Has received the circular letter on the public meeting respecting slavery. Agrees that slavery should not be admitted in any new states and that it should be finally abolished in all of them. Does not question the constitutional authority of Congress to prevent the migration and importation of slaves; the ninth section of the first article of the Constitution prevents such legislation only before 1 808. Also cites the portion of the Declaration of Independence which states that "all men are created equal;" the above mentioned ninth section was probably included with this principle in mind. His health will not permit him to take an active part in organizing a plan of cooperation with the committee selected at the meeting.
Subjects
United States--History--1783-1865; Jay, John, 1745-1829