Difference between revisions of "Anti-Slavery Petition of 1795"
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− | [[File:Anti-Slavery Petition pg1.jpg|right|thumb|450px|<center>[http://lawlibrary.wm.edu/wythepedia/index.php/ | + | [[File:Anti-Slavery Petition pg1.jpg|right|thumb|450px|<center>[http://lawlibrary.wm.edu/wythepedia/index.php/Media:AntiSlaveryPetition_1795.pdf Petition], page one.</center>]] |
− | ==Text of the petition== | + | A [[Media:AntiSlaveryPetition_1795.pdf|petition by "sundry inhabitants" of Virginia]], presented to the [http://virginiageneralassembly.gov/ House of Delegates] in Richmond, Virginia on November 16, 1795, declaring the evils of the institution of slavery.<ref>"[[Media:AntiSlaveryPetition_1795.pdf|An Act to ameliorate the present condition of slaves, and give freedom to those born after the passing of the act]]." Library of Virginia, Legislative Petitions microfilm, Reel 233, Box 294, Folder 5.</ref> Not going so far as to demand immediate emancipation, the petitioners request a law be passed restricting "inhuman treatment" of slaves, and guaranteeing the freedom of children born to slaves after the law is enacted.<ref>The text of this petition was first recorded in "Antislavery Petitions Presented to the Virginia Legislature by Citizens of Various Counties," ''Journal of Negro History'' 12, no. 4 (October, 1927), 671-73.</ref> |
− | ===Page | + | |
+ | The reading of the petition before the Virginia legislature was recorded in the [[Media:JournalOfTheHouseOfDelegates1795.pdf|House ''Journal'']]'':'' | ||
+ | |||
+ | <blockquote> | ||
+ | A petition of sundry inhabitants of various parts of this state, whose names are thereunto subscribed, was presented and read, setting forth, that they consider slavery not only a moral but a political evil, which in all its forms, and degrees, is an outrageous violation and odious degradation of man, tending to weaken the bands [''sic''] of society, and endanger the peace and obstruct the prosperity of the country; and praying that an act may pass to ameliorate the present condition of slaves, and give freedom to such as shall be born after the passing of the said act. | ||
+ | |||
+ | ''Ordered,'' That the said petition be referred to a committee of the whole House, on the 31st day of March next.<ref>''[[Media:JournalOfTheHouseOfDelegates1795.pdf|Journal of the House of Delegates of the Commonwealth of Virginia, Begun and Held at the Capitol, in the City of Richmond, on Tuesday, the Tenth Day of November, One Thousand Seven Hundred and Ninety-Five]],'' (Richmond, VA: Augustine Davis, 1795), 15. Augustine Davis, printer for the state, is named in the petition.</ref> | ||
+ | </blockquote> | ||
+ | |||
+ | There are 393 petitioners named, including [[John Marshall]], [[William DuVal]], and [[George Wythe]]. The list is all in one handwriting without individual signatures, and the preserved petition displayed here may be a copy. There was no result recorded with the Virginia legislature from this petition, and no action taken.<ref>[https://library.uncg.edu/slavery/petitions/details.aspx?pid=2244 "Petition 11679501 Details,"] Race and Slavery Petitions Project, University of North Carolina at Greensboro.</ref> | ||
+ | |||
+ | ==Text of the petition, 16 November 1795== | ||
+ | ===Page 1=== | ||
<center> | <center> | ||
To The Speaker and House of Delegates in Virginia.<br /> | To The Speaker and House of Delegates in Virginia.<br /> | ||
Line 13: | Line 25: | ||
