ALS, one page, 5 x 7.75, February 25, 1857. Letter to E. H. Wade, in full: “I have your letter desiring to know whether in my opinion the ‘Missouri Compromise was constitutional or not.’ I understand this question is now pending before the Supreme Court of the United States, where it has been ably argued, and will soon be decided. Under such circumstances it would be arogance [sic] in me to assume to give an opinion. My duty is to submit to that decision as the last appeal known to our constitution.” In fine condition, with faint toning at the corners.Three years after the Kansas - Nebraska Act of 1854 virtually nullified the 1820 Missouri Compromise and led to the establishment of popular sovereignty, the Dred Scott v. Sandford case threatened to expand slavery into the territories. On March 6, 1857, less than 10 days after Fillmore wrote this letter, the Supreme Court declared the Missouri Compromise unconstitutional on the grounds that Congress, prohibited by the Fifth Amendment, had deprived individuals of private property without due process of law. Despite being an opponent of slavery, Fillmore deemed the Compromise of 1850 necessary to preserve the Union and steadfastly enforced the Fugitive Slave Act.Format: ALS