This odious statute was, perhaps, the greatest single cause of the union of the people of the North in opposition to the further encroachments of slavery.

Yet but two slaves were taken back into slavery from Massachusetts by reason of its provisions.

I will not undertake to tell the story of those years which will form an important chapter in the history of the country.

But I had a special knowledge of two occurrences which are alluded to by Colonel Higginson in his charming essay entitled, "Cheerful Yesterdays," in regard to which that most delightful writer and admirable gentleman has fallen into some slight errors of recollection.
The first person seized under the Fugitive Slave Law was a slave named Shadrach.

He was brought to trial before George T.Curtis, United States Commissioner.