Your Petitioners regret that several States within the American Union where these unalienable rights of human nature to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness have been so clearly defined and successfully assured, should in contradiction thereto and contrary to the divine command of, "doing to others as they would they should do unto them," suffer under sanction of Law so large a number of fellow men to remain in a state of abject slavery; at a time too, when the burning spirit of liberty seems to be diffusing itself through the world. | Your Petitioners regret that several States within the American Union where these unalienable rights of human nature to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness have been so clearly defined and successfully assured, should in contradiction thereto and contrary to the divine command of, "doing to others as they would they should do unto them," suffer under sanction of Law so large a number of fellow men to remain in a state of abject slavery; at a time too, when the burning spirit of liberty seems to be diffusing itself through the world. | ||
+ | [[File:Petition16November1795Crop.jpg|left|thumb|300px|Crop from page two of the petition, with "Geo. Wythe" as the second name to appear.]] | ||
Your Petitioners are aware of the objections that probably would arise to a <u>general</u> and <u>immediate</u> Emancipation, as well from interested motives, as the unfitness of individuals for freedom: They are not insensible that a people long destitute of the means of mental improvement may in some instances be sunk below the common standard of human nature; accustomed to move at the will of a master or overseer, reflection may in some degree be suspended and reason and conviction have but little influence on their conduct; They are also sensible to the effect of custom, and the prejudices arising from a habit of looking upon the African race as an inferior species of mankind, and regarding them only as property. Believing nevertheless that, "God is no respecter of persons," that he "hath made of one blood all Nations of men, for to dwell on all the face of the Earth," and that, "his mercies are over all his works;" Encouraged also by that gracious declaration of our Saviour as an excitement to acts of humanity and benevolence, Viz<sup>t</sup>. "Verily I say unto you inasmuch as ye have done it unto the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me." Your Petitioner therefore in discharge of the duty they owe to the merciful Father of all the families of the Earth; compassion for the sufferers; and a desire to promote the true interest and prosperity of the Country; and also to remove as much as may be the objections which may arise from motives of present interest or the unfitness of individuals for freedom, and at the same time gradually abolish an evil of great magnitude: They humbly propose, and pray that a law may be [passed] declaring the children of Slaves now born or to be born after the passing of such an Act, to be made free, as they [come to proper] | Your Petitioners are aware of the objections that probably would arise to a <u>general</u> and <u>immediate</u> Emancipation, as well from interested motives, as the unfitness of individuals for freedom: They are not insensible that a people long destitute of the means of mental improvement may in some instances be sunk below the common standard of human nature; accustomed to move at the will of a master or overseer, reflection may in some degree be suspended and reason and conviction have but little influence on their conduct; They are also sensible to the effect of custom, and the prejudices arising from a habit of looking upon the African race as an inferior species of mankind, and regarding them only as property. Believing nevertheless that, "God is no respecter of persons," that he "hath made of one blood all Nations of men, for to dwell on all the face of the Earth," and that, "his mercies are over all his works;" Encouraged also by that gracious declaration of our Saviour as an excitement to acts of humanity