ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

Kenneth Stampp and William Gienapp taught me both the joys and the rigors of historical inquiry. Each demanded of himself an unyieldingly high standard of scholarship and expected the same from others. Without their inspiring example and the supportive warmth of their friendship, none of my own attempts at scholarship would have been possible. They are deeply missed by those who benefited from their historical insights and from their unreserved dedication to their colleagues, students, and friends.

Several administrators and colleagues at the University of Texas–Arlington gave this project important support as it developed and grew. History Department chair Marvin Dulaney, who generously read a portion of this manuscript, along with the offices of the dean of liberal arts, the provost, and the university president, deserve special mention.

Richard Holway, Bonnie Gill, Mark Mones, and the entire staff at the University of Virginia Press have proved to be an unfailing pleasure to work with. Their experience, expertise, and commitment to this project improved this book in many ways. I am also grateful to the press’s anonymous readers, whose suggestions enhanced the manuscript, and to Margaret Hogan for her skilled copyediting. In addition, I am deeply indebted to the wonderful, dedicated librarians at the over forty archives I visited and at the more than twenty additional libraries that supplied me with photocopied materials during the course of my research for this book.

Many colleagues and friends offered valuable support. Their backing enabled me to pursue this project with confidence. Richard Allen, Sheri Allen, Oliver Bateman, Richard Carwardine, Larry Gerber, Thavolia Glymph, Marcy Paul, Cristina Salinas, Rachel Shelden, and the late Barbara Shilo all gave me important encouragement at critical junctures.

Four colleagues at the University of Texas–Arlington provided me with crucial assistance in writing and organizing this book. David Narrett freely shared his comprehensive knowledge of the revolutionary era, allowing me to test the memories of the generation of 1850. John Garrigus encouraged my use of digital research tools without which this project could not have been undertaken. Andrew Milson generously contributed his graphic skills, helping to construct the charts in appendix B. And Ryan Hamzeh expertly converted those charts into the required format.

Several friends and colleagues read all or parts of the manuscript. James Brewer Stewart, Kristen Oertel, and Ben Serby offered useful suggestions. Robert Abzug was, as always, wise in his counsel and generous in his support. Daniel Crofts gave me enthusiastic encouragement when I needed it most, and Lisa Rubens, a friend for many decades, was a dependable source of useful advice and perceptive comments.

William Freehling, my first instructor in graduate school, gave the manuscript a critical reading, supplied crucial advice, and encouraged me with his characteristic good cheer. From the very beginning of this project, Christopher Morris listened tirelessly to my reports on the sources I read and the ideas I developed from them. He was always available to make important recommendations and provide cautionary insights. Alison Parker helped me weather countless crises. Her encouragement and unstinting faith in my ability to succeed provided me with the resolve necessary to bring this project to its completion.

The late Michael Morrison offered perceptive observations as I charted and re-charted the course of my work. His strong command of the period proved exceptionally helpful, and his careful, detailed reading of the manuscript identified errors large and small. But most of all, his tenacious support kept me optimistic and determined.

For over forty years of friendship, James Roger Sharp has been a steady, constant source of strength and support. He read an early draft of the manuscript and offered numerous key suggestions that advanced the project in many important ways. His thorough knowledge of antebellum America, his sensitive understanding of the profession, and his experienced guidance were invaluable for this study as they have been throughout my career.

Rivka Maizlish was absolutely unyielding in her confidence in this project and her belief in my ability to complete it. She supported my adoption of a cultural and intellectual history approach and taught me the value of applying its insights to the study of the Compromise. Again and again, she wisely insisted that I remain loyal to the original purpose of this book and, based on her own expertise, offered innumerable insights into the material I was examining. But above all, as our daughter, Rivka has been an endless source of joy and pride, and her love an enduring source of strength. I have dedicated this book to her and to Joyce Goldberg, whose love and devotion have sustained me in this project as they have in all of life. She read every passage of this book many times over, considering every word, every comma, and every argument with the same thought and care that she applies to her own scholarship and to all things. Her wise judgments have kept me focused on what is important in life, and her love has given me the confidence to persevere and prevail.