the joint committee on the state of the republic , to whom were referred certain resolutions of the members of the legislature of the state of south carolina , and other resolutions introduced in the house of representatives of this general assembly , relative to a proposed convention of the people of the slaveholding states , recommend the adoption of the following resolution : resolved , that this general assembly regard most favorably the recommendation emanating from the people of south carolina , that the people of the slaveholding states meet in convention at columbia on the fourth of march next , as eminently conducive to harmonious and efficient action among them in defense of the institution of slavery , and all the rights incident thereto , guaranteed by the letter and by the spirit of the constitution .