and benevolence, Viz<sup>t</sup>. "Verily I say unto you inasmuch as ye have done it unto the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me." Your Petitioner therefore in discharge of the duty they owe to the merciful Father of all the families of the Earth; compassion for the sufferers; and a desire to promote the true interest and prosperity of the Country; and also to remove as much as may be the objections which may arise from motives of present interest or the unfitness of individuals for freedom, and at the same time gradually abolish an evil of great magnitude: They humbly propose, and pray that a law may be [passed] declaring the children of Slaves now born or to be born after the passing of such an Act, to be made free, as they [come to proper] | ||
− | ===Page | + | ===Page 2=== |
ages to [enjoy] their instruction to Read &c. and to invest them with suitable privileges as an excitement to become useful citizens; and also to restrain the holders from inhuman treatment of those who may remain in Bondage. Or that the House may grant such other relief as in its wisdom may seem meet.<br /> | ages to [enjoy] their instruction to Read &c. and to invest them with suitable privileges as an excitement to become useful citizens; and also to restrain the holders from inhuman treatment of those who may remain in Bondage. Or that the House may grant such other relief as in its wisdom may seem meet.<br /> | ||
<br /> | <br /> | ||
Line 22: | Line 35: | ||
| style="width: 16%; vertical-align: top; border-style: solid; border-color: #000000; border-width: 1px 1px 0 0;" | | | style="width: 16%; vertical-align: top; border-style: solid; border-color: #000000; border-width: 1px 1px 0 0;" | | ||
David Meade<br /> | David Meade<br /> | ||
− | [[George Wythe]]<br /> | + | [[George Wythe|Geo. Wythe]]<br /> |
Edmund Jones<br /> | Edmund Jones<br /> | ||
John Cringan<br /> | John Cringan<br /> | ||
Line 65: | Line 78: | ||
[Obscured] Cavan | [Obscured] Cavan | ||
| style="width: 16%; vertical-align: top; border-style: solid; border-color: #000000; border-width: 1px 1px 0 0; padding-left: 5px;" | | | style="width: 16%; vertical-align: top; border-style: solid; border-color: #000000; border-width: 1px 1px 0 0; padding-left: 5px;" | | ||
− | John Harvie<br /> | + | [[wikipedia:John Harvie |John Harvie]]<br /> |
− | Charles W. Byrd<br /> | + | [[wikipedia:Charles Willing Byrd | Charles W. Byrd]]<br /> |
John Pleasant<br /> | John Pleasant<br /> | ||
− | John | + | John Carew Ju<sup>r</sup>.<br /> |
John McClurg<br /> | John McClurg<br /> | ||
Frederick Argyle<br /> | Frederick Argyle<br /> | ||
Line 81: | Line 94: | ||
Jacob Chauster<br /> | Jacob Chauster<br /> | ||
Jarold Wiseman<br /> | Jarold Wiseman<br /> | ||
− | Rob<sup>t</sup>. Rutherford<br /> | + | [[wikipedia:Robert Rutherford (congressman) |Rob<sup>t</sup>. Rutherford]]<br /> |
James Brown<br /> | James Brown<br /> | ||
John Deaning<br /> | John Deaning<br /> | ||
Line 130: | Line 143: | ||
George Murray<br /> | George Murray<br /> | ||
Lewis Stephens<br /> | Lewis Stephens<br /> | ||
− | John Robertson<br /> | + | [[wikipedia:John Robertson (congressman)|John Robertson]]<br /> |
Samuel Weeks<br /> | Samuel Weeks<br /> | ||
Enos Tail<br /> | Enos Tail<br /> | ||
Line 143: | Line 156: | ||
Edmond Cole<br /> | Edmond Cole<br /> | ||
W<sup>m</sup>. Ellis<br /> | W<sup>m</sup>. Ellis<br /> | ||
− | + | Edward Wilkinson<br /> | |
Will<sup>m</sup>. Clayton<br /> | Will<sup>m</sup>. Clayton<br /> | ||
Joseph Smith<br /> | Joseph Smith<br /> | ||
Line 173: | Line 186: | ||
John Stephen<br /> | John Stephen<br /> | ||
John J. Woodcock<br /> | John J. Woodcock<br /> | ||
− | Lewis Stephens | + | Lewis Stephens Ju<sup>r</sup>.<br /> |
Reuben Moore<br /> | Reuben Moore<br /> | ||
