The voice of freedom. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1839-1848, 1839-04-06
FIFTH ANNUAL REPORT OF THE VERMONT ANTI
SLAVERY SOCIETY.


renew their expressions of confidence in the soundness of the
which they and the Society of which they the
agents are engaged ene5 as G
on Judging all that has anspred within the progress o
the abolition effort and especially within the last year, that the
downfall of the hdeous system against which organization
is arrayed certain and far distant The pledges of
cessu advancement the great struggle for freedom in which
enlisted furnished every hand and the presages
of approaching triumph thcken every side. is there
FORE with cheerness and aacrty that the committee
give of their abors for the implied and help
less of land and cheer all who
aduo with them such abors prepare themselves for
unrng and devoted efforts for the time If
altering should be PRIDE our duty to nfuse
vgor into its operations but if advancing with
mpedd and accelerated step the great consummaion
which all pray, that fact should of ITSELF inspire with
energies for the work. and unite in closer union and
mghher effort to hasten that day in which the deverance of
the captive from the hadom of the letters and the ash shall
work out for the free nober emancpationan emancipation
from intolerance, prejudice, and the debasng spirit of CASTE
The committee PROPOSE in what they have present for
the consideration of the society," give the first place.
else sketch of their abors for the past year, and the
cond place. offer few general remarks upon the state of the
cause, and the duties which all abolitonsts to it.
Inc committee IN order effect more systematic effort both
among themselves and the friends of abolition have had during
the past regular monthly meetings. which they have taken
into consideration the necessities the cause and have devised
such they deemed most eectual in meeting them
In order keep intercourse with the aboonists of 9TH
parts the country and thus promote of action har
mony of feeling and union of effort the committee appointed
delegates attend the of the American and New
England An-Slavery Societies, in both of which this society
was represented In order aSo enlist far possible the
ministers of that gospel which processes bring peace earth
and good will to in the work of aboshng system which
the of discod and hatred and every evil passion of
the human heart and obtain such expression of sentiment
against slavery from large and influential denomination of
christians among would be calculated the aen
ton of savehodng professors of religion and lead them
Election upon the tendencies and influences of their SYSTEM the
committee appointed Rev. H. F. Leav and Rev. Jona Ban-
chad delegates to the General Convention of Congregational
ministers of this State which at Vergennes during the last
with instructions permitted lay the of the
slave of humanity and freedom before that body and obtain if
possible direct expression of opinion from upon the sinful
of slavehodn and the duty of all who practice imme
daey repent of and it. The delegates appeared
before the convention and heard and the convention sub
sequeny adopted the following resolutions:
Whereas slavery regarded by this Convention morally
Resolved That this Convention cannot by any opinion or
of theirs, support give encouragement this evil
Resolved, That Individuals the members of this Conven-
ton ready do any thing politically and morally right o
accomplish the entire removal of slavery from this country
Resolved That is the wish and request of this
Convention that ow-citzens in the savehodng states
should Immediately make efforts abolish slavery and that as
individuals tender to them prayers and our efficient CO.
operation in this benevolent work."
AT the last annual meeting of the society,"
mended the committee by the society," hold four State anti
slavery different sections of the State for the
The committee accordance with that recommended
on called three conventions beng all which, in the opinion OF
the committee could be holden with success OF the character
above mentioned of which holden at Chester one
Danvi and one at ST. Adams. These conventions, the
committee are informed well attended, and had sautary
effect in disseminating ansavery principles among the COM
munity and in arousng public attention to the importance odds
cussng the and tendency of slavery.
sem-annua meeting also holden at Montpelier att
call of the committee during the session of the Legislature at
which Avan Stewart ESQ., the request of the committee at
tended Mr. Stewart ectued several times large and atten
tive audiences composed considerable extent OF the members
of the legislature and with Others committee appointed o
that purpose appeared and heard before select commit
lee of the legislature whom had been referred certain anti
slavery petitions. The report of the legislative committee was
favorable to the prayer of the petitioners and the legislature
with great unanimity passed the following explicit and plain
spoken resolutions:
our Senators in Congress be instructed and Representatives
be requested their efforts prevent the annexation
of Texas the United States and procure the abolition of
slavery and the slave trade in the District of Columbia and the
territories Of the United States and the slave trade between the
several states and territories ofthe Union.
Resolved That the adoption by the House of Representa-
ves of the United States the twentyrst of December
of the resolution by which all petitions memorials and papers
touching the abolition of slavery the buying selling
erng of slaves In state district or territory OF the United
States laid upon the table without being debated print
ed read referred" daring infringement the right OF the
people petition and violation of the Constitution OF the
United Saes and do, in the of the people of Vermont
protest against the passage of the same any similar resou
ton by the present future Congress of the United States
ReSolDed That Senators Congress be instructed and
Representatives requested present the foregoing resolutions
their respective Houses and use their influence carry the
same into effect.
Resolved That the Governor be requested transmit
copy the foregoing resolutions the President of the United
States and each Senators and Representatives Con-
gress"
The committee aware of the Importance of having general
agent for the State have had that constantly before hem
aSofI