Collection: African American Newspapers
Publication: THE COLORED AMERICAN
Date: September12, 1840
Title: CONVENTION OF THE COLORED INHABITANTS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK,
TO CONSIDER THEIR POLITICAL DISABILITIES, HELD ON THE 18TH, 19TH, AND 20TH
OF AUGUST, 1840. ABSTRACT OF THE PROCEEDINGS
Location: New York, New York
For the Colored American.
CONVENTION OF THE COLORED INHABITANTS
OFTHESTATEOFNEWYORK,
TO CONSIDER THEIR POLITICAL DISABILITIES, HELD
ON THE 18TH, 19TH, AND 20TH OF AUGUST, 1840.
ABSTRACTOFTHEPROCEEDINGS.
Pursuant to a call issued to the colored citizens of this State through the Colored American, urging
them to assemble in Convention on the 18th of August, at Albany to consider their political
condition, and to adopt measures for their enfranchisement, the Hamilton street Baptist Church was
thrown open at an early hour on Tuesday of the above date, and soon became the scene of the most
spirited and soul-stirring meetings that have ever enlisted the feelings or engaged the energies of the
people of this or any other State.
At 10 o'clock, about 40 delegates were assembled. The Convention was called to order by the Rev.
Theo. S. Wright, who moved the appointment of Mr. C.B. Ray, of New York, as Chairman. Messrs.
Chas. S. Morton, of Albany, and Frederick Olney, of New York, were appointed Secretaries. After
Mr. Ray had assumed his station with some appropriate remarks, prayer was offered by the Rev. J.T.
Raymond, of Albany. A committee of three were then appointed as a standing committee to make out
a roll of the members of the Convention.
That it might be done in accordance with the letter of the call, and expectation of the people, a motion
was adopted, That, all gentlemen favorable to the call to deliberate in the meetings of the Convention,
should give in their names to the committee as delegates. Then followed the appointment of a
committee of four to submit to the meeting such candidates as it might be thought best, in the
judgment of the delegates, to appoint as officers for the after government of the Convention. The
committee retired for a few minutes, and reported the following, who were unanimously elected.
AUSTIN STEWART, of Rochester, President. RICHARD P.G. WRIGHT, Schenectady, JOHN S.
RAYMOND, Albany, WILLIAM P. JOHNSON, New York, Vice Presidents. CHARLES L.
REASON, of New York, HENRY H. GARNET, Troy, WILLIAM H. TOPP, Albany, Secretaries.
Mr. Austin Stewart, in assuming his station President of the Convention, made some appropriate
remarks, showing the necessity of the Convention and the important considerations that were likely
to be attended by it in its deliberations. These remarks are not given here on account of the limits of
the paper: they will be found in the full proceedings that will be published as soon as possible by
order of the Convention.
The concluding business for the Convention. This committee was composed ofthe following: Chas.
B. Ray, Chas. S. Morton, James W. Duffin, Theo. S. Wright, Frederick Olney, Patrick H. Reason,
Elimus P. Rodgers, John Windell, Armstrong Archer, George Baltimore, Abner H. Francis.
TUESDAY AFTERNOON, 18th.
The Convention met agreeably to adjournment, at 2 o'clock, and was opened with prayer by Rev. Eli
N. Hall, of Albany.
The committee on rules reported 13, which were adopted. The Chairman of the committee on the roll
gave into the Secretaries hands that paper as then made up - it is here given as subsequently
completed and used by the Convention.
NEWYORK - Rev. Theo. S. Wright, Rev. C.B. Ray, Chas. L. Reason, Alexander Crummell,
Frederick Olney, Henry Williams, Patrick H. Reason, Wm. R. Thompson, Jeffrey Van Clief. J.H.
Bishop, John M. Dolan, William P. Johnson, Thomas Jefferson.
POUGHKEEPSIE - Rev. John M. Mars, Uriah Boston.
HUDSON - Tunis Blake, James Parkman, Lloyd Tillman, J. Stay, Wm. Van Alstyne, C. Osterhout,
Wm. H. Parker, Solomon Groomer, P. Green.
