Hildreth, Richard (1807–1865)

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HILDRETH, RICHARD (1807–1865)

A prolific pamphleteer, Richard Hildreth passionately opposed slavery and took a Federalist or Whig stance on most issues. He was also a nationalist and an economic determinist who insisted on free competition. His History of the United States (1849–1852), ending in 1821, is meticulous in detail, scrupulously presenting each argument on major issues. His bias is nevertheless apparent in his championing of Federalist legislation; he minimized the effects of the alien and sedition acts, stressed the "virulence" of the virginia and kentucky resolutions, and decried the repeal of the judiciary act of 1801. This six-volume study is still extraordinary for its realism and rejection of nineteenth-century romantic and heroic traditions.

David Gordon
(1986)

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