Page:The History of Slavery and the Slave Trade.djvu/528

 judicial benches; that we detest the doctrine, and disclaim the principle, of unlimited submission to the general government.

"Let our northern brethern, then, if there is no peace in union, if the compact has become too heavy to be longer borne, in the name of all the mercies, find peace among themselves. Let them continue to rejoice in their self-righteousness; let them bask in their own elysium, while they depict all south of the Potomac as a hideous reverse. As Athens, as Sparta, as Rome was, we will be: they held slaves; we hold them. Let the north, then, form national roads for themselves; let them guard with tariffs their own interest; let them deepen their public debt until a high-minded aristocracy shall arise out of it. We want none of all those blessings. But in the simplicity of the patriarchal government, we would still remain master and servant under our own vine and our own fig tree, and confide for safety upon Him who, of old time, looked down upon this state of things without wrath."

The committee concluded their report with two resolutions, declaring their concurrence in the sentiments of the governor, and for the support of their determination to "stand by their arms," pledging their lives, their fortunes, and their sacred honor; and requesting the governor to forward copies of the resolutions to the governors of the several states, and to their own senators and representatives in congress.

On the next day, (June 7th, 1825,) another message was communicated, in which the governor again reverted to the resolutions of the state legislatures on the subject of slavery, and the acts of the individuals before mentioned; complained of the efforts that had been made to render unavailing the guaranties of the constitution; and concluded thus:

"The attorney-general, representing the United States, says before the supreme court, in a ripe and splendid argument, that slavery, being inconsistent with the laws of God and nature, can not exist. Do we want more? or shall we wait until the principle being decided against us, the execution issues, and the entire property is bought in from the proceeds of our public lauds? This is left to your decision. The United States can choose between our enmity and our love; and when you offer them the choice, you perform the last and holiest of duties. They have adopted a conceit; and if they love that more than they love us, they will cling to it and throw us off; but it will be written in your history, that you did not separate from your household without adopting the fraternal language: choose ye this day between our friendship and that worthless idol you have set up and worshiped."

Here the matter seems to have been dropped, as the subject of the Indian difficulties took the precedence, and kept the governor in a comfortable sweat until the close of 1827.

An attempt was made during Mr. Adams' administration to effect an arrangement with Great Britain for the surrender of fugitive slaves taking refuge in the Canadian provinces. By a resolution of the nouse of representatives, May 10, 1828, the president was requested to open a negotiation with the British government for this purpose. On the 15th of December, in compliance