In this anonymous 1788 letter to the Hampshire Gazette, the writer questions whether the new federal constitution should be adopted because he believes that slavery is supported, according to Article 1, Section 9:
“The Migration or Importation of such Persons as any of the States now existing shall think proper to admit, shall not be prohibited by the Congress prior to the Year one thousand eight hundred and eight, but a Tax or duty may be imposed on such Importation, not exceeding ten dollars for each Person.”
The writer of this letter signs his name as “Adelos”, which is a Greek adjective meaning uncertain or obscure.
