Volume 1 — APPENDIX B.

A CHRONOLOGICAL CONSPECTUS OF STATE, NATIONAL, AND INTERNATIONAL LEGISLATION. 1788–1871.

As the State statutes and Congressional reports and bills are difficult to find, the significant parts of such documents are printed in full. In the case of national statutes and treaties, the texts may easily be found through the references.

1788, Feb. 22. New York: Slave-Trade Prohibited.

"An Act concerning slaves."

"Whereas in consequence of the act directing a revision of the laws of this State, it is expedient that the several existing laws relative to slaves, should be revised, and comprized in one. Therefore, Be it enacted," etc.

"And to prevent the further importation of slaves into this State, Be it further enacted by the authority aforesaid, That if any person shall sell as a slave within this State any negro, or other person, who has been imported or brought into this State, after" June 1, 1785, "such seller, or his or her factor or agent, making such sale, shall be deemed guilty of a public offence, and shall for every such offence, forfeit the sum of one hundred pounds.... And further, That every person so imported ... shall be free." The purchase of slaves for removal to another State is prohibited under penalty of £100. Laws of New York, 1785–88 (ed. 1886), pp. 675–6.

1788, March 25. Massachusetts: Slave-Trade Prohibited.

"An Act to prevent the Slave-Trade, and for granting Relief to the Families of such unhappy Persons as may be kidnapped or decoyed away from this Commonwealth."

"Whereas by the African trade for slaves, the lives and liberties of many innocent persons have been from time to time sacrificed to the lust of gain: And whereas some persons residing in this Commonwealth may be so regardless of the rights of human kind, as to be concerned in that unrighteous commerce:

§ 1. "Be it therefore enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives, in General Court assembled, and by the authority of the same, That no citizen of this Commonwealth, or other person residing within the same, shall for himself, or any other person whatsoever, either as master, factor, supercargo, owner or hirer, in whole or in part, of any vessel, directly or indirectly, import or transport, or buy or sell, or receive on board, his or their vessel, with intent to cause to be imported or transported, any of the inhabitants of any State or Kingdom, in that part of the world called Africa, as slaves, or as servants for term of years." Any person convicted of doing this shall forfeit and pay the sum of £50 for every person received on board, and the sum of £200 for every vessel fitted out for the trade, "to be recovered by action of debt, in any Court within this Commonwealth, proper to try the same; the one moiety thereof to the use of this Commonwealth, and the other moiety to the person who shall prosecute for and recover the same."

§ 2. All insurance on said vessels and cargo shall be null and void; "and this act may be given in evidence under the general issue, in any suit or action commenced for the recovery of insurance so made," etc.

§ 4. "Provided ... That this act do not extend to vessels which have already sailed, their owners, factors, or commanders, for and during their present voyage, or to any insurance that shall have been made, previous to the passing of the same." Perpetual Laws of Massachusetts, 1780–89 (ed. 1789), p. 235.

1788, March 29. Pennsylvania: Slave-Trade Prohibited.

"An Act to explain and amend an act, entituled, 'An Act for the gradual abolition of slavery.'"

§ 2. Slaves brought in by persons intending to settle shall be free.

§ 3. " ... no negro or mulatto slave, or servant for term of years," except servants of congressmen, consuls, etc., "shall be removed out of this state, with the design and intention that the place of abode or residence of such slave or servant shall be thereby altered or changed, or with the design and intention that such slave or servant, if a female, and pregnant, shall be detained and kept out of this state till her delivery of the child of which she is or shall be pregnant, or with the design and intention that such slave or servant shall be brought again into this state, after the expiration of six months from the time of such slave or servant having been first brought into this state, without his or her consent, if of full age, testified upon a private examination, before two Justices of the peace of the city or county in which he or she shall reside, or, being under the age of twenty-one years, without his or her consent, testified in manner aforesaid, and also without the consent of his or her parents," etc. Penalty for every such offence, £75.

§ 5. " ... if any person or persons shall build, fit, equip, man, or otherwise prepare any ship or vessel, within any port of this state, or shall cause any ship or other vessel to sail from any port of this state, for the purpose of carrying on a trade or traffic in slaves, to, from, or between Europe, Asia, Africa or America, or any places or countries whatever, or of transporting slaves to or from one port or place to another, in any part or parts of the world, such ship or vessel, her tackle, furniture, apparel, and other appurtenances, shall be forfeited to the commonwealth.... And, moreover, all and every person and persons so building, fitting out," etc., shall forfeit £1000. Dallas, Laws, II. 586.

1788, October. Connecticut: Slave-Trade Prohibited.

"An Act to prevent the Slave-Trade."

"Be it enacted by the Governor, Council and Representatives in General Court assembled, and by the Authority of the same, That no Citizen or Inhabitant of this State, shall for himself, or any other Person, either as Master, Factor, Supercargo, Owner or Hirer, in Whole, or in Part, of any Vessel, directly or indirectly, import or transport, or buy or sell, or receive on board his or her Vessel, with Intent to cause to be imported or transported, any of the Inhabitants of any Country in Africa, as Slaves or Servants, for Term of Years; upon Penalty of Fifty Pounds, for every Person so received on board, as aforesaid; and of Five Hundred Pounds for every such Vessel employed in the Importation or Transportation aforesaid; to be recovered by Action, Bill, Plaint or Information; the one Half to the Plaintiff, and the other Half to the Use of this State." And all insurance on vessels and slaves shall be void. This act to be given as evidence under general issue, in any suit commenced for recovery of such insurance.

" ... if any Person shall kidnap ... any free Negro," etc., inhabitant of this State, he shall forfeit £100. Every vessel clearing for the coast of Africa or any other part of the world, and suspected to be in the slave-trade, must give bond in £1000. Slightly amended in 1789. Acts and Laws of Connecticut (ed. 1784), pp. 368–9, 388.

1788, Nov. 4. South Carolina: Temporary Prohibition.

"An Act to regulate the Payment and Recovery of Debts, and to prohibit the Importation of Negroes, for the Time therein limited."

§ 16. "No negro or other slave shall be imported or brought into this State either by land or water on or before the first of January, 1793, under the penalty of forfeiting every such slave or slaves to any person who will sue or inform for the same; and under further penalty of paying £100 to the use of the State for every such negro or slave so imported or brought in: Provided, That nothing in this prohibition contained shall extend to such slaves as are now the property of citizens of the United States, and at the time of passing this act shall be within the limits of the said United States.

§ 17. "All former instalment laws, and an ordinance imposing a penalty on persons importing negroes into this State, passed the 28th day of March 1787, are hereby repealed." Grimké, Public Laws, p. 466.

1789, Feb. 3. Delaware: Slave-Trade Prohibited.

"An additional Supplementary ACT to an act, intituled, An act to prevent the exportation of slaves, and for other purposes."

"Whereas it is inconsistent with that spirit of general liberty which pervades the constitution of this state, that vessels should be fitted out, or equipped, in any of the ports thereof, for the purpose of receiving and transporting the natives of Africa to places where they are held in slavery; or that any acts should be deemed lawful, which tend to encourage or promote such iniquitous traffic among us:

§ 1. "Be it therefore enacted by the General Assembly of Delaware, That if any owner or owners, master, agent, or factor, shall fit out, equip, man, or otherwise prepare, any ship or vessel within any port or place in this state, or shall cause any ship, or other vessel, to sail from any port or place in this state, for the purpose of carrying on a trade or traffic in slaves, to, from, or between, Europe, Asia, Africa, or America, or any places or countries whatever, or of transporting slaves to, or from, one port or place to another, in any part or parts of the world; such ship or vessel, her tackle, furniture, apparel, and other appurtenances, shall be forfeited to this state.... And moreover, all and every person and persons so fitting out ... any ship or vessel ... shall severally forfeit and pay the sum of Five Hundred Pounds;" one-half to the state, and one-half to the informer.

§ 2. "And whereas it has been found by experience, that the act, intituled, An act to prevent the exportation of slaves, and for other purposes, has not produced all the good effects expected therefrom," any one exporting a slave to Maryland, Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, or the West Indies, without license, shall forfeit £100 for each slave exported and £20 for each attempt.

§ 3. Slaves to be tried by jury for capital offences. Laws of Delaware (ed. 1797), p. 942, ch. 194 b.

1789, May 13. Congress (House): Proposed Duty on Slaves Imported.

A tax of $10 per head on slaves imported, moved by Parker of Virginia. After debate, withdrawn. Annals of Cong., 1 Cong. 1 sess. pp. 336–42.

1789, Sept. 19. Congress (House): Bill to Tax Slaves Imported.

A committee under Parker of Virginia reports, "a bill concerning the importation of certain persons prior to the year 1808." Read once and postponed until next session. House Journal (repr. 1826), 1 Cong. 1 sess. I. 37, 114; Annals of Cong., 1 Cong. 1 sess., pp. 366, 903.

1790, March 22. Congress (House): Declaration of Powers.

See above, pages 82–83.

1790, March 22. New York: Amendment of Act of 1788.

"An Act to amend the act entitled 'An act concerning slaves.'"

"Whereas many inconveniences have arisen from the prohibiting the exporting of slaves from this State. Therefore

"Be it enacted ..., That where any slave shall hereafter be convicted of a crime under the degree of a capital offence, in the supreme court, or the court of oyer and terminer, and general gaol delivery, or a court of general sessions of the peace within this State, it shall and may be lawful to and for the master or mistress to cause such slave to be transported out of this State," etc. Laws of New York, 1789–96 (ed. 1886), p. 151.

1792, May. Connecticut: Act of 1788 Strengthened.

"An Act in addition to an Act, entitled 'An Act to prevent the Slave Trade.'"

This provided that persons directly or indirectly aiding or assisting in slave-trading should be fined £100. All notes, bonds, mortgages, etc., of any kind, made or executed in payment for any slave imported contrary to this act, are declared null and void. Persons removing from the State might carry away their slaves. Acts and Laws of Connecticut (ed. 1784), pp. 412–3.

1792, Dec. 17. Virginia: Revision of Acts.

"An Act to reduce into one, the several acts concerning slaves, free negroes, and mulattoes."

§ 1. "Be it enacted ..., That no persons shall henceforth be slaves within this commonwealth, except such as were so on the seventeenth day of October," 1785, "and the descendants of the females of them."

§ 2. "Slaves which shall hereafter be brought into this commonwealth, and kept therein one whole year together, or so long at different times as shall amount to one year, shall be free."

