This ambition of Mr. Jefferson was not destined to complete defeat.
Three years later, the now celebrated Ordinance of 1787 was enacted
into law. "No one was more active," says Mr. Fiske, "in bringing about
this result than William Grayson of Virginia, who was earnestly
supported by Lee."[29]
Mr. Bancroft says:
"Thomas Jefferson first summoned Congress to prohibit slavery in all
the territory of the United States; Rufus King lifted up the measure
when it lay almost lifeless on the ground, and suggested the
immediate instead of the prospective prohibition; a Congress
composed of five Southern States to one from New England and two
from the Middle States, headed by William Grayson, supported by
Richard Henry Lee, and using Nathan Dane as scribe, carried the
measure to the goal in the amended form in which King had caused it
to be referred to a committee; and, as Jefferson had proposed,
placed it under the sanction of an irrevocable compact."[30]