Chapter IX: Front Matter (9)

It gives us pleasure to learn, from various reports which were
laid before us, that most of the recommendations made by the
former Conventions, had received a considerable degree of
attention, from the several societies to whom they were
addressed. But, as they have not been uniformly and perfectly
complied with, permit us to repeat the request, _so far as the
same may be applicable to your society_, that you transmit to the
next Convention, certified copies of all such laws, in any wise
respecting slavery, as are now in force, as have been repealed,
or may hereafter be enacted--Correct lists of the officers of
your society, for the time being, and also the names of all your
members, and their places of abode--An account of the proceedings
of your society, in relieving Africans and others unlawfully held
in bondage--A statement of the condition of the blacks, both bond
and free, in your state, with respect to the property of the
free, and the employment and moral conduct of all--Reports of
such trials and decisions of the Courts of Judicature, relative
to Africans, as may have taken place--An account of the endeavors
which have been used to obtain a repeal or amelioration of the
laws respecting slavery--information concerning what has been
done, in pursuance of the recommendation of the last Convention,
to establish periodical discourses on the subject of slavery, and
the means of its abolition--And finally, a report of the progress
you have made in extending to Africans the benefits of education.
And we further request, that whatever communications may be made
to the next, or to any future Convention, in consequence of the
above recommendations, be presented in the form of regular
written reports, noticing in what manner and degree you have
carried them into effect, and how far your efforts have been
ineffectual. By this means there will be exhibited such a view of
the state of each Society, as that the several reports may be
entered on the minutes of the Convention, who will thereby be
better enabled to decide on the propriety of making public such
parts of these communications as may be best adapted to advance
the cause of truth and humanity.

And as very important advantages have, in several instances,
resulted from accurate registers being kept, by persons appointed
for that purpose by certain of the Abolition Societies in the
United States, of such manumissions as have taken place; we do
earnestly recommend, should you not already have entered into
this regulation, that you make it hereafter an object of diligent
attention. Such records may, in various ways, subserve the cause
of emancipation.

We learn, that the proposal made by the last Convention,
respecting the blacks, and people of color, who have emigrated
from the West Indies, and now reside in the United States, has,
in many instances, given rise to difficulty; in order to remove
which, we have been induced to transmit to you the following
extract from the twelfth article of the Consular Convention
between France and the United States; which by designating the
proper tribunals to whom application, in such cases, is to be
made, will, we trust, be found sufficient, in future, to direct
your proceedings in this business, _viz._

"That all differences and suits between French citizens in
the United States, and between American citizens in the
dominions of France, shall be determined by the respective
Consuls and Vice Consuls either by a reference to
arbitrators, or by a summary judgment, and without costs;
and that no officer of the country, civil or military, shall
interfere therein, or take any part whatever in the matter."

When we contemplate the odious nature and the immense magnitude
of the evil which you have associated to oppose, and the
inestimable importance of the objects which you are seeking to
obtain, we cannot forbear to urge unremitted exertions, in
pursuing the great ends before you. We are persuaded you will not
neglect any just means in your power, which may tend to advance,
either directly, or indirectly, the cause of equal liberty;--And
it gives us pleasure also to express our persuasion, that, in
this pursuit, much is still in your power. Although you cannot
control Legislatures; and though, when you plead the cause of
humanity, they will not, at all times, listen to you; yet there
are other means to be used, perhaps, more effectual--You can do
much, by directing your efforts to the conviction of
individuals--by diffusing proper publications amongst them, and
by presenting the evils of slavery in various forms to their
minds.[3]

_The following was inserted in the Address to the Pennsylvania
Abolition Society_.

And as precise information, on this subject, cannot be too
generally diffused, we request you to collect all possible
intelligence relative to such blacks and people of color in the
United States as are made Citizens of the French Republic, by the
decree of the National Convention, of the sixteenth Pluviose,
second year of the republic, and transmit the same to all the
other Abolition Societies in the United States.

Nor can we suppose, it would be an effort altogether ineffectual
in favor of liberty, were its friends, throughout the United
States, in all cases where it is practicable, to display a marked
preference of such commodities, as are of the culture or
manufacture of freemen, to those which are cultivated or
manufactured by slaves--In this way, every individual may
discountenance oppression, and bear testimony against a practice,
which is still suffered to remain the disgrace of our land.

We have thought proper to address the free Africans and other
free people of color in the United States, on various subjects,
which we believe nearly to concern their interest and happiness.
We have directed copies of this address to be transmitted to you
and request you to distribute the same, in your State, in such
manner as you may judge best calculated to promote its design.

We cannot conclude, without calling your attention, in a
particular manner, to the necessity of appointing such of your
members to represent you in the Convention, as will be punctually
attentive to the duties of their appointment. We are sorry to
observe, that there is some ground of complaint, on this subject;
but we trust, that, in future, such a full representation will
appear, as will give encreasing encouragement, energy and success
to our united endeavors in the great cause of human happiness.

