Blood Red by L. L. Rigsbee

Author:L. L. Rigsbee
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: HomeSpun Literature
Published: 2021-10-13T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter Seven

Diego knew a lot about what was going on in the mountains. Zach attributed that to his constant contact with the Apache. That was why their conversation at breakfast took him by surprise.

Becca placed a sizzling venison steak on each of their plates before taking a seat opposite them at the table. She glanced at Diego.

“I heard that when Lincoln is elected president in November, he intends to stop slavery in the territories.”

Diego took time to cut a bite from his steak. He responded in a conversational tone without looking up.

“He hasn’t been elected yet. Douglas defeated him once already. In any case, I think his intent is to prevent slavery in the territories rather than abolish it in existing states.”

He forked the bite of steak in his mouth and started chewing before his gaze finally settled on Becca.

She shrugged. “Possibly, but surely he is aware that slavery has existed here for almost 200 years. The slave code last year drew a lot of attention to the territory of New Mexico.”

Diego washed the bite down with a swallow of coffee.

“True, but the focus was on Negro slaves, not Indian slaves. My understanding is that the intent of the restricted travel clause in the New Mexico slave code was to keep Negroes out and preserve the current Indian slave base. Lincoln wants to prohibit slavery in any new states. He has voiced no intent to stop slavery in existing states.”

“I know. He doesn’t want to rile the South. They want someone who will let them keep their slaves.

Diego had refocused on his steak, ready to cut another bite, but he lost interest.

“It isn’t all about slavery, you know. It’s about the government making decisions for the states. Douglas believes in Popular Sovereignty.” He glanced at Zach. “The right of the citizens of the territories to make a decision rather than the government dictating,” He explained.

Becca sighed. “I know, but who is to protect the slaves? They have been robbed of the right to vote.”

Diego nodded. “Indeed. Indians who do not pay taxes are excluded from representation. The constitution makes no provisions for slavery – neither for nor against. An amendment would have to be written to abolish slavery.”

“Lincoln is in favor of that,” Becca said.

Zach looked from Diego to Becca and back again as they calmly discussed politics. The issue of slavery was one he tried to avoid. In town, any discussion about slavery generally resulted in shouting and fights. It wasn’t that he had no opinion, though. How one man could think he had a right to own another was beyond his comprehension. People supporting slavery had a louder and more determined voice. Pa said it was because they were afraid - frightened that the freed slaves would turn on them. Even Pa wondered how and where they would live if they were suddenly free – if they would take the few jobs available and put the white man out of work.

Obviously Becca and Diego held opposing opinions on this political issue.

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