To see the full record of a committee, click on the corresponding committee on the map below.
Mr. Lovejoy, from the Committee on the Territories, reports H. R. 374 with an amendment
A Bill
To secure freedom to all persons within the exclusive jurisdiction of the Federal Government.
To the end that freedom may be, and remain forever, the fundamental law of the land in all places whatsoever, so far as it lies within the powers or depends upon the action of the Government of the United States to make it so: Therefore,
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, That slavery or involuntary servitude, in all cases whatsoever, (other than in the punishment of crime, whereof the party shall have been duly convicted,) shall henceforth cease, and be prohibited forever in all the following places, namely:
First. In all the Territories of the United States now existing, or hereafter to be formed or acquired in any way.
Second. In all places purchased or to be purchased by the United States, with the consent of the Legislatures of the several States, for the erection of forts, magazines, arsenals, dock-yards, and other needful buildings, and in which the United States has or shall have exclusive legislative jurisdiction.
Third. In all vessels on the high seas, beyond the territory and jurisdiction of each of the several States from which or to winch the said vessels may be going.
Fourth. In all places whatsoever where the national Government has exclusive jurisdiction.
Sec. 2. And be it further enacted, That any person now held or attempted to be held hereafter as a slave in any of the places above named is hereby declared to be free, and the right to freedom hereby declared may be asserted in any of the courts of the United States or of the several States, in behalf of the party, or his other posterity, after any lapse of time.