and models to be followed. Liberty of conscience and June 19. TO CHARLES JARED INGERSOLL Comparison between American and European insti- tutions. Superiority in political science and morality. Abolition of the slave-trade as piracy. Action of Congress. Propositions by the British government. Great Britain's proposals on suppressing the slave- trade. The right of search and trial of captured ves- sels. Reasons for rejecting the suggested measures. Past experience under a practice of search. Dangers WRITINGS OF JOHN QUINCY ADAMS SIR: TO THE PRESIDENT 1 [JAMES MONROE] DEPARTMENT OF STATE, WASHINGTON, March 4, 1820. In answer to the question upon which you have done me the honor to require my written opinion in the words following: "Has Congress a right under the powers vested in it by the Constitution to make a regulation prohibiting slavery in a territory?" My opinion is that it has. And in answer to the question in the words following: "Is the eighth section of the act, which passed both Houses on the 3d instant for the admission of Missouri into the Union, consistent with the Constitution?” 3 My opinion is that it is. Which is respectfully submitted. JOHN QUINCY ADAMS. 1 In his Memoirs for 1820 Adams has recorded the impressions made upon his mind by the Missouri question and the formation of a conviction may be there traced. See especially the entries for February 23, 24, and March 3 and 5, 1820. *Interdicting slavery forever in the territory north of latitude 36° 30′. 'The original form of this question was, whether the eighth section was applicable only to the territorial state, or could extend to it after it should become a state. The discussion and reasons for changing the question are given in Memoirs, March 3, 1820. I |