[144] Ibid., p. 43.
[145] Cf. above, pp. 126–7.
[146] Friends' View, etc., p. 42.
[147] A few accounts of captures here and there would make the matter less suspicious; these, however, do not occur. How large this suspected illicit traffic was, it is of course impossible to say; there is no reason why it may not have reached many hundreds per year.
[148] Cf. editorial in Niles's Register, XXII. 114. Cf. also the following instances of pardons:—
President Jefferson: March 1, 1808, Phillip M. Topham, convicted for "carrying on an illegal slave-trade" (pardoned twice). Pardons and Remissions, I. 146, 148–9.
President Madison: July 29, 1809, fifteen vessels arrived at New Orleans from Cuba, with 666 white persons and 683 negroes. Every penalty incurred under the Act of 1807 was remitted. (Note: "Several other pardons of this nature were granted.") Ibid., I. 179.
Nov. 8, 1809, John Hopkins and Lewis Le Roy, convicted for importing a slave. Ibid., I. 184–5.
Feb. 12, 1810, William Sewall, convicted for importing slaves. Ibid., I. 194, 235, 240.
May 5, 1812, William Babbit, convicted for importing slaves. Ibid., I. 248.