James Henry Hammond

Slavery is not only not a sin but especially commanded by God.

James Henry Hammond (November 15, 1807 – November 13, 1864) was a politician from South Carolina. He served as a United States Representative from 1835 to 1836, Governor of South Carolina from 1842 to 1842, and United States Senator from 1857 to 1860.

Quotes

• The very mudsills of society…. We call them slaves…. But I will not characterize that class at the North with that term; but you have it. It is there, it is everywhere; it is eternal.
  • Speech in the U. S. Senate, March, 1858.

• I think then I may safely conclude and I firmly believe that American slavery is not only not a sin but especially commanded by God through Moses and approved by Christ through His Apostles.
  • Selections from the Letters and Speeches of the Hon. James H. Hammond, p. 124.

• I endorse without reserve the much-abused sentiment of Gov. M'Duffie, that "slavery is the corner stone of our Republican edifice;" while I repudiate, as ridiculously absurd, that much-lauded but nowhere accredited dogma of Mr. Jefferson, that "all men are born equal."
  • Selections from the Letters and Speeches of the Hon. James H. Hammond, p. 126.