On the record
I simply take the position that George Washington was an abolitionist in the most extensive sense of the term; and I defy any man in this House to the discussion, and to prove to the contrary if he can.
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gutenberg.orgWilliam Seward: “I simply take the position that George Washington was an abolitionist in the most extensive sense of the term; and I…”
Editor's note · Context
Seward argues that George Washington was an abolitionist and challenges others to debate this assertion.
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The virtues and powers to which men may be trained, by early education and constant discipline, are truly sublime and astonishing.
But, were the breath which now gives utterance to my feelings the last vital air I should draw, my expiring words to you and your children should be, Independence and Union forever!
No man was a more ardent lover of liberty, or was more anxious that its institutions should be established throughout the earth, at the earliest practicable moment.
In unfolding to my countrymen the principles by which I shall be governed, in the fulfilment of those duties, my first resort will be to that constitution which I shall swear, to the best of my ability, to preserve, protect, and defend.
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