ALBANY - Rev. John T. Raymond, Eli N. Hall, Chas. S. Morton, William H. Topp, David Thomas,
Michael Dougee, James F. Murray, Jacob Waldron, Primus Robinson, F. Van Vranken, A. Johnson,
Henry R. Crummell, John Springsteal, Stephen Myers, Richard Thompson, M. Thompson, William
Johnson, Henry Jackson, Wm. Queen, Henry Johnson, Samuel Streeter, James Baltimore, Nicholas
Bogart, Oliver King, R. Springsteal, Benjamin Cutler, Hiram Dalton, John Tate, Adam Blake, Eli
Johnson, H. Emery, J. Lain.
TROY - Alex. Thuey, Wm. Rich, J.A. Hubbard, Francis Baker, Jacob Brown, Francis L. Allen,
Ezekiel George, H. Highland Garnet, Samuel Jefferson, Lewis Jones, George B. Moulton, George H.
Baltimore, Prince Vaneller, Rev. Robert Butler, William Garrison, F. Thompson, Anthony Schuyler,
Clarence P. Seldon, Rev. George Garnet, Abram Jackson, James Gardner, Moses F. Van Leer, Daniel
Jones, J. Woods, Jesse Prince.
SCHENECTADY - R.P.G. Wright, Francis Simson, F. Jackson, John Wendell, Richard Sampson,
Francis Dana, T. Harris, Moses Wilcox, S. Barnes, G. Murray, M. Miner, Francis Thompson, J.
Thompson, Francis La Tour, R. Murray.
WEST TROY - York La Tour.
LANSINGBURGH - Andrew Grant, Frisby Way, John Jamieson, George Baker, Chas. Sherman,
Chas. Shim, Augustus Gifford, Thomas Van Brankes, George Lansen, John Johnson, Daniel Oliver.
UTICA - Benjamin Anderson, George C. Brown, Germanus Loguen, Joseph C. Parkco, J.W. Logan.
WHITESBORO - Elimus P. Rogers, John M. Brickers.
GREENBUSH - John Brown.
WATERVLIET - M. La Tour Lapanier, J. Adams.
SYRACUSE - Rev. John Chester, Ambrose Dunbar.
GENEVE - James W. Duffin.
ITHICA - Henry Jackson.
WHITEHALL - John Watson.
ROCHESTER - Rev. Thomas James, Austin Stewart, F. Payne, Rev. James Sharp.
BUFFALO - Abner H. Francis.
WILLIAMSBURGH - Rev. Armstrong Archer, Willis Hodges.
BROOKLYN - Augustus Washington.
JAMAICA, L.I. -Samuel V. Berry.
FLUSHING, L.I. - Edward M. Africanus.
ORANGE - John Van Huesen.
A preamble and some resolutions in accordance with its spirit were brought forward through the
business committee, which after being supported by several members were adopted. The preamble
reads as follows:
Whereas, we have assembled together here in Convention to devise means, and deliberatively to act,
and to call upon all who are willing to assist us in acting, that we may remove that proscriptive clause
in our state constitution contained in these words: - "No man of color, unless he shall have been for
three years a citizen of this State, and for one year next preceding an election shall be seized and
possessed of a free-hold estate of the value of two hundred and fifty dollars over and above all debts
and incumbrances charged thereon, shall be entitled to vote any such election." We think it our place
here to declare that we hold all distinctions between native born citizens growing out of complexion,
as unjust; - not because it restricts us socially with respect to the rest of the community, but because it
unwarrantably withholds rights inherent to us as men, and farther guaranteed by the noble charter of
our country's liberty: - It therefore becomes us as the objects of this proscription distinctly to state the
ground of our grievances, - to protest against the unrighteous discrimination and to appeal to the
reason, and nobler sentiments of the power holding majority for its peaceable but thorough
overthrow: - Therefore be it resolved,
Here follows six consecutive resolutions that go to show the inconsistency of complexional
enactments being passed in a professed republican state like New York - the injustice and impolicy of
the law that exists against us, - the incalculable importance of the franchise - and the necessity on our
part of an untiring determination to petition.
After these resolutions had been fully weighed and the general views of the delegates given upon the
sentiments they contained - as the ground-work on which the Convention was based, a motion was
adopted appointing a committee of three, to draw up an address to our people in this State, stating
briefly their duties on this all important subject.
Next a resolution was passed which after asserting the provision that our general government has
made for those aggrieved, resulted in appointing a committee of three, to bring in such instructions as
would be best calculated to achieve our enfranchisement, that is, such as would contain some leading
principle upon which the people might act.
