| DRED SCOTT AND JOHN BROWN And John C. Calhoun, that old breather of fire, Did insist that the North grant a southern desire That all fleeing slaves be caught and hauled back By a law most despised -- The Fugitive Act. With Yankees so ordered to discount their morals, 'Twas a land of foul moods and nothing but quarrels. And the fate of the nation now loomed in the haze As goodwill did dwindle like dry wood in a blaze. And the Supreme Court weighed in, in the case of Dred Scott, That this man once enslaved...a citizen was not! And that where a slave travelled mattered little to none, 'Twas an owner with rights that no states could shun! And what a shock they did send, like a cyclone or squall: Congress cannot ban slavery -- no, not at all! And how good hearts did cringe to hear these words spoken, As ties which were strained now seemed utterly broken. While in the rough western climes, pro-free and pro-slave Sent their numbers to vote on this matter so grave. Who soon vyed in the streets over slavery's chances, And saw violence erupt -- what became Bleeding Kansas. Where the man John Brown, like fury loosed from a cage, Took up freedom's cause, mixing his passion and rage. And with sons by his side, they now planned for a raid To steal ammo and arms -- the harsh tools of crusade! And at Harpur's Ferry, his first step by design, They seized a cache of weapons in 1859. -- But revolts did not follow and the U.S. was forced To douse the firebrands for either better or worse. Yes, Brown hanged for his treason, which did little but pique The poisonous feelings this toxic issue did wreak. As northern hearts mourned and so honored Brown's soul, Despite gasps from the South -- to hear praise for his goal!... |
 |
| Worksheet # 67 |
|
 |
|
 |