With scrupulous fidelity he performed the duty thus imposed upon him.

Whoever petitions might come from--whatever the nature of their prayer--whether for such objects as he could sanction or not--if they were clothed in respectful language, Mr.Adams felt himself under an imperative obligation to present them to Congress.

For several sessions at this period, few days passed without his presenting more or less petitions having some relation to the subject of slavery.
The southern members of Congress became alarmed at these demonstrations, and determined to arrest them, even at the sacrifice, if need be, of the right of petition--the most sacred privilege of freemen.

On the 8th of Feb., 1836, a committee was raised by the House of Representatives, to take into consideration what disposition should be made of petitions and memorials for the abolition of slavery and the slave trade, in the District of Columbia, and report thereon.

This committee consisted of Messrs.