§ 4. "Provided, That nothing in this act contained, shall be construed to extend to those who may incline to remove from any of the United States and become citizens of this, if within sixty days after such removal, he or she shall take the following oath before some justice of the peace of this commonwealth: 'I, A.B., do swear, that my removal into the state of Virginia, was with no intent of evading the laws for preventing the further importation of slaves, nor have I brought with me any slaves, with an intention of selling them, nor have any of the slaves which I have brought with me, been imported from Africa, or any of the West India islands, since the first day of November,'" 1778, etc.

§ 53. This act to be in force immediately. Statutes at Large of Virginia, New Series, I. 122.

1792, Dec. 21. South Carolina: Importation Prohibited until 1795.

"An Act to prohibit the importation of Slaves from Africa, or other places beyond sea, into this State, for two years; and also to prohibit the importation or bringing in Slaves, or Negroes, Mulattoes, Indians, Moors or Mestizoes, bound for a term of years, from any of the United States, by land or by water."

"Whereas, it is deemed inexpedient to increase the number of slaves within this State, in our present circumstances and situation;

§ 1. "Be it therefore enacted ..., That no slave shall be imported into this State from Africa, the West India Islands, or other place beyond sea, for and during the term of two years, commencing from the first day of January next, which will be in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and ninety-three."

§ 2. No slaves, Negroes, Indians, etc., bound for a term of years, to be brought in from any of the United States or bordering countries. Settlers may bring their slaves. Cooper, Statutes, VII. 431.

1793, Dec. 19. Georgia: Importation Prohibited.

"An act to prevent the importation of negroes into this state from the places herein mentioned." Title only. Re-enacted (?) by the Constitution of 1798. Marbury and Crawford, Digest, p. 442; Prince, Digest, p. 786.

1794, North Carolina: Importation Prohibited.

"An act to prevent the further importation and bringing of slaves and indented servants of colour into this state."

§ 1. "Be it enacted ..., That from and after the first day of May next, no slave or indented servant of colour shall be imported or brought into this state by land or water; nor shall any slave or indented servant of colour, who may be imported or brought contrary to the intent and meaning of this act, be bought, sold or hired by any person whatever."

§ 2. Penalty for importing, £100 per slave; for buying or selling, the same.

§ 4. Persons removing, travelling, etc., are excepted. The act was amended slightly in 1796. Martin, Iredell's Acts of Assembly, II. 53, 94.

1794, March 22. United States Statute: Export Slave-Trade Forbidden.

"An Act to prohibit the carrying on the Slave Trade from the United States to any foreign place or country." Statutes at Large, I. 347. For proceedings in Congress, see Senate Journal (repr. 1820), 3 Cong. 1 sess. II. 51; House Journal (repr. 1826), 3 Cong. 1 sess. II. 76, 84, 85, 96, 98, 99, 100; Annals of Cong., 3 Cong. 1 sess. pp. 64, 70, 72.

1794, Dec. 20. South Carolina: Act of 1792 Extended.

"An Act to revive and extend an Act entitled 'An Act to prohibit the importation of Slaves from Africa, or other places beyond Sea, into this State, for two years; and also, to prohibit the importation or bringing in of Negro Slaves, Mulattoes, Indians, Moors or Mestizoes, bound for a term of years, from any of the United States, by Land or Water.'"

§ 1. Act of 1792 extended until Jan. 1, 1797.

§ 2. It shall not be lawful hereafter to import slaves, free Negroes, etc., from the West Indies, any part of America outside the United States, "or from other parts beyond sea." Such slaves are to be forfeited and sold; the importer to be fined £50; free Negroes to be re-transported. Cooper, Statutes, VII. 433.

1795. North Carolina: Act against West Indian Slaves.

"An act to prevent any person who may emigrate from any of the West India or Bahama islands, or the French, Dutch or Spanish settlements on the southern coast of America, from bringing slaves into this state, and also for imposing certain restrictions on free persons of colour who may hereafter come into this state." Penalty, £100 for each slave over 15 years of age. Laws of North Carolina (revision of 1819), I. 786.

1796. Maryland: Importation Prohibited.

"An Act relating to Negroes, and to repeal the acts of assembly therein mentioned."

"Be it enacted ..., That it shall not be lawful, from and after the passing of this act, to import or bring into this state, by land or water, any negro, mulatto or other slave, for sale, or to reside within this state; and any person brought into this state as a slave contrary to this act, if a slave before, shall thereupon immediately cease to be the property of the person or persons so importing or bringing such slave within this state, and shall be free."

§ 2. Any citizen of the United States, coming into the State to take up bona fide residence, may bring with him, or within one year import, any slave which was his property at the time of removal, "which slaves, or the mother of which slaves, shall have been a resident of the United States, or some one of them, three whole years next preceding such removal."

§ 3. Such slaves cannot be sold within three years, except by will, etc. In 1797, "A Supplementary Act," etc., slightly amended the preceding, allowing guardians, executors, etc., to import the slaves of the estate. Dorsey, Laws, I. 334, 344.

1796, Dec. 19. South Carolina: Importation Prohibited until 1799.

"An Act to prohibit the importation of Negroes, until the first day of January, one thousand seven hundred and ninety-nine."

"Whereas, it appears to be highly impolitic to import negroes from Africa, or other places beyond seas," etc. Extended by acts of Dec. 21, 1798, and Dec. 20, 1800, until Jan. 1, 1803. Cooper, Statutes, VII. 434, 436.

1797, Jan. 18. Delaware: Codification of Acts.

"An Act concerning Negro and Mulatto slaves."

§ 5. " ... any Negro or Mulatto slave, who hath been or shall be brought into this state contrary to the intent and meaning of [the act of 1787]; and any Negro or Mulatto slave who hath been or shall be exported, or sold with an intention for exportation, or carried out for sale from this state, contrary to the intent and meaning of [the act of 1793], shall be, and are hereby declared free; any thing in this act to the contrary notwithstanding." Laws of Delaware (ed. 1797), p. 1321, ch. 124 c.

1798, Jan. 31. Georgia: Importation Prohibited.

"An act to prohibit the further importation of slaves into this state."

§ 1. " ... six months after the passing of this act, it shall be unlawful for any person or persons to import into this state, from Africa or elsewhere, any negro or negroes of any age or sex." Every person so offending shall forfeit for the first offence the sum of $1,000 for every negro so imported, and for every subsequent offence the sum of $1,000, one half for the use of the informer, and one half for the use of the State.

§ 2. Slaves not to be brought from other States for sale after three months.

§ 3. Persons convicted of bringing slaves into this State with a view to sell them, are subject to the same penalties as if they had sold them. Marbury and Crawford, Digest, p. 440.

1798, March 14. New Jersey: Slave-Trade Prohibited.

"An Act respecting slaves."

§ 12. "And be it enacted, That from and after the passing of this act, it shall not be lawful for any person or persons whatsoever, to bring into this state, either for sale or for servitude, any negro or other slave whatsoever." Penalty, $140 for each slave; travellers and temporary residents excepted.

§ 17. Any persons fitting out vessels for the slave-trade shall forfeit them. Paterson, Digest, p. 307.

1798, April 7. United States Statute: Importation into Mississippi Territory Prohibited.

"An Act for an amicable settlement of limits with the state of Georgia, and authorizing the establishment of a government in the Mississippi territory." Statutes at Large, I. 549. For proceedings in Congress, see Annals of Cong., 5 Cong. 2 sess. pp. 511, 512, 513, 514, 515, 532, 533, 1235, 1249, 1277–84, 1296, 1298–1312, 1313, 1318.

1798, May 30. Georgia: Constitutional Prohibition.

Constitution of Georgia:—

Art. IV § 11. "There shall be no future importation of slaves into this state from Africa, or any foreign place, after the first day of October next. The legislature shall have no power to pass laws for the emancipation of slaves, without the consent of each of their respective owners previous to such emancipation. They shall have no power to prevent emigrants, from either of the United States to this state, from bringing with them such persons as may be deemed slaves, by the laws of any one of the United States." Marbury and Crawford, Digest, p. 30.

1800, May 10. United States Statute: Americans Forbidden to Trade from one Foreign Country to Another.

"An Act in addition to the act intituled 'An act to prohibit the carrying on the Slave Trade from the United States to any foreign place or country.'" Statutes at Large, II. 70. For proceedings in Congress, see Senate Journal (repr. 1821), 6 Cong. 1 sess. III. 72, 77, 88, 92.

1800, Dec. 20. South Carolina: Slaves and Free Negroes Prohibited.

"An Act to prevent Negro Slaves and other persons of Colour, from being brought into or entering this State." Supplemented Dec. 19, 1801, and amended Dec. 18, 1802. Cooper, Statutes, VII. 436, 444, 447.

1801, April 8. New York: Slave-Trade Prohibited.

"An Act concerning slaves and servants."

" ... And be it further enacted, That no slave shall hereafter be imported or brought into this State, unless the person importing or bringing such slave shall be coming into this State with intent to reside permanently therein and shall have resided without this State, and also have owned such slave at least during one year next preceding the importing or bringing in of such slave," etc. A certificate, sworn to, must be obtained; any violation of this act or neglect to take out such certificate will result in freedom to the slave. Any sale or limited transfer of any person hereafter imported to be a public offence, under penalty of $250, and freedom to the slave transferred. The export of slaves or of any person freed by this act is forbidden, under penalty of $250 and freedom to the slave. Transportation for crime is permitted. Re-enacted with amendments March 31, 1817. Laws of New York, 1801 (ed. 1887), pp. 547–52; Laws of New York, 1817 (ed. 1817), p. 136.

1803, Feb. 28. United States Statute: Importation into States Prohibiting Forbidden.

"An Act to prevent the importation of certain persons into certain states, where, by the laws thereof, their admission is prohibited." Statutes at Large, II. 205. For copy of the proposed bill which this replaced, see Annals of Cong., 7 Cong. 2 sess. p. 467. For proceedings in Congress, see House Journal (repr. 1826), 7 Cong. 2 sess. IV 304, 324, 347; Senate Journal (repr. 1821), 7 Cong. 2 sess. III. 267, 268, 269–70, 273, 275, 276, 279.

1803, Dec. 17. South Carolina: African Slaves Admitted.

"An Act to alter and amend the several Acts respecting the importation or bringing into this State, from beyond seas, or elsewhere, Negroes and other persons of colour; and for other purposes therein mentioned."

§ 1. Acts of 1792, 1794, 1796, 1798, 1800, 1802, hereby repealed.

§ 2. Importation of Negroes from the West Indies prohibited.

§ 3. No Negro over fifteen years of age to be imported from the United States except under certificate of good character.

