Meaning: The quote you've provided is from Gerrit Smith, a prominent American social reformer, abolitionist, and politician. In this quote, Smith addresses the issue of slavery and the attempts of slaveholders to distance themselves from the responsibility of the institution. The quote reflects the complex and contentious nature of the debate over slavery in the United States during the 19th century.

During this time, the institution of slavery was a deeply divisive and morally charged issue that ultimately led to the American Civil War. The quote touches on the argument made by slaveholders that slavery was a matter to be determined by individual states, and thus the Northern states had no right to intervene or express opposition to it. This argument was often used by proponents of slavery to defend the practice and resist efforts to abolish it.

Gerrit Smith was a vocal advocate for the abolition of slavery and a key figure in the anti-slavery movement. He was known for his strong moral convictions and unwavering commitment to the cause of human rights. Smith's quote reflects his frustration with the attempts of slaveholders to evade moral responsibility by framing slavery as a state-specific issue.

In the context of the time in which Smith lived, the quote can be seen as a critique of the moral and political justifications used to perpetuate the institution of slavery. By highlighting the disingenuous nature of the argument that slavery was solely a state concern, Smith sought to challenge the notion that the North could remain aloof from the issue. He believed that slavery was not just a regional concern, but a national moral crisis that demanded a unified response.

Smith's words also speak to the broader debate over states' rights versus federal authority that was central to the issue of slavery. Advocates of states' rights argued that individual states should have the power to determine their own laws and policies, including those related to slavery. This argument clashed with the growing sentiment in the North that slavery was a moral evil that transcended state boundaries and required a national solution.

In the larger historical context, Smith's quote can be viewed as part of the ongoing struggle to define the nature of the American union and the relationship between the states. The tension between the North and the South over the issue of slavery eventually erupted into the Civil War, as the nation grappled with the question of whether the institution of slavery could continue to exist within a unified country.

Overall, Gerrit Smith's quote captures the moral urgency and political complexity of the debate over slavery in the United States. It reflects the passionate arguments and deep divisions that characterized this tumultuous period in American history, and it underscores the enduring importance of confronting moral injustices that transcend geographic and political boundaries.