The courts have inflicted exemplary punishments on masters convicted of inhuman treatment of their slaves, but have not been authorized to compensate or remove the slave from his master or to provide for his future security. Also, slaves may currently be punished by exile for even petty crimes and are often prosecuted by their masters solely for the higher price they will bring abroad. The action " de Homine Replyiando", in which the freedom of persons claimed as slaves is determined, may be regulated to produce a speedy decision and to prevent its abuse to the vexation of individuals. Memorial suggests (1) the propriety of liberating inhumanly treated slaves, (2) repealing the law authorizing transportation of slaves, (3) regulating anew the action de Homine Replyiando.
Subjects
United States--History--1783-1865; Jay, John, 1745-1829