This volume is the first comprehensive history of the evolving relationship between American slavery and the law from colonial times to the Civil War. As Thomas Morris clearly shows; racial slavery came to the English colonies as an institution without strict legal definitions or guidelines. Specifically; he demonstrates that there was no coherent body of law that dealt solely with slaves. Instead; more general legal rules concerning inheritance; mortgages; and transfers of property coexisted with laws pertaining only to slaves. According to Morris; southern lawmakers and judges struggled to reconcile a social order based on slavery with existing English common law (or; in Louisiana; with continental civil law.) Because much was left to local interpretation; laws varied between and even within states. In addition; legal doctrine often differed from local practice. And; as Morris reveals; in the decades leading up to the Civil War; tensions mounted between the legal culture of racial slavery and the competing demands of capitalism and evangelical Christianity.
#1655987 in Books 2015-11-16Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 9.13 x 1.10 x 6.32l; 1.36 #File Name: 0807160709352 pages
Review
2 of 4 people found the following review helpful. I appreciate this analysis of an under-explored topic. My ...By J. T. EngelI appreciate this analysis of an under-explored topic. My biggest complaint is that Bledsoe repeatedly; uncritically; draws on the work of Gerald Linderman; whose book Embattled Courage has been massively critiqued - if not debunked - by numerous other ACW scholars. To so readily adopt Linderman's claims without discussion seems inappropriate to me.In the passage on p. 147-148; Bledsoe identifies Linderman by name and pronounces his view of courage and leadership "particularly apposite." Bledsoe also describes officers becoming hardened and embittered by their war experience (pg. 185-186 and 190-191). He doesn't namedrop Linderman in those passages; but I found them so strikingly Linderman-esque; so reminiscent of Embattled Courage; that I was driven to check the endnotes and sure enough; Bledsoe cites Linderman for his claims in those passages.1 of 3 people found the following review helpful. Very Satisfied. Highly RecommendedBy Richard A MaloneyVery Satisfied. Highly Recommended.1 of 4 people found the following review helpful. Five StarsBy W. WadfordSolidly researched and well written.
