Massachusetts was a center for antislavery activity throughout the antebellum period. For instance, the governor had recently appointed an agent, Samuel Hoar, to travel to South Carolina to challenge its law authorizing the imprisonment of any free black sailor arriving in the state. When Hoar arrived in Charleston, the South Carolina legislature passed a resolution directing the governor to expel him from the state. With threats of extralegal mob violence likewise directed toward him, Hoar returned to Massachusetts after a few days. The Nauvoo Neighbor condemned South Carolina for “curtail[ing] the freedom of a free people” and warned that such action would serve as a “fire, which will eventually singe the glory of American Liberty.” (“Statement of the Hon. Samuel Hoar,” Liberator [Boston], 17 Jan. 1845, 9–10; “Legislative Vengeance!,” Nauvoo Neighbor, 9 Jan. 1845, [2]; see also “Protection of Massachusetts Citizens in Other States,” Liberator, 20 Dec. 1844, 202.)

Liberator. Boston. 1831–1865.

Nauvoo Neighbor. Nauvoo, IL. 1843–1845.

Clayton apparently miswrote this sentence, as adding two members to the committee would make the number five instead of three. A correction to this effect was made at a later date by church clerk and council member George F. Gibbs. (On Gibbs, see Source Note for Council of Fifty, “Record.”)