_Preamble and resolution, 1816._
Whereas the General Assembly of Virginia have repeatedly sought to
obtain an asylum, beyond the limits of the United States, for such
persons of color as had been, or might be, emancipated under the laws
of this Commonwealth, but have hitherto found all their efforts for
the accomplishment of this desirable purpose frustrated, either by the
disturbed state of other nations, or domestic causes equally unpropitious
in its success, they do now avail themselves of a period when peace has
healed the wounds of humanity, and the principal nations of Europe have
concurred with the Government of the United States in abolishing the
African slave trade, (a traffic which this Commonwealth, both before
and since the Revolution, zealously sought to terminate,) to renew this
effort; and do, therefore,
_Resolve_, That the Executive be requested to correspond with the
President of the United States, for the purpose of obtaining a territory
on the coast of Africa, or at some other place not within any of the
States or Territorial Governments of the United States, to serve as
an asylum for such persons of color as are now free, and may desire
the same, and for those who may hereafter be emancipated within this
Commonwealth; and that the Senators and Representatives of this State
in the Congress of the United States, be requested to exert their best
efforts to aid the President of the United States in the attainment of
the above object: _Provided_, That no contract or arrangement respecting
such territory shall be obligatory on this Commonwealth until ratified by
the legislature.
Passed by the House of Delegates, December 15th; by the Senate, with
an amendment, December 20th; concurred in by the House of Delegates,
December 21, 1816.