Among the characteristics of half-breeds one of the the most important is their sterility. . . This shows the connection to be contrary to the normal state of the races, as it is contrary to the preservation of the species in the animal kingdom. Viewed from a high moral point of [?] the production of half-breeds is as much a sin against nature as incest is in a civilized community is a sin against purity [of] character. And I have no doubt in my mind <there is> that the sense [of] abhorrence against slavery which has led to the agitation culminating in our civil was, has been chiefly and unconsciously fostered by the recognition of our own type in the offspring of Southern gentlemen, moving among us as negroes, which they are not. Far from presenting to me a natural solution of our difficulties, the idea of amalgamation is most repugnant to my feelings. I hold it to be a provision of every natural sentiment. Practiced secretly at the South, it is the source of infinite domestic misery; it has produced a population the position of which can never be easy, natural, and <or>productive of any good. It is now the foundation of some of the most ill advised schemes. Wherever it is practiced amalgamation among different races produces shades of population the social position of which can never be regular and settled. From a physiological point of view it is (therefore) sound policy to put every possible obstacle to the crossing of the races, and the increase of half breeds. It is unnatural as shown by their very constitution, their sickly physique and their impaired fecundity.