To William H. Seward
The poem is a tribute to the American Secretary of State William H. Seward, who was a strong advocate for the abolition of slavery and the preservation of the Union. It portrays him as a champion of freedom and justice, with unwavering commitment to his principles despite facing opposition and criticism. The poem highlights Seward's role in shaping American history and his enduring legacy as a leader who stood up for what he believed in, even when it was unpopular.
By John Greenleaf Whittier · First published 1840 · Genre: Political Poetry, Historical Literature, Patriotic Literature · 461 words
First lines
On the 12th of January, 1861, Mr. Seward delivered in the Senate chamber a speech on The State of the Union, in which he urged the paramount duty of preserving the Union, and went as far as it was possible to go, without surrender of principles, in concessions to the Southern party, concluding his argument with these words: "Having submitted my own opinions on this great crisis, it remains only to say, that I shall cheerfully lend to the government my best support in whatever prudent yet energetic efforts it shall make to preserve the public peace, and to maintain and preserve the Union; advising, only, that it practise, as far as possible, the utmost moderation, forbearance, and conciliation. "This Union has not yet accomplished what good for mankind was manifestly designed by Him who appoints the seasons and prescribes the duties of states and empires. No; if it were cast down by faction to-day, it would rise again and re-appear in all its majestic proportions to-morrow. It is the only government that can stand here. Woe! woe! to the man that madly lifts his hand against it. It shall continue and endure; and men, in after times, shall declare that this generation, which saved the Union from such sudden and unlooked-for dangers, surpassed in magnanimity even that one which laid its foundations in the eternal principles of liberty, justice, and humanity. "
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To William H. Seward is listed on Textopian as a poem by John Greenleaf Whittier, dated 1840 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Poem
- Author: John Greenleaf Whittier
- Date: 1840 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Political Poetry, Historical Literature, Patriotic Literature, Social Commentary, Lyric Poetry
- Length: 461 words
- Structure: 1 section, 2 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)
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Genres
- Political Poetry — The work addresses political themes, particularly the preservation of the Union during a time of national crisis.
- Historical Literature — It reflects on a specific historical moment and the political climate of the United States in 1861.
- Patriotic Literature — The text expresses themes of national pride and the importance of unity.
- Social Commentary — It critiques the political landscape and advocates for peace and moderation in the face of conflict.
Tags
American Literature · Poetry · Abolitionist · Slavery · Civil War Era · Free Verse · Social Justice · Politics · Eulogy · Friendship · Historical Context · 19th Century