The Correspondence of Thomas Jefferson

By Subject

SLAVERY / AND THE U.S. CONSTITUTION

I fear the terms in which I speak of slavery, and of our constitution, may produce an irritation which will revolt the minds of our country-men against reformation in these two articles, and thus do more harm than good. I have asked of Mr. Madison to sound this matter as far as he can, and, if he thinks it will not produce that effect, I have then copies enough printed to give one to each of the young men at the College, and to my friends in the country.

to James Monroe, 17 June 1785