"The United States having been the first to abolish, within the extent of their authority, the transportation of the natives of Africa into slavery, by prohibiting the introduction of slaves, and by punishing their citizens participating in the traffick, cannot but be gratified at the progress, made by concurrent efforts of other nations, towards a general suppression of so great an evil. They must feel, at the same time, the greater solicitude to give the fullest efficacy to their own regulations. With that view, the interposition of Congress appears to be required by the violations and evasions which, it is suggested, are chargeable on unworthy citizens, who mingle in the slave trade under foreign flags, and with foreign ports; and by collusive importations of slaves into the United States, through adjoining ports and territories. I present the subject to Congress, with a full assurance of their disposition to apply all the remedy which can be afforded by an amendment of the law. The regulations which were intended to guard against abuses of a kindred character, in the trade between the several States, ought also to be rendered more effectual for their humane object." _House Journal_, 14 Cong. 2 sess. pp. 15-6. ~1817, Feb. 11. Congress (House): Proposed Joint Resolution.~ "Joint Resolution for abolishing the traffick in Slaves, and the Colinization [_sic_] of the Free People of Colour of the United States." "_Resolved_, ... That the President be, and he is hereby authorized to consult and negotiate with all the governments where ministers of the United States are, or shall be accredited, on the means of effecting an entire and immediate abolition of the traffick in slaves. And, also, to enter into a convention with the government of Great Britain, for receiving into the colony of Sierra Leone, such of the free people of colour of the United States as, with their own consent, shall be carried thither.... "_Resolved_, That adequate provision shall hereafter be made to defray any necessary expenses which may be incurred in carrying the preceding resolution into effect." Reported on petition of the Colonization Society by the committee on the President's Message. No further record. _House Journal_, 14 Cong. 2 sess. pp. 25-7, 380; _House Doc._, 14 Cong. 2 sess. No. 77. ~1817, July 28. [Great Britain and Portugal: First Concession of Right of Search.~ "By this treaty, ships of war of each of the nations might visit merchant vessels of both, if suspected of having slaves on board, acquired by illicit traffic." This "related only to the trade north of the equator; for the slave-trade of Portugal within the regions of western Africa, to the south of the equator, continued long after this to be carried on with great vigor." Woolsey, _International Law_ (1874), Sec. 197, pp. 331-2; _British and Foreign State Papers_, 1816-17, pp. 85-118.] ~1817, Sept. 23. [Great Britain and Spain: Abolition of Trade North of Equator.~