ABOLITIONISM UNVEILED;
OR, ITS
O R I G I N,
PROGRESS, AND PERNICIOUS TENDENCY
FULLY DEVELOPED.
BY
HENRY FIELD JAMES,
(or IENTUCKY.)
CIN CINNA TI:
E. MORGAN  AND  SONS,
NO. 111 MAIN STREET.
1856. 
Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1856, by
HENRY FIE L D JA MES,
In the Clerk's Ofice of the District Court of the United States, for the District of
Kentucky.
E. MORGAN  & SONS,
STEREOTYPERS, PRINTER, AND BINDXRS,
Ill MAIN STRF.UT.
II
,'Ili 
PRE F ACE.
THAT the United States are involved in very great
and momentous domestic difficulties, must be obvious
to all. The future portends most serious commotions.
The Author was insensibly led to inquire, by what
means, and by what agency, had this great nation been
brought into so perilous a condition? Why was it
that alienation had been produced between North and
South; until it had become so bitter that civil war is
ready to burst forth in one of the Territories?
He could not fail to trace these immense evils to
the fanatical spirit of ABOLITIONISM. To write a history
of its origin, progress, and pernicious tendency, the
Author felt an irresistible impulse. 13ut he must
confess, he entered upon the task with great distrust
in his own abilities to do so great a subject anything
like adequate justice. He dares not flatter himself
that he could make the development in a style so
captivating, it would win its way to public notice and
favor. For years he has waited, in the hope some
more vigorous pen would embark in this undertaking.
But he has waited in vain. The Author, therefore,
throws himself upon the generosity of the public, in
the full persuasion, that it will appreciate his effort, to
restore concord and harmony in our National Councils.
(iii)
-ft 
PREFACE.
His object is, not to create fresh irritations; but
"to pour oil upon the troubled waters."  ABOLITIONISM,
unfortunately, has a fascination North truly astonishing;
to open the eyes of those under its influence is nearly
hopeless; and yet it is in that region, if the Union is
to be preserved, the change in public sentiment must
be effected.
But the Author takes a pleasure in acknowledging, that, in the North, there are many true friends
whose every pulsation is in favor of the Union-who
cling to it, as the Ark ofour political safety; and who
are battling with manly firmness against the insidious
wiles and disturbing machinations of this ever-growing
fanaticism.
The most ardent desire of the Author has been to
create a stronger attachment and devotion to the Union,
by showing that the interests of all the States are so
inseparably interwoven, that a dissolution cannot take
place without entailing mutual injury and ruin.
Hence, how powerful the incentives, for the patriots
of the North and South, to rally under one common
standard and preserve our National Government from
the hands of those who, aiming to build up a great
Sectional Party, will involve the nation in perpetual
discord-if not, eventually, in civil war.
i
iv 
CONTENTS.
CaPTn.....I.'Squire Henry Gray-His Birth-Travels and Settle                  ment in Kentucky............................. 7
CHAPTE....II. David Gray visits his uncle Henry in Boone-Inter                 view and conversation......................... 10
CH. a..III.'Squire Gray resumes the subject-The  injury to
Slave and Master from Abolition interference clearly
pointed out...................................15
CHA...IV.  A continuation of the same subject............... 21
CHaEr...V.  The same subject continued-The plan of the Work
defined......................................30
CHArm..VI.  Africa-Its Inhabitants-Their manners and customs 37
CHAPTER..VII. She  Slave-Trade-Its Origin-Those who partici                  pated in its Profits............................41
CaPERa.VIII.  The Origin of Abolitionism-A Peep into England's
Secret Archives...............................48
CaPTmR.. IX.  The Document-Abolitionism....................59
— CuaPs,rs.. X..ie - A.Jn —The Dangers that environ it..........66
CHATr E. XI.  The Grounds of controversy between North and South 74
CHsPTE=. XII. The Union-And its Dangers....................94
CErna XIII. The Altercation.............................. 106
CHIAnE. XIV.  On board Steamer Pike-Conversation with Captain.
Kidd.......................................  119
CHArTE. V.  Arrival in Cincinnati-Put up at the Dennison House
-Visit a Female Acquaintance-The Conversa                  tion-An Incident on the Street-And departure
on the cars for Sandusky city................. 126
CHAPTz R. XVI. Conversation with an Eminent Personage on the way
-Arrival in Sandusky City................... 132
Cuar  VII.  At aHotel-The'Squire goes out to see a Man hung                  A Dialogue overheard between two Men.............138
(v ) 
CONTENTS.
Depart to Amherstburg on the Steamer Consti   tution-Conversation at the Landing with a
Water-Carrier-With a Negro in Jail........142
'Squire Gray and David discovered to be from
Kentucky - The Insult-The Negro Mob   Their flight, and Arrival in Detroi.t.........149
'Squire Gray at a Hotel in Detroit-Thoughts and
Reflections on the incidents of the Day-Re  ceives an Answer-Buys Pony and Buggy   Makes another Excursion into Canada........154
'Squire Gray and David in Sandwich-Conver  sation with Mr. Crane-They go out into the
Country-Meet with his Negroes and others  Conversation-Surrounded by a Mob of Ne  groes, and narrowly escapes with his Life....157
Return to Detroit-Reflections-Riot at Sand  wich-Descends Lake Erie to the mouth of
Black river-Thence to Elyria-Conversations
with various Persons on the Route..........166
The'Squire and David at Elyria, O.-Conversa  tion with SHA............................171
Arrival at Oberlin-Conversation with Professor
WRE................................... 180
Dialogue between Professor Wren and Shan.... 185
Tom Shaw's soliloquy-His Chastisement and
Expulsion................................190
Conversation between Professor Wren and Moon. 195
The Conversation Continued.................. 202
Departure from Oberlin-Conversation with Lucy
Brown................................... 213
David and the'Squire depart from Cleveland to
Cincinnati-Long conversation with Darby..219
Conversation continued...................... 229
At the Dennison House-Conversation on the
value of the Union, in relation to Cincinnati
and the West.............................. 236
The'Squire and David at Home-The Pony Final Conversation...................... 245
Conclusion..............................250
I
I
vi
CHAPTIM.. X-VHI.
.... xix.
C..... X.X.
Qunm.... XXI.
CH... XXTI.
Clu"=.. XXIII.
CHAPTIM.. XXIV.
ORAI-TIM... XXV.
CHA.. )=I.
On"=. XXVII.
CH      X-XVIII.
CH - - Xmx.
ClaAPTM. - - - XXX.
C.. XXXI.
ciu. XXXII.
CIffAPr=.X.XXIII.
C  AM.. XXXIV. 
ABOLITIONISM UNVEILED.
CHAPTER I.
'Squire Henry Gray-His Birth, Travels, and Settlement in Boone
County, Ky.
ON the memorable day of the 20th January, in the year
of our Lord, 1799, was ushered into existence the hero of
our tale. So very particular was the family record kept,
that not only the day and year were strictly noticed, but
the very hour was to be preserved for the perusal and
gratification of all future ages; hence, it seems, the very
identical hour was at five o'clock in the morning, that the
lungs of our hero were first inflated by this terrene atmosphere, and his eyes opmed upon time. He was a lovely
child, as all the old womenpresent have testified, and came
forth smiling upon this land of sin and woe.  The snow,
this eventful morning, in soft flakes descended quietly to
the ground, while the north wind sang mournfully around
the humble dwelling; these were the scenes outside of the
chamber in which our Henry Gray was born, the day,
year and hour named.
The habitation of the family stood on an elevated spot of
ground, commanding an extensive view of the meanders of
a turbulent little creek, familiarly known as Crooked Run.
It was the dividing line between the counties of Culpepper
and Madison,Virginia.  The people of the Old Dominion
have a dialect peculiar to themselves. Runs were the
common names for creeks in that State, and this happening to be vastly crooked, was named, very appropriately,
"rooked Run." In the western horizon the Blue Ridge
(7) 
ABOLIIONISM UNVEILED.
reared its lofty and craggy peaks, often covered with snow.
Braced by the mountain breeze, our little Harry grew up
with a vigorous and healthy constitution. His parents were
not only attentive to the true development of his physical
powers, but bestowed their pious care upon his moral
training, and the proper cultivation of his mind.  At an
early age he was sent to school; but tuition was at a very
low ebb at that day-hence but little knowledge could be
acquired.
Those, then, who undertook to " teach the young idea
how to shoot" were miserably deficient in all the qualities
essential in a teacher. Their qualifications never ascended
higher than common Arithmetic, and as to aptitude in
imparting knowledge, that was a gift which had never been
bestowed upon them. There need not be much surprise,
therefore, if our Henry verged toward manhood without
mental improvement. Though he had been to many different teachers, yet when about seventeen years of age he
could barely read and cipher. The fault was all theirs:
they knew not how to smooth the path of knowledge to
make learning attractive, by removing those obstructions
that impede and sometimes overwhelm the infantile mind,
in its efforts to comprehend the intricate principles of the
arts and sciences. He was sutffered to grope his way, as
best he could; and it is not astonishing that his progress
was slow and discouraging.
However, the scene now undergoes a change; better
teachers came into the vicinity, and his pathway became
illuminated. He imbibed a taste for learning-lie devoted
his whole mind to his studies. He resolved to be a thorough scholar in all the branches of a good English education, and in this he eminently succeeded. None could
speak or write his native tongue more correctly than he.
Having arrived at man's estate, he selects for his helpmate one of the fair daughters of the land. In the choice
otf a wife he was greatly blessed. Now the thoughts of
our Henry Gray were turned to the West.  The fertility
of the Ohio valley was diffused throughout all that region
of country. He decided, therefore, with his numerous
slaves to emigrate to the West.
Not so with his brother John, two years older in age,
1I
1
8 
A
ABOLITIONISM UNVEILED.
He, with his family and slaves, went to the South, and
settled upon the fertile hills back of Rodney, Mississippi.
In the fall of 1824, our Henry Gray, with his family,
descended the Ohio from Wheeling, and landed on the
Kentucky side, just above the mouth of Big Bone Creek.
There a most spacious bottom, of unsurpassed fertility,
spread out to the distant hills. Here he had purchased
a large body of land, and intended to spend the balance
of his days. The forest fell before the vigorous strokes
of his numerous slaves, whose axes kept up an unceasing
noise. Ere many years a beautiful and extensive farm
was opened, and a splendid and commodious brick dwelling, situated a short distance from the banks of the Ohio
river, rose gracefully to view. On the lower edge of his
farm a little winding stream pushed its silent waters to
the placid Ohio.  This was Big Bone-so named from
the mammoth bones found at a salt spring near its head.
Blessed in all the relations of life, here, for many years
our Henry Gray resided in rural elegance. He had several beautiful daughters, who made his house very attractive. His unbounded hospitality was a theme of admiration throughout the surrounding country, but it was just
such hospitality as is common to all the sons of the Old
Dominion.  He became popular with the people, and
was appointed a justice of the peace, an office which he
held for many years, until he was universally known as
'Squire Gray.  The surname was usually dropped in
familiar conversation, and the'Squire only used.
His library was extensive, and composed of very valuable and well selected books not often met with at a far mer's residence. The constitution and laws of his country
he had made his particular study, and thoroughly under stood. As a politician, few excelled him. He was a
complete master of all political questions which had agi tated the country the last twenty-five years. Abolitionism
he had watched from its earliest germ up to its present
amazing and dangerous growth.  Whenever that subject
was natned, his eyes beatned with fire, and the vast fund
of information he possessed in relation to it, was poured
forth with warmth and great energy.
He was a tr   lover of the UTnion; its perpetuity he
9 
ABOLITIONISM UNVEILED.
looked upon as an object essential to the peace, prosperity,
and glory of the States. The bare idea of its dissolution
filled his patriotic bosom with unutterable horror. He
was indeed, in the language of the great and lamented
Webster, "for the Union, one and inseparable, now and
forever."
In the year 1840, his brother, John Gray and family,
from the South, spent the summer with the'Squire, at
his residence in Boone. They had with them a little son,
named David, then several years old, very sprightly and
interesting.
Never were two brothers more endeared to each other.
Their hearts were truly knit together. As masters, they
were kind and humane. They governed their families
like the patriarchs of old. Between Henry and his slaves
there were great confidence and affection prevailing: no
discord in his family.
CHAPTER II.
David Gray-Visits his Uncle Henry in Boone -Interview and
Conversation.
DAVID GRAY was an amiable youth-true benevolence
beamed in his countenance. Upon the borders of the Mississippi river, the fatherofwaters, nearRodney, he was born,
and there had grown up to manhood. He was thoroughly
educated-his mind was trained to a close and full investigation of subjects.   He  was master of the arts and
sciences, and many of the ancient and modern languages.
In the spring of 1855, at the age of twenty, he returns
home to enjoy the pleasures of rural scenery.
He had long been immured in the walls of a college,
devoting all the energies of his mind to comprehend the
various studies in which he had been engaged, and now
he comes forth, with all the ardor of youth, to intermingle
with relatives and society; to home, sweet home, he
returns, after long absence. There he meets his dear
parents, who receive him with great affection. The old
10 
ABOLITIONISM UNPEILED.
family servants crowd around him, shake the hand of
Massa David, while tears of joy flow down their cheeks.
After enjoying, for a season, the pleasures of home, David felt an irresistible impulse to pay a visit to his aged
uncle in Boone.
"Ah!" says he to himself, "I have now  arrived at
manhood. I have closed my collegiate course. I have
not sought'shallow draughts,' which merely'intoxicate
the brain,' but I have aimed' to drink deep of the Pierian
Springy  I have long been poring over musty lore.  It
is true I have retired from college with all the honors of a
regular graduation. As a scholar I stand on the highest
list; and yet I cannot say I am acquainted with the exciting scenes of real life. I understand the events that hlave
transpired previous to my day better than I do the mighty
throes of the world in this age. I have traced mankind,
so far as history enabled me, from old Adam down to the
present century. The multiplication of mankind, the rise
and fall of empires, the bloody revolutions of nations, and
the dread carnage of war, are all imprinted upon the tablets of my memory in lasting characters. The nature of
man, as there developed, I fully comprehend. But as old
time drives his car forward, new inventions are madethe social and moral relations of our race are approximating to perfection. What is the extent of that approximation, I am not fully advised.
"Upon the theater of life, I am now entering at a most
auspicious period I am persuaded.   I am a citizen, not
merely of Mississippi, but of the United States-of this
great Federal Union- of this galaxy of States whose stars
and stripes float proudly over every sea. i have been
reared in the sunny South, amid slavery, but that makes
no difference; I am hailed as a brother, as a citizen of this
great community, wherever I may travel, whether in the
North, East or West. A delightful thought! Here are
thirty-one States, some of them empires within themselves,
containing over twenty-three millions of people, all coin bined under a Federal Head. For all national purposes
they are one people, guided by one will. Ah! here lies
the secret of our greatness.
"The vast resources, the physical power of this whole
11 
ABOLITIONISM UNVEILED.
nation can be concentrated in sustaining the rights and
honor of the United States. Not like the petty States of
Greece, wasting our means and strength in intestine broils
and collisions, thus destroying and eating up each other's
vitals. No, no, we are reposing quietly like lambs here
at home; but let some great emergency call these sleeping
energies forth; let some foreign - ay, any nation upon
earth, trample upon our rights or insult our flag, then we
are terrible- I might say, invincible in battle array. But
I must travel.
"I have not yet, but once, been out of the bounds of my
native State. I am a Southerner in reality. I have seen
nothing but cotton-fields, worked by slaves, all my lifeb.
Well, these creatures, notwithstanding, appear happy. I
am disposed to think no other laborers are better fed,
have more comfortable houses, or work less. This is only
my naked impression. They surely are contented-they
have no cares or anxieties for to-morrow. Oh! how much
have I been amused with their dancing-their very souls
seemed absorbed in the amusement. Well, well, these
things I have seen-let them pass.
"Now, the inquiry with me is, Where shall I spend the
summer? 1 must think. I have an uncle-a hospitable
old gentleman-residing on the bank of the Ohio river, in
Kentucky. Yes, many years ago, while I was a mere
boy, I was there. I shall always remember him and his
family, for I spent my time there so pleasantly. He had
some pretty little daughters, with fine rosy cheeks, and
black eyes. Sweet cousins they were. Methlinks 1 would
not know them now. They have grown up, married, and
moved away.
"Oh! what a mighty change time makes I  Then,
again, he had some good, old, faithful servants. Hlow
kindly they treated me. If I should arrive there, I shall
see them all again. My uncle was a kind and humane
man. His slaves all loved him, and rendered a cheertiful
obedience to his commands. A family so happy I wish
once more to visit. My parents will consent, and I am
decided to go.  Yes, yes! I must once more sit on the
banks of the placid Ohio, and on the flowery banks of
that little meandering stream Big Bone. How delightful
12 
ABOLITIONISM UNVEILED.
the scenery. The hills rise back with a regular ascentcovered with the richest verdure. Upon their sides feed
the bleating sheep and lowing herds of cattle.
"' I will prepare and be off in a few days. Come, John,
tell the washerwoman to have all my clothes in readiness,
as I am resolved to take a long journey."
"Oh! Massa David, only bin home dese few weeks,
now goin' ag'in.  What on'arth can make you do dis
way."
"Ah! John, I have just been thinking of a dear old uncle
I have living up in Kentucky. I purpose to go and see
him. He is growing in years, and may, ere-long, be
gathered to his fathers.  I want to enjoy his society once
more this side the grave."
"Oh! deary me.  I knows Massa Henry well.  Him
and me be about de same age. We used to hunt de
coons and'possums together in Old Virginny.  He  is
mi'ty kind hearted to de nigger.'Member me to all de
black folks, Tom, Dick, Joe —all dem niggers dare   tell
'em old John is still kicking dis side of de grave."
"I will not forget, John, to do so."
Soon David hailed a steamer at Rodney, destined for
the Ohio river, and, without any occurrence worth noting,
lands at his uncle's in Boone, where the following conversation ensued:
"Do you remember me, uncle?"
"I am not sure I do. I can see a slight resemblance
in your features to a brother I have in the south; but if
you are his son you have grown out of my knowledge.
Several years ago, he and family spent the summer with
me. He had an interesting little son, David, with him,
whom I tenderly loved.  Can you be the same?"
"I am, uncle, that identical boy."
"God bless you, David; I am happy, very happy, once
more to have you under our roof. I have often thought,
if I could again have your society for a season, I would
be willing to depart in peace."
"Why so, uncle?"
"The answer to that question involves a long storytoo long to enter upon it this evening. I have no doubt
you are greatly fatigued after your tedious voyage, and
i
13 
ABOLITIONISM UNVEILED.
will need much repose. I will not trouble you now with
the important matters weighing heavily upon my mind.
As you doubtless will spend with me the whole summer,
we shall have ample time to go through the discussion
which this dangerous crisis in national affairs demands."
"Very well, uncle, I shall be ready at this or any other
time to hear whatever you are disposed to communicate.
I do not know at present to what particular subject
you allude, but my object in coming up was to seek in formation. I am happy in having it in my power to
spend this summer with you. From your age and intelli gence I hope I may be instructed in many things of which
I am now partially ignorant. How are the good old servants
that you owned some years ago? I want at once to go
to the cabins to see them all. I know they will be very
glad to see me."
"Alas! David, it pains me to say, you will find none
there-the cabins are all vacated, silent as the tombs.
You have come to a deserted'plantation."
"What, uncle, can be the cause of this great change
in your domestic affairs? What evil demon has been at
work to destroy that peace and harmnony in your family I
witnessed years ago? Then there was confidence between
master and slave, reciprocal feelings of friendship.  I can
not see how that faithful old servant Tom, reared by you
from a boy-descended to you by inheritance-could be
enticed away."
"You have, David, made an allusion to those very
matters which have borne so heavily upon me. I have
been constrained to do, what I never supposed I would
do during my life-to part with my slaves. They are
gone, not to Canada, but to the south, and I have thieir
value in money.  The reasons for such an act I will hereafter detail."
14 
ABOLMIONISM UNVEILED.
CHAPTER III.
'Squire Gray resumes the subject- The injury to Slave and Master,
from Abolition interference, clearly pointed out.
EARLY the ensuing morning, David arose, and met his
uncle in the parlor.
Well, David," says he, "I hope that sleep,'tired
nature's sweet restorer,' has prepared you for the duties
of the day.  The sun has just spread abroad his raysthe little birds, with their sweetest songs have welcomed
the returning day; but when I look abroad upon my extended fields, covered with numerous cattle and sheep, I
feel sensibly the inconvenience to which I am subjected
by the removal of my slaves."
"I have no doubt of that, uncle," replied David. "You
have, from your infancy, been accustomed to them, and
you have now to depend upon hired labor. I cannot say
how it may succeed here; but in the cotton region I know
it would be a perfect failure. It is possible you may contrive to graze most of your land, and cultivate annually
only a small portion in grain, without the hiring of many
hands; and in this way you may derive from your estate
a moderate income."
"Be that as it may, David, I will never repent of what
I have done. I did not act in haste, or from a sudden
impulse of passion; but upon full and mature consideration. The act afforded me no pleasure in the world; but,
on the contrary, it was one of the most painful nature I
ever performed."
"Oh! cruel destiny, uncle; what could have induced
you to perform such an act of apparent cruelty? Surely
there must have been powerful causes to have constrained
you to the performance of such a deed."
"Truly, truly, David; but now I will detail to you
why I have thus acted - not only myself, but many of
my neighbors. We reside here near the Ohio river, on
the borders of the state, and have suffered much  from
Abolitionism. Of its origin, progress, and pernicious
tendency, perhaps you may, in some degree, be ignorant.
15 
ABOLITIONISM UNVEILED.
This is that foul demon that has come in among us, to
produce those results which all humane persons so much
deplore. As you are from the far south, you are not sensible of its encroachments. I rejoice, therefore, that I
have it in my power to furnish you with a history of ABOLITIONISM, which you will find contains more truth than
fiction. When you return home, you will remember the
solemn declarations of your aged uncle, whose head is
blossoming for the grave. I have passed the meridian of
time, and I am now descending to the vale of death.
What I shall take the liberty to utter in your hearing the
present summer, I hope will make a lasting impression
upon your mind. You are young-just entering upon the
theater of life; hence, when this poor frame of mine mnay
rest quietly beneath the sods of the valley, upon you and
the rising generation will this rich inheritance of freedom
be devolved. By the blood of martyred patriots it was
achieved, and it can only be preserved by eternal vigilance.  That all the privileges we enjoy depend upon the
preservation of the Union, I am firmly persuaded. Its
dissolution would involve a train of evils too horrible to
contemplate-civil war would soon rage between North
and South, which would only end by entailing upon the
country one long night of gloomy despotism.
"The commencement of the contest would be to liberate
three millions of African slaves, but its end the enslavement of all, without regard to color. Then, indeed, the
iron rule of some military chieftain would hush to everlasting silence the wild fanaticism that goaded the South
to madness. Its fearful visage never more would be reared
to proclaim the inalienable rights of man, or to cheer on
his way' the pantingfugitive.' When intolerable slavery
shall press to the earth the teeming millions that may iInhabit this vast western continent, there will be no room
for the exercise of philanthropy. Pens and tongues would
no longer be employed in the syren song of emancipating
the world.  Blot out this luminous spot on earth-tlhe
only spot upon which liberty has found an abiding placethen the sable cloud of despotism would enshrine the face
of this globe. But I must answer the question which
you have propounded. Old people must be indulged ill
16 
ABOLITIONISM   NEILED.
a greater latitude of digression than would be allowable
in a methodical treatise, or one governed by the strict
rules of logic. You will pardon me, therefore, for those
occasional flights into which I may sometimes be betrayed.
I shall not fail, in the end, to give you the desired information.
"Now, as to the cattes of that act to which allusion
has been made. I had to perform it with the iron nerve
of Cato. I am aware that in one region of our country I
shall, by many, be deemed a monster of cruelty. But I
flatter myself, when the whole story is heard, I shall stand
acquitted of any impropriety in the minds of all good
people, wherever they may reside, either north or south.
To the impartial arbitrament of the whole world I am
willing for that act to be submitted, only claiming the
rivilege of being heard in my own defense before the
final verdict shall be rendered.
"With slavery I have been conversant all my lifenursed by slaves and reared in their midst. I have had
the management and control of them ever since I was
eighteen years of age. I knew thenm well before Abolition
was introduced; I know them now since its baneful influence has been felt. Look at the Atfrican slave in his
native simplicity, before this wily serpent had crept in to
mar his peace and happiness; and what do we behold?
"A dependent and faithful creature, looking up to his
master as his best friend and protector. The relation
between them being one of mutual kindness and affection.
I have known many of the native Africans who were
torn from their homes and sold into bondage in this
western world. They all concurred in opinion that they
were kidnapped and sold by their own people. The
wrong of the whites-if wrong it must be called-onsisted only in buying.
"'When I think how it used to be with my slaves, and
what a great change was finally produced in them, I cannot forbear venting many heavy curses upon Abolitionism-the cause of this dire change in my affairs.  A  few
slaves I purchased, but the most of those I owned descended to me by inheritance. They came down from
remote    ancestors, till they fell into my hands.  I con        2
17 
ABOLITIONISM UNVELIED.
sidered them an entail upon the present generation.
Whatever might have been the iniquity of the slave trade, we were innocent of it. It was by no means an
original question when I came upon the stage of life: the
evil-if evil it was-had all been perpetrated.  These
Africans were here, in our possession, and what to do
with them, was the only question left for us to solve.
"So far as depended upon myself, I considered it my
duty to treat those slaves I owned with all the humanity
consistent with good government. No family establish.
ment can be happy or prosperous without submission to
the head. There must be some one to direct and control,
as well as to labor. Thus the farming operations are
carried on, whether by slave or free-labor. If I hire a
man to work at wages, he must use proper diligence to
do the work I assign him; otherwise I dismiss him from
my employ. Obedience in both cases is required, though
the mod(le of punishment for disobedience may be different. The same work has to be done either by white or
black. Without' the sweat of the brow'the seed will
not be sown, nor will the corn be made or saved.
"The whole human family are mainly dependent on
the products of the soil for subsistence. With the most
diligent industry the annual products will be annually
consumed. Those who are trying to destroy the agriculture of the slave states, by enticing away laborers, are
doing an injury that may be seriously felt. I have never
thought it wrong to labor or require it of others. My
destiny happened to be thrown among slaves, and to that
kind of labor I have been accustomed from my infancy.
To them I have always aimed to be kind and humane.
Whenever I had to punish, which I had sometimes to do,
it was always tempered with mercy. I never chastized
to gratify a revengeful feeling; but did it purely for the
benefit of the offender and to maintain good order in my
family.
"Of my slaves I was always cautious not to require
anything unreasonable or unjust.  I worked them no
harder-I might, in fact, say not so hard as every laboring man has to work.  I provided them good, comfortable houses in which to reside, and supplied them with
18 
ABOLITIONISM UNVEILED.
good, wholesome food in sufficient quantities. Their
clothing was warm in winter, made of wool, manufactured in the family: summer wear was either cotton or
linen.
"To their health I paid strict attention.  In sickness,
medical service was immediately employed. They never
suffered for the want of nursing.   Thus I have endeavored to discharge every duty incumbent upon me. I was
always anxious to promote the health and happiness of
my slaves.  I gave them many advantages-they had a
truck-patch. From the sale of articles which they would
thus raise, and from other sources, they were enabled to
dress very finely on the Sabbath: at which time they
usually appeared in their silks and broadcloths.
"Until recently, contentment seemed to prevail among
them. Iheretofore between them and myself confidence
and good feelings existed. I held them to be my true and
faithful domestics who would not, on any occasion, hurt a
hair of my head; and hence I felt myself as safe in their
company as anywhere else in the world. I maintained
my patriarchal authority -for such I felt it to be and
nothing more-with a steady and even balance.
"The  responsibility of taking  care of  a portion
of the African race -of administering to their wants
in sickness and in health, I felt was placed upon
me; whether rightfully or wrongfully, it were vain to
inquire. I found them here as slaves, and if one didn't
own them another would. I had done nothing to reduce
them to this condition; into their native country I had
not gone, to tear them away from relatives and fiiends,
and transplant them in American soil.  All this inhqmanity was performed before my day. The iniquity of
the slave trade shall be fastened upon the right shoulders
ere I am done. Let the guiltyparty answer to God and
the world for this enormous outrage, and not those into
whose possession the present generation of slaves has
fallen.
"The slaveholders of this day can hold up their hands
in the sight of high Heaven and solemnly declare that
they have done nothing in producing this condition in the
African race -that slavery is an entailment from former
19 
ABOLITIONISM UNVEILED.
times which they cannot avoid. By the mysterious work.
ings of Providence this relation of master and slave has
been permitted on this western continent. Africa has
been despoiled of her children; the)y have been cast into
bondage among us, and for what wise purpose the future
alone can disclose.  That God wills the happiness of all
his children, irrespective of colors, I firmly believe; and
that good in the end is to be educed from slavery I feel
equally confident-not only to the one race, but to both.
"I have already extended my observations too lengthily upon the present occasion. I fear, David, your
patience is entirely exhausted."
"Dear uncle," replied David, "I take a deep interest
in the subject you have been discussing; it is one of momentous interest, involving in its issue the permanency
of this mighty Union: for I am persuaded that, of all
subjects, ABOLITIONISM is best calculated to produce alienation between the North and South, and finally disunion.
I am, therefore, willing to listen patiently to whatever
you may think proper to advance on this deeply interesting question.  My studies and occupation have forbidden
me from giving so much attention as you have to Abolition. Beside, my youth will deter me from often interrupting your narrative.
"I am aware that if the thread of old people's ideas
be broken, it cannot be easily re-united.  Much valuable
information might thus be lost. I shall claim chiefly the
rivilege of a listener.  I set out on my journy to acquire
knowledge, and I am happy that I am now sitting under
your hospitable roof.  I have no doubt a whole summer's
entertainment I may expect from your lips on this exciting  question of Abolitionism.   From  your extensive
knowledge of that subject, in all its various ramifications,
from your having watched it from its earliest germ to its
present overshadowing growth, you can portray its history
in true and vivid colors."
"You place, David, an over-estimate upon my humble
abilities to do this subject anything like justice. I enter
upon it with great distrust. I am actuated by a warm
zeal for a common country. I cannot longer stand silent,
and see this dangerous conspiracy against our liberty
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ABOLITIONISM UNVEILED.
for as such I consider it-daily increasing; sustained too
by foreign influence and gold, without an effort, however
feeble, to unmask its deformities. Should the task prove
iunsuccessful, I shall still have the consolation to think I
hlad the manliness to warn the public of the dangerous
crisis approaching in our national affairs."
CHAPTER IV.
A continuation of the same subject.
"AT the last interview, David," said the'Squire, " I
was delineating the happy condition of the slave prior to
the introduction of Abolitionism into his bosom. We
then beheld him contented and happy, rendering a cheerful obedience to the lawful commands of his master. I
will now show you how this happy relation has been
destroyed, and how I have been reluctantly constrained
to deprive myself of the services of slaves, to which I
had been used from my childhood. They may, and
likely will fall into the hands of worse and more severe
masters; but the fault is not mine, as I will undertake to
show. It is chargeable to the disturbing influence from
abroad.
"I shall have to refer to matters anterior to this period.
Several years ago, I had a relative who purposed emigrating to Illinois. He owned two likely boys, named
Jack and Joe, whom I was induced to buy-not because
I needed them, but out of pure compassion to keep them
out of the clutches of a negro trader who was striving to
buy them. I paid for them sixteen hundred dollars, to
retain them in this section, where I supposed slavery to
exist in its mildest form.  They served me a few years,
and then made their escape to Canada.
"I resolved I would never buy another, and those remaining should never tread foot on British soil while
they were mine.  I kept a vigilant eye on the balance,
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"O 
A7OLITIONIS3 UNVEILED.
intending, whenever I saw indications of elopement, I
would take my own mode of doing without them. I did
not hesitate to converse with them freely. I told them
they had a good home, and as Iong as they demeaned
themselves properly, might remain.
"'Now,' said I,'as long as you may continue faithful and true to me, I will be equally so to you. This
is your home while I live, if you so desire it; but if you
will have it otherwise, blame me not for it. My word to
you I hold sacred and inviolate; I have never deceived,
nor do I intend.'
"'That's true, Master,' said Tom;' when you tells us
anything, we knows you won't wary from it. God knows
Jack and Joe went off without dese niggers knowing at
all'bout it. Howsomever, if we had ibund it out, dem
boys neber had went. Dat's God Almighty's truth.'
"'Now, Tom, you have been in my family all your
lifetime.  I have known you from a child, and you have
known me from my youth to the present time. Can you
not confide in what I sayZ I can assure you no negro
can be benefited by being sent to Canada; and why?
because he arrives there poor and destitute - he has
nothing, the climate is extremely cold, the winters long,
and wages low. How can he expect to live without
labor?  lie may find friends to help him on his way to
Canada; but when he gets there, he will have none.
Upon himself alone he must depend -farming is the
only business he understands or can follow, and it will
be very difficult for him to find employment and live,
at that.'
"' Dat's God's blessed tnith,' said Tom.' We's better
off in Kantuck among dese white folks as what knows
us. Dey knows us, and we knows dem; but if de poor
nigger gits in among dem strange white peoples, as doesn't
know'em, den he's got to suffer.  Dem  Yankees lubs
demselves very good, but dem doesn't care for de poor,
starving, freezing nigger. Dat's sure. We libs well
here-plenty good wittels to eat, and ebryting to make us
happy.  Den we neber gwine to leave you, sure.  Dat's
sarten;'
"' Well, Tom, I hope this happy confidence, now exist
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ABOLITIONISM UNVEILED.
ing between us, may long continue. Your fidelity will
impose upon me obligations I will never disregard. I am
your friend, as long as you continue mine; and your
labor I shall prefer to all others.'
"Since that conversation  many years have elapsed.
Within a year back I began to notice a great and material
change in the demeanor of my slaves. They became
gloomy and ill-natured, difficult to govern, and were disposed to be very insolent. I had long anticipated this
result. I knew it was approaching, for I had closely
watched Abolitionism in all the various hues it had
assumed. I could discern it was secretly and steadily
invading the rights of the South.  Situated here, on the
borders of the State, not far tfom Cincinnati, we would
necessarily first feel the direful effects of this fanatical
spirit.
"It had intruded itself in the halls of Congress, and
produced that deep excitement and convulsion that terminated in the adoption of a series of measures usually
termned the'Compromise.' This adjustment was hailed
by many as a panacea for all our political troubles. The
fugitive slave law was as stringent as the South could
demand; but in its faithful execution I never had the
smallest confidence whatever. Having traveled much in
the North, and intermingled freely with the people, I
knew their feelings and prejudices thoroughly on the
question of slavery. I was satisfied, years ago, that
human ingenuity could not devise a law that would insure
the apprehension and return of fugitive slaves. Although
the Constitution of the United States declares in imperative language, that they'shall be delivered up' upon the
claim of the party to whom such service or labor is due;
and further, that no law or regulation of a State shall
prevent it; yet, in utter defiance of this plain and positive
provision of the Federal Compact, slaves are continually
escaping without the possibility, on the part of the owner,
either to find or reclaim. Hlow shamefully is that sacred
instrument- the ligament holding this mighty Union
together, composed of thirty-one independent States -
evaded and despised. Here is practical Nullification, on
the part of the North, of daily and hourly occurience,
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AB1OLIIONISM UNVEILED.
sininkin  into insignificance all South Carolina ever threat   ened to do.
"The North is thus uniformly trampling under her
feet these solemn guarantees of the Federal Constitution,
without being sensible of the great injustice she is doing
the South. This owner, and that, is despoiled of his pro   perty by fanatical agency-the fugitive slaves are run into
Canada, and there are men glorifying themselves upon
the success they have in this illegal business. Now, re  member how we have been treated in Boone. The fidelity
of the slave has been destroyed- distrust has taken the
place of confidence. The evil is spreading-on the right,
a slave escapes into Ohio-on the left, a dozen, for some
slight offense or suspicion, are sold to go to the cotton  fields of the South; thus the whole slave population
among us is kept in a state of perpetual anxiety and
dread.  They are well apprised how sensitive the owners
are, and hence the escape of a few is sure to redound to
the damage of those remaining. Upon them the injury
falls.  In this way matters have been progressing for a
few years. Now what is the result? I will candidly
state to you what has taken place within my own
knowledge.
"Over twelve months since, a neighbor came to me
and stated his slave Charles and two others had escaped
the night previous. Hle desired me to go with him in
pursuit.  I told him I was at his service-that he should
not go alone -that I would stand by his side' through
evil as well as good report.' I felt anxious to test the
value and efficiency of the Fugitive Slave Law, and I preferred having it tested in his case rather than one of my
own.  So we departed to Cincinnati-the point to which
all our fugitive slaves are apt to go. On our route we
ascertained where they had crossed the river, and that
they had got to the city.
" Soon we had one who was skillful in catching negroes
busily at work.  His stool-pigeons, as he termed themn
were all actively engaged in the hunt.  He assured us if
they were in the city, they could not elude his and his
spies' vigilance -that they should, ere-long, be forthcoming.  He was frequently in communication with us
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ABOLITIONISM tNVEILED.
at one time he was on the trail-lie could almost tell us
the identical house in which they lay concealed. But at
other times he was apparently disheartened-the Aboli tionists being so cunning and profoundly secret in their
operations. For several days we were thus tantalized
with intelligence, sometimes favorable, and, at others,
the reverse. But in the end he finally and honestly confessed they had made a complete escape.
"As you may readily suppose, I returned home, well
satisfied that there was no security any longer for that
species of property in our county. I candidly told my
friends that we should soon be deprived of slave-laborthat the Abolitionists had so arranged matters that, if
they could once get a slave in their possession in Ohio,
the owner would never see or hear of him more. Those
who professed to hunt fugitive slaves in a free State, had
given up the job in despair, or at least, were entirely powerless to do us any service-that it was a delusion-t-he
veriest delusion in the world, to expect to re-capture
them, or to hold them much longer here on the borders
in bondage.  I was convinced we had to be deprived of
them-willing or unwilling-convenient or inconvenient.
"But I was slow to act-I felt inclined to retain my
slaves so long as any hope remained.  The question,
however, seemed to me to be narrowed down to one solitary point, and that was, in what manner was this separation to take place?  Must I lie dormant and wait for
the Abolitionists to entice them away, and run them into
Canada, beyond the power and jurisdiction of the United
States-or had I not better adopt my own time and
method of doing it?
"The latter alternative I decidedly preferred.  After
the occurrence to which I have alluded, I suffered a year
or more to expire-watching, with intense anxiety, the
progress of events. I was resolved not to act with the
least precipitation. For those poor creatures, whom Providence had made dependent upon me, I must confess, I
felt a strong attachment. I thought to myself, here, alas!
are boys and girls I have reared from their infancy-born
on my premises-here, also, are old men and women,
hitherto faithful and true servants, who have descended
3
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ABOLITIONISM UNVEILED.
to myself and wife from our ancestors-must I, in the
decline of life, be deprived of their services? If so, I
must do it in my own way-not wait for the vile artifices
of the Abolitionists to produce the same result.
" Many events abroad and at home, opened the way
for the act, the causes of which I am detailing. The riot
in Boston -the open resistance to the United States
authorities in that city, in their efforts to execute the Fugitive Slave Law-showed the South to have no security
for their slave-property. But the tragical affair in Pennsylvania transcended in atrocity everything of the kind
upon record-I mean the murder of Gorsuch, near Christiana. I shall be bound to relate the mournful incidents
connected with this revolting tragedy, from memory.
According to my best recollection the history of the case
is this: Gorsuch was a citizen of Maryland, and lost several slaves who eloped to Pennsylvania. I have seen it
stated, though I cannot vouch for its verity, that they
wrote home to their master where they were, and requested him to come for them. Be this as it may, he and
son started for the purpose of re-capture. Arriving in
Philadelphia, he adopts legal measures for the recovery of
his slaves. Accompanied by the United States marshal
and a police officer, they departed for Christiana, where,
he was informed, his fugitive slaves resided. In the eveniing the party stopped for the night within a few miles of
that place. Early next morning they went on, and within
a short distance of the town, they were waylaid, and old
Mr. Gorsuch was shot down and his son wounded, by a
mob in ambush. The officers fled and made their escape
without injury. The mob then rushed up, and beat, with
clubs, the head of old Gorsuch, to satiate their dire
reven e.
1 Bow let me ask, what this good old man-for he was
represented as very pious, and extremely kind to his
slaves-had done to merit such a horrible fate. He had
punctually obeyed all the requirements of the laws.
Amply clothed with Federal authority, and in company
of a marshal, he and his party were proceeding peaceably
to claim the delivery up of those who owed him service
or labor. This was his right, legally secured, and for
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ABOLITIONISM UNVEILED.
daring to exercise it how awful the consequence! Shot
down like a highway robber or pirate without a moment's
warning!  Thus fell one, whose'head was silvered o'er
with age,' by a mob of Abolitionists and free negroesnot for any crime he had ever committed or contemplated,
but in the pursuit of lawful business."
"Permit me, uncle, to interrupt you for a moment.
Have not all these cruel wretches been punished in the
most exemplary manner, either by the United States laws,
or those of Pennsylvania, for so bloody and daring an outrage a Surely the perpetrators of this foul deed have not
escaped with impunity!"
"Ah, David! there is the great ground of complaint.
Crimes cannot be entirely suppressed by the most sanguinary laws.  Violations of the laws will often happen,
which no foresight can prevent. It is but too true, for
crimes of so deep a dye, there ought to be inflicted condign punishment. But in this instance it seems no law
was violated-no penalty was incurred. It happened not
to be constructive treason by the Federal Laws, nor murder by the statutes of Pennsylvania. Hence you can but
notice, the murder of a slave-holder is different from all
other crimes in the world.  Had MosEs lived in our day,
I think he would modify his law so as to make it read:
'Whoso sheddeth man's blood, by man shall his blood be
shed,' except he kills a slave-hunter.  For it is manifest,
if a man in pursuit of his fugitive slave be shot down, it is
held to be no crime at all. He is the only human being
that may be killed at pleasure, and with entire impunity.
Why! the vilest criminal that walks on the face of the
earth, must not be destroyed without a fair and legal
trial-such outlawry cannot be tolerated in this humanized age. Even Cain, who slew Abel, his brother-though
he was made a fugitive and vagabond, and cried, in the
anguish of his heart,'that every one that findeth me shall
slay me,' what did the Lord say in reply:' Therefore
whosoever slayeth Cain, vengeance shall be taken of tlim
sevenfold.''And the Lord set a mark upon Cain, lest
any one finding him should kill him.' What had GORSUCLI
done-against him was any one's'blood crying fiom the
ground'  None, whatever.  With conscious innocence,
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ABOLITIONISM UNVEILED.
this pious old man, with benevolence beaming in his
countenance, and under the segis of the Federal Union,
goes forth to obtain possession of his fugitive slaves, in
the land of peaceful habits, and among Christian peoplecitizens of a common country; and there falls, by the
hands of a desperate mob, without a moment's warning,
or any chance for defense. Of those engaged in this
horrid tragedy, not a hair of their heads lhas ever suffered.
"So far froln it, some of the Abolitionists have said,
if his own slaves chose to murder their master, what is
that to them?  What evidence is there, that even this is
the fact? None that I have ever seen. The whole is
imaginary. Gorsuchi and party stopped for the night near
Clhristiana. Next morning early, they intended going
into the town where his slaves were supposed to be. But
it appears intelligence was conveyed to them and their
friends, that night, of the contemplated arrest. An ambuscade was formed, and the party approached  unapprized of this fact, until the discharge of fire-arms from
each side of the road, announced to them the imminent
peril by which they were surrounded. These are the
facts of the case, as they have been impressed upon my
memory.
"Do they not constitute murder in the first degree
The mob, with coolness and full deliberation, form themselves into a company for the purpose of killing Gorsuch.
They quietly rest in ambush, watching the approach of
their intended victim.  With malice prepense, they perform the diabolical act.  No sudden impulse of passion,
or great provocation, induced the commission of this
crime. In the coolness of the night-in the freshness of
morning-they concoct their plan, and fall upon an old,
harmless, defenseless man. The whole mob were principals in this crime; they were all acting together, and
all equally guilty. Even admitting his slaves were
there, and performed this dreadful deed, that does not
exonerate others who were present-aiding and abetting-, they are criminal in equal degree.
"But suppose his slaves alone were guilty of so outrageous a murder, by what code of laws can they be
28 
ABOLITIONISM UNVEILED.
acquitted? how stand innocent of crime    f How can so
barbarous an act be construed into justifiable or excusable homicide?  Would not the sensibility of mankind be
shocked, if, by legislative enactment, any state should
proclaim to the world that a fugitive slave who should
turn upon his pursuing owner or agent, and slay him,
should not only be justified and excused, but should be
hlonored and glorified as a hero? An Abolition member
of Congress defended this heinous murder upon that very
ground. Oh! everlasting shame upon such morality! I
upon such a perversion of all the well-known and established principles of the law! Of all the cases enumerated in the law books, of justifiable or excusable
homicide, this one has never been mentioned; and it was
reserved for this progressive age to make the discovery.
"The effects of the decision in this case, made by the
Federal and State Courts, will be a general license to all
persons who choose to slay at will slave-holders who
shall venture to reclaim their fugitive slaves in any free
state of this Union! What will the south think of such
announcement? What will be the worth of their Constitutional rights? A mere mockery. Our slaves are
enticed away-aided and assisted by these wicked Abolitionists-and death is the penalty, if the owner should
pursue. Thus are we made outlaws in all the free states
of the Union. When I learned the result of these trials at
Christiana, I came to the Jfrm determination of not owning, any slaves, who could, in a few hours, be in the state
of Ohio, where I could not pursue themn without the forfeiture of my life. It; by that determination, my slaves
have suffered-it is no fault of mine-but of their officious and crazy friends on the other side of the river."
" I have participated, uncle, in your excitement. I
feel, as you do, deep exasperation for the murder of Gorsuch, for not only Maryland, but the whole slaveholding
region should feel outraged by the decisions in this case.
I scarcely know how to believe your narrative; I fain
hope some mitigating circumstance has escaped your observation, or eluded your memory, that a more thorough
investigation may develop. With your general accuracy,
I am greatly pleased.  Whatever you assert, is entitled to
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ABOLITIONISM UNVEILED.
much confidence, for I know you too well to suppose, for
a moment, you would willfully pervert the truth. These
serious charges against the Abolition party sound very
strangely to my inexperienced ears.  But, as you seem
exhausted at this time from your exertions, we will let
the subject rest for the present."
CHAPTER V.
The same subject continued-The plan of the Work defined.
" THE mind, David," said the'Squire, "though of a
spiritual nature, yet, like the body, it needs repose, and
cannot sustain long-continued action.  At our last conversation, this fact was demonstrated. By relaxation I
come now prepared to continue the topic that has engaged our time for several days. I have been detailing
to you the various causes which have constrained me to
send my slaves south. In relating the tragical end of
Gorsuch, you do me but justice in supposing I am governed entirely by the truth. That, in all my remarks, shall
be my polar star. In discussing so delicate a subject as
slavery, involving, as it does, the destiny of this glorious
Union, we should not indulge either in manifest misrepresentation or in fiction. In the North there is a sickly
sentimentality on this subject, plainly visible, to which
too many are disposed to pander. Any publication in
abuse of Slavery, however unfair and ridiculous, is
caught up and read with avidity truly astonishing. The
pictures usually drawn of slavery are over-colored and
scandalous. All the rules of fair reasoning have been
perverted. From particular instances, general principles
are established, which is both illogical and unjust. To
resort to such a false mode of argument on any other subject, the common sense of mankind would disdain. The
system of slavery in the United States, as it really exists,
is not known at all at the North. Those who have under
30 
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taken to describe it, derived their information from others
who designedly deceive, and who know nothing personallv of its nature.  The time has come for the public
mind to be disabused: it shall be my aim to delineate
slavery in its proper colors, as well as the origin, progress, and pernicious tendency of Abolitionism. But
these matters will all be attended to in proper order.
"On the murder of Gorsuch, I must be allowed to
make a few more remarks. Some Abolitionists have justified it on the ground, that it was done by his own slaves.
It this were true, it is still a great crime.  Must slaves be
permitted to murder their owners in cold blood-to waylay the road  and shoot them down with malice aforethloug,ht? What constitutes murder in the first degree, in
every other case, only makes the slave a hero in this.
The law is said to be the perfection of human reason.
One of its settled principles is, that nothing will justify
taking human life, but self-defense, or the authority of the
law. Will it do to invite slaves to kill their owners by
promising them protection and applause?   No state in
the Union would suffer such a law to be enacted, and yet
such will be the consequences flowing from thle decision
in the case of Gorsuch. The laws of Kentucky make no
distinction in the murder of a white or black person:
both are placed on the same footing.
"Pennsylvania, in this instance, has acted in derogation of her constitutional obligations; she has shown herself wanting in comity to her sister states, and the precedent, if not promptly rebuked, will be fiaught with
iinminent danger.  Whliat folly to assure the slaveholder
that, in every state of the Union, he has a right to clain
those who owe himi service or labor, and require them to
be delivered up to him, if, at the same time, the laws will
afford him no protection in the pursuit and recapture!
Tile one without the other, would be a species of treachery
too base to contemplate.  What  is the languag,e now?.
' here are your slaves-we have enticed them away-it
is true, the Constitution says we shall deliver them up;
l)tlt if you come among us to assert your claim, we will
imbrue our hands in your blood, and your lite shall be
the penalty.'
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ABOLITIONISM UNVEILED.
" It is in this sense I understood the decision of the
case with respect to the Christiana rioters. It made a
deep impression upon my mind, and turned the scale in
favor of shipping South. There were other circumstances
occurring all along the Ohio river; not only in Boone, but
in all the border counties, that tended to hasten the event.
Every mail brought us accounts of elopements from
Mason and Bracken, and other counties above, until at
last it reached our immediate section. A company of ten
from Burlington this week-from Petersburg the next all made successful escapes. The fatal moment for action
had come-distressing to my slaves, and grievous to me.
Longer postponement would be unsafe. The resolution
was formed and executed.
"I need not say it was a trying scene-their agony was
indescribable. I told them I deplored the necessity which
had driven me to this act —that the blame should fall upon
their officious friends in Ohio, who had, for years, been
preparing the way for this great calamity to them-for
great it seemed to be. But, continued I, I have discerned
you are greatly dissatisfied-that you are tired of your
home-that you think it a great hardship to labor for me
any more-that you are preparing to abandon me at my
advanced age, and leave me here without assistance, to
struggle on as best I can. I am satisfied a separation must
take place between us. You despise me and my family,
preferring a settlement among strangers-among those who
are aliens-enemies to this free country. I cannot indulge
you in this respect. When Jack and Joe left me, I resolved not another slave of mine should ever tread foot
on'British Soil.'  That resolution shall be kept to. the
letter;-you all this day have to depart South.
"Now, to this complexion matters came at last. hlow
far am I to blame? I preferred their labor-gave them
up with pain, and reluctance.  I had aimed to be kind
anid humane.  I was not sensible of any change in my
treatment to them. I saw plainly, I had to do without
their services, and the only question for me to decide was,
who should take the initiative. Being unwilling to let
them, at the instigation of others, elope to parts unknown,
I resolved to convert them into cash.
32 
ABOLITIONISM UNVEILED.
"I considered their own conduct had absolved me from
every obligation to consult their feelings and wishes in
regard to the disposition I should make of them.  They
did not intend to ask my consent to their escape North.
They cared not for my happiness, or interest. In my view
slavery imposes reciprocal obligations; on the part of the
slave, obedience and fidelity-on the part ofthe master, kindness and protection. I feel myself; therefore, at perfect
liberty, whenever a slave evinces a desire to run away, to
make a sale of him to any one I choose. But the case is
very different where one remains faithful and true; for
hlim I would always, if constrained to sell, procure a good
master.
"There is a great difference made in this respect-a
difference founded in the best of reasons-mutual affection-a mutual confidence.  But these times are past.
Distrust reigns in the bosom of servant and master-it
has rooted out those goodly feelings, that once predominated. And how has this been produced? Not by the
acts of the owner, but, by foreign interference. Since the
Abolitionists have espoused the cause of the negro, and
given to him their pretended sympathy, have all these
evils been produced.
"From the borders of Kentucky, have their ill-starred
kindness, forced the negroes in droves to the South. Not
that slave-holders wished thus to act, but, because of the
reat insecurity of that species of property in this section.
1tis of great value, and the owners will not give it up very
readily, as might have been expected.
"By what tenure is it held I Slaves are made property
bv the Constitution, and laws of the state. They are
bought and sold-liable to execution for debt-descend
as inheritance to heirs. Our laws guard this species
of property, with the utmost vigilance, making it
a penitentiary offense to tamper with, or entice them
away.
"Hlence it is apparent, I held slaves in conformity to the
laws of my state. They were my property, to all intents
and purposes. But, notwithstanding all these facts,
Abolitionism must intrude itself into our domestic colncerns, and produce those woes 1 have named.  It came
33 
ABOLITIONISM UNVEILED.
professedly to ameliorate the condition of thile slave, and
soften the rigors of bondage. But instead of these it has
driven him  to the cotton-fields of the South, and  the
sugar plantations, where his fate is  more intolerable
and where their voice and wailing in his behalf can never
reach. He is gone far beyond their influence —hid in the
deep recesses of the South. They may indeed, send their
emissaries along the borders of our state, to tamper with
slaves; but their efforts will do more injury than good;
for every one they can run into Canada, a dozen will find
themselves transported to a southern market.
"I am aware of what holy horror these Abolitionists
have to the slave-trade, between the states, while in
reality they are firnishiing the aliment to keep it alive.
By operating on the border state, they force this increasing current of slaves South. While they are thus doing mnost
all the mischief, they are shedding crocodile tears over
the victims they have injured."
" Allow me to state, uncle, that these Abolitionists resemble Don Quixote, which I read a few years since in
College.  He, with his trusty'squire, Sancho Panza,
started out in the world to right all the evils which might
happen to come to his knowledge, but, it so happened, in
the aggregate, that this renowned knight, committed infinitely more evil than good.  He was governed in hiis
adventures by a bold and crazy zeal-he never halted to
reason or seek information, but rushed into combat and
dangers, with perfect madness. The manacles were cut
loose from the vilest criminals, who were released from
confinement, and sent abroad to commit fresh depredations. But, perhaps you are not ready at present to enter
upon Abolitionism in a regular way."