John Weeks<br /> | John Weeks<br /> | ||
Line 191: | Line 204: | ||
Francis Hague<br /> | Francis Hague<br /> | ||
Mahlon Jenny<br /> | Mahlon Jenny<br /> | ||
− | Thomas Mason <br /> | + | [[wikipedia: Thomas Mason (1770–1800) |Thomas Mason]]<br /> |
John Hough<br /> | John Hough<br /> | ||
John Hollingsworth<br /> | John Hollingsworth<br /> | ||
Line 198: | Line 211: | ||
| style="width: 16%; vertical-align: top; border-style: solid; border-color: #000000; border-width: 1px 1px 0 0; padding-left: 5px;" | | | style="width: 16%; vertical-align: top; border-style: solid; border-color: #000000; border-width: 1px 1px 0 0; padding-left: 5px;" | | ||
Alexander Campbell<br /> | Alexander Campbell<br /> | ||
− | Henry | + | Henry Heth<br /> |
James Binford<br /> | James Binford<br /> | ||
Benj<sup>a</sup>. Lewis<br /> | Benj<sup>a</sup>. Lewis<br /> | ||
William Lawrence<br /> | William Lawrence<br /> | ||
Joseph Butter<br /> | Joseph Butter<br /> | ||
− | Tho<sup>s</sup>. Nicholson<ref>Possibly the Richmond printer Thomas Nicolson, who published [[Decisions of Cases in Virginia by the High Court of Chancery|Wythe's Reports]], in 1795.</ref><br /> | + | Tho<sup>s</sup>. Nicholson<ref>Possibly the Richmond printer Thomas Nicolson, who published [[Decisions of Cases in Virginia, by the High Court of Chancery|Wythe's Reports]], in 1795.</ref><br /> |
Adam Craig<br /> | Adam Craig<br /> | ||
B. Rawlings<br /> | B. Rawlings<br /> | ||
Line 286: | Line 299: | ||
|} | |} | ||
− | ===Page | + | ===Page 3=== |
+ | ::::::::::Sundry Persons | ||
+ | ::::::::::<u>Nov. 16<sup>th</sup></u> | ||
+ | |||
+ | ::::::::::1795<br /> | ||
+ | ::::::::::To whole on 31<sup>st</sup> [March?] | ||
+ | |||
+ | ===Page 4=== | ||
{| style="width: 90%; border-collapse: separate; border-spacing: 0;" |- | {| style="width: 90%; border-collapse: separate; border-spacing: 0;" |- | ||
| style="width: 16%; vertical-align: top; border-style: solid; border-color: #000000; border-width: 0 1px 0 0;" | | | style="width: 16%; vertical-align: top; border-style: solid; border-color: #000000; border-width: 0 1px 0 0;" | | ||
Line 295: | Line 315: | ||
Charles Hewlit<br /> | Charles Hewlit<br /> | ||
Jos. Dobby<br /> | Jos. Dobby<br /> | ||
− | + | Geo. Hite<br /> | |
Lewis Duckwell<br /> | Lewis Duckwell<br /> | ||
Philip Clover<br /> | Philip Clover<br /> | ||
Line 306: | Line 326: | ||
Enoch Martin<br /> | Enoch Martin<br /> | ||
Benj<sup>a</sup>. Welsh<br /> | Benj<sup>a</sup>. Welsh<br /> | ||
− | + | Ja<sup>s</sup>. [Sture?]<br /> | |
W<sup>m</sup>. Heil<br /> | W<sup>m</sup>. Heil<br /> | ||
− | Moses | + | Moses Harlan<br /> |
James Baley<br /> | James Baley<br /> | ||
Richard Barrett<br /> | Richard Barrett<br /> | ||
Line 338: | Line 358: | ||
Isaac[?] Smith <br /> | Isaac[?] Smith <br /> | ||
John Ellis<br /> | John Ellis<br /> | ||
− | Samuel Pleasants<br /> | + | Samuel Pleasants<ref>Samuel Pleasants (d. 1814), printer, bookseller, and editor of the ''Virginia Argus'' newspaper in Richmond.</ref><br /> |
<br /> | <br /> | ||
<br /> | <br /> | ||
Line 369: | Line 389: | ||
| style="width: 16%; vertical-align: top; border-style: solid; border-color: #000000; border-width: 0 1px 0 0; padding-left: 5px;" | | | style="width: 16%; vertical-align: top; border-style: solid; border-color: #000000; border-width: 0 1px 0 0; padding-left: 5px;" | | ||
Thornton Fleming<br /> | Thornton Fleming<br /> | ||
− | Robert Carter<br /> | + | [[wikipedia:Robert Carter III|Robert Carter]]<br /> |
Robert Lowe<br /> | Robert Lowe<br /> | ||
Tho<sup>s</sup>. Taylor<br /> | Tho<sup>s</sup>. Taylor<br /> | ||
Line 438: | Line 458: | ||
Sam<sup>l</sup>. Finish<br /> | Sam<sup>l</sup>. Finish<br /> | ||
Lewis Walker<br /> | Lewis Walker<br /> | ||
− | Joseph [?] | + | Joseph [Seer?] Ju<sup>r</sup> |
|} | |} | ||
+ | |||
