SYNOPSIS OF LAWS PERTAINING TO SLAVERY.

Ordinances of 1787; pertained to the government of the territory of the U. S., northwest of the Ohio River and prohibited slavery in said territory, and provided for the return of fugitives, to those claiming their service.

Fugitive Slave Bill of 1793; provided for the return of fugitives from justice and persons escaping from the service of their masters, by requisition of the Governor of the State from whence they escaped, on the Governor of the State in which they may be found; and inflicts a penalty of a fine and imprisonment for harboring, concealing or aiding in their escape.

The Missouri Compromise Act of 1820; authorized the people of the Missouri Territory to organize a State Government, on an equal footing with the original States, and prohibited slavery in certain territories.

Fugitive Slave Bill of 1850; was amendatory of the law of 1793, and made it obligatory upon any justice of the peace, magistrate, marshal or deputy marshal, when called upon to enforce the law of 1793, under a penalty of $1000, and commanded all good citizens to aid and assist in the prompt execution of this law, whenever their services were required.

The Kansas-Nebraska Bill of 1857; upon the organization of those two territories, left it free for the people of every territory on becoming a State to adopt or reject slavery.

The Dred Scott Decision.—See page 142.

Emancipation Proclamation.-See page 333.

In the reign of George I., the ascertained population of the Continental Colonies was as follows:

GEORGE WASHINGTON.-The ancestors of George Washington emigrated from England to Virginia, in 1657, and settled in Westmoreland County, on the banks of the Potomac. His father's name was Augustine, and he is said to He died have been a wealthy planter in the Old Dominion. April, 1743, leaving large possessions to be distributed among his children.

The maiden name of Washington's mother was Mary Ball, a lady of refined taste and noble character.

Washington was born on the 22d of February, 1732. His early education was acquired under the immediate inspection of his devoted mother, and such instructors as she saw fit to employ. At the age of sixteen he had completed

his studies, and was eager to enter upon a career of activity and usefulness.

He would probably have been sent to England to complete his education, had his father lived; for it was customary among wealthy planters of the South to send their sons to Europe for this purpose.

Had this been done, it might possibly have changed Washington's whole career, and even seriously affected the destiny of the American nation.

In his boyhood he was distinguished for his ardent love of military life; and when only nineteen years of age, he was placed over a militia district, with the rank of major. His subsequent military career was eventful and thrilling in its character. In 1759 he was united in marriage to Mrs. Martha Custis, an accomplished lady of Welsh descent. At about this time, he was elected a member of the House of Burgesses, and evinced rare judgment and fidelity in the discharge of his duties. The second Continental Congress elected him Commander-in-Chief of the American Army, and he accepted the solemn trust with all the modesty and dignity of his great nature.

Congress had already fixed the pay of the Commander-inChief at $6000 a year; but, in accepting the position, Washington showed that he was uninfluenced by mercenary motives. He scorned the idea of making the position minister to his personal emolument. He distinctly assured the Congress that he would accept no remuneration, and would only ask that the expenses actually incurred in the service should be paid. "I do not wish," said he, "to make any profit out

of it." And when, in 1797, President Adams, anticipating war with France, called him once more to the command of the American Army, he reiterated the same sentiment. "I must decline," said he, "having my acceptance considered as drawing after it any immediate charge upon the public; or that I can receive any emolument annexed to the appointment, before entering into a situation to incur expense." How generous and self-sacrificing the conduct of this great chieftain appears, especially when contrasted with the grasping, self-seeking spirit of the present age! On the 3d of July, 1775, he assumed command of the army at Cambridge, Mass. The evacuation of Boston by the British; the transfer of the war to New York; the masterly retreat through the Jerseys; and the subsequent brilliant career of Washington as a military leader, are familiar to all readers of history.

In 1789 he was unanimously elected to the Presidency, and inaugurated amid great demonstrations of popular favor, on the 30th of April, 1789.

In 1794 he was re-elected, and served the nation with the same fidelity and success that had so pre-eminently distinguished his previous career.

non.

He died on the 14th of December, 1799, at Mount VerDistant nations were smitten with sorrow when he died, and wept with his own beloved nation, as her tears fell upon the of the citizen and soldier. grave first in peace, and first in the hearts of his countrymen."

"First in war,

JOHN ADAMS, Vice-President.-For biographical sketch,

see Second Administration.