"I was merely detailing the causes, David, which have
constrained me to send off my slaves. I am about done
with all I deem it proper, at this time, to state in relation
to that matter. I have an idea to pursue the following
method in our future inquiries:
"First. The condition of the negro morally, socially,
and politically in his native country.
" Secondly. By what means, and through whose agency
lie was landed on our shores.
34 
ABOLITIONISM UNVEILED.
'Thirdly.  The origin, progress, and pernicious tendency of Abolitionism.
"Before I entered upon the main objects of this work,
I considered it necessary to explain the motives by which I
was governed in dispensingwith slave labor. I have frankly
stated them all. If I have erred in this act, or it savors
of needless severity, I cannot help it. I may be peculiar
in my notions; but where I have legal rights recognized
both by the State and Federal Constitution, such is my
disposition that I cannot suffer them to be invaded and
destroyed peaceably. I could not remain idle and inactive, and wait for the Abolitionists to entice away my
slaves, and send them beyond my control. The subjects
of Queen Victoria, some of them at any rate, have been
enriched by the slave-trade, which I shall aim to show;
and I will not, for one, now the negroes have become
civilized and have been instructed in agriculture, deliver them over to her Canadian Provinces,' without money
and without price.' I have, in my composition, too much
of the old stubborn Saxon blood for that. But I shall
have occasion, in the progress of our inquiries, to allude
more fully to these points."
"I am delighted, uncle, with the field you have opened
for investigation. As slavery in the United States has
engrossed the attention of philanthropists throughout the
world, it must and will be vastly interesting. From some
cause or another, it is convulsing this Union from its
center to its circumference. The excitement in relation
to it, is annually growing deeper and deeper. Beyond
doubt, it is the most dangerous question now agitating the
public mind in this great confederacy of States, and before
it all other political questions have sunk into total insignificance. How appropriate, therefore, to go into Africa
to look at the condition of her people in their moral,
social, and political relations-to examine them in these
respects, in their native wilds and domestic simplicityto trace the slave trade in its origin and progress, and
to expose to the world the real authors of this inhuman
traffic. This will be one side of the picture. Then on
the other hand, Abolitionism must undergo a severe
scrutiny-its origin, prog,ress, and pernicious tendency
35 
ABOLMONISM UNVEILED.
should  be fully developed.   This will complete  the
picture.
"By these means the reader will be enabled to trace
these children of Africa in their transportation to these
shores; he will see how it all happened-what nation
monopolized this horrid trade and grew rich upon the
groans and tears of these simple creatures.  By turning,
to the other side, he can trace the finger that is stirring
up all this strife and irritation among the States of this
Union. He cannot fail to see how such great prominence
has been given to three millions of Africans in bondage.
"The deep interest manifested in favor of these slaves
in certain quarters, forms one of thile strangest features in
the history of the times.  But when the veil is torn off when those who have been working the wires call be
seen and known, the whole mystery will vanish. It is
time all these things were brought to light, and the country warned of its danger."
"I can truly say, David, I feel my inability to do justice to the great subject I have proposed -a subject in
which this whole Union is looking on with the most painful anxiety. The South has seen, witu utter amazement,
this wicked crusade against slavery, growing and spreading in the North, until it overshadows the whole land.
The wire-workers have dexterously kept their hands in
the dark, thereby deluding many honest and well-meaning people into the support of Abolitionism, wlhiclh, they
were taught to believe was an innocent, harmless thing —
only an appeal to the consciences of slave-holders, thereby
seeking to open the way for the gradual extinction of
slavery. But if,t; instead of its mission being of a peaceful character, solely intended for the emancipation of the
blacks, it shall turn out to be a conspiracy against the
peace, tranquillity, and permanency of this Union, the
very discovery might possibly prevent the catastrophe."
36 
ABOLITIONISM UNVEILED.
CHAPTER VI.
Africa-Its inhabitants-Their manners and customs.
"Is studying the condition of man in every age and
nation, David, I have not been able to find all in the
possession and enjoyment of those inalienable rights for
which so bitter a contest is waged in our day.  Fromn
various causes, great inequality has always existed among
the human family.  Although, in theory, this abstract proposition may be very attractive,'that all mankind are
born equal, and are endowed by their Creator with certain
inalienable rights-that among these are life, liberty, and
the pursuit of happiness;' yet, nowhere, I say it emphiatically, is it practically observed or regarded.  We  must
deal with things as they exist, not as our vain and wild
imaginations would have them.   Go into Asia, Europe,
Africa, wherever you please, you will find some rich,
many poor-a few born to rule, the masses to obey. Where
shall we find a beautiful exemplification of this glorious
abstraction that has been made the idol of Abolitionism?
Not in Africa, for, of all the earth, that is the most debased and enslaved."
"It seems to me, uncle, that in discussing the question
of slavery. its guilt or innocence depends much upon the
previous condition of the race enslaved. If it should be
ascertained, upon investigation, that the negro, by his
transfer to the United States, has only changed masters,
this fact, I am persuaded, would mitigate the evil in the
estimation of every unprejudiced mind."
"That was the point, David, I intended to make. I
was going to carry the war into Africa. It is time this
whole question was elucidated. Deep interest, great
sympathy is manifested for the negro.   Heaven  and
earth appear to be moved for his enfranchisemnent.  I
want to paint the negro in his native land -to look at
him there as described by history; and then unfold, ac cording to the best light afforded, how and by what
means he was transported to America.  In this manner
37 
ABOLITIONISM UNVEILED.
we shall see the nature of the crime charged to be com mitted, and the guilty parties in the transaction.
" Xow, what is Africa, and who are her children, that
all Christendom should espouse their cause?  Is there
anything great and glorious in their history?  I do not
mean Egypt, Carthage, or that portion of Africa border ing on the Mediterranean sea;  but Negroland-  the
region spreading out in the torrid zone, the peculiar abode
of the black race. What do we behold? A people gov erned by petty kings, waging interminable wars with each
other. Where are those inalienable rights for which we
hear so great a clamor? Liberty was never known in
that benighted land. Undisturbed despotism there holds
her silent and iron reign. Laws are unknown - the
supreme and uncontrolled will of one man governs all -
life and death depend upon his arbitrary nod. What is
that but slavery universal? So far as this is concerned,
there is equality.   Does it stop here?  No  indeed.
Slavery, hereditary slavery, exists. Two thirds of the
negroes are in absolute bondage in their own country.
What a commentary!"
"Why, uncle, you astonish me. Can it be possible
that the groans of the teeming millions in Africa, have
never roused the tender sympathies of the Abolitionists
of the United States and Great Britain    i Here, indeed,
spreads out a vast field for their benevolent exertions. I
was going to say, by the time they regenerated Africa,
restored to all their inalienable rights, we, in the South,
would be prepared to hear their appeal."
"Very well, David, if you could strike such a bargain
with these modern knights-errant, the South, beyond
doubt, would enjoy a long repose. What, indeed, are
three millions in this country compared to the vast nmultitude left behind? The redemption of Africa would be a
grand achievement.   Although the slavery there is far
more intolerable-the trembling slave approaches his
master on his hands and knees, with his face bowed to
the dust, because it would be death to stand in an erect
posture before him, and he thus receives his commandsyet that great continent lies entirely neglected. What
owner in our country ever ruled with such tyranny?"
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ABOLITIONISM UNVEILED.
"I can say, uncle, not one. Compared to that in
Africa, slavery is freedom in our country. Itow fortunate
are those who have reached our shores, in being delivered
from such an abominable country. Here they are placed
among kind and civilized people. I grant, they are still
in bondage-their strange inheritance either at home or
abroad."
"The inattention to this fact, David, is the cause of
much  needless sympathy.  We  are not the authors of
slavery   it was transmitted to us by Africa herself.
There it originated, there it is perpetuated - the branch
in the United States is but a small slip from the parent
stock.
"They have many devices in Africa to make slaves of
each other. For every petty theft or transgression, the
offender is sold as a slave. The prisoners taken in war
are converted into slaves, if not murdered in cool blood.
Thus the system is replenished and sustained, until twothirds, as before stated, are absolute slaves. Truly, then,
' it is a matter of no great consequence what country they
water with their sweat and tears.'
"Many of the nations of Africa were cannibals, sustaining life by devouring each other. What a horrible
practice! how repulsive to our feelings and sentiments!
Can human nature sink to a lower depth?  Only think!
the innocent, the smiling babe must be sacrificed and
prepared as food to appease the craving appetite. Oh! ye
mothers of Christianized lands, how you must shudder
at the bare allusion to such degrading barbarism; at the
mere thought your blood will run cold. With hearts soft
and affectionate, you tenderly love your offspring, your
whole soul is enlisted in their health, life, and prosperity.
Over their little feet you carefully watch in the morning of
life, and kindly guide through the intricate mazes of this
transitory world until you are assured of their arrival to
the years of maturity. Why should you deplore the fate
of those who descend fromn cannibal sires? From the
land of such amazing cruelty they have fortunately
escaped.
" The negroes were idolaters.  God they knew not, nor
his holy religion. To stocks, stones, and images, made
39 
ABOLITIONISM UNVEILED.
with their own hands, they bowed down and worshiped.
Here they are placed among Christian people-in a land
of light and vision. Here; the way to life everlasting
will be pointed out to them, and they may become the
heirs of glory. All these infinite blessings await them in
this free and happy land. For the meek and lowly, Christ
died; and by genuine repentance they may ascend'to
those mansions, not made with hands, eternal in the
heavens.'  These great truths they had never learned in
Africa —f Christ and His holy religion they might have
died ignorant, and have gone to'that lake where the fire
is never quenched.'  Thus, by the inscrutable ways of
Providence, is good often extracted out of evil.   Our
vision extends not beyond the present moment-we know
not what a year or a day will bring forth; but it is not
so with Him who holds the destiny of this world in his
hands. Through the long vista of future years, Hie foresees coming events, and orders and directs all things for
our benefit.
"Slavery in Africa carries with it the right to sell.
The internal slave-trade prevails to a great extent.
Among some nations, if a slave conducts himself improperly, hlie is delivered up by the others to his master to be
sold. What fidelity! This shows a noble trait in the
neg,ro character to a just master. Where Abolition has
not extended its influence, the same fidelity is often mani-,
ftested in these United States. Hence it is not thought
any great hardship to make sale of the undutiful and
refractory slave."
"I should like to inquire, uncle, whether there are any
Abolitionists in Africa? Can there be any organized
societies in that deplorable country, with money and facilities to aid'the panting fugitive' in his escape?  I apprehend there are no voices in that land to cheer him
onward."
"None whatever, David. Turn his eyes whithersoever he may, he finds no one to secrete him-no asylum
prepared for him-nor any friends to stand between him
and his master. No Canada there to which hlie can fly.
In Africa, he is not enslaved by the whites; but by his
own race and color. Strange people, truly. If they find
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ABOLITIONISM UNVEILED.
sympathy in this country, I may venture to say, it is more
than they ever received at home.
" When we know these things-how slavery, the most
cruel and oppressive, is exercised over two-thirds of the
negroes in their native solitudes, does it not appear to be
the greatest mystery that those who are continued in bolndage, in a portion of these States, should become a canonized race in the estimation of our Northern brethren
and the people of Great Britain. That mystery, in the
sequel, I will undertake to solve. Ere I am done, the
grand design in all this mighty movement shall be fully
developed.
CHAPTER VII.
The Slave-trade-Its origin-Those who participated in its profits.
"I SUPPOSE, David, from what has preceded, the origin
of the slave-trade will not be difficult to discover. Slavery, we have stated, has existed in Africa-how long, it
is impossible to know; but it is presumable for thousands
of years. Holding slaves as property, and possessing the
right of sale and transfer, the owners in Africa felt no
scruples in disposing of their slaves to a European if, in
their estimation, a better price could be realized. A sale
tlhus made was in conformity to the customs of the land.
Public sentiment sanctioned it, and no one supposed it so
great an outrage as modern philanthropists now inmagine.
it to be. The people in Africa-can it be admitted-had
their professional slave-drivers: and they could not discern, what difference it could make, whether their slaves
dragged out their miserable existence there, or in foreign
lands. Nor can ally one else. To make the most of it,
it is only a change of country and masters-America and
the white man, for Africa and the black man. The question arises, Has the slave been injured by the change?
None will say so who  will righttully investigate  the
subject.
4
41 
ABOLITIONISM UNVEILED.
"In the free States, the idea of one human being sell.
ing another, is held up as a horrible practice. Hiow
greatly their sensibilities are shocked, in that region, to
talk about a human being-the image of God —being,
owned and esteemed as property. Now, in old Africa,
all these things are continually occurring, without causinjf
the smallest excitement.  Worse than all, parents sell
their own children, and sometimes, the children, their
parents.  Instances of both kinds are on record.  Nothing
is thought of it-it is an every-day occurrence. What
kind of people must those be who deal in each other's
flesh!  To talk of slave-holders in the South selling a
refractory slave, or, under some peculiar circumstances,
separating parents from children, or husbands from
wives-why these ties are sundered, in Nigritia, without
a moment's hesitation or remorse. But I must be permitted to say, in this place, as a general rule, these ties are
not disregarded. My present object is only to show that
the negroes have treated each other with infinitely more
cruelty than ever was inflicted upon them by the white race.
" Much has been said and written in relation to the
violation of those sacred ties in our land; while they are
not in the least respected in Africa. I would ask, What
kind of parents must those be, who deal in the flesh of
their own children? What kind of people are they, who
enslave and sell one another? Where, then, were their
sympathies-their natural affection? Truly, the negro is
an extraordinary being. He is exalted in this country as
one of the masterpieces of creation.  The whole Christian world is called upon to embark in a crusade for his
liberation-to wade in seas of blood for his deliverance.
But when we turn our eyes to Africa-his native homewe are compelled to confess-for it is the uniform voice
of history-that millions upon millions of them have long
borne the intolerable yoke of slavery.
"If it were a crime in the European to buy, shall we
hold the Africans guiltless ill selling each other?  This,
upon their part was a voluntary act, done without coercion.
Those who resorted to the western coast of Africa, for
slaves, only had to let their intention be known, and they
were soon supplied with these human chattels."
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ABOLITIONISM UNVEILED.
"This is, uncle, rather a curious and singular piece of
history to me. On this subject I have never reflected
much, my mind having been so much occupied with other
studies. I found the negro here, planted among us. The
origin of his enslavement, and transportation to these
shiores, will be both interesting and instructive. I had
imbibed the notion —how I cannot tell, that the white
man had gone into Africa-caught and bound the poor
neg,ro, and brought him weeping and wailing to the ship.
I thought at home in Africa he was a harmless, innocent,
and an unsuspecting creature, who was torn from true
and affectionate kindred, and brought over for filthy lucre,
where, for the first time, he experienced the pangs of servitude."
"Had this, David, been the case, the cruelty of the
slave-trade would have been greatly aggravated. For
commercial purposes the Europeans first visited the shores
of Africa.  What were the commodities offered for sale?
Slaves, ivory, and gold-dust.  The first and most valuable
and important in the list, were'God's Images.' No
doubt the first traders felt astonishment that slaves should
constitute an article of merchandise. I suppose, they
were pressed to embark in the purchase of human souls
and bodies. When they consented to do so, these hungary
chattels were brought in numbers to their vessels for sale.
In this way, I presume, the traffic commenced, by mutual
consent, and for mutual profit too. The sellers and buyers were both pleased with the exchange.
" Now, let us imagine for a moment, how these business transactions were performed, in olden times, on the
delightful shores of loving Africa.  Methinks I can see
the vessel safely moored in one of her harbors, near a
slave mart. There lie the manacles on deck, assorted
and arranged to fit various sized limbs, all in readiness.
The news spreads rapidly through the surrounding villages. She has arrived and is waiting for a cargo of
slaves. The intelligence is hailed with immense delight.
What a great commotion is raised among the most afectionate people, so beloved in our dav. Cast your eyes to
the shore?  What  is to be seen?  Lo! there comes a
father dragging along a trembling youth, yonder a mothelr
t3
if
At 
ABOLITIONISM UNVEILED.
hurrying forward a weeping daughter. Yonder comes a
professional slave-driver with a long line of slaves, there
ag,ain is the kidnapper with his booty-there a king with
hundreds of prisoners, surrounded by a strong guard-the
whole multitude rushing to the vessel to sell each other.
Perhaps the father has sold his son for some bauble or
other-the mother her daughter, for a few trinkets.
"What has become of these poor victims-the son and
daughter of unfeeling parents?  You see the manaclescold and terrible to them-fastened on their quivering
limbs, and they are doomed to the Middle Passage.
Africa-the place of their birth-endeared to them by so
many youthful scenes, and tender recollections, must fade
from their vision. Oh! hapless children, well may you
bemoan your hard fate. The father from whose loins you
sprang-the mother who gave you birth, have consigned
you to the dark and dreary hold of the vessel. In violation of every tender sentiment of the heart-of the strength
and warmth of parental affection, they sold you to the
stranger to be landed on the far distant shores of the
Western World.
"Where ought the blame to fall for this inhuman
traffic?  Solely on the buyer!  It seems to me the damni2g cutrse-if it must be so considered-falls upon Africa
herself. It is her act-her deed. By her own cruel
people has this dark cloud been fastened on America. All
the sins of slavery-if fall they must-should be upon
lher devoted head. The cry has gone up to heaven, that,
iforgetting humanity-all natural affection-you Africans
have sold each other into slavery-that you had no tenderness-no love for your own flesh and blood. If.you
beg,in now to love each other-if the milk of human kindness, begins to run in your veins- it is more than your
ancestors ever felt for you in barbarous Africa.
"There, alas! you had no friends. The mother who
fondled you on her lap-the father upon whom you relied for protection, became your worst enemies. They
drove you from them-they handed you over to the taskmaster. If the lash is heard in our land-if your groans
and cries disturb our quietude-it is the fault of cruel and
unfeeling relatives. If they had been true to you-if they
14
At 
ABOLITIONISM UNVEALED.
had exterminated slavery from their soil, and lived in
harmonv with each other-instituting governments sufficiently strong to protect all and every member, your destiny would not have been cast upon this foreign land,
and among a superior Race.
"The African slave-trade to America, dates its origin
in 1503; in that year a few slaves were sent from the
Portu,lguese settlements in Africa to the Spanish colonies in America. By Ferdinand the fifth of Spain, in
1511, it was greatly enlarged. But Willson says, in his
American history, that,'in the month of August, 1620,
a Dutch man-of-war entered James river and landed
twenty negroes for sale.' This was the commencement of
negro slavery in the English colonies.
"This traffic-call it inhuman if you please-continued for over three hundred years. Hence it will be seen
how slow the nations of the earth were in discovering its
atrocity. At the very dawn of our political existence, the
African was introduced to our shores.  Being under the
control and authority of mother England in all respects
whatsoever, we were, at that time, feeble and dependent
colonies. Did she stretch forth her hand and rebuke this
trade in human souls? So far from it, she embarked in
it with all her energy and vast resources.' It was,' says
the same author,'during the reign of Elizabeth that the
African slave-trade was first introduced into England.'
Sir John Hawkins, according to his account, was the first
Englishman who engaged in the trade. And his first
cargo he obtained by persuasion-the second, by violence.
But the ag_ency of the British government, in this horrible traffic, I wish more particularly to notice.
" The same historian remarks that,' an article in the
treaty of Utrecht, highly important to America, and dishonorable to the commercial policy of England, was that
by which England became the great monopolist of the
Afi'ican slave-trade.' That treaty is dated 11th of April,
1713. Hume, in his history of England, in speaking of
the treaty of Rastadst, says:'He (the King of Spain)
granted an exclusive privilege to the English for furnishing the Spanish West Indies with negroes, according to
the A.ssiento Contract.' We are told by the same author.
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ABOLITIONISM UNVEILED.
'the Assiento Contract stipulated that, from the first day
of May, 1713, to the first day of May, 1743, the coinpany should transport into the West Indies, one hundred
and forty thousand negroes, at the rate of four thousand
eight hundred negroes a year.' So great, it was supposed,
says Willson, would be the profits of that trade, that
Philip V. of Spain, took one-fourth of the capital of the
company, and Queen Anne reserved to herself another
quarter. Thus they' became the greatest slave-merchants
in Christendom.' "
"Great and glorious history!" cries David; "the mirror of past time. Tradition fails-events cannot thus be
long preserved-truth soon fades and becomes obliterated; but thy pages shall endure until'this world shall
be rolled together as a scroll.' Hiere is the record, showing how England strove to engross that trade which
robbed Africa of her children. This was not done by
individuals, but by the British government, and the good
Queen Anne. Bring all, uncle, to the bar of public
opinion; let the whole world see how and who perpetrated this great wrong upon Africa; and who has hoarded
the vast wealth arising from this abominable trade in'the
bones and sinews of men."'
"That I will do, David, with all my heart, and to the
full extent of my humble abilities. It is peculiarly appropriate at this period in our history, to review these facts.
Not many years have elapsed since Thompson, a British
subject, a member of Parliament, came across the Atlantic ocean to lecture the free-born citizens of this Union on
the subject of African slavery. He came to this glorious
country to vomit forth his venom and malignity against
nearly half of the States in this Confederacy; because,
foi-sooth, they still held in bondage those very Africans
and their descendants who had been, by England herself,
landed on our shores, and sold to our people.
"Her subjects-at least many of them-are now rioting
in the wealth accumulated from this nefarious traffic. She
affects to loathe slavery in the present age-she wishes to
stand forth, at this time, as the peculiar friend of the
negro race-she professes to be moved with the most
tender compassion for their servile condition-a condi
46 
ABOLITIONISM UNVEILED.
tion which she has imposed upon them by her imperative
authority.
"By her own act she has made those negroes property,
things, or chattels. At the time of our colonial dependence we received them at her hands - paid our
money for them-and thus acquired those vested rights,
which cannot now be legitimately destroyed without the
consent of the owners, or an equivalent compensation. I
have been minute in detailing these portions of history,
as they will have an important bearing on what may
follow."
"Allow me to say, uncle, that I am thoroughly satisfied,
England was mainly instrumental in creating African
slavery upon this continent. She not only supplied her
own colonies, but grasped, with avaricious hand, the trade
from Spain-I might truly say, extorted it from her by
force of arms. Hence she may, very properly, be styled
'the great monopolist of the African slave-trade.'  If
criminality attaches to the institution, she has to make
atonement at the bar of Almighty God, for planting it in
our midst-for suffering it to grow, spread, and to take such
deep root, until the idea of its extermination is rendered so
dangerous to the black and white races-as almost to forbid its contemplation. Her inordinate desire of wealth
and aggrandizement, has involved our political affairs in
such inextricable complication."
"True, very true, David.  England has incurred an
awful responsibility in the establishment of slavery in this
Union. To her alone it is indebted for its origin. She
stands confessed before the world its principal and genuine
author.  In the first instance she permitted it, then encouraged it, and finally became the greatest slave-dealer
ever known. These ifacts I shall use freely in my animadversions on Abolitionism-the next and last subject I
proposed to investigate. All I have hitherto said is only
preliminary to this grand design."
"I rejoice, uncle, at the announcement. I am extremely anxious to -hear that subject developed, that is
causing this Union to tremble in every fiber.'
47 
4ABOLMIONIS M UNVE ILED.
CHAPTER VIII.
The origin of A)bolitionism-A peep into Englantd's secret Archives.
"TEa origin of Abolitionism, David, has long been
veiled in mystery.  I have thought it useful to resort to
every expedient to trace it to its first germ. I believed it
was of foreign growth-that it never originated in these
United States.  This seeming sympathy for the negro,
has a higher and a more dangerous aim-no less than the
disruption and overthrow of this government. But I
wish now to hear the result of your visit to Cincinnati,
whither I sent you to procure some secret information"
" Well, uncle, I have hastened back with all possible
dispatch. 1 have succeeded beyond my expectation in
tracing, to its true source, this disturbing spirit of Abolitionism that has become so bold as to place itself above
the Constitution and laws of the Union."'
:  You have been fortunate, indeed, David, in your
researches.  I was a,prized it required greatdexity
and address to acquire the desired information.  But,
from your known acuteness, I had no doubt of your
sucCC88."
"I must confess, uncle, the undertaking was by no
means a pleasant one.  I had to use dissimulation- so
as to be all things to all men.  I had to insinuate myself
thus into confidence.  You are sensible this was not
peasant and agreeable to my feelings.  I am!   blut,
pdia nyoung man, and in the habit of speaking directly
to te point in hand.  But I have obeyed your advice
in using some policy in ferreting out the desired informationl."
"I am, David, under a thousand obligations to you for
having made file discovery I thougoht was possible.  I
have always believed the true object of the Abolition
excitement has never been fully known to the people of
the United States."
"And in that, uncle, you were not mistaken. I have
here a copy of an important State Paper-one that has
48 
ABOLTIONI8M  UNVETLED.
never before seen the light. The original is under heavy
lock and key in the Court of St. James."
"Pray, how  came you, David, by  the copyl how
was it procured, and to what degree of crediene is it
entitledll
" I will tell you, uncle, in as few words as I can. I got
on the mail seamer, late in the evening.  I soon fell i
with an Englishman, named Darby —I know them at
sight-he was communicative and intelligent. He found
out I was from Kentucky, and he ventured to ask me how
' fncle Tom's Cabin' took in that State, which made my
blood run hot in a minute; but I tried to suppress my
rising indignation.
"Said I' Mr. Darby, please tell me Why the people
of England read with avidity and delight every vile publication on the subject of slavery? What busines is it
of thers to intermeddle in our domestio concerns t  What
acedthe to feel an interest in the contiuan of m  larvery
these United States t We are a free and indepemdent
nation, not under their sway or control, and we are certainly competent to settle that and all other questions
that may arise among us, without their assistance or
interference.'
"' Very well, sir,' said he.'I find you very sensitive
on the subject of lavery. That book, you please to term
4 vil,' we consider, is a true picture of your -peculiar institution. Perhaps its horrors are not half delineated; it is
certainly the sin of all sin —te curse f all Crye/  It
is a foul blot upon this nation that cannot be too aoon
removed.'
"I was determined to keep cool, as you requested me;
but it was a very difficult task under the provocation.
My passion almost overcame me; but I replied:
"' You Englishmen, sir, are eternally interfering in our
domestic affairs. You are not satisfied to remain at home
and give your entire attention to your internal proe
rity, to ameliorate the condition of your starving, sutring masses;  but your sympathy passes over their heads
to the African race held in bondage here. You have
Lazari starving at your own doors, to whom you will
aot give the crumbs falling from your own tables; but
5
49 
ABOLITIONISM UNVEILED.
you have an abundance of charity to bestow upon the
leg,ro.'
"' You may,' said lie,'stop that tirade of abuse.   Be
it known to you, sir, we are competent to take care of our
own poor.  I do not thank yon for these severe and degrading reflections upon my native land. Tihe governmient and people of Englandl, thank God, are in favor of
the abolition of slavery throughout the world.'
"' We care not,' I replied,' what you are for, or what
you are against.  We scorn your charity -we reprobate
your officiotus disposition. The Southl, sir, will hold in
uitter abhorrence your impotent efforts to liberate her
slaves.  An  asylum in Canada you may furnish those
that may escape -your government may secretly aid by
money the Abolition cause in the North-bbut this contemptible tampering with our local rights will ultimately
meet with retributive justice.'
"I'Ietributive justice!' said he.'Ah! indeed!  A
people, like you, divided and distracted, barely holding
together, ready almost at any moment to commence the
work of destruction, talk of'retributive justice! I' Your
Union, sir, is only a rope of sand; it has no adhesive
quality in it. The Northl is prepared to gird on the sword
to liberate the groaning millions you lhold South in cruel
and hopeless b)ondage.  ThIe enemiy is in your midst who
will simultaneously rise at the sound of the shrill trump
of freedom. The South will be overwhelmed and annihilated.  She will present one grand scene of conflagration, rapine, and devastation.'
"'hold, sir,' baid I,'I cannot bear such scandalous
and derogatory language of my country. You, an alien,
a Briton-born, to come here under the safeguard and
protection of our flag, enjoying the rites of hospitality,
and thus to vent your malignity against nearly one-half
the States of the Union, shows a degree of boldness,
nay, impudence and insolence, which I cannot, nor will
'suffer.'
"' Sir,' said he,' I came here not to quarrel or involve
myself in personal difficulties.  I am on a mission of a
different nature.  I came over to congratulate the authoress of' Uncle Tom's Cabin' on behalf of the great Anti
50 
ABOLITIONISM UNVEITL]D.
slavery Society of England.  Her work has had a mighty
run in that country   It is admired and eulogized far
beyond anything that has ever gone to the press.'
"'If you,' said I,'are a man of peace, you ought to
employ more moderate, more decorous language.  I am
a Southerner, and am ready at the point of the sword,
if need be, to maintain and support all and singular our
constitutional rights and privileges at every hazard.  In
so80 holy a cause-a cause involvirng the safety and pre  servation of our firesides, our wives, and our children  we are willing to slihed our blood, and offer our bodies as
a sacrifice.  If fall we  nust, it slhall be like Leonidas and
his iimmiiortal lban(l at Thermopylae.'
"' I should like to know, sir, why your people take so
lively an interest in everything connected with Abolition
in the United States. Hlow camne that book of which you
speak, to obtain so much celebrity in Great Britain I  It
cannot be because you think it true, because you suppose
it a faithfiIl and just representation of slavery in this coutn try.  Yout are surely too well-intfortned for that.  But it
must be for only this reason-ssuch writings arc calculated
to disgrace Rttl)ublicanisim, humble it, and lay it prostrate
at the feet of her Majesty.'
"' I will,' said lie,' let the book pass; but you will
permit me to state, the EJnglisll were active in abolishing
the slave-trade, and also made  the first movement in
emancipation, to wit: the slaves in her West India Islands;
and she now invites the co-operation of all the nations of
the earth in bringd'g slavery, early as possible, to an end.
Shle takes a lively interest in, and will aid the Abolitionists of the Nortl, in the great work they have so nobly
and generously undertaken.  ThIe home-goverii'ment has
set aside a large body of land in Canada bfor a retreat and
refuge to the slaves who may arrive in those province
from the United States. By the industry and influence
oft' the Abolitionists in the Free States, many, very many,
of the colored people are availing themselves of this gracious gratuity of her Majesty.'
"I answered, ironically,' 1er Majesty is vastly benevolent indeed.  She permits the poor Irish to starve to
death, out of, no doubt, pure love to them; but away
51 
ABOLITIONISM UNVEILED.
across the Atlantic she is making ample provision for
fugitive slaves. Now, pray tell me who is entitled to
the credit of this extraordinary devotion to the negro
race, and at what time it commenced?'
"'  My government,' he replied.' She made the first
move in Abolition a short time before Societies of that
character were organized in these United States. The
British ministry, in full council, in the year 1831, after
nmature and deliberate consideration and argument, devised and laid-out the mode and manner of procedure in
this laudable and praiseworthy enterprise.'
"'Permit me to inquire,' said I,'if it be possible to
obtain a copy of the Proceedings of Council in this caseone so momentous in its consequences to many states of
this Union?'
"'By no means,' said he;' I have already been betrayed into an imprudent confession. It is a state secret;
the paper that contains it will never see the light.' At
this moment the boat landed at the wharf, and Darby disappeared in the crowd.
"iWith these items of intelligence I resolved the next
morning to prosecute my inquiries with unremitting diligence. You know, in the Queen City, as it is sometimes
called, there are people of every nation, kindred and
tongue. The Gentiles and Jews are there commingled.
Not only that, but it is the place where intercourse is pretended to be held with the Spirit world.  I first thought
of trying the Rappers; but then their answers would all
be in knocks, and the words, the identical words, spoken
in Council we wanted. Still I did not despair of striking
upon11 some plan of securing a copy of the document that
had for so many years remained a state secret."
"Deeply perplexed in mind as to the proper course, I
took up my board at Dennison's hotel, a central position,
and a good location for seeing a variety of persons from
all points of the compass.  The house, though large, was
full to overflowing.   I examined the physiognomies
around me.  How diverse! and to me all were strangers.
I began to turn my eyes to the many glowing advertisements suspended around. What schemes innumerable to
divert people out of their money! But I was suddenly
52 
ABOLITIONISM UNVEILED.
arrested by the word CLAIRVOYArNcE, in large flaming capitals; in which it was announced, that, under its influence,
a person could read a paper in London, over three thousand miles distant, though it might be locked utip in an
iron chest, and be surrounded by massive walls, as readily
as if spread before his eyes. A grand and marvelous discoverv! I resolved to use it to bring to light a portion
of history which had so long remained a secret.
" Having procured and put on a full Quaker suit of
clothes, I repaired to the room where the performance
was in progress. Having paid my admnission fee, I took
my seat near the manager, and near the subject in a state
of clairvoyance.
"I said to the manager,'Can thy clairvoyant read a
paper behind his back, or any distance from him?'
"' Yes,' he replied,'to test his supernatural powers
any gentleman is invited to ask for the morning news in
London or elsewhere, and it will be given correctly.'
"' Friend,' said I,'I would like to propound a question
to thy subject. I came to this city on a mission of vast
importance to my people at home. Thou knowest, perhaps, that the Friends have always been zealous in the
cause of Abolition; and we have affirmed that Great
Britain was its early promoter and patron. We hlave
understood, that, as early as 1831, the council of Great
Britain held an important meeting on this subject, the
results of which have never yet been made fully public.
Thou wilt, therefore, enjoin it upon the clairvoyant to
give me the aforesaid debate in council, and the whole
roceedings on that memorable occasion, if thy subject
be indued with such perspicacity.'
' Indeed,' said the manager,' that is the severest test
I ever heard proposed; but as it is from a thee and thou
man, who always acts from conscientious motives, I will
make the effort to gratify this singular though likely, laudable curiosity.'
'Simon, Simon,' says he,' didst thou hear the question?'
'Ay, sir; ay, sir.'
" What canst thou see in the Premier's Office in London, dated Anno Domini, 1831?'
53 
ABOLITONISM UNVEILED.
"'A large pile of State papers.'
"  How are they labeled?'
"' 1 see one marked Secret and Confidential.'
'What further i'
"'The Debate in Council infavorof AbolishingSlavery.'
" Canst thou decipher the contents?'
"' I will try. It reads thus:
' The Prime Minister.  My Lords: I have invited you
to this secret and confidential council to-day, to investi  gate and discuss a subject deeply affecting the supremacy
and glory of the empire.  Among the nations of the earth
we stand pre-eminent. Our influence and councils are
potential in the affairs of Europe.  In the Continental
wars, which enveloped Europe like a flame, it was our
Wellington and his invincibles that produced the de thronement of Napoleon Bonaparte-his banishment and
the general pacification which followed. In our safe keeping he dragged out the remnant of his days on the
barren rock of St. Helena.
"' Since those days, the balance of power has been so
happily adjusted by the Holy Alliance, as to produce a
general peace for a series of years. I can discover noth ing at present, or in the future, likely to compromit this
happy and prosperous state of affairs in Europe. It is
not friom that quarter we need apprehend danger to our
commerce. naval superiority, or our tranquillity.
"' But there is a nation beyond the Atlantic we have
much reason to dread as a formidable rival to us in all
respects whatsoever. I mean the United States of North
America. For many long years I have had my eyes
fixed upon that growing, ambitious, and grasping Republic.
"' I need hardly say, I am a true Briton; that I love old
England, and that the nearest wish to my heart is to
maintain her greatness, her glory, and to make her renown
and supremacy on the ocean perpetual-for this purpose
I am willing to sacrifice all I hold dear upon earth.
" Hence I have been studying, with the most intense
solicitude, the history of the Union-the political structure
of its National and State governments. On the one
hand, I have scrutinized the elements which constitute its
54 
ABOLITIONISM UNVEILED.
strength and durability. Then, on the other, I have noticed the contrariety of interests, the diversity of pursuits,
and sectional feelings, that may engender strife, bickerings, and deep animosity, and ultimately disunion.
"' I come before you, my Lords, from this investigation,
searching and thorough, of that youthful nation, to deliver
to you, in plain and unambiguous language, the mature
and solemn convictions of my best judgment. Feeble
though they may be, to our hands has been committed
the destiny of this great and powerful empire. For the
time being, we are the humble guardians of her greatness,
her fame and her glory.
"' In discharging the responsible and momentous duties
with which we have been intrusted by his gracious Majesty, we must not only retrospect the past, to examine
into events that have become history; but also to make
an effort to penetrate into futurity, so that we may ascertain the position our country will occupy, for years to
come, among the nations of the earth. In reference,
therefore, to these deeply interesting matters, I have re quired you to convene at this juncture.
"' My Lords: I have to say, in the growth and military
genius of the people of the United States, I can see much
to cause alarm. Thoughi they are bone of our bone, flesh
of our flesh, yet between them and us, I am free to ob serve, there never can or will be any cordial relations,
any reciprocal friendship. Though that nation might be
said with propriety to have sprung firom our loins, yet
they are, and will probably continue to be our most bitter
and implacable enemies. (Profound sensation.)
"' TheWar of the Revolution was cruel and sanguinary,
as all civil wars are sure to be. We employed the In dians, with their tomahawks and scalping knives, to aid
us in the work of butchery. The same we did in 1812  in our second war with that people. Those savages were
let loose upon the frontiers, and slaughtered indiscrimi  nately men, women and children.  These cruelties have
sunk deep into the American heart. As their legitimate
tfruit, they have produced estrangement and eternal alien  atiou.  These, I fear, are the results of our two contests
with America. The nitional feeling there, accordilng to
55 
ABOI'IONISM UNsIED..
iny humble opinion, will always be adverse to us.  Our
armies in Europe justly acquired the character of' invin.
cible;' but in our conflicts with America, that fame per   ished, and at New Orleans those hard-earned laurels, won
in so many campaigns on the Continent by our armies,
faded and perished.
"' Nor did we, on the ocean, come out of the last con  test with that supremacy which it has so long been our
pride and boast. Our tars have triumphantly sung, and
with truth, that'Britannia rules the wave.'  How long
ere the palm will be snatched from our hands I Should
that youthful, aspiring, and energetic nation continue
united, the conviction, however unpleasant it may be, is
forced upon our minds, that the glory of England on the
hilgh seas must depart forever; she will have to sink in
the scale of nations, and assume a secondary rank. Now
what can be done —what is it possible to do-to prevent
so great a mortification and disgrace I
"' In the solution of this question, so  intimately con nected with our present and future greatness, we must try
to penetrate the veil of futurity. We must cast our views
forward to what time, in its progress, may produce in the
great family of nations.  We have in Europe a Holy Al liance among the crowned heads that will keep up a just
equipoise, or maintain, with firmness and energy, what
is usually termed the Balance of Power. But when we
examine the United States of America-a nation of but
yesterday-occupying a fertile and extensive country, and
growing at a giant's pace, by what rules can they be controlled, how circumscribed and confined within reasonable
limits?
"' My Lords: I may venture to predict, without some
internal divisions, that Union is destined to become the
greatest nation upon the face of the earth. In the presence of that people, ere-long, all Europe will tremble.
Have we not seen with what facility they acquire territory. Louisiana, Florida, ultimately Texas, and other
states from Mexico. With a territory equal to all Europe,
reaching, perhaps, from the Atlantic to the Pacific ocean,
and from the cold regions of the north to the tropical climate of the south, they must become a very strong,
56 
ABOITIONISM UNVEILED.
dangerous and powerful rival. The forests of that great
country will be subdued-the Indian race must melt and
vanish as the dews before the rays of thle morning sun.
The mnarch of civilization is onward. In the wide expanse
of feibrtile soil, I behold all the aliments of true greatness;
lhow rapid and astonishing will be the development of its
mineral and agricultural resources I The physical means
of such a people, blessed by Providence with these incon ceivable advantages, are too great for contemplation. At
this vision of the future, I am troubled - my heart has
sunk within me! I see in it the knell of England's departing greatness.  Can anything be done to avert this
catastrophe I  This is the great question for you to investigate and decide.
"' My Lords: it is the duty of all sagacious statesmen
to weigh coming events, and to prepare for every possible
contingency.  What can be done to divide, distract, and
destroy the Federal Union I To this momentous question
I have devoted many sleepless nights, and I am prepared
to give you the result of my researches and intense meditations.
" My Lords: the weak point in the Constitution of the
United States was clearly indicated in the discussions of
Congress, respecting the admission of Missouri. Slavery,
ever since that memorable debate, is the rock upon which
that Union, it seems to me, must split into atoms. I
could not refrain from observing the intense excitement —how the whole governmental fabric trembled in every
nerve, when that question was involved. The two sections, North and South-the Free and Slave States-were
marshaled in solid phalanx, and stood in the most menacing attitude toward each other.  The line of demarcation
was plainly drawn, and the destiny of the Union appeared
suspended by a hlair. In this awful crisis, big with unutterable woe to that country, a Compromise was patched
up, which has restored apparent harmony.
"'  But ever since that day, it is self-evident that Slavery
is an element of weakness in the national compact. If
this'peculiar institution' can be cautiously and judiciously assailed, the South, being very sensitive on this
subject, can be driven to madness.  I conceive we have
57 
ABOLITIONISM UNVEILED.
it in our power to set the ball in motion that will eventu  ally work a dissolution of the Union.
"'I would, therefore, propose:
"' 1. That we aid by pecuniary means any Abolition
Societies that may organize in the Free States.
"' 2. That we will contribute to the endowment of Col leges where both races, white and black, are educated in
common.                 -
"'3. That, as soon as practicable, an Act shall be
passed to emancipate the slaves in our West India
islands.
"'4. That we receive with kindness and affection in
our Canadian provinces all Fugitive slaves escaping from
the United States.
"' 5. That a large body of the Crown lands be set aside
in said provinces for the exclusive occupation and posses sion of such fugitives.
"' My Lords: if the plan, which I have suggested, can
be secretly and faithfully carried out, it will produce the
consequences that I anticipate. Can it be done? I am
persuaded there is nothing easier; for no subject can be
selected that will enlist warmer feelings or deeper sympathy. The cruelties, the enormities of slavery can be
painted in such glowing colors, by fluent and impassioned
orators, so as to rouse the masses of the North.  Beside,
those holy fathers, clothed in sacerdotal robes, who stand
upon the watchtowers of Zion, will come forward and in
burning language denounce this great abomination upon
earth.  We  have also among us men fluent in speech
tlhat can make the'worse appealr the better cause,' and
' from whose lips words sweet as honey distill,' that would
enlist under the banner and march in this holy crusade
against slavery.
"'My Lords: we conquered Europe no less by our
money than by our armies. Diplomacy has done more
than military prowess. Our gold has been distributed
with a liberal hand, and it has had a powerful influence
in elevating England to the pinnacle of glory to which
she has arrived, and made her the chief arbiteri in the
great affairs of the world."
"' Carried unanimously in the affirmative.'
58 
ABOLITIONISM UNVEILED.
"' Can you see aught else?' said the manager to
Simon.
"' That is the end of the document,' he replied.
"And you now have it, uncle, just as it came into my
possession-letter for letter-word for word."
"Let it go to record, David, and pass for what it is
worth. I may, at another time, take the liberty of alluding to it."
CHAPTER IX.
The Document-Abolitionism.
'" IN regard, David, to the document you presented, I
would remark, I have no great confidence in clairvoyance.
I am rather of a skeptical turn. I have never been able
to take anything upon faith, I want it sustained by clear,
positive, and unequivocal testimony.  Circumstantial evidence, in some cases, I would not reject, where there was
a long train of incidents pointing unerringly to the same
fact - such coincidence might force conviction upon my
mind.  Many a person has been hung upon just such
evidence, and I have no doubt, justly. Indeed, in many
crimes, it is the only evidence that can be adduced, and
if that were wholly rejected, many heinous offenses would
be committed without the possibility of punishment. In
weighing the document in question, I should attach very
little importance to it if taken alone, without concumring
circumstances; but I am at least satisfied of one fact,
that, if such language was never used by the Prime Minister, the policy therein indicated has been steadily and
closely pursued. By bringing all the subsequent circumstances fully to light, the presumption will be strong
that, if those words were not spoken, they might have
been."
"From your usual circumspection, uncle, I was prepared
for such an answer.  You will allow me to say, I have
always found you to be of, very slow faith. You must
59 
ABOLITIONISM UNVEILED.
weigh and criticise, and examine closely, before you will
consent to adopt an opinion."
"M y credulity, David, I must confess, is not so great
as that of many people. From a few isolated facts they
will jump to a general conclusion with all imaginable
facility; by these means, setting at defiance all the sound
rules of Logic recognized by the common sense of man kind. If you wish to establish a general principle in
Natural Philosophy, Astronomy, Metaphysics, or any art
or science-how is it to be done?  By a majority, and not
by a few solitary instances."
"That, uncle, is surely correct. Every other mode of
reasoning would be false and erroneous. Let us make
the application. It must be conceded that the great body
of nmankind are honest and virtuous. This general prin ciple may be affirmed with propriety and truth.  But
again, this general principle is liable to exceptions. A
few are thieves and assassins. Now would it do to argue
thus: Tom, Dick, and Harry are rogues —therefore, all
men are dishonest. The absurdity of such argumentation
is too obvious to escape detection."
"I grant it is all true to the letter, David. By such
reasoning, you can prove all mankind are drunkards,
liars, blasphemers, murderers, or whatever else you please.
In that manner the system of Slavery has been continually
assailed. A few solitary instances of cruelty in owners,
are hunted up, and displayed to the Public in the most
revolting colors. Although a large majority of masters
may be humane, yet all are held up as monsters of ini.
quity and cruelty; the whole system is described to the
world-the christianized world-as an object of abhorrence
and utter detestation. And the deception-I mean in a
certain latitude-is palmed upon the people without detection-it is all swallowed as free as Holy Writ.  Nor can
you make truth penetrate into minds under such a deep
bias, and inveterate prejudice."
"A melancholy truth, uncle. We, of the South, who
are grossly misrepresented and shamefully traduced at the
North: if we come forward in our own defense and vindication, we cannot be heard, or receive even a respectful notice.
Hlowever, I am not disposed to murmur.  Although a
60 
ABOLTIONISM UNVEILED.
great excitement North has been created against Slavery,
yet it is a solemn fact, that the state of society South has
undergone no change since the earlier days of this Republic: unless it is in softening the rigors of bondage."
"This fact, David, has filled my mind with great
amazement. I ask myself, whence all this eternal agitation?  Why are these bitter waters administered to our
lips?  What have we done to bring down on our devoted
heads the ceaseless anathemas of the good-religious,
and enlightened people of the Free States I Slavery is not
of recent origin-it has not been lately introduced-but
is coeval with the earliest settlements nearly that were
made on this continent. What is the crime of this generation in regard to it? Simply its continuance. Herein
lies the whole offense, committed by our persecuted section.  The Africans among us are slaves-standing in the
same relation to the whites they have always done in this
country. We know them-understand their habits, dispositions, and capacities, better, far better than strangers
can possibly do.
"Can the Africans be emancipated with safety at this
time I That is a great question for the consideration of
the age. Those who are the most capable of deciding it,
aver the day has not  yet come.  The most powerful
reason is, they are unfit for freedom-incapacitated for
its proper enjoyment. Their liberation now would prove
a curse to themselves and the whites.
"Who are those who are aspiring to sit in judgment
upon this momentous question, and assume over it,
exclusive control? The Abolitionists of the North. Who
are they who dare to clothe themselves with such a fearful
prerogative as to take the whole South under theirpeculiar'
giardianship. They have made themselves our keepers,
and arrogated over us a boasted superiority. We will
trace their history concisely. About the year 1833 of the
Christian era, Abolitionism made its appearance in these
United States. Its pretensions were humble and inoffensive. Its appeal was to the master-and him only. Its
mission was one of christian love and conciliation. The
master was to be convinced, and his judgment enlightened.
Its arguments and persuasions were all for his eye and
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ABOITIOSM UNVEILED.
ear. With the slave it scorned to tamper. His peace and
quietude, it did not by any means design to disturb. It
wore too the holy garb of religion-its countenance was
meek and lowly. No wonder it entwined itself around
the hearts of the people, and sped over the North. It
was so condescending and kind-vowing the most expan sive philanthropy. Its arms encircled the enslaved children of Africa. How lovely the sight!
"But it has often changed its name.  Abolitionism
was discarded, and it reared its menacing head as The
Liberty Party. Under that name and banner it has fought
and won many victories. But that mantle proved too
narrow to cover its ponderous shoulders long, so recently
it has merged itself into Free-Soilism. But it is still the
insidious and unwearied foe of the South. Its name has
often changed, but there has been no faltering in its
wicked and pernicious purpose.
"When we implore the Abolitionists to halt, in their
mad career, and survey the consequences likely to result
from their agitation; they indignantly reply, "What are
consequences to lus?"  Nothing at all.  They will not
think of them a moment. Their eye is on a higher lawconscience, is the secret monitor to which they do obeisance. Surely they are sailing on a dangerous and
boisterous sea. Cut ourselves adrift from the laws of the
country-take conscience, or the'higher law,' for our
guide, how soon will we be ingulfed in the whirlpool of
mobocracy. Our very political existence and salvation
depend upon a rigicd adherence to the laws.  Can any one
doubt where this higher law will terminate? Blind and
infatuated must be the mind, which does not see its inevitable tendency is to anarchy, confusion and bloodshed."
"I am astonished, uncle, at the reckless career of Abolitionism.  Does it, indeed, scorn and disregard'consequences?' What madness-what extreme folly!  I see
whither all this will lead. The laws enacted by the
supreme Legislature of the country-the safeguard and
protection of us all-are to be counted of non-effect, if
chanced to be variant from'the higher law.'  What
else is this but the substitution of an invisible, arbitrary
rule, according to the caprice of each individual, for the
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ABOLITIONISM UNVEILED.
precise, clearly-defined boundary between right and wrong,
as prescribed by the supreme authority of the State?"
"It is essential, David, that the laws be enacted by the
proper authority, and promulgated to those whom they
are to govern. Their publicity is ever presumed, and
ignorance of them is not admitted to be pleaded in defense
of their violation. These rules, therefore, must be so
plainly written and published, thl)at all who choose may
read and understand them. This is the great advantage
of written law. I, as a citizen of this great community,
am advised of my rights; and whenever those rights are
invaded or withheld, I am apprised of my remedy.  The
panoply of the State hovers over me-it guards me by
night and by day. Should my person be assailed, or my
property be stolen or damaged by others, the State makes
herself a party in the case, and inflicts upon the wrongdoer condign punishment. So dearly are the liberties and
rights of each member of society prized, that all misdemeanors and felonies are deemed and considered offenses
against the peace and dignity of the Commonwealth.
In this manner, the whole society takes an interest in the
security, happiness, and protection of each and all its
members: and, in return, each one owes implicit and absolute obedience to the Laws of the land."
"But, uncle, if I am rightly informed, the Abolitionists are in open rebellion against a plain provision of the
Federal Constitution, and a law of Congress passed in
pursuance thereof."
"That cannot be denied, David-it'is too notorious to
be called in question. By the Federal Compact,'any
person owing service or labor in one State, who shall
escape into aiother, shall be delivered up.'  The law only
undertakes to define the mode and manner of that delivery. Notwithstanding, the Fugitive Slave Law has been
resisted unto blood: it makes no difference though it was
enacted in pursuance of the Constitution, being, therefore,
the supreme law of the land. Nevertheless, the Abolitionists conceive they are doing God's service to render it
a nullity.  Although this same Constitution-the ligament that binds these States for national purposes, has
distinctly declared that, by no law or regulation shall any
63 
ABOLMIONISM UNV]LED.
State defeat' the delivery up' of fugitives who owe service
or labor to the party to whom such service or labor is
due;' yet this plain and solemn provision, so imperative
in language, is converted into mockery and delusion by
Abolition chicanery. Our slaves are seduced from us,
and, instead of being'delivered up,' in conformity to the
Federal Compact, an Underground Railroad has been provided to convey them secretly and rapidly to Canada —
beyond the jurisdiction of our government, and where an
a"sylum has been provided for them by the munificence of
her Majesty's government."
"We have heard much, uncle, of southern Nullification.
Calhoun and his friends have been greatly stigmatized
North, for their advocacy of that remedy for what they
supposed, unconstitutional legislation. Even that apology
these Abolitionists cannot offer; for there is no question
of the constitutionality of the Fugitive Slave Law; and yet
it is most shamefully evaded."
"To that point I was coming, David. Johln C. Calhoun was a good, great, and wise man. Errors he committed, as all public men generally do: otherwise he
would have been more than human. The contest for
State Rights, upon his part, was not so censurable as one
might imagine.  Hle sleeps quietly in his grave, unconscious of the turmoils by which we are surrounded. As
he foresaw and anticipated, the danger of despotism in the
Federal Ilead is growing annually more and more imminent. A most hostile sentiment to the South is growing
up at the North, which, if not arrested, must soon shake
this Union to the center-if it does not work its dissolution."
"Why, uncle, I am startled at the announcement.' Can
it be possible that the North, like Samson, in his blind
madness, would tear down the pillars that sustain the
glorious edifice of this Union, thereby overwhelming
themselves and us in one general ruin? "
"I fain hope, David, that such may not be the unhappy
termination of the momentous contest that is now raging
between North and South. The waves of fanatciskn
are deepening and deepening continually. I do not like
to be an alarmist; but I cannot shnt my eyer upon the
64 
ABOLITIONISM UNVEILED.
increasing ill-will, distrust, and hatred which are engen dering between the two sections. Who can calm the
angry billows of strife that are rolling to overwhelm this
once happy country in irremediable woe i"
"I do not entirely despair of the Union-the good
sense-the second sober thought of the North, may come
to the rescue. But I must say I see nothing even to en courage a faint hope from Abolitionism. Should that rise
in the ascendant in our Federal Councils, this Union is
gone, if it were made  of adamant.   Southern rights
would be invaded-in fact, the Constitution would be a
dead letter, and, in its place, would be a Northern despotism, though the forms of government might remain."
"'Upon what ground could the North justify, uncle,
such palpable usurpation? I have always been taught to
believe that the States were the original sovereigns in this
country, and that the Federal Government is a creature
of theirs, invested with well-defined and limited powersthat they had a prior existence, and, by their joint action,
created this nationality. Now, shall the creature destroy the creator-like a bloody monster, devour its own
parents?"
"That, David, is a wise and proper inquiry. I could
demonstrate to the unprejudiced the necessity of the
strictest adherence to the Compact among the States.
The Confederation carried us through the revolution;
because unbounded patriotism pervaded the bosoms of all.
