itution--He dwelt on
the dilemma to which the Convention was exposed. By agreeing to
the clause, it would revolt the Quakers, the Methodists, and many
others in the State having no slaves. On the other hand, two
States might be lost to the Union. Let us then, he said, try the
chance of a commitment.

On the question for committing the remaining part of Sect. 4 & 5.
of art: 7. N. H. no. Mas. abst. Cont. ay N. J. ay Pa. no. Del. no
Maryd. ay. Va. ay. N. C. ay S. C. ay. Geo. ay. Geo. ay. (Ayes--7;
noes--3; absent--1.)

Mr. Pinkney & Mr. Langdon moved to commit sect. 6. as to
navigation act (by two thirds of each House.)

Mr. Gorham did not see the propriety of it. Is it meant to
require a greater proportion of votes? He desired it to be
remembered that the Eastern States had no motive to Union but a
commercial one. They were able to protect themselves. They were
not afraid of external danger, and did not need the aid of the
Southn. States.

Mr. Wilson wished for a commitment in order to reduce the
proportion of votes required.

Mr. Ellsworth was for taking the plan as it is. This widening of
opinions has a threatening aspect. If we do not agree on this
middle & moderate ground he was afraid we should lose two States,
with such others as may be disposed to stand aloof, should fly
into a variety of shapes & directions, and most probably into
several confederations and not without bloodshed.

On Question for committing 6 sect. as to navigation Act to a
member from each State--N. H. ay--Mas. ay. Ct. no. N. J. no. Pa.
ay. Del. ay. Md. ay. Va. ay. N. C. ay. S. C. ay. Geo. ay.
(Ayes--9; noes--2;)[563]

McHenry has the following note on slavery for the twenty-second of
August:

Committed the remainder of the 4 sect. with the 5 and 6.

The 4 sect promitting the importation of Slaves gave rise to much
desultory debate.

Every 5 slaves counted in representation as one elector without
being equal in point of strength to one _white_ inhabitant.

This gave the slave States an advantage in representation over
the others.

The slaves were moreover exempt from duty on importation.

They served to render the representation from such States
aristocratical.

It was replied--That the population or increase of slaves in
Vir