The Journal of Negro History, Volume 3, 1918Various
History
The Journal of Negro History, Volume 3, 1918
Various
African Americans -- Periodicals
to me that Slavery is so poisonous as to produce a kind of
delirium in those minds who are excited by it. This question, and
the manner of carrying it, is exciting great interest throughout
the State, and has already kindled an extraordinary degree of
excitement and warmth of feeling, which will no doubt continue to
increase until the question is decided. I assure you, I never
before felt so deep an interest in any political question. It
preys upon me to such a degree, that I shall not be happy or feel
at ease until it is settled. It is impossible to foresee the
injurious effects resulting to this State of the unhappy
consequences which may arise to the Union, from the success of
the slave party in this State. Many of us who immigrated to this
State under the solemn assurance that there should exist here
"neither slavery nor involuntary servitude," will, if the slave
faction succeeds, be compelled to sacrifice or abandon our
property and seek new homes, we know not where, or remain in a
community whose principles we shall disapprove of, and whose
practice will be abhorrent to our feelings. And already we hear
disputed the binding effect of the ordinance--the power of
Congress to restrict a State, etc., etc., from which I fear, if
the introduction of Slavery should be tolerated here, the
discussions on the expediency and unconstitutionality of the
measure will not in all probability be confined to the citizens
of this State. But this is a part of the question too painful for
me to dwell on. I trust the good sense and virtue of the citizens
of Illinois will never sanction a measure so well calculated to
disturb the harmony of the Union and so injurious to its own
prosperity and happiness, as well as so directly opposite to the
progress of those enlightened and liberal principles which do
honor to the age. But to insure this it is necessary that the
public mind should be enlightened on the moral and political
effects of Slavery. You will confer a particular favor on me and
promote the virtuous cause in which I am enlisted, by giving me
information, or referring me to the sources from whence I can
draw it, calculated to elucidate the general character and
effects of Slavery--its moral, political and social
effects--facts showing its effects on the price of lands, and
general improvement and appearance of a country--of labor both as
it respects agriculture and manufactures, etc., etc. The State of
Pennsylvania having been long distinguished for its attachment to
free principles, there is no doubt but what you can procure in
Philadelphia many valuable pamphlets and publications which would
throw light on this question. Any which you may have it in your
power to procure and forward, will be most thankfully received,
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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