20. Calhoun's resolution on the status of slaves on the high seas. [§ [24.]]
1840, April 15. "Resolved, That a ship or vessel on the high seas, in time of peace, engaged in a lawful voyage, is, according to the laws of nations, under the exclusive jurisdiction of the State to which her flag belongs; as much so as if constituting a part of its own domain.
"Resolved, That if such ship or vessel should be forced by stress of weather, or other unavoidable cause, into the port, and under the jurisdiction of a friendly power, she and her cargo, and persons on board, with their property, and all the rights belonging to their personal relations, as established by the laws of the State to which they belong, would be placed under the protection which the laws of nations extend to the unfortunate under such circumstances.
"Resolved, That the brig Enterprise, which was forced unavoidably by stress of weather into Port Hamilton, Bermuda Island, while on a lawful voyage on the high seas from one port of the Union to another, comes within the principles embraced in the foregoing resolutions; and that the seizure and detention of the negroes on board by the local authority of the island, was an act in violation of the laws of nations, and highly unjust to our own citizens, to whom they belong."—Cong. Globe, 26 Cong. 1 Sess., 327.
21. Woodbridge resolution on extradition of slaves. [§ [23]]
1841, Dec. 22. Mr. Woodbridge submitted the following resolution, which was considered, and by unanimous consent agreed to.
"Resolved, That the Committee on Foreign Relations inquire into the expediency of entering into some arrangement with the Government of Great Britain, reciprocal in its provisions, for the arrest of fugitives escaping over the Northern or Western boundary of the United States, charged with the commission of any crime or crimes, and for the surrender of such fugitives upon reasonable requisition to the authorities of the State or province from which such fugitives may have fled: Provided, such arrangements do not comprehend cases of political offences merely, but be restricted to those which are in themselves criminal." No action taken.—Senate Journal, 27 Cong. 2 Sess., 47; Cong. Globe, 27 Cong. 2 Sess., 48.
Prigg Decision. Resolutions.
22. Significant extracts from the Prigg decision. [§ [25.]]
1842. "Upon this ground we have not the slightest hesitation in holding that, under and in virtue of the Constitution, the owner of a slave is clothed with entire authority, in every state in the Union, to seize and recapture his slave, whenever he can do it without any breach of the peace, or any illegal violence."