+ | ==See also== | ||
+ | *[[Between Pleasants and Logan]] | ||
+ | *[[George Wythe and Slavery]] | ||
+ | *''[[Pleasants v. Pleasants]]'' | ||
==References== | ==References== | ||
<references/> | <references/> | ||
+ | |||
+ | ==External links== | ||
+ | *[http://digitool1.lva.lib.va.us:8881/R/VM6HSY15U7XYTNK42HBCJ3NHUS3QDRQ2LSGFXX38NDCIUVERFR-04461?func=results-jump-full&set_entry=000002&set_number=192732&base=GEN01-ARC01 Legislative Petitions Digital Collection,] Library of Virginia, Richmond, Virginia. Please note the [http://digitool1.lva.lib.va.us:1801/webclient/DeliveryManager?pid=978850&custom_att_2=direct correct document link.] | ||
+ | *[https://library.uncg.edu/slavery/petitions/details.aspx?pid=2244 Race and Slavery Petitions Project,] University of North Carolina at Greensboro. | ||
[[Category: Letters and Papers]] | [[Category: Letters and Papers]] | ||
+ | [[Category: Slavery]] |
Latest revision as of 09:43, 16 November 2022
![](/wythepedia/images/b/bc/Anti-Slavery_Petition_pg1.jpg)
A petition by "sundry inhabitants" of Virginia, presented to the House of Delegates in Richmond, Virginia on November 16, 1795, declaring the evils of the institution of slavery.[1] Not going so far as to demand immediate emancipation, the petitioners request a law be passed restricting "inhuman treatment" of slaves, and guaranteeing the freedom of children born to slaves after the law is enacted.[2]
The reading of the petition before the Virginia legislature was recorded in the House Journal:
A petition of sundry inhabitants of various parts of this state, whose names are thereunto subscribed, was presented and read, setting forth, that they consider slavery not only a moral but a political evil, which in all its forms, and degrees, is an outrageous violation and odious degradation of man, tending to weaken the bands [sic] of society, and endanger the peace and obstruct the prosperity of the country; and praying that an act may pass to ameliorate the present condition of slaves, and give freedom to such as shall be born after the passing of the said act.
Ordered, That the said petition be referred to a committee of the whole House, on the 31st day of March next.[3]
There are 393 petitioners named, including John Marshall, William DuVal, and George Wythe. The list is all in one handwriting without individual signatures, and the preserved petition displayed here may be a copy. There was no result recorded with the Virginia legislature from this petition, and no action taken.[4]
Contents
Text of the petition, 16 November 1795
Page 1
To The Speaker and House of Delegates in Virginia.
The Petition of sundry Inhabitants of various parts of this State.
Respectfully Sheweth.
That your petitioners, from a full conviction that slavery is not only a moral but a political evil, which in all its forms, in all its degrees, is an outrageous violation and an odious degradation of human nature, tending to weaken the bonds of society, discourage trades and manufactures, indanger the peace and obstruct the prosperity of the country. And commiserating the unhappy situation of a large proportion of people within this state who by the Laws now in force, are held as personal property and they and their innocent offspring liable to be kept in perpetual bondage and ignorance, subject to the arbitrary will of those who hold them, as well in respect to inhuman treatment, as in unnatural separation from the most near and dear connections in life without appeal and without redress. They therefore conceive themselves in duty bound to remind this House as the proper guardians of every description of men within the State of a subject so interesting, and which appears to them in a particular manner, to call the attention and require the interposition of the Legislature.