But when peace came, it was soon found to be inadequate
to our wants-its inefficiency became clearly visible, and
consequently, in 1787, a Convention was called to form a
more perfect union.  It met in Philadelphia, and the present Constitution is the result of its labors.
" How evident it is, that the powers conferred upon the
general government are limited and specific, the residuum being reserved to the States or the people thereof.
The terms and conditions, upon which this Union was
entered into among the thirteen original States, will be
found in the Constitution. The powers delegated and
those reserved are distinctly delineated. The South proposes to the North, that, on these conditions she will consent to the Union:
6
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"First.'I retain the privilege to import slaves from
Africa until 1808'-twenty years.
" Secondly.'You are to deliver utip any person that
may escape into your States, if he owes me service or
labor.'
"Wbat is the reponse from the North?
"'I will unite with you upon those terms and conditions-that shall be the sacred agreement between us.'
"Here, then, we have the solemn-plighted faith among
thirteen equal sovereignties- in language plain, direct,
and positive-free from all imaginable ambiguity."
"Permit me to observe, uncle, that I have recently
seen it stated by Abolitionists, that this Union was formed
for freedom-to circumscribe and root out Slavery. Much
is said of the tyranny of the slave-power-of its encroachmnents and aggressions. I would like to hear how just
those imputations are; for I frankly confess I am not
thoroughly versed in the political history of my country."
"I am old enough to remember much of this history,
David. As there is an antagonism now prevailing between the two sections, I presume it will be appropriate
to investigate this controversy more minutely. Thle great
question for solution is, where is the wrong.  The candid
inquirer after truth - whether in the North or South
would crave to be enlightened on so perplexing a
subject."
CHAPTER X.
The Union —The Dangers that environ it.
" IT seems to me, David, proper to meditate for a mo
nent upon the nature of this Compact among the States.
The assumption, that this Union was formed to circumscribe or destroy Slavery, is untenable and unwarrantable.
The thirteen States forming it -nearly, if not quite all,
at that very time tolerated slavery. And again, why was
the slave-trade permitted for twenty years   Was it to
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ABOLITIONISM UNVEILED.
ensnare our citizens by permitting them to import more
and more Africans, that this Federal head might have
the pleasure of turning them all loose to the detriment
and ruin of the whole South? The very idea is preposterous."
"Sufier me, uncle, for a moment to read the preamble
to the Federal Constitution:
"'We, the people of the United States, in order to
form a more perfect Union, establish justice, insure
domestic  tranquillity, provide for the common defense,
to promote the general welfare, and secure the blessings
of liberty to ourselves and posterity."'
"What a catalogue of noble objects!  Will Abolitionism secure to us these great blessings I Will the design
of our noble ancestors in convention be more fully realized
by the success of these wretched fanatics? -I can eall
them by no better name.
"No, never, never!  I say it emphatically, David.  It
is truly fanaticism in its wildest and most despicable
form- it is nothing more. This spirit is of the most
dangerous character- it is allied to insanity. Will it
listen to reason? can it be entreated or conciliated I No,
indeed. You had as well try to stop the tornado in its
destructive march. With reason dethroned, it dashes
madly along-blind and self-       willed-uprooting and prostrating all obstacles in its way.  Indeed, there is no
remedy for it but a strait-jacket."
"Oh! uncle, you are too highly incensed.  You pour
out your vials of wrath in no measured terms. Perhaps
the Abolitionists may be convinced of their errors by fair
and legitimate argument. Do you think Chase, Wade,
Sumner, Wilson, Seward, Giddings and others are past
conviction?"
"Indeed I do, David.  I would rather undertake to
split rails the balance of my days for a living, than to
reason with such men on the subject of slavery. I do not
accuse them of anything more than insanity on this particular subject. In all other respects they are wise and
enlightened men.
"This is not the first time the spirit of fanaticism has
visited this earth. At other times, and in other ages, it
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ABOLITIONISM UNVEILED.
has appeared; but it may be truly remarked, it has
always been productive of more evil than good. It has
uniformly carried in its train discord and bloodshed. Call
to mind the Crusades. How many deluded human beings
fell in those ill-conducted, bloody, though styled Holy
Wars!"
" Yes, uncle, I recollect how those wars originated, and
for how long a period of time they were vainly prose cuted. The present crusade against slavery does, in fact,
bear some parallel to those undertaken for the recovery
of the Holy Land. Both assume the garb of religion.
The Crusaders, in olden time, had for their motto,' It is
the will of God.' All had this inscription on their ban ners and shields. Here is the paternity of' the Higher
Law."' 
"You might, David, have traced the similitude further.
Abolitionism, with countenance meek and lowly, wore
the holy robes of religion in her first debut in our land.
Over the poor Africans, held in bondage, she mourned
and wept. She upbraided us of the South for tyrannizing
over these'Images of God.' So it was with the Holy
Land. Turks and infidels tramped their wicked feet upon
that pure and consecrated ground.  Nor was that all.
Pilgrims, visiting Palestine and the Holy Sepulcher, were
subjected to numerous insults and extortions. At last,
Peter the Hermit, called a meeting of Christians in the
plains of Placenzia - for no house could hold them -
where he harangued them in relation to the Holy Land,
and while he was urging them to march there for its recovery, the whole multitude, as it were with one voice,
cried out' It is the will of God.'  And Peter did undertake to lead an army to that distant land -a vast undisciplined multitude, who devoured everything on their
march, but accomplished nothing worthy of remembrance. After many and repeated efforts- spreading
over many yearn —Christendom settled down in quietude,
resigning the Holy Land to the peaceable dominion of the
Turks to this very day."
"I venture to say, uncle, that this crusade against
Slavery will be equally unsuccessful  and disastrous.
What but blind fanaticism could, for a moment, imagine
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ABOLITIONISM UNVEILED.
that Emancipation was to be achieved by agitation beyond
our limits? Can the North issue the imperative decree, that
slavery shall no longer exist in this Union, and that too,
in total disregard of the rig]tts of the slave-holder, and in
opposition to his will, interest, security, and happiness?"
"In answer I would observe, David, this can only hal)pen when northern fanaticism shall override the Federal
Compact, and make this-instead of the freest government-the vilest despotism upon earth. If the South
could tamely submit to such usurpation-if it should ever
happen-and consent to hold her most precious and invaluable rights and privileges by the sufferance and at the
mercy of a Northern irresponsible majority, she would
be unworthy the name she bears for bold and daring
chivalry."
"Let me repeat, uncle, the South will never falter in
the defense and support of those rights guaranteed by the
Federal Compact. The institution of slavery is a local
question-appertaining exclusively to the States where it
exists-over which Congress dare not attempt to exercise
any authority, except in the enforcement of that provision
of the Constitution already quoted-in delivering up
'persons owing service or labor.' The power of Congress
in this regard has been disputed. But if the States fail
or refuse'to deliver up,' how is this provision to be
enforced?
"The inquiry is pertinent, David. I am apprised that
the Abolitionists claim this privilege for the free Statesdenying to Congress any jurisdiction in the matter at all.
Now, itf the States refuse to make such delivery-as most
of them, if not all, are continually doing —has the slaveholder any remedy?  None whatever, if that construction
be true.  The slaves will be enticed away-they will be
supplied with the means of making their escape: but as
to delivering them up, it would never be done. An appeal might be made to the plain, authoritative language
of the Federal Compact; but of what avail would it be
in the estimation of those devotees of a higher law?"
"I do presume, uncle, if we were to rely upon the
people of the free States'to deliver up) fugitive slaves,
upon the claiim of the owner or agent,' it would be rarely,
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ABOLITIONISM UNVEILED.
if ever donethe sacred and inviolate obligation entered
into, to the contrary, notwithstanding. The.parties to
the compact, as heretofore noticed, firmly bound themselves mutually to do this very thing.  What is the value
of compacts among sovereign States, if they are to be so
soon repudiated, and so shamefully disregarded!"
"Ah! indeed, David-o  not all the pages of history
crowd   with examples o f such perfidy?  The maxim that
has governed the world is, might, not right. A poor
commentary upon such intelligent beings as we are-having been too created in the image of God. But surely
this same being has immeasurably fallen from his original
primeval simplicity and holiness. Look at him in the
mirror of history-that mirror that gives his true and
genuine features, without diminution or increase. What
else can we exclaim but this,'Man is to man the sorest,
direst foe?I  A most melancholy reflection!"
"I ask the liberty to observe, uncle, that I notice a
growing complication in the affairs of this nation. Those
who formed our National Constitution, are barely cold in
their graves, and yet our Union is tottering to the center —
vibrating like the terrible motions of a volcano. When
it will burst, God only knows."
" What is the cause of all this bitterness and angry
feeling, David, between the North and the South. I am
ashamed —humbled in the dust to declare it-it is, proiessedly, the negro-the negro! Shall this fact go down
to tfuture ages-stand in bold relief on the historic page
that Liberty-the birthright of America-the country
which was made an asylum for oppressed humanity from
all parts of the earth, was destroyed by lovefor the negro?
That it so happened in these United States, that three
millions of that race were held in bondage, without any
choice on the part of the present generation, but by entailment of mother England I But its enormity was not
discovered until 1833 of our era.  Our Federal Constitution, as before stated, was formed in 1787.  Then our
ancestors met in Convention-came together from the
North and South-interchanged views and sentinments,
and, by conciliation and compromise, laid the foundations
of the present government.  Why should the labors of
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ABOLITIONISM UNVEILED.
those sages and patriots be now despised and contemned?
The objects to be attained by the Union, they set bforthl
explicitly in the preamble.  The necessity now for the
Union remains in full force-not abated one iota. Are
not justice, domestic tranquillity, common defense, yeneral welfare, and tAhe blessings of liberty, as dear to us
this day as they were in'87 to our forefathers?  Tlhe
itegro at that time could not prevent the formation of this
Union, and shall he, in the year of our Lord 1855, be
able to dissolve it? "
"I should fain hope the contrary, uncle.  But we have
recently seen it avowed by a champion in their cause.
He says: ITo all America the time has come-Liberty
or despotism.'   Again:'Blood  consecrates even the
remorse of great wrong.' Also,'I am cheered that I find
myself in sympathy with the great minds and heroic hearts
of the nation.'  What does all this signify?  Must we
understand, the Abolitionists are ripe for civil war? If
such be their contemplation, it is time the whole South
were roused from their lethargy."
" I have seen, David, a letter published in the Cincinnati Gazette, under date of July 19, 1855, over the signature of C. M. CLAY: and also a published statement of
his remarks at Brush Creek Meeting House, in which he
is reported to have said.'The thing-(meaning  civil
war) had to have a beginning, and it had as well begin at
the Dripping-Spring as anywhere else.' He undertook
also to show,' The Free-Soil party in the North were in
the ascendency-that they would unite with the negroes
South, and thus light up the torch of civil war.' He further said,'our motto, was freedom on the soil.' Here,
indeed, we have the programme of the great Free-Soil
faction North!  Let the South buckle on her armor."
"It seems, uncle, the cloud is darkening.  Whether it
will burst upon this once happy land, is only known to
Him who holds the destiny of nations in his hands. I am
unable to believe that we are doomed to the greatest
calamity any nation ever endured since the creation of the
world.  Of all wars, a civil, is the most horrible.  Callous must be his heart who can calmly contemplate the
)ossibility of such an event."
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ABOLITIONISM UNVEILED.
"I am, David, a friend to this Union. Let the Consti tution in spirit and intent be fairly executed.  Let all its
Compromises be religiously regarded-for it is thepalla dium of all our civil and political rights. Slavery was no
obstacle to the creation of the Union, and ought not to
jeopardize its continuance. Oh! how patriotism has
waned since the days of the great and good WASHING TON. He and his compatriots in arms and in Council,
were the frien(ls of this more perfect Union. The adjust ment of the slavery-question on a basis satisfactory to both
sections, wasthen consummated.  It remains forthe people
of the North to abide by it, or stir up a Contest that all
good and peaceable persons will sincerely deprecate.
"But the Free-Soil party are highly incensed at the
aggressions of the slave-power. They are thought to be
in the ascendency North, and a threat has been made
that they will unite with our Slaves, in carrying war and
devastation over the whole South. Has this menace been
lightly made or is it in reality in unison with the heroic
hearts of the nation!
"It is strange- vastly strange, uncle, if these public
declarations-made by a conspicuous citizen of Kentucky,
are authorized and sanctioned by Free-Soilism. He is
well known to be in close affinity with that party, and
must be presumed to be well acquainted with their secret
and dangerous machinations. Should such be their design, we may know the days of this Union are numbered.
What is the great offense of the South?  What has she
done, to call down upon her so formidable a coalition?for Abolitionism has again hid its brazen front under the
veil of Free-Soilism-the chameleon has changed its color,
but the nature of the animal is identically the same."
"Yes,  David, Free-Soilism-that is the syren word
adopted by the Fusion Party;-that term affords a veil
copious enough to cover all the political-isms in the land.
Behold! what a conglomeration of all the heroic hearts of
the nation, and when the negroes of the South shall be
fused into it-what will we-the white men, women and
children have to do? The humble privilege, I presume,
will be left to us to prepare for our exit-to eternity.
What could we do-it is thought-against such over
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whelming odds-against the swarms from "the Northern
Ihive!" and their black allies-the semi-savage Africans in our midst. In olden time the Goths and Vandals
and Huns emerged from the deep recesses of the North, and
carried fire and sword throughout the Roman Empire.
They devastated the country-rapine and bloodshed was
the order of the day; and the fairest portion of the then
civilized world was overrun and depopulated by these
merciless hordes. Is Free-Soilism now ready and prepared
to embark in a similar mission-to tread in the footsteps
of the Goths, Vandals, and Huns I"
"To answer, uncle, this question in the affirmative, would
be an acknowledgment that the world has remained
stationary. Although the inventions of our day have
been great, in steam-machinery, railroads, telegraph,
and fire-arms-the arts and sciences; yet these inventions
and improvements would only enable us the more rapidly
to destroy each other, and to sweep from the earth millions of our race. Twenty-two millions of whites-citizens
of one common country-armed with all the contrivances
of modern invention-must rush into mortal combat-ay,
the North against the South-all-all, for what?  Tile
liberation of three millions of Africans. What a mighty
tragedy for such a cause?"
"Truly, truly, David-the cause would be dark and
disgraceful.  It would entail upon our age and nation a
stigma that would descend to the last moment of revolving
time.  Takeupour Revolutionary history-our subsequent
acquisitions-the growth and strength of our nation-its
vast area-the variety of our soil and productions-having
all the aliments of true wealth and greatness in greater
profusion than ever was enjoyed by any other nation:
not only these natural advantages, but blessed with a
government founded in freedom-securing the liberty of
conscience-liberty of speech-and so wisely organized
that the state governments guard and protect our most
minute interests and wants-while at the same time, these
States stand United for all national purposes-must all
these inconceivable blessings be sacrificed-for Jreedom
on th soil?"
7
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ABOLITIONISM UNVEILED.
" Ah me! uncle, man is a mystery. When I contemplate
even the possibility of such a horrible issue to our Union
as you have insinuated, befalling this beloved countryintended to be an Eden for all the oppressed sons of our
race-the white family of earth. Here I had hoped all
could have come, and mingled together in the sweetest
harmony. Here at least'we could have worshiped God
under our own vine and fig-tree, and there would have
been none to make us afraid. But here in this broad
expanded  Continent-washed by the grandest riversdiversified with the tallest mountains-blessed with the
most luxuriant soil, and invigorating climate-Africa was
suffered to send out a branch of her race-to convert all
our joys into bitterness-like the serpent which crept into
and the garden,' brought death into our world, and all our
woe."' 
" I do not know, David, what may be the issue of this
crisis in our National affairs. Futurity has been very
wisely concealed from our vision.  If such a calamity be
in reservation for our country, I do not crave to know it
beforehand, for' sufficient for the day is the evil thereof.'"
CHAPTER XI.
The grounds of Controversy between North and South.
"THE charge of aggression on the part of the South,
David, I wish farther to notice.  Much has been said and
written against her encroachments-' the tyranny of the
Slave-power.' I feel a disposition to do justice to both sections, if I can, in this unpleasant controversy. Perhaps by
mutual explanations a reconciliation may be effected.
Free-Soilism wishes and intends to confine Slavery to
its present limits; thereby excluding it from any of
the Territories of the United States."
"In opposition, the South contends, these Territories
having been acquired by the joint efforts and treasury of
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ABOLMrONISM UNVEILED.
the Nation, they ought to be subject to occupation and
settlement by the citizens of the whole Union-that one
and all who are disposed, should be admitted to come in
with whatever is held to be property in their respective
states-that whenever a Territory is sufficiently populated
to entitle it to form a Constitution and become a State,
the inhabitants thereof ought to be permitted to decide
for themselves whether they will have Slavery or not?"
" To that plan, uncle, I cannot see any valid objection.
African slavery being recognized by nearly half the States
in the Union, the citizens of those States, on that account,
ought not to be excluded. How invidious - not to say
ungenerous -for the North to say to the South,'Stand
thou back -I am more righteous than thou!' By the
laws of Moses the leper was thrown out of the congregation of the Lord-he was considered impure.  Slavery is
considered a great leprosy - so muich so it must not be
suffered to contaminate the Territories."
" Shameful it is, David, to make such discrimination.
What will be its effect?  Clearly to suffer the North to
appropriate the whole of the public domain to its exclusive use and benefit. This would be, in my humble judgment, great injustice. I am decidedly of opinion that Congress ought to leave the Territories free for all the citizens
of the various States, without any reference to Slavery
whatever.  In this way  the common  property of the
Union would enure to the common benefit of all. This
equality would work no injury, but would leave each
section on the same identical footing."
"The South, uncle, asks for nothing more. She scorns
to ask any legislation in her favor, or peculiar privileges.
from the national government. She is willing to stand
or fall by a fair and honorable competition with the North
in the settlement of the Territories.  Why should there
be any objection to this arrangement-founded, as it is,
upon a principle of self-government so consonant to the
genius of our people?"
" The principle, David, ought to meet with general
approbation and acquiescence. By this means the dangerous question of Slavery is transferred from the lhalls
of Congress to the inhabitants of the Territories to whom
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ABOLITIONISM UNVEILED.
it properly belongs. What damage can result from it, is
past my comprehension."
"But it appears, uncle, the establishment of this principle, by the passage of the Kansas-Nebraska Bill and
the repeal of the Missouri Compromise line, has created
deep exasperation in the minds of the people North.
Now, according to my limited understanding, the carfse
was inadequate to rouse such a bitter feeling.  Free-Soilism now rears its potent head and overshadows the land.
Rather than see slavery extended beyond its present
limits, it would dissolve the Union. If it were possible,
it would throw around slavery a Chinese wall, so that it
should never expand in the least. To this point the eyes
of the North are most intensely directed -watching it
with inconceivable jealousy."
"That is very true, David, and why is it so? Does it
all flow from philanthropy only, or genuine love for tile
African race?  Whoever supposes that their freedom is
the sole motive, labors under a great delusion. I grant
this is the ostensible object-the one that stands front in
all their blustering; but, really, I imagine there is a
deeper design at the bottom of the whole movement.
Stripped of all disguises, perhaps after all, it will be
found a contest for power-tor supremacy."
"Ah! uncle, is that the undercurrent to this vast agitation? How much like human nature! How seldom
the true motive to our actions is avowed I Nations, like
individuals, keep the real object in view concealed. As
one person, the minds of the multitude are swayed by
envy and jealousy-there is no perceptible difference."
"I have no doubt of that, David. It has been exemplified in all ages, and in illustration of it an instance is
occurring in our day. Who can believe that pure philanthropy, on the part of England and France, involved
them in this Eastern war now violently raging. It was
not the love of the Turk that induced them to embark in
this expensive and sanguinary conflict. What could be
found in his character to endear him so tenderly to those
two enlightened and Christian nations?"
"I imagine, uncle, it was not polygamy or their religion. Who can admire such bigoted blockheads as those
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Turks are? How very contemptuously they speak of
Christians -calling them dogs, as though there was no
word derogatory enough to express their abhorrence of us.
I confess I would not like to be found fighting side by
side with such people.  I would not regret if that demoralized race, with all their harems, were expelled from
Europe."
"Neither would France or England, David, if there
were not a grander object to be attained. The Czar of
all the Russias was about to subjugate and annex Turkey
to his vast empire, thereby making himself too powerful
for the safety of Europe. To circumscribe Russia, to
confine her dimensions, and not to suffer her to grow, was
considered essential to the peace and security of other
nations. The grand prize in contest between the present
belligerents is no less than the supremacy of Europe."
"The Northern sentiment, uncle, is haughty and imperious. Here in the United States, one would fondly hope
the controversy between the two sections will not have so
bloody an issue as has transpired in the East. But if we
look at the elements at work- the pride, ambition, and
self-sufficiency of the North, we have little ground to hope
for domestic tranquillity in our country.  Too much confidence is placed upon the internal weakness of the South.
Free-Soilers come boasting like Goliah of old when he
viewed David, a mere stripling, advancing to meet him
with a few pebbles from the creek,' I will throw thy carcass a prey to the birds of the air.' We are informed by
the divine historian what his presumption cost him- he
was, as a vile Philistine, laid low in the dust by one of
those despised little pebbles."
" The battle, David, is not always won by the strong,
nor the race by the swift. Amid all this vituperation, the
South is passive, like one conscious of his prowess and
bravery. She stands, like the sturdy oak, unyielding to
the raging storm.  She knows her political rights, and
knowing, will dare maintain them. Can she be intir,midated by pointing to her own slaves as the allies of FreeSoilism?. The intimation has been boldly proclaimed.
What! threaten to arm the slaves to slaughter our women
and children in cold blood - to excite them to a war of
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extermination- for such a war it would be - not of the
whites verily, but of themselves!  We have been fore warned that Free-Soilers would unite with the negroes
South. Ought such a threat be lightly made? Is it a
trifling matter to hint the probability of such a Union.
The author, it is presumed, spoke it not idly but from
full authority. He sees and knows the hostile designs
of Free-Soilism. All! the great misfortune of the North
is, she does not truly appreciate the strength and
resources of the South."
" Yes, indeed, uncle, she thinks we are weak and pusillanimous-that'we may kick in the traces, but will be
sure to fall back again.'*  How offen have the most
destructive wars thus originated?  England thought these
colonies would only'kick in the traces'-they were too
wueak to resist-she could not believe they would rise in
rebellion to her tyrannical power. How could she suppose three millions of people would successfully withstand
her in the zenith of her strength and glory! Proud,
haughty, despotic, she would listen to no remonstrance,
nor make any concession. She sent over her armiestook into her alliance the merciless savage, whose known
rule of warfare was the indiscriminate slaughter of every
sex, age, and condition. But notwithstanding these fearful odds, England, in the end, had to make the humiliating acknowledgment,'that these United States, by the
laws of nature and of nature's God, were, and of right,
ought to be, free and independent.' This is a very striking instance, how dangerous it is to think too lightly of
an adversary."
"Strange infatuation it must be, David, to suppose
fifteen States of this Union will tamely submit to a
Northern Despotism.-Look at the South-I mean by
that word the whole slave-holding region, from Mason
and Dixon's line to the utmost limits of Texas-and what
does it embrace?  The finest portion of North America.
Think of its valuable products: cotton, sugar, rice, hemp,
and tobacco-five of the most valuable products raised in
the world. It has been truly said-COTTON Is KING.
* Ford, at Columbus, O.
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What is its annual worth in a raw state?  A  fraction
over a 100,000,000 of dollars. Here, then, is the origin
of immense wealth. How much money does it bring in
its transit from the producer to the consumer-to the
agents, insurers, shippers, manufacturers, and merchants
who handle it?"
"I can hardly tell, uncle, what wealth is realized by
tracing cotton through all the mutations you have mentioned; but I do suppose all those through whose hands it
may pass, in its progress to, and preparation for consumption, will enjoy a remuneration for their labor, trouble,
and attention. What additional value cotton receives
in this transit, and the process of manufacture, I do not
remember to have seen. Those who have been more
observant of commerce might make an estimate approximating near the truth."
"I can cite the authority, David, of no less a personage
than WALKER, formerly Secretary of the Treasury of the
United States, under the administration of his Excellency,
JAMEs K. POLK, now no more. His idea was that cotton
was enhanced eightfold in the process and mutations mentioned. Taking his estimate as a basis, look at the astonishing result: first cost, $100,000,000; final value, $800,000,000. The actual wealth, therefore, created by cotton,
and realized by the industry of others, after leaving the
possession of the planters, makes the grand sum of $700,000,000. Thus we have the value of cotton in its raw state,
and just at the time it enters into consumption. Destroy
its production, and the business of the world will be suddenly deprived of an article producing, at this time, such
immnense wealth.  Now, who is prepared to sacrifce so
much productive industry by devastating the South-'
burning her cotton fields, and turning loose her slaves to
be a curse and nuisance to society? Instead of having a
system of labor, wisely and judiciously arranged-as at
present-the motto will be,  Preedom on the soil.'  And
at one fell blow, the product of cotton will be struck down,
and will almost cease."
"' I am certain, uncle, such would be the fact. Now
only think of the suicidal policy of Abolitionism. Well
may it raise its brazen head, and proclaim to mankind its
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itter contempt of' consequences.'  What cares it if cotton
be struck from the earth-if misery and ruin fall upon the
tmillions now enogaged in its manufacture I I can com pare it to nothing better than a stream rising in the
mountainous regions of a country, fed and supplied by
innumerable springs, that tumbled their waters along
rocky vales, to a general reservoir that conveyed them to
the ocean. For years it ran-its volume of water gradu ally increasing.  In its meandering route it passes through
tertile valleys-the people seeing the uniformity of its cur rent, and the many falls it encountered in its course, pro ceed to erect mills and factories all along its banks. At
great cost they have erected their establishments-and
millions of operatives are employed at fair wages. These
persons are living independently and happily, and blessed
with all the comforts of life.  But lo! the news comes by
telegraph that, by incantations, a set of fanatics have succeeded in drying up all the springs at the fountain head,
and that this water-power will soon entirely fail. Tile
water ceases to flow, and the multitude, wittl the deepest
inoguish, bellold the dry bed of a once flush river.  The
factories are all still-iin place of the busy hum of industry, we hear wailing and lamentation. The operatives are
deprived of employment- their wages cease, and they
know not what to do. But the master-spirit, in producing this distress, is made acquainted with these' con8e uences.'  He sternly replies,' Consequences I never regard -that is no part of my business-if millions are
ruined, I can't help it-I thought it right to dry up the
springs and I have done so. My eye is on one solitary
object, and I never look beyond it.' In a similar manner,
if Abolitionism could have its way, the raising of cotton
would be annihilated. Then the millions relying for subsistence by its manufacture, would be turned penniless
upon the cold charities of the world."
"True as Scripture, David, Yankeedom would open its
eyes!  What constitutes the wealth of the Eastern States?
Go to Massachusetts - the hot-bed of fanaticism -  the
people there will point to their rocky and sterile soil, and
you will confess their wealth is not dug out of the ground.
Whence is it derived  By manufacturing industry and
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commercial enterprise. Now here is a pound of cotton:
the planter, we will suppose, gets ten cents for raising,
picking, ginning and pressing it. Trace it to Boston. Here
the manutfacturer examines its quality, and buys it, we will
say, at twelve cents. Takes it to his factory. Now his
labor upon it commences-carding, spinning, weaving, etc.
It is by this process converted into either sheeting, calico,
or muslin, as his fancy suggests. How much has this
pound of cotton been enhanced by his labor and machinery?
we will say sixty cents, leaving a margin for profit
by the wholesale and retail merchants, through whose
hands it must pass to the consumer. Note the difference
in the profit. The planter has ten cents to show for the
production and preparation of that pound for market; the
manufacturer sixty cents, or in other words, that pound
of cotton has enriched Mississippi ten cents, Massachusetts sixty. At the wealth of the latter need we to wonder? Without the cotton that sixty cents never would
have been made. Upon a large scale, behold what a
strange story this will tell."
"Fanaticism, uncle, is surely blind.  I have read, I
think, in one of Asop's fables, of a farmer, who had a
goose whichl laid him daily a golden egg. Not content
with this slow mode of acquiring wealth, he cut her open,
so that he might come at the whole treasury at once.
That was the end of the eggs and the gooses and his
wealth. The South is now laying the golden eggs by
which the North is enriched.  We will see whether the
latter is prepared to destroy the source of her principal
prosperity, and entail upon herself poverty and ruin."
"These things are as plain as the common rules of
Arithmetic.  Tfie North has'waxed fat,' and begins'to
kick,' and upon what?  Upon those very golden eggs
laid in the South. For feeding the goose, and keeping
her in health and vigor, we, I speak in the name of the
South, have retained for our labor and investment, one
dollar out of eight, and very generously handed over the
other seven to the North, for her exclusive use and
benefit. IHow plain it must be whence the immense
wealth of the New England States has been accumulated.
Well may the people in that section boast of their public
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improvements, their Free Schools, their Railroads, their
large and flourishing cities, etc., when nearly all the pro fits in the manufacture of cotton in the United States are
concentrated in their hands, great as those profits are.
Now for those very people to wage implacable hostility to
the South, against that'peculiar institution' that has
brought forth these golden egg,  indeed shows a degree
of madness and folly without a parallel in history. Noth ing short of the most frantic fanaticism could, for a moment, conceive a project fraught with such incalculable
evil to the North, and in reality to the civilized world."
"Well  may you declare that, uncle.  New England
manufactures but a small portion of the cotton raised
South. Old England, shame upon her, is reveling in
wealth from this very source. Millions of her subjects
are fed and clothed from the profits made in the manufacture of our cotton. Her great national debt would, long
ago, have crushed her to atoms, had it not been for this
very staple. She is the principal purchaser of cotton,
and enjoys most of the money created by its manufacture."
"Let us see, David, how the 3,625,000 bales were distributed in 1853.  Great Britain took 2,000,000, France
400,000, New England 625,000. Put the original cost
at $40 per bale, probably that may be too much, but for
our purpose it is not very material. Make the calculation
in round numbers: Great Britain paid the South for raw
material $80,000,000. According to Walker's rule, she
will acquire additional wealth by the manufacture of this
cotton, at the lowest calculation, after deducting profits
in the hands of foreign factors, not less than $500,000,000
actual real wealth, as effectually as if extracted by agriculture from the earth. This unfolds the secret of her
great and unexampled prosperity. London governs the
world in money matters-it is the center of capital, of
commerce, and regulates the prices of commodities in all
the principal markets of the earth.  Though Great Britain is thus prospering upon this product of slave labor,
yet is she the focus of Abolitionism; she has fostered it,
and sustained the excitement here by her influence and
lher money, as I have partially, and will hereafter more
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fully show. Serious charges, but they are no less serious
than true."
i' Then, uncle, think of the Free States, how many
millions of dollars we are annually throwing into their
laps. Notice the profits on the cotton. 625,000 bales,
deducting cost, $2,500,000, we have left the sumn of
$17,500,000, a very handsome remuneration for the manufacturing States, a portion of which, I presume, finds its
way into the treasury of Abolition societies."
"That is likely true, David; but these facts ought to
establish the necessity of preserving this Union. The
present settled order of society should not be disturbed
while it is diffusing mutual benefits by the interchange of
commodities. I have not adduced these statistics of trade
as an accusation against the North; but it has been done
chiefly for the purpose of showing the source whence
their principal wealth is derived. No one objects to the
sale of cotton to the manufacturers North, but what we
do complain of is, they forget the hand that nourishes
them. To the Southern planters are they chiefly indebted
for their great prosperity. Stop the cultivation of cotton, and
how could those millions of dollars be made?  If I might
address myself to the people in that section, I would tell
them, without the raw material, your jennies, your looms,
your machinery would all stop, and your operatives be deprived of work. Your Lowells would be deserted. And
what shall I say to thee, Old England, where wouldst
thou be? Thy $500,000,000 of annual wealth swept
awav forever. Ruin and bankruptcy would be thy fate.
The immense load of debt incurred by thee would crush
thee to the earth never more to rise. If I were an enemy
to thee and the Free States, I would say go on in this bitter
crusade against African Slavery; kindle the fires of civil
war; emancipate the slaves; arm them for the butchery
of their owners and their families; let the Free-Soilers
come on, and aid them in this grand work of extermination; thus display your intense love for the negro by the
wholesale massacre of your kindred after the flesh;
envelop our dwellings in flames; convert our cotton
and  sugar estates into a wilderness; erase our cities
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ABOLITIONISM UNVEILED.
from the earth, until, like Carthiage of old, no memorial
will be left to identify the spots where once they stood.
When the work of pillage, devastation, and rapine is over,
hug your black allies to your bosom for this wondrous
achievement.  And  then, what has been gained?  The
Anglo-Saxon race has been slaughtered, and there is nowv
' freedom on the soil.' These three millions of Africans
can remain and inhabit the land-it is their heritage. I
want every Free-Soiler in the land to gaze on this picture,
view its beautiful outlines-is it too highly wrought-have
not your frenzied imaginations seen it all, and more too,
in the perspective?
"I would say to Mrs. Stowe,'Come up and see here
the fruits of'Uncle Tom's Cabin' - ay, it is said,'The
works of the righteous do follow them.' These are thy
works, and they will surely follow thee. Remember thy
George. What did he display to the good and timid old
Wilson?-a bowie-knife and pistols.  These instruments
have done the deed, and now cast thy eyes upon the carnage! Ask thyself, if this is'good-will toward men —
peace on earth!' But thou art comforted with the thought
that thy head has reclined upon downy pillows in the
mansion of Lady SUTIERLAND - that thou hast been the
guest of dukes and duchesses -that thou hast moved in
rustling silks, trod proudly on soft, resplendent Turkish
carpets, inhaled sparkling wine out of golden goblets,
and feasted with all the dainty luxuries a foreign laud
could afford; because thou hadst blackened the character of thy native land, and scattered the seeds of discord
between races —the fruits of which I have only faintly
delineated. All the negro characters introduced into thy
work are brave, generous, noble, and religious-the very
climax of beauty and mental greatness; but look at the
masters, negro-traders, and hunters-they are dastardlycruel pirates and bloodhounds!'
"'Stand up SUMNER, WILSON, SEWARD, CHASE, and all
Free-Soil worthies! Look with admiration at the consummation of all your strenuous efforts - tlihe-great work, for
which you have so long toiled, is all finished to your
liking! thle negro lias been made the masterpiece of God's
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creation, and although Africa has come in last, she may
yet, according to MIrs. STOWE's anticipation, outshine the
balance of the world!'"
" I do not know, uncle, what has kept Africa stationary. She is as old and as long inhabited. What excuse
can be offered for her want of progress? Who has interfered with her?  The white man cannot long breathe her
atmosphere and live. If the negro can drive the whites
out of' other climates he has a perfect immunity in his
own. God has formed the country and climate in Africa
for the exclusive residence of his race. There he is lord
paramount; an edict, positive and immutable, has gone
tbrtli that there he shall dwell without intrusion from the
European. He holds a deed in fee-simple to that portion
of the earth against the balance of mankind. The Lord
has fenced him in with a hot and poisonous air to all
others but himself. This is equivalent to a deed of general warrantee."
' Itf mankind, David, would conform more to the laws
of God in some respects, the general happiness would be
greatly promoted. That he has so constituted the negroes
as to adapt them to reside and labor in the tropical
regions of the earth, I believe with all sincerity. The
great Architect of the Universes in all his works displays
consummate wisdom.  Animals  have been made and
fitted for certain localities.  Notice the pelican, provided
with a pouch under his bill. Why was that done I Simply
because that bird soared over arid deserts where water
was seldom to be had, and in that pouch he could carry a
supply to last him many days. Again we may notice a
contrivance has been given to the camel to enable him to
pass over the great African desert. How wisely and
judiciously have all things been made!
"In illustration of this position I will cite another
instance. I saw once a little fish taken out of the river
running through the Mammoth Cave, in this State. At
first I was surprised at its destitution of sight-an organ
that affords us so much pleasure; but I quickly reflected,
what utility could there be in eyes where there was utter
and perpetual darkness. For this reason they were not
given. If, in these instances of inferior animals, we can
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ABOLrFIONISM UEILED.
see such complete adaptation to the localities they were
intended to inhabit, how much more strongly ought we
to believe that man's form and organization have been
somewhat varied to enable him to be a resident of every
zone upon earth?"
"Upon that point, uncle, I have not reflected a great
deal. From the instances cited, I am satisfied Divinity
has created and adjusted all things for our good. The
torrid zones are intended for the negroes, and the negroes
for them. The temperate, for the whites. Here is ample
space for all. Although the negroes are the only laborers
that can be successfully employed in the cultivation of our
southern staples-because they and they only are capable
of bearing the heat of summer and the diseases of the
climate-yet, from the very nature of things, they must
continue under the control and authority of the whites to
make their labor really productive. The two races can
and do live amicably together in their present relation;
and they may continue to do so for ages, for aught I
know. The idea that the inferior can dispossess the
superior race is perfectly ludicrous. Nothing but the
wildest fanaticism could indulge in such a chimera."
"I just permitted, David, for the moment, Free-Soilism
to have its own way for the purpose of seeing what a
strange problem it would work out. What a great transformation would northern fanaticism make in the mission
of this mighty nation. Free-Soilism threatens to unite with
the negroes South, and I drew the picture to gratify their
fervid imaginations. What a wondrous work they would
perform to create' freedom on the soil.' I am thoroughly
convinced that, before this grand scheme of theirs can be
achieved, our race South must be exterminated. To say
the least of it, this is a most gigantic undertaking.  The
Northern hive, with their black allies, may flatter themselves they will prove equal to the task. If I might be
permitted to judge, however, they would commit a most
lamentable error. Old as I am, I would bare my breast
to the storm, and stand or fall beside my countrymen in
defending and sustaining our saered political rights.  But
God forbid the emergency should ever arise between the
people of the United States! I dare not-I will not
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AEOLITIONISM UNVEILED.
believe our glorious destiny is to be brought to such a
premature end."
" I trust such may be the fact, uncle; but I have precious little faith in fanaticism. Who could have stayed
the Crusades in their mad career?   The voice of the
wisest and best men of that day could not have swayed
the minds of the multitude.  So it has been with this
dangerous and reckless spirit engendered in our once
happy country. From small beginnings it has grown to
its present menacing magnitude. Vain have been the
struggles to stay its march.  Perhaps naught but the effusion of oceans of blood will be able to cure this fatal malady. So it was in the Crusades-so it may possibly be
ag,ain. The same demon is at work, and may not the
same bloody butcheries result, not as formerly between
Christian and Turk, but between Christian and Christian-fellow-citizens too, of one common country."
"If the salvation of this country, David, depended
upon the prominent leaders of Free-Soilism, I would give
up the question in despair. My pen, from this day onward, should cease to move. From them I hope-I expect
nothing. But there is a public sentiment North that can
be invoked, and not in vain. There are people in that
section-thousands of them-with strong national feelings, who will come to the rescue, when they see and
know this Union is in imminent peril. They will frown
down the attempt' to alienate one portion of this Union
from the other.' Now we only ask the faithful observance
of the Compact entered into by the States-a compact
standing higher, and towering above all others-the supreme, irrepealable compact, unless by mutual consent,
or in the mode and manner indicated by the instrument
itself.
"Are we?vrong in requiring a strict adherence to the
compromises of tie Constitutiona Constitution which
flowed from the spontaneous action of sovereign States,
and which remains as a monument to the political wisdom-the patriotism of the men of that day? Talk of
the Missouri Compromise-the Compromise of 1850-of
plighted faith-its sacredness;-but what are all these
worth compared to this compact-this ligament which
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ABOLITIONISM UTNVEILED.
binds all these sovereignties into one great nation! That
is the Covenant-the solemn Covenant, signed, sealed, and
delivered.
"Why plead subsequent compromises, enacted by legis lative authority, as more sacred and obligatory than the
Constitution itself? In that instrument and amendments
thereto, all the Compromises the States ever intended to
make will be found. The boundary of power is distinctly marked. By not recurring to first principles, a
misapprehension of our complicated system of government
often originates. We are inclined to think the National
Government has absolute and supreme authority-in its
appropriate sphere it has, but beyond, it has not.
Every power it exercises must be expressly granted, or
necessarily implied; thus far it may go-all else is usurpation."
"The question of Slavery, then, belongs to the local
authority, uncle. The States very prudently never delegated that to the Federal Union, and hence it is retained.
This proposition is too clear for controversy.  Admit the
evil of slavery to be ever so great-the sin, if you please,
to be of the most heinous nature; what is that to the
North?  The sin is not hers-the responsibility will not
be hers at the throne of the Almighty; because the States,
in respect to this matter, are entirely independent of each
other-just as much so as if this Union had never been
formed."
"Precisely so, David. This peculiar institution is the
creature of municipal law. The States where it is established, are fully competent to modify, regulate, or destroy
it.  Why should the free States undertake to coerce' freedom on the soil?' It is not their business-it is ours and
ours only.  Free-Soilism, with great condescension, yields
this point-disavows any intention to disturb the institution in the present slave States, but denies it the power
of enlargement;-the idea of its expansion strikes their
minds with holy horror-I mean the prominent leaders
of the party North. I pass from the declarations made
in our own State, and will now examine the justice and
propriety of excluding Slavery from the Territories. Now
let us wee the effects of this brotherly policy.
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ABOLITIONISM UNVEILED.
"Whose  territories are these?   The United States.
What constitutes these? Thirty-one sovereign and equally
independent States.  Hence  this Union is theirs-this
property is theirs. By what right does the North claim it
at all, though it is property jointly acquired-because she
is not polluted with this accursed thing, ]uman bondage.
Her garments are pure and unspotted, washed white in
the blood of freedom, and therefore, she very modestly
claims the lion's share-every acre.  Although the Federal Government is the agent of all the States in disposing of, and settling these lands, and as such, lhas no right
to make an odious and unrighteous discrimination among,
the States; yet Free-Soilism would have her to stand with
a blazing sword on the margin of these territories, so that
their virgin soil should never be desecrated by the foot of
a slave.
"Now I will suppose, here comes a PURITAN from the
good old Bay State; the kind words salute his ear,' Go
thou in and inhabit the land.' But the welcome words
have hardly died away before, lo! there moves up a
South Carolinian, followed by a long train of darkies.
He is forbidden to enter these fertile prairies-this lovely
country is not for such as you, it has been consecrated
to freedom."
"'Am I not a freeman?' rejoins he.
"'Oh, yes! but what are these?'
"' My slaves, sir, that I have brought along to aid me
in subduing this land, in cutting down the forest, in
turning up the prairies, and in erecting houses.'
"' I am, sir, required to stand here as sentinel with a
flaming sword, to guard this delightful region from the
pollution of slavery.'
"' Who are you, thus interdicting citizens of this Union
from entering this territory?'
"' I am a Federal officer-do you not see the stars and
stripes floating in the breeze?'
"' I see them, sir, but by your fiat one-half of them
nearly have lost their luster - their brightness is gone.
Go, tear down those colors -rend that beautiful silk in
twain —it is no longer an emblem of all the States   ut
only of a part!  The sixteen Free States are all that
S
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should be there. You are the agent of them, and not
of the balance. If all the States be equal owners of this
rich and vast domain, how can you disfranchise nearly
one-half?'
"'By a law of Congress.'
"' But, sir, that law was opposed by the united vote
of the South, and passed over their heads by an unscrupulous Free-Soil majority, in violation of the Federal
Compact.'"
"I must remark here, uncle, that if thirty-one individuals were to form an Association for some general purpose or business, and in the Article of Agreement by
which they thus became united, the parties were cautious
in stating clearly the terms and conditions upon which
they associated - reserving to each one of the firm full
control and authority over his domestic affairs, I do not
see how the general agency, thus created for general purposes, would have any right to pry into the private affairs
of one or more members thus combining- particularly
when a reservation was made forbidding such surveillance. Now if, in the prosecution of their business, such
firm were to acquire large bodies of waste land, would
not such land be held as joint-property? Could sixteen
of the partners exclude the others from any enjoyment or
use of such property? No court in the United States
would make a decree of that character. Such a partition
would be held to be in contravention to all the well
recognized principles of law and equity.  Such would be
the united judgment of every jurist in the land."
"Of that I have no doubt, David; and yet the principles of law and equity ought to be the same when applied
to communities or States. I must say there is a striking
similitude in the form of our government, to the individuals composing the firm mentioned.  The States have
retained the power to manage their local affairs in their
own way. In respect to their municipal laws and regulations Congress  is powerless.  Should Free-labor be
adopted in one state, Slavery in another, it was a matter
entirely within their jurisdiction. Should Illinois tomorrow, establish Slavery within her limits- Kentucky
the next day abolish it-the act, in the one case and in
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the other, would be no violation of their Federal obligations.
" Their acts in such cases would be perfectly legitimate.
Conceding these powers to the States, and I believe the
most rabid Abolitionist will not deny them, the whole
excitement seems confined to the settlement of the Territories. The great contest, North, is for the reinstatement
of the'Missouri Compromise' line, and a positive inhibition of slavery in the Territories. Upon these points
the great fight is to be made."
" I rejoice, uncle, that you have at last approached
questions that engross so much of public attention. From
all the information reaching us-and judging from the
newspapers promiscuously lying around, it is no littlethere is deep and intense excitement in the Free States,
growing out of the passage of the Kansas-Nebraska Bill
by the last Congress. I am anxious to find out how far
the South is guilty of those serious offenses laid to her
charge."
"1 confess, David, I have been a little more tedious in
arriving at the Territorial question -for that embraces
the other -than I at first anticipated. I felt an anxiety
to define fully the powers of the States under the Federal
Compact-to unfold the nature and design of our system
of government. Complex it may be called -thirty-two
sovereignties revolving around one common center- the
focus of their brilliant light. THEY are the twinkling
stars in our political firmament, whose converging rays
impart warmth, strength, and glory to the Union. May
their brilliancy never diminish, but shine more and more
'to the perfect day.'
"Instead of the Federal government being the greatf
luminary of our system, around which these minor
spheres are moving, it is an opake body, and if it
assumes a gorgeous splendor in the eyes of the world, it
is from the reflected light imparted from the galaxy of
stars floating on our flag.  It is their number and magnitude that give us eonsequence in the estimation of the
nations.
"The States are the pillars upon which this mighty
edifice doth rest; its basis - its foundation. Oh I our
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system of government was conceived in wisdom- how
well have all its parts been arranged -how nicely
adjusted!  It is the province of the States, with paternal
care, to watch over and guard the most minute interests
of society-not a want, however trifling, they do not see
and regard. Thus all the benefits of government are
made as diffusive as the multiplied and diversified relations of society can possibly demand. Then, again, you
will find all these States forming-' e pluribus unum'one as to national purposes -one as to foreign nations.
This oneness must not be confounded with consolidation.
A great central government, to overshadow the States
and absorb their liberties, was not the kind intended to be
established. Nothing could be more intolerable than a
central despotism-the one I fear Free-Soilism is aiming
to erect upon the ruins of the present Constitution."
"How beautiful, uncle, is our plan of government
when rightly understood and fairly administered. Confine the National Government to its legitimate spherelet it foster all the states-know no North, or SouthEast, or West-but move in harmony with all. By this
means, the destiny of these people for coming years,
would be grand beyond conception. With an area of near
3,000,000 of square miles-being about the size of all
Europe-if we can remain united, how great would be
our march to power-to greatness, and to glory."
"The Repeal of the Missouri Compromise line has
created deep exasperation at the North. The KansasNebraska Bill has been lavishly denounced, as treacheryas perfidy to the North. Senator Douglass, who is generally considered the author of the bill, has come in for no
small share of the odium which Free-Soilism feels'and
expresses against the Act. His efficient and bold advocacy of that measure constitutes the brightest page in his
life.  His great genius towered above petty sectional
strife.  If he has incurred, and that most unjustly-the
ill-will of this faction North-he has endeared himself to
his fellow-citizens South, who will not forget his devotion
to the great national interests of the whole country."
" Here is the language of the act:' The true intent and
meaning of this act, is, not to legislate Slavery into any
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Territory or State, nor to exclude it therefrom, but to
leave the people thereof perfectly fiee to form their domestic institutions in their own way.' And as a necessary consequence, the Missouri Compromise line was
repealed, passed in 1820, prohibiting Slavery north of the
line of 36~ 30'."
"Is that the whole sum of offense, uncle?  The principle laid down in that Bill, ought to have met with
general approbation. Why not leave the people of the
territories' free to form their domestic institutions in their
own way?' I can see no impropriety in it, and I am truly
amazed at the violent opposition it has encountered."
"But a great deal, David, is uttered about perfidy,
treachery, violation of plighted faith, by Free-Soilism, by
fanatics, who are knowingly and willfully acting in disobedience to the most sacred compromises of the Federal
Constitution. Point them to that section which enjoins
the delivery up of fugitives, owing service or labor in one
state escaping into another, and demand of them a compliance with their constitutional duty upon the claim of
the owner or agent-would they fuilfill it? By no means;
and yet they are great sticklers for Compromises. They
are eternally harping on the Missouri Compromise, raising
that in importance and dignity to the Constitution
itself.
" My own impression of such compromises might be
inferred from preceding observations. I maintain, the
Missouri line was a ntulZity when made-it is still a nullity. In what light are such compromises to be considered-as amendments to the Constitution, or equivalent
thereto?  Concede that, and the Constitution  may be
changed by a bare majority of Congress.  Whereas the
instrument itself says,' Amendments can be proposed by
two-thirds of Congress, or two-thirds of the legislatures
of the several States; but the amendments, betbfore they
have any validity, must be ratified by three-foburths of the
states in convention or by their legislatures, as Congress
may direct.'  I ask emphatically, what are those comipromises? Not amendments surely, because they have not
been adopted in the way just pointed out. If they are
anything, they cannot be elevated above the ordinary acts
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of legislation. And I am not disposed even to ive them
that much consequence, for they are usually passed under
circumstances of duress vile."
"I am disposed so to think, uncle.  The Missouri
Compromise-that of 1850, were both passed under extraneous circumstances, unfavorable to quiet and sober
deliberation. However that may be, it is clear to my
mind the Constitution cannot be thus amended, nor ouglht
it to be.  How very dangerous to intrust such power
with a bare majority of Congress-a power which nothing
but three-fourths of these states in the most solemn
manner can exercise.  The hint ought to be sufficient to
put the whole country on its guard. My God! if the
Free-Soilers could elect the President and secure a majority in both branches of Congress, what might they not
do?"
CHAPTER XII.
The Union and its Dangers.
"Now, David, what forced upon the country in 1820,
the Missouri Compromise line, the repeal of which, has
been productive of so much irritation among the people
of the North? The South has been stigmatized for her
Punic faith in respect to this matter. Her guilt or innocence is a fit subject of inquiry."
How stands the case?  Missouri asked for admission
into this Union in 1819 and'20, and she was refhised.
Upon what ground? Because she established Slavery
by her constitution. The very bill admitting her, contained a clause emancipating her slaves. This was passed
by the Lower House, but lost in the Senate. A most
angry feeling was engendered in Congress, between the
North and South, and convulsed the whole country. The
Union was on the eve of dissolution-the South, to save
that, in an unguarded moment, made this concession.
Whiy was this necessity forced on the South    I Did the
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North act right in refuising to Missouri the privilege of
'forming her domestic institutions in her own way.'
Hlere the North committed a wrong, and took advantage
of it, contrary to a maxim of law in that case made and
provided. I ask, why should a State be refused admission upon such a pretext? Ought that to be an objection
to a State? if it is, how obvious it must be, the present Slave states in the Union are unfit and unworthy
members. If it be a hinderance to the admission of new
States, how can the over-righteous North continue in
union with the present  fifteen  Slave  states?   What
response can be made?  Well, I fear if new ones are
refused on this ground, ere-long the old ones will very
politely be asked to walk out."
"That would be apt to follow, uncle. Now, how
would it look for the little State of Rhode Island, a mere
plantation, to order old Virginia out of the Union, because she was polluted with slavery, and, therefore. unworthy to associate with her in the National councils?
Hfow would that blessed Old Dominion feel-the mother
of presidents-the great benefactor of the nation-she
who brought in as dower a princely dominion, and laid it
at the feet of the Union for the common benefit. And
must she and her children be denied any blessing this
Union can afford-any privilege conceded to the North 
Any discrimination against her-how odious-how abominable!"
"I am sunk down, David, at the chaos that reigns in
our politics.  What a marvel is man to man!  How differently we must be constituted, or are we not the mere
creatures of education? I feel overwhelmed at the sad
picture our nation presents to the eyes of the world!
'Confusion worse confounded,' is our unhappy national
condition.  Can order be ever produced out of our present
discordant society?  What great blessings are put at
hazard!
"Contemplate for a moment, the rich inheritance that
has descended to us-survey the amplitude of our possessions-cast your eyes along the Atlantic border-pass
over to the Pacific, from north to south, from east to west,
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what an area do we encircle!  Tile diversity of production, the variety of climate, the fertility of soil, mark out
a path to a glorious, exalted destiny.
"But to these natural advantages, the greatest boon of
all is to be added-a free government-a government so
organized as to secure the greatest amount of happiness to
the community. The great problem,'that governments
were instituted for the benefit of the governed,' has been
happily demonstrated. The principle of representation
we understand and carry out more successful]y than any
other nation.  By its instrumentality our system of government can be made co-extensive with our great circumference.
"Think how truly and greatly we are blessed.  Can
we extol too highly the liberty of speech and of the press?
the liberty of conscience, privileges inestimable, but
vouchsafed to us?  Oh! how long was the human mind enfettered with the heavy chains of bigotry!  How singular,
RELIGIOUS LIBERTY was unknown until taught in America 
Here it was first proclaimed, that'mnan had a right to
worship God agreeably to the dictates of his own conscience.' So great an achievement was reserved for tile
sages who laid the foundations of our government.
Blessed may their memories be, till time shall end.  Had
they done nothing more, this alone would have added
immortality to their names."
"We are not capable, uncle, of appreciating the great
minds that founded our Republic I Retrospect the past.
Christianity had reigned on earth 1776 years. The keys
of heaven and of hell were thought to be deposited with
one Church, the head of which vaunted himself as being
the vicegerent of Christ upon earth. All who would not
acknowledge his supremacy, if discovered, were consigned
to the stake. Thousands of martyrs perished amidst
flames, because they would not confess the infallibility of
the Pope.  Religious persecution filled the earth; but the
American Revolution not only dissolved the ties that connected us with mother England  it also sundered the connection between Church and  state.  It proclaimed to
mankind the great principle of religious tolerance, forbid
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the fagot and the flames to desecrate our soil, and left all
the privilege to worship God in whatever manner their
consciences dictated."
