Democrats and the slave power -- Fidelity and firmness: Northern Democrats and the crises of 1850 -- Harmony, unity, and victory: state politics and presidential posturing -- One of the most reliable politicians on the subject of slavery: the rewards of fidelity and the perils of power -- Pandora's box: Northern Democrats in command -- Leave us of the North to fight the great battle: party punishments and purges -- The strongest Northern man on Southern principles: James Buchanan and Southern power -- let us stand by our colors: Lecompton and minority rule -- We regarded you as brothers: defeat and division -- Though the heavens fall: 1860 and beyond.