ttack upon the
spirit, freedom, dignity, independence, and sovereignty of
South Carolina, we are unable to conceive. That this has any
connection with, or relation to Puritanism, we believe is
above y'r Excellency's comprehension as it is above ours. We
should be sincerely sorry to do any thing inconsistent with
the Union of the States, which is and must continue to be
the basis of our Liberties and Independence; on the contrary
we wish it may be strengthened, confirmed, and endure for
ever."[603]

By the Treaty of Peace in 1783, Negroes were put in the same category
with horses and other articles of property.[604]

"Negroes [says Mr. Hamilton], by the laws of the States, in
which slavery is allowed, are personal property. They,
therefore, on the principle of those laws, like horses,
cattle and other movables, were liable to become booty--and
belonged to the enemy, [captor] as soon as they came into
his hands. Belonging to him, he was free either to apply
them to his own use, or set them at liberty. If he did the
latter, the grant was irrevocable, restitution was
impossible. Nothing in the laws of nations or in those of
Great Britain, will authorize the resumption of liberty,
once granted to a human being."[605]

On the 6th of May, 1783, Gen. Washington wrote Sir Guy Carleton:--

"In the course of our conversation on this point, I was
surprised to hear you mention, that an embarkation had
already taken place, in which a large number of negroes had
been carried away. Whether this conduct is consonant to, or
how far it may be deemed an infraction of the treaty, is not
for me to decide. I cannot, however, conceal from you, that
my private opinion is, that the measure is totally different
from the letter and spirit of the treaty. But waiving the
discussion of the point, and leaving its decision to our
respective sovereigns; I find it my duty to signify my
readiness, in conjunction with your Excellency, to enter
into any agreement, or take any measures, which may be
deemed expedient, to prevent the future carrying away of any
negroes, or other property of the American
inhabitants."[606]

In his reply, dated New York, May 12, 1783, Sir Guy Carleton says,--

"I enclose a copy of an order, which I have given out to
prevent the carrying