Politics of the Louisiana Purchase - Ari Sclar

Of the same nature, though of less practicable aspect, is another Utopian idea, which I presume to suggest to the genuine friends of freedom, yet, I confess, without any sanguine hope, that it will receive countenance. The southern parts of Louisiana bordering upon the gulph of Mexico lie under a climate more favorable for the African constitution than any part of the United States. Thither, if under the auspices of a divine Providence the great work of the abolition of slavery should be accomplished in Virginia, or other southern states, we may colonise those unhappy people, whom our ancestors have brought in chains from their native country and we continue to hold in bondage…it may be advisable to entice those to remove who have already, or may hereafter obtain their freedom through the benevolence of their masters and a relaxation of the rigid laws, which have heretofore existed to prevent emancipation…the distance of that part of Louisiana from the United States might recommend it as a place of exile, also for other criminals. – there they might form settlements, and perhaps repent and become useful members of society…

• Reflections on the Cession of Louisiana to the United States, 1803

1. What is the point of view of the author toward the Louisiana Purchase? Is the author a Federalist? Explain?

2.

What does the author of this quote think the impact of the Louisiana Purchase will be on slavery? How would the events in Haiti have impacted the author’s point of view?