diff options
Diffstat (limited to '42089.txt')
| -rw-r--r-- | 42089.txt | 3806 |
1 files changed, 0 insertions, 3806 deletions
diff --git a/42089.txt b/42089.txt deleted file mode 100644 index 3aedb06..0000000 --- a/42089.txt +++ /dev/null @@ -1,3806 +0,0 @@ -The Project Gutenberg EBook of Abolitionism Exposed!, by W. W. Sleigh - -This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with -almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or -re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included -with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org/license - - -Title: Abolitionism Exposed! - Proving the the Principles of Abolitionism - are Injurious to the Slaves Themselves, Destructive - to This Nation, and Contrary to the Express Commands of God - -Author: W. W. Sleigh - -Release Date: February 14, 2013 [EBook #42089] - -Language: English - -Character set encoding: ASCII - -*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK ABOLITIONISM EXPOSED! *** - - - - -Produced by Jonathan Ingram, Lisa Reigel, and the Online -Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net (This -file was produced from images generously made available -by The Internet Archive) - - - - - - - -Transcriber's Notes: Variations in spelling and hyphenation have been -left as in the original. Greek words have been transliterated and placed -between +plus signs+. Words in italics in the original are surrounded by -_underscores_. A row of asterisks represents a thought break. - -The original sometimes uses two numbered columns for comparisons. This -text has the contents of the right column indented like a blockquote -below the contents of the left column. - -The original uses an image of a hand with a finger pointing to the right. -In this text, --> represents that image. - - - - - ABOLITIONISM - EXPOSED! - - PROVING THAT - - THE PRINCIPLES OF ABOLITIONISM - - ARE - - INJURIOUS TO THE SLAVES THEMSELVES, DESTRUCTIVE - TO THIS NATION, AND CONTRARY TO THE - EXPRESS COMMANDS OF GOD; - - WITH STRONG EVIDENCE - - _That some of the principal CHAMPIONS of Abolitionism are - inveterate Enemies to this Country, and are taking advantage - of the 'ANTI-SLAVERY WAR-WHOOP' - to dissever, and break up, the UNION_. - - - "While they promise them _Liberty_, they themselves are the - _Slaves_ of corruption."--2 Pet. ii. 19. - - - BY W. W. SLEIGH, F. R. C. S. L. - - FORMERLY PROFESSOR OF ANATOMY AND SURGERY, LONDON; HON. - MEMB. R. W. L. S. I.; AUTHOR OF "THE SCIENCE OF - SURGERY;" "THE CHRISTIAN'S DEFENSIVE - DICTIONARY AGAINST INFIDELITY;" - &c. &c. &c. - - - PHILADELPHIA: - PUBLISHED BY D. SCHNECK, - N. W. CORNER OF SECOND AND RACE STREETS. - Stereotyped by J. Fagan. - - 1838. - - - - -Entered according to the act of Congress, in the year 1838, by W. W. -SLEIGH, in the office of the district court of the eastern district of -Pennsylvania. - - - - -CONTENTS. - - - Page - PREFACE 4 - - CHAPTER I. - - Liberty and Slavery defined--Difference between Words and Things 5 - - - CHAPTER II. - - The Principles, &c. of the Leaders of Abolitionism exhibited 16 - - - CHAPTER III. - - The impracticability of the object of Abolitionists demonstrated 24 - - - CHAPTER IV. - - The Errors of the Quarterly Anti-Slavery Magazine, for April, 1837, - respecting the Scriptural Words, "_servant_"--"_property_"--"_buy_," - &c., briefly noticed 43 - - - CHAPTER V. - - The Conduct and Character of the Southern Slave-holder vindicated 49 - - - CHAPTER VI. - - Colonization Principles vindicated--Calumnies refuted--The - good the Colonization Society has already done--is doing--and - the incalculable good it must do, if duly patronized 66 - - - CHAPTER VII. - - Colonization and Abolitionism contrasted 88 - - - APPENDIX. - - Extract of an Address of William Lloyd Garrison, Esq., published - in the London Patriot, of August, 1833 91 - - Conclusion 92 - - - - -PREFACE. - - -The conflagration of the late "_Pennsylvania Hall_" having frustrated -the contemplated discussion between some of the champions of -Abolitionism and the Author, he feels it a duty he owes the public, and -the best service he can render this country, to make known, through the -medium of a Pamphlet, a few of the facts and arguments which he -intended adducing on that occasion. Thus contributing his mite of -information towards allaying the general excitement on this subject, -and, if possible, to open the eyes of those who, _through mistaken -philanthropy_, have become the _innocent_ tools of a few reckless men, -whose object, (to put the most favourable construction on it) may be, -while indifferent of consequences, to render themselves conspicuous. -Were he not convinced that the best interests of this country, that the -real interests of the coloured population, bond and free, and that -common humanity itself, are involved in the question of Abolitionism, he -would not presume to obtrude himself on the notice of the Public, on a -topic more or less now connected with politics, from which he has -hitherto carefully refrained. He comes forward therefore, while he -declares himself an eternal and uncompromising enemy to all _cruelty_, -_injustice_, _tyranny_, and _oppression_, not _against_, but _for_ -liberty--not _against_, but _for_ the coloured man--not _against_, but -_for_ humanity. - - Philadelphia, 285 Race Street. - _May 21st, 1838._ - - - - -ABOLITIONISM EXPOSED! - - - - -CHAPTER I. - -LIBERTY AND SLAVERY DEFINED.----DIFFERENCE BETWEEN WORDS AND THINGS. - - -Mankind has ever been disposed to be carried away with _names_ and -_words_, with the _representation_ of things, rather than with _things -themselves_: and that portion of mankind thus apt to be deceived by -_mere sound_, is generally the most innocent--the best--the most -unsuspecting--the most charitable--these very qualities rendering them -the easy victims of design and imprudence: the history of the world -proves, not only this, but also that demagogues are the _first_ to fly -from the commotions, which they themselves create; and thus leave their -poor innocent victims to suffer the vengeance of an outraged and -insulted community! They stand their ground while the weapons used are -merely words, and "_rotten_" eggs, &c.; but when recourse is had to -leaden balls, and swords of steel, they generally take good care to make -a quick retreat, leaving their deluded followers to have the glory of -martyrdom! - -_Liberty_ is a glorious term--so is _Christianity_--but under the sacred -garb of both one and the other, the foulest deeds have been, and may -be, perpetrated! Under the name of _Christianity_, the holy crusades, in -which thousands were slain, were instituted and carried on, by -Englishmen! And under the name of _Liberty_, men, women, and children -were, in 1793, slaughtered by Frenchmen! Be not therefore carried away -by _sounds_--by mere _words_. - -_Slavery_ is a horrid term! But why? Not that bondage or slavery is -uncommon, or rare; for there are few, very few men, white or black, on -the face of the Earth who are not SLAVES! He who commits sin is the -_slave_ of lust--so says the Bible--Let God be true, and every man a -liar. Who therefore is not a slave? Was not Buonaparte, while he was the -Emperor of nearly all Europe, a _slave_ to his god--ambition? And is not -the _covetous_ man a slave to his idol--gold? - - "He is a freeman whom the truth makes free, - And all are slaves beside. There's not a chain, - That hellish foes, confederate for his harm, - Can wind around him, but he casts it off, - With as much ease, as Samson his green withes." - -The principal reason why we abhor so much the term _slavery_ is, the -base cruelty with which _some_ tyrant slaveholders, for there are wicked -slaveholders as well as wicked husbands and masters, have treated their -slaves. Hence we are very apt to use as synonymous terms, _slavery_, -_cruelty_, _tyranny_, and _oppression_. Moreover it is the interest of -certain persons so to use these words, for the purpose of getting more -ready access to the hearts of good-natured men and women. Does any one -really believe that a man _cannot_ treat his slaves _kindly_, -_tenderly_, and _affectionately_? If any one thinks it _possible_, then -let not, for the future, the terms _slavery_ and _cruelty_ be -inseparably united. But if he thinks it impossible, then it is evident -the testimony of some thousands of disinterested, good, and religious -men, who have visited the South, and who have most solemnly borne -testimony to the kind, tender, and Christian manner in which _numerous_ -slaveholders treat their slaves, must be rejected! If all this is to be -rejected, then let the doubter, who is so charitable towards the -coloured population, exercise a little of that charity, "which rejoiceth -not in iniquity," and is "without partiality," towards his white fellow -citizens, and ere he slanders them, or encourages those who bear false -witness against them, pay the