§ 5. Negroes illegally imported to be forfeited and sold, etc. Cooper, Statutes, VII. 449.

1804.[Denmark.

Act of 1792 abolishing the slave-trade goes into effect.]

1804, Feb. 14. Congress (House): Proposed Censure of South Carolina.

Representative Moore of South Carolina offered the following resolution, as a substitute to Mr. Bard's taxing proposition of Jan. 6:—

"Resolved, That this House receive with painful sensibility information that one of the Southern States, by a repeal of certain prohibitory laws, have permitted a traffic unjust in its nature, and highly impolitic in free Governments." Ruled out of order by the chairman of the Committee of the Whole. Annals of Cong., 8 Cong. 1 sess. p. 1004.

1804, Feb. 15. Congress (House): Proposed Duty.

"Resolved, That a tax of ten dollars be imposed on every slave imported into any part of the United States."

"Ordered, That a bill, or bills, be brought in, pursuant to the said resolution," etc. Feb. 16 "a bill laying a duty on slaves imported into the United States" was read, but was never considered. House Journal (repr. 1826), 8 Cong. 1 sess. IV 523, 578, 580, 581–2, 585; Annals of Cong., 8 Cong. 1 sess. pp. 820, 876, 991, 1012, 1020, 1024–36.

1804, March 26. United States Statute: Slave-Trade Limited.

"An Act erecting Louisiana into two territories," etc. Acts of 1794 and 1803 extended to Louisiana. Statutes at Large, II. 283. For proceedings in Congress, see Annals of Cong., 8 Cong. 1 sess. pp. 106, 211, 223, 231, 233–4, 238, 255, 1038, 1054–68, 1069–79, 1128–30, 1185–9.

1805, Feb. 15. Massachusetts: Proposed Amendment.

"Resolve requesting the Governor to transmit to the Senators and Representatives in Congress, and the Executives of the several States this Resolution, as an amendment to the Constitution of the United States, respecting Slaves." June 8, Governor's message; Connecticut answers that it is inexpedient; Maryland opposes the proposition. Massachusetts Resolves, February, 1805, p. 55; June, 1805, p. 18. See below, March 3, 1805.

1805, March 2. United States Statute: Slave-Trade to Orleans Territory Permitted.

"An Act further providing for the government of the territory of Orleans."

§ 1. A territorial government erected similar to Mississippi, with same rights and privileges.

§ 5. 6th Article of Ordinance of 1787, on slaves, not to extend to this territory.

Statutes at Large, II. 322. For proceedings in Congress, see Annals of Cong., 8 Cong. 2 sess. pp. 28, 30, 45–6, 47, 48, 54, 59–61, 69, 727–8, 871–2, 957, 1016–9, 1020–1, 1201, 1209–10, 1211. Cf. Statutes at Large, II. 331; Annals of Cong., 8 Cong. 2 sess., pp. 50, 51, 52, 57, 68, 69, 1213, 1215. In Journals, see Index, Senate Bills Nos. 8, 11.

1805, March 3. Congress (House): Massachusetts Proposition to Amend Constitution.

Mr. Varnum of Massachusetts presented the resolution of the Legislature of Massachusetts, "instructing the Senators, and requesting the Representatives in Congress, from the said State, to take all legal and necessary steps, to use their utmost exertions, as soon as the same is practicable, to obtain an amendment to the Federal Constitution, so as to authorize and empower the Congress of the United States to pass a law, whenever they may deem it expedient, to prevent the further importation of slaves from any of the West India Islands, from the coast of Africa, or elsewhere, into the United States, or any part thereof." A motion was made that Congress have power to prevent further importation; it was read and ordered to lie on the table. House Journal (repr. 1826), 8 Cong. 2 sess. V 171; Annals of Cong., 8 Cong. 2 sess. pp. 1221–2. For the original resolution, see Massachusetts Resolves, May, 1802, to March, 1806, Vol. II. A. (State House ed., p. 239.)

1805, Dec. 17. Congress (Senate): Proposition to Prohibit Importation.

A "bill to prohibit the importation of certain persons therein described into any port or place within the jurisdiction of the United States, from and after" Jan. 1, 1808, was read twice and postponed. Senate Journal (repr. 1821), 9 Cong. 1 sess. IV. 10–11; Annals of Cong., 9 Cong. 1 sess. pp. 20–1.

1806, Jan. 20. Congress (House): Vermont Proposed Amendment.

"Mr. Olin, one of the Representatives from the State of Vermont, presented to the House certain resolutions of the General Assembly of the said State, proposing an article of amendment to the Constitution of the United States, to prevent the further importation of slaves, or people of color, from any of the West India Islands, from the coast of Africa, or elsewhere, into the United States, or any part thereof; which were read, and ordered to lie on the table." No further mention found. House Journal (repr. 1826), 9 Cong. 1 sess. V 238; Annals of Cong., 9 Cong. 1 sess. pp. 343–4.

1806, Jan. 25. Virginia: Imported Slaves to be Sold.

"An Act to amend the several laws concerning slaves."

§ 5. If the jury before whom the importer is brought "shall find that the said slave or slaves were brought into this commonwealth, and have remained therein, contrary to the provisions of this act, the court shall make an order, directing him, her or them to be delivered to the overseers of the poor, to be by them sold for cash and applied as herein directed."

§ 8. Penalty for bringing slaves, $400 per slave; the same for buying or hiring, knowingly, such alave.

§ 16. This act to take effect May 1, 1806. Statutes at Large of Virginia, New Series, III. 251.

1806, Jan. 27. Congress (House): Bill to Tax Slaves Imported.

"A Bill laying a duty on slaves imported into any of the United States." Finally dropped. House Journal (repr. 1826), 8 Cong. 2 sess. V. 129; Ibid., 9 Cong. 1 sess. V. 195, 223, 240, 242, 243–4, 248, 260, 262, 264, 276–7, 287, 294, 305, 309, 338; Annals of Cong., 9 Cong. 1 sess. pp. 273, 274, 346, 358, 372, 434, 442–4, 533.

1806, Feb. 4. Congress (House): Proposition to Prohibit Slave-Trade after 1807.

Mr. Bidwell moved that the following section be added to the bill for taxing slaves imported,—that any ship so engaged be forfeited. The proposition was rejected, yeas, 17, nays, 86 (?). Annals of Cong., 9 Cong. 1 sess. p. 438.

1806, Feb. 10. Congress (House): New Hampshire Proposed Amendment.

"Mr. Tenney ... presented to the House certain resolutions of the Legislature of the State of New Hampshire, 'proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States, so as to authorize and empower Congress to pass a law, whenever they may deem it expedient, to prevent the further importation of slaves,' or people of color, into the United States, or any part thereof." Read and laid on the table. House Journal (repr. 1826), 9 Cong. 1 sess. V. 266; Annals of Cong., 9 Cong. 1 sess. p. 448.

1806, Feb. 17. Congress (House): Proposition on Slave-Trade.

The committee on the slave-trade reported a resolution:—

"Resolved, That it shall not be lawful for any person or persons, to import or bring into any of the Territories of the United States, any slave or slaves that may hereafter be imported into the United States." House Journal, 9 Cong. 1 sess. V 264, 278, 308, 345–6; House Reports, 9 Cong. 1 sess. II. Feb. 17, 1806; Annals of Cong., 9 Cong. 1 sess. pp. 472–3.

1806, April 7. Congress (Senate): Maryland Proposed Amendment.

"Mr. Wright communicated a resolution of the legislature of the state of Maryland instructing their Senators and Representatives in Congress to use their utmost exertions to obtain an amendment to the constitution of the United States to prevent the further importation of slaves; whereupon, Mr. Wright submitted the following resolutions for the consideration of the Senate....

"Resolved, That the migration or importation of slaves into the United States, or any territory thereof, be prohibited after the first day of January, 1808." Considered April 10, and further consideration postponed until the first Monday in December next. Senate Journal (repr. 1821), 9 Cong. 1 sess. IV. 76–7, 79; Annals of Cong., 9 Cong. 1 sess. pp. 229, 232.

1806, Dec. 2. President Jefferson's Message.

See above, pages 97–98. House Journal (repr. 1826), 9 Cong. 2 sess. V. 468.

1806, Dec. 15. Congress (House): Proposition on Slave-Trade.

"A bill to prohibit the importation or bringing of slaves into the United States, etc.," after Dec. 31, 1807. Finally merged into Senate bill. Ibid., House Bill No. 148.

1806, Dec. 17. Congress (House): Sloan's Proposition.

Proposition to amend the House bill by inserting after the article declaring the forfeiture of an illegally imported slave, "And such person or slave shall be entitled to his freedom." Lost. Annals of Cong., 9 Cong. 2 sess. pp. 167–77, 180–89.

1806, Dec. 29. Congress (House): Sloan's Second Proposition.

Illegally imported Africans to be either freed, apprenticed, or returned to Africa. Lost; Jan. 5, 1807, a somewhat similar proposition was also lost. Ibid., pp. 226–8, 254.

1806, Dec. 31. Great Britain: Rejected Treaty.

"Treaty of amity, commerce, and navigation, between His Britannic Majesty and the United States of America."

"Art. XXIV. The high contracting parties engage to communicate to each other, without delay, all such laws as have been or shall be hereafter enacted by their respective Legislatures, as also all measures which shall have been taken for the abolition or limitation of the African slave trade; and they further agree to use their best endeavors to procure the co-operation of other Powers for the final and complete abolition of a trade so repugnant to the principles of justice and humanity." Amer. State Papers, Foreign, III. 147, 151.

1807, March 25. [England: Slave-Trade Abolished.

"An Act for the Abolition of the Slave Trade." Statute 47 George III., 1 sess. ch. 36.]

1807, Jan. 7. Congress (House): Bidwell's Proposition.

"Provided, that no person shall be sold as a slave by virtue of this act." Offered as an amendment to § 3 of House bill; defeated 60 to 61, Speaker voting. A similar proposition was made Dec. 23, 1806. House Journal (repr. 1826), 9 Cong. 2 sess. V. 513–6. Cf. Annals of Cong., 9 Cong. 2 sess. pp. 199–203, 265–7.

1807, Feb. 9. Congress (House): Section Seven of House Bill.

§ 7 of the bill reported to the House by the committee provided that all Negroes imported should be conveyed whither the President might direct and there be indentured as apprentices, or employed in whatever way the President might deem best for them and the country; provided that no such Negroes should be indentured or employed except in some State in which provision is now made for the gradual abolition of slavery. Blank spaces were left for limiting the term of indenture. The report was never acted on. Annals of Cong., 9 Cong. 2 sess. pp. 477–8.

