wish to form a society
which may give dangerous ideas to their slaves. There is another
obstacle--the great plantations of which the state is composed, render
it necessary for men to live so dispersed that frequent meetings of a
society would be difficult.

"I replied, that the Virginians were in an error; that evidently,
sooner or later, the negroes would obtain their liberty everywhere. It
is then for the interests of your countrymen to prepare the way to
such a revolution, by endeavoring to reconcile the restitution of the
rights of the blacks, with the interest of the whites. The means
necessary to be taken to this effect can only be the work of a
society; and it is worthy the saviour of America to put himself at the
head, and to open the door of liberty to 300,000 unhappy beings of his
own State. He told me that he desired the formation of a society, and
that he would second it; but that he did not think the moment
favorable. Doubtless more elevated views filled his soul. The destiny
of America was just ready to be placed a second time in his hands."
Ed. of 1792, pp. 290, 291.

"The strongest objection to freeing the negroes lies in the character,
the manners, and habits of the Virginians. They seem to enjoy the
sweat of slaves. They are fond of hunting; they love the display of
luxury, and disdain the idea of labor. This order of things will
change when slavery shall be no more." Id., p. 281.

Patrick Henry, in the Virginia Constitutional Convention, opposing the
adoption of the Federal Constitution, said: "In this State there are
236,000 blacks. May Congress not say that every black man must fight?
Did we not see a little of this in the last war? We were not so hard
pushed as to make emancipation general; but acts of Assembly passed
that every slave who would go to the army should be free. Another
thing will contribute to bring this event [emancipation] about.
Slavery is detested. We feel its fatal effects; we deplore it with all
the pity of humanity. Have they [Congress] not power to provide for
the general defense and welfare? May they not think that these call
for the abolition of slavery? May they not pronounce all slaves free,
and will they not be warranted by that power?

"I repeat it again, that it would rejoice my very soul, that every one
of my fellow-beings were emancipated. As we ought, with gratitude, to
admire that decree of Heaven which has numbered us among the free, we
ought to lament and de