Bates Fleming, representing "the religious Society of Friends, of Virginia Yearly Meeting," states that "by a perseverance in a System repugnant to the laws of God, and Subversive of the rights, and destructive to the happiness of man, there has been an awful increase, both of the difficulties and dangers by which we are surrounded." The said Friends "solemnly believe that some efficient System for the abolition of Slavery in this Commonwealth and the restoration of the African race to the inalienable rights of man, is ... demanded by the laws of God, and inseperably connected with the best interests of the Commonwealth at large." They therefore "submit for your consideration the propriety of passing an Act, declaring that all persons born in the State after some period to be fixed by law, shall be free, and also that the state of Virginia provide some territory, or solicit the aid of the United States in providing one for the formation of a Colony for people of colour, and also to aid in removing such free persons as may be disposed to emigrate, and such slaves as may be given up for that purpose."
Result: Referred to select committee.
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Repository: Library of Virginia, Richmond, Virginia
