A Planter’s Address to His Fellow Citizens, Broadside, 1790's

In February 1790, the Pennsylvania Abolitionist Society, led by Benjamin Franklin, submitted a plea to Congress to debate the issue of slavery and abolish the slave trade. Congress considered the petition and formed a committee for further examination. The committee debated what was and was not within their powers to change. Ultimately, they decided not to act on the petition. Although the petition was rejected, this document written by "A plain planter" expresses his anger that the petition was referred to committee in violation of the Constitution. He argues that the limits on Congressional powers described in Article 1, Section 9, should have prevented such debate. He was referring in particular to the clause stating that the importation of enslaved persons would be legal until 1808.  "A plain planter" contends that forming the committee and the subsequent debate set a potentially dangerous precedent of Congress overstepping its authority. He also feared that such public debate could generate ideas of resistance among enslaved people or even lead to the general emancipation of slaves.

The author of this broadside is unknown. The name Francis Corbin is handwritten at the top, but there is no indication that he was the writer. Francis Corbin (1759 or 1760–1821) studied law and owned a plantation in Middlesex County, which he represented in the House of Delegates (1784–1794). He also served in the Convention of 1788 that ratified the U.S. Constitution, of which he was a strong supporter. He enslaved dozens of laborers on his plantation, but for much of his adult life he objected to slavery on both moral and economic grounds and considered moving to a northern state.

Broadsides are single sheets of paper with printed matter intended to be distributed in public. They could be posters announcing events or proclamations, advertisements, or a written argument (often describing political views).

Preview Activity

Context Clues: Look for phrases or words in the broadside that give you clues about the concerns of the author. List two of the concerns mentioned in the broadside.

Post Activities

Analyze: What fears does the author express? Use the author's targeted fears to consider who might have written such an address. Considerations might include age, occupation, race, or place of residence of the author.

Up for Debate: The following text originates from Article 1, Section 9, Clause 1 of the United States Constitution: "The migration or importation of such persons as any of the states now existing shall think proper to admit, shall not be prohibited by the Congress prior to the year one thousand eight hundred and eight, but a tax or duty may be imposed on such importation, not exceeding ten dollars for each person."
With a partner, discuss whether or not Congress, by considering the submitted petition, violated the Constitution. Keep in mind what Congress has the power to change and what lies outside of their powers.