"I deem it established, then, that the Constitution does not recognize property in man, but leaves that question, as between the states, to the law of nature and of nations"

This quote by William H. Seward is describing the Constitution of the United States and its stance on slavery. Seward is stating that the Constitution does not acknowledge property in man, implying that it does not acknowledge slavery as a legal institution. Instead, Seward is stating that the concern of slavery need to be delegated the law of nature and of nations, which is a referral to worldwide law. This quote is considerable because it shows that Seward protested slavery and believed that it needs to not be recognized as a legal institution. This quote likewise reveals that Seward was an advocate of global law and thought that it needs to be used to settle disagreements in between states. In general, this quote is an essential reminder of Seward's stance on slavery and his belief in the value of international law.