Fifty-one “slave-holders” of Caroline County present a statistical comparison of the growth in the white and black populations from 1790 through 1830. The petitioners contend that the white population has been "overtaken by the blacks," a result of “the existing curse of slavery.” They purport that “this is not the proper time or place for speaking abstractedly on this serious subject”; instead, it is necessary “to consider the character and extent of the evil, and to apply the most salutary, peaceful, just and efficacious means for its removal.” They further suggest that “many of our people ... would voluntarily surrender now, or at a short time, all of this property owned by them, provided means were dedicated for their removal and comfortable maintenance out of the limits of the United States.” The petitioners note that “these voluntary offerings for the public good, would in a short time diminish considerably the number, and excite a well founded expectation of the total eradication of the evil.” They therefore propose that “the Commonwealth raise by a tax on the blacks, free as well as slave, a reasonable sum sufficient to defray the expense of the removal and maintenance for a time, of such as individuals may voluntarily surrender to the State, and for the purchase of a few hundred annually of the young and healthy of both sexes, and for their removal and maintenance in like manner, and we do not doubt the most happy and salutary effects from such a beginning, and a final and full triumph over all difficulties." The petitioners also suggest that there “should be, the total prohibition of emancipation by individuals, but upon the condition of removal out of the state."
Result: Referred to select committee.
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Repository: Library of Virginia, Richmond, Virginia
