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� State of Maine

                                             In the Senate March 14.1831

The select Committee of the two branches of the Legislature to who was referred so much of the Governor's commui- cation of the 25th ult.[?] as relates to the Memorial of the American Convention for promoting the abolition of Slavery and improv- ing the condition of the[inserted with upward triangle] African race have had the same under consideration and Report.

That they concur with your memorialists in considering the sub- ject of slavery, one of deep interest to these United States. While it is believed that all clafses 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 in- timately 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.

                                         Danl 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 cop- ies of the Resolutions to each of ["each of" inserted] the Senators and Representatives of this State in Congress.

                            In Senate March 17.1831

These Resolves having had two several readings, passed to be engaged as amended on that _______marked D [image -initials similar marking in previous amendment paper?]. Sent down for concurrence.

                     Robert P. Dunlap Prest.