.
As a general thing, the latter had given