"It is obvious, David, though this may seem a slight
acquisition: yet it is the corner-stone in the edifice of
freedom.  Mark my words!  Take away religious lib erty-with it go the liberty of speech and of the press and there is naught else left worth preserving. Political
liberty, without including the religious, is a solecism-a
perfect absurdity. Suppose a person commits an error in
religion, how cruel, how unjust to punish him with death
for such a mistake. Perhaps he judged from his best in formation-from the exercise of his best reason.  If he
could not think and see as others, on these abstruse
questions, it might be owing to some mental infirmity,
beyond his control, and for which, instead of an excruci ating death, he ought never to suffer in the slightest de gree.  What dangerous presumption-not to say wicked
tv-ranny-for any body of men to place themselves as
ldge between an intelligent soul and its maker!  Of all
despotisms on the face of the earth, this is the most hate ful - the most intolerable.  How  many have  suffered
martyrdom, rather than yield so 8acred a right?  Yes,
thousands upon thousands of human souls, enlightened
and pious, rather than submit, have ascended to the throne
of God amidst the curling flame."
"How horrible the thought, uncle!  What  a fearful
responsibility did those assume who ventured to send,
from time to eternity, myriads of the human family
for bare errors in religion-I say bare errors; but who
knows whether they were or not? Who has a right to
sit in judgment in relation to such holy and inscrutable
matters  Ah me!  I would not, for the whole world,
consign a fellow-mortal to the stake, for worshiping God
in his own way; though it might be very dififrcnt from
the mode I practiced myself.  The very thought of hultnan
fallibility, of the weakness of our intellects, would admonish me to the utmost tolerance in thle dogmas of religion.
I confess with shame and deep mortification, that wit  all
my academic lore, I am not able to fathom the Almighty,
or to oomprehend the vastness of His works.  Should I
9
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unluckily fall into an error in the adoration and worship
I should feel and offer to the great and incomprehensible
God, the Creator and Preserver of this world, how monstrous cruel it would be if I had to atone for such error
at the stake."
"Yes, truly, David, how precious is such liberty I
Well, I have adverted to these matters chiefly to show
the value of our government-the intense affection we
owe it, and how strenuous our efforts ought to be for its
preservation and perpetuity. The prize of liberty-grand,
glorious, glittering-is the stake upon which we have our
eyes fixed, in this political race we are running. Now,
this rich inheritance, this glorious prize, is in the utmost
jeopardy! All the liberties I have mentioned-dear and
valuable as they are to humanity-seem suspended by a
hair. The angry billows of fanaticism are heaving on
the bosom of our political sea, and whether the vessel of
State can ride out the storm, God, by his omniscience,
can only tell.
"The Repeal of the Missouri Compromise line, and
opening of the Territories to all the people of the Union
alike, is the pretext to all this fierce excitement. I am
free to aver, that amidst this ebullition of passion, I cannot perceive wherein the South has done wrong. Has
she ever asked Congress to establish Slavery in any Territory?  No, never-never!  She only demands of her
sister states an equal participation in the settlement of
the public lands. She does not crave to be legislated in,
b.ut opposes being legislated out; this is'the height-the
front of her offending."
Indeed, uncle, is that the sum and substance of her
guiltiness? What temerity, in fifteen Southern states,
to put in such an unreasonable claim-nearly one moiety
of the whole Union.  Nearly, did I say: if computed by
the number of square miles each section contains, the
South is the largest by a fraction over 20.0,000 square
miles.  Then, in regard to territory and wealth, she is in
no way inferior to the North-if less in population,
ought that to be a reason for her disfianchisement-for
the odious and unfair exclusion of- her. from the public
domain I  Moreover, must the general government, the
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creature of all the states, act with disloyalty to a portion?
Must the President and Congress forget the solemnity
and obligations of their oaths,'to preserve, protect, and
defend the Constitution of the United States?'  That
Constitution, in its operation, pervades the whole Union.
One section ought to be cherished and protected as much
as another. Congress, therefore, in the Nebraska-Kansas
Bill, disclaims any intention to legislate slavery into the
territory, or to exclude it therefrom; but to leave tihe
people thereof, perfectly free to form their domestic in  stitutions in their own way."
"A fair, just, and correct principle, David, which none
but enemies to self-government will oppose-tyrants at
heart, and foes in disguise, to liberty.  May the Missouri
Compromise line go, never more to be remembered, when
it comes in conflict with so salutary a principle, forming
the very basis of republicanism. Whoever denies that,
must also dispute the capacity of the people for selt'
government. Why should there be such a dread to trust
this question with the people of the territories-are they
incompetent and unqualified to decide it?
"Kansas, during her Territorial existence, must not be
intrusted with the power to decide upon her domestic
institutions in her own way-that must be reserved to
the superior virtue and intelligence of Congress; but so
soon as she becomes a State-if it were the next day she can then exercise that power without restraint.
What possible difference can it make, whether this prerog,ative be exerted a few days sooner or later?"
"'I cannot discern, uncle, if it be right in one case,
why it is not in the other.   Now let us suppose Kansas
has the requisite population-by the authority of Congress, she has held a convention-prepared a republican
constitution, and has been admitted into the Union as a
Free state. But directly afterward, from a sudden change
in public sentiment, she convenes another convention to
alter or amend her constitution. She has been admitted
into the Union, and hence, has all the privileges of the
original states, being on an equal footing with them in
all respects whatsoever.  She now establishes Slavery.
- o
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Who will deny her the power to form her domestic institutions in her own way?  None, I presume."
"Between the pupilage and manhood of a Territory,
David, there may be a very little span. In this light,
therefore, the whole quarrel between North and South
depends upon an act before or subsequent to admission;
perhaps a few months sooner or later.  The people in the
territories must be kept in a condition of vassalage; but
so soon as admitted into the Union as a State, a transmutation takes place, and they emerge from their degraded
minority.
"But Free-Soilism affects to be terribly incensed at the
aggressions of the slave power. She wants a positive
law to inhibit slavery in the territories. Let us gratify
her for the moment, and see how pleasantly and justly
it will operate.
Imagine our sentinel still at his post, with his insignia of power, to preserve the territories inviolate from
the encroachments of slavery. A Virginian draws near,
and offers to pass in with his retinue of slaves.
"' Pray, sir, whence are you?' says the sentinel.
"' I am a citizen of Virginia, and have come, with my
slaves, to make a settlement in Kansas.'
"'Congress, sir, has, by law, inhibited slavery in the
territories; you can stand aside.'
"'Very well.  Here is a gentleman from Massachusetts, my traveling companion part of the way.   Now,
let me see what you will do with him?'
"' I am,' says the Yankee,' all the way from the good
old Bay State, the land of the Puritans, and the cradle
of the Revolution.'
"In what capacity, sir, says the sentinel,'do these
Africans accompany you?'
"' Be not alarmed, sir, they are good and true citizens
of that ancient commonwealth. They have come with
me as free laborers, not as slaves, like those with my
friend from Virginia.'
"' If I were to die for it,' rejoins the sentinel,'I can't
see, so far as external appearance is concerned, a shade
of difference between the bond and free; all uncontami
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nated Africans, full-blooded and pure. But the wisdom
of Congress has declared in favor of free, and against
slave labor.'
'' Permit me to say, sir,' says the Virginian, to the
sentinel,'that for honesty, sobriety and industry, my
slaves cannot be surpassed. And I will venture farther
to say, at the end of each year they will show a better
crop-dress finer-have more money  than  those with
Doctor Ramsey, from Massachusetts. Not only that,
but in the meantime will live better-be more contented
and happy.'
"' That is an abstraction,' replies Doctor Ramsey.
'There is a great distinction to be drawn between freedom and slavery. Colonel Reed, from Virginia, whom
I met by the way, doubtless is a humane and generous
master.   The idea of slavery is intolerable.   These free
laborers of mine, voluntarily work for hire. They have
come with me this long distance, to render me service at
axed wages.'
"'Very well, sir,' rejoins Colonel  Reed.' But do
you not hold them bound faithfully to labor for your
beneft?  Do you not require them, with  the utmost
diligence, to perform every service they have undertaken?'
"' I do, most assuredly,' responds the Doctor.' I suffer no idleness —no disobedience to orders. My servants
are to be up by dawn of day: my rule is, no breakfast till
it has been earned. My orders are to be strictly observed.
When I hire men to work, they shall earn their wages. I
don't pay them money to do nothing.'
"  I presume not, Doctor.   I find your rules as arbitrary as mine; nor can I see they are more humane.
Your  servants  are dependent-perhaps  poor-relying
upon their toil for subsistence. Idle they cannot be.
You are a man of wealth, and can fuirnish them with
employment; and when the work is done, pay them the
stipulated wages. Now do you not perceive that dependence creates servitude, and places the poor in the power
of the rich?'
"' Not at all, Colonel, servitude and slavery are not
one and the same thing they ought never to be con.
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founded. These slaves of yours, by the laws of Virginia,
are made chattels-personal estate- can descend to heirs,
etc.  These imnages of God  are thus transferable  like
horses, cattle, and other stock.'
'1' Grant it all, Doctor; but are they not by our laws
regarded as persons? They cannot be deprived of life or
be cruelly treated with impunity. By no means. In
these respects they are under the protection of the law;
and in the infirmities of age and in sickness they can't
become a charge upon the county- the owner being
required to take care of them. You do not incur this
responsibility-in old age and sickness you can cast your
servants off.'
"'So I can, Colonel, I have no interest in them any
longer than they labor for me. In sickness they lose the
time and pay their own expenses. In this way we econo mize and render our labor the cheapest. The cost of your
slaves, with these other contingencies, will enable me to
cultivate a crop cheaper than you can.'
"' Perhaps it will, Doctor. The Yankees are celebrated
for'cuteness the world over, and they display it as much
in their contrivance to obtain cheav labor as in anything.
else.  For a poor man to rise among them is next to im possibility.  Out of his scant  earnings he  can never
accumulate. After a life of toil he dies, as he began,
poor. To this fact your crowded poor-houses bear con vincing testimony.'
"' But it is in a national aspect I want to examine the
question of my exclusion from this territory. You and I
have come both with negroes.  My State has one system
of labor, yours another. The wealth of a nation consists
in its productive industry. Can your free negroes outwork mine -raise more wheat, corn, hemp, or tobacco?
Will not the prairies, if turned over by my slaves, yield
as well as if plowed up by your free nearoes? Why
should the National government undertake to make a
discrimination of this lind? Now this will be its effect:
"'IMassachusetts has made by her Constitution and
laws citizens of the free negroes, and she is the only State
in the Union that has conferred upon them this distinguished honor. Now, sir, must she be permitted to force
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that kind of population into these Territories, intermingle them with the whites, and claim for them equal
privileges?'
"'Why  not, Colonel, are they not as good as white
people?'
"'Ask Indiana, Illinois, Doctor; ay, every other State
in the Union but your own.  The response will come up
in tones of thunder, NO! No!' We never have, nor ever
will admit the Africans as equals.'
"'And yet, in violation of this public sentiment,
evinced by the laws and regulations of every State except
one, you bring here these black citizens of your ancient
commonwealth to plant their feet upon this virgin soil.
Can you suppose there is enough virtue in the legislation
of your State to make a negro anything different from
what he is?
"'Again, does not this very incident show the injustice
of Free-Soilism? You and I have come to settle and
improve these territories- I am prohibited; you are
admitted, because your Africans are, by your State,
dignified as citizens-though not a whit better than mine.
Now think of the two States.  Can yours claim superiority over mine?  The' Old Dominion,' like Saul, stands
head and shoulders above every other State.  This preeminence should be accorded to her for the sacrifices she
has made for the common  good.  With  the different
systenis of labor, as adopted by the various States, the
general government ought never to meddle. She should
place all upon a footing of equality, and then the domestic tranquillity would not be disturbed. The South and
West will not yield this territory to your black citizens-.
let them form a State and send a negro to Congress!
When that day comes the cry will be made,' To your own
tents, O Israel!'
"If Free-Soilism can have its way, such would be the
cry in all the southern region in less than twelve months.
The South will never consent to be dishonored merely oni
account of hler svstem of labor.  If she should ever be
forced into secession, it will be because the National ConIi)act has been grossly violated — its compromises slianietilly trampled under bfoot.  The Union  to which  she
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consented, the terms upon which it was formed, would be
destroyed-leaving her entirely at the mercy of a despotic
majority of Free-Soilers. To such usurpation the South
could not tamely submit, although her attachment to the
present Union might remain unabated. Yet when northern fanaticism, whose whole aim is to degrade and insult
her, shall be installed in the high places of government,
we may rest assured that then the tug of war will
commence.
"Should not this spirit, David, be checked and rebuked,
such must be the inevitable result. Those who flatter
themselves the South will only'kick in the traces and fall
back,' will be most woefully disappointed.  Such pusillanimity ought not to be anticipated.  What are her numbers? Over six millions of whites. A number too great
for annihilation suddenly. Why should it be supposed
they would tamely yield up their most precious rights'only kick in the traces,' and let the minions of FreeSoilism, with the heavy reins of despotism drive them,
Jehu-like, to inevitable destruction? It is not in human
nature to yield without a struggle to such unheard of
despotism.
" When before was ever the chivalry of the South called
in question; her undaunted bravery for a moment doubted?
Do not the revolutionary struggle, the war of 1812-the
Mexican War-all bear united testimony to her courage
and invincibility? The laurels won in all these contests
sit not alone on Northern brows. Oh! it would be
almost invidious to name our Southern heroes and brave
troops, who have won imperishable renown on the ensanguined field. Their names and their deeds stand in
bold relief on the historic page. Perhaps the present
generation, should an emergency rise, will not prove tiqh
degenerate sons of such illustrious sires."
"The very possible good to be attained, uncle, by interdicting Slavery in the territories will hardly justify tho
hazardous enterprise in which Abolitionism is engaged.
The disruption of this Union will entail upon our race
woes such as the world has not hitherto witnessed. Benighted must be the minds of Northern fanatics, it' they
will rush headlong into the yawningi gulf which  lies
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ABOLITIONISM UNVEILED.
before them. If, instead of domestic tranquillity, and the
blessings of liberty to themselves and posterity, they shall
invoke civil discord, and internal war, all for the establishment of' frieedom on the soil, the page which shlall
record such madness, such fatuity, should be bordered
with the drapery of mourning."
"Suppose, however, such result may not follow, David.
hlow much would the Northi gain by confining Slavery
to its present limits? If the object is for the good of tilhe
slave, the Abolitionists ought not to oppose the diffusion;
for it cannot make his condition worse by transferring
him from the present States to Kansas.  It multiplies
his chances for freedom. It does not increase the number
in bondage, that would remain the same. Neither does
it give any more political weight to the South. She has
amnple space for her population, and the labor of her
slaves, for hundreds of years to come. She will go on to
increase at the same ratio, by limitation or expansion.
"Let us personify the two sections for the moment, to
hear their mutual criminations and recriminations; there
they sit in the President's mansion, haughty, proud, and
disdainful, each enrobed in gaudy attire, and reposing on
silken cushions. No two old maids ever assumed such
frightful mien, and overbearing hauteur."
A  happy conceit, uncle.  Let silence reign, while
those peerless old beauties pour out all the vials of wrath,
which, for so many years have been locked up in their
bosoms. Like the throes of a volcano, the lava must
have vent. See how they are convulsed with contending
passions, while their eyes flash wi.th burning indignation."
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CHAPTER XIII.
The Altercation.
"' I TELL you, Miss North,' says Miss South,'my ire
is worked up to the highest pitch. I perceive you are not
disposed to consider me any longer your co-equal. We
have been united in business ever since 1787.  You can not have forgotten the articles of our agreement; but you
are beginning to assume an arrogance and superiority
insupportable.'
"'Oh, Miss South,' rejoins Miss North,'do let us
talk over our grievances a little more dispassionately.
Thy blood is boiling hot, unsuited to calm discussion.
Grave and momentous questions at issue between us can not be thus adjusted.  The union l)etween us has hitherto
been harmonious, and I had indulged the hope, it would
be of long continuance.'
"' Yes, Miss North, so it might have been, if you had
kept your prying eyes out of my domestic affairs. Ilav ing fift'teen large plantations and three millions of slaves,
you will not doubt my wealth. I am resolved to be mistress in my own house, in despite of your officious
meddling-mind you that.'
"' Come, do not be enraged, Miss South, I don't know
that I have been meddlesome; I do feel and express a
deep sympathy for your slaves. I persuade off all I can,
and those I can't get away, I try to dissatisfy. Now, these
little matters, I do think, ought not to create on your part
so much irritation.'
"'Oh, no, Miss North, all a trifling matter.  Did you
not bind yourself by these presents (unfolding the parchinent) not to do these very things? I am almost tempted
to throw the instrument into thy perfidious face.  What
aie compacts —what are agreements worth, if the parties
thereto, are not bound thereby?  Dare you deny the obligation into which you entered! with me?   Tiy frigid face
ou.ght to be suffused with bluslhes, if blushes could be
seen on such pallid cheeks.'
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"' Refrain from personal reflections, I pray you, Miss
South-I am jealous of my  beauty.  If I am a little
more cool and calculating than you are, it is owing to the
climate in which I dwell. I manage my domestic institutions in my own way, and  from my thriftiness, you
may be satisfied they are well managed.'
''Manage your private affairs in whatever way you
please, Miss North. I give myself no concern upon that
point. I care not what you do at home; but my comnplaint is, that, not content with ruling in your own
region, you are employing and sending over emissaries on
my side to create me trouble.  You are by this means, 
trying to stir up strife in my family by enticing away my
slaves, and doing me infinite mischief, in violation of the
compact solemnly entered into between us.'
"  As to that, I can hardly say, Miss South. There
is a higher law-thie law of God-that supersedes human
laws, obedience to which, is our first duty.'
"'Most abominable, Miss North.  In this way, the
most sacred engagements into which individuals and nations can enter mi,ght be rendered a nullity at the option
of either party. Such a doctrine, though apparently
pious, makes of private contracts and governments mere
cobwebs,' whose attenuated thread' will only hold the
feeblest insects. Shame upon such perfidy. Here is
your compact made with me in'S7. I will read the
identical words to refresh your memory.
"  No person held to service or labor in one State,
under the laws thereof, escaping in another, shall, in consequence of any law or regulation therein, be discharged
from such service or labor, but shall be delivered up on
the claim of the party to whom such service or labor may
be due.'
"' There is your undertaking, signed, sealed, and delivered. Why invoke a higher law to sanctify its willful
infringement? Have you delivered ifugitives from my
estates, which was your imperative duty? Answer me
that.'
"' In reply, I must confess, Miss South, in this respect,
there appears, upon my part, a dereliction of duty. But I
feel justified from the consideration, that the laws of God
I
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ABOLITIONISM UNVEILED.
never have, nor ever will, recognize human slavery. I have,
therefore, under the sanction of this higher law, aided'the
panting fugitive in making his escape from the land of
bondage; with my Underground Railroads I have been
enabled to run him quickly and safely to Canada.' Upon
this charitable work I hope to receive the blessings of
God.'
"'Oh, thou hypocrite! Canst thou expect the blessings
of God upon the violation of plighted faith? Canst thou
not see the tendency of such a doctrine? It is to destroy
the confidence, the peace, safety, and the harmony of
society-to tear loose the ties that constitute us one people, and resolve us back to a state of savage liberty.'
"'I am conscientious in all this matter, Miss South.  I
make as my rule and guide the dictates of the higher law.
The rectitude of my intentions will extenuate my conduct
in thie premises.'
"'No extenuation in the world, Miss North.   On DO
such a pretext ought these great national engagements to
be infracted. You agreed to deliver up any person owing
me service or labor, whether he was white or black, a slave
or apprentice. If I could prove the fact, that a fugitive
owed me service or labor, by no law or regulation were
you to defeat my claim to his delivery. This was the
compact between us in language the most unequivocal.
And yet you are in the practice continually of its infraction! When I charge you with bad faitA-with the
failure to live up to the terms of our Union, you concede
the fact, but put in a plea of justification. And what is
that plea? ('0onscience-higher law. Why did you not
think of that ere we united?  I had slaves then-so
had you. We were both alike, so far as that was concerned.'
"'Very truly, Miss South; but I have thought it expedient to emancipate mine, to get rid of this curse, and
advocate the inalienable rights of man.'
"' I know that, Miss North, in what way the most of
your slaves were emancipated. I can tell you precisely
how that was done.  You handed the most of them over
to me, to work in my cotton and sugar estates, for valuable consideration.  You may love inalienable rigdts
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now-perhaps you do-but I have not forgotten you then
loved money a littlec the best.'
' I do not see any propriety, Miss South, in these
reminiscences.  I might have been at that day too parsimonoiots, but my mind since has become more enlightened in relation to human rights and  Christian
duty.'
a' Remember, Miss Xorth, these inalienable rights are
not a recent discovery. It was announced by one of my
sages as early as'76,'that man was created with certain
inalienable rights-among these were life, liberty, and the
pursuit of happiness.' This great truth was promulgated
years before'87, and consequently well known by us
both: but money-money made you neglect this great
principle. I can tell you my gold, at the time of emancipation, long subsequent to those events, had more potency
then than human rights. Now, if you want to know a
piece of secret history which has, perhaps, faded from
your recollection-in that declaration the negro was not
intended to be embraced, because it was supposed at that
day he was not, in any sense, our equal.'
"  How cruel thus, Miss South, to disparage the poor
African! He is one of God's creatures as well as you
and I. He has a soul to be saved, and may be an heir of
glory, for God is no respecter of persons.'
"' I do not wish to be misapprehended, Miss North.
Thiat portion of opr history that I design to vindicate, has
been most shamefully perverted. When inalienable rights
were spoken of, what race was in the eye of its great author? That race that had to sustain our flag in the revolutionary war-that race who held all political power in
their hands; and of that race we are only the true person ifications. We came together as its true representatives
in 1787 to form this more perfect union. When we used
the term-' We, the people,' what was the meaning? It
signified the Anglo-Saxon-the white race of America.
I ask you in all seriousness, was the negro ever once in
our contemplation? He was an anomaly in our system I might say, a mere civher. Was he in our armies as
a soldier-in our Conventions or Legislative Assemblies,
where military fame was to be won, or political honor and
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distinction acquired? Not an instance on record can be
produced where the negro has figured in the annals of
our history.  His sphere of action was confined to the
condition in wbhh he is found in my plantations to this
day.  Hence I am safe in asserting, that our race-the
white race-was alone thought of and provided for in this
free country of America. I say it boldly, the negro had
no voice or share in our civil or social rights, and never
constituted an element in our political system.'
"'How cruel you have become, Miss South!  How
slavery doth harden the heart!  I have sympathy-deep
sympathy, God knows, for the toiling slaves of the South,
while you, like an imperious mistress, heed not their
tears and their groans. As the Egyptian taskmasters,
you are unfeeling and despotic.'
"' I can tell you what softened your heart, Miss
North-it was my gold. Many years ago you issued an
edict that Slavery should cease to exist on your estates.
Now you know thousands of the slaves were quietly
slipped over on my side of the line. Your agents went
back smiling over the glittering gold. Up to this day I
don't suppose you have had any compunctions of conscience for that act.'
"'I do not thank you for such insinuations, Miss
South. You will admit I was then just commencing the
world, and was comparatively poor. My land was sterile,
and I could not well do without the capital they were
worth.'
"' I am not complaining of your right to sell; you did
just what I am doing every day. I am only reproaching
you for the want of consistency and good faith. I have
told you this was exclusively the white man's government
and country —made by him and for him entirely. There is
another item in our Compact with which I wish to refresh
your memory.  The importation of slaves was allowed
until 1808- twenty years after our Union was formed.
Your people participated in the profits of this traffic, as
they had a legal right to do, for it was not held to be
piracy in those days.'
"' That is true, Miss South. I had to make that concession to get you into the Union. We have been pros
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perous and happy, and I had fain hope nothing would
transpire to alienate us from each other.'
"'A candid confession, Miss North.  Our Union has
been mutually beneficial.  I have no objection to its continuance upon the identical terms upon which it was
originally formed.  I will assure yei candidly of one
thing-as I shall aim to fulfill every duty incumbent upon
me, I will rigidly exact the same of you.  You shall not
rule me up to a strict conformity to the Compact, while
youi are taking the liberty to disregard its requirements.'
"'Now, Hiss South, I am aiming to acquit myself
honorably of all my Constitutional engagements.  I hate
Slavery, look upon it as a curse, and am anxious for its
abolition upon your estates. However, I will leave that
matter to your voluntary action, but I will confine you to
your present limits-further you shall not go.'
"'There again, you are insufferably insulting, Miss
North! How came you to get my superior? How dare
you to employ language so degrading and dictatorial 
We united as equals, and by what means have you contrived to elevate yourself above me?  You know you
have been guilty of enticing away my slaves; you boast
of your'underground railroads.'  Have you once thought
of the want of comity such conduct displays, even if you
and I did not constitute one Union-solemnly pledged to
promote each other's joint, as well as individual hlappiness and prosperity?  Why should you be inimical to
me?  What have I done, contrary to the strictest honor
and myplighted faith?  If I have multiplied my slaves,
increased my estates, and added to my wealth - of this
you ought to rejoice instead of indulging in envy and
jealousy, as I fear you are prone to do.
"'I complained of your interference with my domestics, or-if you prefer the word- slaves - for mine they
are, and mine they shall be till such time as I choose to
let them go.  Ihow came they mine?  By purchase from
your people-from the subjects of Great Britain.  They
are mine to all intents and purposes, for I bought the
ancestors of my present slaves of those who owned them
and had a rightL to sell. There was legality in the sale
and purchase. The consideration was paid down, thereby
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ABOLITIONISM UNVEITED.
making them property as effectually as government and
laws can do it. Of this vested right am I now to be
clandestinely or forcibly deprived, and that too by your
agency-my partzer and, of course, ought to be my
friend?'
"' I have not proposed, Miss South, to disturb Slavery
upon your present estates. There, I grant, it is under
your control, not mine; but I am resolved it shall not
extend beyond its present boundaries.'
"'You are full of deceit and arrogant presumption,
Miss North.'With your lips you draw near, while your
heart is far from me.' In my estimation, acts, and not
words, have weight. By syren songs I am not to be
deceived. What are the facts now transpiring in the face
of mankind?  You presume to assert Slavery is under
my control upon my present estates, and there you will
not interfere, while, at the very moment these words are
warm from your lips, your emissaries are actively. employed in destroying my  domestic tranquillity by diiffusing the spirit of insubordination among my slaves,
thereby laying the foundation for a servile war in which
their destruction will be inevitable. Nor is this all. You
have suffered your people to organize Societies, raise
funds, and aid my slaves in making their escape, notwithstanding your positive compact with me not to have
any such regulation. These Abolition Societies have
made the very regulations you promised should not be
made.
"' By their money and regulations my slaves are passing, by'underground railroads,' out of my reach to recapture or your power to deliver up. Is there no treachery,
no dishonor in all this?'
"' None that I can see, Miss South.  I never promised
to catch negroes for you. If your slaves run off and
escape, that is nothing to me-take them, if you can.'
"' I do not ask you to be a negro-hunter for me.  I
have men, faithful and true that will do that work. Tear
up your'underground railroad,' dissolve your nefarious
Societies, neither aid nor secrete or place obstructions in
my way-then I will trust to the vigilance of my agents
for thle balance.
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ABOLITIONISM UNVEILED.
"' But so far from conforming to our most sacred Coinpact, you are straining every nerve to depopulate my
estates, and build up-if such population could build
up-the provinces of Upper and Lower Canada. To all
appearance, you are at this day in a more strict and
amicable alliance with our old, imperious stepmother,
England, than with me, your co-partner and co-equal for
these last sixty-seven years.
"'From  England or Englishmen, the most of my
slaves were originally bought: many of her subjects are
rioting on this ill-gotten wealth, if you choose so to consider it. Behold the injustice and iniquity you are perpetrating against one whose fate has been interwoven
with yours'through evil and good report!' With yours,
my warriors have stood on the ensanguined field; with
them, it was their pride and glory to stand where the
battle hottest raged. The blood of the North and South
flowed in one common stream, and the bones of our
heroes are bleaching in the same field, or are resting
commingled in the same grave. This mighty foe was
England. Through two bloody wars we withstood her
myrmidons. Many of our brave soldiers perished in
those fierce conflicts.
"'What will you gain by despoiling my farms of
labor? By this means you are diminishing my ability
to cultivate and supply the great staples of commerce. Is
labor so superabundant, either in your section or mine,
that we can well afford to supply Canada?  I took the
negroes when they were savage and ignorant; I have
humanized them, and learned them agriculture; and
though they cost me money, and I have thus improved
them, yet are you itching to pass them into Canada, to
the detriment of your own country. How suicidal it
must be to run them off, when there is an acknowledged
scarcity of labor in both sections. The products of the
South are all needed, for the sustenance and clothing of
the human family. Take cotton, sugar, rice-all the
slave products-how essential they are to the commerce
of the world!
"' How great a blessing to the inhabitants of the earth,
is the singl,,e staple of cotton! Its annual product is over
10
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ABOLITIONISM UNVEIlED.
3,000,000 of bales, and great as that quantity appears,
yet it is all required for clothing.  Amazing thouglht!
this vast quantity spun, woven, and consumed annually.
Oh! God, how inscrutable are thy ways!  Behold that
iittle group of desponding faces, standing on the African
shore: they are destined for the Western world. That
small beginning, like the rivulet, will grow and grow,
until the wilderness and forests of this great Continent
shlall disappear by the vigor and industry of the African
race!
"' Ponder over the mighty result. They came here to
act in subordination to the whites-a superior  race.
What were they in their native wilds?  Lazy, idle, unproductive; living upon, and devouring each other. They
were as drones in the hive, if not worse: instead of multiplying and replenishing the earth, they were producing
depopulation. Those bones and sinews with which they
were blessed, in this hemisphere have been applied to a
more useful purpose. To their labor, are we chiefly indebted for the production of the cotton that clothes the
human family more cheaply than anything else that can
be obtained, and for it, no substitute will ever be found.
"'How strangely connected are all the interests of the
world; and how wonderfully has this earth been prepared
for our residence. In warm climates, cotton, sugar, and
rice will only grow. My Southern estates were well
adapted to those commodities. The great problem was,
whence should the labor be drawn. Africa sent forth
her children to supply the requisite labor. The fertile
valleys of the lower Mississippi, it was manifest, could
not have been tilled by the white race.  They could not
have borne the intense heats of summer in that latitude.
A large, and the most valuable portion of this great
country, must have continued a waste, had not Africa
opened her doors, and poured forth her sons and daughters to inhabit that region.
"'They came as slaves, and in that relation they
have remained. It was in that capacity alone, that they
could be subservient to the great purpose to which they
were to be applied. Guided and controlled by the superior skill and energy of the white man, they have con
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ABOLITIONISM UNVEILED.
tributed to swell the streams of comfort and prosperity
throughout the world.
'And another fact should be borne in mind, that
these two races can only live in harmony in that relation.
Master and slave, however unpleasant it may sound to
your Northern ears, was the relation ordained by God,
that should produce these happy and beneficial effects.
Now, whenever you are striving to paralyze my industry,
to decrease my labor, you are not injuring me only, but
nearly all the branches of Adam's family.  Do not forget that.'
"' I am not apt to forget anything I wish to remember,
Miss South.  I cannot, perhaps, see so clearly as you
can, through this grand arrangement for the cultivation
of the earth. Neither am I inclined to examine a chain
with such a multiplicity of links. To your astutelness in
these matters, I am willing to leave so intricate a question, promising, in fuiture, if you will be content with
your present possessions, and not seek enlargement, there
shall be no farther clashing between us, but we will be
true and good friends to the end of time.'
"' Is that the kind of friendship I am to expect, Miss
North. If I will fall down before you, as my mistress
paramount, and confess myself your humble vassal, then
you will be my friend. What an insulting pretension I
How happens it, you assume such pre-eminence and
authority?'
"' I have one estate more than you, Miss Southl, a
larger population-more schools-more wealth-more internal improvements-and more manufacturing industry.
I have a rigAht, therefore, to dictate.'
"'What! to me, Miss North, your equal in all respects whatever?  The tyrant's plea is ever in your
mouth-that might gives right. Honor, plighted faith,
solemn compact-all mere chaff, in opposition to your
domineering disposition. These flimsy webs are not
made to bind your gigantic limbs. This agreement between us, made in by-gone years, has no validity when it
interferes with your mad ambition.  Your motto is, 1?ule
or Ruin'
"'  Oh, no! Miss South, I do not intend to invade your
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ABOLITIONISM UNVEILED.
reserved rights. You may reign as sole mistress, at
home, provided you will not try to add to your estates,
but be contented with your present limits!'
"' I mnight, with equal propriety, enjoin the same upon
you. Do you not see that by this very pretension, you
elevate yourself, and degrade me? Equals cannot use
such language in respect to each other. It implies on the
one hand, superiority, and on the other, degradation.
I can submit to no dishonor-there, you touch me most
sensibly. But I will pass from that point, to make in quiry, what is to become of all the out lands that have
been obtained since our Union existed?  These lands belong to us jointly and severally, having been acquired by
our common funds and efforts, and each one of us owns
an undivided and equal interest in them. Now, I wish
to know whether you intend to appropriate all these lands,
constituting millions of acres, to your own proper use
and benefit?'
"'As you are tainted with Slavery, Miss South, I
cannot think of suffering that curse to spread over this
rich domain. You will not, therefore, feel incensed, if I
tell you I intend to avpropriate them all to my own
use.
"'What an outrage, Miss North.  Whoever  before
heard of such flagrant and high-handed injustice! Joint
real estate, paid for out of common funds-not to be held
as joint property between the parties, but to be seized
and enjoyed by one only of the firm. In what school
were ever such ethics taught? where was ever such a
law enacted or enforced? I rightfully claim an undivided
interest in these lands.
"'Now, I am willing for your people and mine to go
upon these territories: you boast of having the larger
opulation, and hence will have somewhat the advantage;
but that concerns me not. Let the wilderness be opened
and subdued, and new plantations be formed. I will not
use, neither shall you, any extraordinary effort, to people
these lands. Emigration shall flow in its ordinary channels, without any extraneous circumstances being brought
to bear upon it. The inhabitants thereof, when sufficiently numerous, shall have the privilege of deciding for
116 
ABOLMIONISM UNVEILED.
themselves, what kind of labor they prefer, whether it be
ree or slave. Their decision, whatever it may be, shall
e final and conclusive of this whole controversy. If, in
this way, you can gain all these territories from me, I
will utter no complaint, but will cheerfully acquiesce.'
"'Not so, Miss South, I know your encroachments
and aggressions. I lay you under a positive interdict, to
keep your slaves off these lands. I and my people will
go in and possess them; you and your slaves shall remain
where they are.'
"' So sayest thou, my imperial mistress! I have long
been sensible of thy odious self-aggrandizement and
egregious presumption. Draw up thy flowing robeserect thy disdainful head-I fear thee not.'
"' Provoke destruction if thou wilt have it so, Miss
North. Thy enemies are in thy midst, and when my
bugle sounds, the work of devastation will begin. The
proclamation shall be made long and loud-' Freedom on
the soil!' Then, if not before, thou wilt know thy internal
weakness.' A word to the wise is sufficient.'
"'A  most desperate wretch thou art,  Miss North
with i heart blacker than'the tents of Kedar.' You heel
not compacts, you spurn justice, you care for naught else
but absolute dominion. With your Free-Soil proclivities
you will invade my country, light up the torch of servile
war, and glory in the general conflagration that may
ensue.
"' Lay not the flattering unction to thy soul, that all
these incendiary achievements will be won by my tame
submission.  It shall not be recorded of me-' like a lamb
she opened not her mouth.' As the Spartans at the
Straits of Thermopylve, my people will perish sword in
hand at the entrance to the fair fields of the South. They
will not wait at home for your mercenary hordes, but will
ive them a warm reception at the first treading of their
ostile feet upon my sacred soil.'
"'Oh, Miss South, you will only kick a little, and
that will be all; you will not go out of the Union-you
dare not.'
"'It ill becomes me, Miss North, to hold longer converse with such desperate blindness or incurable
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ABOLITIONISM UNtVEILb.
fanaticism, I therefore feel my dignity too much at stake,
to continue an argument with a spirit so madly bent upon
mischief and interminable woe.   Thou  hast lost all
charity, all sisterly love, and tlhou seemest to glory in the
rapine and bloodshed thou canst bring upon me and
mine. I shall return home firom this interview, entirely
satisfied thy malady is incurable.
"' Oh! what fatuity. In the pride of thy heart thou
boastest to thyself-' I am secure, no harm can be done to
me. I am free from internal enemies; let Miss South
kick if she pleases, I can bring ruin and devastation upon
her. She will see and feel her weakness, ere the clarion
of civil war shall be sounded.
"' Thus it is, grievances are multiplied, until patience
ceases to be a virtue. My supposed weakness must invite insult and oppression. I am to be goaded to desperation. Thou art blind to the impending storm. Thy wise
men are saying, we know she will yield; she has often
blustered and threatened disunion; she is timid, though
a stormy old maid. Now, I appeal to the Great God, who
is the searcher of hearts, and in whose hands are suspended the destiny of nations-if, in all these vituperations and menaces to the South, I have only claimed and
defended the right.  The argument and remonstrance end
here, and in thy own hands rests the question of peace or
war.  I depart hence, resolved, boldly to meet the issue,
be it what it may."
"She is gone, David," says the Squire, "like a flash
of lightning.  The war of words is at an end.  Negotiation from this day will cease; I know her invincible
soul.  Concession, Compromise, are obsolete terms-epend upon it."
"I am glad the conference is broken up, uncle-there
were no hopes of adjustment. The Northern mind is
mnost sadly d(eluded and infatuated. From its mad purpose it will not be diverted, I fear, until this Union shall
crumble into atoms."
"The heat of summer is over; the pleasant month of
September has been ushered in. I was about to suggest,
that we make a journey incog., into the Stte of Ohio
118 
ABOLITIONISM UNvEILED.
and Canada, for the purpose of eliciting more and more
information in relation to this great Free-Soil movement,
or Abolitionism, under this new garb. The controversy
between North and South is daily growing more acrimoniious and portentous. I do not know of any medium
ground for reconciliation. However, by intermingling
with those people-by searching, if it were possible,
their hearts to the bottom, we may find the strength and
intensity of this Anti-Slavery feeling. From such a
journey we will return, perhaps, better qualified to warn
the South of the crisis approaching."
"I am, uncle, at your service, in such an excursion,
and hope it will increase our knowledge."
CHAPTER XIV.
On board Steamer Pike- Conversation with Captain Kidd              Arrives in Cincinnati.
THE'Squire and David, immediately after the preceding conversation, prepared for the intended journey. The
next day, with their baggage, they repaired to the landing
on the Ohio river, in front of his residence, and there
soon hove in sight the splendid steamer Pike, upon board
of which they embarked for the Queen City.
Fortunately the'Squire met with an old acquaintance,
Captain Kidd, from Indiana, with whom he held the following conversation:
"Bless me,'Squire Gray, how happy I am to meet you
this evening.
"Captain Kidd, with all my soul; how have you been
this long time? for it has been a few years since I last
saw you."
"I thank you,'Squire, I believe we have not met for
some time. I have enjoyed very good health."
" I have not traveled much recently, Captain; my domestic affairs requiring my presence generally at home."
119
-ft 
ABOLITIONISM UNVEILED.
" From various sources,'Squire, I have learned of the
disturbances amtong the slaves in your country - some
running ofil; others being sent to the South."
"These difficulties, I regret to observe, Captain, we
have been encountering, not from any fault in the owners,
but from the officious kindness of others."
"' I am not exactly an Abolitionist,'Squire, I would not
entice away slaves; but if I were to see them on our side,
trying to make their escape, I should not trouble myself
to catch them, or to have them caught."
" How would it be, Captain, it; shortly after, you were
to meet with the owner or agent in pursuit, would you
give him information, so as to enable him to trail and
recapture the fugitives?"
No,'Squire, I never charge my memory with such
things; I consider it no business of mine."
" You do not, Captain; then you are conniving at the
mischief others are doing. If it be an offense to entice
away slaves, to aid and secrete them, all good citizens are
bound to expose the offenders, so that they may be brought
to punishment. In no other way can you arrest this
dangerous and growing evil."
"I consider slavery a great curse,'Squire; I wash my
hands of it-I will have nothing to do with it, either the
one way or the other."
'" Then Captain, you discard all amity as between the
States. Not only that, but your most sacred constitutional obligations. Now, permit me to remark, I am a
law-abiding citizen. An unhesitating submission to the
government and laws of my country, I hold to be my
first and paramount duty. As a member of this political
society, I have made, this the great principle to govern
my actions; and I had rather be blotted out of existence
than to be an Anarchist."
" That kind of devotion to government and laws,
'Squire, may suit the dominion of slavery. Hluman
bondage is your delight-you hug it to your bosoms with
parental kindness; but if I were permitted to judge, you
would be infinitely better off without it.  Your lands
would be better cultivated by white labor, and you farmers
would realize more money."
120 
ABOLrIONISM EIED.
"Of that matter, Captain, you ought to allow us to
judge.  We are well acquainted with Slavery-' it has
grown with our growth, and strengthened with our
strength,' until it has interwoven itself with all the in terests South; so much so that it cannot be destroyed
now with safety."
" I will venture to say,'Squire, there is not an article
raised South that could not be cultivated with more ad vantage by white labor. How much better it would be,
if there were not a black in Mississippi, Texas, or any
Southern State."
"The heat of the climate, for one thing, Captain, is
insupportable to white laborers. Exposed to the hot rays
of a Southern sun, they could not bear the fatigue requi site in cultivating sugar, cotton or rice, not to say any thing about the fatal diseases engendered by that climate.
And again, if the negroes are to be turned loose and
driven from the fields where now employed, what shall
become of them? where shall they go to?"
"Let the race, like the Indians, dwindle and perish,
'Squire; I would care nothing about them -the sooner
they get out of the way the better."
"What kind of philanthropy is that, Captain?  If that
is human kindness, God forbid I should ever advocate it.
You would supplant the negroes by whites, and drive
them forth, you know not where, merely to starve.  All
out of pure affection for them. Would Indiana exchange
whites for black8? her constitution has put her veto on
that.
"Now, do you not see the complexity of slavery, the
dangerousness, the folly, of tampering with it, without a
thorough and practical knowledge of it in all its features
and minute ramifications.  Rest assured, it is an abstruse
roblem, not to be solved by the wisest minds in the
South, and yet shall strangers essay to touch it? My
good sir, be not offended if I tell you the course of the
North in relation to slavery is reprehensible in the highest
degree.
" The wild fanaticism that is suffered to take root and
spread in that region, is ominous of no good but of immense e1. What is it all for? Is slavery to be thus
11
121 
ABOLMOSM IUNFILED.
destroyed   Can the settled orders of society be so easily
subverted? The lamentable consequences of such an act
can be scarcely imagined. Now contemplate them for a
moment. Here is a system of labor coeval'with our existence as a people. Soon after the white man trod his foot
on this Western World, African slavery was introduced.
It came uninvited; unsolicited it intruded itself into this
hemisphere. Though many of the colonists remonstrated
against it, yet old mother England, who was then omnipotent, would have it in her own way. This no one will
pretend to controvert."
"I will note'Squire, for that is history.  Go on with
your observations. LJet us hear all you can say in defense of this accursed institution. I will sit patiently to
hear what you may have to utter."
"Who made it accu-sed but your imbecile, troublesome, and pernicious fanatics?  The celebrity of " UNCLE
ToM's CABIN" is an evidence of the public feeling and
bias of the North. Whatever panders to this sickly sentimentalitv is caught up and devoured with the greatest
relish.  The design and tendency of that publication is
to create animosity between the whites and blacks South,
or, in other words, a war between the two races. Would
not that be a deplorable issue to these mighty efforts in
behalf of the negro race, whether stimulated by male or
female?"
"Come,'Squire, do not assail a woman.   Mrs. Stowe
has genius and talent. She has given to the world a
beautiful specimen of literary pre-eminence."
"Call it a novel, Captain, a mere fiction to amuse and
entertain the public, and I have no criticism to make.
You know I am not destitute of gallantry; but the peace,
the tranquillity of this great nation ought not to be disturbed by an artful appeal to the worst passions of the
human heart, even by a female.  Had she been content
to let her work go forth to the world as the imaginings
of a distempered mind, no one would have cared about
it; but'the KEY,' that was to show its foundation in
authentiefacts, was the greatest farce of all. The truth
of the story sustained by Aboliti-on uthorty! That
-a too bad; but let it pi."
122 
ABOLMIONISM UNVEILED.
"I am anxious to hear your defense of this peculiar institution,'Squire. You have made a thrust at Mrs.
Stowe; I judge the blow will do her no serious damage.
She will still be admired for her generous and zealous
vindication of the African race."
"I envy her no laurels, Captain, she may have won in
such a contest. I will not quarrel with her about her
vpeuliar taste.  But I will never consent that the AngloSaxon shall be pulled down from the elevated position he
occupies in the eyes of the world. In form, in color,
dignity, invention, yea, in everything, he stands confessed
the masterpiece of human kind. At the same time I say
this, I am the no less a true friend to the African in his
proper sphere; more so than thousands who are eternally
prating in his behalf.  Now I will undertake to show we
are his only true friends, we know him, we have a
friendship for him, not felt by Northern bosoms."
"How will you make that appear,'Squire, you who
hold them in cruel and unrelenting bondage?  Their best
friends! I pray I may never find such."
"Exercise a little patience, if you please, Captain.
Do not forget your admission, and that is the truth too,
if Abolitionism prevails."
"Do tell me what is that,'Squire?  I only proposed
to leave the negroes in the same condition the Indians
were-neither more nor less."
"You have' defined your position,' Captain, though
done, perhaps, without premeditation; yet it would be
the sure result of emancipation as if predicted by an
ancient seer.
"I have mentioned how these Africans came  to this
country. I cannot say I am a believer in special providence. I am rather inclined to think that God governs
this world by certain immutable laws established at the
time of Creation. Be that as it may, however, by His
prescience, no doubt, He foresaw the relative position the
various races and colors of men would occupy upon the
face of this earth. A way was provided for all to subsist-whatever might be the color-upon the bounties of
this great storehouse for His children. Food and raiment
were amply  provided  br the whole-if judiciously
123 
ABOLONIM tUNVELED.
managed. The air abounds with birds, the land with animals, the water with fishes, and the earth with fruit and
cereals-all placed here for man's enjoyment.'By the
sweat of the brow' these great and numerous blessings
might be indefinitely increased. Agriculture, wisely
managed, would make the earth yield her golden harvests,
the grass would grow the more luxuriantly, and upon it
more numerous herds of cattle would graze and fatten.
"Tell me not, therefore, any of Adam's familv must
necessarily perish. Starvation is produced by our wickedness and perversity-by a violation of those laws God
intended for the regulation of society. He has made
ordinances by which all the different races and colors can
live together in amity- can mutually lean upon and aid
each other in their pilgrimage upon earth. While they
are reciprocally co-operating in the various branches of
industry-food and raiment shall be produced in an abundance for the whole human family."
"These general observations,'Squire, sound very
beautifully. I feel a curiosity to see their application to
the movements of society in our day-or past days."
"That you shall see, Captain, for I am tending to that
point as rapidly as the case admits. How came the
Africans to be transported to this continent? Was it a
mere accident, or was it not in conformity to the settled
policy of heaven  I maintain  the latter.  Of all the
descendants of Adam, the negro only is stamped with
blackness. How this happened it is not for me to knowI am dealing with facts. To the Eastern world this continent was unknown until the days of Columbus; when he
came, the Indians were standing on the beach ready to
receive him -but as the'pale-faces' had  come, their
doom, it seems, was to melt away.
"The white race claimed this continent by the right
of discovery-it was to be their heritage; but what was
Africa at that day? Barbarism reigned in that benighted
land; as an equal she could not reach forth her hand
and claim a settlement in this fertile valley. What could
her wild. untutored, and savage children have done alone
toward subduing the vast wilderness that encompassed
this continent, and bringing the lands under the arts of
124 
ABOLITIONISM UNVEILED.
the husbandman? 2Nothing, nothing, unless guided and
controlled by a superior intelligence.
"Was this to them too great a degradation? By no
means. Two-thirds of them were enslaved in their own
country. It was not the creation or origin of Slavery,
but only its diffusion. I would to God Free-Soilism had
existed in Africa, and denied emphatically to Slavery the
right of expansion ere its poisonous branch reached our
shores."
" What do you say,'Squire, that Slavery existed in
Africa?"
"Yes, sir, one-third of those people hold the other
two-thirds in absolute, hereditary bondage, and have
done, time out of mind. They deal and have dealt long
and very freely in buying and selling human souls'God's images,' etc. -however heinous it may seem to
many in this day and generation.
" The point I wished to make is this: that the negroes
have only changed masters-that Slavery was their doom
at home, and it is still their doom, though greatly mitigated in its severity.
"Consequently, they are not injured by the transfer.
They are placed in proximity to a superior race. They
have chances to gain, but cannot by any possibility lose.
Slavery is their proper position in our country; in that
relation the whites are their friends and protectors-turn
them loose and they have neither-they become outcasts
in our society, despised and degraded."
"I do not know,'Squire, why this ought to be so. This
prejudice against color perhaps might be overcome."
" Not shortly, if ever, Captain. What has your
State -what has Illinois done? By your Constitution,
the negro is denounced as a nuisance, not worthy of citizenship or foothold among you. Now let me ask you
what would become of the three millions. of slaves, if suddenly emancipated and made dependent upon such tender
mercies?
"' These creatures are now living plentifully, well clad,
and have good houses; with their condition they are contented and happy. And why not let them alone  In
that relation, and that only, they can remain with us for
125 
ABOLMONISM UNVEILED.
ages, so far as I can see; destroy that, and a war of races
will ensue."
"We have,'Squire, arrived at the landing of the Queen
City, and here our conversation must close."
"I have no objection, Captain, for I never expect to
make the faintest impression on Free-Soilism, if I had the
eloquence of a Cicero or Demosthenes."
CHAPTER XV.
Arrival in Cincinnati-Put up at the Dennison House-Visit a female
acquaintance-The Conversation-An incident on the street-And
Departure on the Cars for Sandusky City.
TiE'Squire and David had their baggage taken to the
Dennison House, where they remained all night. The
next morning after breakfast they paid a visit to Mrs.
Old, an acquaintance of the'Squire's, with whom he had
the following conversation:
"Well, Mrs. Old," said the'Squire, "I have called to
see you on special business."
"Pray,'Squire, what can that be?  I have not seen
you since the evening you accompanied myself and Mrs.
New to hear Brother Brisbane on the subject of Abolitionism.  I hope you were greatly entertained that night,
and that you have since seen, as he did, the iniquity of
Slavery!"
"I cannot say as to that, Mrs. Old.  I am a little different from many. I am slow in forming opinions. When
any question is presented I go into the investigation with
a determination thoroughly to understand it. I must read
and hear all that can be said pro and con. Having my
mind thus fully enlightened, when my judgment is made
I am not apt to change, unless new, direct, and positive
testimony can be adduced of which I was ignorant at the
time."
"Oh I you remember,'Squire, how Brother Brisbane
126 
ABOLITIONIBM  UNVEILED.
said his eyes were never opened until he read Wayland's
Treatise on Moral Philosophy. He then saw how
wicked it was to hold slaves-sold his, and moved to
this city."
"I noticed that expression, Mrs. Old, and could not
refrain from thinking what a great sacrifice he made. He
realized from the sale of his slaves only $10,000, while
the real value was a few thousand more." 
"I can tell you,'Squire, I did not relish that part of
the story so well. He ought to have brought them along;
but he said he dare not do it, for fear of public sentiment
in South Carolina, and, therefore, he had to sell them.  I
pity the poor man."
"He is to be greatly pitied, Mrs. Old. He is the
owner, I am told, of two fine houses and lots in this city,
purchased with the money arising from the sale of those
negroes. The personality, in that way, has been converted
into the reality."
"But then you know,'Squire, he has written back to
the buyer, if he would give up the negroes he would refund the money."
"He took care, Mrs. Old, to put in the words, as far
as he was able. He may not, so far as I know, be able
to refund any of it. I suppose, however, his friends here
will furnish it, and let him hold on to his real estate;that would all be very well."'
"He is sincere,'Squire, in trying to procure the freedom of his negroes.  Did he not read the pressing letter
he addressed to the buyer?"
"Truly he did, Mrs. Old.  I am an old-fashioned fellow, you know-I go directly to the object I have in view.
Now, had I been in your Brother Brisbane's place, I.
should have brought my slaves quietly along, and turned
them loose in this city."
"That he would have done, no doubt,'Squire, had
he not been afraid of mob-law. He dare not have
done that, lest vengeance would have been taken upon
him."
"By the use of a little prudence, Mrs. Old, these things
can be done without causing excitement. He might have
prepared for emigration to Kentucky or Missouri, started
197 
ABOLITIONISM UNVEILED.
on his journey, and just dropped in here, not a word
would have been said. No one would have followed him,
I dare say, to see where he went; neither would any one
have cared."
"No two people do things alike,'Squire.  Brother B.
knew his peculiar situation-the mobbish spirit of slave holders-and he was glad to get away with his life."
"And the ten thousand dollars?" added the'Squire.
" I confess, he is wiser than I am. I should have brought
my slaves, liberated them here, and never have once
thought how I was to live and support my family. Thus
penniless I should have been cast among you. Not so
with him-he converted his slaves into money, with
which he was enabled to buy two houses and lots, the
annual rent being a thousand dollars per year."
"He now proposes you know,'Squire, to buy them
back-he repents the sale bitterly, and their freedom he
feels much at heart."
"I can but say, Mrs. Old, this repentance comes rather
too late. What assurance has he that his negroes can be
brought back? Why need hie to have run that risk?
But I can see a little policy in the scheme; he has judiciously invested the cash arising from such sale. That
property is his, and will probably so remain; but if the
slaves can be brought back, this will create a pressing
emergency for the out4ourinf8 of his affectionate admirers
in this city."
"What a suspicious old soul you are,'Squire I You
are hard to please, I fear."
"But, Mrs. Old, we have wandered from the business
I have on hand. My neighbors are suffering greatly, their
slaves are enticed away and secreted by the Abolitiofiists.
