e slave
trade, in compliance with a law of the last session. Orders have been
given to the commanders of all our public ships to seize all vessels
navigated under our flag, engaged in that trade, and to bring them in,
to be proceeded against, in the manner prescribed by that law. It is
hoped that these vigorous measures, supported by like acts by other
nations, will soon terminate a commerce so disgraceful to the civilized
world." _House Journal_, 16 Cong, 1 sess. p. 18.

~1820, Jan. 19. Congress (House): Proposed Registry of Slaves.~

"On motion of Mr. Cuthbert,

"Resolved, That the Committee on the Slave Trade be instructed to
enquire into the expediency of establishing a registry of slaves, more
effectually to prevent the importation of slaves into the United States,
or the territories thereof." No further mention. _Ibid._, p. 150.

~1820, Feb. 5. Congress (House): Proposition on Slave-Trade.~

"Mr. Meigs submitted the following preamble and resolution:

"Whereas, slavery in the United States is an evil of great and
increasing magnitude; one which merits the greatest efforts of this
nation to remedy: Therefore,

"Resolved, That a committee be appointed to enquire into the expediency
of devoting the public lands as a fund for the purpose of,

"1st, Employing a naval force competent to the annihilation of the slave
trade;

"2dly, The emancipation of slaves in the United States; and,

"3dly, Colonizing them in such way as shall be conducive to their
comfort and happiness, in Africa, their mother country." Read, and, on
motion of Walker of North Carolina, ordered to lie on the table. Feb. 7,
Mr. Meigs moved that the House now consider the above-mentioned
resolution, but it was decided in the negative. Feb. 18, he made a
similar motion and proceeded to discussion, but was ruled out of order
by the Speaker. He appealed, but the Speaker was sustained, and the
House refused to take up the resolution. No further record appears.
_Ibid._, pp. 196, 200, 227.

~1820, Feb. 23. Massachusetts: Slavery in Western Territory.~

_"Resolve respecting Slavery":--_

"The Committee of both Houses, who were appointed to consider 'what
measures it may be proper for the Legislature of this Commonwealth to
adopt, in the expression of their sentiments and views, relative to the
interesting subject, now before Congress, of interdicting slavery in the
New States, which may be admitted into the Union, beyond the River
Mississi