Art. X. "Whereas the traffic in slaves is irreconcilable with the principles of humanity and justice, and whereas both His Majesty and the United States are desirous of continuing their efforts to promote its entire abolition, it is hereby agreed that both the contracting parties shall use their best endeavors to accomplish so desirable an object." _U.S. Treaties and Conventions_ (ed. 1889), p. 405. ~1815, Dec. 8. Alabama and Mississippi Territory: Act to Dispose of Illegally Imported Slaves.~ "An Act concerning Slaves brought into this Territory, contrary to the Laws of the United States." Slaves to be sold at auction, and the proceeds to be divided between the territorial treasury and the collector or informer. Toulmin, _Digest of the Laws of Alabama_, p. 637; _Statutes of Mississippi digested_, etc. (ed. 1816), p. 389. ~1816, Nov. 18. North Carolina: Act to Dispose of Illegally Imported Slaves.~ "An act to direct the disposal of negroes, mulattoes and persons of colour, imported into this state, contrary to the provisions of an act of the Congress of the United States, entitled 'an act to prohibit the importation of slaves into any port or place, within the jurisdiction of the United States, from and after the first day of January, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and eight.'" Sec. 1. Every slave illegally imported after 1808 shall be sold for the use of the State. Sec. 2. The sheriff shall seize and sell such slave, and pay the proceeds to the treasurer of the State. Sec. 3. If the slave abscond, the sheriff may offer a reward not exceeding one-fifth of the value of the slave. _Laws of North Carolina, 1816_, ch. xii. p. 9; _Laws of North Carolina_ (revision of 1819), II. 1350. ~1816, Dec. 3. President Madison's Message.~