The state of slavery is of such a nature, that it is incapable of being introduced on any reasons, moral or political, but only positive law, which preserves its force long after the reasons, occasion, and time itself from whence it was created, is erased from memory. It is so odious, that nothing can be suffered to support it, but positive law.

William Murray, Lord Mansfield

Somerset v. Stewart

More information about this quote

Topic

Slavery

Author

William Murray, Lord Mansfield

Source

Somerset v. Stewart

Medium

Legal opinion

Genre

Legal writing

Language

English

Time

1771 1770s 18th century

Occupation

Lawyer Politician

From

United Kingdom Europe

Authentication Score 3

Citation

Murray, William. King's Bench. Somerset v Stewart. 98 ER 499. 22 June 1772.

Illustrated Quote

A quote by William Murray, Lord Mansfield about slavery: “The state of slavery is of such a nature, that it is incapable of…”
Download
A quote by William Murray, Lord Mansfield about slavery: “The state of slavery is of such a nature, that it is incapable of…”
Download
A quote by William Murray, Lord Mansfield about slavery: “The state of slavery is of such a nature, that it is incapable of…”
Download

Related Quotes

Below are one or more quotes that share at least one tag with the quote at the top of the page

Another quote from the 1770s

A government of laws, and not of men.

John Adams

More information about this quote
Topic
Rule of law Law

Author

John Adams
Source
To the Inhabitants of the Colony of Massachusetts-Bay Boston Gazette
Medium
Essay Newspaper
Language
English
Time
1775 1770s 18th century
Era
American Revolutionary Period
Authentication Score 3
Original Citation

Adams, John, [published as Novanglus]. "To the Inhabitants of the Colony of Massachusetts-Bay." Boston Gazette, 6 Mar. 1775.

Current Citation

Adams, John. "Novanglus No. VII, March 6, 1775." John Adams: Revolutionary Writings 1755-1775, edited by Gordon S. Wood. Library of America, 2011.

Another quote about Slavery

Fondly do we hope, fervently do we pray, that this mighty scourge of war may speedily pass away. Yet, if God wills that it continue until all the wealth piled by the bondsman's two hundred and fifty years of unrequited toil shall be sunk, and until every drop of blood drawn with the lash shall be paid by another drawn with the sword, as was said three thousand years ago, so still it must be said "the judgments of the Lord are true and righteous altogether."

Abraham Lincoln

Second Inaugural Address of Abraham Lincoln

Buy a book containing this speech at Amazon Buy a book containing this speech at Amazon
Read this speech at UVA's Miller Center website
More information about this quote
Topic
American Civil War God's will Slavery American politics God and America
Speaker
Abraham Lincoln
Source
Second Inaugural Address of Abraham Lincoln Presidential inaugural address
Medium
Speech
Genre
Political speech
Language
English
Time
1865 1860s 19th century
Authentication Score 2
Original Citation

Lincoln, Abraham. "Second Inaugural Address." 4 Mar. 1865, East Portico, US Capitol Building, Washington, DC, USA.

Current Citation

Lincoln, Abraham. "Second Inaugral Address, March 4, 1865." Abraham Lincoln: Speeches and Writings 1859-1865, edited by Don E. Fehrenbacher. Library of America, 2018.