Page:Notes on the History of Slavery - Moore - 1866.djvu/36

 1777 to the General Court of Maachuetts, they humbly pray that "their children (who were born in this land of liberty) may not be held as laves after they arrive at the age of twenty-one years." ''Mas. Archives. Revolutionary Reolves, Vol. p.'' 132.

The Articles of Confederation of the United Colonies of New England, 19th May, 1643, which commence with the famous recital of their object incoming into thoe parts of America, viz., "to advaunce the Kingdome of our Lord Jeus Chrift, and to enjoy the liberties of the Gopell in puritie with peace," practically recognize the lawful exitence of lavery.

The fourth Article, which provides for the due adjutment of the expene or "charge of all jut warrs whether offenive or defenive," concludes as folows:

"And that according to their different charge of eich Juridiccon and plantacon, the whole advantage of the warr (if it pleae God to bles their Endeavours) whether it be in lands, goods, or, hall proportionably devided among the aid Confederats." Hazard,, 3. Plymouth Records,, 4. The ame feature remained in the Contitution of the Confederacy to the end of its exitence. See Ratification of 1672. Plymouth Records,, 349.

The original of the Fugitive Slave Law proviion in the Federal Contitution is to be traced to this`