In South Carolina Christopher Gadsden had written in 1766 likening slavery to a crime, and a decade afterward Henry Laurens wrote: "You know, my dear son, I abhor slavery....

The day, I hope is approaching when from principles of gratitude as well as justice every man will strive to be foremost in showing his readiness to comply with the golden rule.

Not less than twenty thousand pounds sterling would all my negroes produce if sold at public auction tomorrow....

Nevertheless I am devising means for manumitting many of them, and for cutting off the entail of slavery.

Great powers oppose me--the laws and customs of my country, my own and the avarice of my countrymen.