Introduction
In his diary entries, John Adams documented his experiences and reflections during the Missouri debate. Attending speeches and discussions in the Senate and the House of Representatives, Adams believed the Missouri debate threatened the Union. In his observations, he noted that Congress and the nation were almost equally divided, and the topic of slavery was causing further polarization.
Those in favor of abolishing slavery believed it was their ethical and political responsibility to prevent its spread across the vast country. In contrast, those in favor of slavery argued that Congress did not possess the constitutional authority to outlaw slavery in any state or territory. Adams’ diary entries provide valuable insight into the debate leading to the Missouri Compromise.
John Adams’ View on Dangers of the Missouri Debate for the Union
Adams also believed that if a compromise was not reached, it could lead to the dissolution of the Union. He was particularly concerned about the proposed admission of Missouri as a slave state. Adams wrote that “the proposed compromise is to admit Missouri, and hereafter Arkansas, as States, without any restriction upon them regarding slavery, but to prohibit the future introduction of slaves in all Territories of the United States north of 36º 30′ latitude” (John Adams 4).
He expressed his opinion that a compromise was the only way to resolve the issue. He wrote, “Oh, if but one man could arise with a genius capable of comprehending, a heart capable of supporting, and an utterance capable of communicating those eternal truths that belong to this question, to lay bare in all its nakedness that outrage upon the goodness of God, human slavery, now is the time, and this is the occasion, upon which such a man would perform the duties of an angel upon earth!” (John Adams 1) Adams noted that the most eloquent orators in Congress were on the side of slavery.
Conclusion
In summary, John Adams, the future President of the United States, believed that the Missouri debate posed a significant threat to the Union and could only be resolved through compromise. He was particularly concerned about the admission of Missouri as a slave state, which he believed would worsen the already polarized views on slavery in the country.
Work Cited
John Adams. Diary. 1-5.