[Thanks to Linda Smith for transcribing this chapter]
CHAPTER XL.
Fugitive Slave Law.
1851.
"In town meeting held March 3rd, 1851, it was voted to consider at this time the 14th article in the warrant, which Article relates to the Fugitive Slave Act, whereupon N. H. Whiting presented and read the following Preamble & Resolutions:"
"Whereas, the government of the United States is professedly based upon the great truth that all men are free and equal, and have an inalienable right to liberty, and whereas its constitution was ordained for the purpose of establishing Justice, ensuring domestic tranquility providng for the common defence, promoting the general welfare, and whereas the late Fugitive Slave Act, is not in accordance with this purpose, but is contrary to some of the express provisions of that instrument, among others, that which declares that no man shall be deprived of life or liberty without due process of law, and that men charged with crime or whose interests are at stake in suits a common law involving a sum equal to twenty dollars, shall be entitled to a trial by Jury; and whereas this act is equally repugnant to our moral sense, a disgrace to the civilization of the age, and clearly at variance with the whole spirit of the Christian faith, therefore
Resolved, that until we are prepared to repudiate the principles of Independence, & abjure all our ideas of Justice and humanity, of truth & duty, we can be under no voluntary obedience to this act.
Resolved, that while we love & defend the Union that secures the object for which this was said to be established, we are not to be deterred by any threats of disunion, or by any