Copies of our proceedings will be laid before you; from which we
hope, you will derive satisfaction, and perceive the importance
of the several objects which we have recommended to your
attention.[4]

_To the Society for promoting the
Abolition of Slavery_.

To inform you of our proceedings; to solicit your further advice
and assistance; and to request your special attention to the
original object of our meetings, we now address you.

We have, as formerly, gone through our business with harmony and
satisfaction; the peculiar objects, thereof will appear from our
minutes, herewith transmitted; and we can truly add, that the
important advantages evidently arising from such a collection of
information and exchange of sentiment are too obvious, not to
unite us in the recommendation, that a similar Convention of
delegates from the different abolition societies, be held in this
city on the first day of June, 1798.

The non-compliance of several societies with this proposal for
some years past, induces us to believe that some obstacles may
exist, which possibly might be removed; we therefore request,
that where it is not agreed to send delegates, such societies
would favor the Convention, in writing, with their determination
and the causes of it. This better enables the Convention to judge
of the most proper mode of proceeding in future.

A table, containing the requisitions of this and the former
Conventions, and how far they have hitherto been complied with by
each society, will shew the propriety and necessity of fulfilling
these requisitions; which, after being thus pointed out need not
now be further insisted on.

When we consider the extensive influence of education on society,
we think a due attention to the instruction of the blacks and
people of color of every description cannot be too forcibly
impressed. This will apply not merely to what is called school
learning, but essentially consists in inculcating the sound
principles of morality and religion as well as habits of
temperance and industry. From a continued regard to the welfare
of this much injured and much oppressed people, we have again
addressed them on such points as we judged would be most
beneficial; but it will in a great degree rest with you to
circulate and enforce the advice recommended: and we may add,
that, as the evils which must necessarily result from their being
retained in a state of ignorance are incalculable, so it is, in
our opinion, the greatest and perhaps the only important service
we can render to them and to our country, to disseminate learning
and morality amongst them, thus raising them gradually and safely
to that level, to which they must, in the course of time,
inevitably attain.

The different Conventions have from year to year, endeavoured to
procure from the Abolition Societies, every kind of information
which may illustrate the history of slavery in the United States;
we now repeat their request, with a view to the formation of a
history of this important subject.

From the general accounts received, as well as from our own
observations we are induced strongly to recommend, that where
several Abolition Societies exist in one state, they would, if
possible, form a general plan of union or confederation, so as,
on all important occasions, to act in concert.

You are already well informed of the act of Congress of March
twenty-second, 1794, prohibiting the citizens of the United
States from supplying foreign nations with slaves; you will also
most probably have heard that this wise and humane law has been
too frequently violated by our citizens; in consequence of which
the Abolition Societies of Pennsylvania, New-York and Providence,
have severally commenced prosecutions against divers persons and
vessels, engaged in this abominable traffic; the first named
society has been successful in the two prosecutions they
undertook in the District Court of Pennsylvania and of the United
States of America. The vessels have been condemned, and actions
are pending against the masters and owners in the Circuit Court
of the United States in and for the Pennsylvania district of the
middle circuit. There is good ground to believe that the other
societies will meet with equal success.

Besides the information mutually given by the societies to each
other as occasions may require, to assist them in checking such
clandestine practices, we believe it would be highly useful to
forward every particular that comes to your knowledge on this
subject, to the next Convention, who may make a very important
use of it.

The difficulties which have continually occurred respecting the
blacks and people of color, who have for several years past
emigrated from the French West-Indies into the United States,
have engaged the attention of this and the preceding Conventions.
To remove these difficulties, we transmit you a certified copy of
an authenticated decree of the National Convention of France, of
the sixteenth Pluviose, second year of the Republic; (February
fifth, 1794,) which has been lately received by the Pennsylvania
Abolition Society. With this decree, since fully confirmed by the
French constitution of 1795, we believe you will have it in your
power to afford every legal and effectual assistance to these
unfortunate people.

There yet remains a subject which, though often urged, still
continues to demand our serious attention; we allude to the most
proper means of extending the principles of just and equal
liberty amongst mankind: and as we profess to assume no other
powers than those of persuasion and convincement, founded on the
unerring basis of truth and justice, we wish you duly to advert
to the magnitude of the cause in which we are engaged, to
persevere with patience and fortitude in your applications to
legislative bodies and courts of justice, for the relief of our
unfortunate African brethren, and to continue to enlighten the
public mind, by spreading as much as possible, all kind of useful
information on the subject: that thus we may, in every form, and
on every occasion, be ready to plead the cause of the oppressed,
in the language of persuasion and of truth. And then we shall
have done our duty; and then we may, in humble confidence, look
up for the blessing and protection of the great Father of all,
_whose ways are just and equal, and who hath made of one blood
all nations of men_.[5]

_To the Society for promoting the
Abolition of Slavery, &c._

THE Convention of delegates from the Abolition Societies
established in different parts of the United States, assembled
at Philadelphia, congratulate their constituents on the general
progress of their objects since last meeting, and on the union of
sentiment, and harmony of deliberation, which has prevailed in
all their proceedings.