Then followed the appointment of a committee of three whose duty was to collect statistics from the
delegates, - and another of three on incidental expenditures. The Convention adjourned about half
past 5 o'clock.
WEDNESDAY MORNING, 19th.
The Convention was opened with prayer by the Rev. James Sharp, of Rochester. After the reading of
the minutes according to rule, a motion was adopted appointing a committee of six to draw up an
address to the people of this State upon the political condition of our own people. Another was passed
directing a committee of two to submit to the Convention a form of petition expressly designed to
receive the signatures of the officers of the Convention and of the delegates generally.
A resolution was introduced by the business committee recommending "to our people throughout the
state to become possessors of the soil; inasmuch as that both elevates them to the rights of freemen,
and increases the power in the state in favor of political and social elevation."
A very spirited debate arose on this resolution owing to the exception taken to that part of the
resolution, which asserted that the obtainment of a certain amount of property elevates us to the
standing of freemen. It was supported by Mr. C.B. Ray. Theo. S. Wright, E.P. Rogers, chiefly, and
opposed by H.H. Garnet, Uriah Boston, and other delegates.
The discussion continued on this resolution till near the close of the session, when Mr. Ray
introduced an amendment which was as strongly opposed owing to its containing, as was contended,
the same sentiment as the original resolution. The Convention adjourned while yet the question was
pending at half past 12 o'clock.
WEDNESDAY AFTERNOON 19th.
The Convention opened at two o'clock with prayer by the Rev. John N. Mars, of Poughkeepsie. The
Convention went into a committee of the whole to present statistical statements. A number of very
important facts respecting the real and personal estate of the represented places and their vicinities –
the state of schools, Churches, &c., were made known - statistics of many places in the state were
communicated by delegates who had made it their duty to procure such general information. The
committee sat in very pleasant meeting for one hour and forty-five minutes, when it arose and
reported progress - the facts obtained being handed over to the committee on statistics.
The amendment that was under consideration at the close of the mornings' session was called up, and
after some further debate was indefinitely postponed. A committee of 8, one from each senatorial
district, was appointed to suggest a plan for effectual procedure in our efforts to obtain the suffrage.
The committee appointed on Wednesday morning, reported a form of petition for the special
signatures of the Convention - which was adopted - the committee being instructed to prepare it in
suitable clearness and size to receive the names before the Convention finally adjourned.
The committee appointed on Tuesday afternoon to draw up certain instructions or recommendations
to the people in behalf of the Convention - reported somewhat lengthy on the strength and importance
of petition or prayer, and concluded by recommending that as the great directing influence to which
the peoples' efforts should be wedded.,
A resolution was adopted recommending the purchase of land in the State, because it guarantees
permanency of residence and the means of happiness in circumstances.
Some minor resolutions were passed touching the local necessities of the Convention, and it
adjourned, at 5 1-4 o'clock.
THURSDAY MORNING, 20th.
The Convention opened at 9 o'clock with prayer by Rev. Thomas James, of Rochester. A series of
eight resolutions was submitted by the business committee bearing upon the principles involved in
our form of government as connected with the practice of the right of suffrage. They were taken up
separately, discussed and adopted.
The committee appointed Wednesday afternoon, of eight, - one from each senatorial district, made a
report in which they recommended three resolutions which were adopted: - the first was to appoint a
central committee of seven, four from Albany, and three from Troy, whose duty is, besides getting
signatures to petitions, to correspond with other committees throughout the state appointed for the
like object. This committee was made up by the election of the following gentlemen: - Henry H.
Garnet, George H. Baltimore, Daniel Jones, Troy. Chas. S. Morton, Michael Dougee, John P.
Anthony, Stephen Myers, Albany.
The second resolution was, that a committee of five be appointed in each county, except New York,
where there shall be a committee of ten, to be called "County Committees," whose duty shall be in
accordance with the provision of the above resolution.
It was moved also, that all committees that may from necessity be formed incomplete, be empowered
to fill up the vacancies hereafter.
The following are the committees as they have been appointed: KINGS - Benjamin Cruger, Augustus Washington, Brooklyn.
QUEENS - Samuel V. Berry, Jamaica, Edward M. Africanus, Flushing.
NEWYORK - John J. Zuille, George Lawrence, Sen., Frederick Olney, Chas. L. Reason, Chas. B.
Ray, Patrick H. Reason, Alex. Elston, James Fields, Timothy Seaman, Wm. P. Johnson.