You and Mrs. New both assured me they were not guilty
of such practices, and I have no doubt you were both
sincere in that opinion. Your money goes into the treasury of these societies, and you are never correctly informed how it is applied or disbursed. You are thus
innocently made the instruments of doing mischief to your
friends in Kentucky."
"I do not wish you to think so,'Squire.  I am certain
you are mistaken. As to Mrs. New, she is the most
.128 
ABOLMlONISM UNvEMED.
harmless and conscientious creature you ever knew.' In.
tentionally she would not do anything the least wrong."
"That I freely admit, Mrs. Old.  I acquit you both of
any censure. You are innocent of the secret machinations of Abolitionism. It has a beautiful exterior, makes
highsounding and benevolent protessions, while at the
core there are filth and rottenness."
"Oh!  I am  astonished at such assertions,'Squire.
Our appeal is only to the master-we have not sought to
disturb the slave, or aid him off. We want him to remain
where he is, until we can work out his liberation fairly,
legally and peaceably."
"I am apprized that was the garb Abolitionism first
assumed, and by this means wormed itself into the confidence of the generous and warm-hearted of your community. You opened your hearts and poured out your
treasury, in aid of a cause you imagined pious and holy.
But it has most shamefully departed from its original
design."
"Pardon my absence for a moment,'Squire.  I will
step to Mrs. New's and bring you an armful of documents
that will satisfy you of our entire innocency of negrostealing,."
"Go, with all my heart, Mrs. Old. My mind is open
to conviction. If I am wrong in my surmises, I shall be
glad to be set right; that you know."
" Perhaps, David," said the'Squire, "this will tend to
the furtherance of our main design. No one living hates
dissimulation more than I do, or to use any kind of disguise. But you notice how difficult it is to ferret out the
truth in regard to Abolitioni8m. Ihere are two noble,
Christian ladies-purer hearts never dwelt on earth than
theirs, yet their money has been filched from them by
knaves, and applied to dishonorable purposes which they
disavow and abhor."
"This world, uncle, is full of deception-that I see
the more plainly every step we take; but here comes Mrs.
Old."
"Bless me!'Squire, look here at the quantity of documents kindly placed at your service. Mrs. New told
me to assure you, upon the honor of a lady, that your
126 
ABOITIONISM UNVEILED.
suspicions were groundless-that the Abolitionists were
too high-minded and religious to engage in enticing away,
and running off slaves.  Read attentively these works,
and you will acknowledge the purity of our motives, and
our entire innocency of such serious charges as you have
imputed to our societies."
" If I am wrongly informed, be assured, Mrs. Old, I
shall be happy to correct the error. In this matter, God
forbid I should do any injustice.  Shall I find in this
bundle, the Annual Report?"
" No,'Squire, Mrs. New did not have it, otherwise she
would have sent it along."
"I very much regret it is not here, Mrs. Old, as I had
an anxiety to find out the amount of funds collected, and
how they were disbursed; but I will take these along,
and peruse them at my leisure."
"Do so,'Squire, and we hope to have your solemn acquittal after such perusal."
"Perhaps you may, Mrs. Old."
The'Squire and David then took their leave of Mrs.
Old. The following conversation and scene occurred on
the street:
"Well, uncle," said David, "we have line upon line,
and precept upon precept. I can tell you one thing, it
would be hazardous to be caught in Mississippi with
such a bundle. But look yonder-what does that mean?"
Day-watch to a Negro-" What is that you have coiicealed under your coat?"
Negro in reply-" ID  -n you, what business is that of
yours?"
Day-watch-" I will show you "-and seizes him by
the collar.
Negro-" G i d-n you, let me go-why don't you
let me go?"
Day-watch to two passers-by —" Gentlemen, do help
me-don't let him get away."
Those two men then seize him, and help to push him
along toward the Mayor's Office. The negro jerks and
seuffles, curses and swears, until the officer and aids are
nearly exhausted.
Drayman stops and says-'" Here, gentlemen, put him
130 
ABOLITIONISM UNTEILZD.
on my dray; I will haul the scoundrel to the Mayor's
Office."
He is thrown on and held down-notwithstanding, he
clinches a dray-pin and tries to use it-it is taken from
him. He is kept down by officers and guards sitting
upon him. He roars and bellows, the drayman going in
a brisk trot.
" What a curious state of society," remarks the'Squire
to David; "why, these negroes are not much tamor than
the ourang-outang. I would not have much choice, if I
had to catch either, and I do not think there would be
much difference in the resistance."
"Did you not notice, uncle, he foamed at the mouth
like a mad dog-so terrible was the rage he was in?
Really, if he had had any weapon at all, he would have
been a dangerous animal to handle."
"No doubt of it, David, he was a desperate ruffian,
certainly.  It evinces a degree of insubordination truly
lamentable. That officer was on duty, and had a right
to make the inquiry he did. It only required, on the part
of the negro, an exhibit of what he had, and to satisfy the
police he came by it honestly. That would have ended
the difficulty."
Having arrived near a large clothing store, the'Squire
procures himself a full suit of Quaker apparel, David
being already furnished for duties heretofore performed.
They repair to their room at the hotel, where they dress
themselves in this new style; not from any disrespect to
the Friends, but from a persuasion they could not succeed
upon the mission in which they had embarked, without
using that disguise.
They ordered their baggage to the Dayton and Hamil
ton depot, whither they repaired, in a few moments after.
Having procured tickets, they took their seats; the whistle
sounded, and the cars began slowly to move.
131 - 
ABOLITIONISM UNVELED.
CHAPTER XVI.
Conversation with an Eminent Personage on the way-Arrival in
Sandusky City.
"THIs is friend Chase, I believe?" said the'Squire. "I
have seen thee before, and thy features I have not forgotten."
"Though it is possible, we may have met heretofore,
yet you are a stranger to me; I cannot call to mind when
and where I ever saw you before. Where do you reside?
and what may be your name? "
"My name is'Moon,' from the county of Clinton, in
this State."
"Let me think," said the Hon. Mr. Chase.  "I have
heard of persons of that name, in Clinton, who belonged
to the Society of Friends. I am happy in having your
company to-day.  The Quakers are all true friends to our
cause, and I always know where to place them. I dare
say, your county will roll me up a very handsome majority?"
"Yea, friend Chase, Free-Soilism sweeps us all to a
man."
"Happy to hear it, friend.  How far may you be going on the cars to-day "
"I am on a pilgrimage to Canada, to intermingle with
the colored people who have escaped from bondage in
these United States."
"A very laudable enterprise, friend Moon. I hope
you may return more thoroughly imbued with the sentiments of freedom, and enjoy that crown of glory that
awaits those who are struggling in behalf of oppres8,ed
humanity!"
"I wish no other reward, friend Chase, in what I
have done, or may do, for the good of the'panting fugitive,' than a quiet conscience.
"A noble disinterestedness, friend Moon. I wish I,
and all others, could give ourselves up to that 8ilent, but
unerring monitor."
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ABOLITIOMSM UACERD. E
"Why  canst thou not, friend Chase?  Co'ildst thou
purge thy heart of the love of office, of honor and fame,
thou mnightst descend to the vale of humility, in which
our Society doth delight to dwell! But thou art now
aspiring to the gubernatorial chair of this great Statebeing a candidate for that high office."
"I have been nominated, friend Moon, by a numerous and respectable convention of my fellow-citizens, for
that distinguished station; and in obedience to their
wishes, I am making this race."
"All very proper, friend Chase. I have read thy
speeches, in which thou takest truly national ground.
Thou hast been charged with being a rabid Abolitionist,
who would trample upon the constitutional rights of the
South, and involve thy country in civil war!"
"My enemies, friend Moon, have done all they could
to injure me in public estimation. I yield to no one, in
his devotion to this Union! I have remarked in the
Senate of the United States, that it is like the' blue arch
of heaven,' that could neither fall or decay."
"A most beautiful figure of speech, friend Chase.
And thou hast lately declared thou wouldst not trench
upon any of the provisions of the Federal Constitution.
More national sentiments, no one can utter."
"I am sure, friend Moon, my bitterest enemies ought
to accord to me the largest nationality. If any can
boast of better conservatism, I should like to know who
he is?"
"Thou hast been accused, friend Chase, of an ambition to form a sectional party, based on the issue of
Slavery and Anti-Slavery."
"In this, great injustice has been done to me, friend
Moon.  It is true, I am  opposed to the extension of
Slavery-the admission of any more Slave states, or in
any way to augment the slave power."
"And in that, thou canst not discern any sectionalism, friend Chase? Thou wilt not be offended, if I tell
thee thy nationality is a little circumscribed-not quite
co-extensive with the Union."
"What  are you not in favor of Free-Soilism I   You,
i33 
ABOTTlONISM    MrELD.
a Quaker, to impugn my nationality, when I have em phatically announced it on all proper occasions! 
"Now, friend Chase, be not offended; we judge the
tree by its fruit. There are some things in thy speeches
that have puzzled me not a little; and, as I have fallen in
with thee, I want to be enlightened upon those points!"
"Propound your questions, friend Moon; I will answer
them to the best of my ability, and I hope, to your entire
satisfaction." 
"That, I do not pretend to doubt, friend Chase.  Do
tell me for what purpose Government was instituted? "
"According to our Republican maxim, for the benefit
of the governed."
" Thou sayst truly, friend Chase. The great end and
aim of all government, ought to be to produce the greatest degree ol happiness and prosperity in the community."
Our political institutions, if rightly administered,
are more wisely adapted to those purposes than any
others ever established, friend Moon."
"Yea-yea,  friend Chase;  if they are executed in
their true spirit and intent. By this means, the great
objects for which this Union was formed, will be accomplished. Be so good as to inform me who are the parties
to the National Compact? "
"The States, or the people of the States, friend
Moon."
"Yea  friend Chase.  I would ask thee if Kentucky,
Virginia, and South Carolina are not as much component
parts of this Union, as New York, Pennsylvania, or
Ohio?"
"They are, beyond doubt, friend Moon."
"Verily, friend Chase. Now, seeing Government
was instituted for the benesft of thbe-governed-not for a
part, but for all-this end will not be subserved, if a
distinction shall be made, as among the States."
"A distinction!  What do you mean, friend Moon?
A Quaker, and treading on Pro-Slavery ground. I fear
you are sailing under false colors!"
"Nay, be not offended or alarmed, friend Ohase. If
I be a Quaker, I have not surrendered the liberty of
134 
ABOLITIONIS8M       EILED.
thought. Thou wilt allow me to express my deliberate
sentiments on Free-Soilism-a subject of such vital interest to the domestic tranquillity of the Union. I ask
myself, is it justice to prescribe limits to the South, and
that too, by an act of the National Government? What
is that Government, but the tru8tee or aqent of the
thirty-one States which form the Union? Is it not, as
such, bound to adopt such measures, according to our
political maxim, as will promote the interest of all the
members of the Union-not of the Free States only, but of
the Slave, also?-otherwise, it is a traitor to its trust."
"Is that the language of Quakerism, friend Moon?
What has become of your love for the colored man? of
the millions groaning in Southern bondage? "
"Though I love the colored people, friend, yet I am
none the less a lover of this Union. Thou knowest our
Society is devoted to peace; it is one of their cardinal
principles, and it deprecates any measure which will disturb the domestic tranquillity, and eventually terminate
in civil war. The only way to preservepeace among the
States is, by doing justice."
"That is our  end and aim.   Free-Soilism, friend
Moon, means that and nothing more. We do not propose to interfere with Slavery in the States where it now
exists; we leave that to their own control."
"Yea-yea, friend Chase.  Wilt thou pardon me  if
I ask thee what is the object of this restriction? W'hat
effect will it have upon the South? Will it promote its
welfare, or opres8 and dishonor?  If the former, then
it is legitimate; if the latter, it involves a betrayal of the
trust on the part of the General Government."
"You are asking insulting questions, Mr. Moon. l
am the champion of Free-Soilism; I bear its banners in
this gubernatorial race. Politicians cannot permit their
8seret motives to be elicited by such acute and artfullyframed interrogatories.  I begin to 8auect, most shrewdly
suspect, your Quakerism is not of the genuine stamp!"
"Nay,  friend Chase, be composed.   Hast thou so
soon forgotten thy nationality-the'blue arch of the
heavens?' I was only trying thee by the square and
compass; I only added ths and that together, to see
135 
ABOLIMONIM   EILED.
what sort of a sum it would make. If the result is not
entirely pleasing, thou wilt excuse me for it: the  gure8
were thine-the addition constituted my offense."
"Have I not, Mr. Moon, time and again, solemnly
asseverated that I will not trench upon any of the provisions of the Federal Constitution  have I not expressed, in the strongest language, my ardent devotion
to the Union?  What more can you require'"
"Yea-yea, friend Chase; but when thou camest to
defne more fully thy position, I saw plainly the trickthe deception. The General Government, it must be admitted, was created for the joint benefit of all the States;
for their good it was made, and for each and all, it is
merely a trustee. Now, friend, how can you make this
National head inimical to the South? array it in hostility
to the institutions of that section, without making it, at
the same time, violate its sacred trust? The general welfare, which it has undertaken to promote, must be co-extensive with the Union. It can mean nothing less. Thy
policy-thou wilt bear with my boldness-would make
thy'blue arch' stop at Mason and Dixon's line, like a
rainbow cut off in the middle! thy nationality, great as
it is, would only embrace the Free States; and thus, thy
blue arch would only form a  uarter of a circle!"
"What obstinate blindness, Mr. Moon!  It seems as
if I cannot explain anything to your satisfaction. I am a
friend to the South, as much as you or any one else;
only my motto is, No more Slave S&ates."
"Ah! ah! friend Chase; that tells the whole tale!
Why such a motto? What can be the motive, if it is
not to criple-to injure and degrade the South?  It can
hardly be to build up Slavery; to strengthen and enirich
it. Thy enmity to this peculiar institution is too notorious to suppose the latter is thy object.  In the settlement of the Territories, the National Government should
know neither North nor South; but observe a perfect
neutrality.   The South is not to be attached  to this
Union by sectional or invidious legislation. The strength
and value of the Union depend upon the general affection
of the States. Any policy that has a tendency to produce alienation among the States-to sow the seeds of
136 
ABOTIONISM UNVEILED.
discord, ill-will and hatred-should be discountenanced
by all the true patriots in the land."
"I have avowed my attachment to the Union so often,
Mr. Moon, that it is really irksome to repeat it. Of this
fact you can find an abundance of evidence in all my
public acts."
"I know thy political history'like a book,' friend
Chase. I have read attentively all thy speeches, whether
delivered in the Senate of the United States or elsewhere,
and I could not refrain from setting thee down a most
dangerous Abolitionist and a bitter and uncompromising
foe to the South. Thou mayst float into the chair of State
in Ohio, on the impetuous waves of Free-Soilism. but thy
eyes are fixed on the highest office in the gift of this great
nation. Free-Soilism will be inadequate to bear thee to
that distinguished station, notwithstanding thy warm
professions of nationality, and'thy blue arch in the
heavens."' 
"Sir, do you venture to assail my character-to call in
uestion my repeated declarations? Do you suppose, sir,
can bear such insults?"
"Nay, friend Chase, be not enraged. I am a man of
peace.  I love domestic trangu2llity.  I am for the Union
as it is -I want nothing better. Let the South growlet her expand, if she chooses, I will not fix barriers to
her greatness and prosperity; and I can repeat, with
propriety, the same language to the North. I am not,
thank God, an enemy to either."
"I am done with all such Moons, and I hope there are
few such in the world."
"Well, let him go," said Moon to himself; "I care
not-he is a time-serving politician, at best.  He is artfully blowing up sectional strife.  Only think of his
opinion in relation to the Fugitive-Slave Law! There he
shows his cloven foot plainly-he holds that to be unconstitutional. Oh, no! Congress must not dare to constrain
the delivery up of fugitive slaves. Hie has not thought
it    expedient to tell is how that duty should be performed.
Should he be so fortunate as to be elected Governor of
Ohio, would he recommend to the Legislature to enact a
law to secure effectually to the owners the return of fugi      12
137 
ABOITIONISM UNVEILED.
tive slaves? Aha! that is the rub! We may live to see;
but if I were allowed to judge, the objection is not so
much to the power whence the law emanates, as to the
surrendering of them at all. However, we are at the
end of our journey for to-day-here is Sandusky City!"
CHAPTER XVII.
At a Hotel-The'Squire goes out to see a man hung —A Dialogue over                 heard between two men.
" BARKEEPER," said Moon, "thou wilt take care of our
baggage. We will depart on the first boat going up the
lake. What is the cause of so great an assemblage of
people in your city to-day?"
" Why, sir, a poor one-legged man has to be hung today. Men, women, and children all have come out to
witness the sad spectacle."
"Yea, friend, such distressing scenes create an undue
degree of excitement. I will also go, but not from the
motives that influence others."
Friend Moon was standing in the crowd around the
gallows, where he overheard the following dialogue:
"I tell you, Tom, this Oberlin is getting to be a sweet
place; the two races, black and white, are educated there
together upon a system of perfect equality. The object
is to remove the prejudice against color, and produce
amalgamation."
"Disgraceful! John.  I tell you it is disgraceful-it is
enough to sink any set of white people in the world. I
am a poor man, you know, and have daughters, but
rather than any one of them should ever marry a nigger
I would prefer to see her dead and buried fifty times
over."
"That is just as any one is raised, Tom.  If you had
been taken when you were young, and had been brought
up with black children, perhaps you would not have felt
138
0 
ABOLMONISM  UNVEILED.
this prejudice.  At the age of maturity you might have
fancied a black, in preference to a white lady."
"No, never, never! John.  I was not born with such
a taste. Commend me to the white woman forever.
Between her and a negro wench, in making choice, gods!
I would not hesitate a moment."
"But you must remember, Tom, this College at Oberlin was founded by a branch of the Presbyterians who
call themselves Pefectionist8.  They  are striving to
introduce a purer state of society than has hitherto
existed."
"Blast such hopes, John.  Who  wants any female
more beautiful than the pure Anglo-Saxon?  She comes
up to my ideas of a perfect beauty.  If Africa can turn
out any creature so bewitching, I confess I am ignorant
of it. Of one fact I am certain; our race will not be
improved by this process of amalgamation."
"I can tell you another thing, Tom, this College keeps
many young men at the South, collecting up slaves and
running them to Oberlin, whence they are shipped to
Canada, either from the mouth of Black river, Vermilion,
or Cleveland."
"You certainly must be mistaken, John. Such holy,
devout men, as I take the professors to be, cannot
stoop to work so disreputable - it would be too great a
disgrace."
"I know it is so, Tom. I reside near that college, and
am well apprized of what is going on."
You  astonish me, John.  No wonder that slaveholders complain of this State.  Kentucky is our neighbor, one of the members of the Union, and deserves
better treatment at our hands. We bound ourselves by
the Federal Compact to deliver fugitives from labor-that
was our solemn undertaking. We are not only failing to
perform that duty, but are employing emissaries to visit
the near States to tamper with their slaves, to seduce
them away, and aid them in making their escape. Is not
this intolerable?"
"I can assure you, Tom, if this conduct be continued,
it must involve this country in great trouble. It seems
to me, Abolitionism is a dangerous and increasing evil.
139 
ABOLIMIONISM UNVEILED.
It flows from a bad spirit -a desire to meddle in the
domestic concerns of others. We are not content to
regulate our internal concerns in our own way, but we
must intrude our good offices into other people's affairs,
to their great detriment and our own discredit.,"
"So it looks to me, John. I do not like Slavery. I am
free from it - if it be a sin- it don't lie at my door.
Those, where it is tolerated, will have to answer for it at
the bar of heaven. I or you will be held to no responsibility in relation to it; but there are people in this
world so supremely wise and good, at least in their own
estimation, they are always complaining of one thing or
another. They would, I believe, if they had the power,
revolutionize the present order of society, and convert
everything into chaos."
"Mischievous souls they must be, Tom.  Take Slavery
for example - that is an institution peculiar to fifteen
States of this Union. Those States have a fraction over
6,000,000 of whites and 3,000,000 of slaves. The negroes
are now, and they have been for a series of years, held
in bondage. In that relation hitherto they have lived
contentedly and happily-if let alone, they may continue
to do so. We may do great injury by trying to force
emancipation. It will come in its own proper time —the
way will be gradually prepared, and it will be achieved
almost insensibly and quietly."
"So I believe, John.  The consent of the owners, it is
clear to me, ought to be the very frst preliminary. Great
changes of this kind must be made without violence and
bloodshed. Mutual consent does away all wrong. I have
often thought of a portion of the Old Testament that is
in point. The Jews had groaned in bondage for hundreds
of years, but they were not to be liberated without the
consent of Pharoah. Moses was authorized to display
miracles before him, and to bring plagues upon the people
of Egypt in order to procure that consent, but without it
not a foot was to move; showing clearly, God would not
rashly abrogate a long-standing relation.  Let others
profit by this example for it is right and just."
"Now compare that, Tom, to Abolitionism that creeps
forth in the dark, in the dead silence of night, while the
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ABOLITIONISM UNVEILED.
owner reposes upon his pillow, in conscious security, it is
at work distilling its poison into the ear of the unsuspecting slave. It does not come boldly up, like Moses in the
presence of Egypt's potent king, and demand him to let
the slaves go free. Oh, no! its mischief is all done in
secret."
"That, and that alone, is sufficient, John, to make me
abhor Abolitionists from the bottom of my heart. They
form themselves into Societies-beg. money to carry on
their clandestine work. I have too much pride and selfrespect to go into any State and violate its penal statutes.
All the Slave states make it a penitentiary offense  to.
tamper with or entice away slaves. I would not be incarcerated in one of these loathsome workhouses, tenanted
by most hardened and reprobate offenders, for all the
negroes in Christendom. Some may glory in such martyrdom, but I am not one of those."
"Ah! Tom, that bespeaks a true lover of his country —a true American at heart. A law-abiding citizen is
rather a rarity in these modern times. A reverence for,
and an implicit obedience to the laws of our country,
is the palladium of our safety. Trample these under
foot, and what will follow? Anarchy and mobism, the
precursors of sanguinary revolutions. Whatever they
may be, therefore, we must conform, in all places and upon
all occasions, to the laws of the land."
" That is the noble voice of patriotism, John, that has
been too long silenced by this mad fanaticism, that, like
a hurricane, has swept over the North, bearing down all
obstacles, until it has brought this Union into the most
imminent peril. Instead of domestic tranquillity, the
North is arrayed against the South-the sword is sharpening for mutual slaughter. May I never see the day
that will make these States aliens and enemies to each
other."
"Neither do I, Tom, desire to be a spectator of such
an awful calamity. May this poor body of mine be returned to the mother-earth, ere that bloody day shall be
ushered in."
141 
ABOLITIONISM UNVEILED.
SOLILOQUY OF FRIEND MOON.
"A pair of noble fellows, upon my soul. What patriotism-what devotion to the government, laws, and institutions of the country! I will seek them and form an
acquaintance. But lo! the poor culprit is dangling in
the air, in the last agonies of death-they have disappeared in the crowd-I shall see them no more.  I must
make my way back to the tavern, and hurry on my journey. Nevertheless, their words'are printed on the tablets
of my heart-4hey shall endure to the end of my days. I
would to God such sentiments could find a response in
every bosom-then our Union would be perpetual."
CHAPTER XVIII.
Depart to Amherstburg on the steamer Constitution-Conversation at
the Landing with a Water-carrier-With a negro in Jail.
"I CAN but admire," said the'Squire to David, "the
mechanism of this noble steamer,'Constitution.'  She
is made strong, and all vessels ought to have strength to
bear up in the raging storm, and ride the mountain wave.
So ought our Federal Constitution be endued with sufficient strength to ride through the storms of factions and
fanaticism. The skill of the pilot is essential to enable
her to pass triumphantly over the howling sea; so it is
with the vessel of State, much depends upon the President, who shall guide us amidst the many dangers that
environ the nation."
"Yes, uncle," responds David, "he must be a man of
vast knowledge, enlarged political experience, consummate wisdom, great magnanimity, and a true friend to the
Union: for no other will be able to govern this nation in
peace and tranquillity."
"Soon, David, we will tread on foreign soil; I feel a
desire to visit Canada-to mingle freely with the people.
142 
ABOLITIONISM UNVEILED.
Somehow or other I have fancied that Monarchy has a
little more energy in enforcing the laws and preserving
the peace, than our turbulent democracy. We shall have
a chance now to enjoy the ample security which monarchy
affords."
"I have never, uncle, been out of my own country.
Although monarchy is said to be the strongest kind of
government, yet I do not feel much admiration for it.
Here is Amherstburg; we shall soon have a chance to
.enjoy the benefit of British laws and protection."
"We will go ashore, David, we may learn something
of value in relation to the condition of the colored race in
her Majesty's provinces."
"See there, uncle, is a white man with two buckets of
waterone suspended on each side to a collar across his
shoulders. That must be a slow and laborious way of
supplying the town with water."
"So it must be, David. I will approach him and make
some inquiries."
"Look here, my old friend," said the'Squire, "is that
the way white men, in this country, have to toil for a
living I"
"Be sure, stranger, what business is that of yonr'n.
We have to turn our hands to anything to make a
penny."
"Even to wear a wooden collar, old friend? Why
we treat horses a little better than that where I come
from."
"Pray, mist'r, none of your'sinuations.  Might I be
so bold-what place did you come from I"
"From the United States, old friend."
"Very well, stranger; do you think to come over here
and insult her Mlajesty's subjects I  You be now under
the laws of England."
"I hope they are good laws, old friend, and I do not
intend to violate them."
c I s'pose not, stranger; but how quick ye're arter making fuin of me, a poor old man, who has, to keepfrom starving, to carry these two buckets of water to the back part
of the town. This is my daily work, from early in the
morning till late at night.  If ye had to do this hard
143 
ABOLITIONISM UNVEILED.
labor for the few pennies I get, ye would not be so full of
f[in. "
Now, old friend, don't get offended at my familiarity.
I regretted to find white men wearing wooden collars in
this country.   I came  here with  higher expectations.
Horses and carts perform that labor with us-it would be
too slow a business for us entirely. And then we would
not let our horses use so hard a collar as yours, made out
of wood."
" Look ye, stranger, if ye don't mind how ye talk, ye
will have an iron collar on, darn quick. Don't ye see
th' bo)ys, with the red jackets on, perading the town, with
them shining muskets? Them is the chaps that will do
the work for all such patriots.  Now, do ye keep a sharp
look out."
" You surely, old friend, would not serve a stranger in
that way-nmen who came over to travel in these pro
vinces, and to see a few old acquaintances. I want to find
a few colored people I once knew, and if I find them all
wearning IRmoN COLLARS, I shall lose no time in getting
out of this country, lest it may be my fate. I will curse
Queen Victoria and her people —I mean after I get
back."
"Aha! stranger, it is well ye put them words in. Ye
can't vent them curses here. Our gracious Queen can't
do any wrong. Ye'Publicans are not fit for no countrybest stay on your own side of the lake. Now ye have the
truth in good yarnest."
" Where, my old friend, can I find the colored people 
are there any living in this town?"
"What, stranger, them black people?-the hull country
be full of'em. They be in the army, in the town, in the
jails-them be everywhere.  What State be ye from?"
"From Ohio, old friend."
"Well, then, stranger, ye can go in among them;
but people from them slave States better make themselves scarce in this land-them  niggers will eat'em up
alive."
The'Squire and David repair to a tavern, and register
their names as from Ohio.
The'Squire goes on a visit to the jail, where he
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ABOLITIONISM UNVEILED.
happened to meet with a fugitive slave, with whom he
enters into the following conversation:
"Why, Massa IHenry, is dat you!  Oh!  blessy me
how glad I'm to see you once more on'arth."
" Is this Phil, that left our county many years ago?"
"Ah! dis is de same old nigger. God bless dat good
place Kentucky, foreber. Oh! fool I was eber to leave do
hum I had.  Dem Ab'litioners cheated poor Phil dat
time. Dey gets me off to dis land, by tolding of me dis
was a paradise of a place. I comes over here wid your
boys, Jack and Joe, and now you sees my fix."
"It is bad enough I should say, Phil. I find you
heavily ironed and fastened to the floor in this dark, dismal room."
"God be marciful to me!  Poor Phil is undone now
I'm kotchled at last.  Oh! Massa Henry, I've bin badberry bad! When I had a hum, plenty to eat, warn
house to sleep in, and good clothes, I warn't sati'fied-I
must try dis land, and I's come to- Oh! Lord, marcy
upon me!-you see what?"
"You must, Phil, have committed some very great
crime from the precautions taken to keep you in place.
These impenetrable walls and heavy iron doors and
windows were not thought sufficient of themselves to
hold you."
"Well, Massa Henry, the jig is up wid me now. It's
no'vantage to me to lie-the sentens is'nounced on me.
Here me lays on dis cold, hard floor, bound down wid
dese heaby irons, without a fend in dis world. I tinks
ober my hull life. I tinks of you all in Kantuck, of dese
people here, and I tells you the nigger is a poor critter
wid de white man anywhar."
"Why, Phil, I had supposed that when the negroes
reached Canada, they would have met with warm-hearted
friends to assist them to everything they needed. The
British government has been very gracious to them, and
I supposed the people here would have been equally
friendly."
"All but dat, Massa Henry. I tells you what, if any
nigger comes here, and'spects dat, if he aint bit thar's
no truth in dis nigger.  I tells you what, dis people am
13
145 
ABOLITIONISM UNVEILED.
colder than dis country. Dey loves nigger, eh! Anyt'ing but dat! Dere love is jist like de love de wolf has
for de lamb.  Dat you'll   see."
"I hardly know how to believe that, Phil, it is so different from the intelligence circulated among the slaves
in Boone. The idea prevails there, that her gracious
Majesty has set apart a portion of her public domain in
these provinces, for the exclusive benefit of fugitive slaves
from the United States, and that the Canadians will
receive them with open arms. The Abolitionists are the
agents in the North to carry out this benevolent plan of
her Majesty."
"The Ablishners! a thousand curses on dere heads for
cheating poor nigger out of his eyes!  I knows how dey
comnes ober dar, and what fine parlaber dey has. You
wouldn't tink honey could melt in sichli moufs. Dey get
us off, and helps us to come ober here, den we sees dem
no more."
"What is the reason you can't make a living among
these people? Can you not find employment at good
wages?"
"We comes here, Massa Henry, berry poor- not'ing
in God's yearth to live upon. I brot my wife and childers along-dat you knows.  I went to dis farmier, den
to dat. I sez,' give me work.'' No, no!' dey sez;'don't
want you.  I wouldn't bord you dis long winter for all
dat you can do.'  Dere, tinks I, now what's I'm to do?
Wife, childers, all be starbing for sum bread. I goes
hum, and sure enough, all went to sobbing and crying
when dey heerd I could get not'in for dem to eat. Dey
kept sayin,'I've be starvin! how can we lib widout
sometin to eat?' My poor heart was broke in two. I
goes agin-and agin  but finds no work.  Den I begs a
leetle meat and bread, jist to keep us alive."
"Why did you not, Phil, go upon the public lands, set
apart for you and others like you?"
"Caze I could do not'in dere, Massa Henry.  I warn't
able to build me a house, to clar de land, and lib sich
time tell I could make a crap.  We'd bin all starbed to
death afore dat could be done. I tells you dat land does
no poor nigger any good. Dat I knows, caze he couldn't
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ABOLITIONISM UNVEILED.
starb menny days. I tells you what, dis same Phil made
a trial of dat only tree or four days, and if I didn't teel
as doe I was jist pinched right in two, den you may tell
dis nigger he knows not'in."
"Now, Phil, what great crime have you committed
that has placed you in these bonds? I did not consider
you a desperate rogue when you left our State.  Indeed I
believe I never heard of your stealing at all."
" Dat's truedat's true, Massa Henry.  I neber took
anyt'ing that warn't mine. I was one honest nigger
dere-dat's sure; but arter I comes out to dis place, dis
Phil be no longer de same persin. I knows of a woman
libing not tfar off, what's had money in de house. Wicked
thots crept into dis head-dce money, tinks I, must hlab.
So one night I creeps into dat woman's house to get dat
money; but it was no go-dere be white men in dat
house I knows not of —dey jumps up, ketches, and binds
me, right in de berry act.  Now you sees the dicament
I'm in."
"But, Phil, what is the punishment for this offense
against the laws of the country?"
"I was brot to trial, Massa Henry; dat ditement was
read, de witnesses all comes up and swears I comes dere
to rob dat house, in de dead hour of de night; den one
lawyer gets up to parlarber for me, den t'other to criminate dis poor nigger.  Den twelve men, dat's called the
jury, all marched off, one arter t'other, to dere roomn.
Howsomeber, dey soon comes back agin wid the werdict
'Guilty."
"Those are the forms of the law in such cases. What
was the penalty?"
"Dat is the worst, arter all, Massa Henry.  Phiil leabs
dis land- his wife and childers neber more to see'm.
Poor tings! they'11ll hab no one to help'em-cast off here
mong strangers and enemies to dere race.  Oh! slabery!
I would dat we ware all back in dy arms! Dat would
be a blessing to sich freedom as dis.  Poor'fatuated
beings am we-dese poor niggers! I had a hl)um-a good
hum, whar I could have libed in peace-so it was wid my
wife and childers, dey was all libing well, but dat
wouldn't do. I was'duced to come out here wid dem to
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this climate of etarnal winters, where I s'posed we'd lib
wid each other all de time; but we are to be parted now
foreber. I'm to go-I'll try to tink-Oli! dis crazy
old pate ob mine! I can't tink at all. Well, I members
dat cussed spot where I'm banished, dey calls, I tink,
Vandigin's Land, or some sich place."
" how far off is that, Phil?"
"Dat's past my telling-its'yond the quater somewhar, and t'other side of de yarth beside.  The north star
dat is hid fromn de sight, and the sun rises t'other side of
me.  My poor brains will neber turn round to understand
dese tings.  Dat land may be near on to dat place whar
de fire is neber quinched; but it is afar off from de sight
of heaben."
"Let me say to you, Phil, you have no one to blame
but yourself for this trouble and disgrace. You were
differently situated once; you had a kind master and
mistress, who took care of you in sickness and in healththey administered to all your wants-you  suffered for
nothing; and, in return, you were required to labor no
more than all poor people have to do, let their color be
what it may. There is no other conceivable way but by
labor, to make a living."
"Dem words, Massa Henry, are true, ebery one of
them.  Yes, yes, de kindness I had in dat good old land,
I neber shall tforget. Dem blessed days gone, neber to
return. When ytou gits back, you'll see my good master
and missis, tell'em how you sees de last of' Phil; dey
may be sorry to hear dis, but dey can't help poor Phil,
now, he aint in dere reach. I'11l not lib to get to Vandigin's land-I'll die by de way; dis poor body ofmnine
must be cast in de deep) to feed dem big fishes dat swims
in sich big waters. Oh, Lard's marcy, dat's to be my
end arter all."
"Be comnposed, Phil, your punishment is just.  Honesty is the best policy in all places, and under all circumstances."
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CHAPTER XIX.
'Squire Gray and David discovered to be from Kentucky-The Insult       The Negro MobTheir flight and arrival in Detroit.
'SQUIRE GRAY having returned to the tavern, he and
David were seated on a sofa, in a back room; to their
surprise a large negro fellow enters, deliberately seats
hirimself by the'Squire, and throws his ponderous legs
across his lap, at which the former immediately rises, and
paces the floor in a great rage. In the meantime, the
latter quickly retreats.
"I tell you, David," said the'Squire, " this is too great
an insult to be borne. I understand its meaning-it is to
bring on a row; such liberty would not be taken without
a wicked design. Get out our bowie-knives and revolvers; let us arm for defense. If those devilish scoundrels
think proper to attack us, let us make it cost them
dear."
" Is this the kind of society, uncle, that we are to meet
with in these provinces? Can we not travel here without
danger of our lives? We have neither interfered with,
nor molested the blacks in any manner.  It is simply
because we are from the Slave states that we have been
subjected to this premeditated insult."
" In the motive you are not mistaken-so here are our
arms-we will be prepared for the worst. If our lives
have to be sacrificed, the assailants shall suffer for their
temerity."
" Yes, shall they, David-a set of lawless wretches, who
are thirsting for our blood-fiends incarnate, nothicing but
lead and steel will cure them of their folly. Two men
against a multitude-what fearful odds!  But we will not
be taken alive; death is infinitely to be preferred to the
falling into the hands of such desperate ruffians."
At this the tavern-keeper, under the greatest agitation,
rushes into the room and says:
" Gentlemen, do tell me where are you from?"
"Can't you tell from the Register," responded the
'Squire.
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" That I have noticed, sir, but there is great excitement
among the colored people; they are assembling in great
numbers in front of my  tavern, breathing  veng,eance
against you; they assert you are from the South."
" Though we are from tile South, yet are we here on no
unlawful business," answered the'Squire.
"Do let me tell you, gentlemen, you are in imminent
danger.  No less than three hundred blacks have filled
up the street in front of my house, and others are flocking
in all the time.  If you remain here my tavern will be
torn down over your heads. You are my guests, and as
such, I don't want you injured; and so far as I have the
power, I will see you harmless."'
" Are there no laws in this country?" said the'Squire,
" no officers to protect the innocent? Must such mobs
have absolute sway?"
"None, none whatever to protect persons from the
Slave states," rejoined the tavern-keeper.  "For this purpose our laws and our officers are inefficient. The negroes are omnipotent, and carry all things before them."
"To this condition have you arrived, sir!" said the
'Squire.  "I am sorry to hear it.  If a hair of our heads
be injured, I hope the United States will send an army
here and blow the whole of those villains to lh-11. We
are prepared to defend our lives to the last extremity;
but we will submit to you, what is to be done? We do
not wish your house, on our account, to be torn down or
damaged. As you have acted so much like a gentleman,
we will be governed by your advice."
"  I know of only one chance to escape, gentlemen.  I
have a very fleet pony, and an excellent buggy. I will
have it got ready in a moment; place your baggage in it,
and you can take the road to Sandwich-leave horse
and buggy with my friend Crane-then cross to Detroit
and you are safe."
" Be it as you say, we will adopt the plan," replied tho
'Squire.
" I will order horse and buggy got ready, gentlemen,
then return to the bar-room, parley with the blacks, and
keep them out of the house as long as I can, so that you
may get considerably the start. They will pursue like
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wolves, so soon as they shall find out you are gone: but
don't fear-they have nothing that can come up with that
pony. Give him slightly the whlip and the reins; that'8
all you have to do, and I'll go security for the balance."
Here, Mr. Tavern Keeper," said the'Squire, " is a
hundred dollars; it will cover your risk, and be a remuneration for your kindness."
"Thank you, gentlemen; now go it with a rush!   I
will detain the mob, as long as I can; trust me for that."
Soon after, the'Squire and David passed out of a
back door,  aloun  a nar row alley, to the buggy in waiting, unobserved by the crowd.  They got in, and took
the road to Sandwich.  Never did pony move in such gallant style-the wheels whirled so rapidly, they seemed a
solid sheet; the spokes were not visible, but appeared
cemented into one solid frame.
In the meantime, the tavern-keeper was essaying to
hold the mob in suspense.
'I say, Mr. Simpson, the tavern-keeper! " hallooed a
lusty negro fellow. "Where is dem men? we must have
'emn at every hazard! No man from dem Slave States
shall be corning ober to dis country; if him does, we'll
have his blood-do you hear dat?"
"Why, Joe!" says Mr. Simpson, "these appear to be
well-behaved gentlemen; they have demeaned themselves
peaceably; they have troubled nobody; they came off a
boat this morning —have put up with me; they are under
my root; and I can't suffer them to be molested."
" Dat won't do for us, Mr. Simpson!" replied Joe"not at all-dese South'ners has been cruel to our race
dese menny years-ey ties'emn up and whips'em without marcy.  Now we jest wants to show'em dis same
sort of play-dat's all."
"But, Joe, you must know, these are citizens of the
United States - quietly disposed. That Government
would not suffer her citizens to be barbarously scourged
by you! That Republic is proud, martial, and tenacious
of its rights. Would you wish to involve us in a war
witl! that nation? "
"I don't care, Mr. Simpson, a d-n  for the hull of
'em —ey won't fight-a darn bit of it.  Den we has too
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menny frien's, in de North, to suffer dat. Dey let dese
black peoples be hurt; dat won't do to tell, Mr. Simpson,
case we has too menny frien's dere, for dat. Dey don't
care how menny dem slave-holders be kilt. Dat time we
lays in dem bushes, waiting for dat old man-Gorsuchi to cum along: den here he cums, sure enough, not dink ing we was in dat place hid; den pop, pop, went de guns
all round-down dropped de old man, all kilt right away.
Dem niggers which kilt him, was'em hurt for it? dat's
de ding; so far from dat, dey was called heroes!  Dey
lobed us de more for dat. And dese men in your house,
we'll sarve worser dan dat-nobody won't care a bit for
it. We will have dem wretches! drag'em out of dere
hiding-places!  Now, if you don't open your doors, and
let us cum in, dis house will come to pieces in less dan
no time! "
"I must declare, Joe, you all want to do a mighty
wicked thing. These men are entire strangers in this
place: how do you know anything about them. You
don't even know whether they own slaves or not! or
even if they do, whether they are cruel or humane! In
the absence of such knowledge, the most innocent may
suffer."
"I want to hear no more sich stuff, Mr. Simpson.  To
de work!  Hurrah, boys! rush to de work-tear out de
windows-mash up dem doors to splinters-and bring
dem men out dead or alive-dey are our meat! "
" Stop, Joe! I will unlock all my doors; you may
have access to every room in my house. I have done
my best lt save these men, and if you will have them, I
can't help it."
"Oh, ho! you begin to hab some sense now,'Mr.
Simpson.  Rush in men-haul'em out; we'll show'em
how de war's begun-dat's whlat we will."
The house is rapidly searched up and down-no white
men to be found.
The shout went up, They're fled! they're fled! Hunt
'em! hunt'em up!
A loud voice cried out, in the crowd, "I just met two
wlhite men in a buggy, driving a pony, with amazing
speed, toward Sandwich!"
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" Dat'em! dat'em! " says Joe.  "Dash arter'em
men, wid horses, mules, and what not. Be sure to ketch
'em and bring'em back.  Oh, ho! guilty rascals, afeard
of dese niggers now!"
The whole town was in a bustle: the livery stables
were soon all emnptied of horses. Now the mob, pellmell, dashed up the road-the horses' feet rumbling like
distant thunder-and a deafening yell went up, that
reverberated along the winding shore. Like ravenous
wolves, they dashed madly after their prey: the dust, in
curling columns, arising behind. A long train ot; at
least, five hundred infuriated negroes, in hot pursuit of
our good old'Squire and David-a great disparity, in
force!  The  demons were  armed  to the teeth, and
thirsting for blood.
" Did you not hear," said the'Squire, to David, "that
horrible yell? Those fiends are on our trail, and they
are coming with a vengeance."
"Yes-yes, uncle, I see the dust curling in the air:
yonder they come, like furies. What a multitude! they
reach farther than I can see. Come, pony, exert every
nerve-thy nimble little feet seem barely to touch the
ground. Oh! noble fellow, how he presses onward, as
though he were conscious of his important charge."
"ih! David, did you ever see such speed and bottom
in one little horse?  He bids defiance to all pursuit.  His
owner was right, when he said none could come up with
him-I see that plainly-we pass objects so quickly, that
it almost makes my head dizzy.  Did you hear the name
of this grand little horse? "
" Yes, uncle, the hostler called him' Napoleon le Grand.'
You noticed how he pranced and champed the bit, so impatient was he to be on his way. His name is very appropriate."
"That it is, David; and I will own him, if he can be
bought. I will send down a letter this night, to the
owner, to price him and the buggy; and if money will
buy them, we will take them along with us to Boone.
There he shall be fed up to his eyes-none shall hurt him.
Napoleon le Grand, with this buggy, shall be kept as a
memento of our flight from Amherstburg."
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" Can you hear, David, anything of those cut-throats
who were hunting us like hyenas?"
" No, uncle, they are out of hearing and out of sight.
We have fairly distanced them to a certainty."
"Very well, David; to the speed of this noble little
horse are we indebted for our salvation. We will leave
him and buggy here according to promise."
The horse and buggy were left with Mr. Crane, while
the'Squire and David passed quickly over to Detroit.
But they had barely made their escape ere these hellhounds, with dusty visages, had dashed into town. The
prey was gone. Suddenly they retreated homeward, cursingD their poor fatigued horses for the slowne8ss of their
speed.
CHAPTER XX.
'Squire Gray and David at a Hotel in Detroit-Thoughts and reflections
on the Incidents of the day-Receives an answer-BBuys Pony and
Buggy-Resolves to make another Excursion into Carada.
"I CAN but think," said the'Squire to David, " of the
incidents of this day. How proud I am once more to see
that flag,, so glorious, with its stars and stripes floating
upon the breeze. On American soil I feel safe."
' I reckon, uncle, you will be no great admirer of the
hospitality you experienced in Canada? Your Quaker8ship, if assumed ill time, might have saved you from that
perilous adventure."
"I doubt it, David. Phil, the negro I visited in jail,
must have disclosed our true character. He knew me
well, and must have told where I lived.  But what harm
oug,ht that to have done?  Must we be mobbed because
we happened to reside in Kentucky? That is a crime of
a very deep die in the estimation of these wretches.  The
day of retribution may come, and much sooner than they
anticipate."
" Those diabolical blacks, uncle, were eager for our
blood. Tell me about Indians, if there ever were worse
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savages than these negroes, I would not know where to
firnd them.  As to government or law, it is the farthest
from their thoughts. The strength of a monarchy is an
obsolete idea.  Where were the police or military that
they did not disperse these abominable negroes, who thus
disregarded the rites of hospitality, and all the usages
among civilized people?"
"The reason is obvious to me, David.  Great Britain
hates our nation. She is doing all she can to distract and
divide us. - She does not, in reality, love the negro-she
gives him an asylum and land-by so doing, she hopes to
emnbroil the two sections of the Union-thie North and
South. There would be more charity in her setting aside
a portion of her land for her own starving poor; but her
philanthropy passes over their heads to the slaves of the
South."
" Here, uncle, is a letter just handed me from Amherstburg.  We  will now  be advised whether Napoleon  le
Grand and buggy can be bought. I shall always love
that darling little horse.  Oh! he bore us away from those
miscreants in such beautiful style. But read the letter:
"'H. Gray, Esq:-SIR: your note is at hand.  I rejoice to hear of your safe arrival at Detroit-a fortunate
escape from those vile ruffians who sought your life. As
to your proposition to buy pony and buggy, I have to say,
although it is very painful for me to give up so valuable
a horse, you can have them at five hundred dollars.
Should the price please you, pay the money to my friend,
M1r. Crane, at Sandwich, I will instruct him, in that
event, to deliver to you the property. Under no other circumstances could I have been induced to make this trade:
"' With my best wishes bfor your welfare,
"'I remain truly
"' Yours,
"'D. SIMPSON. "
"Although the price for the horse and buggy, David,
appears extravagant, yet I will accept the ofier, because
that little pony bore us off in such gallant style from that
accursed mob; I shall, therefore, feel a pride in calling
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him mine, and giving him, while hlie lives, real Kentucky
hospitality."
"I guess, uncle, it will not be such as we met with in
Canada-that was too warm for our comfort."
"To have such a set of demons at our heels, David, is
not so pleasant as one might imagine. We could, per haps, have sent a dozen or more of those dastardly ras cals to the shades below; but the preservation of our
lives is better than a hopeless contest with such over whelming numbers;  and I was not over-anxious just
then to sacrifice our lives, and thus leave Abolitionism
not fully unveiled." 
" I judge, uncle, your curiosity is satisfied, so far as
Canada is concerned.  You will not disturb her Majesty's
dominions any more. As you came out with #ying
colors, you will be contented hereafter to stay on'Uncle
Sam's' side of the creek."
"Well, David, it seems I ought. We came out flying,
that is true, but in our precipitate retreat we forgot to
hoist the colors. I rather think they were laid low in the
dust. At any rate it forms an incident in our history.
I am disposed to make one more adventure which, I flatter myself, will not be so unfortunate. We have to go
across to Sandwich for the horse and buggy, and while
there, we will ride some eight or ten miles out into the
country, where a railroad is building mostly by blacks.
I have learned my two boys, Jack and Joe, are there at
work, together with others who have eloped from our
county. I do not suppose we ought to apprehend any
danger in that quarter."
"Although I will go with you, uncle, wherever you
please, and will always be at your service -yes, r will
stand by your side'in evil and good report;' yet I can
declare I have no faitk in those Canadian black devils,
either in one place or another."
"I am sensible of your devotion, David; but I shall
rely upon my good stars to extricate me in every emergency. To-morrow we will once more trust ourselves to
Napoleon le Grand."
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CHAPTER XXI.
'Squire Gray and David in Sandwich-Conversation with Mr. Crane They go out into the Country-Meets with his Negroes and other Ac quaintances - Conversation - Surrounded by a mob of Negroes, and
narrowly escapes with his Life.
THE'Squire and David, early the ensuing morning,
crossed to-Sandwich, and having paid down the price of
the horse and buggy, while they were getting them ready
for the trip, the'Squire had the following conversation
with Mr. Crane:
"I have, Mr. Crane, an anxiety to take a ride into the
country to meet with some colored people I once knew.
I wish to ascertain how they are prospering in this
country."
"Prospering,'Squire!" rejoined Mr. Crane, "there is
no prosperity for such lazy persons anywhere. Before
this railroad began, the creatures were half starved and
nearly naked.  Work they would not, and no one wanted
them if they would."
" What! you astonish me, Mr. Crane. Is this the feeling you whites have for these favorites of her Majesty's
government? She holds out strong inducements for them
to settle among you-giving them homes'without money
and without price'- thus doing more for them than she
has for her white subjects."
"Yes, infinitely more,'Squire; and yet they are the
greatest nuisances I ever saw.  They come over here,
ignorant, vicious, and very poor; because we will not put
ourselves upon an equality with them, they soon become
our enemies. Some of them are savage beings, I can
assure you, and the most contemptible petty thieves."
"Why,  you paint their characters very badly, Mr.
Crane. In a state of slavery they are much better than
that."
"There's where they ought to have staid,'Squire; for
that condition alone they are fitted. A good, judicious,
and merciful system of Slavery makes them useful and
productive members of society, whereas when they are
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liberated, they add nothing to the general stock of indus try and wealth."
" What can cause this bitter animosity between the
two races, Mr. Crane?  I came here with far different anticipations. I had supposed you were all living here in
perfetbct harmony-that the lion and the lamb were reposing quietly together."
You  did, indeed,'Squire?  Of the state of society
here it shows you had no correct information. We
abominate the negro upon the face of the earth. What
great injury we are sustaining by such population you
can hardly imagine. They often steal and murder.
Should you insult them, they are full of private revenge,
and soon your house or barn will be burned down. What
can a man do, surrounded by such secret and implacable
foes? On the slightest pretext or for the smallest insult,
somne will assassinate you, and hence we can never know
when we are safe."
" If they act in this manner, Mr. Crane, they undoubtedly make bad neighbors. No society, where there is such
manifest insecurity both to persons and property, can enjoy
happiness. Really, I can see no advantage in that sort of
a life over that of the savage, for here you are taughlt to
rely somewhat upon the laws for protection-and if they
prove inadequate, how great and serious your delusion."
"In fact,'Squire, I would rather at once depend upon
my personal prowess to guard and vindicate my rights.
By considering myself the avenger of my own wrongs, I
would go prepared to meet every contingency. WlIereas
when I repose confidence in the laws to be my shield, I
go unarmed, and might be taken by surprise."
"Hence, Mr. Crane, the absolute necessity for a rigorous and impartial administration of the laws.  The certainity of punishment, more than the amount, exercises
the most influence over the wicked passions of men. The
chances of escape are weighed closely by every criminal
before he violates the laws.  If lie were sure punishment
would quickly follow upon the heels of the offense-that
there was not a possibility of escape-I will venture to
assert, crimtnes would not be so numerous."
"True as Holy Writ'Squire. If our rulers could be
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made sensible of those plain matters-of-fact, what a salu tary reformation would soon follow..Jobism would be
banished from our land, domestic tranquillity would be
restored, and our lives and our property would not be held
by so precarious a tenure."
Thie horse and bugg,y being in readiness, the'Squire and
David get in; Napoleon le Grand is put under way, and
soon conveys them to a company of blacks, working on
the railway. The'Squire leaves David in the buggy, to
hold the impetuous little pony, while he approaches alone
and chances to meet his servants that he had not seen for
many years.   They and other old acquaintances flock
around him, all anxious to hear from the good old land
they had left. Jack, one of his former slaves, and the
'Squire entered into the following conversation:
"Why, Jack," said the'Squire, "can this be you?
How glad I am to meet with you again this side the grave."
" Good  Lord, aint here my  old  massa?  1 neber
'spected to meet you agin.  I neber s'posed you'd come
to dis strange land. Come up all de Boone boys, come
up; here be old massa. Blessy me, I feels sorter glad.
I n'eber, neber s'posed I'd see you any more on'arth!"
"lNow, Jack, I have been induced to come here and
see, with my own eyes, how you are all making out in
this distant land. You recollect I bought you and Joe
many years ago-paid sixteen hundred dollars in cash tfor
you, in order to keep you both from being sold to a negro
trader, which your former owner intended to do."
" Ah! my good massa, I'll not forgit dat blessed day;
you comes like a kind angel, and took us out of de
clutches of dem bad men as what trades in niggers.
B'essed God so you did, and dat makes me feel so berry
bad when I sees your face. It brought up all dem tings
a-fresh-oh! dey all stood up afore me as doe it was done
yes'erday."
"I do not, Jack, come here to-day to upbraid you for
your ingratitude. I have learned to forgive all such offenses. I would not, if I could, reclaim you and Joe, and
take you back into slavery. I do not want you any more
in that capacity. I am learning to do without slaves entirely: I am working the farm by free-labor exclusively."
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"Den, massa, I feels worster dan eber. I to't you
could do wid dem left behind-you had heap of niggers
dere to work de land-I neber s'posed t'others would run
off, and if dey has, dey hasn't got to dis place."
"Well, Jack, you and Joe thought yourselves too good
to wait any longer upon me. Although I had saved you
from the cotton-fields of the South, yet, in my old age,
you ran off to this foreign land, leaving me to pass the
remnant of my days in any way I could."
