To Samuel Huntington (unpublished)
Philadelphia Jany 12th. 1788
Sir

The Pennsylvania Society for promoting the abolition of Slavery, & the relief of free Negroes unlawfully held in bondage have taken the liberty to request your Excellencys acceptance of a few copies of their Constitution and the laws of Pennsa. which relate to one of the objects of their Institution, also of a copy of Thomas Clarksons excellent essay upon the Commerce & Slavery of the Africans.

The Society have heard with great distress that a considerable part of the Slaves, who have been sold in the Southern States since the establishment of the peace have been imported in vessels fitted out in the United States. From your Excellencys station they hope your influence will be exerted hereafter to prevent a practice which is so evidently repugnant to the political principles & forms of government lately adopted by the Citizens of the United States, & wch. cannot fail of delaying the enjoyment of the blessings of Peace & Liberty by drawing down the displeasure of the great and impartial ruler of the Universe upon our Country.

I am in behalf of the Society Your mt obedt Servt

B. Franklin

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