John Jay

"It is much to be wished that slavery may be abolished. The honour of the States, as well as justice and humanity, in my opinion, loudly call upon them to emancipate these unhappy people. To contend for our own liberty, and to deny that blessing to others, involves an inconsistency not to be excused." (letter to R. Lushington, March 15, 1786) --- John Jay was a co-author of the Federalist Papers, statesman, Governor of New York, abolitionist, and the 1st Chief Justice of the United Sates Supreme Court.