The assembling in Convention, at proper intervals, has produced
so many advantages in combining the views and operations of the
friends of emancipation throughout the United States, that we are
persuaded you will unite with us in opinion, that it is expedient
that another Convention of delegates from the several Abolition
Societies, be held in this city on the first Wednesday of June,
in the year one thousand eight hundred.

The alteration in the period of meeting we have adopted under a
consideration of the peculiar situation of our country, and the
state of the objects which have hitherto occupied our attention;
but, we earnestly request, that a general representation, and a
punctual attendance, may take place at the time recommended.

Although, from the reports of such of the Societies as have sent
delegates to this Convention, we have observed, with
encouragement and pleasure, the perseverance that is used, and
the progress that is made, in the great work for which we have
associated; yet, we cannot help noticing, with regret, the
absence of many of our members, and the total omission of several
of the Societies to appoint Representatives, or to comply with
the request of the last Convention, that, where it was not agreed
to send delegates, such determination and the cause of it might
be reported to the Convention in writing. To those societies,
therefore, which have failed in this respect, we are induced
earnestly to repeat the request, and to urge their particular
attention thereto.

By some of the Societies the general requisitions of former
Conventions, have not yet been answered or complied with, and by
others only in part. An accurate table of these requisitions, and
the manner in which each Society had complied with them, was made
out by the last Convention and forwarded to the different
Abolition Societies. By a reference thereto, and to the report of
the committee of this Convention, to whom the several
communications were referred, which is included in the copy of
our proceedings herewith transmitted to you, you will observe
what yet remains to be done; and we hope you will be able to make
complete returns to the succeeding Convention, together with such
other information as may appear to you to be useful towards the
important purpose of forming a history of the progress and state
of slavery in the United States.

Too much cannot be said on the necessity of a constant attention
to the subject of education. To prepare the minds of our
unfortunate African brethren for that condition of freedom and
rank in society to which they must, sooner or later, arrive--to
disseminate among them useful instruction on moral and religious
subjects, and to use our utmost endeavours to have schools
established, for the purpose of teaching them to read and write,
ought, we conceive, to be the primary object of all the Abolition
Societies. We also think it of importance, at this particular
period, to impress upon the minds of those who are in bondage,
the propriety of a quiet submission to the injunctions of their
masters, assuring them that by such conduct they will be likely
to experience not only the advantages of better treatment in
their present situation, but also cause, perhaps, even their
possessors to perceive the injustice that is attached to the
principles of slavery.

Firmly persuaded that considerable benefit has already resulted
from inculcating friendly advice to this oppressed people, and
believing that the sentiments contained in the addresses of the
former Conventions to the free blacks and other people of color
in the United States cannot be too frequently repeated and
enforced, we recommend to the consideration of the Societies, the
propriety of a republication of those addresses by each society,
and such communication and distribution thereof as may be best
calculated to promote a beneficial effect.

The Convention having been informed, that vessels are fitted out
with cargoes for certain of the West Indian Islands, parts of
which cargoes are their disposed of, and, with the proceeds,
slaves are purchased and carried to other of the said Islands,
and sold; also that other vessels are loaded with rum, for
certain ports in Africa, with the proceeds of which, we have
reason to believe, the natives are purchased and afterwards
conveyed and sold as slaves in the West Indies. We recommend a
strict enquiry to be made into the conduct of persons thus
offending against the dictates of humanity and the honor and
interest of our country, that proper measures, to punish and
prevent such nefarious and disgraceful practices, may be adopted.

We have thought it expedient to confine our attention at present,
principally to carrying into effect the measures heretofore
advised. Let us, however, whilst prudent and cautious, continue
to be firm and sincere. Let us embrace every opportunity which
may offer for ameliorating the condition of slaves so far as the
laws, under which we severally act, will permit us to proceed.
Let us do nothing which may justly draw forth the censure of our
country, but act, in all things, with that moderation and
propriety which have heretofore distinguished the Abolition
Societies.

We confidently trust, that when the storms, by which the world is
at present agitated, shall have subsided, the light of truth will
break through the dark gloom of oppression--cruelty and injustice
will not only hear, but obey, the voice of reason and religion;
and in these United States the practice of the people will be
conformable to their declaration--"That all men are born equally
free, and have an unalienable right to Liberty."[6]

_To Society, &c._

The Convention of delegates, from the different Abolition
Societies established in the United States, feel a pleasure in
informing you, that their deliberations have been conducted with
much harmony and satisfaction to themselves.

They, however, deeply regret, that so few of the Societies have
been induced to send Representatives to the Convention.

The great and good work of restoring liberty to the captive, and
fitting him to fill that station in the scale of being, from
which he has been forced by the domineering spirit of power and
usurpation, may be considered as little more than begun. How many
thousands of miserable wretches yet languish in slavery, in these
United States, to whom the light of morn, which should awaken all
nature alike to harmony and joy, affords, perhaps, no other
consolation save the solitary certainty, that one day more is
taken from the long period of their sufferings--This is not
all--In vain do you liberate the Africans, while you neglect to
furnish him with the means of properly providing for himself, and
of becoming an useful member of the community. This subject alone
opens an extensive field for active benevolence, and justly
demands the exercise of a large portion of the talents and
labours of the friends of emancipation.

