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Editorial
August 20, 1772
The Virginia Gazette
Richmond, Williamsburg, Richmond County, Virginia
What is this article about?
Editorial opposes Lord Mansfield's proposed law on Negro property in England, arguing that Parliament cannot override divine and natural laws of freedom, which apply equally regardless of complexion, and warns of a slippery slope to enslaving others based on skin color.
Clipping
OCR Quality
98%
Excellent
Full Text
It has been said that Lord Mansfield has advised a Law respecting the Property of Negroes in England. Is it in the Power of Parliament to make such a Law? Can any human Law abrogate the divine? The Laws of Nature are the Laws of God. By those Laws a Negro cannot be less free than a Man of any other Complexion. If Negroes are to be Slaves on Account of Colour, the next Step will be to enslave every Mulatto in the Kingdom, then all the Portuguese, next the French, then the brown complexioned English, and so on till there be only one free Man left, which will be the Man of the palest Complexion in the three Kingdoms!
What sub-type of article is it?
Slavery Abolition
Moral Or Religious
Constitutional
What keywords are associated?
Negro Property
Lord Mansfield
Parliament Power
Natural Law
Divine Law
Slavery By Color
What entities or persons were involved?
Lord Mansfield
Parliament
Negroes
Editorial Details
Primary Topic
Opposition To Law On Property Of Negroes In England
Stance / Tone
Strongly Anti Slavery With Slippery Slope Warning
Key Figures
Lord Mansfield
Parliament
Negroes
Key Arguments
Parliament Lacks Power To Make A Law On Negro Property As It Would Abrogate Divine And Natural Laws
Laws Of Nature And God Grant Equal Freedom Regardless Of Complexion
Enslaving Based On Color Leads To Progressive Enslavement Of Mulattos, Portuguese, French, And Brown English Until Only The Palest Remains Free