On the record
And herein consists the fallacy with which the holders of slaves often delude themselves, by assuming that the test of property is human law.
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gutenberg.orgEditor's note · Context
Quincy critiques the justifications used by slaveholders to rationalize their ownership of other human beings.
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He early adopted two principles, as rules of his political conduct, from which he never deviated,--to seek or solicit no public office, and, to whatever station he might be called by his country, to use no instrument for success or…
If its operation should turn out more advantageous to them, it will be more honorable for us; and I never can object to entering formally into an obligation to do that which, upon every virtuous principle, ought to be done without it.
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