Dissertation on Slavery With a Proposal for the Gradual Abolition of it, in the State of Virginia By: St. George Tucker (1828-1862)
In St. George Tucker's influential work, "Dissertation on Slavery With a Proposal for the Gradual Abolition of it, in the State of Virginia," the author presents a thought-provoking analysis of the institution of slavery. Tucker's book, published in 1796, offers a comprehensive examination of the negative implications of slavery on society and presents a well-argued proposal for its gradual elimination. Tucker begins his dissertation with a clear and concise historical overview of slavery in Virginia, providing readers with an understanding of its origins and development. Through a thorough analysis of past legal precedents and philosophical arguments surrounding slavery, Tucker asserts that this institution is fundamentally contradictory to the principles of liberty and justice that the new American nation is built upon. By aligning his arguments with the values of the American Revolution, Tucker effectively challenges the moral foundation of slavery. One of the most compelling aspects of Tucker's dissertation is his proposal for the gradual abolition of slavery. He suggests a step-by-step approach, advocating for the education and gradual emancipation of slaves, while ensuring the protection of slave owners' property rights. Throughout his proposal, Tucker strikes a balance between the interests of slaveholders and the imperative to transition towards a more humane and egalitarian society. His argument is pragmatic and well-founded, supporting the notion that the process of abolition should be a gradual one, considering the economic and societal complexities involved. What sets Tucker's work apart from other similar writings of his time is his deep understanding of the impact of slavery on social cohesion. He astutely recognizes that slavery perpetuates a divisive society, engendering animosity and inequality among different races. By delving into philosophical and moral arguments, he challenges readers to question their own complicity in the face of this corrupt system. While Tucker's dissertation remains a landmark piece in the history of abolitionist literature, it does have some limitations. Firstly, his focus on the gradual abolition of slavery might be seen as a compromise, neglecting the urgency of the issue in favor of a more pragmatic solution. Additionally, Tucker's proposal does not offer a comprehensive plan on how to address the social and economic consequences that would ensue from emancipation. These factors may limit the book's impact on readers seeking radical solutions for the immediate eradication of slavery. Nevertheless, "Dissertation on Slavery With a Proposal for the Gradual Abolition of it, in the State of Virginia" remains a seminal work that challenges the prevailing attitudes towards slavery during the late 18th century. Tucker's eloquent writing style, his well-researched arguments, and his pragmatic approach make this book an essential read for anyone interested in understanding the complexities of abolitionist thought. It serves as a testament to Tucker's intellectual acumen and his commitment to shaping a more just and equitable society. First Page: Transcriber's note: Original spelling has been maintained and not standardized. The numerous short bibliographical reference notes that were originally printed as sidenotes have been set in brackets here and included directly into the text; the longer text footnotes have been renumbered for consistency. To indicate text in italic font, underscores have been used. Words without italics inside longer italic sentences are indicated by =equal signs=. A DISSERTATION ON SLAVERY : WITH A PROPOSAL FOR THE GRADUAL ABOLITION OF IT, IN THE STATE OF VIRGINIA . BY ST. GEORGE TUCKER, PROFESSOR OF LAW IN THE UNIVERSITY OF WILLIAM AND MARY, AND ONE OF THE JUDGES OF THE GENERAL COURT, IN VIRGINIA . Slavery not only violates the Laws of Nature, and of civil Society, it also wounds the best Forms of Government: in a Democracy, where all Men are equal, Slavery is contrary to the Spirit of the Constitution. MONTESQUIEU. PHILADELPHIA: PRINTED FOR MATHEW CAREY, No. 118, MARKET STREET. 1796. TO THE General Assembly of Virginia , To whom it belongs to decide upon the expediency and practicability of a plan for the gradual abolition of Slavery in this commonwealth, The following pages are most respectfully submitted and inscribed, BY THE AUTHOR. Williamsburg, in Virginia, May 20, 1796... Continue reading book >>

Dissertation on Slavery With a Proposal for the Gradual Abolition of it, in the State of Virginia By: St. George Tucker (1828-1862)

In St. George Tucker's influential work, "Dissertation on Slavery With a Proposal for the Gradual Abolition of it, in the State of Virginia," the author presents a thought-provoking analysis of the institution of slavery. Tucker's book, published in 1796, offers a comprehensive examination of the negative implications of slavery on society and presents a well-argued proposal for its gradual elimination.

