In the 1800s the us government wanted to keep the number of free states and slave states equal in order to

The government wanted to keep the number of free and slave states equal so that neither of would throw off the balance of congress.

For example, if there was more slave states in congress, then most likely the laws would be made in favor of slavery

Explanation:

the birthmark on georgiana's face alludes to the doctrine of "original sin," being tainted with evil from birth