When was it published?

April 9, 1853 in The Cecil Whig

Domestic News April 9, 1853

The Cecil Whig

Q: What entities or persons were involved?

Cass, Van Buren, Marcy, Seymour

Q: What keywords are associated?

Hard Shells, Soft Shells, 1848 Democracy, Hunkers, Barnburners, Fugitive Slave Law

Elkton, Cecil County, Maryland

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What is this article about?

The New York Tribune explains the origins of 'Hard Shell' and 'Soft Shell' political terms from the 1848 reunion efforts between Cass and Van Buren Democrats, known as Hunkers and Barnburners. Hards support Fugitive Slave Law execution and national office distribution; Softs emphasize Union and Harmony, comprising Van Buren-Adams remnants and some Hunkers like Marcy and Seymour.

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Hard and Soft Shells. These terms, says the New York Tribune, date from the efforts made to reunite the Cass and Van Buren Democracy of 1848, who were known as Hunkers and Barnburners. Some difficulty attended this reunion which gave rise to the use of new political epithets. The difference between a Hard Shell and Soft Shell is this: one favors the execution of the Fugitive Slave Law and goes for a distribution of the offices among the Nationals, while the other is a loud stickler for Union and Harmony. The Hards embrace the Cass Hunkers of 1848 of the National School of politics, while the Softs are composed of the remnants of the Van Buren and Adams party of 1848, and such Hunkers as Secretary Marcy and Gov. Seymour.

What sub-type of article is it?

Politics

What keywords are associated?

Hard Shells Soft Shells 1848 Democracy Hunkers Barnburners Fugitive Slave Law

What entities or persons were involved?

Cass Van Buren Marcy Seymour

Domestic News Details

Event Date

1848

Key Persons

Cass Van Buren Marcy Seymour

Event Details

Terms 'Hard Shell' and 'Soft Shell' originated from 1848 reunion efforts of Cass and Van Buren Democrats (Hunkers and Barnburners). Hards favor Fugitive Slave Law execution and national office distribution; Softs prioritize Union and Harmony, including Van Buren-Adams remnants and Hunkers like Marcy and Seymour.