Two circumstances, civilizing in themselves, exercised an unexpected influence for American Slavery: first, the abolition of the slave-trade, which by taking away the supply increased the value of slaves; and, secondly, the increased cultivation of cotton, stimulated by the invention of new machinery.
He discusses how the abolition of the slave trade and the rise of cotton cultivation inadvertently strengthened slavery in America.
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They who strive after it, Ixion-like, embrace a cloud.
I agree with the Convention in the importance of the new organization; nor do I think there are many candid persons, recognizing morals as the soul of all true politics, who will hesitate in this conclusion.
At Baltimore the delegation of the most important State in the Union, known to be in favor of the Wilmot Proviso, was refused admission to the Convention.
The first is a heavenly sentiment, from God: the other is a device of this world.
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