1842, Aug. 4. United States Statute: Appropriation.
"An Act making appropriations for the naval service," etc.
"For carrying into effect the acts for the suppression of the slave trade," etc. $10,543.42. Statutes at Large, V. 500, 501.
1842, Nov. 10. Joint-Cruising Treaty with Great Britain.
"Treaty to settle and define boundaries; for the final suppression of the African slave-trade; and for the giving up of criminals fugitive from justice. Concluded August 9, 1842; ratifications exchanged at London October 13, 1842; proclaimed November 10, 1842." Articles VIII., and IX. Ratified by the Senate by a vote of 39 to 9, after several unsuccessful attempts to amend it. U.S. Treaties and Conventions (1889), pp. 436–7; Senate Exec. Journal, VI. 118–32.
1842, Dec. 7. President Tyler's Message.
The treaty of Ghent binds the United States and Great Britain to the suppression of the slave-trade. The Right of Search was refused by the United States, and our Minister in France for that reason protested against the Quintuple Treaty; his conduct had the approval of the administration. On this account the eighth article was inserted, causing each government to keep a flotilla in African waters to enforce the laws. If this should be done by all the powers, the trade would be swept from the ocean. House Journal, 27 Cong. 3 sess. pp. 16–7.
1843, Feb. 22. Congress (Senate): Appropriation Opposed.
Motion by Mr. Benton, during debate on naval appropriations, to strike out appropriation "for the support of Africans recaptured on the coast of Africa
or elsewhere, and returned to Africa by the armed vessels of the United States, $5,000." Lost; similar proposition by Bagby, lost. Proposition to strike out appropriation for squadron, lost. March 3, bill becomes a law, with appropriation for Africans, but without that for squadron. Congressional Globe, 27 Cong. 3 sess. pp. 328, 331–6; Statutes at Large, V. 615.