advantages have, in several instances,
resulted from accurate registers being kept, by persons appointed
for that purpose by certain of the Abolition Societies in the
United States, of such manumissions as have taken place; we do
earnestly recommend, should you not already have entered into
this regulation, that you make it hereafter an object of diligent
attention. Such records may, in various ways, subserve the cause
of emancipation.

We learn, that the proposal made by the last Convention,
respecting the blacks, and people of color, who have emigrated
from the West Indies, and now reside in the United States, has,
in many instances, given rise to difficulty; in order to remove
which, we have been induced to transmit to you the following
extract from the twelfth article of the Consular Convention
between France and the United States; which by designating the
proper tribunals to whom application, in such cases, is to be
made, will, we trust, be found sufficient, in future, to direct
your proceedings in this business, _viz._

"That all differences and suits between French citizens in
the United States, and between American citizens in the
dominions of France, shall be determined by the respective
Consuls and Vice Consuls either by a reference to
arbitrators, or by a summary judgment, and without costs;
and that no officer of the country, civil or military, shall
interfere therein, or take any part whatever in the matter."

When we contemplate the odious nature and the immense magnitude
of the evil which you have associated to oppose, and the
inestimable importance of the objects which you are seeking to
obtain, we cannot forbear to urge unremitted exertions, in
pursuing the great ends before you. We are persuaded you will not
neglect any just means in your power, which may tend to advance,
either directly, or indirectly, the cause of equal liberty;--And
it gives us pleasure also to express our persuasion, that, in
this pursuit, much is still in your power. Although you cannot
control Legislatures; and though, when you plead the cause of
humanity, they will not, at all times, listen to you; yet there
are other means to be used, perhaps, more effectual--You can do
much, by directing your efforts to the