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State of Maine In the Senate March 14.1831

The select Committee of the two branches of the Legislature to whom was referred so much of the Governor's communication of the 25th [?] as relates to the Memorial of the American Convention for promoting the abolition of Slavery and improving the condition of the African race have had the same under consideration and Report,

That they concur with your memorialists in considering the subject of slavery, one of deep interest to these United States. While it is believed that all classes of reflecting men unite in the wish for its abolition yet a proper regard for the feelings and we may add interests of those who are more intimately and peculiarly subjected to the influence of this evil, admonishes us that a subject of so much delicacy cannot be approached with too much caution, lest in our attempts to remedy one evil we introduce a greater. Without committing themselves on the ulterior objects of the Convention your committee perceive no impropriety in concurring with the Memorialists in the proposition now submitted to the Legislature of this State, for attempting the gradual abolition of Slavery in the District of Columbia, whom the principly therein proposed. They therefore submit the fol- lowing Resolves.

                                         Dan'l Hutchinson Chairman

State of Maine

Resolved, that the Senators of this State, in the Congress of the United States be instructed, and the Representatives requested, to use such efforts as they may deem expedient and proper, to procure the passage of a law, which may have for its end, the general abolition of Slavery in the District of Columbia, upon principles of justice and a regard to the rights of individuals.

Resolved, that the Secretary of State be directed to transmit copies of the Resolutions to each of the Senators and Representatives of this State in Congress.

In Senate March 17.1831

These Resolves having had two several readings, passed to be engrossed as amended on sheets [?] marked D. Sent down for concurrence.

Robert P. Dunlap, Pres.