August Glen-James - Raw History (Page 4)

August Glen-James

Lessons of the Civil War in North Carolina: Thoughts by Cornelia Phillips Spencer--Originally published in 1866

Lessons of the Civil War in North Carolina: Thoughts by Cornelia Phillips Spencer--Originally published in 1866

In her work, The Last Ninety Days of the War, Cornelia Phillips Spencer had some interesting thoughts contrasting the the war spirit vis-a-vis the cautionary thoughts of the old "fogies" before the war and the lessons learned at the end of the conflict in North Carolina via her analysis. August

Thomas Jefferson to Justice William Johnson: Thoughts on the Difference Between America's Political Parties, 12 June 1823.

Thomas Jefferson to Justice William Johnson: Thoughts on the Difference Between America's Political Parties, 12 June 1823.

Thomas Jefferson, believing that the United States had already lost its way and was descending into "monarchism" under Federalist leadership, ran for President in 1800. He won and characterized the victory as a revolution in service of republican principles. Of course, Jefferson's "revolution" didn't end partisan politics. This post highlights

Niccolò Machiavelli: Thoughts on Many Subjects, 1513

General Interest

Niccolò Machiavelli: Thoughts on Many Subjects, 1513

Considered the father of modern politics, Niccolò Machiavelli wrote The Prince in 1513. Noted for its amorality and singular focus on maintaining power through deception and force, The Prince is replete with thought-provoking concepts. I have added my own subject titles so that readers may scan and read what interests

The Enlistment of Slaves in the Confederate Army: Thoughts by General John B. Gordon

The Enlistment of Slaves in the Confederate Army: Thoughts by General John B. Gordon

First published in 1944, the Beard's New Basic History of the United States contained the following passage: > In the Proclamation of Emancipation, issued under his war powers, Lincoln declared thenceforward and forever free all the slaves in all the districts of the United States then in arms against the Union.

Society and the Perniciousness of Sub-Societies: Thoughts by John Taylor of Caroline, 1818

Society and the Perniciousness of Sub-Societies: Thoughts by John Taylor of Caroline, 1818

In a work entitled, "Agriculture and the Militia," John Taylor addressed the topic of Slavery. In one part of the subject, he addressed the purposes of society and the problems associated with "sub-societies." Although, not a name known to many today (as opposed to Thomas Jefferson or Patrick Henry, etc.

Interpreting the Constitution: Thoughts by Thomas Jefferson, 1803

Interpreting the Constitution: Thoughts by Thomas Jefferson, 1803

Writing to Wilson Cary Nicholas, 7 September 1803, Thomas Jefferson articulated his thoughts about the power grants of the Constitution and remediation when found lacking. Written within the context of the Louisiana Purchase, Jefferson defended the acquisition, which was under attack by his political opponents, on the basis of the

An Independent Judiciary: Thoughts by William Cranch, 12 December 1801

An Independent Judiciary: Thoughts by William Cranch, 12 December 1801

Entitled, “A Friend of the Constitution,” William Cranch penned this for the Washington Federalist. It has some interesting points about the virtues inherent in an independent judiciary and the vices that may issue from judicial dependence. Pieces like this often, however, beg the question as to whether, given human and

Husbandry versus Manufacturing: Thoughts by Thomas Jefferson from "Notes on the State of Virginia," 1785

Husbandry versus Manufacturing: Thoughts by Thomas Jefferson from "Notes on the State of Virginia," 1785

Is there a divide between the character and culture of rural and urban populations? Does agriculture produce a certain type of person . . . less corruptible and venal than one involved in manufacturing or trade? Thomas Jefferson would answer yes to both questions. This excerpt explores Jefferson's thoughts about the subject from

Thomas Jefferson to Spencer Roane, 6 Sept. 1819, Concerning the Supreme Court

Thomas Jefferson to Spencer Roane, 6 Sept. 1819, Concerning the Supreme Court

It's not surprising that current U.S. citizens argue and disagree over the meaning and intentions of the Constitution; however, it is peculiar that the generation that produced the document also argued over its meaning and interpretation. The interest inherent in this excerpt is how Thomas Jefferson views the separation

True Americanism: A Speech by Carl Schurz, 1859.

General Interest

True Americanism: A Speech by Carl Schurz, 1859.

Biography: Born in Germany in 1829, Carl Schurz fled his home country as a “forty-Eighter” after an unsuccessful revolution. He came to America in 1852 via France and England. Being against both slavery and its extension into the territories, he naturally joined the Republican party. He served as a Major

Causes of the Civil War: Thoughts by General John B. Gordon, C.S.A., 1903.

Causes of the Civil War: Thoughts by General John B. Gordon, C.S.A., 1903.

Implored for years to write his memoirs, General John B. Gordon complied just in the nick of time: he died January 9, 1904 at the age of 71. Writing about the Civil War, however, was problematic. Many worked to heal the nation, but crimination and recrimination between North and South

"Property and Law:" Thoughts by Frédéric Bastiat, 1848.

General Interest

"Property and Law:" Thoughts by Frédéric Bastiat, 1848.

