On 15 May 1820, #JMo signed a law classifying the slave trade an act of piracy. The year before, he described his hopes as to the effect of such a law: Orders have been given to the commanders of all our public ships to seize all vessels navigated under our flag engaged in that trade, and to bring them in to be proceeded against ... It is hoped that these vigorous measures...will soon terminate a commerce so disgraceful to the civilized world. (From annual message to Congress, 7 Dec. 1819.)
Posted on: Sun, 18 May 2014 17:30:38 +0000