James Madison and the Slavery Issue Essay - 2515 Words

James Madison and the Slavery Issue The Revolutionary period of the United States was a time filled with much turmoil and confusion as to how this newly found nation, should be modeled. Many delicate issues were discussed and planned out to get the best outcome for all concerned. One of these issues that cast an ominous shadow over the new republic was the slavery issue. Some of the most prominent figures at the head of this nation wanted to bring about an end to it but continuously failed due to the inconvenience of finding a workable plan. The topic of this paper is a man who is thought to have little to do with the slavery issue but played a relatively large role. James Madison although a slave owner himself wanted to rid the†¦show more content†¦The sheriff who carried out Eves sentence was the great uncle of Madison, Thomas Chew. His father related this story to Madison. Although these events may not have had quite an effect on Madison, the efforts of his parents were very influential. During Mad isons youth, slavery combined the personal ease of the master with a life long consideration for the servant, (Brant, 1:44). Clement Eaton, author of A history of the Old South, describes many southerners as having a guilty conscience over slavery. It is uncertain whether Madison suffered from this but he did respect the slaves owned by his family. This respect was carried by Madison throughout his life and is often pointed to in the writings of his personal servant, Paul Jennings. After Madisons death he wrote that, [Mr. Madison] often told the story, that one day riding home from court with old Tom Barbour (father of Governor James Barbour) they met a colored man who took off his hat. Mr. M replied, I never allow a Negro to excel me in politeness, (Jennings, p.19-20). Madison would often write home asking about the family which to him included the slaves. One of the first direct references to slavery in Madisons writings came in a letter to Joseph Jones. In this letter, Mad ison responds to Jones idea of offering slaves as a bonus to those who fight in the war for independence. Madison respondsShow MoreRelatedEssay on James Madison1503 Words   |  7 PagesThe Founding Brother: James Madison The American Revolution emerge, and new ideas and changes were made from the Founding Brothers. The Declaration of Independence, Articles of Confederation...were all made and edit from the Founding Brothers. One of the Founding Brothers, did not experience the American revolution. James Madison, a federalist who was a republican-democratic had many goals he wanted to achieved. 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