1
Resolved, That a law to abolish slavery in the District of Columbia would be inexpedient,
unwise, and unconstitutional.2
1Ninian W. Edwards introduced the resolution in the House of Representatives on February 23, 1839. The House amended the resolution by striking out the words
“and unconstitutional,” and inserting the word “and” before the word “unwise.” The
House adopted the resolution as amended.
Journal of the House of Representatives of the Eleventh General Assembly of the State
of Illinois, at Their First Session (Vandalia, IL: William Walters, 1838), 485.
2The original resolution included the words “inexpedient, unwise, and unconstitutional.”
On February 23, 1839, the House of Representatives struck out the words “and unconstitutional,” and inserted the word “and” before the
word “unwise.”
Journal of the House of Representatives of the Eleventh General Assembly of the State
of Illinois, 485.
Printed Transcription, 1 page(s), Journal of the House of Representatives of the Eleventh General Assembly of the State of Illinois at their First Session (Vandalia, IL: William Walters, 1838), 485