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Quote#Freedom

States are much at variance in the civic character giving to free…

Quote byJames Madison · 1751–1836

Commonly attributed — not confirmed in an authoritative edition. Cited on Wikiquote to: Letter to General Marquis de Lafayette (25 November 1820), Montpelier.

English (original)

States are much at variance in the civic character giving to free persons of colour; those of most of the States, not excepting such as have abolished slavery, imposing various disqualifications, which degrade them from the rank and rights of white persons. All these perplexities develop more and more the dreadful fruitfulness of the original sin of the African trade

— James Madison

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