The National Era


The National Era was an abolitionist newspaper published weekly in Washington, D.C., from 1847 to 1860. Each number contained four pages of seven columns each. The National Era was noted for its large size and unique type. It featured the works of John Greenleaf Whittier, who served as associate editor, and the first publication, as a serial, of Harriet Beecher Stowe's Uncle Tom's Cabin.
The National Era Prospectus stated in 1847:

"The Soft Answer"

Two months after the establishment of The National Era, "The Soft Answer" was published on its back page by T.S. Arthur. The short story was based on a business disagreement between two former friends, Mr. Singleton and Mr. Williams, set to be mediated by a Lawyer named Mr. Trueman. After receiving an unacceptable settlement offer from Williams, Singleton prepares an angry reply, only to be dissuaded from sending it by his lawyer. Singleton instead assents to signing a far more tactful and conciliatory reply composed by Trueman.
That tactful and conciliatory reply, which reconciled two former friends, is what is now known as The Soft Answer. That idea suggested a gradualist approach to abolish slavery.
This idea of gradual steps to get two sides to agree is something that many felt that the North and South could use to abolish slavery and integrate the African Americans into society.