July 30, 1776. Chase. Moves that the word “white” should be inserted in the eleventh Article. The negroes are wealth. Numbers are not a certain rule of wealth. It is the best rule we can lay down. Negroes a species of property, personal estate. If negroes are taken into the computation of numbers to ascertain wealth, they ought to be in settling the representation. The Massachusetts fisheries and navigation ought to be taken into consideration. The young and old negroes are a burden to their owners. The eastern Colonies have a great advantage in trade. This will give them a superiority. We shall be governed by our interests and ought to be. If I am satisfied in the rule of levying and appropriating money, I am willing the small Colonies should have a vote.