To effect these desirable objects, so importunately called for by
every sentiment of a feeling heart, union and concentration of
energy appear to be indispensible. The societies should never be
found in the pursuit of incongruous measures, but act in concert;
and this cannot, perhaps be better accomplished than by a free
and liberal interchange of information, whence useful knowledge
should diverge to each society, communicating life, energy, and
consistency to the whole.

The advantages resulting from this institution may be known by
past experience; but as an additional instance of the good
effects flowing from it, we refer you to the addresses forwarded
this year to the Convention, and printed in the minutes; in which
you will perceive, and especially in the one from New York, much
valuable matter. That society mentions a species of kidnapping,
which to the disgrace of humanity, has been carried on in that
city in a manner at once evincing the barefaced hardiness of its
perpetrators, and the wicked and cunning arts practiced, by the
enemies of freedom, on an oppressed people. There is good reason
to believe, that similar practices are secretly pursued in other
parts of the Union. We therefore earnestly press your vigilant
attention to the subject, in order that if any other persons
should be engaged in this nefarious traffic, they may be made to
suffer that exposure and punishment which the enormity of the
crime so richly merits.

Fully impressed with the magnitude of the object, and the
benefits to be derived from it, we cannot forbear strongly to
recommend, that another Convention be held in this city on the
first Wednesday in June, in the year 1801. And, in order to
insure permanency, and its consequent advantages to this
establishment, we submit to your consideration, the expediency of
delegating to your Representatives, the power of aiding in the
formation of a Constitution, for the government of future
Conventions.

The case mentioned by the Virginia society, held at Richmond,
from which it seems evident that a small sum of money, beyond
what their funds are calculated to bear, might restore a
considerable number of persons to liberty, who were unlawfully
taken from their state into Georgia, and there sold as slaves,
has called forth the sympathy of this Convention; and forcibly
suggests the propriety of enabling the next Convention, by the
voluntary contributions of the different societies, to grant some
pecuniary aid to similar and other proper objects. Much good
might be done in this way; and perhaps some societies, who are
capable, may be found willing promptly to bestow a portion of
their funds to the Virginia society, to enable them more
effectually to prosecute this particular claim, it is also to be
presumed, that some of the Societies, especially in the eastern
states, where slavery no longer exists, might render their
benevolent exertions more extensively useful, by suitable and
timely grants to others, who are less wealthy, and have much to
do.

You have embarked in an excellent cause--go on and
prosper,--until liberty, like the light of Heaven, or the air we
breathe, shall, however, men may be diversified by color, shape
of habit, become the equal inheritance of all.[7]

_To the Society for promoting
the Abolition of Slavery_.

THE seventh Convention of Delegates from the several Abolition
Societies in the United States, now address you on the subject of
their appointment. The concord and reciprocity of sentiment which
have attended our proceedings will, we trust, have a happy
influence on the cause in which we are engaged, and aid in
advancing the great interests of humanity and freedom.

The work which we have undertaken is not a light and trivial
nature. It is, on the contrary, one of the utmost magnitude and
importance. To remove the foul blot which now stains our country,
to break the chains with which so many of our degraded fellow
creatures are fettered, and to qualify them for the station for
which a beneficent Creator designed them, are labours requiring
the vigorous endeavours of every friend to mankind throughout the
world. We, therefore, earnestly entreat that the cause may not be
suffered to slumber in your hands, but that every favorable
opportunity may be _eagerly_ embraced of promoting the work of
gradual emancipation.

The subject of the education of the blacks has claimed a share of
our consideration. It is an object of so much interest that we
cannot too often bring it to view. To adopt the language of the
Convention of 1795, "when we have restored the African to the
enjoyment of his rights, the great Work of justice and
benevolence is not accomplished--The new born citizen must
receive that instruction and those powerful impressions of moral
and religious truth which will render him capable and desirous of
fulfilling the various duties he owes to himself and to his
country." On this point we particularly refer you to the
sentiments so forcibly expressed in the addresses of preceding
conventions, and we strenuously urge a strict compliance with the
recommendations therein contained.

The great increase of the practice of kidnapping in defiance of
every principle of moral and legal obligation, induces us
pressingly to recommend the most earnest endeavours to root out
the enormous evil. In this instance there will be less to combat
than on the general principle; the slave holders themselves being
interested in preventing this addition to the many calamities
inflicted on the unfortunate blacks.