1807, March 2. United States Statute: Importation Prohibited.

"An Act to prohibit the importation of Slaves into any port or place within the jurisdiction of the United States, from and after the first day of January, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and eight." Bills to amend § 8, so as to make less ambiguous the permit given to the internal traffic, were introduced Feb. 27 and Nov. 27. Statutes at Large, II. 426. For proceedings in Senate, see Senate Journal (repr. 1821), 9 Cong. 1–2 sess. IV. 11, 112, 123, 124, 132, 133, 150, 158, 164, 165, 167, 168; Annals of Cong., 9 Cong. 2 sess. pp. 16, 19, 23, 33, 36, 45, 47, 68, 69, 70, 71, 79, 87, 93. For proceedings in House, see House Journal (repr. 1826), 9 Cong. 2 sess. V. 470, 482, 488, 490, 491, 496, 500, 504, 510, 513–6, 517, 540, 557, 575, 579, 581, 583–4, 585, 592, 594, 610, 613–4, 616, 623, 638, 640; 10 Cong. 1 sess. VI. 27, 50; Annals of Cong., 9 Cong. 2 sess. pp. 167, 180, 200, 220, 231, 254, 264, 270.

1808, Feb. 23. Congress (Senate): Proposition to Amend Constitution.

"Agreeably to instructions from the legislature of the state of Pennsylvania to their Senators in Congress, Mr. Maclay submitted the following resolution, which was read for consideration:—

"Resolved ..., That the Constitution of the United States be so altered and amended, as to prevent the Congress of the United States, and the legislatures of any state in the Union, from authorizing the importation of slaves." No further mention. Senate Journal (repr. 1821), 10 Cong. 1 sess. IV. 235; Annals of Cong., 10 Cong. 1 sess. p. 134. For the full text of the instructions, see Amer. State Papers, Miscellaneous, I. 716.

1810, Dec. 5. President Madison's Message.

"Among the commercial abuses still committed under the American flag, ... it appears that American citizens are instrumental in carrying on a traffic in enslaved Africans, equally in violation of the laws of humanity, and in defiance of those of their own country. The same just and benevolent motives which produced the interdiction in force against this criminal conduct, will doubtless be felt by Congress, in devising further means of suppressing the evil." House Journal (repr. 1826), 11 Cong. 3 sess. VII. 435.

1811, Jan. 15. United States Statute: Secret Act and Joint Resolution against Amelia Island Smugglers.

Statutes at Large, III. 471 ff.

1815, March 29. [France: Abolition of Slave-Trade.

Napoleon on his return from Elba decrees the abolition of the slave-trade. Decree re-enacted in 1818 by the Bourbon dynasty. British and Foreign State Papers, 1815–16, p. 196, note; 1817–18, p. 1025.]

1815, Feb. 18. Great Britain: Treaty of Ghent.

"Treaty of peace and amity. Concluded December 24, 1814; Ratifications exchanged at Washington February 17, 1815; Proclaimed February 18, 1815."

Art. X. "Whereas the traffic in slaves is irreconcilable with the principles of humanity and justice, and whereas both His Majesty and the United States are desirous of continuing their efforts to promote its entire abolition, it is hereby agreed that both the contracting parties shall use their best endeavors to accomplish so desirable an object." U.S. Treaties and Conventions (ed. 1889), p. 405.

1815, Dec. 8. Alabama and Mississippi Territory: Act to Dispose of Illegally Imported Slaves.

"An Act concerning Slaves brought into this Territory, contrary to the Laws of the United States." Slaves to be sold at auction, and the proceeds to be divided between the territorial treasury and the collector or informer. Toulmin, Digest of the Laws of Alabama, p. 637; Statutes of Mississippi digested, etc. (ed. 1816), p. 389.

1816, Nov. 18. North Carolina: Act to Dispose of Illegally Imported Slaves.

"An act to direct the disposal of negroes, mulattoes and persons of colour, imported into this state, contrary to the provisions of an act of the Congress of the United States, entitled 'an act to prohibit the importation of slaves into any port or place, within the jurisdiction of the United States, from and after the first day of January, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and eight.'"

§ 1. Every slave illegally imported after 1808 shall be sold for the use of the State.

§ 2. The sheriff shall seize and sell such slave, and pay the proceeds to the treasurer of the State.

§ 3. If the slave abscond, the sheriff may offer a reward not exceeding one-fifth of the value of the slave. Laws of North Carolina, 1816, ch. xii. p. 9; Laws of North Carolina (revision of 1819), II. 1350.

1816, Dec. 3. President Madison's Message.

"The United States having been the first to abolish, within the extent of their authority, the transportation of the natives of Africa into slavery, by prohibiting the introduction of slaves, and by punishing their citizens participating in the traffick, cannot but be gratified at the progress, made by concurrent efforts of other nations, towards a general suppression of so great an evil. They must feel, at the same time, the greater solicitude to give the fullest efficacy to their own regulations. With that view, the interposition of Congress appears to be required by the violations and evasions which, it is suggested, are chargeable on unworthy citizens, who mingle in the slave trade under foreign flags, and with foreign ports; and by collusive importations of slaves into the United States, through adjoining ports and territories. I present the subject to Congress, with a full assurance of their disposition to apply all the remedy which can be afforded by an amendment of the law. The regulations which were intended to guard against abuses of a kindred character, in the trade between the several States, ought also to be rendered more effectual for their humane object." House Journal, 14 Cong. 2 sess. pp. 15–6.

1817, Feb. 11. Congress (House): Proposed Joint Resolution.

"Joint Resolution for abolishing the traffick in Slaves, and the Colinization [sic] of the Free People of Colour of the United States."

"Resolved, ... That the President be, and he is hereby authorized to consult and negotiate with all the governments where ministers of the United States are, or shall be accredited, on the means of effecting an entire and immediate abolition of the traffick in slaves. And, also, to enter into a convention with the government of Great Britain, for receiving into the colony of Sierra Leone, such of the free people of colour of the United States as, with their own consent, shall be carried thither....

"Resolved, That adequate provision shall hereafter be made to defray any necessary expenses which may be incurred in carrying the preceding resolution into effect." Reported on petition of the Colonization Society by the committee on the President's Message. No further record. House Journal, 14 Cong. 2 sess. pp. 25–7, 380; House Doc., 14 Cong. 2 sess. No. 77.

1817, July 28. [Great Britain and Portugal: First Concession of Right of Search.

"By this treaty, ships of war of each of the nations might visit merchant vessels of both, if suspected of having slaves on board, acquired by illicit traffic." This "related only to the trade north of the equator; for the slave-trade of Portugal within the regions of western Africa, to the south of the equator, continued long after this to be carried on with great vigor." Woolsey, International Law (1874), § 197, pp. 331–2; British and Foreign State Papers, 1816–17, pp. 85–118.]

1817, Sept. 23. [Great Britain and Spain: Abolition of Trade North of Equator.

"By the treaty of Madrid, ... Great Britain obtained from Spain, for the sum of four hundred thousand pounds, the immediate abolition of the trade north of the equator, its entire abolition after 1820, and the concession of the same mutual right of search, which the treaty with Portugal had just established." Woolsey, International Law (1874), § 197, p. 332; British and Foreign State Papers, 1816–17, pp. 33–74.]

1817, Dec. 2. President Monroe's Message on Amelia Island, etc.

"A just regard for the rights and interests of the United States required that they [i.e., the Amelia Island and Galveston pirates] should be suppressed, and orders have been accordingly issued to that effect. The imperious considerations which produced this measure will be explained to the parties whom it may, in any degree, concern." House Journal, 15 Cong. 1 sess. p. 11.

1817, Dec. 19. Georgia: Act to Dispose of Illegally Imported Slaves.

"An Act for disposing of any such negro, mulatto, or person of color, who has been or may hereafter be imported or brought into this State in violation of an act of the United States, entitled an act to prohibit the importation of slaves," etc.

§ 1. The governor by agent shall receive such Negroes, and,

§ 2. sell them, or,

§ 3. give them to the Colonization Society to be transported, on condition that the Society reimburse the State for all expense, and transport them at their own cost. Prince, Digest, p. 793.

1818, Jan. 10. Congress (House): Bill to Supplement Act of 1807.

Mr. Middleton, from the committee on so much of the President's Message as related to the illicit introduction of slaves into the United States from Amelia Island, reported a bill in addition to former acts prohibiting the introduction of slaves into the United States. This was read twice and committed; April 1 it was considered in Committee of the Whole; Mr. Middleton offered a substitute, which was ordered to be laid on table and to be printed; it became the Act of 1819. See below, March 3, 1819. House Journal, 15 Cong. 1 sess. pp. 131, 410.

1818, Jan. 13. President Monroe's Special Message.

"I have the satisfaction to inform Congress, that the establishment at Amelia Island has been suppressed, and without the effusion of blood. The papers which explain this transaction, I now lay before Congress," etc. Ibid., pp. 137–9.

1818, Feb. 9. Congress (Senate): Bill to Register (?) Slaves.

"A bill respecting the transportation of persons of color, for sale, or to be held to labor." Passed Senate, dropped in House; similar bill Dec. 9, 1818, also dropped in House. Senate Journal, 15 Cong. 1 sess. pp. 147, 152, 157, 165, 170, 188, 201, 203, 232, 237; 15 Cong. 2 sess. pp. 63, 74, 77, 202, 207, 285, 291, 297; House Journal, 15 Cong. 1 sess. p. 332; 15 Cong. 2 sess. pp. 303, 305, 316.

1818, April 4. Congress (House): Proposition to Amend Constitution.

Mr. Livermore's resolution:—

"No person shall be held to service or labour as a slave, nor shall slavery be tolerated in any state hereafter admitted into the Union, or made one of the United States of America." Read, and on the question, "Will the House consider the same?" it was determined in the negative. House Journal, 15 Cong. 1 sess. pp. 420–1; Annals of Cong., 15 Cong. 1 sess. pp. 1675–6.

1818, April 20. United States Statute: Act in Addition to Act of 1807.

"An Act in addition to 'An act to prohibit the introduction [importation] of slaves into any port or place within the jurisdiction of the United States, from and after the first day of January, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and eight,' and to repeal certain parts of the same." Statutes at Large, III. 450. For proceedings in Congress, see Senate Journal, 15 Cong. 1 sess. pp. 243, 304, 315, 333, 338, 340, 348, 377, 386, 388, 391, 403, 406; House Journal, 15 Cong. 1 sess. pp. 450, 452, 456, 468, 479, 484, 492,505.

