Primary sourceDocumentDecember 2, 1850
Millard Fillmore's First Annual Message to Congress
Millard Fillmore · December 2, 1850
Fillmore's first message to Congress as president, delivered December 1850, defending the Compromise of 1850.
Fillmore's own words defending the Compromise of 1850 and pledging to enforce its laws.
About this source
What it is
This is the text of Millard Fillmore's first annual message to Congress, delivered on December 2, 1850, held by the U.S. National Archives. It was his first major statement of policy after becoming president following the death of Zachary Taylor.
Why it matters
In this message Fillmore defended the Compromise of 1850 as a final settlement of the sectional crisis over slavery and pledged to enforce its laws, including the Fugitive Slave Act, faithfully. The speech shows how Fillmore tried to present himself as a unifying figure determined to preserve the Union, even as the Compromise provoked deep anger in parts of the country.
Look closer
- Why might Fillmore have felt it necessary to explain his political principles so carefully in his first message?
- What does his promise to enforce
This document is part of the curated material that grounds the AI version of Millard Fillmore on Humy.ai — when students ask about related events, the AI can quote it and cite it.
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