"Dat's true, Massa Henry; we be two mlean niggerswe treated you mighty bad, dat we did; but we was'ticed
away by Ab'litioners; dey comes round us and sez, you
have jest as much rite to be free as dem white folks. Dey
beats dat into our poor skulls. I kniow'd as how you'd
snatched us away from dem jaws of de South-dat I shall
always'member. It was your money dat did dat berry
ting. If you had staid at hum —hadn't care for us a bityour money wouldn't have went, and we'd bin somewhar
else-not here, dis b'essed day. Yis, yis, poor Jack and
Joe would've of bin in dein big cotton swamps of de
souf, instead of dis here land, dat's sartin."
"Now, Jack, by these kind of tricks I gradually lost
confidence in negroes. I was resolved her Majesty's provinces should never hold another slave of mine. You and
Joe slipped off and got here; but I said in my heart you
should be the first and last; and I have been true to my
promise. Let your Abolition friends make the most of it.
I have the value of those of my negroes left behind in
bank-in the iron safe, which has neither feet nor legs,
and will be apt to stay in place. Of nights now I can
sleep without uneasiness."
"All dese tings is bad - mighty bad, Massa Ienry.
We niggers case a heap of trouble on dis'arth. If two
but runs away, den twenty is sent to the South. Dis way
it works to our mighty in'ry.  Dese Ab'litioners all de
time tinking dem doing de niggers'bundance of good.
Oh, yes! dey brags'bout dere good work-dey tinks
dey're doing God a rael sarvice; but dey is all de time
sowing de sorrows ober de land.  Now here am me and
Joe, dey gits us ober here-den oh! how dey'joices over
datI  Den you gits mad and swars dem is all de Ab'li
a
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tioners shall hab.  Den  here goes t'others -de  hull
twenty-down de riber to de cotton-fields.  Dat's de way
dese tings work-two here, twenty dere."
"But, Jack, I suppose you rejoice in your escape from
the house of bondage. You are very happy in your present condition?"
"No, no, massa; de nigger what hasn't no feller-feelin',
arn't warthy of de name.  I'm not to tink of dem few
what's in Candy.  Dey's a mere not'in' to dem what was
left behind. Dere aint tirty tousand dat got out into dis
land-dat's all.  De Ab'litioners crows ober dese as doe
dey had'fected eberyting. Now tink, massa, how many
of'em am left behind."
"Three millions, I suppose, Jack."
"Dere it is, mnassa, tree millins behind; dese hardly
missed from dat great big pile-dat's sure."'
" In truth, Jack, slavery will never be brought to an
end by so slow and tedious a process. We could count
the sands on the sea shore about as soon as we could
annihilate it in this way. It so happens they are coming
in by birth much faster than that."
"Dere it is, Massa Henry, dat jest whl)at I's bin sayin'.
By'ticing, away a few slaves neber gwine to'bolish slabery.
Dey'll not come it ober de masters dat way-dey be too
cute for dat, sure. Dem men knows what dey arter; let
'em alone for dat. When you kitchl'em asleep, den you
may call dis nigger a fool-dat's sure."
Since you seem to be in a fine vein for talking, Jack,
give me your thoughts on the Abolitionists, how you like
them, and how much they befriended you."
"Dem  peoples, Massa Henry, I knows'em up and
down-dis way and dat, and ebery way you can take'em.
Dey talks so good dat you couldn't help lubing of'em.
Dey tells us about'aleable rights, and all dat sorts o' ting.
Dey made us begin to hate you, missis, and eberybody.
Dey kept tellin' on us, we're jest as good as you, and
bimic-by, Joe and me'gins to tink so too. Before dat, I
lubed you, missis, and all; eberyting went on well.
Jest den dey turned my  poor head round.   I hated
eberyting; I want to go; I sighed for dis here lanld;
dey told me how dey lubed de nigger out here; I to't
14
fo
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ABOLIIONISM UNVELED.
it was all jest de bery place for us: so we tramped to dis
province."
"Did you get any aid on the way, Jack?"
"Let dis nigger alone for dat, massa. Dese Ab'litioners
had dem karages all at de riber, jest above de mouf ob
de leetle'Amiii, waiting for us to cum ober. We got dere
afore de mornin' star was ris. When I seed all dem fine
horses and tings, I hated ole Kantuck. Dere, sez 1, de
darn nigger trudges t'ro de mud, and de white folks roll
by in dere fine karages, an' dey don't'miserate de nigger
at all; dat is de way in dat ole'bominable land.
"But dis is de place for de nigger arter all. Here, he's
'onored like dem lords ob de land. Aha, tinks I, we be
big folks ober here sartin. Now sez 1, when we gots in
dem karages an' dey began to rumble'long-massa will
wake up dis mornin', call Jack-Joe-come out, boys,
make fire, feed de horses; but dere was no Jack and Joe
dere-dis time, he'11ll be fooled-dey aint dere dis blessed
mornin'-now ole hoss, cotch us if you can. Dese poor
h'arts got mighty proud. We to't all de world was in a
blaze for de nigger; dey rushed us on to Wilmin'tondere dey hid us wid an old Quaker, and sez, stay here
quiet, boys, till we can find out what's gwine on. I
know'd you'11 be out hunting on us, like a cunnin' ole
fox-I tole'em all so.  Sez I, now watch dem corners
close, or we'll be headed yit, dat's sartin.  De good,
ole Quaker said,'Dee need not be oneasy, I'11l tell dee
when its safe to go on.'
" De  ole'coon slipped off howsomdever - whar on
'arth he went, no one know'd; den dere we lay dree long
days, hid away like stolen goods. Sez I, boys, dis looks
darn strange-dis hiding an' dodging about.  What does
all dis mean? Bime-by de ole hoss cums hum, and sez,
lay still, boys-dey are hunting on you eberywhar-remain quiet till de hunt be ober. Dey'll send me word
from the city when it will be safe for you to start. Two
blessed weeks was us kept in dat place, den we was sent
to'Bana, den to Ob'lin.'
"Do tell me, Jack, how you liked Oberlin."
"Dat I will, Massa Henry, if dere's any truf in dis
nigger. We comes to Oblin-all in high snuff, dat's
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sartin. I tell you what, dat place looked like somet'in';
Dere was de white gals, de black gals, de white boys, an'
de black boys all kinder mixed up togeder. Aha! ses I,
to myself, dis is de grand'sideration arter all. Dis is de
way to edicate an' bring dem up all as one, and den de
white gal won't tink herself too good for de nigger. I
kinder felt curious all ober, when I sees dem pooty white
gals at Ob'lin. Tinks I, arter all, dis is de place for
Jack. Sez I to myself, get out ob de way ye darn nigger
gals, I hate you on de face ob de'arth. I despise your
berry look, your t'ick lips, wooly heads-dem  critters
can't please me agin, dat's sure.
"Well, bime-by, I sees a charming leetle white gal, ah!
her berry looks sets dis nigger all on fire. Git away all
ye darn darkies, ye can't come it wid dis Wenus, dat's sartin. Her flowin' black hair, all comin' down de face in
sich nice kirls-den dem black eyes of hemrn, dat sparkled
like two stars in de skies; and den her rosy white cheeks.
Oh! don't tell me any nigger can stand dat tem'tation."
"Now, Jack, do tell what success you had?"
"Dat I'm gwine to tell you now.  I sees her walking
in dem streets. Den I walks up rite by her side, and sez,
good mornin', Miss Ellen. She kinder looks to dis nigger,
den de way her face turned red-is a korshen-she hangs
down her head and wis lost in'fusion. I tried to walk like
my heels war greased, but I made a darn hoppy-te-hop all
de time. You knows one ob my legs was shorter dan toder,
maybe an inch or two; dat day it was shorter dan eberebery time dat darn short leg comes down, it jerks dis big
face ob mine jest under missis' bonnet. Den de way she
slopes from dis nigger, was a korshen. Den, tinks I, it's all
a'lusion-dem white gals arter all, aint for sich a hobblin';
bobblin' nigger as I be. From dat day to dis, I lets'em
alone-I neber tinks ob'em again."
"That is very well, Jack, one adventure cured your
folly. Do tell me how you got across the lake?"
"Yes, massa, dat'venture nocked ebery bit ob de lub
out ob dis darn nigger's head for de white gals. I sees it's
no go; dem pooty critters aint gwine to lub us, dat's sartin. From dat place, we was sent to de mouf of Black
riber; dar a wessel was loadin' wid wheat for Candy. We
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jines in and helps to git de wheat in de hole; soon she sail
out on de lake, but dere comes up dat night one ob de biggest winds dis nigger eber saw- dat made de ole vessel
crack as doe she'11 come to pieces. De way dis nigger was
sick, wasn't slow-'fore mornin' cums, I puked and puked,
oh, grashus! dis critter was nearly turned inside out, and
neber'spected to lib anoder day."
"But you landed here in safety, Jack. I wish to know
how you have made out to live among these people?"
"Dat is de worst part of de story, Massa Henry, arter
all. We comes here among dis peopledey don't like 118us
one bit, and we don't like dem either. Dis is a bery cold
place too. De way de winds blows an' de snow falls, beats
all natur'. Well, Massa Henry, to tell you de blessed truf,
I've worked harder, been half-starved, and nearly naked
eber since I's bin in dis poor, frozen place. Dis is no place
for de nigger, dat's sartin, unless he can lib on de wind.
"But yonder comes big Jim, he'longs to de British
army-a nigger ossifer-and den dere comes a crowd of
niggers rite arter him-de debil's going to be to pay now,
massa, I'm afeerd. Boys, stand firm round ole massakeep dem niggers back. Dey shan't hurt him, until dey
blow out Jack's light fuss-at's sartin."
"What man is that Jack?" said Jim; " where's he
from?"
"My ole Massa Hienry from Kanttuck, Jim."
"Your old massa-hliow dare he to set his foot in her Majesty's dominions. No suchpirates and robbers can live
in this country."
"Who are you," said the'Squire, " that assumes to
speak with such high authority?"
"I am an officer belonging to the British army,  old
pirate. I am learning military tactics, to chastize you and
all others who hold my race in bondage."
" We, in Kentucky, Jim, will be glad to see you on
such a mission. I can assure you, we will give you a very
warm reception."
"Ah! old pirate, when I come, I will stir up the slaves
to rebellion-we will ravish your women-burn up your
dwellings, and lay your country in waste."
These words filled the bosom of the'Squire with the most
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ABOLITIONISM UNVEILED.
intense resentment. He suddenly drew his revolver, and
said:
" Open the way, boys, and let me shoot that black mon ster in human shape; he ought not to be suffered to live
another moment."
At these words Jack seized him by the arm, and said:
"Don't shoot massa, dem niggers will tear you to pieces
if you do-for God's marcy, don't do dat t'ing."
" I am willing," said the'Squire, " to be massacred, if
I can first kill that devil incarnate."
"Shoot, you old pirate," said Jim; " I'll have you, cost
what it may. I'll serve you, as you have often served
many a nigger. I'11 let you know how whipping feels.
Rush up, men, and seize the old culprit; he shall suffer
as he has made others."
"Come on," said the'Squire, "c I will kill the first man
that advances upon me. If any of you wish to die just
come a-head."
"Oh, massa," says Jack, " do let us carry you back to
de buggy. Dem niggers shan't hurt you; dey got to pass
ober our dead bodies first, dat's sartin."
" Well, Jack, I do not want the lives of such devoted
friends to be destroyed on my account.  God bless you
all, boys, for this noble friendship. May you be happy
in this life, and that which is to come. Here is a golden
eagle for each one of you; keep it in remembrance
of me."
Jack and his friends immediately formed themselves
into a compact, hollow square, with the'Squire in the
center. In this way he was escorted to his buggy, a line
was opened, and he stepped quickly in. David cracked
the whip, the pony made a sudden spring; the mob had,
in the meantime, got hold of the wheels, some grabbed at
the reins, but the sudden movement of the pony brought
them sprawling to the ground. They then rushed after
the buggy, tumbling and falling over each other at an
awful rate; but they quickly gave up the chase, for Napoleon le Grand went more like a bird in the air than
anything else.
"God be praised," said Jack, "dat good leetle pony.
When I peeps under de buggy as he dashed off,; dat leetle
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fellow's feet played so quickly, darn me if I didn't t'ink
he hardly eber to'ched the ground."
CHAPTER XXII.
Return to Detroit-Reflections-Riot at Sandwich-Descend Lake Erie
to mouth of Black river-Thence to Elyria-Conversations with various
persons on the route.
THF'Squire and David were borne rapidly out of danger.  The pony displayed his usualt agility and speed.
The mob, in a few moments, was out of hearing and out
of sight. David interrupted the silence by saying:
"Well, uncle, I suppose this will satisfy you thoroughly
with Her Majesty's dominions? Your curiosity will never
be excited again to visit these provinces."
"'Only, David, upon one contingency. Should the
United States unfortunately get into a war with England,
old as I am I would be willing to shoulder my rifle to inflict upon the dastardly wretches a just retribution. They
ought to be taught there is something like comity due
from one nation to another; that as citizens of the United
States, without infracting any of her laws, if we thought
proper to visit Canada, we would at least be, entitled to
ordinary civility. If the authorities there cannot, or do
not care to suppress such mobs, we can teach them how
to do it effectually.  However, we shall soon again be on
American soil; and I shall think but little, hereafter, of
these mishaps."
"' We have, uncle, got to Sandwich. What means this
mob? Here is more trouble again; I hope not in reserve
for us. No, upon my word, the blacks and whites have
got into a mighty affray. Do you not see the negroes and
red-coats dashing into each other with a fury?"
"Pass around the mob, David, and hurry to the ferryboat; we will lose no time in arriving at Detroit. I
hope these licentious negroes will be chastised for their
insolence. This fight is not between three to five hundred
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ABOLITIONISM UNVEILED.
negroes, and two white men. I cannot sufficiently abhor
such cowardice.  Butthered-coats, in this case, seem about
equal to the blacks, so let them slash away: the negroes
may learn a salutary lesson."
"It was very dangerous passing such an infuriated
crowd, uncle. Did you not notice how rocks, brickbats
and clubs flew thick in the air, and then the bullets whizzed
in all directions?"
"When I meditate upon these occurrences, David, I,
am led to inquire into the cause of this ill-will between
different races. I cannot fail to notice the dangerous and
alarming height to which it has arisen, and it must still
increase until a war of extermination ensues. It was so
in St. Domingo; it will be so everywhere. However, on this
American continent, the result must be directly the opposite. Here the Anglo-Saxon has decidedly the ascendency. Who can be so infatuated as to suppose the negro
is able to subjugate or destroy that race? Here the weight
and power happen to be in the opposite scale, and will so
continue. Take the United States, for example. Twenty
millions of whites to four millions of Africans. How is
it possible for the latter ever to overcome the former?
Mark my words. Those who are trying to alienate these
two races-make them implacable enemies-are laying
the foundation for a most destructive war, a war that will
ultimately eventuate in the extermination of the negroes
uipon this continent."
" Indeed, uncle, I cannot see how it can be possibly
otherwise.  Those who are sowing the seeds of a civil
broil, must incur an awful responsibility; to that point
matters are tending, and by whose agency, is the great
inquiry?  Who is it that is creating alienation where
friendship and harmony ought to prevail?"
"I  charge it all to Abolitionism, David. It has stirred
up the bitter waters of strife between races. Though professing to be the peculiar advocate of negro-rights, yet it
is silently laying the train which will ignite, and blow
that race, living in the United States, into eternity. I
have neither the time nor inclination now to dilate upon
that point; but perhaps I will, at some future period, bestow upon it a very critical investigation."
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ABOLITIONISM UNVEILED.
The'Squire and David, soon after their return to Detroit, took the pony and buggy on board of a steamer
bound for Buffalo.  They landed them at Sandusky City,
and by railway conveyed them to Cincinnati, where they
were to be sent to the'Squire's residence in Boone.  In
the meantime, they continued on the steamer to thile mouth
of Black river, where they landed and put up at a tavern.
A room was soon provided for their especial accommodation, into which they are invited. The'Squire hands to
the tavern-keeper a letter of introduction which lie bore
from a friend of his in Detroit; whereupon the following
conversation ensued:
"I perceive,'Squire," said the landlord, "you are a
citizen of Kentucky, and your object in traveling is to
ascertain the secret operations of the Abolitionists. You
have, it seems, been referred to me as a friend. I have
no hostility to slave-holders; I feel that they are greatly
persecuted; I have a sympathy for them, and will cheerfully render such services as I can s8Ifely in their behalf."
"I am glad to find, Mr. Linn, (the landlord,) your
avowals are in accordance with what I had been previously
informed. I have found out, in the course of my travels,
that this was one of the points at which fugitive slaves
were often shipped off to Canada; that Oberlin sent out
emissaries upon the borders of the Slave states, to decov
off the slaves, who were run to that place, thence shipped
firom this point and others."
"As to that, I can say,'Squire, such is the fact. They
are conveyed here from Oberlin in companies, usually
from ten to fifteen together. An agent is generally here,
a few days previously, to find out whether any vessel is
loading for Canada, and contract for the number of passengers they intend to send over. They are sent here a
short time before her departure. What I shall say to
you, however, I wish to be in confidence.  It would be
ruinous to me for it to leak out that I would befriend a
slave-holder."
"That, Mr. Linn, is a bad state of society that constrains us to act clandestinely in such matters.  If there
is a tacit acquiescence in the encroachments of Abolitionists, I do not know how they are to be exposed and pun
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ABOLITIONISM UNVEILED.
ished. Many in Ohio, I find to condemn their wicked
machinations; but they are afraid to avow their sentiments openly and boldly. A rod of terror seems to be
suspended over them to coerce such general silence."
'" I can assure you,'Squire, our lips are to be kept
sealed on this subject, here, at the hazard of life and property. You can have no idea of the danger I would run
by communicating any information that would lead to the
apprehension of a tfugitive slave. If a suspicion of that
kind were to spread abroad, I could not live among these
people. The Abolitionists and free negroes would be apt
to burn down this house, over my head, or do me some
personal injury. They have us all under their thumbs
here, and we can't help ourselves."
"A deplorable condition, Mr. Linn, when the law-abiding citizen is held in such abject slavery. I do not know
hlow else to term it. It must be conceded, the public sentiment has become more potential than the laws. You
acknowledge your constitutional duty under the Federal
Compact, and would carry out in good fait/  the provisions of the Fugitive Slave Law without any evasion or
resistance; but unhappily, a malign influence-extraneous
to the laws, is brought to bear upon you, so as to impair
your free-agency in executing such patriotic designs. The
omnipotence of this sentiment makes a mere nullity of the
Constitution and laws, and draws you into the current
which you feel powerless to resist. As the circling waves
of the Maelstrom of Norway draw all objects to its yawning mouth, so does it act to ingulf the brightest hopes of
the nation."
"I confess,'Squire, I have not the resolution to stem
this current.  It is too impetuous and powerful to be resisted by mere individual effort. We, here in Ohio, have
apparently to coincide with this fanatical spirit, as those do
who see the poisonous Samiel wind approaching, bow
themselves in the sand until the danger passes."
"I have, Mr. Linn, nothing more on that subject to
say; we will walk down in the bar-room and while away
a few hours there."
They had been sitting only a short time in the barroom, before in walked a negro foellow and called for a
15
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ABOLITIONISM UNVEILED.
drink of whisky. Tlhe bottle was set out, and he poured
into the glass a very heavy charge. This was soon swallowed without a wry face; then the amusing part of the
scene commenced. IHe ran his' hand into this pocket,
then into that, but the dime happened not to be located
in either. The barkeeper, in the meantime, began to
indicate some impatience.
'" Sambo," the negro said, " I know'd I had a dimewhere can it be?"
He again examined his pockets in a very hurried manner; but with no better success.
The barkeeper at length said to Sambo: " I believe
you had no money, and you came in merely to sponge
upon Ime."
" Yes, I had a dime," replied Sambo; " I know I did."
Feels again with the utmost precipitation, but the dime
was still absent.
Upon this, the barkeeper said: "Get out of here, you
dirty nigger! You had no money-a fact you knew before
you called for the drink."
" Don't you call me a nigger," retorted Sambo.  " I'm
as good and free as you are. I'll let you know who you
are talking to in that insulting way."
Sambo then advanced toward the counter in a menacing
manner. Whereupon the barkeeper seized a ponderous
horsewhip and rushed at him. Sambo then beat a quick
retreat, hotly pursued. So soon as he got under full headway out of doors, thie lashes fell thick and fast around his
le,gs. This race continued for a hundred yards or more.
Sambo's legs began to be too hot for endurance. He
stopped and turned for a fight. The courage of the assailant now evaporated, and hlie took the lead in the race back
to the house-the only difference was, thepursuer and pursued had changed places.  They both got back whence
they started.
Sambo, claiming a little over half the victory, began to
strut and crow around, and talked very boisterous and
big. The barkeeper having revived from his fright, felt
his courage returning, made a second charge upon Sambo,
whose legs played again like drumsticks, at the same time
the lashes fell upon his posteriors with consummate skill.
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Such was tile power of the lash-acting as heat on a thlermomneter-that Sambo's blood soon got up to the fighting
point once more.  Ie whirled for battle; but just at that
moment, the barkeeper's belligerent propensities failed
he fled, hotly pursued by Sambo. All agreed now that it
should be a drawn battle, as each had shown great invincibility and equal agility in retreat.
Now, old Dad," said a bystander to the'Squire,
"what is your judgment of this drinking, whipping, and
running scrape?"
"If I must give judgment in such a singular contest,"
replied the'Squire  "1 should say the barkeeper has extracted from Sambo's legs and posteriors ample pay for
the whisky drank.  Theretore, my judgment is, that he
let him go without bail or mainprise."
" Good! good!" said all.
"Now, Sambo, go back to your vessel, and don't try
land-lubbers any more,"' said one in the crowd.
With this he sloped for his floating castle, rejoicing in
this cunning achievement.
CHAPTER XXIII.
The'Squire and David at Elyria-Conversation with Shan.
MORNING came - the'Squire and David departed for
Elyria, Ohio, in a hack. They went to a hotel-soon after,.
in came a very bright mulatto, dressed in the most fashionable style. He arrested the attention of the'Squire,
who at once sought his acquaintance, though under the
garb of a Quaker, which lie thought it politic to assume,
and thus the conversation began:
"My name, friend, is Moon-from Cincinnati. What
may thy name be?"
"Shan, from Pittsburgh. I have a son educating at
Oberlin. I am on my way there to visit him."
"Yea, friend Shan, I have heard that College very
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ABOLITIONISM UNrLED.
highly eulogized. It was founded, according to my information, by that branch of the Presbyterians termed'Perfectionist8.'  Their philanthropy is reputed very comprehliensive, embracing every variety of color."
"Yes, friend Moon, it is one of the most liberal institutions in thle world, established on the principle of a
perfect equality of races.  By the education of the children
in common, this prejudice against color is to be removed.
Associate them in infancy, permit them to live together
at the same college, and they will readily assimilate, and
this odious cry of negro will be no more heard in our land."
"Verily, friend Shan, we are all tile creatures of God,
made in hiis own image. If one happened to be black,
another yellow, a third white, they are none the less iHis
children on that account: they being still the workmanship of His hands."
"Precisely so, friend Moon.   We  are all just as God
vouchsafed to make 11us, neither rnore nor less. He had
the power, like the potter over the clay, to fashion us according, to His sovereign pleasure: we were passive, in
His hands. We cannot change the color of our skin, nor
the hair of our head. Why should pride insinuate itself
into our hlearts, and make us elevate ourselves above, or
scorn any of His creatures? "
"Yea, verily, firiend Shan, these are salutary truths,
and should never be forgotten. Many of your kindred
after the flesh, happening to be in bondage, have caused
the whites to claim and exercise a superiority. To occupy
that relation in the United Stat'zs, is truly their misfortune."
"Yes, friend Moon, that I know; and we are making a
vigorous effort to release my people from that degraded
and cruel condition.  What a magnificent work are you
Abolitionists, in Ohio, performing; you understand your
business and can prosecute it most successfully. I happened to step into the shop of a colored friend in Cleveland, and inquired' What was the news?' His reply was,
' We have just sent beyond the clutches of Slavery twelve
of our people, this morning, to the land of freedom.' I
was not thinking about that when I asked the question;
but these glorious tidings, as we may well suppose, being
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uppermost in his mind, would be the first to find utterance."
" Now, friend Shan, tell us how thou art prospering
and managing in getting off slaves in thy section.  Thou
art well apprized of the dexterity used by us in this laudable work.  God has blessed our cause, and crowned it
with a success, the most sanguine never anticipated. How
dost thou contrive matters in thy Abolition Society in
Pittsburgh?"
"We have, as you know, friend Moon, an Executive
Committee composed of a few of our truest and best members.  Whenever a slave arrives, he is carried before this
committee, who proceed to question him in relation to lhis
age, name, and his owner, where hlie lives, etc. All the
information thus elicited, is recorded in full. Then again,
an inquiry is made as to his relatives still in bondage-itf any left behind. If he has any he wishes to follow him, their names, place of residence, the owner, etc.,
are likewise entered upon our books. It is the duty of this
committee to put their machinery in motion to entice off
such as above described; and so great is the alertness of
our spies going under every conceivable disguise, that
we are but seldom defeated in our attempts.
"Again, the fugitive is asked if he has any money-if
he has, we make him defray his own expenses; if destitute, he is sent on at the expense of the Society. We likewise register the place to which each one is sent, so that,
by turning to our book, we can tell in a few momnents
where they all are. Should any relative follow, by this
nmeans, we always know where to send him. I have been
instrumental in getting hundreds off to Canada. I know
precisely where they all are, and I purpose to visit them
ere-long. I anticipate a cordial and warm reception from
those I have so greatly blessed.
"With your permission, I can relate a few anecdotes."
"Go on, friend Shan, we are highly entertained with
thy communications. Thy anecdotes will doubtless be
interesting."
"In all my travels, friend Moon, I must say I have not
fallen into company so pleasant and agreeable. Some
refused me the privilege of riding in the stage-others, the
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cars. I was shunned as a viper, and as to sociability,
until I ifell into your company, I met with none on my
way. Now you seem to treat me as a brother. I promised
you some anecdotes-here they are:
"A Virginian came to Pittsburgh, hunting his slave.
We, Abolitionists, got around him, professing the greatest
friendship, and got out of him the promise of a very large
reward. We kept him in high hopes all the time, that
we would soon find and deliver to him his slave. Poor,
honest soul! hlie never thought once we were snakes in the
grass. While we thus, for days, amused and tantalized
him, at last, early one morning, we put his slave on the
stage bound for Erie, while he was yet asleep relying on our
fidelity. After we were satisfied the slave was out of dan ger, we kindly told his master he had, by some means
unknown to Us, contrived to make his escape out of town;
but prior to this, we had used every art to draw out of his
purse every dime we could, and we succeeded in fleecing
him very handsomely.  He went home entirely unsuspicious of the trick we had so nicely played off upon him.
"Another time, we employed an honest old Quaker to
haul off a load of slaves to the Lake, on what we term our
'underground railroad' —that is the name we give to our private conveyance. Well, as luck would have it, while he was
jogging along, having the slaves completely covered over
with brooms, as though he was going to market, the master overtook him on the road, with his valuable cargo,
and inquired if he had seen any black people passing
"'Nay, friend,' said the good old man,' thee must ask
others-I give no heed to such things.'  But while the
owner was along,, strange to say his wagon got fast staick
in a mud-hole. He dared not unload, and he was in an
awful dilemma. At last he saw no other alternative but
to invite the master to help him to pry up his wheel,
which he did, little supposing that same wagon was conveying off his live chattels.
" Yet another delightful incident I will mention, as it
reflects so greatly upon the way you do up business in the
Queen City.
"Some years ago, while Bayley edited the' Philanthropist,' a lovely young colored female from Kentucky,
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named Martha Washington, eloped and arrived in the
city. The Executive Committee of your Abolition Society got Mr. Bayley to keep her secreted in his house for
several weeks.  Hie finally sent her to me at Pittsburgh.
IHence I forwarded that charming creature to Canada. In
what direction she went, or what became of her, the
owner, though very vigilant, never could get the first item
of intelligence."
"Do not these instances, friend Shan, show how easily
we can elude the closest search of the master? Once let
a slave place foot on our soil and fall into the hands of
one of our Executive Committees, then if the owner can
either find or catch him, he is perfectly welcome.   Conmpared with it, the discovery of a needle in a haystack
would be an easy task."
"'That it would, friend Moon. When a slave runs
away, very soon the master or agent will be found in hot
pursuit.  He comes in among us, we are kind and obliging, make great promises, but are sure to fail in the perf)rmance.  The slave-hunter, when lie gets on our side
of the river, is like Samson shorn of strength, weak and
blind.  While they are working to his injury, we have
plenty of Delilahlis, who will lull him upon their laps."
"Yea, verily, friend Shian, nothing could be uttered
more strictly true. Thou wilt recollect, that when Samson
awoke, finding his strength had departed-a true emblem
of slave-hunters in Ohio-he  sternly accused the Philistines of having plowed with his heifer. So it may be
with these slave-liunters-they may rail out against us for
our perfidy, but that will avail them nothing; we will still
put out their eyes, and lead them wheresoever we please..
"To be sure the laws are rather against us, denouncing
tolerably severe penalties against us ibfor thus aiding or secreting, but what care we {or that, there is a hig/er law.
God's Law, you know, must be obeyed rather than man's:
in this way, we creep out of a great responsibility."
" Indeed we do, friend Moon, just in that very way.
Ttll Iie about laws- they have not the strength of a
sl)ider's web to restrain us in this holy work. What is
the stake? what is the boon?   reedom to millions of my
race that have for centuries groaned in bondage; the day
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of liberation has at last dawned upon the land. Congress
may pass Fugitive Slave Laws-pile one upon another but we shall heed them not; catching precedes hanging.
Our secret operations have no witnesses, and witlhout
those, the Commissioners of the United States under the
act, will have no cases to try. Why, laws are mere no things in our onward march. From that source we have
not now, nor ever had any dread."
"Yea, verily, friend Shan, it seems so.  The work of
running off slaves has not in the least abated. All laws
prove inefficient to check this strong tide of elopement.
They come in shoals to us, begging a passage on the'un derground railway' to the land of freedom. We ticket them
through, as you have been apprized."
"Yes, friend Moon, to your lasting honor be it said, your
acuteness in running off slaves from the Queen City deserves all commendation. Only once you came near being
entrapped. I allude to the Piatt slaves - that case, you
have not forgotten."
"Nay, friend Shan, it is still fresh in my memory; the
arrangement in that case was wisely and judiciously made.
The partial fai]ure was no fault of ours. These slaves were
owned by A. Piatt, of Boone County, Kentucky, living opposite Lawrenceburg, Ia. We madea clean sweep that time,
not leaving one negro on the place to call him master.
"Our emissaries do not mince their work.  The whole
plan was fixed days beforehand.  Our committee was ad.
vised of this intended emigration. The night of their departure-the hour of their arrival at the railroad depot,
were all fully understood. Through tickets to Sandusky
City for the right number of persons were procured gnd
paid.  At the hour expected, sure enough, the slaves arrived. New clothing being in readiness, the old rags wvere
cast off-the women appeared in silks-the men in broadcloth-all dressed in the most fashionable manner."
"That is the right way, God bless you, old friend Moon,
what munificent liberality. Now, go on, tell me how they
came to be betrayed?"
" Just in this way, friend Shlan. They were placed on
the cars on the Express train. Our calculation was, they
would be on their way to Canada about the time they
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ABOLITIONISM ANYEILED.
would be missed at home. Before the owner would have
time to make the necessary arrangements to pursue, we
had hoped to land them at the Lake, where a steamer would
be in waiting to convey them forthwith to Canada. But
Wycoff Piatt, an attorney from Cincinnati, and relative of
the owner, being on thile cars, happened to recognize those
slaves.  When the cars arrived at Urbana, what does he
do but takes them off, and places thein in the custody of
another i'iatt, the son-in-law of the owner. Hence, the
owner, Ab)raham Piatt, was immediately telegraphed of the
apprehension of his fiugitive slaves, and requested to hasten
there with the requisite proof to identify and prove them."
"Wasn't this a tight place, friend Moon.  I should have
thought this time you wouldn't have come out with flying
colors.   But let's hear how you extricated yourselves
out of this difficulty 2"
"Well, friend Shan, we were resolved not to be outdone.
In our elections we have always made it a rule, to put in
judges of the right stamp.  We never trust those tfellows
that talk about precedents, law reports, and the principles
settled by former ad judications. That is all stuff-it never
suited our ideas at all. Therefore, we are sure to select
the proper material to answer our purposes. The niunicipal law, in the old Books, has been defined to be a rule
of civil conduct prescribed by the supreme authority of
the State. But that definition, we consider entirely too
antiquated to please Western philanthropy.  This age is
rogressive-in jurisdiction as in everything else.  We
old to unftxedness in everything, except that there is
one only thing certain; and that is, the law cannot pre.
scribe tforus. That is the only certainty in this uncertain world."
"That's it, friend Moon-the only true doctrine that
ought to be proclaimed. Talking aboutfixed nltes to us, is
like trying to stop a tornado with a feather. Ours are
made pliable, so as to be bent and twisted to suit every
eflergency.  We couldn't live or prosper, tied down  by
fixed rules. No, no-they will do to catch and hold small
insects that know no better; but we are rather too cunning to be held by such flimsy cobwebs."
"Yea, verily, friend Shan, I was going to show thee
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how we got out of this scrape-as harmless as Daniel did
out of the den of lions. WVe were apprized the owner
would be on quickly with his proof-tithe time was short,
and hence we went to work in earnest. Thlere was lawyer
Dart, imbued with true fellow-feeling-to him, we gave
the case, assuring himn, there was not a moment to lose."
" Don't fear,' replied he, i I will hlave them liberated
in time-upon application to Judge Drake, he will grant
me a writ of Haabeas Corpus, and if I can once get thlem
before him, all will be right. He don't quibble at straws;
lie is the man for the times, ready to say God-speed to
the panting fiugitive. The telegraph and cars are slow,
compared to the way he dispatches business.'
"The writ was issued, served, and in a few hours, the
slaves were standing in the presence of Judge Drake.
His honor inquired if the claimants were in Court, and
ready for trial.
"A. Piatt, son-in-law to the owner, informed the judge,
he was expecting the claimnantwith his witnesses in a very
few hours. By telegraph, he was just informed the party
would be here prepared for trial, on the morning train
fromn the city, and hlie prayed for a delay in the trial, for
three hours. If his honor had any doubts as to their being
slaves, he and W. Piatt, would be qualified to that fact.
" i As I understand the law,' replied his honor,' no one
can hold these negroes in custody for a moment, unless it
be the claimant, or his regularly authorized agent.  As I
am advised there is no such party present to go into trial;
the negroes are therefore discharged fronm'custody.'
"At these words, the crowd immediately bore them off
triumphantly to a carriage in waiting, and where they
went, no one knew.  They had barely got out of sight,
ere the shrill whistle of the cars, announced their near
approach from the city. The owner and witnesses were
all on the ground in a few nmomnents, but a little too latethe birds had flown."
" That, friend Moon, is too good-commend me to such
faithful lawyers and true judges. This mincing of matters
and splitting of hairs, won't do for these lfast times. Only
think of thile consequences! If precedents were allowed
to be pleaded, old musty decisions hunted up and brouoght
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ABOLITIONISM UNVEILED.
forth, theprecious moment  would have been lost-irretrievably lost. How plainly this shows, we need fast men
for these hurried times."
"Yea, verily, friend Shan.   Dilatoriness would be
fatal in such cases.  How subservient to our purpose have
we made this great writ of habeas corpus.  That instru —
mnent works like a charm in such emergencies. It runs
in every possible case-it has outwitted Uncle Sam-it
has undermined the Fugitive Slave-law, and left no legs
upon which it can stand. By it we can cheat the United
States Comnmissioner out of his prey, and make the Marslial answerable to our courts. When Crittenden, while
Attorney-General, conceded this writ to us, that act lost
its vitality-it made it a complete humbug. The chicanery
of these county attorneys is too great tbfor estimation.  Let
them scent a negro-even if hlie is in legal custody-they
will have him released in despite of the Jews.  Their ingenuity and legal subterfuges surpass all understanding.
This great writ was originally designed as a remedy against
false or illegal imprisonment; it was never intended to
take cognizance of commitmnents made by due process of
law.  But these notions have grown obsolete also."
"And very justly, friend Moon.  Old Fogyism don't
suit our latitude. The world is growing wiser every day.
A new order of things is about to be inaugurated. The
lion and the lamb are about to lie down together -the
white and black races will, ere-long, forget their prejudices,
and live in harmony."
"Notwithstanding your quaint notions about the writ
of habeas corpus, I still like you-there's something entertaining and instructive in your conversation. At times,.
however, I hardly knew upon which side you were arguing-where to place you I felt a kind of bewilderment;
yet I pray you and your youniig friend to accompany me
to Oberlin, where you shall see with your own eyes an
exemplification of that glorious era about to burst upon
the world."
"Enough is said, friend Shan; we will go with thee."
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CHAPTER XXIIV.
Arrival at Oberlin - Oonversation with Professor Wren.
IN a short space of time the company arrived at Oberlin.
The'Squire, in the name of Moon, being introduced by
SlI aw to Professor Wren, entered into a long conversation
as follows:
"I amn very much gratified, friend Wren, in having an
opportunity to visit this Institution, which has acquired a
celebrity by its being founded upon principles somewhat
peculiar. This is, perhaps, the first instance of an assimilation of races by educational effort; or an obliteration of
colors under the influence of the arts and sciences."
"We are, friend Moon, who are bfounders of this College, a branch of the Presbyterian Church, termed Perfectionists. It is our belief and impression,'as the twig is
bent, the tree is inclined.' All the evils which afflict humnanity are not owing so much to the depravity of our
natures, as to the proper training of children.'Bring, up
a child in the fear and admonition of the Lord, and when
he is old' he will not be apt to depart from it."
" I have very little doubt, friend Wren, education has
much to do in forming the character.  Early impressions
are generally the most lasting, and cannot be easily eradicated; especially those of a religious tendency. As a
general rule, if children embrace any religion, it will be
that of their parents."
"That is an undeniable fact, friend Moon, observable
in all the various relations of life. In this manner all the
different religions upon earth, even Paganism itself, have
been perpetuated.  Religious prejudice is the most inveterate; observe how Judaism, Moliammedism, Idolatry,
nay, all the absurdities in belief, have withstood the zeal
and assiduity of the missionaries of the Cross. Great and
tremendous efforts to evangelize the world have been
made tf)r a series of years, and vet Lhe work so w -'
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"This obstinacy in the mind of man, friend Wren,
accounts for the slow progress the world has made in the
path of true civilization. Eighteen hundred and fifty-fiour
years have rolled away since Christ personally al)lppeared
upon this earth; during that longperiod of time Christianity
has been strugglingr to humanize our race, to sotten the asperity and cruelty of our passions, and introduce love and
unity where hatred and strife formerly prevailed. Now,
friend, when I survey the world, note the mighty throes
of Europe, the devastating war there prevailing, and then
think of  mny own, my native land -what do I behold?
Muruilur,ings, bickering, and bitter animosities growing
up in our midst. At such a sad picture, I am ready
almost involuntarily to exclaim,'Oh! Lord, what is man
that thou shouldst be mindful of him?' "
"If our faithl, friend Moon, could be extensively disseminated, we flatter ourselves that a very salutary effect
would very soon be felt in the affairs of earth.  Instead
of discord and war, rapine and devastation-love, harmony, and unity would be established.  We  believe sincerely in human perfection. Our aim is to carry it into
effect here. I grant the scale is very limited, but sufficient to demonstrate its entire practicability. I rejoice
you will have an opportunity to witness the beautiful and
harmonious workings of our system."
"I came for that very purpose, friend Wren.  I am on
a tour of observation. I wished to notice, with my own
eyes, the conduct and feelings of white and black children
educated together. Thou hast alluded to the prejudice
of religion; but there is another prejudice-the most deep
and bitter-I mean of race: the eradication of that will
be the grandest achievement. I feel a deep solicitude in
the sucnecess of this great experiment. As an honest and
conscientious man, and a sincere inquirer after truth, I
will not conceal from thee my fears8 and my doubts.  As
thou knowest, our people are not prone to flattery or dissimulation, itf we venture to speak at all, it must be in
the words'of soberness and truth."'
"I know, friend Moon, how to appreciate the honesty
of your intentions.  Of the Quakers- I have a very exalted
opilnion. 1 know them to be very pious, sincere, peace 
ABOLITIONISM UNVEILED.
able, and honest people. I will, therefore, take a great
deal of pleasure in showing you the practical operations
of our College. This prejudice agaiinst color, I hope to be
able to convince you is very wrong and unjust, and that
human pride and vanity are the source of much turmnoil and
useless misery in this life. In the breasts of the students we
strenuously aim to inculcate the most deep humility. We
explain and elucidate to them our common origin fromn
Adam and Eve; that hence we are all kindred after the
flesh and should live in a common brotherhood-adopting
for our motto equality and fraternity."
"The theory is very beautiful, friend Wren. What a
happy world this could be made, if discord-that foul
demon -could forever be banished from the earth; if
honesty, virtue, and true piety should spread and overspread it, as waters do the great deep.
"Thy French motto, I believe, was adopted by Louis
Napoleon until he could grasp all power in his own hands;
since that event it has very little signification. The idea
of perfect equality is charming indeed; but I must say to
thee, I am 810w of faith. I have always been esteemed
a rather odd genius. While I was growing, and before I
arrived at the years of maturity, I could scarcely be made
to believe anything until I had time to examine into all
the whys and wherefores. All the good old women in
the vicinity, in solemn conclave decided skepticism would
be my ruin.' Only think,' said they,'we told him, the
other day, that there were such things as ghosts and
witches, and he disputed it all. We could have proved
it by Scripture, but we don't believe the obstinate heretic
then would have yielded.'  So thou seest I am made of
incredulous materials."
"Friend Moon, we are amused and delighted with such
a singular commendation. These original thinkers are
worth a great deal to society.  We have started a new
enterprise-an institution of learning founded on principles entirely novel —having for its object tile Assitilation
of Races and the abolition of Slavery in these United
States. While sojourning with us we cordially invite your
unrestrained criticism on what you may see and hear.
You need not fear giving offense -a man of candor is
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rarely met with in these our days. We hail, therefore,
your arrival among us at this particular conjuncture as a
most felicitous circumstance.  The history of our College,
its endowment, etc., will be fully disclosed -its objects
and aimns readily and ftreely detailed. So that you may
return to the Queen City with a mind edified upon all
these points."
"I have heard some queer stories, friend Wren, respecting the endowment, the truth of which I would be glad
to ascertain. It has been insinuated that mother England takes a deep interest in a local question that is embroiling this Union-no doubt out of good motives, I hope
so at least-I allude to Abolitionism.  Thou knowest our
Society are the advocates of peace-that we deprecate war
in every form and shape. It is contrary to our doctrine
to resent injuries-if one cheek is smitten, we turn the
other, in obedience to the positive command of our Lord
and Saviour."
"I am well apprized, friend Moon, of your quiet and
inoffensive dispositions. In regard to your inquiry, I am
the best qualified to give the answer. I had the honor
of visiting England to obtain pecuniary aid in laying the
foundation of this College. I was well aware of the phlilanthropy manifested there for the Slaves of the United
States. From a knowledge of this fact I went over very sanguine of success. I imagined the project of founding an
Institution like this, would be warmly and liberally encouraged by those people. I considered the location
would be a powerful recommendation in its favor. Situated near the Lake, we would enjoy unusual facilities of
dispatching Fugitive slaves to Canada.   By making this
place the focus of Abolitionism, we could operate very
strongly and successfully upon the bordering Slave states.
By the industry and energy of our emissaries in the South,
with one hand we could decoy off and run to this point a
multitude of slaves, and with the other pass them over to
her Majesty's provinces of Upper and Lower Canada.
These striking advantages, I flattered myself, I could paint
in such vivid colors, as to induce the English people voluntarily to supply the needed funds.
" But I regret to state, my pathetic appeals met with no
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response from those cold hearts to which they were addressed.  I received an abundance of sympathy-which,
you know, is a very cheap comnmodity-but I wanted something a little more tangible. I sank almost into despair. I
was at a great loss what to do. In this extremity I ventured
finally to approach the Prime Minister of England. I had
strong intimations of the deep solicitude felt by that government in the glorious cause of Abolition in our country.
However, I had very strong, misgivings whether a proposition of the kind would meet with any favor; but it was
the dernier resort to do anything for my beloved Collegethe success of which I prized above all things. Under
these feelings I sought an interview, and broached the
subject to his lordship, but it met with a stern and decided
repulse.
"Thus the last ray of hope was extinguished. My
cherished dreams were apparently blasted. I began to
make preparations to return home, and was on the point
of bidding adieu to my friends, when one of them whispered in my ear that thirty thousand dollars had been
deposited in bank, subject to my draft-by whom he was
not at liberty to state, nor was it very material for me to
know-that was a secret not to be divulged. However,
I was not disposed to be over inquisitive -very wisely
judging,, whoever performed so great a charity would not
wish his name proclaimed from the house-tops. I came
back with the gift, not knowing, to this day, by whom it
was contributed. I generously placed to the credit of this
Institution twenty-three thousand dollars-only reserving
seven thousand dollars to my own proper use, as a slight
remuneration for my services in procuring so large a
donation."
"Well, friend Wren, I think this College owes thee
a large debt of gratitude for services so distinguished.
It would be wicked to surmise that money came out of the
secret service fund of the British Government. Malignity may, and probably will, place that construction upon
the act, but charity would forbid it. Ignorant of the source
whence it was derived, we have no right to indulge in bad
suppositions. It ought, therefore, to be taken for granted,
the whole transaction was perfectly fair and legitimate."
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"Certainly, friend Moon, in that light, and that only,
it ought to be viewed. Beyond a doubt, it came into mlly
possession by the tree consent of the owner-immaterial
who he was. Ile chose not to let his left hand know
what the right was doing. When we do alms, our divine
Saviour enjoined it upon us to do it secretly. In conformity to that command the donor, in this particular case,
acted. And who has any just ground to complain?"
" None whatever, fiiend Wren.   Thou hadst the money,
the main object of thy visit to England; the money has
been faithfully applied, after deducting a small pittance
for thy trouble, to the endowment of this College. A
transaction that should be esteemed bona fide from be)ginning to end. That will suffice, so far as this donation is
concerned.
"Now I wish to examine the practical operations of
this wondrous College-its government, progress, and the
sweet accord of the two distinct races under thy charge.
Yea, friend, I desire to see if we can make an Eden of
this discordant world of ours."
"That fact, friend Moon, I will demonstrate to your
entire satisfaction to-morrow. A room has been prepared
for you and David, to which this servant will conduct you.
A happy night's rest to you both."
CHAPTER XXV.
Dialogue between Professor Wren and Shan.
"BROTIIER WREN,' said Shan, "I almost hate to intimate it; yet I can't refrain from expressing my suspicions of this old Quaker, Moon. I fear some disguise is
practiced. I don't know-I hope I may be mistaken."
"Why, Brother Shan, how you astonish me! What
induces you to think thus of our worthy old friend?"
"Well, Brother Wren, I must tell you the truth; I had
16
185 
ABOLIONISM UNVEILED.
a long chat with him at Elyria-toward the last I did not
know where to place him."
" Oh, Brother Shan, that was owing to your ignorance
of the true Quaker character. That Society never prac tice dissimnulation, flattery, or deceit. In the true spirit
of the Gospel, they reprove or admonish. Their frank ness I like; and to-morrow I anticipate a very rich treat
in the remarks of this straightforward and honest old
Quaker. I will warrant you, he will come directly to the
point. without any circumlocution."
" Very good, Brother Wren; but if you'll let me judge,
you will get very tired of that old man before you are
done with him. You'll wish you had never seen him.
His wholesome truths are worse than two-edged swordsthey cut in every direction. If I am not mistaken, ere he
is done he will utter sentiments never before heard within
these walls."
"Ah! indeed, Shan; that is in true Quaker style. That
very thing commends him to me. People dissemble in
this age too much. You cannot get a person to tell you
plainly and bluntly the views he entertains on any given
subject.  He tries to be'all things to all men;' such timeserving spirits I cordially despise.  Now, tell me, what
has created your doubts of this old honest Quaker?"
"I happened to fall into his company at Elyria, Brother
Wren. We soon formed an acquaintance, and entered
into a lengthy conversation. His easy, placid manners,
and entire sociability, made me feel happy in his society.
He and I, on the same subject of Abolition, seemed to
coincide in opinion, until we came to notice this powerful
engine in our favor-the great writ of habeas copus.
When he came to comment on that, I could not tell, for
the life of me, whether he was pleased with our use of it
or not. I hold that to be our main citadel, and if that is
to be assailed, it leaves us without refuge."
"That shows, Brother Shan, the value of his advice
He elevates himself above the petty excitements of thi
day. That writ had its origin in times when the King's
prerogative in England was greatly abused. Often the
wisest and best men were thrown into the tower by the
Crown, on bare suspicion, or from secret information, and
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ABOLITIONISM UNVEILED.
there lay in confinement for years without any trial. To
remedy so flagrant an abuse of power, and to protect the
people in the enjoyment of their personal liberty, this
great writ-sometimes called the second Magna Chartawas instituted. Its design, very truly, was not to interfere with commitments made in due process of law, but
with illegal and unwarrantable confinements."
"These notions, Brother Wren, are not suited to the
o-a-headitiveness of this our day.  That old writ has
been shorn of its antiquated dress; it is enrobed now in
modern drapery. This is the age of steam and telegraph.
The cars go with the velocity of birds in the air; and as
to the telegraph, it don't know distance at all. The
old rules of law are out of date, and ought to be forgotten."
"My object was to show, Brother Shan, that the comments of our old friend Moon, in relation to this writ, were
in conformity to the principles of the common law. For
aught I know, in his early day he may have imbibed
those notions from reading Blackstone's Commentaries.
His views of the writ from that source, were, in all likelihood, derived. I offer this only as an apology for what
he may have said; but this subject we will dismiss, as I
have something of greater moment, to which I design to
invite your attention."
"Pray, Brothler Wren, what can that be?  Has anything transpired among the students of a serious and unpleasant nature?"
"Yes, Brother Shan, one of our young men-Tom
Shaw-has fallen in love with Susa Bean, a very charming
colored young lady. Miss Susa is one of the most harm-.
less, innocent, and virtuous creatures I ever saw. Her
parents having intrusted her to our care and protection,
we shall be very vigilant in preserving her purity from
the wiles of the depraved and wicked. His design must
be evil; I can place no other construction on the letter
which has fallen into our hands. He dropped it slily
in the letter-box at the post-office; but it did not reach its
destination-we were too much on the alert for that. For
your satisfaction I will read it:
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"'DEAR SUSA:-My heart is tortured with love: thou
art the object. This avowal is extorted by the extremity
of my aflection. Oil! sweet creature, can I hope bor
reciprocation? How and when shall this development
be made?  I was going to suggest, but I tremble at the
thought, for you to meet me in a sequestered grove, situate a short distance west of the College. at early dawn tomorrow morning.  There, fanned by the soft zephlyrs, we
will give ourselves up to amorous delights.  Dear queen,
if you sanction this suggestion, drop me a line in reply.
"' Yours ever,
"' TOM SHAw.'"
"Oh! wicked wretch, Brother Wren, thus to try to
ruin the bright hopes of so lovely a being. He must have
presumed upon her color. If she had been white, perhaps he wouldn't have made so revolting a proposition.
He merits the severest punishment:  but how did you
manage it "
"Here, brother, is our answer-the female hand nicely
imitated:
"' Dear Tom -I have just received your loving epistle,
and I hasten to respond.  I will meet you in the grove,
at the hour you have designated. There, we can hold
unreserved converse, in relation to our love.
"' Yours, ever,
"' Susa Bean.'"
"The plot is all laid; several of the professors, instead
of Miss Susa, will meet Tom there. We will see if a
little of his amorous blood can't be extracted. The morning zephyrs will not be quite so pleasant as he is fondly
anticipating.  What amorous delights are, he will learn
to his sorrow.  We will convince him of the folly of indulging in such wicked thoughts. This College shall be
celebrated, wherever it is known, as the pattern of virtue
and not of vice."
"Good, good, Brother Wren.  Let him suffer the penalty due to all such miscreants. He wishes to be the murderer of character-more dreadful than degth itself.  He
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ABOLITIONISM UNVEILEaD.
deliberately plans the destruction of female virtue; thus
entailing upon his victim imperishable misery and disgrace. Hle ought to atone for his base presumption-to be
made aii example ot; to deter all others from similar attempts in future."
"That we will aim to do, Brother Shan.  The discipline of our College shall be rigid, impartial, and just. If
such outbreaking sins are to be tolerated, human perfection will not be attained.  They must be niped in the
bud. Friend Moon shall be an eye-witness to all that
transpires to-morrow, so that he may take back to the city
the testimony of our impartial administration of our rules."
" Brother Wren, be more on your guard with that old
man.   I pretend to some knowledge of physiognomy,
having made it my study some years ago. I have, thlerefore,
marked his deep-sunk, dark-penetrative eyes-those massive eyebrows, that high and nicely-turned forehead of his.
Now, I declare to you candidly, that I have a presentiment,
all these gleanings here-these conversations, and all our
secret acts, will come out some day in a book. I humbly
ask-how would all these things look in print, dressed up
in the plain, unvarnished, homespun style of your good
old Quaker,.foon. If we get daguerreotyped by him,
take my word for it-the picture will not be wanting in
any of its parts. I implore you to look to it."
"Alas! Brother Shan, you are unnecessarily alarmed
about our guest, friend Moon. I am not afraid to trust
him with all I know, or ever expect to know, so completely
has he insinuated himself into my confidence; and tomorrow shall be a day long to be remembered in the annals of our College."
"Yes, Brother Wren, it will be remembered, as long as
the art of Printing endures-it will be stereotyped to
coming ages, by this good old Moon-that's my predietion."
.. 189 
ABOLIJTIONIM UNVEILED.
CHAPTER XXVI.
Tom Shaw's Soliloquy-His Chastisement and Expulsion.
