“Proclamation to the People of South Carolina,” 1832. Edward Livingston (1764–1836),

Livingston Nullification C0280_Bx68_F11_1st_pg cropThe authority of the central government over the states was tested during the presidency of Andrew Jackson (1767–1845). South Carolina, perceiving a series of national tariffs to be responsible for its economic problems, declared the tariffs of 1828 and 1832 unconstitutional and unenforceable within its boundaries. In response, Jackson issued the “Proclamation to the People of South Carolina” on December 10, 1832. On display is U.S. Secretary of State Edward Livingston’s draft of this document. It declared South Carolina’s actions to be “incompatible with the existence of the Union” and threatened military force. Congress passed a compromise tariff the following February, and South Carolina repealed its Nullification Ordinance on March 11, 1833. Gift of J. Dennis Delafield, Class of 1957, and Penelope D. Johnson. Edward Livingston Papers, Manuscripts Division.

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