With feelings of sorrow and regret, we learn that the horrid
trade to Africa for slaves is still continued by many of our
fellow citizens. The hearts of those who can contemplate this
subject without emotion must indeed be destitute of every
sentiment of tenderness. It seems scarcely possible that men
accustomed to the enjoyment of liberty, and partaking of the
blessings of a free government should so far disregard the rights
of humanity as to engage in so diabolical a commerce. The fact
however, incredible as it may seem, certainly exists and to a
very alarming extent, particularly in the eastern states; we wish
to arouse your zeal on the occasion and to incite your diligence
and activity in carrying into rigorous execution the laws of the
states and of the general government against such atrocious
offenders.

The several Societies having expressed themselves favorable to
the adoption of a constitution for the government of future
conventions, we have made it a subject of our deliberations and
being of opinion that the measure would be attended with
considerable advantages we have agreed on a plan which we shall
forward to you. The provisions of this instrument you will
observe are of as general a nature as its objects would admit,
and we hope it will prove acceptable to our constituents. If its
present form should be approved you will be aware of the
necessity of its speedy ratification. From the difficulty of
framing a work of this kind, and accommodating it to the wishes
and sentiments of every individual, it is hoped that verbal
criticisms and alterations of an unimportant nature will be
avoided; this point however, we submit to your prudent
consideration and decision. Should you think proper to adopt it
we request your aid in establishing the contemplated fund.

As numerous misrepresentations of the views of our institutions
have gone abroad, and as the unhappy attempt at insurrection on
the part of some of the blacks in the southern states, has been
called in aid of these misrepresentations by the enemies of
liberty, and lessened the activity of some of its friends, we
have judged it prudent to publish an address to our fellow
citizens, copies whereof will be transmitted to you; you will
observe from a perusal of its contents that its object is also to
bear our testimony, and produce individual exertion against the
abominable practice of kidnapping and the cruel trade to Africa,
which, as before observed, still disgrace our country. We
anticipate the satisfaction of your approval of this measure, and
invite your assistance by every means in your power, in giving it
general circulation.

We have had our attention drawn to a subject, believed by our
predecessors to be of considerable importance to the work of
emancipation; the project of forming a history of slavery in the
United States. With a view of forwarding this design, we have
appointed a committee to examine and arrange the various papers
and documents heretofore received by the several Conventions; to
prepare an analysis of their contents, and to report the same
with such other information as they may be enabled to obtain, to
the ensuing Convention. We request you to examine the minutes and
addresses heretofore transmitted, for the purpose of ascertaining
how far the requisitions of former Conventions have been complied
with on your part, and if my information connected with the
object in view remains to be afforded, a benefit will arise from
its speedy communication to the committee, and if individuals
friendly to the cause, be possessed of any important documents
relating to this subject, the committee will no doubt make a
proper use of any information with which they may be favored.[8]

_To the . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Society for Promoting the
Abolition of Slavery._

It is with lively satisfaction that the eighth Convention of
Delegates from different Abolition Societies in the United
States, embrace the opportunity of addressing you on the
interesting cause, which thus continues to claim our persevering
attention, the ultimate success whereof, will, we confidently
hope, yield an ample reward for all our labours.

Various and important, in our opinion, are the benefits resulting
from thus meeting in annual Conventions. For though we are not
invested with legislative influence, yet the opportunity, by this
means afforded, for a free interchange of sentiments and
communion of feelings, gives energy to action and animation to
those who, from multiplied difficulties, are almost ready to
relinquish the pursuit.

We have with the united consent of our constituents, fully
ratified the Constitution which was presented for your
consideration, and have appointed officers for the ensuing year.

This organization of the body, will, we earnestly hope, induce
your renewed attention to the nomination of Delegates to the next
Convention, and we urge the necessity of your deputing those,
whom you have reason to believe, may be willing to devote an
adequate portion of their time and attention to a compliance with
the objects of their appointment; we request also in an especial
manner that you will not fail, regularly to forward written
communications from your societies.

Several societies have instructed their representatives to pay
certain sums towards the formation of a general fund, from which,
if it continues to accumulate, as we hope, it will, much good may
be expected to our common cause, particularly in furnishing aid
to those societies who are deficient in pecuniary resources.

In the promotion of the laudable purposes to which this fund may
be thus applied, we trust our friends in several of the Eastern
States, whose domestic exertions have become almost unnecessary
by the disappearance of slavery from amongst them, will feel a
lively interest;--we, therefore, earnestly solicit their peculiar
attention to the subject, persuaded they will feel, in a
consciousness of having done well, and in a view of the useful
result of their beneficence, an ample reward. We are aware of the
varied difficulty and opposition that attend the interference of
some societies in this benevolent undertaking. But we sincerely
hope they may not be overcome by any discouragements, and we
request that they may continue to meet at regular periods, to
preserve the form of their association, embracing every
opportunity that may occur for useful exertions.

As the general establishment of a legislative plan, for the
gradual abolition of slavery throughout the United States, is a
desideratum highly interesting to humanity, we cannot but press
all those societies which exist in states, where no such legal
provisions are in force, to make every proper exertion, in
promoting the enaction of a law to this effect.

