They wanted new states to be free from slavery, so they would not have to compete with slave labor.

VOA: special.2009.04.30

Second,he could not be guilty of plotting a slave rebellion, because he had never incited slaves against their owners.

VOA: special.2009.07.02

He said it would be best to let the people themselves decide if New Mexico would be a slave or free state.

VOA: special.2009.03.12

An escaped slave would be hidden during the day by a member of the organization.

VOA: special.2009.04.16

But he said someone had to make clear to anti-slavery Democrats that the union would be dissolved if the constitutional rights of slave owners were not honored.

VOA: special.2009.07.09

But there would be no further attempt to make it a slave state.

VOA: special.2009.05.21