Mr. Justice GRIER.
 
     I concur in the opinion delivered by Mr. Justice Nelson on
the questions discussed by him.
 
     I also concur with the opinion of the court as delivered by
the Chief Justice, that the act of Congress of 6th March, 1820,
is unconstitutional and void; and that, assuming the facts as
stated in the opinion, the plaintiff cannot sue as a citizen of
Missouri in the courts of the United States. But, that the record
shows a prima facie case of jurisdiction, requiring the court to
decide all the questions properly arising in it; and as the
decision of the pleas in bar shows that the plaintiff is a slave,
and therefore not entitled to sue in a court of the United
States, the form of the judgment is of little importance; for,
whether the judgment be affirmed or dismissed for want of
jurisdiction, it is justified by the decision of the court, and
is the same is effect between the parties to the suit.
 
 
                          #  #  #