Much has been said by former Conventions on the subject of
schools, and the vast importance of cultivating the minds and the
morals of the blacks; no doubt difficulties of various kinds
arise in many places to the attainment of this essential point,
yet the happy effects abundantly conspicuous in divers
neighbourhoods, on a persevering attention to this object,
furnish great encouragement to unrelaxed exertion, and we
sincerely hope that you may not diminish in zeal, for the
promotion of this benevolent, this consistent work. We learn with
particular pleasure, that the state of Schools for the African
race, is, in several places, flourishing and progressive; and
that in others, much good has been done therein, by the laudable
and disinterested demand the acknowledgment of our unfeigned
approbation.

We perceive, with emotions of horror and regret, that the
diabolical practice of kidnapping, notwithstanding the vigilance
of societies and recommendations of former Conventions, prevails
in many places to a lamentable extent. We are also informed that
a new species of this wicked outrage on the feelings of humanity
is pursued by the perpetrators taking advantage of the provisions
of the fugitive act to lay unfounded claims on the blacks and
thus, under colour of the law, to drag them into slavery. We
recommend you to urge every suitable means to procure such
modifications of your laws as they may need to fit them for
holding out efficient and prompt restraints against those wicked
proceedings, and for bringing the offenders to exemplary
punishment.

We are informed by the reports from New-Jersey, that a new
society has been established at Trenton, forming a constituent
branch of the general society of that state. This has afforded us
peculiar satisfaction; it promises to be materially useful to the
cause, and we recommend the example as worthy of your special
notice, and so far as you deem it practicable of your example.

In one of the societies from which we have had communications, a
standing committee has been appointed, who are charged with the
selection and publication of such extracts, essays and fugitive
pieces relative to slavery, as they apprehend may give currency
to the subject and revive in the minds of our fellow citizens,
from time to time a few reflections on the condition of those who
still wear the galling chains, deprived of one of the dearest
privileges of our nature. We highly approve of this mode of
circulating a knowledge of the subject, and recommend it to the
imitation of all, who are not in a similar practice.

The committee appointed by the last Constitution to arrange the
papers and documents relative to the formation of a history of
slavery in the United States, and to produce an analysis of their
contents, produced a report, from which we have judged it right
to nominate three of our members in Philadelphia to engage some
suitable literary character to undertake the work, and to have it
published under the care, and superintendence of the committee;
should you be in possession of any documents or other important
information on the subject, we request you will forward them free
of expense and with all convenient dispatch to the said
committee, in order that they may be used as circumstances may
render necessary.

The circuitous trade to Africa we have reason to believe, still
continues to be carried on, particularly from many ports in the
Eastern States, and although several of the attempts which have
been made to punish infractions of the laws of the United States
on this subject, have not resulted in the wished for event,
nevertheless, we invite your vigilant and persevering opposition
to this disgraceful traffic, and attention to the discovery and
prosecution of the offenders, and we are willing to hope that
though a partial perversion of the public sentiment, and the
cupidity of interested individuals, may for a time, present
considerable discouragement, yet that the virtuous exertions of
the friends of the human race, will at last be blessed with the
merited success.

To conclude, fellow labourers, we believe the magnitude of the
work in which we are engaged is by no means lessened, and that
the alarming and direful consequences attendant in various
quarters, on this unchristian and inhuman usurpation of power,
call for our united vigilance, and redoubled exertions, in
contributing our share towards the eradication of this evil so
portentous to our land.[9]

_To the . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Society for Promoting the
Abolition of Slavery._

We have received, with cordial satisfaction, the addresses to
this Convention from the societies in New-York, New-Jersey,
Pennsylvania, and Delaware.

This interchange of opinion and information, between the
Convention and its constituents, is as the vital current of the
body, flowing from part to part, and communicating genial warmth,
and health, and vigour, to every portion of the system.

Our satisfaction would have been much increased, could we have
acknowledged the receipt of communications and delegations from
several societies which were represented in former Conventions,
but from whom we have now to direct intelligence; and had some of
the addresses which have now no direct intelligence contained
more detailed information.

Impressed with a sense of the interesting nature of the subject,
we cannot but call your renewed attention to the education of the
blacks. The schools are represented as being, in some parts, in a
flourishing condition; while in others it is to be feared, little
or nothing has been done towards their establishment and support.
We recommend to such societies as have it not in their power,
from the scantiness of their funds and other circumstances, to
employ regular tutors, to form associations of their members, or
other well disposed individuals, to instruct the people of colour
in the most simple and useful branches of education; especially
on the first day of the week--a day too often devoted to
dissipation. It is also of importance that their religious and
moral education should keep pace with their knowledge of letters,
or much permanent good will not be accomplished. They should be
taught to fear and venerate the Deity; to respect the laws of the
country, and in all things to act as becomes men escaped from
bondage, and on whose good conduct must, in some measure, depend
the liberation of their brethren, and the kind of treatment of
such as remain in slavery. We believe it would be profitable
occasionally to convene them, in order to afford suitable
opportunities to impress their minds with these truths.

