million and a half of
slaves, as that we have in our borders nearly two millions of
men who are necessarily any thing rather than loyal
citizens--nearly two millions of ignorant and miserable beings
who are banded together by the very same circumstances, by which
they are so widely separated in character and in interest from
all the citizens of our great republic.'--[Seventh Annual
Report.]

'It may be safely assumed, that there is not an individual in
the community, who has given to the subject a moment's
consideration, who does not regard the existence of the free
people of color in the bosom of the country, as an evil of
immense magnitude, and of a dangerous and alarming tendency.
Their abject and miserable condition is too obvious to be
pointed out. All must perceive it, and perceiving it, cannot but
lament it. But their deplorable condition is not more obvious to
the most superficial observer, than is (what is far worse, and
still more to be dreaded,) the powerful and resistless influence
which they exert over the slave population. While their
character remains what it now is, (and the laws and structure of
the country in which they reside, prevent its permanent
improvement,) this influence must of necessity be baneful and
contaminating. Corrupt themselves, like the deadly Upas, they
impart corruption to all around them. Their numbers too, are
constantly and rapidly augmenting. Their annual increase is
truly astonishing, certainly unexampled. The dangerous
ascendency which they have already acquired over the slaves, is
consequently increasing with every addition to their numbers;
and every addition to their numbers is a subtraction from the
wealth and strength, and character, and happiness, and safety of
the country. And if this be true, as it unquestionably is, the
converse is also true; the danger of their undue influence will
lessen with every diminution of their numbers; and every
diminution of their numbers must add, and add greatly, to the
prosperity of the country.'--[Twelfth Annual Report.]

'Another reason is, the pressing and vital importance of
relieving ourselves, as soon as practicable, from this most
dangerous element in our population.' * * 'We all know the
effects produced on our slaves by the fascinating, but delusive
appearance of happi