Your Petitioners regret that several States within the American Union where these unalienable rights of human nature to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness have been so clearly defined and successfully assured, should in contradiction thereto and contrary to the divine command of, "doing to others as they would they should do unto them," suffer under sanction of Law so large a number of fellow men to remain in a state of abject slavery; at a time too, when the burning spirit of liberty seems to be diffusing itself through the world.
Your Petitioners are aware of the objections that probably would arise to a general and immediate Emancipation, as well from interested motives, as the unfitness of individuals for freedom: They are not insensible that a people long destitute of the means of mental improvement may in some instances be sunk below the common standard of human nature; accustomed to move at the will of a master or overseer, reflection may in some degree be suspended and reason and conviction have but little influence on their conduct; They are also sensible to the effect of custom, and the prejudices arising from a habit of looking upon the African race as an inferior species of mankind, and regarding them only as property. Believing nevertheless that, "God is no respecter of persons," that he "hath made of one blood all Nations of men, for to dwell on all the face of the Earth," and that, "his mercies are over all his works;" Encouraged also by that gracious declaration of our Saviour as an excitement to acts of humanity and benevolence, Vizt. "Verily I say unto you inasmuch as ye have done it unto the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me." Your Petitioner therefore in discharge of the duty they owe to the merciful Father of all the families of the Earth; compassion for the sufferers; and a desire to promote the true interest and prosperity of the Country; and also to remove as much as may be the objections which may arise from motives of present interest or the unfitness of individuals for freedom, and at the same time gradually abolish an evil of great magnitude: They humbly propose, and pray that a law may be [passed] declaring the children of Slaves now born or to be born after the passing of such an Act, to be made free, as they [come to proper]
Page 2
ages to [enjoy] their instruction to Read &c. and to invest them with suitable privileges as an excitement to become useful citizens; and also to restrain the holders from inhuman treatment of those who may remain in Bondage. Or that the House may grant such other relief as in its wisdom may seem meet.
David Meade |
John Harvie |
James Warrington |
Jams. Tyler |
Alexander Campbell |
John Barrit |
Page 3
- Sundry Persons
- Nov. 16th
- 1795
- To whole on 31st [March?]
- 1795
Page 4
John Davenport |
John Turner |
Edward Tiffin |
Thornton Fleming |
John Steed |
Anthony Hall |
See also
References
- ↑ "An Act to ameliorate the present condition of slaves, and give freedom to those born after the passing of the act." Library of Virginia, Legislative Petitions microfilm, Reel 233, Box 294, Folder 5.
- ↑ The text of this petition was first recorded in "Antislavery Petitions Presented to the Virginia Legislature by Citizens of Various Counties," Journal of Negro History 12, no. 4 (October, 1927), 671-73.
- ↑ Journal of the House of Delegates of the Commonwealth of Virginia, Begun and Held at the Capitol, in the City of Richmond, on Tuesday, the Tenth Day of November, One Thousand Seven Hundred and Ninety-Five, (Richmond, VA: Augustine Davis, 1795), 15. Augustine Davis, printer for the state, is named in the petition.
- ↑ "Petition 11679501 Details," Race and Slavery Petitions Project, University of North Carolina at Greensboro.
- ↑ Possibly the Richmond printer Thomas Nicolson, who published Wythe's Reports, in 1795.
- ↑ Samuel Pleasants (d. 1814), printer, bookseller, and editor of the Virginia Argus newspaper in Richmond.
External links
- Legislative Petitions Digital Collection, Library of Virginia, Richmond, Virginia. Please note the correct document link.
- Race and Slavery Petitions Project, University of North Carolina at Greensboro.