As much good may be expected to result from the establishment of
a fund, to be at the disposal of the Convention, we hope the
laudable example set by some of the societies, in their donations
for that purpose, will be followed by wealthy individuals, and by
other societies who are in a capacity to afford it.

A person of established literary reputation has been engaged to
write a history of the rise, progress, and present state of
slavery in the United States; and some advancement has been made
in the work--As a great variety of information on this subject
will be necessary, to enable the author to compose a correct and
ample history, you are requested to collect and forward, without
delay all such essays and facts, relative to the design, as may
be in your power.

At the same time that we invite a vigilant and constant
attention, in the friends of the blacks, to prevent as far as
their power extends, the infraction of the laws of the country in
favour of emancipation, we confidently trust that due care will
be observed to select men to the several offices of the
societies, who have their zeal tempered with prudence and
knowledge; for we are sensible, that for want of sound discretion
on the part of some well-meaning but over-zealous individuals,
the views and conduct of the body at large, have been grossly
misunderstood; the cause has suffered undeserved reproach in the
minds of some of our fellow citizens, and heavy expenses have
been incurred in the unfavorable termination of suits undertaken
without sufficient evidence, and with too much precipitation.

Being persuaded that no favourable opportunity should be lost for
impressing the public mind with the iniquity of slavery, and the
varied vices and evils, which are incident to it, in all their
forms and consequences, we entreat such of you as have not chosen
Standing Committees, charged with the publication of extracts and
fugitive pieces, on this very interesting subject, to adopt the
measure. Its utility has been fully proven by experience, which
is the best of wisdom. To those societies who have derived
advantage from the practice, we recommend a diligent and habitual
attention to the subject.

We observe, with much sensibility and regret, that the inhuman
and wicked practice of kidnapping, still prevails in our country,
and that several cases of it have occurred since the meeting of
the last Convention. Was there no other object to claim the
ardent sympathy, and the active opposition of our associated
brethren, than this alone, it would of itself be sufficiently
interesting and momentous to justify an union of all our powers,
and a vigorous combination of all our efforts, to resist this
single enormity, this cruel and savage violation of the rights of
our fellow-men. We request that you will, in your succeeding
communications to the Convention, furnish accurate accounts of
the several cases which may come under your notice, and that you
will detail with precision, such of them as may be attended with
particular circumstances of atrocity. The perpetrators should be
known and exposed to public odium. Their names whenever detected,
should be circulated throughout the continent, through the medium
of the public prints; and no offender, who can be brought to
punishment, should be suffered to escape the just penalty of his
transgressions.

The discouragements which prevail among the friends and advocates
of the African race, especially to the southward, have excited
the anxious concern of the Convention. While we have nine hundred
thousand slaves in our country--while we have the strongest
evidence that new importations will take place--while the
abominable practice of kidnapping exists to an alarming and most
sorrowful extent--while we have reason to believe that hundreds
of vessels sail annually from our shores to traffic in the blood
of our fellow-men--and while we feel, acknowledge, and deplore,
that the cause of emancipation has many strenuous, powerful, and
unwearied opponents in every quarter of the union--Can this be
the time to remit our effort? and to abandon that standard under
which, with the favour and protection of Providence, so many
thousands have been rescued from the yoke of bondage, and
restored to the enjoyment of their natural rights? Not so
brethren--Be not disheartened--Let us rather redouble our
diligence to help forward the great and good work in which we
have engaged; resting our hopes of ultimate success, on our
honest and disinterested endeavours, and on the justice of our
cause.[10]

_To the . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Society for Promoting the
Abolition of Slavery._

THIS Convention has the pleasure of acknowledging the reception
of addresses from the Societies of New York, New Jersey,
Pennsylvania, and Delaware; and of a communication from the
Society of Rhode Island. A free interchange of sentiments between
the different societies, through the medium of the Convention, we
consider as a matter of primary importance. By such
communications, the Convention becomes the central fountain, into
which the opinions, and experience of the different societies are
received, and from whence the united knowledge may be
transmitted to the individual branches. We therefore recommend,
to each society, a continuation of the practice, and we earnestly
entreat them to comply with our request of last year, by
furnishing us with "more detailed information," not only
respecting the moral, literary, and legal condition of slaves,
and other persons of colour, within their districts, but also
with minute accounts of every attempt at kidnapping, mentioning
the names of the parties concerned in the business. Such
information will open to us an extensive view of slavery and its
attendant evils, as they exist within the whole circle of our
societies, and enable us to labour with greater certainty and
more effect, for the performance of the solemn duties which are
imposed on us.

