Was Mr. Ellsworth Against Slavery?
No, Oliver Ellsworth was not against slavery; he notably supported the free international trade in slaves as a means to secure Southern support for the nascent United States Constitution.
Oliver Ellsworth's Position on Slavery
Oliver Ellsworth, a pivotal figure among the Founding Fathers and later the third Chief Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court, played a significant role in shaping the early American government. His political actions, particularly during the Constitutional Convention, reveal a pragmatic approach to nation-building, which included concessions on the issue of slavery.
To ensure the crucial support of Southern states for the ratification of the U.S. Constitution, Ellsworth actively supported the continuation of free international trade in slaves. This position was a strategic compromise aimed at unifying the diverse states under a single federal framework, highlighting the complex and often morally challenging negotiations that underpinned the formation of the United States.
Key Aspects of Ellsworth's Involvement and Stance:
- Support for Slave Trade: Ellsworth's endorsement of the free international slave trade was a direct effort to appease Southern delegates, without whose backing the Constitution faced significant hurdles. This demonstrates a willingness to prioritize political unity over opposition to slavery.
- Defense of the Constitution: Beyond this specific issue, Ellsworth was a staunch advocate for the new federal structure. He vigorously defended the Constitution, notably at the Connecticut ratifying convention, playing a key role in its adoption.
- Historical Context: His actions reflect the broader compromises made during the Constitutional Convention, where the issue of slavery was a contentious point that required significant negotiation to forge a unified nation. Many delegates, for various reasons, made concessions regarding slavery to achieve a federal union.
While the specifics of his personal anti-slavery sentiments are not directly detailed, his public support for the international slave trade firmly indicates that he was not opposed to the institution of slavery in a manner that would jeopardize the formation of the United States. His focus was on the practicalities of establishing a stable and unified federal government.