AFTER Tom retired to his room, he indulged in the following soliloquy:
"Here, indeed, is a nice, sweet little letter.   How
prompt was Susa in her reply. She comes right up to
the point at once, avoiding all circumlocution-this is the
reply.' I will meet you in the grove.'  Plain, positive,
and direct. None of this foolish coyness of the white
young ladies-who are afraid of their own shadows.  I
will scrutinize again the handwriting-to be sure there is
no deception in this matter.  It must-yes, it must be
hers-it is a female hand, plain as daylight. There, I can
see the nice, little, modest touch-the diffident, retiring
flourish-Oh! what a cramped, sweet hand she writes.
Then, she does not multiply words-a few lines bear the
welcome tidings of her consent. In the grove-silent and
retired, we are to meet, as the blushing morn rises in the
East. In those lovely bowers we will be alone-not for
evil-Oh, no, but to plight our love. In that beauteous
spot, we will give ourselves up to unrestrained-no, not
that; but to virtuous love.
"But Susa is black-Oh! direful thought, and I am
white. The prejudice of race-how strong, how inveterate! I How can I reconcile my poor old mother, father,
sisters and brothers to this disgraceful match-for such
the world will have it? Will it not bring down the gray
hairs of those dear parents in sorrow to the grave?  For
their feeble nerves, the shock, I fear, would be too powerfuil and overwhelming; yet we are, in this College, taught
and instructed by wise and pious men, that there is no
diflerence in races-that it is meritorious to amalgamate.
I was going to make the experiment, but I am agonized
at the very thought. Can I introduce Susa Shaw-supposing she is mine-with her black skin and African features, into polite, fashionable, and refined society I Will
she be tolerated?-that's my perplexity.
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ABOLITIONISM UNVEILED.
"Here, within these walls, a forced, social equality
may prevail-the whites and blacks may be constrained
to associate-be classed, instructed, and play togetherthlius apparently making them all one. May-be I am going
to play the fool!  Why did I not reflect upon all these
things before?  Oh! that I could get back that letter to
Susa, and it was converted into ashes. I admire mv race,
my color-why must I consent to adulteration!  It is a
bitter pill, and must I swallow it?  Oberlin-Oberlin,
would to God I had never come here to witness this commingling of races-this illustration of the glorious scheme
of Abolitionism.
"I have, alas! gone too far to retrace my steps with
honor. My letter is in Susa's hands. I must go to the
spot appointed-without giving her offense, I must invent
some way to get out of this scrape. If ever hereafter,
Tom Shlaw shall so far lose his self-respect, as to fall in
love with a Darky, set him down as crazy."
Thus ended Tom's soliloquy, just before retiring to rest.
Next morning early, a few of the professors, with firiend
Moon, repaired to the grove, to meet poor Tom Slihw.
They had only time to secrete themselves in the thicket,
before they heard footsteps softly approaching. Tom came
to the designated spot, and with eyes dilated, gazed intently around for his beloved Susa. Uprising, the professors and company surrounded Tom, whose knees began
to smite together, like Belshazzar's of old.
"What brought you here, so early this morning, Tom?"
said professor Wren. "It is rather unusual to see you
out airing thus early."
"The morning, sir, was beautiful-I happened to wake
early-and think of this pleasant grove, where I could
study my lessons without molestation."
"I suppose so, Tom-had you no other object in contemnplation I"
"I can't say, sir, I had."
"We can say it for you then, Tom. Look at this letter-do you know the handwriting-that signature?"
"It's mine, sir."
"Did you compose, and address this letter to Sisa
I' )an?"
191 
ABOLITIONISM UNVEILED.
"I did, sir."
"And dropped it in the letter-box at the Post-Office in
this place?"
" Yes, sir."
"Gentlemen, the proof is positive-strip, and bind him
to that tree."
"What do you mean, Professor Wren?  Am  I to be
treated like the vilest slave or malefactor? If I have erared,
it is only in intention-even that, I don't admit. Do you
make no distinction between thoughts and actions? And
you don't even know I had an evil intention-upon your
part, that is only an inference."
"Inference indeed, Tom. Your letter convicts you of
a plot to ruin the happiness and reputation of one of the
brightest jewels in school. Miss Susa being colored, but
aggravates your offense."
"Ahl, sir, that is what I apprehended. You could have
pardoned and forgiven me, if the lady had  only been
white;-but in this case, it seems, I have committed the
unpardonable sin.  Mercy, therefore, I need not expect.
You are infinitely mote jealous of the character and virtue of the blacks than you are of the whites!"
"Gentlemen," said Professor Wren,'" how long must
we submit to such insolence? Prepare him for chastisement; his very language shows his stubborn, ungovernable nature. Ere we are done with him, we will reduce
him to submission."
" How strangely you act!" said Tom.  "Am  I to be
stripped and bound to this rugged tree? for what purpose?  That you may gratify your revengeful feelings
by inflicting upon me a disgraceful and cruel pupishment?"
"No, Tom," replied Professor Wren, "we are not influenced by feelings of revenge at all. In the presence
of God, we are acting for your exclusive and especial
benefit. Human nature cannot attain to perfection, unless it is through much tribulation: it has often to pass
through just such ordeals as the one to which you are
now exposed.
"We will fall down upon our knees in prayer to God
to guide and direct us by his counsel in this trying emer
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gency." Whereupon Professor Johns offered up the following fervent prayer:
'0O Lord, our God, the Creator and Preserver of this
earth, we are bowed in Thy presence this morning. We
acknowledge we are poor worms of the earth-unfit to
approach Thy holy throne. But we humbly implore Thee,
with deep humiliation, to condescend to hear our petition
on the present occasion; and to guide and control us by
Thy holy will, and forbid that in anything, we should act
contrary thereto. O Lord, our God, Thou knowest the
secret thoughts of our hearts, our imperfections, shortcomings, and weaknesses. We implore Thee to manifest
TIny will to us in the present emergency. Here is an
erring mortal who bath been meditating evil in his heart,
and who hath been led astray by the devices of the wicked
one. O Lord, vouchsafe to reveal to us what we shall do
unto him, that he may be reclaimed and sanctified unto
Thee. In Thy hands are the issues of life and death, and
into Thy holy keeping we commit ourselves, through our
Lord, Jesus Christ.  Amen."
After the prayer all sat in solemn silence, waiting the
response from the court of heaven. At last Professor
Wren interrnpted, by saying:
"Brother Johns, what sayeth the Lord ~"
"The answer is, Brother Wren, that you scourge the
young man."
No sooner said than done; Brother Wren went nimbly
to work on poor Tom's naked back. He made acute angles and parallels with extreme rapidity, intending to lay
on the rod with mathematical precision.
Brother Johns, in the meantimne, with the most pious
feelings, ejaculated:
"Whip him prayerfully, brother; 0, let it all be done
in t!he most prayerful manner. May it be all for Tom's
sanctification! 0 Lord, may he hereafter aspire to that
human perfection, so essential to the peace and harmony
of the world, and which it has been our pious aim to
teach and inculcate."
Poor Tom, as might well be supposed, was writhing under the severe administration of Brother Wren, who applied
the lash with consummate skill, as though he had learned
17
193 
ABOLITIONISM UNvEILED.
the art in southern climes. At last poor Tom's mouth
opened, and he upbraided his torturers in the following
terse and energetic language:
" Oh, vile hypocrites! your hearts are made of gall I
Tell me not of prayerful whippings! God deliver me
from all such. Talk of my sanctification by such means!
You are more merciless than the negro-drivers of the
South. They don't punish for thoughts but for open disobedience. WVhat is my offense? What are you doing?
Oh, you vile wretches I satiate your vengeance, even to
the taking of my life; from this day forward it is not
worth preserving. How can I stand up under this disgrace? it will be a mark upon me worse than Cain's.
My associates will shun and despise me; like a vile reptile they will pass around me.
" My poor back will bear the record of my ruin: there
the lines are written in blood and will endure.  You shed
crocodile tears over the wretched slaves of the South:
for them all your sympathies-if any you have-are exhausted. Them you love or pretend to love; but for me,
is this your respect and affection-a white student, intrusted to your care, by confiding parents, respectable and
wealthy? What kind of a spectacle do I present? Look
upon me, cruel monsters; see my back lacerated by your
unfeeling stripes-prayerful ones, if you please. Oh!
what a perversion of things sacred! And then tell me
what is the great offense-those few lines of love to Susa
Bean, one of your black jewels? You intercepted the
letter-it never reached her at all. You penned the answer, and laid the trap for my inexperienced feet. I fell
into the snare, and God knows I am suffering the severest
penalty, considering the nature of the offense.
" Then, how does the matter stand? I don't admit my
aim was injury to Susa Bean; but have it your own
way; at most it is merely a contemplated wrong-an
offense by thoutght and not by action.  But you have
decoyed me to this fatal spot. Away with such cruel
treachery.  Tell me no more about human perfection
the equality of races-the elysium you intended to make
Oberlin:-if it's not a hell on earth, I am mistaken.
Abolitionism, from this day forward, I shall cordially
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ABOLITIONISM UNVEILED.
abhor. You have contrived to bring the two races here
together, and that is the cause of my suffering. The
whites are esteemed by you as inferior  your honors and
affections cluster around the blacks.  I shall retire from
this college, cured of all affection for the negro-both now
and forever."
Tom was then released, left behind to adjust his clothing, and then repair to the College for his trunk, with the
positive injunction to depart forthwith from Oberlin,
where his face was never more to be seen.
The company returned to College-old friend Moon walking in the rear-deeply musing on the tragical scene of
the morning. A tear often stole down his cheek, and he
uttered audibly to himself, at the same time shaking his
head, shame-8same-8shame! and from the fullness of
his heart, utterance will be given in succeeding chapters.
CHAPTER XXVII.
Conversation between Professor Wren and Moon.
" FRIEND MOON," said Professor Wren, " you have witnessed this morning how impartial we are in our punishments.   Having the two races-white and  black-to
manage and control, our rules have to be rigidly enforced.
We hold to be our most paramount duty-the preservation of good morals among the students. Now, do you
not think the chastisement inflicted on Tom Shaw will be
long remembered, and have a most salutary effect?I'
"Remembered! friend Wren," replied Moon; "it cannot be forgotten-it is imprinted in the tablets of my
heart in living characters, there to endure till memory
fails. I have been a spectator of a scene that has completely unnerved me-my feelings have been too much
excited; I am rather too sympathetic to look on such
cruelty with composure."
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ABOLITIONISM UNVEILED.
"The mark of a great and good man, friend Moon. I
could pray over and weep over that unfortunate youth;
while at the same time, I felt myself under the disagreeable necessity of inflicting upon him the punishment I
did.  By prayer, we appealed to God to direct us upon
that trying occasion: we wished to act in obedience to
His divine will, as it was our Christian duty. What
think.you of that plan?"
"I would, friend Wren, rather be excused from expressing my opinions on points of so much delicacy. If we
are constrained to speak at all, thou art not ignorant of
our rule to utter, on all occasions, the genuine sentiments
of our minds; but I prefer to be indulged in silence."
"Come, friend Moon, we want your criticisms without
reserve, in relation to our conduct, and the regulations of
this College."
"I am averse, friend Wren, to intrude my humble
opinions upon such pious and literary men.   My object
in life has been to do good; if I cannot do that, I prefer to do nothing. If I could think my counsel would be
of any avail, I would freely give it; but I presume it
would not be heeded.  This old world of ours will move
on in its old beaten track, in despite of what either of us
can say or do. The settled notions and habits of mankind are not to be changed by a straw. The affairs of
the world, I fear, are not susceptible of any great amelioration."
"Then, friend Moon, you are not a man of progress?"
"In some things I am, friend Wren; in others I am
not.  One half of me is Old Fogy; the other, Young
America."
"A sort of a hermaphrodite, friend Moon; a milk and
water mixture. Come, explain to us your meaning: we
will be glad to hear it."
" Here it is, friend Wren: in respect to government and
laws, I stand where the old jurists have stood for ages. I
have not advanced a peg. Thou mayst, in this respect,
charge me with old fogyism.  I claim and demand for
the laws the same obedience and respect that have been
claimed for them for thousands of years. I do not mean
for a portion of the laws, but for the entire code. Thou
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ABOLITIONISM UNVEILED.
wilt see I pretend to no affinity with the higher law party
of the day-I have not progressed to that point.
"Then, again, in all our annexations-in the enlargement of our area-I am with Young America. And I
go for another modern doctrine, that the sons of the soil
shall be its rulers.
"Again, I can tell thee, the world is progressing in a
direction I do not admire-it is in the path of vice."
"Tell us, friend Moon, how this state of society has
been produced."
"That is easily told, friend Wren.  There are people
who are striving to elevate themselves above the government and laws of their country-who are professing to
obey a higher law-a thing undefned, undefinable-instead of submitting to the rules established by the supreme
authority of the State. This leads to anarchy-and from
anarchy to despotism there is but a span."
Shan in the churner to himself: "Now, Brother Wren,
you'll find out that good old Quaker. If he don't give it
to you, hip and thigh, I am no judge. You have been
trying to stir up the volcano; look out for the burning
lava.)
"Friend Moon," said Wren, "do you not acknowledge
the superior obligations of God's laws over man's? If
they conflict, which must I obey?"
"That;f, friend Wren, is needless; there can be no
conflict in the laws. In my vocabulary, there is no such
thing as two sets of laws.   Ihey all emanate either
directly or indirectly from the great Author of our
existence."
Shan to himself: "That's something new under thb
sun. Let's see how he will make out that position."
He leans forward, with both ears wide open, to catch
every word of the argument now in progress.
"I would like, friend Moon," said Wren, "to hear by
what process of reasoning you can sustain a position so
novel, and so much at variance with the religious sentiments of the world.  We  had supposed God's laws and
man's laws were, and might be, variant."
"That very supposition is the cause of infinite mischief
to society. Let me ask thee a few questions. Is not this
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earth, and all that is attached to it, the workmanship of
God?  In His own image, divine writ informs us, He
created man. He is our Creator-He made and fashioned
us according to the pleasure of His divine mind.  We
were made the rulers over this earth; we were to exercise
dominion over it and all the animals. I cannot better
express my ideas of creation than in this manner: God,
in the divine council, resolved to make man. What kind
of a being he should be, was all fixed in the economy of
heaven. He was to be endowed with reason-sociable
in disposition-to be enabled by the institution of two
sexes, male and female,'to multiply and replenish the
earth.' In divine contemplation, this great masterpiece
of creation was thus planned and arranged.
" The next inquiry was, how to supply him with a
place of abode, and whatever was requisite to supply his
wants. This earth, therefore, and all we find upon it,
was created for his use and enjoyment. The air, the
earth and water, were to teem with living creatures that
would supply him with meat. There was an abundant
and inexhaustible supply of provisions..For his bread
the earth was impregnated with seeds, that sprouted and
grew. By the sweat of the brow, the earth would bring
forth abundantly all the fruits and grains essential to his
health and existence.  What  more was lacking? {-e
needed raiment. Behold the wool, cotton, hemp, flax,
and silk, placed within his reach.  By his manufacturing
skill and industry, all these can be converted into fabrics
suitable for his clothing.
"Dost thou not see what ample provision has been
made by God for his children upon earth? I think I hear
Him saying to man, All this earth, and every living creature upon it, are yours; anise, slay and eat. Make yourselves comfortable and happy. What beneficence in
Him who made us out of the dust of the earth! We cannot sufficiently adore Him for so great and unmerited
blessings."
" All that, friend Moon, sounds well enough; but I am
waiting to hear how you are going to make all laws of
equal force and dignity; that was your position, now let
us see how you will sustain it."
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ABOLITIONISM UNVEILED.
" To that point I am hastening, friend Wren. I have
stated, mall is a sociable, rational being, so formed by
his Creator. Are we not prone to form communities?
and why? Because our natures are such, that we cannot
endure a solitary life. This has been ordained of God.
Alone, we are miserable; in society, we are happy."
" Very well, friend Moon, what does that argue, as to
laws?"
" Now, to that point, friend Wren. Man is so constituted, that he must live in communities. Families are
the first elements of society-the small sprigs that help
to constitute the great body politic. A nation is composed
of an association of families. It may be large or small,
according to circumstances.  Hence, we find the human
family upon this earth divided off into numerous distinct
nations.
"The question recurs, how have these nations been constituted?  By forming what is termed, Government.   A
nation is bound to have a head-a common will. Otherwise, it would have no power to act. It would be an immovable machine. After the institution of Government,
the enactment of Laws will necessarily follow, for the purpose of defining the civil rights and relations, which appertain to individuals as members of society; or, in other
words, commanding what is right and forbidding what is
Wr'O~.l~
" Now, what is the conclusion?  That God formed us
for Society-that government and laws from that very
fact, must necessarily result. Hence, I contend the whole
is in conformity to Divine arrangement-society, government, and laws-the one as much as the other; it is in
accordance with His will, that these things should prevail
upon earth.
"But how, friend Moon, does such argument prove
laws, passed by a legislature, are of equal force with those
that are divine?"
"Just in this way, friend Wren. God made us, such
beings as we are, and willed our happiness. Animals
have instinct only; man is indued with reason, which
gives him pre-eminence. From this faculty, contrivance
results-by it we are enabled to adopt means to arrive at
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ABOLITIONISM UNVEILED.
a particular end.  God foresaw that reason would qualify
us to discover the proper measures to adopt, to attain hap piness-the desire of which, is implanted in every bosom.
He said in his Divine Wisdom, I will suppose-' I will
not openly promulgate a code of laws for man-because
it is unnecessary-having made him rational, he will dis cern the proper path that leads to happiness; he is en dowed with a faculty that will guide and conduct hini
aright.
"' I have implanted in his breast the love of his species,
that law I have made so strong, he can never run counter
to it. Government and laws lie will invent and establish.
Thus, his civil relations will be regulated in such a way
as to make him happy. I am willing, and have confided
to him this high prerogative. The great laws of nature,
which I have ordained, his reason will enable himn to discover and obey. I have established general principles,
by which all inanimate matter is controlled and regulated.
In respect to those things, I have left nothing to chance or
contingency. Then in regard to my creature man, I
know at a glance, what hlie will do. I understand the
secret springs of his action.' If God had condescended
to coimmunicate with us at all, it might have been in the
language I have used."
"Grant it all, friend Moon, and yet, how does it prove
human laws are equal to divine?"
'" Were we made in his image or not? However that
may be, we are sociable in our dispositions-made to live
in families and communities-thus to unite as our natures
and propensities prompt us.  Then the terms upon which
we unite, must be prescribed; this agreement is called
the government. The power thus created, imnmediately
goes to work in making rules to define our duties-our
rights, relations, as members of civil society. For what
purpose? To promote harmony in thle body politic;
and that can only be done by affording protection to persons and property. By no other mode can domestic tranquillity be promoted. By these means the will of God,
in creating us the owners of this earth, is clearly fulfilled.
Thou mayst contend-these laws made by man are still
not binding, simply because God did not enact them Him
200
40 
ABOLITIONISM UNRVEILED.
self. This power He did not choose to exercise; but
thought proper to delegate it to his creature. The delegation of' the power to [nan, who acts as his agent, shows
human laws to be in coincidence with His will. They
are thus sanctioned and ratified as clearly within the
scope of man's authority, and as essential to that happiness which he intended for him to enjoy."
"That is a novel argument, friend Moon-I cannot see
its relevancy to the point in issue."
"' But let me ask thee, friend Wren, does He will our
happiness?"
"Beyond doubt, friend Moon."
"That being granted, I ask thee if we can live in society without the institution of government and laws?"
"I am not prepared to say, firiend Moon, that we can
at present."
"Then it has been ordained of God, friend Wren, that
government and laws shall exist. Ile has so organized
our natures, that without them, we cannot be happy.
Seeing, therefore, that laws are indispensable to our security, peace, and enjoyment, another question of the most
vital importance arises-ought they not to be strictly
obeyed and enforced? Who shall dare to trample them
under his feet, and hold them unworthy of his observance?
By so doing, a most fatal example is set. Even here, in
thy small community, hast thou not rules laid down, by
which the students are to be governed? Order is heaven's
first law. All the works of creation move in order. This
earth revolves in its orbit in obedience to laws impressed
upon it at the time of creation. For thousands of years,
in its diurnal and annual revolutions, there has not been
the slightest variation. Cast your eyes over the illimit-'
able universe-observe the sun, stars, planets, and comets,
rolling in the immensity of space. Is there any disorder,
or collision? None whatever. All indicate perfect harmony, displaying the consummate wisdom of the Divine
Architect.   But when we come down to man, the proprietor of this earth -there discord commences. How
has this happened? Because he was made a free agent.
God, in His Divine Wisdom, did not think proper to
make him a mere machine-destitute of volition; but
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ABOLITIONISM UNVEILED.
gave him the liberty of choice-the power to do good or
evil, without which, he could not have been an accountable
being."
CHAPTER XXVIII.
The Conversation Continued.
" PERMITrr me, friend Moon," said Wren, " to state, I do
not precisely see the application you are going to make of
the preceding observations. That order is manifested in
all the works of the universe, I am not disposed to call in
question; that God has made all things wisely and wonderftilly, I humbly confess; but I will wait to hear your
design in all this matter."
"I was going, friend Wren, to make a practical application, ere I was done. I stated, man was a free agent.
My aim will be to show-in violation of the will of his
Maker-how shamefully he is abusing that distinguished
attribute; instead of making this a blissful home, as he
should do-he has filled the earth with turmoil, devastation, rapine and bloodshed. He has converted this elysium into misery. In the organization of man, what
masterly workmanship is displayed! When I examine
human anatomy, the structure of our earthly tabernacle,
I must confess, though it is complicate, it is a wonderfil piece of machinery. The mind, the spiritual substance, controls all our movements. Reason, enlightened
reason is the great arbiter of our actions, that weighs as
it were, in a balance, the fitness8 of things. Reason sits
in judgment upon the propriety of laws, or all other measures affecting us individually, or as a nation. It is the
monitor upon whose still, small voice we must rely, to
guide our unwary feet along the slippery paths of life.
How few follow its dictates!  Here is the source of all
ollr woe upon this earth. Reason is often dethroned, and
we abandon ourselves to the control of our wicked, ungovernable passions."
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"Now I ask thee, in all sincerity, what kind of a spectacle does humanity present to us at this day. Go to
Europe, to the Crimea-there thou canst witness what
pride, envy, folly, and ambition are capable of achieving.
Examine the heavy guns, the invention of machinery for
mutual slaughter. There stands Sevastopol, with her
towering forts and  bristling cannon.   The allies are
struggling for its capture - the Russians to defend- the
work of death still progressing. When it will end no one
can foresee. When we take into consideration the powers
involved in the contest, we cannot refrain from thinking
the Eastern war is destined to be of long duration, and
one of a very sanguinary character.
"But when I come to cast my eyes over the political
condition of my own-my native land-I find 7uzch, very
much to deplore. I fear the demon of discord has been let
loose in our midst, and there are preparing for our beloved
Union calamities tenfold more terrible than those afflicting the old world."
Shan, in the corner, says8-"Aha! the old rogue has
been in heaven, traveled up and down the universe, over
the old world, but has at last got back-now we are going
to have thunder!  I told brother Wren so; he thought
himself wiser than I-but I'll be mute."
"You, friend Moon," said Wren, "spoke of discord in
our country.  What has caused it but African slavery?
Come, point out to us the origin of our political troubles
and their remedy."
"That our beloved country, friend Wren, is involved
in very serious troubles, will not be denied. There is an
alienation growing up between North and South, deeply.
to be deplored.  By whose agency has it been produced?
is the great inquiry. I will tell thee how it has been
brought to pass.  Not by slavery, no, no! that shall not
be made the' scapegoat;' but by the'higher law' party.
Thou knowest how strenuously and ardently our Society
opposed political Abolition, that we considered it unfortunate and unwise at the time, and yet think it the source
of immense evil.
"I have already intimated the value of order in society.
Without it there can be no happiness upon earth.
I
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"Now the end and aim of Government and Laws,
are to establish and maintain order; but this can only
be done by their strict and uniform observance. I would
call thy attention to the manner of making laws, not in
monarchies, but in our republic. We have State Legislatures and a Congress. From these bodies all the laws in
existence have emanated. To what respect are those laws
entitled by every member offour Society?  To be satisfied
on this point we must look for a moment at the structure
of our government. Ours is a representative republic.
The people are held to be the sovereigns- not that they
meet in a body to enact laws or to execute them-but that
they select the persons to whom those powers are delegated. The ballot-box gives to the people the absolute
control of the different departments of the government,
as they could have in a democracy, because the representative is held to be the exponent of the will and wishes
of his constituents. The Legislative Assembly emanates
directly from the people, and to them is confided the power
to enact laws, subject to the approval of the governor. In
theory, therefore, the laws are supposed to be passed in
accordance with public sentiment. The Law-making department of our government is alone authorized to enact
the Statutes which fill up our code. If they are objectionable, the modification or repeal must proceed from the
same source. The way to enact laws is clearly laid down
in our Constitution.
"Must laws, fairly and regularly enacted by the appointed authority, be set at naught by any portion of the
people? What of the higher law -Gods law? I say to
thee-I say to all-how darest thou elevate thyself above
the concentrated wisdom of the State, or of the nation?
We have intrusted to the wisest and best men in the
State —chosen by ourselves - the right to make laws
for us. Did they not know God's laws fully as well as
thou? Are those laws only known to Abolitionists?
Have they been made the peculiar favorites of heavento them, and them only has God disclosed his laws, leaving all the rest of mankind in ignorance of their nature
and effect?
" What arrogant presumption I  But look at the efect
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of this'higher law' doctrine.  It is in that light I want
thee to gaze upon it-to meditate upon the co?8equcncel
which flow firomn the liberty taken to abrogate a portion
of tl)e laws, if thy higher law should be variant.
"Thou art not sensible of the danger produced by such
a contempt of the laws.  Dost thou not know it opens tie
floodgates of mobocracy? What have I belheld this morning?  A youth stripped and scourged, not in obedience
to the rules of the College, but by this' higher law.'  I look
upon thie whole tragedy as a species of petty, contemptible mobism. Then what a desecration of religion, to
pray over a defenseless youth bound with cords, and to
lay on the lash prayerfully? My God! may not these
aged eyes ever look upon such another mournful scene!"
"Why, friend Moon, your language is getting to be too
derogatory to be endured."
Sl/an, in the corner-" Oho! oho!"
"Be patient, friend Wren, until I can get through with
my admonitions.. I will first give you my views of this
experiment to remove the prejudice of color, and then I
will explain more fully the pernicious tendency of Abolitionisin."
'Go on, thou crusty old soul," rejoined Wren; "we
will try to bear with thy abuse, itf we can."
"I am not particular, friend Wren, what epithets thou
usest in speaking of me. I was not raised in the circle
of courts   I am a plain, blunt man, and I do not lay
claim to any great refinement in manners.  As to the prejudice of race and color, can it be removed by founding
colleges like this, or by any other mode we can possibly
adopt!  I say emphatically, nay, nay.  The whites have
been kept distinct up to our time, and by no mixture with
the blacks will they ever suffer their blood to be adulterated. The white, the black and yellow races will be
found upon this earth thousands of years hence, as they
are at this day. Why will it be so? Because the prejudice now felt, will go down from generation to generation. Among the different nations of the whites, marriage
relations are not often formed. The Irish and Germans
rarely intermarry.  So with the Native Americans-will
not the repugnance be much stronger to an intermarriage
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with the blacks?  I come to the conclusion, therefore,
that it is perfectly futile to expect the white and black
races will ever be induced to amalgamate.
"I come now to Abolitionism, of which this College
is the patron and the type. Is not sectional strife growing at an awful rate!  Are not the signs of the times
fearfully ominous? Are we not hurrying on to the vortex of civil discord?  Is not our domestic tranquillity
greatly disturbed? Verily it is. And how have all
these evils been produced? By a departure from the
plain, salutary principles of the Federal Compact, and
the liberty that has been taken to dispense with the laws.
What is the effort now making to raise a Northern Party,
who shall fight under the banner of freedom, but to increase the irritation already existing between the sections
North and South? Thou wishest to add fuel to the flame
already intensely burning."
"We do not, friend Moon, propose to disturb Slavery
in the States, but only to exclude it from the Territories."
"What  a flimsy pretext, friend Wren!   The great
contest is only over the Territories! Thou wouldst sunder this Union rather than concede to the South the rigtt
to expand. Thou art bitterly opposed to the admission
of any more Slave States. Canst thou not see such an
objection goes to the severance of the Union? If thou
hadst so great a distaste to Slavery, as to keep new States
on that account out of the Union, how canst thou tolerate
the company of those already in? If the one is so abhorrent, the continuance of the South in the Union must
be equally objectionable. If the one is unworthy to come
in, surely the others are equally unworthy to remain.
Ever since 1787, the North has been in alliance with the
South, and what new light has burst upon the world to
show that alliance should be dissolved? Is the North
prepared to say'she is tired and disgusted with the
Union?' Since the day it was formed, the relative con
dition of the South has undergone no change.  She lha(l
slaves then-she has them yet. She is no worse in'55
than she was in'87. What can be the matter? She has
done nothing to give umbrage to the North. There she
stands, wearing the same habiliments she had on at the
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time of our union with her. She is passive, bearing all
this vituperation without a murmur. She has not demanded of the general government any special legislation
in her favor. On an equal footing with the North she
is resigned to stand or fall; but she claims-ay that is
her great offense-an equal privilege in settling the Territories. This, by thy party, is held to be a daring aggression —a wanton encroachment."
"What have you to say, friend Moon, of the  i88souri
ruians.?"
"What have I to say of them, friend Wren?  Thou
knowest I abhor mnobism-violence of every kind, from
the bottom of my heart.  Have I not pleaded with thee to
reverence and obey the laws of the land without any
reservation? Have I not made it manifest that, by this
means only, the peace, the happiness of society, can be
maintained and preserved? In all the argument that
is the great point I wished to place on an immovable
basis.
"But, as a lover of his country, as a devoted friend to
our free institutions, I have to examine into the causes of
this rufanism, to probe thoroughly this disease that is afflicting the body politic.  Now, I ask thee, how it has happened that the South is so exasperated against the North I
What has produced this change there in public feeling I
What has made the people here such bad and disagreeable neighbors that their company is abhorred?"
" I can assert, friend Moon, it is owing to the desotism of slave-holders."
"Ay, indeed. The North is guiltless of any wrong.
She has let her light so shine that others will see and confess her good works. I might say, let those who are innocent cast the first stone. Verily, verily, we can see a
mote in the eyes of others, while a beam is in our own.
The great question is, have the people North fulfilled their
civil and religious duties in the 8pirit of the Gospel?  The
Abolitionists, as a party, claim to be religious. And as
to thee, thou art aspiring to perfection.
"Then I am dealing with Christians, the followers of
the meek and lowly babe of Bethlehem-of Him who had
not where to lay his head. What were his life and pre
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cepts? He went about doing good. He sought not the
perishing honors of this earth; His kingdom was not of
this world.  With government, politics, or laws He never
concerned. But His declaration was' to render unto Csesar
the things that were Cesar's."  What does this imrplyv?
Surely that Ilis mission was not to overthrow the settled
orders of society, but to fulfill the law. He, therefore,
did not come as a political innovator-as an agitator.
And yet, while He was incarnate there was an ample field
for the exercise of philanthropy. The condition of the
Jews-the favorite people of God-was at that day far
friom being comfortable. They were groaning under the
iron despotism of Imperial Rome. They had been conquered and absorbed in that mighty empire. Throughout its vast extent slavery, the most cruel and debased,
existed. Notwithstanding, not a word escaped the divine
Saviour in condemnation of the institutions of the day.
"Art thou and others aiming to tread in His fbotsteps?
Thy duty is plain. Thou canst not be a political innovator-thy agitation must cease. What did St. Paul do,
when he met with Onesimus, a fugitive slave? Did he
aid and secrete him so as to deprive his master of his
services? Nay, nay; so far from it, he enjoined it upon
him to go and submit himself to his authority; he sent
him back.
"I may be singular, but I have been meditating upon
our want of Christian duty and fidelity. Suppose we, in
Ohio, had followed Paul's example. We find a fugitive
slave on our side; we take him back to the owner-deliver him up according to our plighted faith. If it were
me, I would say to such slave,'Go with nme to thy owner;
it is my civil duty to deliver thee  p.   I cannot aid or
encourage thee in running away; a few might thus make
their escape, but it will be a great injury to those still in
bondage.  Go back and bear the yoke with the rest of thy
brethren, until the Lord shall open a way for a general
emancipation. If I were to assist thee in making thy
escape, it would make me the enemy of thy master. I
could not do anything with him by persuasion-it would
harden his heart-and hence he will not let thee and
others go. This would be unfortunate to all thy kindred
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after the flesh yet in bondage. But by thy going back
with me, I can approach him, and my entreaties will be
heard, because he will esteem me his friend. On such
an occasion I could say to him: My friend, I found thy
slave on my side of the river, trying to escape from thy
service. As a citizen of this Union, and as tIhy neighbor,
I have felt myself constrained to bring him back, and to
deliver him up to thee; I have exhorted him to yield obedience to thy authority, and not to attempt to leave thee.
I commend him to thy mercy for this transgression, and
by pardoning him, he will be more faithful and true in
future.
"Would not such a course as this, had it been universally adopted, borne good  fruits?-ay, it would have
cemented this Union, and its foundation would have been
a rock, against which factions and foreign influence would
have beat in vain.
"I ask thee, if this would not have been following the
precepts and examples of our Lord and Saviour?  As
Christians, we must not be the disturbers of the public
peace. We must respect the public authority. Dost thou
not find Christians living under the mildest, as well as
the most despotic governments? Thou hast been in
England, among lords and royalty. Did it ever occur to
thee to proclaim thy inalienable rigAts then-to advocate
a perfect equality? Dost thou imagine Mrs. Stowe ever
told the Duchess of Sutherland there was no royalty in
blood? that the union between Church and State was
absurd? that the law of primnogeniture-to create and
perpetuate the lords of the realm-was anti-republican, and
ought to be repealed? Or didst thou ever assail these
distinctions in society? Thy lips were sealed as well as
hers, on these favorite topics, while sojourning in England.  The'higher law' is unknown in the vigorous reign
of monarchy. The Christians in that realm, are not like
thee, contending  for political innovation.   They are
quietly and peaceably fulfilling their mission upon earth;
to do good to all men; to love their enemies, and diffuse
the spirit of love and charity.
" But what must I say to thee, the head and representative of Abolitionism?  Thou  wert quiet as a lamb
18
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among lords and queens; thou didst not open thy mouth,
but in praise of all the dazzling splendor thy eyes beheld.
Thou wast not able to see and preach the'higher law,'
among the aristocracy and nobility of that proud and
haughty island.  The poor, in that country, never enjoyed
thy sympathy. Thou didst not plead for their elevation.
That all mankind were born equal, had slipped from thy
memory, or could not be very safely insisted upon at that
particular time. But thou didst reserve all the gall rankling in thy heart for this devoted land.
"Thou liast accused the Missourians of ruianism.
Thou and thy friends must be held accountable for it
all."
"Why, friend Moon, how can you lay such things to
our charge?"
"Pray, friend Wren, how came the Missourians thy
enemies? The Scripture says,'those that want friends
must show themselves friendly. Hast thou so acted?
Nay, nay. Hadst thou acted as St. Paul, in respect to
slaves, dost thou not know the South would, this day,
honor and respect thee. They would be thy friends,
instead of thy enemies. What has been thy course? To
injure, to insult, and abuse the South. Thou hast enticed
away their slaves, and conveyed them into a foreign jurisdiction. Thy friends have mobbed the owners or agents.
The blood of Gorsuch yet crieth from the ground; how
many southern citizens, in traveling among us, have had
their slaves torn from them by mob violence!  I fainl think
the lady who had her colored nurse forcibly dragged from
around her neck, would be apt to accuse thy people of
some degree of rnifanism. How many owners, after
getting possession of their slaves in our State, have had
them violently rescued by a mob, and their lives endangered!  Was not this ruffanism too?
"By these and similar acts, we have converted the
South into an enemy. Have we not much to blame ourselves with?  Why do the people of Missouri abhor the
Abolitionists?  Because they consider them  dangerous
to their peace and safety.  They have used ruanism
against slave-holders. Now, when it comes to be retaliated, how horrible it sounds I  These things, too, flow
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ABOLITIONISM USILED.
from the prevalence of the Aigh law doctrine.  By its influence the laws of the land have fallen into disrepute,
and lhave become a by-word. Now see how strangely
these things work. Here that law is administered without detriment to us, but to the injury and damage of the
citizens of our sister States. From thee and thy friends
I have heard of no complaint of mobism against slaveholders. The liberty thou and others have taken of seizing the law in thy own hands, has been followed by the
Missourians. However, in this instance, the higher law
chanced to work against thee.  The Abolitionists now
become the sufferers. The scale is turned against thee.
I ask thee, in all charity, have not the people in Missouri
the same right to adopt and enforce the higher law as
thou hast? Is mobi.sm there less excusable than mobism
here? If it be right in one place, it must be equally so
in another.  But its tendency is disorganization everywhere. It is bound to lead to the most fatal results. To
that point it must and will come.
"C ast thy eyes to Kansas.  What is there transpiring?
A resistance to the constitutional authority of the Territory. The Legislature and its acts are spurned by the
Abolitionists. Why? because the Legislature happened
to be pro-slavery, and hence were incompetent to pass
laws, though they could exhibit Governor Reeder's certificate of election-an election held in obedience to his own
proclamation-yet these evidences of their legal existence
were of no avail. The Abolitionists have united to form
a State Government-have elected Gov. Reeder as delegate to Congress in defiance of law, and without even the
shadow of authority.
"I implore thee to meditate upon the disorganizing
disposition all such acts display. Oh, my friend, what
awful consequences must ensue fiom such a dangerous
spirit in our country!  Is there anything cheering in this
aspect of public affairs? Nay, nay, patriotism must weep
over the political follies of the age. How suicidal to be
stirring up the bitter waters of sectional strife I
"One thing I ask myself, have we discharged ourduties,
as citizens of this gleat community, with Christian fellowship? Thou knowest the North has denationaized the
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Church.   The different sects are divided-each has a
Church North-one South.   If- the lovers of Christ,
whose Church was to constitute Unity, are thus estranged,
how ftiiit the hope of preserving our political Union.
What was the test by which we could tell whether we
were his true disciples? Verily, the love we felt for our
brethren. Where is that love which forms the essence of
true religion?  Friend Wren, can I read it in thy acts 
Words are valueless, unless confirmed by our deeds."
"I am disposed, friend Moon, to bear with the gall
and bitterness rankling in thy bosom.  Let it all find
vent-like a serpent in the grass, thy tongue is forked
and nimbledealing censure to the right and left."
"Be not offended, friend Wren, the day may come when
these words, SQ offensive in thy ears, the world will acknowledge, were uttered in soberness and in truth. Go
on in thy madness.  Sever the Christian communitythat will be only a small portion of thy work. The
political ties which make us one people, must next be
destroyed. Thy sacriligious hand will not be staid till
both Church and State lie prostrate in the dust.
"But another important inquiry arises, Can this Union
be dissolved quietly-peaceably? Can we fall back into
our original elements by mutual consent? The question
is one of deep moment to us all. Revolutions are seldom
bloodless; in our case it will surely be impossible. A
collision will arise in Kansas between the North and
South, and it may spread like a devastating fire. A fearful retribution may be at hand for the abuse of those
great blessings we have so long enjoyed. From these
walls I now depart, never more to return."
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CHAPTER XXIX.
Departure from Oberlin-Conversation with Lucy Brown.
THF, bugle of the omnibus sounded as the last words
dropped fiom the'Squire's lips.  He and David, without
loss of time, took their seats and were rattling off to
Cleveland in a hurried pace. Near the'Squire chanced
to sit a very handsome young lady in the bloom of life.
The'Squire could not refrain from introducing conversation in the following manner:
"Thou wilt, young woman, not be offended at the
liberty I take of introducing conversation. I have had a
temporary residence at Oberlin, and I remember to have
noticed thee among the students. I go by the name of
Moon; I am thought to be a strange old Quaker."
"From one of your age, I will not be offended at the
liberty you have taken, Mr. Moon. I heard it whispered
around among the students, this morning, you were a
perfect puzzle to the whole faculty. What was the matter I could not distinctly ascertain. Hence I am prompted
by curiosity to form an acquaintance with you-my name
is Lucy Brown."
"I do not know, Lucy, how I happened to be a puzzle
to the faculty - wise men as they are. I was asked how
I fancied the plan of educating the whites and blacks
together, and I did not give a favorable response."
"Why, Mr. Moon, I did not think anybody would take
that liberty-not even a Quaker, candid as they are.".
"Verily, Lucy, if I venture to speak at all, I must express the honest convictions of my own mind. My object
is to conciliate, not to widen the breach between the two
sections. I would like to restore domestic tranquil]ity,
to promote which was one of the objects of this Union."'
"A blessing was pronounced, Mr. Moon, upon peacemakers, and they ought to be blessed. On this very ground
I have always admired your Society. How much happier this world would be if confusion, turmoil and bloodshed could be banished, I a tired-heartily tired of this
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everlasting wrangling I daily hear. Why can we not live
in more quietude?"
" Prosperity has intoxicated us, Lucy. We are running
into licentiousness. Great as our freedom is, it does not
satisfy our wicked natures, we must take the law in our
own hands and make our government for its imbecility a
by-word and reproach among nations."
"Is not that too bad, Mr. Moon.  What thoughtless
beings we must be! How strangely we act? What more
do we need to make us happy?  If I were put to the torture I could not tell what is lacking."
" I agree with thee in that, Lucy. Man is a complete
paradox.  Now  think of this nation, blessed beyond
measure, rent almost in twain by intestine discord and
faction, on the point of crumbling to atoms."
"I have often thought, Mr. Moon, of our situation as a
nation-it reminds me of a family living near my home.
Their tongues were never idle from morning till night. The
husband and wife would quarrel and fight, then the children would come to blows.  I declare, such a life is not
worth living. Where that is the case, what pleasure can
there be on earth?"
"Verily, none, Lucy. Well, this nation somewhat
resembles that family. As to fighting, we have not quite
got at it, but it is close at hand. Quarreling we are doing
on a magnificent scale."
"I think so Mr. Moon.  I hear unceasing abuse of the
South. Monstrous efforts are making to bring African
slavery to an end.  Has the North a right to coerce emancipation, or to dictate in the matter?"
" To understand that point, Lucy, we will just suppose
the thirty-two States are that many families liviing in
union together, each one reserving the privilege of controlling and managing its domestic affairs in its own way.
All these families might thus live in harmony if none
interfered with the private affairs of others."
" I know this from experience, friend Moon. We had
once the most pleasant and agreeable neighborhood you
ever knew.  We were all living in harmony; but a few
families came in among us, that were busybodies. They
were not content to attend to their own business, but were
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poking their noses in every one's face. It was a precious
short time before they had all the neighbors at variance
by the propensity of telling tales. They were meddlesome people and would cause trouble wherever they
went."
"It has been so with the States of this Union, Lucy.
They long lived in friendship, until the North began to
think she was more competent to manage thile affairs of
the South than the South herself. Thou knowest no
family likes such interference-it will be sure to give umbrage and make enemies."
" Yes, I know that, Mr. Moon. I have never seen a
family, however badly they may manage, that would permit others to direct and control them. I suppose the
North thinks that Slavery is an evil and ought to be
abolished?"
"Grant that it is an evil, Lucy, yet that is not the
question for this age to solve. It has descended from an
early period in our history down to our day. In deciding
upon the expediency of abolishing Slavery, we have to
take into consideration the interest of the whites and
blacks both. Thou wouldst not turn all the negroes loose
at the South, if thou couldst believe, by such an act, thou
wouldst make the condition of both races itfinitelyworsel"
"Oh! no; we ought, Mr. Moon, to think of all those
things. Nothing ought to be done rashly."
"We  should, Lucy, in the first place, ask ourselves
whether the negroes, if liberated, are capable of enjoying
freedom-if they are not, it would prove a curse to them
and others. Take Hlayti, for example. There they massacred the owners, and have had absolute control of the
island ever since. A few years ago they put up a despot
whom they call Emperor. Solouque is now their master,
and they are no less slaves than they were before."
"They acted very barbarously indeed, Mr. Moon, and
vet they have gained nothing by such an awful tragedy.
,Vell, I do not know what to make of such creatures."
"Here is another matter we ought to think of, Lucy.
The whites and slaves are now living together asfriends.
'l hey love and respect each other. By the proposed
change, shall we not make them enemies? There is a
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pride of races not easily exterminated. How dost thou
admire this mixed school?"
"Not at all, Mr. Moon. I feel greatly mortified to
have to keep company with black people, but my parents
wotild have me go.  1 would not be obstinate, and yielded
to thetir earnest entreaties."
"ThI en, Lucy, thou hast a little of the prejudice of race,
which seems inherent to the Anglo-Saxon.   I have often
thou,lght how it has happened the difibrent races of people
have kept so distinct and separate. Europe, Asia, and
Africa are conterminous countries and have had, in all
ages, considerable intercourse. If the whites in early
ages had taken a fancy to the blacks, our color might have
been extinct long ag,o. But I presume, they had not been
indoctrinated into the equality of races -a discovery
reserved for this age!"
"Sure enough, that is a curious piece of history, Mr.
Moon. I do suppose, the African belles were not so
charming in that day; at any rate our ancestors did not
think so, or otherwise there would now be no contest
about colors."
"Then, again, there was Asia-the abode of the yellow
race, Lucy, to which the men might have resorted for
wives, if the intermixture of blood is so desirable."
"If I was bound to marry either, Mr. Moon, I don't
know that I would not prefer the yellow-the dye being
not quite so deep. But I am contented with my own
race-I want nothing better.  With others, I will not fall
out about their peculiar tastes; all I can say, is, a colored
person will never please my fancy."
" That resolution is worthy of thy origin, Lucy.  Our
mothers had the same indomitable pride. IHence the
purity of our blood.  Whiteness is yet our peculiar characteristic, and has suffered no adulteration. But now,
the intermarriage of whites and blacks, is openly advocated."
"I think that is disgraceful, Mr. Moon, that we must
discard our own race, and prefer another, so dissimilar in
form and color. I shall follow, in this respect, the example of our mothers and fathers; shun all admixture;
and thus preserve the white race from extinction."
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"I flatter myself; that will meet with a response from
all the true-hearted Anglo-Saxon women of America. I
would that I could put it to a vote, to see how few the
number that would prefer to be affianced to the negro;
but it would be an insult to them, even to p'oI)opound such
a question."
"Yes, indeed, Mr. Moon, it would create such a storm,
that none could stand before it. I should like to see the
young man who would prefer black women to us. I
would be one who would help to black him, and drive
himn forever from our circle."
"Great is the complicity of our public affairs, Lucy.
This noble country-the heritage of the Anglo-Saxon,
won by his valor and blood, seems to be claimed by every
hue and color of Adam's fallen race."
"The black people, Mr. Moon, have held conventions,
and insist upon equal social, and political privilegeswhat a bold pretension!"
"We have, Lucy, generously made this the asylum lor
the oppressed of all nations. Foreigners have crowded
in among us, after the battles have been fought, and the
victory won; and they have turned up their heels
against us. Here, again, are the negroes, from the shores
of Africa, no less hostile to the Americans-born and
reared on the soil."
"I should like to know who hold the title in fee-simple
to this rich and extensive domain; if it be not in those
who have shed their blood, and expended their treasury
in its acquisition?"
"That is an important question,  Lucy.  Our forefathers came over here, found the Indians in quiet posses-.
sion-the Aborigines of the country-drove them back,
and wrested their lands from them at the point of the
sword. Stripped of his hunting-ground, the poor Indian
has melted away."
"How cruel that was, Mr. Moon!  Only think of this
strange mutation! The Indians had no sympathy; they
were despoiled of their homes-not a tear was shed over
their hard fate. Our whole affection is concentrated on the
black people, a race who were introduced to America as
slaves. Are we not under stronger obligations, to admit
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the Indians to an equality with us-and who has ever
thought of such a thing."
" Verily, Lucy, while with one hand, we press back the
Indian to the barren deserts of the West, there to pine
away and die, with the other hand, we are pressing the
Africans to our bosoms, and bidding them welcome to all
our blessings and privileges. I mean a portion of our
people."
"Oh, yes, I understand you in that way-I can guess
your allusion, Mr. Moon-it is to the Aboitionists."
"Yea, verily, Lucy. Upon them, and them only, the
censure falls. Their works are evil-no good can result
fromn their schemes. The prejudice of color cannot be removed; our race will treat with scorn and contempt, these
vain efforts at amalgamation. It is one of those things
that can never be. Cast your eyes to Europe; there our
race remain in their pristine purity. It never occurred
to them to import wives for their sons, and husbands for
their daughters from Negroland, in Africa.  Not at all.
I imagine such a proposition would meet with no favor in
the Old World."
"Neither ought it anywhere, Mr. Moon.  The Mediterranean Sea rolls its waves between Europe and Africa;
but though it were all dry land, intermarriage between
the two races would be a rarity. Not only now, but in
all past ages, the continent of Africa has been the peculiar abode of the black people.  Though thousands of
years have elapsed, yet the two races have continued separate and distinct; and I am inclined to think, they will
so remain until time shall end." 
"Of that I have no doubt, Lucy.  North America has
been appropriated to the Anglo-Saxons. They have subdued the wilderness, opened farms, built up cities, constructed railways, and invented telegraphs. They stand
forth the predominant race, and will control the destiny
of these United States, notwithstanding all the efforts to
give the negro so much consequence in our history."
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CHAPTER XXX.
David and the'Squire depart from Cleveland to Cincinnati-Long con                   versation with Darby.
Soon after getting into the cars, David recognized
Darby, the Englishman, with whom he had heretofore
formed an acquaintance. Hle introduced him to the
'Squire, whereupon the following conversation arose:
I am  very happy,'Squire," said Darby, "to meet
with you.  I have for some months, been exploring this
great country-for great it is in magnitude, in wealth, and
resources. I admire it much, and have to it one strong
objection-that is, to this abominable African Slavery."
"Well, Mr. Darby," said the'Squire, "this world is
sadly out of joint, in many respects. We have, in our day,
people wise enough in their own conceit, to re-organize
society, and make it a great deal better than we now find
it. This universal Yankee nation, by giving them free
scope, will undertake to re-model all the governments
upon earth. They will tear them all down, and make
sad havoc of thrones, principalities, and powers."
'I judge so,'Squire, if such political tinkers could
have their own way.  The Old World would be a poor
theater for them to display their talents, for the heads
would not remain on their shoulders long enough to enable them to mature their schemes."
"Thtat is altogether likely, Mr. Darby.  We have a
surplus of political wisdom in our country, that might be
profitably employed abroad. We used to flatter ourselves,
that we had the best government upon earth; but it is
liable at last, to many and serious objections-even an
Eng,lishman canu point out many blemishes in it."
" Why,'Squire, I merely complained of Slavery. I
thought what a dark stain that was upon your national
escutcheon."
" But you will pardon me for observing, Mr. Darby,
that is a very delicate question for a foreigqer to touclh.
On that point, we, of the South, are very sensitive."
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ABOLITIONISM UNVEILED.
" Unnecessarily so,'Squire, it seems to me. Wily is
the discussion of it so dreadful?"
" If I were disposed, Mr. Darby, I might retort by asking you another question in true Yankee style."
"Very well,'Squire.  Pray, what kind of question
would that be?"
" low you would like to let a live Yankee into England, and give him unrestrained liberty to go his whole
length upon the inalienable rights of man?"
Upon my word,'Squire, you are rather a tart old
gentleman after all.  I should consider that a dangerous
experiment."
"I suppose it would be, Mr. Darby; but if your government could not stand up under one tongue of that kind,
how do you suppose ours can exist where thousands of
such are continually going?"
"I think yours,'Squire, is brought to a halt.  I'm not
so sure that your vessel of State is not tied up fast to the
shore, there to remain for a season."
"That is our fix, nationally, I candidly confess, Mr.
Darby, and that was the reason I wanted all the rest of
the governments tied up too, till ours could get extricated.
I am well apprized of the skill of the Yankees in this
respect, and have little doubt, with a tfair opportunity,
they can pertform the same kind office for other nations."'
"We don't want any such pilots,'Squire, in our seas.
At this critical period it will not do to tie up our governments. They have too much work on hand just now to
be brought to a dead halt."
"Now you know misery loves company, Mr. Darby.
Our strong limbs are bound in cords, our destiny is not
to go ahead at this time, but to stand still, if we can."'
"Now you are enjoying the rich fruits of republicanism,'Squire. See what your liberty of speech-of the
press-lhas brought you to! Was there ever such a chaos
in any country-such divisions and distractions?"
" I grant it all, but how has it been brought about, Mr.
Darby?  Only one question has involved us in this unpleasant condition -that is, Slavery. The North, the
great hive of these Yankees, has done the whole work.
It would not let well enough alone; it tried to make
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ABOLITIONISM UNVEILED.
matters better, and it can be seen now how well it has
succeeded. Had the general government, or rather the
people of the Free States, left this question to the local
authorities, where it properly belongs, we should not be
suffeibring this national embarrassment."
"I perceive,'Squire, the structure of your government
is widely different from ours. The Parliament of Great
Britain, whenever all the estates of the realm agree, is
held to be omnipotent. Hence the emancipation of the
slaves in our West India islands was effected aot by their
local legislatures, but by the act of the home government.
The wishes of the planters were not suffered to have any
influence in deciding such a question."
"You must admit, however, Mr. Darby, it was a question deeply affecting their interest and prosperity. It was
a very arbitrary proceeding, to say the least of it, and
shows plainly the nature of your government. You must
admit the planters were more competent to settle the
uestion, having in the matter a very strong and pecuiar interest."
"Away with such republican follies,'Squire. How
ridiculous the idea to place the will of a few such persons
in opposition to the united wisdom of queen, lords, and
commons in parliament assembled. Such arrogant pretensions on the part of the colonies, we do not suflbfer for
a moment to be put forth. We, at home, claim to be the
best judges of what measures are best for them, and we
will not have our power and authority disputed."
"The despotism of your government is an established
fact, Mr. Darby, that will not be controverted. In their
struggles for independence, our forefathers experienced.a
little of your motherly kindness. They denied, and successfully, that England could bind them in all cases whatsoever. But there is one circumstance connected with this
emancipation, which, for the honor of England, ought to
be mentioned-the appropriation of twenty millions of
pounds as compensation to the planters for t/te loss of
their slaves."
"Of course, that fact ought not to be passed over,
'Squire, for it shows, at the same time our government is
incontrollable, it is also just."
