Fugitive Slave Act

1. A law passed as part of the Compromise of 1850, which provided southern slaveholders with legal weapons to capture slaves who had escaped to the free states. The law was highly unpopular in the North and helped to convert many previously indifferent northerners to antislavery.

Example Sentences

And Daniel Webster, a great opponent of slavery, supported the vile Compromise of 1850, Fugitive Slave Act and all.

From The Daily Beast

When the Fugitive Slave Act went into operation, they received warning that the hounds were on their track.

From Project Gutenberg

The application of it would at once annul the Fugitive Slave Act, and abolish slavery.

From Project Gutenberg

Once the positive upholders of the Fugitive Slave Act, they now demand its unconditional repeal.

From Project Gutenberg

Here, again, is an effort against the enforcement of the Fugitive Slave Act.

From Project Gutenberg

On the presentation of petitions against the Fugitive Slave Act, from time to time, he was met by similar checks.

From Project Gutenberg