Theodore Joadson

I know you, Mr. President. I know you and your Presidency as well as any man - and your father's. You were a child at his side when he helped invent America. And you, in turn, have devoted your life to refining that noble invention. There remains one task undone. One vital task the Founding Father's left to their sons...

…before their thirteen colonies could precisely be called United States. And that task, Sir, as you well know, is crushing slavery.

They were first detained by officers of a brig off Long Island. They were conveyed to New Haven - under what authority, I don't know - and given over to the local constabulary. About forty of them, including four or five children. The arraignment is day after tomorrow. I can only assume that the charge is murder.

What is true, Mr. Tappan - and believe me when I tell you that I have seen this - is that there are some men whose hatred of slavery is stronger than any, except for the slave himself.

I am embarrassed to admit that I was under the misconception that our Executive and Judicial Branches were separate.

The ship is Amistad. It's too small to be a trans-Atlantic slaver.

Not necessarily. At least, they certainly don't look it. From the glimpse I caught of them on their way to jail. They have these - scars.

Your record confirms you're an abolitionist, sir. Even if you won't.