The State Convention, June 1864

THE STATE CONVENTION

The debate in the State Constitutional Convention on the 23rd article of the Bill of Rights, abolishing Slavery in the State, was closed on Friday last. The vote was then taken and the Article adopted – yeas 53 to nays 27 - every regular unconditional Union member voting for it and the Opposition vote being thrown solidly against it. –The article adapted as follows:- “Hereafter, in this state, there shall be neither Slavery nor involuntary servitude except as punishment of crime, whereof the party shall have been duly convicted, and all persons held as labor, as slaves, are hereby declared free.”

The body, on Saturday, adjourned over to the 6th day of July.