Faulkner, Charles James (1847-1929) The speech of Charles Jas. Faulkner, (of Berkley) in the House of Delegates of Virginia, on the policy of the state with respect to her slave population
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC03520 Author/Creator: Faulkner, Charles James (1847-1929) Place Written: Richmond, Virginia Type: Pamphlet Date: 1832 Pagination: 22 p. ; 23.5 x 15 cm. Order a Copy
Faulkner's speech explaining the resolution he had recently proposed to gradually emancipate the slaves of Virginia. States that emancipation will benefit the state, and that it is inevitable, so should be accepted sooner rather than later. Believes that the majority of the population is opposed to slavery, and that it is an evil, and should be abolished. Of abolition says: "The people demand it. Their security requires it. In the language of the wise and prophetic Jefferson 'you must approach it---you must bear it---YOU MUST ADOPT SOME PLAN OF EMANCIPATION, OR WORSE WILL FOLLOW.'" Speech was delivered 20 January 1832. Printed by Thomas W. White of Richmond, Virginia.
Charles J. Faulkner was a member of the Virginia House of Delegates, later elected a Congressman from Virginia.
[excerpt] [draft]
" ... In conclusion, Mr. Speaker, permit me again to repeat, that although I am decidedly in favor of some scheme of manumission that will ultimately relieve my country from the catastrophe which threatens it, let no gentleman suppose ... that I am in favor of any rash, violent or hasty legislation. I am for action---but it must be sober---circumspect---well-considered action. I am for no plan, which is not mild---gradual---prospective, in its operation. I shall advocate no scheme that does not respect the right of property ... But still, sir, I would approach it---aye, delicate as it may be---difficult as it may be---encompassed as it may be, with difficulties and hazards, I would still approach it. The people demand it. Their security requires it. In the language of the wise and prophetic Jefferson, 'you must approach it---you must bear it---YOU MUST ADOPT SOME PLAN OF EMANCIPATION, OR WORSE WILL FOLLOW'."
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