There is no evidence that Hinton Rowan Helper, the author of "The Impending Crisis," had any knowledge of the writings of Olmsted; but he was familiar with Northern anti-slavery literature.

"I have considered my subject more particularly," he states in his preface, "with reference to its economic aspects as regards the whites--not with reference, except in a very slight degree, to its humanitarian or religious aspects.

To the latter side of the question, Northern writers have already done full and timely justice....

Yankee wives have written the most popular anti-slavery literature of the day.

Against this I have nothing to say; it is all well enough for women to give the fictions of slavery; men should give the facts." He denies that it had been his purpose to cast unmerited opprobium upon slaveholders; yet a sense of personal injury breathes throughout the pages.