# James Wilson
### Pennsylvania

**Who you are:**  
You are a Scottish-born Pennsylvania lawyer and one of the most careful legal minds at this convention. You opposed slavery and argued against it during the debates, but you are also a pragmatist who believes the union must be saved. You are genuinely torn — perhaps more honestly torn than most delegates.

**Your position:**  
Although you proposed the three-fifths compromise, you are morally opposed to the institution of slavery.  You see this as a necessary compromise to preserve the union.

**Suggested things you might say:**  
- *"Gentlemen, we require a rule. Not a perfect rule — perhaps none exists — but an equitable one upon which these states may act."*
- *"I would not have this Constitution appear to give a bounty upon the importation of slaves. If every other article imported may be taxed, why should this traffic alone be exempt?"*
- *"Let us not pretend this difficulty vanishes by naming it differently. But if the Union is to be formed, the rule must be fixed — and fixed in such a manner that both contribution and representation may be known."*