(seq. 7)

to long established custom [up caret] it is justly expected
[bracket, asterisk] by the respectable assembly by whose presence
we this day are so highly honored [bracket, asterisk] that we
exhibit some specimen of our improvement in
academical studies, & since the knowledge
of the principles of right reason & natural
law constitute so important a part of our
academical education, let us if you please
in a few words examine[crossed out] attempt to exa-
mine this question, [underline begins] whether the slavery to which
Africans are by the law of this land subjected
be agreeable to the law of nature? [underline ends]
[bracket, asterisk] And since it is by their conformity to this
law that the truth of all principles of civil
policy must be determined, if the affirmative of
this proposition should prove indefensible, you
will no longer appear an advocate for the truth
of those principles, or the justice of those practices
which rest on no other foundation than the
supposition of their truth[bracket, asterisk] If you are disposed
to join in this proposal, I will first attent to what
shall be offered on your part in support of your
opinion upon this question.

[in margin] P

Tho' conscious my friend of my [crossed out word] inability
[cross out begins] the most advantaged fly[cross out ends] to represent the arguments
conclusive of the truth of the affirmative [up caret] in support of this
proposition [up caret] in the most favorable light, more especially when circumscribed by