Chapter 54: All sides criticize the Omnibus Bill.

Aging giants in Washington take up the debate. In the North: Daniel Webster, Thaddeus Stevens, and Henry Seward citing “a higher law than the Constitution.” For the South: a fiery farewell speech from a dying John C. Calhoun, offset with a plea for moderation from Robert Toombs.

A brawl takes place between Senators Foote and Benton. A June 1850 Convention in Nashville rejects the call for secession from southern “Fire-Eaters” like Mississippi Governor John Quitman.

On July 9 the turmoil grows.