NYYM_scrapbook_145

AN ADDRESS OF THE YEARLY MEETING OF FRIENDS, HELD AT BALTIMORE, TO THOMAS JEFFERSON, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED SATES: AND HIS REPLY. [For the information of such as may read the following, we may state, that this address is reprinted at this time, in order to promote, in the public mind, if possible, the same humane and benevolent feelings towards the Indians that existed in the mind of THOMAS JEFFERSON.] 12th Mo. 1840 To THOMAS JEFFERSON, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES. WE, the Representatives of the Yearly Meeting of Friends, for the Western Shore of Maryland, the adjacent parts of Pennsylvania and Virginia, and the State of Ohio, being convened in the City of Baltimore, on those concerns which relate to our society, feel our minds engaged to address thee on behalf of ourselves, and the religious society which we represent. Permit us to say, that whilst we desire to be preserved from inter- meddling with the policy of those governments under which we live, we believe it to be our indispensable duty, consistently with that Christian obligation, with relation to governments, to lead a quiet and peaceable life under them, in all Godliness and honesty. We feel gratitude to the Sovereign Ruler of the Universe, in that he hath influenced the councils of the general government of our country, to decide upon several important subjects, agreeably to the principles of eternal justice and right. Amongst the most prominent of those acts which claim our ap- probation, we are induced to notice thy efforts to preserve our coun- try from the ravages and calamities of war, by cultivating a dispo- sition, and pursuing a conduct, marked with conciliation and friend- ship toward all those nations with whom we have intercourse; thereby avoiding those grounds of dissention, which are often the sources from whence this desolating scourge has its origin, to the reproach of Christianity. For, as we are firmly persuaded of its obligation as a righteous principle, so it is our fervent desire, in re- gard to all men, that even the smallest germ of enmity may be era- dicated. And our ardent prayer to the Father of the Universe is, that, through the overruling order of his providence, the hearts and understanding of his erring and contending creatures may be illu- minated, so to behold the excellency of brotherly affection, as to be- come willing to admit the spirit of reconciliation. We are also bound to acknowledge those philanthropic exertions, which have been used to ameliorate the condition of the Indian na- tives, by introducing among them a knowledge of agriculture, and some of the mechanic arts. We sincerely congratulate thee on their progress in cilvilization, and the very encouraging prospect, abundantly evinced, that this truly benevolent and laudable under- taking will ultimately be crowned with the desired success--an un- dertaking which, whilst it increasingly obviates the wretchedness of their former condition, converts them from dangerous neigh- bours to valuable friends. But there remains a subject inexpressibly dear to our hearts, which was particularly interesting to our feelings. We rejoice in the prospect of a termination to the wrongs of Africa, and that a traffic, heretofore legalized in a district of our country, in its nature abhorrent to every just and tender sentiment, and reproachful to humanity, to say nothing of Christian principles, is inderdicted by our government.--For the exertion of thy influence, united with the National Legislature (may we not say.) to relieve our country, from the complicated evils attendant upon this cruel and inhuman trade, we are engaged, through this medium, to testify our warmest approbation. And may the future councils of our country yield to the influence of Him, who is called Wonderful Counsellor, The Mighty God, The Everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace; so that the exercise of additional acts of justice and mercy, towards this greatly oppressed part of the human family, may utterly remove the cries of oppression from this highly-favored land. With sentiments of respect due from us to those who, in the ordering of Divine providence are set over us, we are thy friends. Signed on behalf of the Meeting, by GERARD T. HOPKINS, CLERK TO THE FOREGOING ADDRESS, THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES RETURNED THE FOLLOWING ANSWER. I thank you for the address you have kindly presented me, on behalf of that portion of the Society of Friends of which you are the Representatives: and I learn with satisfaction their approbation of the principles which have influenced the councils of the general government, in their decisions on several important subjects confided to them. The desire to preserve our country form the calamities and rava- ges of war, by cultivating a disposition, and pursuing a conduct, conciliatory and friendly to all nations, has been sincerely enter- tained and faithfully followed. It was dictated by the principles of humanity, the precepts of the Gospel, and the general wish of our country; and it was not to be doubted, that the Society of Friends, with whom it is a religious principle, would sanction it by their support. The same philanthropic motives have directed the public endea- vours to ameliorate the condition of the Indian natives, by introduc- ing among them a knowledge of agriculture and some of the me- chanic arts, by encouraging them to resort to these as more certain, and less laborious resources for subsistence, than the chase, and by withholding from them the pernicious supplies of ardent spirits. They are our brethren, our neighbours; they may be valuable friends, of troublesome enemies. Both duty and interest then en- join, that we should extend to them the blessings of civilized life, and prepare their minds for becoming useful members of the Ame- rican family. In this important work, I owe to your Society an acknowledgment that we have felt the benefits of their zealous co- operation, and approved its judicious direction towards producing among those people habits of industry, comfortable subsistence, and civilized usages, as preparatory to religious instruction, and the cul- tivation of letters. Whatever may have been the circumstances which influenced our forefathers to permit the introduction of personal bondage into any part of these States, and to participate in the wrongs committed on an unoffending quarter of the globe, we may rejoice that such cir- cumstances, and such a sense of them, exist no longer. It is hon- ourable to the nation at large, that their Legislature availed them- selves, at the first practicable moment, for arresting the progress of this great moral and political error: and i sincerely pray with you, my friends, that all the members of the human family, may, in the time prescribed by the Father of us all, find themselves securely es- tablished in the enjoyments of life, liberty and happiness. TH. JEFFERSON.Nov. 13, 1807.