The Slave States of America

This two-volume work, published in 1842, described the situation of slaves in the southern USA and called for their liberation.

James Silk Buckingham (Author)

9781108033466, Cambridge University Press

Paperback / softback, published 14 July 2011

614 pages, 4 b/w illus.
21.6 x 3.5 x 14 cm, 0.77 kg

The Cornish-born traveller and writer James Silk Buckingham (1786–1855) campaigned energetically for social reform while a Member of Parliament during the 1830s. He later spent four years in the United States, and in 1839 travelled across the Carolinas, Virginia, Georgia, and Alabama to observe at first hand the inhumane treatment of slaves in a system that showed 'reckless indifference to human life'. Originally published in 1842, and dedicated to Prince Albert, this two-volume work documents Buckingham's findings and argues that the USA should follow Britain's example in abolishing slavery. Within the framework of a travel narrative recording climate, geography, flora and fauna, Buckingham describes the use of slaves in industries as diverse as gold mining, cotton manufacturing, railways, canals, and agriculture. He highlights the social and political issues surrounding free labour, and relations between the slaves and their employers. Volume 2 focuses mainly on Georgia and Virginia.

1. Journey from Charleston to Columbia
2. From Columbia to Augusta
3. Departure from Augusta for Athens
4. Public funeral of the late Judge Clayton
5. History and condition of the Cherokee Indians
6. Environs of Athens
7. Journey to the Madison Springs
8. Description of Greenville
9. Journey to Flatrock
10. History of the state of North Carolina
11. Departure from the Warm Springs
12. Improved aspect of the country
13. Journey from Tennessee to Virginia
14. Journey from Abingdon to the Virginia Springs
15. Red Sulphur Springs
16. White Sulphur Springs
17. Journey from the Sweet Springs to Fincastle
18. Entrance into Wyer's Cave
19. Journey to Waynesborough through Rock-fish Gap
20. Stay at Richmond
21. Journey to Petersburgh
22. Description of Norfolk
23. Visit to the fortifications at Old Point Comfort
24. History of Virginia
25. First representative assembly at James Town
26. Present extent, condition, and statistics of Virginia
27. Departure from Norfolk
28. The Faquier Springs
29. Journey from Alexandria to Washington City.

Subject Areas: History of the Americas [HBJK]