1818, May 4. [Great Britain and Netherlands: Treaty.

Right of Search granted for the suppression of the slave-trade. British and Foreign State Papers, 1817–18, pp. 125–43.]

1818, Dec. 19. Georgia: Act of 1817 Reinforced.

No title found. "Whereas numbers of African slaves have been illegally introduced into the State, in direct violation of the laws of the United States and of this State, Be it therefore enacted," etc. Informers are to receive one-tenth of the net proceeds from the sale of illegally imported Africans, "Provided, nothing herein contained shall be so construed as to extend farther back than the year 1817." Prince, Digest, p. 798.

1819, Feb. 8. Congress (Senate): Bill in Addition to Former Acts.

"A bill supplementary to an act, passed the 2d day of March, 1807, entitled," etc. Postponed. Senate Journal, 15 Cong. 2 sess. pp. 234, 244, 311–2, 347.

1819, March 3. United States Statute: Cruisers Authorized, etc.

"An Act in addition to the Acts prohibiting the slave trade." Statutes at Large, III. 532. For proceedings in Congress, see Senate Journal, 15 Cong. 2 sess. pp. 338, 339, 343, 345, 350, 362; House Journal, 15 Cong. 2 sess. pp. 9–19, 42–3, 150, 179, 330, 334, 341, 343, 352.

1819, Dec. 7. President Monroe's Message.

"Due attention has likewise been paid to the suppression of the slave trade, in compliance with a law of the last session. Orders have been given to the commanders of all our public ships to seize all vessels navigated under our flag, engaged in that trade, and to bring them in, to be proceeded against, in the manner prescribed by that law. It is hoped that these vigorous measures, supported by like acts by other nations, will soon terminate a commerce so disgraceful to the civilized world." House Journal, 16 Cong, 1 sess. p. 18.

1820, Jan. 19. Congress (House): Proposed Registry of Slaves.

"On motion of Mr. Cuthbert,

"Resolved, That the Committee on the Slave Trade be instructed to enquire into the expediency of establishing a registry of slaves, more effectually to prevent the importation of slaves into the United States, or the territories thereof." No further mention. Ibid., p. 150.

1820, Feb. 5. Congress (House): Proposition on Slave-Trade.

"Mr. Meigs submitted the following preamble and resolution:

"Whereas, slavery in the United States is an evil of great and increasing magnitude; one which merits the greatest efforts of this nation to remedy: Therefore,

"Resolved, That a committee be appointed to enquire into the expediency of devoting the public lands as a fund for the purpose of,

"1st, Employing a naval force competent to the annihilation of the slave trade;

"2dly, The emancipation of slaves in the United States; and,

"3dly, Colonizing them in such way as shall be conducive to their comfort and happiness, in Africa, their mother country." Read, and, on motion of Walker of North Carolina, ordered to lie on the table. Feb. 7, Mr. Meigs moved that the House now consider the above-mentioned resolution, but it was decided in the negative. Feb. 18, he made a similar motion and proceeded to discussion, but was ruled out of order by the Speaker. He appealed, but the Speaker was sustained, and the House refused to take up the resolution. No further record appears. Ibid., pp. 196, 200, 227.

1820, Feb. 23. Massachusetts: Slavery in Western Territory.

"Resolve respecting Slavery":—

"The Committee of both Houses, who were appointed to consider 'what measures it may be proper for the Legislature of this Commonwealth to adopt, in the expression of their sentiments and views, relative to the interesting subject, now before Congress, of interdicting slavery in the New States, which may be admitted into the Union, beyond the River Mississippi,' respectfully submit the following report: ...

"Nor has this question less importance as to its influence on the slave trade. Should slavery be further permitted, an immense new market for slaves would be opened. It is well known that notwithstanding the strictness of our laws, and the vigilance of the government, thousands are now annually imported from Africa," etc. Massachusetts Resolves, May, 1819, to February, 1824, pp. 147–51.

1820, May 12. Congress (House): Resolution for Negotiation.

"Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, That the President of the United States be requested to negociate with all the governments where ministers of the United States are or shall be accredited, on the means of effecting an entire and immediate abolition of the slave trade." Passed House, May 12, 1820; lost in Senate, May 15, 1820. House Journal, 16 Cong. 1 sess. pp. 497, 518, 520–21, 526; Annals of Cong., 16 Cong. 1 sess. pp. 697–700.

1820, May 15. United States Statute: Slave-Trade made Piracy.

"An act to continue in force 'An act to protect the commerce of the United States, and punish the crime of piracy,' and also to make further provisions for punishing the crime of piracy." Continued by several statutes until passage of the Act of 1823, q.v. Statutes at Large, III. 600. For proceedings in Congress, see Senate Journal, 16 Cong. 1 sess. pp. 238, 241, 268, 286–7, 314, 331, 346, 350, 409, 412, 417, 422, 424, 425; House Journal, 16 Cong. 1 sess. pp. 453, 454, 494, 518, 520, 522, 537, 539, 540, 542. There was also a House bill, which was dropped: cf. House Journal, 16 Cong. 1 sess. pp. 21, 113, 280, 453, 494.

1820, Nov. 14. President Monroe's Message.

"In execution of the law of the last session, for the suppression of the slave trade, some of our public ships have also been employed on the coast of Africa, where several captures have already been made of vessels engaged in that disgraceful traffic." Senate Journal, 16 Cong. 2 sess. pp. 16–7.

1821, Feb. 15. Congress (House): Meigs's Resolution.

Mr. Meigs offered in modified form the resolutions submitted at the last session:—

"Whereas slavery, in the United States, is an evil, acknowledged to be of great and increasing magnitude, ... therefore,

"Resolved, That a committee be appointed to inquire into the expediency of devoting five hundred million acres of the public lands, next west of the Mississippi, as a fund for the purpose of, in the

"First place; Employing a naval force, competent to the annihilation of the slave trade," etc. Question to consider decided in the affirmative, 63 to 50; laid on the table, 66 to 55. House Journal, 16 Cong. 2 sess. p. 238; Annals of Cong., 16 Cong. 2 sess. pp. 1168–70.

1821, Dec. 3. President Monroe's Message.

"Like success has attended our efforts to suppress the slave trade. Under the flag of the United States, and the sanction of their papers, the trade may be considered as entirely suppressed; and, if any of our citizens are engaged in it, under the flag and papers of other powers, it is only from a respect to the rights of those powers, that these offenders are not seized and brought home, to receive the punishment which the laws inflict. If every other power should adopt the same policy, and pursue the same vigorous means for carrying it into effect, the trade could no longer exist." House Journal, 17 Cong. 1 sess. p. 22.

1822, April 12. Congress (House): Proposed Resolution.

"Resolved, That the President of the United States be requested to enter into such arrangements as he may deem suitable and proper, with one or more of the maritime powers of Europe, for the effectual abolition of the slave trade." House Reports, 17 Cong. 1 sess. II. No. 92, p. 4; Annals of Cong., 17 Cong. 1 sess. p. 1538.

1822, June 18. Mississippi: Act on Importation, etc.

"An act, to reduce into one, the several acts, concerning slaves, free negroes, and mulattoes."

§ 2. Slaves born and resident in the United States, and not criminals, may be imported.

§ 3. No slave born or resident outside the United States shall be brought in, under penalty of $1,000 per slave. Travellers are excepted. Revised Code of the Laws of Mississippi (Natchez, 1824), p. 369.

1822, Dec. 3. President Monroe's Message.

"A cruise has also been maintained on the coast of Africa, when the season would permit, for the suppression of the slave-trade; and orders have been given to the commanders of all our public ships to seize our own vessels, should they find any engaged in that trade, and to bring them in for adjudication." House Journal, 17 Cong. 2 sess. pp. 12, 21.

1823, Jan. 1. Alabama: Act to Dispose of Illegally Imported Slaves.

"An Act to carry into effect the laws of the United States prohibiting the slave trade."

§ 1. "Be it enacted, ... That the Governor of this state be ... authorized and required to appoint some suitable person, as the agent of the state, to receive all and every slave or slaves or persons of colour, who may have been brought into this state in violation of the laws of the United States, prohibiting the slave trade: Provided, that the authority of the said agent is not to extend to slaves who have been condemned and sold."

§ 2. The agent must give bonds.

§ 3. "And be it further enacted, That the said slaves, when so placed in the possession of the state, as aforesaid, shall be employed on such public work or works, as shall be deemed by the Governor of most value and utility to the public interest."

§ 4. A part may be hired out to support those employed in public work.

§ 5. "And be it further enacted, That in all cases in which a decree of any court having competent authority, shall be in favor of any or claimant or claimants, the said slaves shall be truly and faithfully, by said agent, delivered to such claimant or claimants: but in case of their condemnation, they shall be sold by such agent for cash to the highest bidder, by giving sixty days notice," etc. Acts of the Assembly of Alabama, 1822 (Cahawba, 1823), p. 62.

1823, Jan. 30. United States Statute: Piracy Act made Perpetual.

"An Act in addition to 'An act to continue in force "An act to protect the commerce of the United States, and punish the crime of piracy,"'" etc. Statutes at Large, III. 510–14, 721, 789. For proceedings in Congress, see Senate Journal, 17 Cong. 2 sess. pp. 61, 64, 70, 83, 98, 101, 106, 110, 111, 122, 137; House Journal, 17 Cong. 2 sess. pp. 73, 76, 156, 183, 189.

1823, Feb. 10. Congress (House): Resolution on Slave-Trade.

Mr. Mercer offered the following resolution:—

"Resolved, That the President of the United States be requested to enter upon, and to prosecute, from time to time, such negotiations with the several maritime powers of Europe and America, as he may deem expedient, for the effectual abolition of the African slave trade, and its ultimate denunciation as piracy, under the law of nations, by the consent of the civilized world." Agreed to Feb. 28; passed Senate. House Journal, 17 Cong. 2 sess. pp. 212, 280–82; Annals of Cong., 17 Cong. 2 sess. pp. 928, 1147–55.

1823, March 3. United States Statute: Appropriation.

"An Act making appropriations for the support of the navy," etc.

"To enable the President of the United States to carry into effect the act" of 1819, $50,000. Statutes at Large, III. 763, 764

1823. President: Proposed Treaties.

Letters to various governments in accordance with the resolution of 1823: April 28, to Spain; May 17, to Buenos Ayres; May 27, to United States of Colombia; Aug. 14, to Portugal. See above, Feb. 10, 1823. House Doc., 18 Cong. 1 sess. VI. No. 119.

1823, June 24. Great Britain: Proposed Treaty.

