In the Shadow of the Civil War: Passmore Williamson and the Rescue of Jane Johnson

This is an excellant book for those with an interest in how the Fugitive law of 1850 was applied. The book is based on the trial of a slave named Jane Jackson who took advantage of Pennsylvania's freedom law, that states that once a slave sets foot on Pennsylvanis's soil they are free. The main character in the story though is not Ms. Jackson but a white abolitionist named Passmore Williamson who "aided" Ms. Jackson and here two children in their escape for there owner" a Col. John Hill Wheeler an U.S. diplomat on his way to Central American and was passing through Philadelphia when Williamson with the help of some black dock workers and ships crew made the snatch and relese of the Jackson family. The story has no real clear cut conclusion and is a telling tale of how often U.S. courts can be less the conclusive in there findings. If you are a Civil War bluff who is interested in the war beyond the battles and personalities this makes a good read.