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" Why was this large sum of money-equivalent to one
hundred millions of dollars in our currency- voted by
Parliament to the planters, Mr. Darby?  Because these
slaves were property, ot which the owners could not be
deprived without just compensation. This settles a great
principle-the right of ownership in human beings. It is
recognized by the highest authority in your country; it is
respected and observed in thiscolonial Act of emnancipation.
' But do the Abolitionists of the United States propose
to imitate this illustrious example. Has it ever entered
into their heads that the emancipation of the slaves was
to be followed by adequate compensation? Great Britain,
in the plenitude of her power, scorned to perpetrate a
wrong. She bowed in humble submission to the eternal
principles of justice. She saw, and she knew this act of
hers was destroying vested rights-rights which she had
legalized and sanctioned.   This implies an injury, a
deep injury to the owners-; then comes the reparation - the twenty millions of pounds, freely and voluntarily tendered.
"What is the scheme of Abolitionism in this country?
Immediate and unconditional emancipation. It is boldly
proclaimed that there can be no such thing as property in
persons -that one human being has no right to hold
another in bondage. If this were true, England might
have saved her gold."
"My  government, after all,'Squire, is not so bad a
despotism as you imagined. We have a constitutional
monarchy. All the estates in the realm are represented
in Parliament, and without their concurrence no law can
be enacted. Public liberty is thus secured."
'What constitutes public liberty in England I shall
not stop now to dispute. I have stated that Great Britain
sought to make reparation for the damage she did the
planters, but the act has been more destructive in its
effects than could have possibly been anticipated. Those
islands are literally ruined; and how has it been done?
By destroying their pproductive industry. Take Jamaica,
for example-her exports have dwindled down to nothing.
Within the space of the last four years, here is an authentic statement of what has happened:
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1' Within that brief period it appeared, that no less
than 128 sugar estates, 96 coffee properties, and 30 pens
for cattle-breeding had been totally abandoned; that 71
sugar estates, 66 coffee properties, and 22 pens had been
partially abandoned; that upward of 390,000 acres of
land had either been thrown out of cultivation or only
cultivated in the despairing hope of better times; that
ratable value of this property alone  had sunk from
~98,000 to ~53,000; and to complete this catalogue of
disasters, it had been announced measures were in progress for the total abandonment of many more estates.
All travelers agree, that the blacks have sunk to the
lowest depths of degradation. Gov. Wood of Ohio, who
visited the island in 1853, speaks of it in the following
terms:
"'Since the blacks have been liberated, they have become indolenit, degraded and dishonest. They are a rude,
beastly set of vagabonds, lying naked about the streetsas filthy as the Hiottentots, and I believe worse.' So
much for the negroes, and now for the appearance of the
estates. He farther says:' We saw many plantations,
the buildings dilapidated, fields of sugar-cane half-worked,
and apparently poor, and nothing but that which will
grow without the labor of Illan, appeared luxuriant and
fil,urislling. The island itseltf is of great fertility, one of
the best of the Antilles; but all the large estates upon it
are now going fast to ruin.' What has entailed upon
that once flourishiing island so great a blight, and the
total overthrow of her wealth and prosperity! Was there
ever so sad a change wrought in the condition of any
people in so short a time, and that too, without war, pestilence, or famine?  The cause is obvious.  The labor,
the source of agricultural wealth, has been annihilated.
The negroes, instead of being producers, as formerly, are
now merely consumers.  They do not raise more than
enough to satisfy their own wants, and therefore, there is
no surplus for export.  This transition from well-regulated and productive industry, to idleness and thievishhess has diminished the value of real estate, and actually
caused its abandonment, and that too, upon a very fertile
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island, adapted to the raising of coffee and sugar, not to
say anlything, about cattle."
"I ask, in all seriousness, if any obstacles have been
thrown in the way to destroy the value of this experiment
at emancipation? I suppose there could not be a fairer
test of the capacity of the Africans for the enjoyment of
freedom, than that afforded in Jamaica.  It was peaceably
done; the planters quietly acquiesced in the enactments
of the home government. The negroes merged from
thraldom, and took their station in society as freemen.
Seven years or more, have revolved since that auspicious
period to them.  What is the result'All the large es tates upon the island are now fast going to ruin;' and the
negroes are represented' as a set of beastly vagabonds.'
' Worse than the Itottentots.'"
'"Would not the same consequences flow from emancipation in the United States? As certainly as similar causes
will produce similar erects.  An experiment here, would
most assuredly be equally, if not more disastrous.  There
is decidedly a little more potency in British Laws, and
more glittering bayonets to enforce them. Hlence, I arrive
at the conclusion, that emancipation at the present time,
would prove equally detrimental to the whites and
blacks."
"I am not disposed,'Squire, to admit any such thing.
The cause is not emancipation; but it arises from the demoralizing influence of Slavery-its curse follows its victims for years. To that abominable Institution I charge
it all."
"Your remarks, Mr. Darby, remind me of an incident
in Jewish history. Moses had enumerated sin-offerings
for every conceivable sin individuals could commit.  Blut
that would not suffice. Notwithstanding these numerous
atonements for sin, a live goat had to be brought before
Aaron, who laid both his hands upon its head, and confessed over all the iniquities of the children of Israel, and
all their transgressions in all their sins, putting them
upon the head of the goat. He was then sent away by
the hand of a fit man, into the wilderness.  Though extremely ponderous must have been the load upon the head
224 
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of the poor goat, yet we must all acknowledge it was an
excellent contrivance in the Jews to get rid of their iniquities and transgressions. Precisely so it is with many
people in our day; they make Slavery the scape-goat for
all the sins of the world. If we point to Jamaica, and,
in the language of Bishop Kip, tell them:' The streets
of Kingston are crowded with the most wretched looking
negroes to be seen on the face of the earth.  Lazy, shiftless, and diseased, they will not work since the manumission act has freed them.' The answer is at hand' Slavery is to blame for it all.' What a convenience to
have such a scape-goat!"
" But why hold the whites responsible for the incapacity of the negroes for fireedom! Were they first enslaved
by us?   Were they moral, upright, and enlightened,
when they were introduced into our continent? Not at
all. If, by their association with us, they have not been
made better, in all justice it ought to be confessed, we
have not made them worse. Who will dare to assert
they are not improved in morality and intelligence, since
they were transported from the shores of Africa? It
must necessarily require centuries to prepare a barbarian
for the great boon of freedom. And, until hlie is thus
fullly qualified, it is worse than madness to turn him
loose."
" I will be allowed to say,'Squire, that the idea of
one man enslaving another-treating God's images as
chattels, is becoming more abhorrent to the enlightened
sentiment of the North every day.  My Government has
proclaimed, in no ambiguous language, that she goes fbr
the Abolitiou of Slavery throughout the world. She lihas.
boldly assumed that laudable position, and to it she will
faithfully adhere."
"Does that announcement, Mr. Darby, come with a
good grace from haughty, imperious, tyrannizing England? She to stand forth as the great champion, advocate,
and defender of the inalienabie rights of man!  Why,
the very framework of her government, is grades in society. She, repudiating at home the equality she is patronIizing abroad! Ohi, tell it not in Gath; publish it not
in the streets of Askelon."
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ABOLITIONISM UNVEILED.
" Why, you seem always to have the Scriptures at the
tip end of your tongue,'Squire.  Am  I to understand
you as questioning the sincerity of my government in the
noble declaration she has made in behalf of suflering humnanity? You will permit me to state, that my government is too exalted and honorable to resort to duplicity,
and I don't relish your reflections with a very kind spirit."
" You will pardon me for the want offaith in English
philanthropy, Mr. Darbly, when I come to assign to you
the reasons which create this incredulity. The faculty of
skepticisn? is very strongly developed in my cranium.  I
give very little weight to naked, empty professions-the
old adage, that actions speak louder than words, will
always keep intruding itself upon my memory.  Many
years ago, I read the declaration you have alluded to,
made by a British minister to the American Government.
I thought it'sounding brass, and a tinkling cymbal'
then-I still think so.
"My first inquiry was, can monarchy really love and
contend for increased republican equality? Her object seems
to be to coerce us to admit the slaves to be elevated to
an equality with us. England arrogates to herself a
greater devotion to Liberty, than is manifested in these
United States.  1 was tempted to look at the structure of
her governmnent; there, I imagined, I should find an exemplification of the great doctrine-that all mankind are
created egual.  The first thing that staggered me, was a
Queen, arrayed in royal robes, proudly sitting upon a
throne, surrounded by fawning ministers, and cringing
sycophants. In her veins, and none others, thile royal
blood presumed to flow. This, I considered not. fully
republicanism; but I was next tempted to take a peep at
the Hlouse of Lords. Here they sat Lords temporal, and
Lords spiritual.  Very well.  Now I will see how they
were elected. Thle idea of constituents came into my
foolish head.  I found out they were Lords by patent and
by birth. That they sat in parliament by hereditary
right.  That the laws of the empire were carelully framed,
so as to keep up a full supply of Lords for tlhe whole
kingdom-for  any diminution  of the number  might
weaken monarchy, and bring it into danger.
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"I again wondered how came these lords spiritual to be
honored with such elevated seats in a legislative body. I
was amazed to find out there was a union of Church and
State, for the purpose of mutual strength. When I came
to search into the revenues of the dignitaries of  tihe
Church, instead of voluntary contributions, I found they
were supported by tithes imposed upon the industry of
the countrv by law.
" I could but see in all these arrangements a settled
policy to build up and sustain aristocracy-that it all
clashed with the idea of men being born equal. I came
at once to the conclusion, it might safely be filed away
with all the abstractions of the day. I gave up the idea
of investigating any further her governmental machinery.
I was satisfied it would not do to scrutinize her at home
more closely-if good fruits she had, I would find them
growing in clusters abroad.
"Our slaves, it is but too true, she affects tenderly to
love-she has liberally donated the fugitives a portion of
her public domain in Canada-I do not deny, in this
respect, her unbounded benevolence.
"But when I cast my eyes to the East indies, note her
loving-kindness there-the scene is greatly altered.  I
would gladly ask the oppressed natives how they admire
British philanthropy?"
" Do you mean to assert,'Squire, this has been done by
the government of Great Britain? The East India Company has subdued those countries."
"1 know that well, Mr. Darby; but I will not undertake to split hairs about such matters. That Company
was chartered by the British government for the purpose
of conquering and annexing those countries to its empire:
and it has been done, sustained by the whole power and
resources of the nation. in such a case as that I will not
stop to discriminate; it is sufficient for me to know, under
the British flag the enslavement of these people has been
achieved."
" Iow can you call it' ensla.avement,''Squire I"
"Because it is so in reality, Mr. Darby. I am not
governed by the shadow, but by the substance. Slavery
does not exist in the name only, but in the reality. That
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ABOLITIONISM UNVEILED.
East Indian Company has amassed immense wealth.  The
last statement I have seen places the annual income at
~29,000,000 sterling. Whence is this vast sum derived?
From the groans, sweat, and tears of the toiling millions
she holds there under absolute sway. It is wrought out of
the bones and sinews of the 160,000,000 natives subject to
her power. Where else can it come from? God's images,
in that corner of the world, have enlisted no particular sympathy, either from England or the United States. What
claim had England to them or their country? They were
free and independent nations, with government, laws, and
institutions of their own. Why should she go there and
bring them under subjection to the crown? Was it to benefit the natives, or her own emolument or aggrandizement?
That it is the latter, no one can doubt. The slaves of the
United States-only three millions in number-lhave engrossed all her sympathy. She has none left for the millions oppressed in her East India possessions. How was
it with Esau? While he was out hunting his venison,
Jacob, by subtlety, stole his blessing. When he came in,
lhis father had informed him of what had taken place,
lihe cried with a great and exceeding bitter cry,'Bless me,
even me, also, O my father.' And when he inquired if
there was no blessing reserved for him, Isaac would not
revoke what had been done, but asked,' What shall I do
now for thee, my son?' Thus it is with England, she has
only one blessing, and that she has bestowed on the slaves
of the United States-she holds none in reserve for her
own suffering millions. In vain they might cry,' Bless
us, even us, O mother England!"'
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CHAPTER XXXI.
Conversation Continued.
" I CAN but feel that England has done great injustice
in the East Indies," repeated the'Squire to Mr. Darby,
"by the overthrow of the governments of the country,
and substituting in their place herown arbitrary authority.
Charity should begin at home. While she places her
leaden heel on the necks of those people in the East, and
is crushing them to the earth, I cannot refrain from being
extremely suspicious of her designs, so far as my own
country is concerned. I am constrained to believe there
is some covert design. What think you of that social
and political equality which form the basis of our Republican Institutions? I can assure you we are entirely incompetent to appreciate and enjoy the great advantages
of monarchy. We would not know how to cringe and
fawn at the feet of royalty."
"That is true-very true,'Squire.  Permit me to say,
if you were in England, you could not take the liberty of
animadverting upon the acts of our government as you
have done. You have alluded, in no mild terms, to our
cruelties in the East Indies, and tyrannical oppressions at
home. Who created you the censor general of the world?
A high prerogative surely! You have elevated your head
al)ove princes, potentates, and powers, and deal out your
anathemas with a cruel and unfeeling hand."
"I lay not the slightest claim to any such office, Mfr..
Darby. England has made herself the great patron of
Abolitionism, the fosterfat/her of this abomination upon
earth. She has openly proclaimed it-all her acts are in
coincidence with such a purpose. Has not our country
been honored by the presence of Thompson and othersher especial emissaries sent over here to indoctrinate us
on this great and heaven-born subject? All these thiings
indicate, upon her part, an imrmense love for the necroes
in the South-a love never before manifested by lher for
anlly race, kindred, or tongue. Now, I ask you, witlhout
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wishing to arrogate to myself any particular importance, if
these facts and circumstances are not calculated to prompt
us to investigate her policy at home and abroad? Her
accusation is, that we, as a nation, are guilty of great cruelty
and tyranny over the African race among us. That she
espouses their cause, and pleads for their liberation. Her
declaration implies this, if it has any meaning at all.
" How can we relish such interference coming from
her? She sold the most of those negroes to us in the
first instance-she placed them in that very condition
which she seems now to deplore! What great transitions
in the history of the world! For near two hundred years
she prosecuted the African Slave trade with the most intense assiduity. She had accumulated countless wealth
from this traffic, ere the scales began to fall from her eyes.
With all the affection of a miser she hugs this ill-gotten
wealth to her bosom; but with all the humanity possible,
she consents now to receive those same creatures into her
provinces of Upper and Lower Canada, in their improved
condition, free of charge.  Such disinterested kindnes8 is
not often witnessed in this selfish world of ours.
" But while England breathes nothing but beneficence
and philanthropy in this Western world, in the East she
is'more terrible than an army with banners.' She is
filching the last penny from the natives of the Indies. I
have recently seen it stated, the torture is applied to make
them pay their taxes. What a contrivance to force out
of them the last farthing!  And yet this is all dignified
as freedom! These dependent and inoffensive East Indiamen are held to be fee!  What a charm is there in
the mere name! Ilow much do they have to pay for this
empty bubble to aliens and foreigners to them-men who
have come there to deprive them of their ancient privileges?-in Federal currency the splendid sumn of $145,000,000 per annum.  This is all the East India Company
charge them for their paternal care-for their trouble of
governing those whom they have cruelly conquered.
"How obvious it is, therefore, England is more astute
in fleecing people than we ever have been or can be."
"Do  not flatter yourself too much,'Squire.  Your
government has displayed a disposition to plunder its
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neighbors.  Mexico, if brought to the stand, could tell a
tale not very creditable to your national character."
"Ah! indeed, Mr. Darby.   She was the instigator of
the war - she fired the first gun. We gave her a severe
chastisement for her presumnption, and made her foot the
bill, as we had a right to do. We took a slice of her territory as indemnity. England does not whip nations at
her own expense either. Remember the Chinese war.
The Celestials refused to eat any more of her opium, and
for that piece of rascality England made war upon them.
In the end, she only charged them $20,000,000 for the
performance of this job, which  they treely paid and
thought it a cheap whipping at that.
"We are not in a situation to whip nations for nothing,
any more than England. For all such jobs we hold ourselves entitled to full pay.  In this respect England and
the United States are alike.
"But when we come to look at the use they make of
their respective annexations, the difference is the most
striking.  We, poor silly souls, have never been taught
the art of feecing. We conquer people only to make
themfree-fighting to diffuse liberty, to incorporate them
into our political family upon an equal footing in all
respects with ourselves. Was there ever such a curious
spectacle presented? We are striving to spread the area
of freedom, not for our own good, but for the exclusive
benefit of others.  If we are ambitious, it is not for filthy
lucre, but for the benefit of humanity.
"Our mission is grand and noble. In all our annexations, from first to last, we have been guilty of no injury
to any one.  Where is the complaint? where are the
murmurings that come up from the people incorporated?
None do I hear. They are not taxed higher than our own
people - they are not made tributary to us, but suffered
to come into the full enjoyment of all our rights, privileges, and immunities.
"Can the same be said of England? Not by any
means. She extortions upon those she conquers. She
extracts from their hard earnings all the wealth she can.
It is made to flow into her lap to increase her riches and
prosperity.
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ABOLITIONISM UNVEILED.
"But let us look into her internal regulations to pro.
mote industry. I will not say her scheme does not succeed, but I will venture to assert it is very oppressive-I
mean to the poor. The price of labor, like everything
else, ought to be left free and uncontrolled.   The supply
and demand will be sure to fx the proper standard. But
this principle, so salutary in all the operations of commerce, could not satisfy the prudential foresight of England. Hence we discover at an early period in her
history she undertook to fix the rate of wages. It was
first, by law, left to the discretion of the magistrates; but
this created so much complaint that the Parliament, in
the reign of Henry VII, nearly three hundred years ago,
undertook to adjust this vexatious question. Now look
at the prices settled by the united wisdom of that great
nation.'The wages of a tradesman, such as a mason,
bricklayer, tiler, etc., should be regulated at near tenpence a day.' Does not this show her affectionate kindness for the poor?  Near tenpence a day fbr mechanics!
"I do suppose this price must have been fixed by the
nicest arithmetical calculation. The number of days in
a year being set down at 365, then how little meat and
bread can a man subsist upon so as to keep him in good
working condition.  Those astute in such matters can tell
to the smallest fraction the needed quantity. Make a
small additional allowance for a wife and a few children,
then the sum may be worked out to a punctilio. Tenpence a day was the precise sum in which all this figuring
resulted. The subsistence point was thus flly discovered
and irrevocably fixed."
"You will not deny,'Squire, that England has adopted
a very judicious system of industry. No nation call
boast of greater affluence and prosperity.  How came
this to be so?"
" I grant all that, Mr. Darby; but that proves nothing
against my position. The few are wealthy-the masses
indigent.  And  why?  Because their wages have been
fixed and retained for ages at the bare subsistence point.
It is not only so at home, but in the East Indies.  Tile
wages there vary from five to seven cents per day —a very
scant allowance-all made over that finds its way into the
232 
ABOLITIONISM UNVEILED.
coffers of the East India Company. The laborers, it will
be seen, are allowed, out of their hard earnings, barely
elouLIgh to keep them alive; but they are not always that
fortunate, for, if my memory be correct, about 60,000 of
the natives, some years ago, perished of actual starvation.
What goes with the overplus made by their industry?
That is grasped by their taskmasters and oppressors.
"How can human beings work for less? To enable
them to undergo fatigue and exertion, nourishment they
must hlave.  Wages, therefore, can never fall below the
subsistence point without the sacrifice of life.  What
think you of so sad a picture? Why slted tears over the
slaves of the United States? As to comfbrts of life, they
have them in greater abundance than your peasantry.  In
their masters they have friends and protectors.
"Your poor cannot boast of as much.  From age to
age poverty has been their inheritance. The most constant and assiduous industry, during the longest life, can
make no accumulations to meet the contingencies and the
infirmities of old age. Not a ray of hope is permitted
to illuminate their pathway; the great struggle with
them is not for independence, but for a mere living.
Thus millions have passed through time, without any
higher aspirations, to the great ocean of eternity."
i Well,'Squire, I must confess, you manifest strong
hostility to England. I must be allowed to observe, if
you were to visit our country you would not be greeted
with a very hearty welcome.  You may have a little love
for your own country-even that is questionable-but for
other nations You have no regard. You have an unusual
share of misanthropy in your composition."
"I may have the spirit of retaliation burning too
strongly in my breast, Mr. Darby. I may be following too
closely Moses' Law,' an eye for an eye, and a tooth for a
tooth; that may be possible, but I cannot forget England
hlas disclosed herself as the peculiar friend of the negroas an advocate of their inalienable rights, so much harped
ul)()in by a very dangerous Party in our midst. This circuinstance, with others, has induced me to scrutinize her
domestic policy, the structure of her government, and
the propriety of her laws.  I hold her a voluntary and
20
233 
ABOLITIONISM UNVEILED.
officious mneddler in our national affairs, and as such, I
have not been disposed to show her a great deal of respect
or mercy.
'Whenever a book is published  derogatory to the
South,' she rolls it as a sweet morsel under her tongue.'
Tile Duchess of Sutherland can take a delight in setting
apart a rooiu and furnishing it in oriental style for the
especial accommodation of one, whose work had a tendency to lower the dignity of her country and tarnish its
fair tame. Spotless and pure we are not -evils there
must be in all systems of government; but in the aggregate, ours surely approximates nearer to perfection than
any other whatever.   With  my republican notions  I
can assure you, I would make an awkward companion
for dukes, duchesses, queens, and lords.  It would be
difficult to induce me to believe that there is nobility in
the blood. All such notions have been exploded in our
country. We cannot concede birth gives merit, but we
open the road to honors and distinctions to all alike-to
the low as well as to the high-born. Kings, queens, and
nobility, by birth, we know not. We are masters of ourselves here-ffree in thought, speech and religion. The
government was moulded and fashioned according to our
deliberate will-we are esteemed the fountain of power,
the sovereigns of the land."
"And great sovereigns you are, upon my word,'Squire.
Mobocracy would be a more appropriate name for such a
government. Infinitely better tbr you all if you had a
king to rule you with absolute sway.  Monarchly, at last,
is the only form of government that can restrain the turbulence of men's dispositions.  All republics have been
short-lived, and  yours is approaching a catastrophe.
Your nation is split up into many factions, and your governmnent is a perfectly impracticable machine."
"Perhaps you may think so, Mr. Darby; but there
has been, and I hope it will continue, a conservatism in
the great body of tile people, sufficient for all the emergencies through whichl our nation has passed.  It has
preserved us from harm hitherto, and the same wise
councils may yet prevail. This turbulent democracy-if
it may be so termed-is greatly preferable to the noiseless
234 
ABOLITIONISM UNTEILED.
waves of crushing tyranny.  Yours is the stillness of
death-death to genius, to mnerit, to sterling worth.
The great Author of otir being has distributed withoult discriinination tile gems of talent among the children
of i,en.  Thoulgh  the riches and honors of this world
miay be limited to a few, only one in" England can be
queen, at a time, and a comparatively  few lords; yet
there are gems, splendid intellectual gems, in the lower
walks of life,' born to blush unseen, and waste their
sweetness oil the desert air.'
"The greatest statesmen, jurists, and generals of which
our nation can b)oast, emerged from an humble sphere.
Each one, with us, has to be the artifcer of his own
fortune and fame.  Parentage or blood  is not greatly
respected in the absence of intellectual worth. This is
as it should be.  The presidential chair, high and exalted
as it is, dazzling with gorgeous splendor, does not belong
to any particular family, or descend from father to son or
daug,hter; but it is a prize to be won by a native born
citizen of the United States, whose civil qualifications
enable him to discharge its various, extensive, and
responsible duties."
"One must have the patience of Job-pardon my allusion to Scripture, with which you are jammed full-to
listen to your tirade of abuse against my country,'Squire.
You will excuse me for observing that, if the South questions the sincerity of England's declaration, there are
thousands in your own country who will, and do, cheerfully co-operate with her in the laudable work of philanthlropy.  We  have friends here-warm and devotedwhlo will not cease the good work until Slavery is driven
from the land."
"Do not deceive yourself, Mr. Darby. England may
hiave friends in our midst-this I am not inclined to dispulte-but as to the South, she is competent to settle all
questions affecting her interest. The bell sounds. We
are at the Depot in Cincinnati."
235 
ABOLMONISM UNVEILED.
CIAPTER XXXII.
At the Dennison Ho)ue-Conver.-ation on the value of the Union in
reference to Cincinnati and the West.
"WELL, David," said the'Squire, "we are now seated
in this elevated, airy, and comfortable room, lhaving an
extensive view of this prosperous city, and my mind has
been involuntarily led to the contemplation of the imniense value-of the Union, more particularly to the great
West, and her proud cities."
"I think, uncle, it will be well enough not to omit the
consideration of the Union, in this particular aspect: our
remarks hitherto in relation to it, have been of a general
character; and the West stands in a peculiar attitude to
the South, which demands special notice."
"To-morrow, David, without an accident, I hope we
will be tenants of my humble mansion in Boone. We
have traversed the great State of Ohio, mingled with a
certain class of her population, and I am unwilling to
depart, without some qualifications, to much that has
been written. More than thirty long and tedious years
have elapsed since I have resided near this Queen City.
With her people I have been more or less acquainted
for that period of time."
"I can say, uncle, this city bears a very bad reputation
South; she is considered the focus of Abolitionism, and
a great disturber of the harmony of the Union."
"I admit, David, she has, in her bosom, some rabid
Abolitionists, who spurn the law and the Constitution of
the country. They profess to be the devotees of a higAer
law-a law overriding the Bible, as well as everything
human."
"Now, uncle, ought we not to hold the people of this
city responsible for this wicked and pernicious fanaticism?
ought they not to extirpate it?"
"It would seem, David, they ou,ht to use every reasonable effort for that purpose; but this is a species of fanati
236 
ABOLITIONISM UNVEILED.
cism the most incorrigible in the world.  Men know not
how to approach it, or in what way to arrest it."
" I must confess, uncle, it is a very subtle enemy. We
have, in our peregrinations, felt its dire vengeance, and
yo(u have labored hard and earnestly to bring it to right
reason."
"And yet, David, I should not be astonished if my
labor were all in vain. Abolitionism will, notwithstandirig, grow in her proportions, and become more ominous
to the peace and harmony of the country."
"Perhaps that may be so, uncle; but if that wicked
spirit is to be crushed out, it must be done by the people
in the Free States: for we have no influence over it."
"That, David, I will not undertake to controvert.   I
will only say, I know the people of this city well,-bher
merchants, artists, and men of property-and I feel safe
in saying, a great majority of them are opposed to the
everlasting turmoil on the subject of Slavery. They are
willing for the laws of the Union to be executed without
impediment."
"I have seen it, uncle, repeatedly stated, that it was
attended with serious and great difficulty, even if arrested,
to get a fugitive slave out of this city."
"If a slave, David, should be apprehended here, as a
matter of course, the Abolitionists will stir up an immense excitement about it; but it does not extend beyond
that factioii-really insignificant in number, yet capable
of achieving great mischief."
"However, uncle, 1 suppose the use of the Underground Railroad enables the Abolitionists to run off fugitive slaves with so much rapidity, that the most of the
owner's rights are destroyed in that way."
" Yes, David, the greatest uncertainty is, in finding
them. These enemies to the South have such excellent
contrivances now to carry on their nefarious operations, that they but too seldom meet with detection and
exposure."
"In this way, uncle, the South is continually injured
and irritated, and the bonds of this Union weakened."'
"Yes, David, a few madcaps are thus creating bitter
feelings, where  the most cordial friendship ought  to
237 
ABOLITIONISM UNVEILED.
prevail. The locality of the West and South forbids the
idea of a separation."
"Indeed, uncle, those whom God has joined together,
palsied may  be the hand that would try to produce
alienation and separation."
"That the great Builder of the universe, David, intended the West and South to be one and indissoluble, is
written in characters too legible to be misunderstood.
The great rivers that penetrate these vast fertile valleys,
all flow into one conmmon  stream, that empties its vast
volume of water into the Gulf of Mexico; so tremnendous
is its rush to the sea, that the sensitive nerves of old ocean
vibrate to the remote shores of Newfoundland."
"I would ask, uncle, how could Ohio, Indiana, Illinois,
nay, this whole western valley, do without the South?
To my poor comprehension, their interest is one  and
identical. Neither can do without the other."
" What an absurdity, David, to suppose this Union can
be split in twain, and two rival and hostile governments
be reared upon its ruins! Those whose madness have
reached to that point, should ask themselves, in all seriousness, where shall the dividing line be run? Let them
take the chain and compass and define the boundaries
between the North and South."
" I guess, uncle, that would be rather a puzzling business. Make the Ohio the line, and what a spectacle would
soon be presented  Here is Kentucky and Ohio, two
bri,ght stars in our political firmament, and floating lovingly upon the same silken flag-two sisters in this great
confederacy of States. Make them enemies to each
other, how sadly would the scene be changed! In Newport and Covington ere-long, massive forts would rear
their defiant heads, all bristling with cannon, while on
this side, they would be confronted by similar works. In
case of war, these cities, at this time mutually flourishing,
would lay each other in ashes."
" To carry the imagination forward to such an event,
David, we can see but a faint outline of the misery and
ruin disunion would entail. How strongly should all be
a,tlmonished to cling with fresh and renewed ardor to this
Ark of our political safety."
238 
ABOLITIONISM UNVEILED.
"Indeed, uncle, we ought to discountenance, in the
language of WASfIINGTON'S Farewell Address,'whatever
would siuggest a suspicion, that it can, in any event be
abandoned;' and speak of it as the Palladium of'our
political safety and prosperity.''
"It is too plain, David, to my humble conception, that
we do not properly estimate thle imnmense value of our
National Union.  I have been thinking over this citythis State-whence their great prosperity?   Cincinnati
has spread over, and filled Ul) this bottom since I came
West. The hills are pressing on her giant limbs, until
she is uttering groans for room to expand."
"I must, uncle, claim a little credit for the South in
helping, to elevate her to her queenly condition.   The
spires of her numerous gorgeous churches penetrate the
clouds; and her thousands of lofty chimneys empty their
dark and curling smoke, where it lies in deep sullenness
upon the feeble atmosphere.   Her furnaces, too, with
blazing firy, pour out a cloud of darkness, that hovers
over the face of this youthful queen, like a black veil."
" From the window where we sit, David, in consequence of the rarity and stillness of the atmosphere, the
city presents a sombre appearance.-But our inquiry is,
What  has given her this pre-eminence in the West?
Living,, as I have done these many years, on the Ohio
river, I can formn some idea of the immense commerce she
lhas enjoyed with the South. Well may her manufacturing( industry flourish, her enterprise and energy meet with
due encouragement, while she participates in a free and
unrestricted trade with the whole South. This is as it
should be. I rejoice in her growth and prosperity where
it results from fair and legitimate commerce."
"So do I, uncle, we want in the South her manufactulred articles, her flour, whisky, and provisions; and in
exchange, she gladly takes our cotton, sugar or rice. The
exchange of commodities thus enriches both parties."
How important, therefore, it is, David, that the best
of feelings should exist on both sides. Commercial intercourse, the more it is encouraged, must tend to harmonize
the two sections.  We know and understand each other
better.  Were I less acquainted with these people., I migh t
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ABOLITIONISM UNVEILFD.
revile and denounce them all as enemies and traitors to
the South; but knowing them as I do, and have done for
many years, I o,ught, and must, make a discrilnination.
Let us by no means, confound  the innocent witl  the
guilty. The Union has friends, strong, and itfaithfiil, in
tihis very city. Those we should encourage and strengthen
in the good work."
'Thlat is all right, uncle, we othlit not to include all
these people in one sweeping denunciation, especially if
a large portion of them is manfully contending for the
faithfutl observance of the Federal Compact."
I can tell you, David, this Hi,lglier Law party here, is
but a fraction of the population. They are artful and
designing, and can make a terrific outcry."
They must, uncle, contrive some way or other, to
give themselves great prominence. They have exasperated the South by their'outside interference,' to a dangerous degree."
"So they have, David, and their conduct is all the time
producing border difficulties greatly to be deplored. Why
should it be so? Kentucky has adopted Slavery, as she
lhad a rilght to do, and has aimed to guard and protect
her citizens in the possession of that species of property,
by severe legislative enactments; because it would be
perfectly ridiculous for a State to confer legal rights,
without at the same time, enacting the necessary Laws to
enforce their observance."
"Your penal statutes, uncle, ought to be a sufficient
warning to all persons to abstain from tampering with
Slaves."
"They ought to be, David, but they have proved insufficient to prevent this great evil. You know I am fond
of walking alone of a night, indulging in the serious contemnplation of the wondrous works of the Universe.
Upon one of those occasions, while the moon diffused her
mild rays upon this earth, and the stars shone with unusual brilliancy, I chanced to espy JIM CROW, wending
his way to a negro cabin, which he entered, and closed(
the door. I was tempted to draw near, and place my ear
within hearing distance. Ile thus commenced:
'' Well, Sam, I thought I would just drop in to-night.
240 
ABOLITIONISM tNVEILED.
You have a warm, comfortable room, good bedding, a
wife, and four pretty children; but still you lack one
thing to make you happy.'
"' Pray, mister,' replied Sam,'what can that be?
" It is only, freedom.'
"' Shliere, mall, how can I get dat? You know, mast'r
aint gwine to let dis nigger go.'
"'Oh, Sam, we care mighty little whether he wants
you to go or not. We don't consult his feelings about
it at all.'
"' Den how does you do, Mist'r Crow?'
"'That, I will tell you, Sam, at the proper time-all
you have first to say, are you disposed to leave?'
"' I tells you, Mist'r Crow, dat be a mighty hard question. Dere is many t'ings to be t'ot on, when we talks
about such t'ings. S'pose I start, and be ketch, den you
know what follows-dis nigger has to be sent off.'
"' Don't fear that, Sam, we are your friends, and do
not intend to worst your condition. If you will place
yourselves in our care, we will go security, you will not
be caught.'
"' Now, does you say dat, Mist'r Crow; you knows I
am well sitiwated now. My mast'r is kine enuff- I
works no harder dan he does. We gets along mi'ty well
togeder. He gis us plenty to eat, an' you sees he gis us
a good house to lib in. An' we has a kine missis too.
What more den, does we want?'
"' There is one thing lacking, Sam, and that is, to be
free.  To get that, you have only to say, you are willing
that's all you have to do.'
"' Hush, Mist'r Crow, don't fool dis nigger - mast'r
won't be slow hunting up dis Sam, his wife, an' leetle
ones, if dey be gone.  I knows him, an' he arn't a-gwine
to let us get off so berry easy.'
"'I don't care, Sam, how quick he is, he can't catch
you on our'underground railroad.'  That does business
rather too rapidly to be overtaken.'
"' Dere it is, Mist'r Crow-what sort ob a darn t'ing
is dat, as what runs under de ground.'
"' Never mind that at present, Sam, just say you will
all come at a certain time, our Director will furnish you
21
241 
ABOLITIONISM UE DILZ.
with through-tickets, and before you can say Jack Robinson, you'll all be snugly landed in Canada.'
' Dere, aint dat curis, Mist'r Crow, but s'pose our ole
hoss cums'pon us'fore we gets in dat dark'ole, what den?'
"' Oh, we will hide you, Sam, too nicely for that; but
we furnish another sort of a passport, that seldom fails(draws a revolver) don't you see this lovely instrument?
That is yours, if you consent to go.'
"' La! what a nice lookin' t'ing dis is, Mist'r Crowhow does you work him to make him talk loud-dere be
six leetle holes in dis t'ing-how can you make each on
'em do his part?'
"'All you have to do, Sam, is to keep pulling the
trigger, and it will keep working around, until the six
loads are discharged.'
"' What a curis t'ing dis is,'pon my word. Does you
say, de white man will stand back, when he sees dis
feeful instrument? Does you say it's mine, if we'll'gree
to go'
"' Yes, Sam, it's yours, if you'll say you'll come.'
"' Dere, Mist'r Crow, you temp' dis nigger too much.'
"' Now, Peggy, my wife, what say you to gwine wid
our children?'
"' Oh, Sam you're crazy, you know we're comfortably
fixed now-has good homes where we may live our lifetime; but if we try to get off and fail-t'ink of dat.
What would become of us!'
"'But you know, Peggy, Mist'r Crow aint gwine to
lie'bout sich t'ings, and he says, dere aint no danger.'
"'Alas! I wish Mist'r Crow had staid at home, and
mind his own business-not to come to dis cabin, to put
rich bad noshens in dat head ob your'n.'
"' Fear not'in, Peggy, all well kum out rite.'
"' Why, Sam, does you inten' to hazar' all de blessin's
we enjoys, for dis unsartin business I'
"' I mus' confess, Peggy, new t'ots has bin put in my
poor head. I begins to sigh for dat strange land.'
Mis'ry, mis'ry, Sam; if we starts, I feels a kin' of
bodin' we'll be brought back, an' den we'll be undone.'
"' Oh, Peggy, you conjer up so many bogobows-dey
won't fin' us, and den how kin dey catch us?'
242 
ABOLITIONISM UNVEILED.
"  Don't b'lieve eberyt'ing, Sam; you knows not what
may happen. We may be obertaken, an' be bro't back.
Oh, how awfuil de very t'ot. I'm so easily frightened, an'
den I don't know what I might do. To be sent to de
Sout, de berry noshen nearly kills me. All dese t'ings,
dear husband, if we should be taken, will rush upon me
at once; I shall become de'perate, and what I may be
tem'ted to do, God only knows.'
"'Don't t'ink ob dem t'ings, Peggy-ey  cotch usall but dat; when we gets into dat dark'ole, as what
leads to Candy, dey'll no see us any more.'
"' If I goes, God knows, Sam, it will be with a tremblin' heart-I sees woe a-plenty a-head, but I will foller
you de world ober-if go you will.'
"' Den, Mist'r Crow, we'll be in de City next Sunday
night.'
"' God bless you, Sam, be as early as possible; we will
be prepared to give you dispatch.'
"The conversation having ended, I resumed my meditations."
" Well, uncle, let us have the sequel of the story!"
"On the very Sunday night mentioned, Sam, wife, and
children, with the master's horses and sleigh, departed to
this city; crossing theriver upon the ice, theyarrived at old
Joe KIite's about the dawn of day, too late, as luck would
have it, for underground railroad operations. Therefore,
they had to remain in the safe-keeping of their good old
friend, Joe, for the day."
"Did not the owner pursue, uncle?"
"Yes, he was on the trail bright and early in the
morning-and soon tracked them to their den.  He then
got out a warrant from Commissioner Pendery, placed it
in the hands of a United States' M]arshal, who, accompanied by a posse, went to old Joe's, to arrest the fugitive
slaves. The party entered, after bursting open the doorSam, relying upon his revolver, discharged it two or
three times, until it was wrested from his hands by one
of the Deputy Marshals, who was slightly wounded.  The
mother in the meantime, in a fit of desperation, had cut
the throat of one of her children, and wounded two
others."
243 
ABOLITIONISM UNVEILED.
" What a horrible affair, uncle; ought not Abolitionism to be the more detested, for placing those poor, unsuspecting creatures in so dangerous a position?'Had
they let them alone, this would not have happened."
"If our Slaves, David, were voluntarily to elope, without any' outside interference,' and then commit such tragedies, we would have no right to censure others for it.
But it seems to me, where great persuasion is used to induce slaves to abscond, under the assurance of a perfect
immunity from apprehension, the party bringing about
this change, in all justice, ought to be answerable for the
consequences that ensue."
"I do suppose, uncle, if Sam, Peggy, and children,
had remained contentedly at home, this tragedy would
not have happened. Upon whose hands shall the blood
be fastened?-that is the grand inquiry."
"To decide that question fairly, David, let us consider
the respective parties engaged: First, the owner. What
did he do to bring about this fearful result?  Did he, in
any particular, transcend the law, either of his State, or
the Union? It is not pretended he did. He pursued his
absconding slaves, as he had a legal right to do, into the
State of Ohio. There, out of a pure reverence for the
law, he adopts legal steps for the recovery of his slaves.
They go to arrest them by the highest and most sacred
legal authority, bringing to their aid sufficient force to
accomplish the object, and no more. If the mother, under
those circumstances, thought proper to commit the unnatural deed of sacrificing the life of her child, surely he
stands guiltle88ss of the deed. It was not his will or
wish."
" That, uncle, is evidently a legitimate conclusion  To
arraign the owner for what may happen is equivalent to
cutting off his claim altogether. If the Slaves escape,
he is legally empowered to pursue and recapture."
" That is true enough, David, but let us see how the
account in the next place, stands with Abolitionism. If
I might personify her, I would say, stand up thou at the
bar of public opinion, and let us see if thy garments are
pure and unspotted! As the serpent crept into the garden of Eden, and by his subtlety tempted Adam and Eve
244 
ABOLITIONISM UNVEILED.
to depart from their holy estate, so hast thou soutght to
entwine thyself around the heart of the poor, ignorant,
confiding Slave, and lead him through the labyrinth of
ruin.  Happy and contented at his home, thou didst find
him and poured thy poisonous breath into his ear, and
brought upon him irretrievable ruin. The blood of infants,
like Mioloch of old, has stained thy hands, because thoC)i
didst induce the mother to escape, who, if not tempted by
thee, would have remained at her home, happy and contented. Thou didst draw her into that perilous condition,
the most frightful to the Slave, in which, by the instigation of the Devil, if not by thyself, she felt herself constrained to pour out the blood of an innocent and harmless child. But here, let the curtain fall-I have done
with Ohio."
CHAPTER XXXIII.
The'Squire and David at home-The Pony-Final Conversation.
"HERE we are, at home once more," said the'Squire
to David, "and on the soil of our beloved Kentucky.
We have had hairbreadth escapes from those malicious
negroes in Canada, and for our escape, we are chiefly indebted to that splendid little pony. Ohl! I must see him
at once. Tell the hostler to bring him in the yard, that
we may feast our eyes upon him.'
After a few moments' absence, David returned, and
informed his uncle, the pony was in the yard. He immediately walked out, and addressed Henry, the hostler, ill
the following words:
Well, Henry, have you treated this little horse with
the utmost kindness, ever since his arrival? Have you
given him a-plenty of oats and hay —or whatever he most
relished; and then, a-plenty of good soft straw, upoii
which he could repose of nights. To us, he has been a
precious pony, having borne us twice away from infuriated mobs of negroes in Canada.  By  his agility and
speed, our lives have been preserved, to be present with
you all this day."
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ABOLITIONISM UNVEILED.
"Yes,'Squire," said Henry. "He has lived like one leetle
prince, ever since he has been here-lihe aint wanted for no thing. You sees his hair is soft and glossy-oh, hlie is antic
as a monkey.  I rubbed him down twice every day-gave
him plenty of good cool water, right out of the spring. At
the crack of the whip, now-all creation could not keep
up with him. I tho't I'll try him one day, to see if he
was such a fast goer; so I hitched him to the buggy that same nice little vehicle what comes with him; so
when I comes on that pooty, smooth road, as what leads
down the river, I fetched a whistle and cracked the whip;
of all the leetle rascals-the way he played his feet was a
caution to Jim Crow."
"I suppose," said the'Squire, " it frightened out some
of your Dutch wet.  How did you like the speed?"
"Speed! mine Got! I tried to say wo-a, and I hadn't
breath left to say that leetle word. I couldn't see nothing
all along the road but one blue streak. I hauled him up
arter a while, by nearly pulling off dese arms. So I
brings him back to the stable-sez I, stay in here, ye
leetle varmant, till such time as the old'Squire gets
home, for 1'll not try your bottom agin —I don't love such
fast fun as that, may be I don't."
"You can take him back to the stable," said the'Squire
to Henry, and let him fare sumptuously-we owe to him
a debt of gratitude, we shall never be able to repay,"
After which, the'Squire and David, seated in a sumptuous hall, warmed up for their accommodation, in the
splendid mansion of the'Squire, held the followingtheir final conversation:
"Now, David," said the'Squire, " our journeyings
have come to a close. Here we are, under our own roof
safe and sound. What reflections are you disposed to make
upon our gleantings and the boisterous scenes through
which we have been constrained to pass?"
"Well, uncle, my soul is weighed down with the woes
I see suspended over my beloved, native land. FreeSoilism, like a dark and portentous cloud, hangs suspended in the Eastern horizon; how soon it may burst
and prostrate all our ardent hopes, I cannot tell."
"I know not myself David, what to think of the
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ABOLONISM U1TfnD.
entanglement of public affairs. I had hoped the principle
so fairly settled by the Kansas-Nebraska Bill, would not
have been disturbed. I could not find any valid objection
to allowing the inhabitants of the Territories to decide for
themselves, whether they preferred free or slave labor. By
this means, the disturbing question of Slavery would be
removed forever from the halls of Congress, where its
discussion has been productive of such infinite mischief."
"The South, uncle, is contented to rest the question
where it is now placed; and if the North would yield,
the harmony of the Union would be immediately restored."
"That I admit, David; but I can see no indications from
the North to encourage such a hope. Stronger feelings
of hostility to Southern Institutions seem to be growing
up in that section."
"I must say, uncle, that hostility is most unreasonable
and unjust.  Why persecute us for an evil-if it must be
so considered-which is not of our creation, but the work
of our ancestors?  The great problem left for our solution
is, what disposition can we make of the slaves which we
find among us? Have we not wisdom enough to adjust
this dangerous question-one in which we alone are interested-without interference from the North?"
"I suppose, David, we have to suffer for the deeds of
former generations.  The doctors of Divinity assure us
that there is such a thing as original sin. Although we
were not in existence at the time of the transgression of
Eve and Adam, yet, by a mysterious connection, that sin
has traveled down through the long line of Adam's p0osterity to this generation, who are none the less guilty
than our head and representative."
"If that be so, uncle, and I am not going to enter into
a controversy on that intricate point, all I can say is, we
were not present to prevent it. If suffer for it we must,
I will aim to meet it with resignation."
"I have one objection to this incurred responsibility,
David, and that is, to be disgraced and punished for the
sins of old England, the great monopolist, at one time,
of the African Slave Trade."
" That is, I confess, a peculiar hardship, uncle* but if
it is ordained  of fate, it is folly tQ resist,   england
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ABOLITIONISM UNVEILED.
planted us in this Western world, and at the same time,
placed along side of us the African, who was finally to
be our overthrow and ruin."
" When I think of the controversy, David, now raging
between the North and South, the African appears alone
to be the apple of discord. If he were out of the question, the harmony of the Union would be safe and undisturbed. We are not distracted in any other respect."
"That is a mortifying spectacle for this great nation to
present, uncle. Our whole political machinery works
discordant in consequence of this African ingredient in
our body politic."
"That is true, David, and must be obvious to the most
superficial observer. Our National Government is almost
prostrated. So numerous are the factions in Congress, so
split up and divided are the members of the Lower House,
that a majority cannot unite in the election of Speaker.
After fifty-two ballots, no choice has been made; and
without one, there can be no organization of the House.
What may be the final result, no one can tell; but even
if a speaker be elected, still the government is incapable
of any definite action. It will be a mere incubus upon
the country. As to its fulfilling the great objects of its
creation, that'is foreign to the hope.' The great interests
of the nation must suffer and be neglected.  I can see no
escape."
"Is not this an extremely unfortunate position for this
nation to be in, uncle, at this critical conjuncture in the
affairs of the old world?"  Our divisions and distractions
produce weakness, and weakness invites insult and
aggression."
"So it seems to me, David.  The alliance between
England and France was not only to circumscribe and
humble Russia, but extends to this hemisphere. We, too,
must feel their chastening rod, and be brought to lick
the dust from their proud and haughty feet, so soon as
:this war with Russia can be brought to an honorable close."
" The great SPIRIT of WASHINGTON, uncle, if it could
be invoked to look down upon our feeble and helpless
national condition, would weep over the distractions and
follies of his countrymen,"
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ABOLITIONISM UNVEILED.
"Our government  has lost its capacity for action,
David. Anarchy, confusion, and bloodshed must follow;
then despotism steps in to close the scene. Thus all
ancient republics have fallen, and can we escape a similar
fate?  One remarkable fact will strike the attention in
reading the history of nations, that LIBERTY can be easily
lost, but never can be permanently regained."
" That makes her, uncle, so precious a jewel-a jewel
that can only be preserved by eternal viyilance.  Why
are not all mankind free?  How came they to be otherwise?  Let the response come up from England, Francenay, all the nations of the earth."
" But one response, David, could be heard, and that
would be, We were incapable of appreciating and preserving so great a blessing-so valuable a jewel as liberty.
Though the confession would be derogatory to the intelligence of our race, yet it would be true. France recently
had it in her power to be free-was free-but she soon
bowed her neck, gentle as a lamb, under the iron yoke of
Louis Napoleon. England has beheaded kings, but the
work was in vain-in the end, monarchy was re-established. Rome had her commonwealth-it perished; the
die was cast when Caesar passed the Rubicon. Pompey
fell, and with him liberty vanished.  The usurper was
slain in the Senate house, by Brutus, Cassius, and others.
Hiis death, however, did not put an end to tyranny-that
endured while Rome had an existence."
"These are historic truths, uncle, and should impress
upon the minds of all the weighty responsibility of maintaining, in their vigor and purity, our Free Institutions, and
translniting them unimpaired to succeeding generations,
Oh! what a rich heritage has descended to us!  Shall it
be said of those now living, they were incapable of its
preservation?  My humble aim has been to strengthen
the bonds of the Union, to show its immense value to
our happiness, individually and collectively, and warn
my countrymen of the dangers that now environ it. If
my efforts, however feeble, have had a tendency-to nerve
their arms in its defense, I shall retire satisfied to the
sunny fields of the South, there to await, with fearful
anxiety, the momentous issues of the future."
249
0 
ABOLITIONISM UNVEILED.
" May Heaven's choice blessings, my dear David,"
rejoined the'Squire, "rest upon thy head.  Thou hast
journeyed with me, and participated in my perils. And
here, alas! we must part."
Now, kind reader, whoever thou art, what parting
word must I utter? I can but implore thee to remember
the value of the deposit left in thy hands-the liberty of
thy country. Upon thee its preservation partly depends;
and when years shall have rolled away, "may these States
be one and inseparable." May the stars that float on our
flag, not wane or diminish, but go on to increase in number, and shine with brighter effulgence "until the consummation of all things."
CHAPTER XXXIV.
Conclusion.
NOT intending to publish hereafter a KEY to the preceding work, the Author will, in-conclusion, observe, that
he has aimed to give the influence of Abolitionism on
the slave population in the border counties, in Kentucky,
fairly and fully. At the same time a few slaves have
made their escape to parts unknown, great numbers have
been sold and transported farther South. In this aspect,
Abolitionism has been a curse instead of a benefit to the
negroes.  The  niobism  manifested by  the negroes in
Canada to the citizens of the South, is not a fiction but a
reality, as many can testify.
A charge has been brought against the Abolitionists,
in the body of the work, of electing men to office with a
view of defeating the operations of the Fugitive Slave
Law. In confirmation of that charge, the Author will
submit the following resolution, adopted by a Convention
held in Lake County, Ohio:
"Resolved-That our delegates are hereby instructed
to vote for no man, for the office of District Judge, who is
not opposed to the Fugitive Slave Law, on constitutional
grounds, and who will not by writ of habeas corPus, interpose the authority of the State against its execution."
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0 
ABOL1ONISM UNEILED.
It will* be remembered that George, in "Uncle Tom's
Cabin," was made the inventor of a labor-saving ma chine, thereby displaying considerable genius.  In pure
deference to that high authority, the Author has endowed
his "Shan" with more sagacity and penetration than he
has conceded to a learned professor.
The author, in his travels in the vicinity of Oberl.n,
some years ago, derived the incidents of the "prayerful
whipping" from sundry persons in that region of country,
up)On1 whose veracity he relied. It is not, therefore, a
mere fiction of his brain.
It will be perceived that the Abolition excitement in
the United States, is ascribed to foreign influence.  This
is a serious charge and ought not to be lightly made.
Sundry facts in the knowledge of the author, have forced
him, though reluctantly, to that conclusion.  The dona tion of $30,000 to the Oberlin College, by some one in
England, was related to the author by credible persons.
The threats of the black British officer in Canada,
were made to a gentleman of Kentucky, and the author
has given the words as reported to him. Now take this
donation, the threats of the negro officer, and then peruse
the following extract taken from a speech, delivered upon
the floor of Congress by the Honorable Joshua R. Gidding,s-what does it all signify?
"I look forward to the day when there shall be a servile insurrection in the South; when the black man,
armed with British bayonets and led on by Briti8s officers, shall assert his freedom and wage a war of extermination against his master; when the torch of the incendiary shall light up the towns and cities of the South, and,
blot out the last vestige of Slavery. And though I may not
mock at their calamity, nor laugh when their fear cometh,
yet I will hail it as the dawn of a political millennium."
Then again, the London Daily News, under date of
Nov. 1, publishes an article specially devoted to American
affairs. The Union is considered to be on the point of
breaking up, the National Government is pronounced to
be unworkable, and here is the language used in respect
to the Northern States:
"They have borne more indignities than we have space
251 
ABOLITIONISM trNVEILED.
to tell; so that they are now asking each other, even in
their newspapers, was not the government of England
harmle8ss compared to the tyrannical governmcnt of
slave-holders A"
But in what estimate do they hold the right of suffrage
in England? what think they of representative government?  Hear the sapient editor 6n that point:
" The American nation is not truly and permanently represented by any number of unscrupulous men who climb
into office on the towering passions of the multitude."''
The editor believes a war with England would dissolve
the Union.  Ile thus sums up his article:
" These are a few of the reasons which compel us to
agree with American citizens who say, a war with England would dissolve the Union. The danger is that lawless aggression from the South may compel u8 to declare
war; but, in that worst case, we still have confident hope
that the prudent and virtuous secession of the Free
States," etc.  Again, " Every one of those will assuredly
consider a war of aggression-a war with the liberating
powers of Europe," etc.
The author will not extend his quotations, he commends the whole article to the carefil perusal of every
true-hearted American.  The liberating powers of Europe!-France and England-in alliance strong to crush
one nation- ay, to bring Russia to their feet. Why this
vast combination against an independent power? Is not
Russia entitled to her nationality?  Who can desire to
see her prostrated?  Must England and France be the
arbiters of the world?-must all other nations do obeisance to them?-must they hold the balance, and make
nations sink or rise according to their sovereign will?
These are solemn questions, and deserve calm consideration.
THE END.
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252