Topic: As you know by this point, the debates over the Compromise of 1850 proved vicious and intense. Read the three speeches about the Compromise of 1850 (provided in the Reading & Study folder of Module/Week 8), one penned by William Seward (a powerful New York politician), one by John C. Calhoun, and one by Daniel Webster. Two are against the bill (Seward from an abolitionist perspective and Calhoun from that of slavery), and one is in favor of Clay's bill (Webster). Pay close attention to Seward's speech, as he references a higher law we must obey. He is referring to God's Law.

Question: Compare and contrast the arguments of the speeches. Which argument do you find the most compelling? Why?