We perceive, with sincere and deep regret, that some societies
have not yet made much progress in the establishment of schools
for the literary and moral improvement of the people of colour.
We cannot withhold the expression of our anxiety on this
subject.... We consider it a matter of high moment, involving the
most interesting and affecting consequences. Shall we, by
lukewarmness or neglect, give the enemies of our institutions the
triumph of reproaching us with indifference.... With a want of
that virtue ... that inflexible spirit of perseverance, without
which the tree we have nourished, and hoped to bring to maturity,
may erect its barren and useless branches before us, a gloomy
monument of our indolence? With what reproaches, and
difficulties, and dangers, have our societies heretofore
contended! with a courage and temperance, which could have been
maintained only in a great and good cause; we have withstood all
the rude onsets of the enemies of rational liberty, and, under
the protection of a wise Providence, we have, step by step, moved
forward, subduing by the eloquent voice of reason and humanity,
the oppressors of the weeping Africans, until we have seen the
fetters fall from thousands, and beheld those, who had been
reduced to the condition of beasts of burthen, rising from the
earth with the privileges and rights of men! Shall we now desert
them? after teaching them that they belong to the rank of man,
shall we refuse to employ our time and talents in preparing their
minds for the enjoyment of those pleasures, and the practice of
those virtues which belong to their species? We have hitherto
been their friends; if we now desert them, to whom shall they
apply for help? Their fate, as it regards human aid, rests
chiefly with us. Let us try the strength of our virtue.... Let us
decide, by a vote in our societies, whether we will continue our
parental care over them, or leave them friendless and abandoned
to their own weakness and ignorance. This vote will proclaim to
the world the sincerity of our views, and the integrity of our
hearts. If we are weary of well-doing, we shall forsake them; but
if our breasts still glow with benevolence, we shall decide, with
one voice, in their favour. Before we determine the important
question, it will be well for us to recollect that no good deed
passes unrewarded. Every individual sacrifice, to humanity and
virtue, will be placed to our credit in the records of our lives.

The Convention have been informed, by one society, that "not
being able to raise funds for the payment of a tutor, they have
appointed a committee, of ten members, who maintained a school
during the last summer and autumn, on the First-day afternoon of
each week, for the moral and literary education of people of
colour," and that they propose re-commencing the business early
next summer. This conduct merits and receives our approbation,
and we regard it as highly worthy the attention of societies in
similar circumstances.... We exhort them to "go and do likewise."

In the cities of New York and Philadelphia, the schools appear to
be in a flourishing condition; in some of them persons of colour
are employed as teachers, and where such persons, properly
qualified, can be procured, the Convention believes the
employment of them will be attended with peculiar advantages....
It will contribute to kindle a spirit of emulation in their
brethren. In some places there are persons of colour whose
pecuniary circumstances would allow them to give something
towards the support of schools, for their own class, and we think
it proper and just, that their aid should be solicited.

Several societies have informed us that benefit has arisen from
their meetings with the coloured people. We therefore, recommend
that each society select a committee, of suitable members, whose
duty it shall be to assemble the free persons of colour, as often
as they shall judge it useful, and communicate to them such
advice and instruction, as they shall think necessary; and that
the committee report, in writing, the result of their opinions
respecting the conference, to the next succeeding meeting of
their society.

The Convention of last year, recommended to each society, the
appointment of a committee for the purpose of publishing
extracts, and essays, shewing the impolicy, and injustice of
slavery; but we observe, with regret, this subject has not
received that serious and diligent attention to which it was
entitled. No abolition society can be ignorant that there are yet
many thousands of persons, within the United States, who are
opposed, on what they esteem grounds of justice and policy, to
African liberty. Many remain under the erroneous notion, that the
blacks are a class of beings not merely inferior to, but
absolutely a species different from the whites, and that they are
intended, by nature, only for the degradations and sufferings of
slavery. There was a time when the people of all our states, and
members of every religious sect, were overshadowed by the
darkness of this error, and, in consequence of their erroneous
opinions, practised legal violations of the rights of humanity.
The pen, and the tongue of reason and truth have convinced
thousands of the falsity of those opinions, and such instruments
should not be permitted to rest in idleness, until truth and
humanity obtain a complete and universal triumph.

We lament the continued necessity, of inviting your attention to
the clandestine commerce, which, in defiance of our state and
national laws, is still carried on to the coast of Africa.
Information has been received that artful men, with the secrecy
of midnight robbers, have contrived means of loading their
vessels for Africa, and obtaining cargoes of slaves, and vending
them in the West Indies, without subjecting themselves to such
detection as would lead to legal punishment. Let us keep a
watchful eye on all persons of this class, and endeavour to deter
them from the perpetration of such cruel offences, by the only
argument of which they are susceptible, the fear of the just
punishment of the laws of their country.

This address will be accompanied by a number of copies of our
advice to the free people of colour. We leave it to your
discretion, to distribute them, together with such parts of our
former advices, as you shall judge expedient.

Finally, brethren, we beseech you by the rights of humanity ...
by the pleadings of mercy ... by the great and interesting cause
which we have espoused, that you suffer nothing to discourage you
in your useful labours, ... but that you persevere in your good
works of justice and benevolence, with a temperate and firm
spirit until your task, by the aid of Providence, shall be
accomplished.[11]

To

WE the American Convention of Delegates for promoting the
Abolition of Slavery, feeling the importance of the business
which you have committed to our deliberation, deem it our duty to
address you, and to communicate some of the subjects which have
claimed our particular attention.