The Society met according to Adjournment

Present—
John Jay President
John Murray Junr. Treasurer
John Keese Secretary
Melancton Smith		Committee
Lawrence Embree
William Goforth
James Cogswell
Jacob Seaman
John Lawrence Mercht.
William Backhouse
Effingham Embree
William Shotwell
Nicholas Delaplaine
Noah Gardener—

The Standing Committee made a written Report of their Proceedings which was read and Ordered to be Entered on the Minutes Vizt.

“The Standing Committee Report that they have entered upon the Business allotted to them; with that deep Attention which its Importance requires.—

That they have releived several Slaves; and have, by their Letters to different Persons; in this and other of the United States; endeavoured to explain the real Intention and design of the Society; and to enforce the necessity and Justice of releiving that Class of injured Men for whose Benefit it hath been Instituted.—

That for this Purpose they have caused a number of the Rules of the Society, with the Introduction thereto; to be Printed and Dispersed from which they have reason to hope for good Consequences; as they Conceive the same will tend to remove that Prejudice which hath unhappily prevailed over Justice and the Dictates of Religion.—

That they have also drawn up a Petition to the Legislature of this State; praying an Act for the gradual Abolition of Slavery in this State; and have procured a great number of respectable Persons to Subscribe the same; and that it hath been presented to the Legislature.—1

And altho’ less has been Obtained than they wished; yet, as they Consider the smallest Step towards the Object in View; as of great Importance; they cannot but Congratulate the Society on the Event.”—

The Society proceeded to Elect by Ballot; two Members to replace the two first on the Standing Committee agreeable to the 12th Rule; And the Ballot being taken Willet Seaman and William Shotwell were duly Elected.—

A Letter of this Date, from Mr. Hector St John the french Consul here to the Secretary desiring to be Admitted a member of this Society; was read.—Ordered that Mr St. John be put in nomination agreeable to the 10th. Rule and that a Copy of it be sent to him by the Secretary—2

The Members present Paid their quarterly Subscription to the Treasurer—

The Society Adjourned to the 11th. of August next.—