Adams, March 31, proposes that the trade be made piracy. Canning, April 8, reminds Adams of the treaty of Ghent and asks for the granting of a mutual Right of Search to suppress the slave-trade. The matter is further discussed until June 24. Minister Rush is empowered to propose a treaty involving the Right of Search, etc. This treaty was substantially the one signed (see below, March 13, 1824), differing principally in the first article.

"Article I. The two high contracting Powers, having each separately, by its own laws, subjected their subjects and citizens, who may be convicted of carrying on the illicit traffic in slaves on the coast of Africa, to the penalties of piracy, do hereby agree to use their influence, respectively, with the other maritime and civilized nations of the world, to the end that the said African slave trade may be recognized, and declared to be, piracy, under the law of nations." House Doc., 18 Cong, 1 sess. VI. No. 119.

1824, Feb. 6. Congress (House): Proposition to Amend Constitution.

Mr. Abbot's resolution on persons of color:—

"That no part of the constitution of the United States ought to be construed, or shall be construed to authorize the importation or ingress of any person of color into any one of the United States, contrary to the laws of such state." Read first and second time and committed to the Committee of the Whole. House Journal, 18 Cong. 1 sess. p. 208; Annals of Cong., 18 Cong. 1 sess. p. 1399.

1824, March 13. Great Britain: Proposed Treaty of 1824.

"The Convention:"—

Art. I. "The commanders and commissioned officers of each of the two high contracting parties, duly authorized, under the regulations and instructions of their respective Governments, to cruize on the coasts of Africa, of America, and of the West Indies, for the suppression of the slave trade," shall have the power to seize and bring into port any vessel owned by subjects of the two contracting parties, found engaging in the slave-trade. The vessel shall be taken for trial to the country where she belongs.

Art. II. Provides that even if the vessel seized does not belong to a citizen or citizens of either of the two contracting parties, but is chartered by them, she may be seized in the same way as if she belonged to them.

Art. III. Requires that in all cases where any vessel of either party shall be boarded by any naval officer of the other party, on suspicion of being concerned in the slave-trade, the officer shall deliver to the captain of the vessel so boarded a certificate in writing, signed by the naval officer, specifying his rank, etc., and the object of his visit. Provision is made for the delivery of ships and papers to the tribunal before which they are brought.

Art. IV. Limits the Right of Search, recognized by the Convention, to such investigation as shall be necessary to ascertain the fact whether the said vessel is or is not engaged in the slave-trade. No person shall be taken out of the vessel so visited unless for reasons of health.

Art. V. Makes it the duty of the commander of either nation, having captured a vessel of the other under the treaty, to receive unto his custody the vessel captured, and send or carry it into some port of the vessel's own country for adjudication, in which case triplicate declarations are to be signed, etc.

Art. VI. Provides that in cases of capture by the officer of either party, on a station where no national vessel is cruising, the captor shall either send or carry his prize to some convenient port of its own country for adjudication, etc.

Art. VII. Provides that the commander and crew of the captured vessel shall be proceeded against as pirates, in the ports to which they are brought, etc.

Art. VIII. Confines the Right of Search, under this treaty, to such officers of both parties as are especially authorized to execute the laws of their countries in regard to the slave-trade. For every abusive exercise of this right, officers are to be personally liable in costs and damages, etc.

Art. IX. Provides that the government of either nation shall inquire into abuses of this Convention and of the laws of the two countries, and inflict on guilty officers the proper punishment.

Art. X. Declares that the right, reciprocally conceded by this treaty, is wholly and exclusively founded on the consideration that the two nations have by their laws made the slave-trade piracy, and is not to be taken to affect in any other way the rights of the parties, etc.; it further engages that each power shall use its influence with all other civilized powers, to procure from them the acknowledgment that the slave-trade is piracy under the law of nations.

Art. XI. Provides that the ratifications of the treaty shall be exchanged at London within twelve months, or as much sooner as possible. Signed by Mr. Rush, Minister to the Court of St. James, March 13, 1824.

The above is a synopsis of the treaty as it was laid before the Senate. It was ratified by the Senate with certain conditions, one of which was that the duration of this treaty should be limited to the pleasure of the two parties on six months' notice; another was that the Right of Search should be limited to the African and West Indian seas: i.e., the word "America" was struck out. This treaty as amended and passed by the Senate (cf. above, p. 141) was rejected by Great Britain. A counter project was suggested by her, but not accepted (cf. above, p. 144). The striking out of the word "America" was declared to be the insuperable objection. Senate Doc., 18 Cong. 2 sess. I. No. 1, pp. 15–20; Niles's Register, 3rd Series, XXVI. 230–2. For proceedings in Senate, see Amer. State Papers, Foreign, V. 360–2.

1824, March 31. [Great Britain: Slave-Trade made Piracy.

"An Act for the more effectual Suppression of the African Slave Trade."

Any person engaging in the slave-trade "shall be deemed and adjudged guilty of Piracy, Felony and Robbery, and being convicted thereof shall suffer Death without Benefit of Clergy, and Loss of Lands, Goods and Chattels, as Pirates, Felons and Robbers upon the Seas ought to suffer," etc. Statute 5 George IV., ch. 17; Amer. State Papers, Foreign, V. 342.]

1824, April 16. Congress (House): Bill to Suppress Slave-Trade.

"Mr. Govan, from the committee to which was referred so much of the President's Message as relates to the suppression of the Slave Trade, reported a bill respecting the slave trade; which was read twice, and committed to a Committee of the Whole."

§ 1. Provided a fine not exceeding $5,000, imprisonment not exceeding 7 years, and forfeiture of ship, for equipping a slaver even for the foreign trade; and a fine not exceeding $3,000, and imprisonment not exceeding 5 years, for serving on board any slaver. Annals of Cong., 18 Cong. 1 sess. pp. 2397–8; House Journal, 18 Cong. 1 sess. pp. 26, 180, 181, 323, 329, 356, 423.

1824, May 21. President Monroe's Message on Treaty of 1824.

Amer. State Papers, Foreign, V. 344–6.

1824, Nov. 6. [Great Britain and Sweden: Treaty.

Right of Search granted for the suppression of the slave-trade. British and Foreign State Papers, 1824–5, pp. 3–28.]

1824, Nov. 6. Great Britain: Counter Project of 1825.

Great Britain proposes to conclude the treaty as amended by the Senate, if the word "America" is reinstated in Art. I. (Cf. above, March 13, 1824.) February 16, 1825, the House Committee favors this project; March 2, Addington reminds Adams of this counter proposal; April 6, Clay refuses to reopen negotiations on account of the failure of the Colombian treaty. Amer. State Papers, Foreign, V. 367; House Reports, 18 Cong. 2 sess. I. No. 70; House Doc., 19 Cong. 1 sess. I. No. 16.

1824, Dec. 7. President Monroe's Message.

"It is a cause of serious regret, that no arrangement has yet been finally concluded between the two Governments, to secure, by joint co-operation, the suppression of the slave trade. It was the object of the British Government, in the early stages of the negotiation, to adopt a plan for the suppression, which should include the concession of the mutual right of search by the ships of war of each party, of the vessels of the other, for suspected offenders. This was objected to by this Government, on the principle that, as the right of search was a right of war of a belligerant towards a neutral power, it might have an ill effect to extend it, by treaty, to an offence which had been made comparatively mild, to a time of peace. Anxious, however, for the suppression of this trade, it was thought adviseable, in compliance with a resolution of the House of Representatives, founded on an act of Congress, to propose to the British Government an expedient, which should be free from that objection, and more effectual for the object, by making it piratical.... A convention to this effect was concluded and signed, in London," on the 13th of March, 1824, "by plenipotentiaries duly authorized by both Governments, to the ratification of which certain obstacles have arisen, which are not yet entirely removed." [For the removal of which, the documents relating to the negotiation are submitted for the action of Congress]....

"In execution of the laws for the suppression of the slave trade, a vessel has been occasionally sent from that squadron to the coast of Africa, with orders to return thence by the usual track of the slave ships, and to seize any of our vessels which might be engaged in that trade. None have been found, and, it is believed, that none are thus employed. It is well known, however, that the trade still exists under other flags." House Journal, 18 Cong. 2 sess. pp. 11, 12, 19, 27, 241; House Reports, 18 Cong. 2 sess. I. No. 70; Gales and Seaton, Register of Debates, I. 625–8, and Appendix, p. 2 ff.

1825, Feb. 21. United States of Colombia: Proposed Treaty.

The President sends to the Senate a treaty with the United States of Colombia drawn, as United States Minister Anderson said, similar to that signed at London, with the alterations made by the Senate. March 9, 1825, the Senate rejects this treaty. Amer. State Papers, Foreign, V. 729–35.

1825, Feb. 28. Congress (House): Proposed Resolution on Slave-Trade.

Mr. Mercer laid on the table the following resolution:—

"Resolved, That the President of the United States be requested to enter upon, and prosecute from time to time, such negotiations with the several maritime powers of Europe and America, as he may deem expedient for the effectual abolition of the slave trade, and its ultimate denunciation, as piracy, under the law of nations, by the consent of the civilized world." The House refused to consider the resolution. House Journal, 18 Cong. 2 sess. p. 280; Gales and Seaton, Register of Debates, I. 697, 736.

1825, March 3. Congress (House): Proposed Resolution against Right of Search.

"Mr. Forsyth submitted the following resolution:

"Resolved, That while this House anxiously desires that the Slave Trade should be, universally, denounced as Piracy, and, as such, should be detected and punished under the law of nations, it considers that it would be highly inexpedient to enter into engagements with any foreign power, by which all the merchant vessels of the United States would be exposed to the inconveniences of any regulation of search, from which any merchant vessels of that foreign power would be exempted." Resolution laid on the table. House Journal, 18 Cong. 2 sess. pp. 308–9; Gales and Seaton, Register of Debates, I. 739.

1825, Dec. 6. President Adams's Message.

"The objects of the West India Squadron have been, to carry into execution the laws for the suppression of the African Slave Trade: for the protection of our commerce against vessels of piratical character.... These objects, during the present year, have been accomplished more effectually than at any former period. The African Slave Trade has long been excluded from the use of our flag; and if some few citizens of our country have continued to set the laws of the Union, as well as those of nature and humanity, at defiance, by persevering in that abominable traffic, it has been only by sheltering themselves under the banners of other nations, less earnest for the total extinction of the trade than ours." House Journal, 19 Cong. 1 sess. pp. 20, 96, 296–7, 305, 323, 329, 394–5, 399, 410, 414, 421, 451, 640.