WESTCHESTER - John Dungee, Sing Sing.
ORANGE - John Van Huesen, Sanford Hunter.
DUCHESS - Uriah Boston, Nicholas H. Simons, John N. Mars, Poughkeepsie.
ULSTER - Thomas Harley, Kingston.
GREEN - Martin Cross, Catskill.
VAN RENSSELAER - Wm. Rich, James A. Furbord, Troy.
ALBANY - Chas. S Morton, Henry R. Crummell, J.F. Murray.
WASHINGTON - John Harris, Whitehall.
OTSEGO - Henry Granger, Cooperstown.
ONEIDA - William D. Anderson, Utica.
MADISON - Samuel R. Ward, Peterboro.
ONONDAGO - Ambrose Dunbar, John Chester, Syracuse.
SCHENECTADY - R.P.G. Wright, Schenectady.
TIOGA - Luther Johnson, Owego.
TOMPKINS - Henry Jackson, Ithica.
HERKIMER - William Johnson, Little Falls.
LIVINGSTON - John Crawford, Chas. McGayner, Genesee.
SENECA - Thomas James, Seneca Falls.
JEFFERSON - Julius Terrill, Sacketts Harbor.
ONTARIO - J.W. Durrin, Geneva, David Ray, Canandaigua.
MONROE - Austin Stewart, Rochester.
ERIE - Abner H. Francis, George Ware, Buffalo.
STEUBEN - Simon Watkins, L. Platt, Bath.
ALLEGANY - John Peterson, Scio, Isaiah Hough, Friendship.
WAYNE - P. Lee, Wm. Bristol, Palmyra.
ORLEANS - Richard Gardner, Medina.
NIAGARA - James Morgan, Nathan Blount, Lockport.
OSWEGO - T.E. Grant, Oswego.
CORTLAND - Wm. Simmons, Cortland Village.
BROOME - Chas. Spruce, Binghamton.
The above are the county committees so far as they were appointed.
The third resolution of the report directs that it shall be the duty of the county committees to forward
their petitions when prepared to the central committee, and the chairman of this last committee shall
see that they are safely placed into the hands of some member of the legislature - or in other words
take it upon himself to see that they are presented in the most influential manner.
After the action on this report, the chairman of the committee on the address to thec olored people
reported, - and the address was adopted. Limits will not allow it here. The Convention attended to
some other collateral matter and adjourned at 12 1-2 o'clock.
THURSDAY AFTERNOON, 20th.
The Convention was called to order at half past one o'clock - being opened with prayer by the Rev.
Daniel Scott, of Pennsylvania.
A resolution was placed on the table for consideration, containing the sentiment that while it is our
duty to co-operate with all friends in the cause of human liberty, it is not less important to our
peculiar condition tat we should embody the unbiased opinions of our own people as occasions may
require in public Conventions.
The committee on the address to the people of the state reported a lengthy address, reviewing our
condition in the state, the influence of the restrictive law, our comparative importance, &c. It will be
published in this paper soon.
Then followed, the resolution which has been herein published, condemning the holding of a
National Convention this year.
A motion deprecating any system of general emigration as calculated to make us restless, unsettled in
habits, &c., was adopted.
The concluding resolution, containing any special sentiment was one asserting in strong words the
hopes we have in the redemption of our country and the determination to live among its institutions
and to rest beneath its soil.
Other incidental resolutions were passed, and the local committee on expenditures reported.
The result of that report leaves in the hands of Mr. Charles B. Ray, of New York, the sum of twenty
eight dollars and six cents - which is to go as part, towards publishing the proceedings of the
Convention in pamphlet form according to a motion of reference, not thought necessary to be
mentioned in this abstract.
The business of the Convention being finished, motions of thanks to the President and other officers
were passed, - sentiments of cordial feeling were tendered by the Vice President John T. Raymond,
of Albany, to the President of the Convention, and trough him to the delegates generally, in behalf of
the people of Albany, expressive of their approbation of the course pursued by the Convention, - and
the probable good influence that would follow from the views that from day to day had been thrown
out in the meetings. A reply was made by the President. After which the whole audience joined
concert and sung a hymn appropriate to the closing of such an effort. Rev. John T. Raymond offered
the dismissing prayer.
Thus ended with general good feeling, and untold results the three days' State Convention.
C.L. REASON, Secretary.