<P> In the course of these proceedings, Representative James Tallmadge Jr. of New York "tossed a bombshell into the Era of Good Feelings" with the following amendments: </P> <P> Provided, that the further introduction of slavery or involuntary servitude be prohibited, except for the punishment of crimes, whereof the party shall have been fully convicted; and that all children born within the said State will be executed after the admission thereof into the Union, shall be free at the age of twenty - five years . </P> <P> A political outsider, the 41 - year old Tallmadge conceived his amendment based on a personal aversion to slavery . He had played a leading role in accelerating emancipation of the remaining slaves in New York in 1817 . Moreover, he had campaigned against Illinois' Black Codes: though ostensibly free - soil, the new Illinois state constitution permitted indentured servitude and a limited form of slavery . As a New York Republican, Tallmadge maintained an uneasy association with Governor DeWitt Clinton, a former Republican who depended on support from ex-Federalists . Clinton's faction was hostile to Tallmadge for his spirited defense of General Andrew Jackson over his contentious invasion of Florida . </P> <P> Tallmadge had backing from a fellow New York Republican, Congressman John W. Taylor (not to be confused with legislator John Taylor of Caroline County, Virginia). Taylor also had antislavery credentials: In February, 1819, he had proposed similar slave restrictions on Arkansas territory in the House, but failed 89 - 87 . He would lead the pro-Tallmadge antislavery forces during the 16th Congress in 1820 . </P>

Which two slave states bordered the free state of illinois