[4] Publication of Vanderbilt Southern Historical Society, No. 2, p. 11.
[5] “We, whose names are hereunto subscribed, having met for the purpose of taking into consideration the case of the people of color held in bondage in an highly favored land, are of opinion that their case calls aloud for the attention and sympathy of Columbia’s free born sons, and for their exertions in endeavoring, by means calculated to promote and preserve the good of government to procure for that oppressed part of the community that inestimable jewel, freedom, the distinguishing glory of our country; without which all other enjoyments of life must become insignificant.
“And while we highly esteem the incomparable Constitution of our country, for maintaining this great truth ‘That freedom is the natural right of all men, we desire that the feelings of our countrymen may be awakened, and they stimulated to use every lawful exertion in their power to advance that glorious day wherein all may enjoy their natural birthright.’ As we conceive this the way to ensure to our country the blessings of heaven, we think it expedient to form into a society, to be known by the name of the “Tennessee Society for Promoting the Manumission of Slaves” and adopt the following:
CONSTITUTION
Article I
Each member to have an advertisement in the most conspicuous part of his house, in the following words, viz.: Freedom is the natural right of all men; I therefore acknowledge myself a member of the Tennessee Society for Promoting the Manumission of Slaves.
Article II
That no member vote for governor, or any legislator, unless we believe him to be in favor of emancipation.
Article III
That we convene twelve times a year at Lost Creek meeting-house; the first on the 11th of the 3rd month next; which meeting shall proceed to appoint a president, clerk and treasurer, who shall continue in office for twelve months.