Rufus King

“Slavery is a nefarious institution. It is the curse of heaven on the States where it prevails.”

“Sir, I am tormented with the apprehension that the next congress will repeat the folly of the last and again ask the states what they will do, and like the last, will receive no answer that will be satisfactory.”

“The admission of slaves into the Representation, when fairly explained comes to this: that the inhabitant of Georgia and S. C. who goes to the Coast of Africa... shall have more votes in a Govt. instituted for protection of the rights of mankind, than the Citizen of Pa. or N. Jersey who views with a laudable horror, so nefarious a practice.”

“The existence of slavery impairs the industry and the power of a nation; and it does so in proportion to the multiplication of its slaves.”

“I can never consent to establish a pernicious and wicked system in a new country, which I would not tolerate in my own.”

“The great body of the people are without property, and without principle.”

“If the general government can be kept within its proper limits, it will be a blessing to the country.”

“The principles of the Revolution, in relation to the rights of man, are not limited to one color or complexion.”

“The motive was the protection of the carriers of our own produce, and the increase of our own shipping, which it was thought would be an increase of national strength.”