John Bell is a historical figure associated with the political landscape around the time of the Civil War, particularly as a candidate in the 1860 presidential election. He was a member of the Constitutional Union Party, which aimed to preserve the Union by avoiding the contentious issue of slavery.
The phrase "trying to glue the map back together" can be interpreted metaphorically, suggesting an effort to maintain unity among the states and avoid the division that was exacerbated by the slavery debate. Bell opposed the spread of slavery into new territories but did not take an outright abolitionist stance. Instead, he focused on keeping the Union together and avoiding conflict.
Thus, the best answer to your question would be:
He avoided slavery and just promised to keep the Union together.