The Journal of Negro History, Volume 3, 1918Various
History
The Journal of Negro History, Volume 3, 1918
Various
African Americans -- Periodicals
It affords me unfeigned satisfaction to learn from it that thee
approves the plan which I submitted for thy consideration.
Anticipating a favorable notice of the suggestion, by a mind so
devoted as thine to the promotion of the great ends of humanity,
of justice, and of National honor, three pamphlets were prepared,
which will be immediately printed, and transmitted to thy address
at St. Louis. One of these tracts is designed to show the
impolicy and unprofitableness of Slave Labor, etc., and some
arguments are drawn from the published opinions of several
distinguished citizens _of the slave-holding States_; among which
Col. Taylor's are not the least authoritative and cogent. Another
essay exhibits a succinct account of the cruelties of the Slave
Trade, derived from authentic sources; and a third pamphlet is
intended to show that the interminable bondage of any portion of
the human race is, on the part of the oppressors, a flagrant
violation of natural and Divine Justice, and utterly inconsistent
with the doctrines of our Holy Redeemer.
Aware of the unpopularity of Philadelphia, and especially of
_Quaker_ sentiments on this particular topic, with all those who
attempt to justify slavery, it was originally determined to avoid
giving any complexion whatever to these publications which might
induce the belief that they proceeded from this State, or that
individuals of the Society of Friends had any agency in the
preparation of them. The coincidence of our judgment in regard to
the manner of treating the subject is worthy of remark.
If the least benefit results from this humble effort, it will
administer to my happiness, which will be augmented by the
reflection, that it owes its origin to thy own emphatic summons
for aid, in a cause which demands the exercise of every generous
and patriotic feeling.
That indulgent Heaven may crown thy labors with success, is the
sincere desire of thy friend.
With great truth and respect,
ROBERTS VAUX.
To EDWARD COLES, ESQUIRE,
Governor of Illinois,
Edwardsville, Illinois.
P. S.--On my next visit to the city, I intend to communicate thy
message to our friend Nicholas Biddle.
R. V.
GOVERNOR COLES TO MR. BIDDLE
EDWARDSVILLE, Sept. 18, 1823.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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