Introduction: This essay was originally published May 15, 1848, in Le Journal des économistes. The utility of Frédéric Bastiat’s essay, from which this excerpt comes, is found in the philosophical contrast between an individualist and collectivist world view concerning Property and Law. For brevity’s sake (although more complex

On the Workings of Congress: Fisher Ames to George Richards Minot, 1792

On the Workings of Congress: Fisher Ames to George Richards Minot, 1792

It is sometimes said that "the more things change, the more they stay the same." That is apropos for this post. If one were to watch the debates and bickering in any congress or parliament around the world, they might be able to write the same type of letter as

What is the Extent of a Citizen's Property Rights: Thoughts by James Madison, 1792

What is the Extent of a Citizen's Property Rights: Thoughts by James Madison, 1792

James Madison authored a number of Essays (anonymously) for the National Gazette. At this juncture in American history, the acrimony between the first political parties (Federalists--Adams and Hamilton; Democratic-Republicans--Jefferson and Madison) was becoming heightened. Both parties founded newspapers in order to convey their ideas to the public. The Federalists founded

Consolidation of the States: Thoughts by James Madison, 1791

Consolidation of the States: Thoughts by James Madison, 1791

James Madison authored a number of Essays (anonymously) for the National Gazette. At this juncture in American history, the acrimony between the first political parties (Federalists--Adams and Hamilton; Democratic-Republicans--Jefferson and Madison) was becoming heightened. Both parties founded newspapers in order to convey their ideas to the public. The Federalists founded

Division of Labor & Private Life under Socialism: Thoughts by John Stuart Mill, 1869

General Interest

Division of Labor & Private Life under Socialism: Thoughts by John Stuart Mill, 1869

When John Stuart Mill wrote the pamphlet from which this excerpt comes, Socialism (more specifically, Marxian Socialism--since socialist ideas have been around since at least Plato) had been gaining steam for about 20 years. Mill thought that rather than "ignorant change" or ignorant opposition," the concept ought to be carefully

The General Welfare Clause of Article I, Section 8, U.S. Constitution: Thoughts by Thomas Jefferson, 1817

The General Welfare Clause of Article I, Section 8, U.S. Constitution: Thoughts by Thomas Jefferson, 1817

On June 16, 1817, Thomas Jefferson penned a letter to Albert Gallatin addressing what he termed the "only landmark which now divides the federalists from the republicans." The landmark dealt with the interpretation of the phrase "to lay taxes, to pay the debts, and to provide for the general welfare"

George Washington: Thoughts on Political Parties, 1796

George Washington: Thoughts on Political Parties, 1796

Most people are familiar with Washington's admonition in his Farewell Address to avoid foreign entanglements; however, the scope of said address is multifaceted. Washington also had something to say about political parties. This excerpt highlights Washington's thoughts about the subject. August Glen-James, editor -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From Washington’s Farewell Address, September

Lincoln's Proposed Amendment about Slavery, 1862

Lincoln's Proposed Amendment about Slavery, 1862

Interestingly, in his annual message to Congress, December 1, 1862, Abraham Lincoln proposed an amendment to the Constitution dealing with the slavery issue. Below is a summary of the main articles with additional quotes and analyses. August Glen-James, editor -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- [1] Art.—Every State wherein slavery now exists which shall

James Madison: Thoughts from Federalist 37, Select Quotes

James Madison: Thoughts from Federalist 37, Select Quotes

The Federalist Papers were written, primarily by James Madison and Alexander Hamilton, to both advocate for and sell the Constitution of 1787, and counter the arguments of the Anti-Federalists, so-called. The Federalist Papers give unique insights into the processes that produced the Constitution of the United States and unpack a

Reconstruction in North Carolina: Thoughts by Zebulon B. Vance, 1890

Reconstruction in North Carolina: Thoughts by Zebulon B. Vance, 1890

Few eras in U.S. History are as acrimonious as Reconstruction after the Civil War. Reconstruction can be divided into two approaches: Presidential Reconstruction and Congressional Reconstruction. It's fair to say that the South's surrender happened under the relatively mild overtures from the Lincoln administration. Of course, Lincoln was assassinated:

The Declaration of Independence: Thoughts on Application by C. Chauncey Burr, 1865

The Declaration of Independence: Thoughts on Application by C. Chauncey Burr, 1865

In this selection, Burr addresses what he sees as the practical application of the Declaration of Independence in the affairs of a "free people." In what way is the Declaration mere parchment versus real force in the political decisions of a body politic that no longer wishes to be connected?

The Virginia & Kentucky Resolves, 1798-99, By Madison and Jefferson--Extended Summary

The Virginia & Kentucky Resolves, 1798-99, By Madison and Jefferson--Extended Summary

Background: Anticipating war with France, the Federalist-dominated congress (the Federalist party being led by Alexander Hamilton and John Adams) enacted, and President John Adams signed into law, four acts between June 18 and July 14, 1798 known as the Alien and Sedition Acts. The “alien” portion of the acts authorized

Walt Whitman on the Duty of a Government, 1846

Political Philosophy

Walt Whitman on the Duty of a Government, 1846

The following is a short article written by Walt Whitman in the Brooklyn Eagle, April 4, 1846, wherein he quotes an editorial viewpoint from the N.Y. Globe and then proceeds to explain his differences with the Globe’s stated opinion. For ease of reading, I have broken the article

Thomas Jefferson on the Relationship between the State Governments and the Federal Government.

Thomas Jefferson on the Relationship between the State Governments and the Federal Government.

This selection is an extract from a letter Thomas Jefferson wrote to Major Cartwright, dated June 5, 1824. Of interest is how Jefferson decsribes the relationship between the State governments and the federal government coupled with the process for conflict resolution via a convention of States. August Glen-James, editor They