British Parliamentary Discussion of the American Civil War
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Scope and Contents
This collection consists of a single 14-page original holograph manuscript titled Debate June 30, 1863. The document provides a personal, unofficial account of a debate in the British Parliament in which John Arthur Roebuck, a Liberal Member of Parliament, advocates for the recognition of the Confederate States of America and urges Parliament to support negotiations with the South during the American Civil War. The author of the manuscript is unknown.
Dates
- Creation: 1863 June 30
Conditions Governing Access
Collection is open for research. Researchers must register and agree to copyright and privacy laws before using this collection. Manuscript collections and archival records may contain materials with sensitive or confidential information that is protected under federal or state right to privacy laws and regulations. Due to the nature of certain archival formats, including digital and audio-visual materials, access to certain materials may require additional advance notice.
Conditions Governing Use
Researchers are responsible for using the materials in conformance with United States copyright law as well as any donor restrictions accompanying the materials. The user assumes all responsibility for identifying and satisfying any copyright claimants in collection materials. Copyright for official University records is held by The University of Alabama. The library claims only physical ownership of many manuscript collections. Anyone wishing to broadcast or publish this material must assume all responsibility for identifying and satisfying any claimants of literary property rights or copyrights. Please contact Special Collections (archives@ua.edu) with questions regarding specific manuscript collections.
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Researchers are advised that the disclosure of certain information pertaining to identifiable living individuals without the consent of those individuals may have legal implications, for which the University of Alabama assumes no responsibility.
Biographical / Historical
During the American Civil War (1861–1865), the question of international recognition of the Confederate States was a contentious issue abroad. In Britain, public and political opinion was divided, with economic interests in Southern cotton clashing with anti-slavery and pro-Union sentiments. On June 30, 1863, John Arthur Roebuck, a Member of Parliament known for his outspoken views and oratorical style, proposed a motion urging the British government to recognize the Confederacy and mediate peace between the warring American factions. His speech came just days before the pivotal Battle of Gettysburg and ultimately failed to gain sufficient support. The debate marked a significant moment in British-American relations during the war.
Extent
1 Linear Feet (1 folder (14 pages))
Language of Materials
English
Immediate Source of Acquisition
The University of Alabama Libraries acquired the British Parliamentary Discussion of the American Civil War from George Minkoff Rare Books in 2021.
Processing Information
Processed by Courtney Tutt, April 2025.
- Title
- Guide to the British Parliamentary Discussion of the American Civil War
- Status
- Completed
- Author
- Finding aid created by Courtney Tutt, April 2025.
- Date
- April 2025
- Description rules
- Describing Archives: A Content Standard
- Language of description
- English
- Script of description
- Latin
Repository Details
Part of the The University of Alabama Libraries Special Collections Repository