Reinstatement Quotes
“Slaves” in this passage referred to indentured servants. This concept is referred to as the “Jubilee” where once every 50 years all the land reverted to the original owner or heirs even if it had been rented or sold. Land therefore, was very cheap as the Jubilee year approached, as it would have to be given up. And this command of God made sure that no one could be in servitude forever.
Adams had submitted to the House a petition from some of his constituents calling for a dissolution of the Union on the grounds that the existence of slavery nullified a sufficient part of the Constitution and the Bill of Rights so that the union should be nullified and in effect anti slavery states such as Massachusetts would not be bound by slavery supporters blocking anti-slavery legislation. State’s rights and succession cut both ways potentially in America’s race history. The vast majority of the house members were indignant that any responsible member would introduce a petition, and there were calls for Adam’s expulsion from the House from the majority of the members. The leadership however thought this might set some bad precedents, and tried to persuade the membership to on the grounds of mercy and comity just censure him. Adams responded with this famous quotation cutting the legs from under both the leadership and the membership with the result being that no action was taken.