Did Ellsworth Support Slavery?

To secure Southern support for the Constitution, Ellsworth supported free international trade in slaves. He also vigorously defended the Constitution at the Connecticut ratifying convention.

What plan did Oliver Ellsworth support?

In 1785, he became a judge of the Connecticut Supreme Court. Joining the Constitutional Convention in 1787, Ellsworth supported the movement to create a stronger central government. He helped to engineer an agreement between the large and small states that later became known as the Great Compromise.

Why is Mr Ellsworth for leaving the clause as it stands?

Ellsworth] was for leaving the clause as it stands, let every State import what it pleases. The morality or wisdom of slavery are considerations belonging to the States themselves." ... Ellsworth] He said however that if it was to be considered in a moral light we ought to go farther and free those already in the Country.

Robert Thorne

Robert Thorne

Automotive & Future Transportation Editor

Robert Thorne covers electric vehicle innovations, autonomous driving systems, global mobility trends, and automotive engineering developments.