The Tallmadge Amendment (February 15, 1819)

The House having again resolved itself into a Committee of the Whole, (Mr. Smith of Marlyand the chair,) on the bill to authorize the people of the Missouri Territory to form a constitution and State government and for the admission of the same into the Union – The question being on the proposition of Mr. Tallmadge to amend the bill by adding to it the following proviso: 

“And provided, That the further introduction of slavery or involvuntary servitude be prohibited, except for the punishment of crimes, whereof the party shall have been fully convicted; and that all children born within the said State, after the admission thereof into the Union, shall be free at the age of twenty-five years:”