Tucker begins his dissertation with a clear and concise historical overview of slavery in Virginia, providing readers with an understanding of its origins and development. Through a thorough analysis of past legal precedents and philosophical arguments surrounding slavery, Tucker asserts that this institution is fundamentally contradictory to the principles of liberty and justice that the new American nation is built upon. By aligning his arguments with the values of the American Revolution, Tucker effectively challenges the moral foundation of slavery.

One of the most compelling aspects of Tucker's dissertation is his proposal for the gradual abolition of slavery. He suggests a step-by-step approach, advocating for the education and gradual emancipation of slaves, while ensuring the protection of slave owners' property rights. Throughout his proposal, Tucker strikes a balance between the interests of slaveholders and the imperative to transition towards a more humane and egalitarian society. His argument is pragmatic and well-founded, supporting the notion that the process of abolition should be a gradual one, considering the economic and societal complexities involved.

What sets Tucker's work apart from other similar writings of his time is his deep understanding of the impact of slavery on social cohesion. He astutely recognizes that slavery perpetuates a divisive society, engendering animosity and inequality among different races. By delving into philosophical and moral arguments, he challenges readers to question their own complicity in the face of this corrupt system.

While Tucker's dissertation remains a landmark piece in the history of abolitionist literature, it does have some limitations. Firstly, his focus on the gradual abolition of slavery might be seen as a compromise, neglecting the urgency of the issue in favor of a more pragmatic solution. Additionally, Tucker's proposal does not offer a comprehensive plan on how to address the social and economic consequences that would ensue from emancipation. These factors may limit the book's impact on readers seeking radical solutions for the immediate eradication of slavery.

Nevertheless, "Dissertation on Slavery With a Proposal for the Gradual Abolition of it, in the State of Virginia" remains a seminal work that challenges the prevailing attitudes towards slavery during the late 18th century. Tucker's eloquent writing style, his well-researched arguments, and his pragmatic approach make this book an essential read for anyone interested in understanding the complexities of abolitionist thought. It serves as a testament to Tucker's intellectual acumen and his commitment to shaping a more just and equitable society.

First Page:

Transcriber's note: Original spelling has been maintained and not standardized. The numerous short bibliographical reference notes that were originally printed as sidenotes have been set in brackets here and included directly into the text; the longer text footnotes have been renumbered for consistency. To indicate text in italic font, underscores have been used. Words without italics inside longer italic sentences are indicated by =equal signs=.

A DISSERTATION ON SLAVERY : WITH A PROPOSAL FOR THE GRADUAL ABOLITION OF IT, IN THE STATE OF VIRGINIA .

BY ST. GEORGE TUCKER, PROFESSOR OF LAW IN THE UNIVERSITY OF WILLIAM AND MARY, AND ONE OF THE JUDGES OF THE GENERAL COURT, IN VIRGINIA .

Slavery not only violates the Laws of Nature, and of civil Society, it also wounds the best Forms of Government: in a Democracy, where all Men are equal, Slavery is contrary to the Spirit of the Constitution. MONTESQUIEU.

PHILADELPHIA: PRINTED FOR MATHEW CAREY, No. 118, MARKET STREET. 1796.

TO THE

General Assembly of Virginia ,

To whom it belongs to decide upon the expediency and practicability of a plan for the gradual abolition of Slavery in this commonwealth,

The following pages are most respectfully submitted and inscribed,

BY THE AUTHOR.

Williamsburg, in Virginia, May 20, 1796... Continue reading book >>

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