That, as an express fundamental condition to the acquisition of any territory from the Republic of Mexico by the United States, neither slavery nor involuntary servitude should ever exist in any part of said territory." This proviso was adopted by the House, but was rejected by the Senate.
Sherman discusses the Wilmot Proviso, which aimed to prevent the expansion of slavery into territories acquired from Mexico.
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Our family of states is already large enough to create embarrassment in the Senate, and a republic should not hold dependent provinces or possessions.
It was settled by this war that we have a country limited in its powers by the constitution of the United States fairly construed.
The Union already embraces discordant elements enough without adding others.
If my life is prolonged I will do all I can to add to the strength and prosperity of the United States, but nothing to extend its limits or to add new dangers by acquisition of foreign territory.
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