Berkeley and Jefferson intelligencer. [volume] (Martinsburg, Va.) 1802-1810, 1804-02-24

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Bcholding with anxiety the increase |
rather than diminution Of slavery and It's /
dreadful concomitan.s, We earnestly re-
quest the jealous cooperation OF every
friend ,ojastice and every lover Of his
county. 1t Is an honorable, il isa virtu-
GUS and ahumane cause IN which we have
embarked. Much, good has already
been effected, but much remains to be
done and, under the Divine blessing,
may we not confidently hope, that in
proportion 10 the sincerity of our mo-
tiyes. and the temperate, firm, and per-
severing eonstancy Of our exertions, will
be our success, and peaceful reward
Those who live contiguous to the sea-
ports, in particular, we wish may be site
INFLATED to vigilance, that none Of those
shameful acts Of. atrocity adSerted to,
may elude deserved punishment; and
our fellow citizens of the eastern states
are respectfully invited to pay attention
to the clandestine traffick in slaves carrie
ed on in some Of their ports. Such dar-
ing miraculous Of the laws Of our country
require prompt and decisive measures.
Many aspersions have been cast up.
on the advocates Of. the freedom
of the blacks, by malicious or inte-
rested men ! but conscious Of the recti.
tude of our intentions, and the disinte-
RESIDENCES of our endeavors, we hope
not to be inundated by censure from
performing the part assigned to us. We
frankly own, that it is our wish to pro-
mote general emancipation; and in do
ingthis, il is our belief that we essential
" promote the true interests of the state:
Although many Inconvenience may re-
suit from general liberation of the Peo-
pie Of Colour |; yet those which Aow from
their continuance in slavery, must be in
6nitely greaterand areevery day increas.
ing. tits, therefore, in our estimation
desirable that this object should be
brought about with as much speed as a
prudent regard to existing circumstan,
ces, and the safety ofthe countrywill adj
nit: But in all our endeavors for its ac-
complishment, we hope to move with
care and eireumspection. We pointed
" disavow the most distant intention to
contrayene any existing Law of the states
collectively or separately-We will not
knowingly infringe upon the nominal
rights OF property, although those rights
may not be traced to our statute-books !;
and while we desire to be supported in
our endeayours to defend the cause Of
the oppressed, we hope that discretion
and moderation will characterize all our
proceedings. We feel with others the
common irailties ofhnmanity, and, there
fore cannot expect an exemption from err
ror. The best intentions are sometimes
inadvertently led astray lively zeal
in good cause may occasionally over
leap the bounds Of discretion although
therefore individuals may in some in-
stances have suffered their zeal to ex.
coed knowledge, yet we repeat, that the
line Of conduct which we approve, and
which is consonant with the spirit and
design ofour institutions, is in strict con-
formity with due submission to exist
ing laws, and to the legal claims Of our
fellow citizens. On this ground we think
we have just claim to the countenance
aud support Of all liberal minds-of all
who delight in the real prosperity of their
country, and in the multiplication of hui
man happiness. -,
We conclude in the expression Of a
hope that THE Supreme Disposerofexents,
will prosper our iabours.in this work Of
justice, and hasten the day, when liberty
shall be proclaimed to the captive. and
this land Of boosted freedom and indie
pendence be relieved from the opprobi.
'um which thesufferings Of the oppressed
African now cast upon It. -.
s,ssS BY order of the Convention, -,
MATTHEW FRANKLIN, Pres.
- ATTEST, 90 ~ =
OTHNiEI. ALSOP, Sec'rv. / Il