She might become the dictatress of the world: she would be no longer the ruler of her own spirit." During Mr.Adams's occupancy of the state department, efforts were made by the American Government to abolish the African slave trade, and procure its denunciation as piracy, by the civilized world.

On the 28th of Feb., 1823, the following resolution was adopted by the House of Representatives, at Washington, by a vote of 131 to 9:-- "Resolved, That the President of the United States be requested to enter upon and to prosecute, from time to time, such negotiations with the several maratime powers of Europe and America, as he may deem expedient for the effectual abolition of the African slave trade, and its ultimate denunciation as piracy, under the law of nations, by the consent of the civilized world." In compliance with this resolution, Mr.Adams, as Secretary of State, issued directions to the American Ministers in Spain, Russia, the Netherlands, Colombia, and Buenos Ayres, to enter into negotiations with the Governments of these countries on this subject.

Mr.Adams also maintained an able correspondence with the Hon.

Stratford Canning, the British Minister at Washington, in relation to the basis on which a treaty should be formed with Great Britain for the suppression of the foreign slave trade.
Mr.Rush, the American Minister at the Court of St.James, was directed to enter upon negotiations in London, to this end.

His instructions were written by Mr.Adams, with his usual sound judgment and enlarged views of national policy, and the claims of humanity.