Meaning: The quote "But you answer, that the Constitution recognizes property in slaves. It would be sufficient, then, to reply, that this constitutional recognition must be void, because it is repugnant to the law of nature and of nations" is attributed to William H. Seward, an American statesman and politician who served as the 12th Governor of New York and later as the United States Secretary of State under President Abraham Lincoln and President Andrew Johnson. This quote reflects Seward's strong stance against the institution of slavery and his belief in the principles of natural law and international norms.

In this quote, Seward is responding to the argument that the United States Constitution recognizes slaves as property. He dismisses this argument by asserting that any constitutional recognition of slavery is inherently invalid because it contradicts the fundamental principles of natural law and international law. Seward's position aligns with the belief that certain rights and principles are inherent to all human beings, regardless of any legal or constitutional provisions to the contrary.

The concept of natural law, which Seward references in the quote, is a philosophical and legal theory that posits the existence of universal principles that govern human behavior and are inherent in the nature of humanity. According to natural law theory, certain rights and moral standards are inherent and immutable, transcending the authority of any specific legal system or government. Seward's invocation of natural law in this quote suggests that he views the institution of slavery as fundamentally incompatible with these universal principles.

Furthermore, Seward's reference to the "law of nations" alludes to the body of international law that governs relations between sovereign states. The principles of international law, often referred to as the law of nations, encompass norms and standards that are recognized and accepted by the global community. By invoking the law of nations, Seward implies that the institution of slavery not only violates natural law but also runs counter to the accepted norms of the international community.

During the mid-19th century, when Seward was active in politics, the issue of slavery was a deeply contentious and divisive issue in the United States. The moral and legal debates surrounding slavery were central to the political discourse of the time, ultimately leading to the Civil War and the eventual abolition of slavery through the 13th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. Seward's quote reflects the moral and legal arguments that underpinned the abolitionist movement, emphasizing the inherent injustice of treating human beings as property and the necessity of aligning domestic laws with universal principles of justice and human rights.

In conclusion, William H. Seward's quote encapsulates his firm stance against the institution of slavery, asserting that any constitutional recognition of slavery is inherently invalid because it is contrary to the principles of natural law and international norms. Seward's words resonate with the broader historical struggle to abolish slavery and uphold universal principles of justice and human rights. His invocation of natural law and the law of nations underscores the enduring significance of moral and legal principles in shaping the trajectory of societal progress and reform.