1826, Feb. 14. Congress (House): Proposition to Repeal Parts of Act of 1819.

"Mr. Forsyth submitted the following resolutions, viz.:

1. "Resolved, That it is expedient to repeal so much of the act of the 3d March, 1819, entitled, 'An act in addition to the acts prohibiting the slave trade,' as provides for the appointment of agents on the coast of Africa.

2. "Resolved, That it is expedient so to modify the said act of the 3d of March, 1819, as to release the United States from all obligation to support the negroes already removed to the coast of Africa, and to provide for such a disposition of those taken in slave ships who now are in, or who may be, hereafter, brought into the United States, as shall secure to them a fair opportunity of obtaining a comfortable subsistence, without any aid from the public treasury." Read and laid on the table. Ibid., p. 258.

1826, March 14. United States Statute: Appropriation.

"An Act making appropriations for the support of the navy," etc.

"For the agency on the coast of Africa, for receiving the negroes," etc., $32,000. Statutes at Large, IV. 140, 141.

1827, March 2. United States Statute: Appropriation.

"An Act making appropriations for the support of the Navy," etc.

"For the agency on the coast of Africa," etc., $56,710. Ibid., W. 206, 208.

1827, March 11. Texas: Introduction of Slaves Prohibited.

Constitution of the State of Coahuila and Texas. Preliminary Provisions:—

Art. 13. "From and after the promulgation of the constitution in the capital of each district, no one shall be born a slave in the state, and after six months the introduction of slaves under any pretext shall not be permitted." Laws and Decrees of Coahuila and Texas (Houston, 1839), p. 314.

1827, Sept. 15. Texas: Decree against Slave-Trade.

"The Congress of the State of Coahuila and Texas decrees as follows:"

Art. 1. All slaves to be registered.

Art. 2, 3. Births and deaths to be recorded.

Art. 4. "Those who introduce slaves, after the expiration of the term specified in article 13 of the Constitution, shall be subject to the penalties established by the general law of the 13th of July, 1824." Ibid., pp. 78–9.

1828, Feb. 25. Congress (House): Proposed Bill to Abolish African Agency, etc.

"Mr. McDuffie, from the Committee of Ways and Means, ... reported the following bill:

"A bill to abolish the Agency of the United States on the Coast of Africa, to provide other means of carrying into effect the laws prohibiting the slave trade, and for other purposes." This bill was amended so as to become the act of May 24, 1828 (see below). House Reports, 21 Cong. 1 sess. III. No. 348, p. 278.

1828, May 24. United States Statute: Appropriation.

"An Act making an appropriation for the suppression of the slave trade." Statutes at Large, IV. 302; House Journal, 20 Cong. 1 sess., House Bill No. 190.

1829, Jan. 28. Congress (House): Bill to Amend Act of 1807.

The Committee on Commerce reported "a bill (No. 399) to amend an act, entitled 'An act to prohibit the importation of slaves,'" etc. Referred to Committee of the Whole. House Journal, 20 Cong. 2 sess. pp. 58, 84, 215. Cf. Ibid., 20 Cong. 1 sess. pp. 121, 135.

1829, March 2. United States Statute: Appropriation.

"An Act making additional appropriations for the support of the navy," etc.

"For the reimbursement of the marshal of Florida for expenses incurred in the case of certain Africans who were wrecked on the coast of the United States, and for the expense of exporting them to Africa," $16,000. Statutes at Large, IV. 353, 354.

1830, April 7. Congress (House): Resolution against Slave-Trade.

Mr. Mercer reported the following resolution:—

"Resolved, That the President of the United States be requested to consult and negotiate with all the Governments where Ministers of the United States are, or shall be accredited, on the means of effecting an entire and immediate abolition of the African slave trade; and especially, on the expediency, with that view, of causing it to be universally denounced as piratical." Referred to Committee of the Whole; no further action recorded. House Journal, 21 Cong. 1 sess. p. 512.

1830, April 7. Congress (House): Proposition to Amend Act of March 3, 1819.

Mr. Mercer, from the committee to which was referred the memorial of the American Colonization Society, and also memorials, from the inhabitants of Kentucky and Ohio, reported with a bill (No. 412) to amend "An act in addition to the acts prohibiting the slave trade," passed March 3, 1819. Read twice and referred to Committee of the Whole. Ibid.

1830, May 31. Congress (Statute): Appropriation.

"An Act making a re-appropriation of a sum heretofore appropriated for the suppression of the slave trade." Statutes at Large, IV. 425; Senate Journal, 21 Cong. 1 sess. pp. 359, 360, 383; House Journal, 21 Cong. 1 sess. pp. 624, 808–11.

1830. [Brazil: Prohibition of Slave-Trade.

Slave-trade prohibited under severe penalties.]

1831, 1833. [Great Britain and France: Treaty Granting Right of Search.

Convention between Great Britain and France granting a mutual limited Right of Search on the East and West coasts of Africa, and on the coasts of the West Indies and Brazil. British and Foreign State Papers, 1830–1, p. 641 ff; 1832–3, p. 286 ff.]

1831, Feb. 16. Congress (House): Proposed Resolution on Slave-Trade.

"Mr. Mercer moved to suspend the rule of the House in regard to motions, for the purpose of enabling himself to submit a resolution requesting the Executive to enter into negotiations with the maritime Powers of Europe, to induce them to enact laws declaring the African slave trade piracy, and punishing it as such." The motion was lost. Gales and Seaton, Register of Debates, VII. 726.

1831, March 2. United States Statute: Appropriation.

"An Act making appropriations for the naval service," etc.

"For carrying into effect the acts for the suppression of the slave trade," etc., $16,000. Statutes at Large, IV. 460, 462.

1831, March 3. Congress (House): Resolution as to Treaties.

"Mr. Mercer moved to suspend the rule to enable him to submit the following resolution:

"Resolved, That the President of the United States be requested to renew, and to prosecute from time to time, such negotiations with the several maritime powers of Europe and America as he may deem expedient for the effectual abolition of the African slave trade, and its ultimate denunciation as piracy, under the laws of nations, by the consent of the civilized world." The rule was suspended by a vote of 108 to 36, and the resolution passed, 118 to 32. House Journal, 21 Cong. 2 sess.pp. 426–8.

1833, Feb. 20. United States Statute: Appropriation.

"An Act making appropriations for the naval service," etc.

" ... for carrying into effect the acts for the suppression of the slave trade," etc., $5,000. Statutes at Large, IV. 614, 615.

1833, August. Great Britain and France: Proposed Treaty with the United States.

British and French ministers simultaneously invited the United States to accede to the Convention just concluded between them for the suppression of the slave-trade. The Secretary of State, Mr. M'Lane, deferred answer until the meeting of Congress, and then postponed negotiations on account of the irritable state of the country on the slave question. Great Britain had proposed that "A reciprocal right of search ... be conceded by the United States, limited as to place, and subject to specified restrictions. It is to be employed only in repressing the Slave Trade, and to be exercised under a written and specific authority, conferred on the Commander of the visiting ship." In the act of accession, "it will be necessary that the right of search should be extended to the coasts of the United States," and Great Britain will in turn extend it to the British West Indies. This proposal was finally refused, March 24, 1834, chiefly, as stated, because of the extension of the Right of Search to the coasts of the United States. This part was waived by Great Britain, July 7, 1834. On Sept. 12 the French Minister joined in urging accession. On Oct. 4, 1834, Forsyth states that the determination has "been definitely formed, not to make the United States a party to any Convention on the subject of the Slave Trade." Parliamentary Papers, 1835, Vol. LI., Slave Trade, Class B., pp. 84–92.

1833, Dec. 23. Georgia: Slave-Trade Acts Amended.

"An Act to reform, amend, and consolidate the penal laws of the State of Georgia."

13th Division. "Offences relative to Slaves":—

§ 1. "If any person or persons shall bring, import, or introduce into this State, or aid or assist, or knowingly become concerned or interested, in bringing, importing, or introducing into this State, either by land or by water, or in any manner whatever, any slave or slaves, each and every such person or persons so offending, shall be deemed principals in law, and guilty of a high misdemeanor, and ... on conviction, shall be punished by a fine not exceeding five hundred dollars each, for each and every slave, ... and imprisonment and labor in the penitentiary for any time not less than one year, nor longer than four years." Residents, however, may bring slaves for their own use, but must register and swear they are not for sale, hire, mortgage, etc.

§ 6. Penalty for knowingly receiving such slaves, $500. Slightly amended Dec. 23, 1836, e.g., emigrants were allowed to hire slaves out, etc.; amended Dec. 19, 1849, so as to allow importation of slaves from "any other slave holding State of this Union." Prince, Digest, pp. 619, 653, 812; Cobb, Digest, II. 1018.

1834, Jan. 24. United States Statute: Appropriation.

"An Act making appropriations for the naval service," etc.

"For carrying into effect the acts for the suppression of the slave trade," etc., $5,000. Statutes at Large, IV. 670, 671.

1836, March 17. Texas: African Slave-Trade Prohibited.

Constitution of the Republic of Texas: General Provisions:—

§ 9. All persons of color who were slaves for life before coming to Texas shall remain so. "Congress shall pass no laws to prohibit emigrants from bringing their slaves into the republic with them, and holding them by the same tenure by which such slaves were held in the United States; ... the importation or admission of Africans or negroes into this republic, excepting from the United States of America, is forever prohibited, and declared to be piracy." Laws of the Republic of Texas (Houston, 1838), I. 19.

1836, Dec. 21. Texas: Slave-Trade made Piracy.

"An Act supplementary to an act, for the punishment of Crimes and Misdemeanors."

§ 1. "Be it enacted ..., That if any person or persons shall introduce any African negro or negroes, contrary to the true intent and meaning of the ninth section of the general provisions of the constitution, ... except such as are from the United States of America, and had been held as slaves therein, be considered guilty of piracy; and upon conviction thereof, before any court having cognizance of the same, shall suffer death, without the benefit of clergy."

§ 2. The introduction of Negroes from the United States of America, except of those legally held as slaves there, shall be piracy. Ibid., I. 197. Cf. House Doc., 27 Cong. 1 sess. No. 34, p. 42.

1837, March 3. United States Statute: Appropriation.

"An Act making appropriations for the naval service," etc.

"For carrying into effect the acts for the suppression of the slave trade," etc., $11,413.57. Statutes at Large, V. 155, 157.

1838, March 19. Congress (Senate): Slave-Trade with Texas, etc.

