Non-seulement ma liberté est à moi, par la seule grâce de Dieu, comme ma vie, et personne n’en peut disposer à ma place, mais je ne suis pas maître d’en disposer moi-même. Ce n’est pas assez de dire, que la liberté est un droit: la liberté est un devoir.--JULES SIMON, _La Liberté_, Tom. I. p. 26. * * * * * The first public movement for an Amendment of the National Constitution, abolishing Slavery, was a resolution presented by the devoted Abolitionist, Henry C. Wright, and adopted by the American Antislavery Society at its anniversary meeting in Philadelphia, December 4, 1863. In a letter to Mr. Sumner, January 13, 1870, Mr. Wright recounted the history of this resolution, which he set forth, prefixing the original in the handwriting of Mr. Sumner:-- “That the voice of the people is heard through petitions to Congress, and this Convention earnestly recommend that this voice be raised in petitions for an Amendment of the Constitution, declaring that Slavery shall be forever prohibited within the limits of the United States. “CHARLES SUMNER. “ON BOARD OF STEAMBOAT EMPIRE STATE.” Mr. Wright adds:-- “This is in your hand. On the back, in my hand, are the words: ‘Saloon of Steamer Empire State, on Long Island Sound, Wednesday, A. M., December 2, 1863. Adopted by the American Antislavery Society, at its thirtieth anniversary or third decade meeting, held in Philadelphia, December 3d and 4th, 1863. Adopted December 4th, Friday. Presented by Henry C. Wright, of Boston, and adopted by the Society without a dissenting voice.’ “HENRY C. WRIGHT.” Mr. Wright afterwards communicated these facts to the press. December 14, 1863, in the House of Representatives, Mr. Ashley, of Ohio, introduced a Constitutional Amendment abolishing Slavery, in these terms:-- “Slavery is hereby forever prohibited in all the States of the Union, and in all Territories now owned or which may hereafter be acquired by the United States.” On the same day, Mr. Wilson, of Iowa, introduced another, in these terms:-- “Slavery, being incompatible with a free Government, is forever prohibited in the United States, and involuntary servitude shall be permitted only as a punishment for crime.” January 11, 1864, in the Senate, Mr. Henderson, of Missouri, proposed the following amendment:-- “Slavery or involuntary servitude, except as a punishment for crime, shall not exist in the United States.” This was referred to the Committee on the Judiciary. February 8th, while the Committee had the question still under consideration, Mr. Sumner proposed an Amendment as follows:--