Speech of John Hossack, Convicted of a Violation of the Fugitive Slave Law Before Judge Drummond, Of The United States District Court, Chicago, Ill.

"Speech of John Hossack, Convicted of a Violation of the Fugitive Slave Law" is a historical account written in the mid-19th century, reflecting the tumultuous period leading up to the American Civil War. The book consists of a powerful speech delivered by John Hossack, an abolitionist who was convicted for aiding a fugitive slave. The text serves as a passionate argument against the Fugitive Slave Law, highlighting themes of justice, morality, and human rights. In his speech, Hossack fervently defends his actions and condemns the Fugitive Slave Law as both unjust and unconstitutional. Drawing on his own experiences as a foreign immigrant seeking freedom and opportunity in America, he articulates his deep empathy for oppressed individuals, particularly those subjected to slavery. Hossack emphasizes that true Americans should uphold the ideals of liberty and justice enshrined in the Constitution, rather than participate in the enforcement of wicked laws that serve to oppress others. His powerful rhetoric not only advocates for the rights of fugitive slaves but also calls for a moral awakening among the citizens of the North to resist the institution of slavery. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

John Hossack was a Scottish-American abolitionist whose home, John Hossack House, was a "station" on the Underground Railroad. He gained notoriety in 1860 when he was tried and convicted for violating the Fugitive Slave Law of 1850 by helping Jim Gray, an African American, avoid slave catchers.