ess, age, or infirmity; or to the
seizure, transportation, or sale of free negroes; but have the
fullest confidence in the wisdom and humanity of the
Legislatures of the several States, that they will revise
their laws from time to time, when necessary, and promote the
objects mentioned in the memorials, and every other measure
that may tend to the happiness of slaves.

_Fourthly._ That, nevertheless, Congress have authority, if
they shall think it necessary, to lay at any time a tax or
duty, not exceeding ten dollars for each person of any
description, the importation of whom shall be by any of the
States admitted as aforesaid.

_Fifthly._ That Congress have authority to interdict,[29] or
(so far as it is or may be carried on by citizens of the
United States, for supplying foreigners), to regulate the
African trade, and to make provision for the humane treatment
of slaves, in all cases while on their passage to the United
States, or to foreign ports, so far as respects the citizens
of the United States.

_Sixthly._ That Congress have also authority to prohibit
foreigners from fitting out vessels in any port of the United
States, for transporting persons from Africa to any foreign
port.

_Seventhly._ That the memorialists be informed, that in all
cases to which the authority of Congress extends, they will
exercise it for the humane objects of the memorialists, so far
as they can be promoted on the principles of justice,
humanity, and good policy.

* * * * *

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE.

_First._ That the migration or importation of such persons as
any of the States now existing shall think proper to admit,
cannot be prohibited by Congress, prior to the year one
thousand eight hundred and eight.

_Secondly._ That Congress have no authority to interfere in
the emancipation of slaves, or in the treatment of them within
any of the States; it remaining with the several States alone
to provide any regulation therein, which humanity and true
policy may require.

_Thirdly._ That Congress have authority to restrain the
citizens of the United States from carrying on the African
trade, for the purpose of supplying foreigners with