"Mr. Morris submitted the following motion for consideration:

"Resolved, That the Committee on the Judiciary be instructed to inquire whether the present laws of the United States, on the subject of the slave trade, will prohibit that trade being carried on between citizens of the United States and citizens of the Republic of Texas, either by land or by sea; and whether it would be lawful in vessels owned by citizens of that Republic, and not lawful in vessels owned by citizens of this, or lawful in both, and by citizens of both countries; and also whether a slave carried from the United States into a foreign country, and brought back, on returning into the United States, is considered a free person, or is liable to be sent back, if demanded, as a slave, into that country from which he or she last came; and also whether any additional legislation by Congress is necessary on any of these subjects." March 20, the motion of Mr. Walker that this resolution "lie on the table," was determined in the affirmative, 32 to 9. Senate Journal, 25 Cong. 2 sess. pp. 297–8, 300.

1839, Feb. 5. Congress (Senate): Bill to Amend Slave-Trade Acts.

"Mr. Strange, on leave, and in pursuance of notice given, introduced a bill to amend an act entitled an act to prohibit the importation of slaves into any port in the jurisdiction of the United States; which was read twice, and referred to the Committee on Commerce." March 1, the Committee was discharged from further consideration of the bill. Congressional Globe, 25 Cong. 3 sess. p. 172; Senate Journal, 25 Cong. 3 sess. pp. 200, 313.

1839, Dec. 24. President Van Buren's Message.

"It will be seen by the report of the Secretary of the navy respecting the disposition of our ships of war, that it has been deemed necessary to station a competent force on the coast of Africa, to prevent a fraudulent use of our flag by foreigners.

"Recent experience has shown that the provisions in our existing laws which relate to the sale and transfer of American vessels while abroad, are extremely defective. Advantage has been taken of these defects to give to vessels wholly belonging to foreigners, and navigating the ocean, an apparent American ownership. This character has been so well simulated as to afford them comparative security in prosecuting the slave trade, a traffic emphatically denounced in our statutes, regarded with abhorrence by our citizens, and of which the effectual suppression is nowhere more sincerely desired than in the United States. These circumstances make it proper to recommend to your early attention a careful revision of these laws, so that ... the integrity and honor of our flag may be carefully preserved." House Journal, 26 Cong. 1 sess. pp. 117–8.

1840, Jan. 3. Congress (Senate): Bill to Amend Act of 1807.

"Agreeably to notice, Mr. Strange asked and obtained leave to bring in a bill (Senate, No. 123) to amend an act entitled 'An act to prohibit the importation of slaves into any port or place within the jurisdiction of the United States from and after the 1st day of January, in the year 1808,' approved the 2d day of March, 1807; which was read the first and second times, by unanimous consent, and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary." Jan. 8, it was reported without amendment; May 11, it was considered, and, on motion by Mr. King, "Ordered, That it lie on the table." Senate Journal, 26 Cong. 1 sess. pp. 73, 87, 363.

1840, May 4. Congress (Senate): Bill on Slave-Trade.

"Mr. Davis, from the Committee on Commerce, reported a bill (Senate, No. 335) making further provision to prevent the abuse of the flag of the United States, and the use of unauthorized papers in the foreign slavetrade, and for other purposes." This passed the Senate, but was dropped in the House. Ibid., pp. 356, 359, 440, 442; House Journal, 26 Cong. 1 sess. pp. 1138, 1228, 1257.

1841, June 1. Congress (House): President Tyler's Message.

"I shall also, at the proper season, invite your attention to the statutory enactments for the suppression of the slave trade, which may require to be rendered more efficient in their provisions. There is reason to believe that the traffic is on the increase. Whether such increase is to be ascribed to the abolition of slave labor in the British possessions in our vicinity, and an attendant diminution in the supply of those articles which enter into the general consumption of the world, thereby augmenting the demand from other quarters, ... it were needless to inquire. The highest considerations of public honor, as well as the strongest promptings of humanity, require a resort to the most vigorous efforts to suppress the trade." House Journal, 27 Cong. 1 sess. pp. 31, 184.

1841, Dec. 7. President Tyler's Message.

Though the United States is desirous to suppress the slave-trade, she will not submit to interpolations into the maritime code at will by other nations. This government has expressed its repugnance to the trade by several laws. It is a matter for deliberation whether we will enter upon treaties containing mutual stipulations upon the subject with other governments. The United States will demand indemnity for all depredations by Great Britain.

"I invite your attention to existing laws for the suppression of the African slave trade, and recommend all such alterations as may give to them greater force and efficacy. That the American flag is grossly abused by the abandoned and profligate of other nations is but too probable. Congress has, not long since, had this subject under its consideration, and its importance well justifies renewed and anxious attention." House Journal, 27 Cong. 2 sess. pp. 14–5, 86, 113.

1841, Dec. 20. [Great Britain, Austria, Russia, Prussia, and France: Quintuple Treaty.] British and Foreign State Papers, 1841–2, p. 269 ff.

1842, Feb. 15. Right of Search: Cass's Protest.

Cass writes to Webster, that, considering the fact that the signing of the Quintuple Treaty would oblige the participants to exercise the Right of Search denied by the United States, or to make a change in the hitherto recognized law of nations, he, on his own responsibility, addressed the following protest to the French Minister of Foreign Affairs, M. Guizot:—

"Legation of the United States, "Paris, February 13, 1842.

"Sir: The recent signature of a treaty, having for its object the suppression of the African slave trade, by five of the powers of Europe, and to which France is a party, is a fact of such general notoriety that it may be assumed as the basis of any diplomatic representations which the subject may fairly require."

The United States is no party to this treaty. She denies the Right of Visitation which England asserts. [Quotes from the presidential message of Dec. 7, 1841.] This principle is asserted by the treaty.

" ... The moral effect which such a union of five great powers, two of which are eminently maritime, but three of which have perhaps never had a vessel engaged in that traffic, is calculated to produce upon the United States, and upon other nations who, like them, may be indisposed to these combined movements, though it may be regretted, yet furnishes no just cause of complaint. But the subject assumes another aspect when they are told by one of the parties that their vessels are to be forcibly entered and examined, in order to carry into effect these stipulations. Certainly the American Government does not believe that the high powers, contracting parties to this treaty, have any wish to compel the United States, by force, to adopt their measures to its provisions, or to adopt its stipulations ...; and they will see with pleasure the prompt disavowal made by yourself, sir, in the name of your country, ... of any intentions of this nature. But were it otherwise, ... They would prepare themselves with apprehension, indeed, but without dismay—with regret, but with firmness—for one of those desperate struggles which have sometimes occurred in the history of the world."

If, as England says, these treaties cannot be executed without visiting United States ships, then France must pursue the same course. It is hoped, therefore, that his Majesty will, before signing this treaty, carefully examine the pretensions of England and their compatibility with the law of nations and the honor of the United States. Senate Doc., 27 Cong. 3 sess. II. No. 52, and IV. No. 223; 29 Cong. 1 sess. VIII. No. 377, pp. 192–5.

1842, Feb. 26. Mississippi: Resolutions on Creole Case.

The following resolutions were referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs in the United States Congress, House of Representatives, May 10, 1842:

"Whereas, the right of search has never been yielded to Great Britain," and the brig Creole has not been surrendered by the British authorities, etc., therefore,

§ 1. "Be it resolved by the Legislature of the State of Mississippi, That ... the right of search cannot be conceded to Great Britain without a manifest servile submission, unworthy a free nation....

§ 2. "Resolved, That any attempt to detain and search our vessels, by British cruisers, should be held and esteemed an unjustifiable outrage on the part of the Queen's Government; and that any such outrage, which may have occurred since Lord Aberdeen's note to our envoy at the Court of St. James, of date October thirteen, eighteen hundred and forty-one, (if any,) may well be deemed, by our Government, just cause of war."

§ 3. "Resolved, That the Legislature of the State, in view of the late murderous insurrection of the slaves on board the Creole, their reception in a British port, the absolute connivance at their crimes, manifest in the protection extended to them by the British authorities, most solemnly declare their firm conviction that, if the conduct of those authorities be submitted to, compounded for by the payment of money, or in any other manner, or atoned for in any mode except by the surrender of the actual criminals to the Federal Government, and the delivery of the other identical slaves to their rightful owner or owners, or his or their agents, the slaveholding States would have most just cause to apprehend that the American flag is powerless to protect American property; that the Federal Government is not sufficiently energetic in the maintenance and preservation of their peculiar rights; and that these rights, therefore, are in imminent danger."

§ 4. Resolved, That restitution should be demanded "at all hazards." House Doc., 27 Cong. 2 sess. IV. No. 215.

1842, March 21. Congress (House): Giddings's Resolutions.

Mr. Giddings moved the following resolutions:—

§ 5. "Resolved, That when a ship belonging to the citizens of any State of this Union leaves the waters and territory of such State, and enters upon the high seas, the persons on board cease to be subject to the slave laws of such State, and therefore are governed in their relations to each other by, and are amenable to, the laws of the United States."

§ 6. Resolved, That the slaves in the brig Creole are amenable only to the laws of the United States.

§ 7. Resolved, That those slaves by resuming their natural liberty violated no laws of the United States.

§ 8. Resolved, That all attempts to re-enslave them are unconstitutional, etc.

Moved that these resolutions lie on the table; defeated, 53 to 125. Mr. Giddings withdrew the resolutions. Moved to censure Mr. Giddings, and he was finally censured. House Journal, 27 Cong. 2 sess. pp. 567–80.

1842, May 10. Congress (House): Remonstrance of Mississippi against Right of Search.

"Mr. Gwin presented resolutions of the Legislature of the State of Mississippi, against granting the right of search to Great Britain for the purpose of suppressing the African slave trade; urging the Government to demand of the British Government redress and restitution in relation to the case of the brig Creole and the slaves on board." Referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs. House Journal, 27 Cong. 2 sess. p. 800.

1842, Aug. 4. United States Statute: Appropriation.

"An Act making appropriations for the naval service," etc.

"For carrying into effect the acts for the suppression of the slave trade," etc. $10,543.42. Statutes at Large, V. 500, 501.

1842, Nov. 10. Joint-Cruising Treaty with Great Britain.

"Treaty to settle and define boundaries; for the final suppression of the African slave-trade; and for the giving up of criminals fugitive from justice. Concluded August 9, 1842; ratifications exchanged at London October 13, 1842; proclaimed November 10, 1842." Articles VIII., and IX. Ratified by the Senate by a vote of 39 to 9, after several unsuccessful attempts to amend it. U.S. Treaties and Conventions (1889), pp. 436–7; Senate Exec. Journal, VI. 118–32.