South a visit, and judge for himself, with -his own eyes, and his own cars. Methinks he replies, "but I have it from -those who themselves have witnessed it!" Witnessed what? Is it that -_all_ the slaveholders in the South treat their slaves with _cruelty_ -and _barbarity_? Oh no, perhaps he says, not _all_, but many of them! -Many thanks! This is fully admitted, and much regretted; but this -exception proves the very proposition with which we started, viz. "that -slavery, and cruelty, ought not to be used as _synonymous_ terms!" -Again, fresh he is no doubt to the charge, with the thrust, "but this -fact of many of the slaveholders treating their slaves with cruelty, -shows there ought to be no slavery!" Avast, friend! is the _abuse_ of a -system a just cause of condemnation? Do you say it is: then the system -of apprenticeship--of guardianship--of matrimony--_Liberty_--and -_Christianity_ themselves, ought to be condemned, for they all have been -abused--all have had the most _cruel_--_tyrannical_--and _Satanic_ acts, -committed under their names! Therefore, according to the very argument -by which you would have slavery condemned, you would also have -_liberty_, _matrimony_, and _Christianity_, banished from the -earth!--You cannot get out of the dilemma--there is no possible -alternative--if _slavery_ is to be condemned because it has been -_abused_, so are Liberty and Christianity! Out of thine own mouth thou -art condemned! - -A total recklessness of truth is a remarkable feature in the arguments -adopted by the advocates of Abolitionism; while they give no credit to -the statements of those differing from them! they unblushingly assert -that _all_ slaveholders are _tyrants_ and _cruel_! Does truth require -falsehood to make it conquer? Ought not those preposterous misstatements -open the eyes of the public to the real character, and motive, of those -men?--The cause of God they cannot be advocating, for his cause requires -not the weapons of Satan! Error invariably stands in need of lies for -its support. - -That there is great cruelty in the South, no one denies; but is there no -cruelty in the North? Are there no cruel, tyrannical, husbands and -masters in Philadelphia or in Boston? Are no acts of oppression -committed north of the Chesapeake? These cannot be attributed to -slavery! There is, rely on it, a deeper, a more concealed, a more -galling _slavery_ and _bondage_, to which these evils are attributable, -even the slavery of the soul to sin and to Satan. To this one, and the -same _mental slavery_, both cruelty and tyranny in the South, and in the -North, are alike referable. Therefore attributing these detestable -evils, cruelty, and tyranny, to _corporeal_ slavery, is not only -unphilosophical and unscriptural, but fatally erroneous; for it leads us -to attack the _effect_, and not the _cause_. - -The Author, while listening last week to the Abolition Champions in the -late "Pennsylvania Hall," was forcibly struck with the strong similarity -between the _mode_ of argument adopted by them, and by the champions of -Infidelity in the late public discussions, between them and him, in New -York! They commenced their addresses with high-sounding words about -_liberty!_ _oppression!_ _tyranny_, &c.! Having by this mode (_and they -know the value of it!_) got ready access to the hearts of their -audience, and made a favourable impression, so as to make the females -whisper to each other, "Oh what a fine, good man, that must be," &c.(!) -then they depicted, in the strongest colours, the horrors of -slavery--next they issued forth a tirade of slander and abuse against -all slaveholders; and lastly they proceeded to undermine the character -of every man opposed to them--the credibility of every witness bearing -testimony against them--and the motives of all men, _except themselves_! -Moreover they invariably attacked the _abuses_ of each system (as if a -system were answerable for its abuse) holding up to public odium, what -every good man from his heart must condemn, viz: oppression, tyranny, -and cruelty; thus leaving the vast majority of the audience under the -impression that it was the _thing itself_, and not the _abuse of it_, on -which they were animadverting! - -LIBERTY--there is scarcely a word in the English Vocabulary so often -perverted as the term _liberty_.--A vast mass of mankind conceive that -the meaning of the word is, a perfect privilege and license for each and -every man to do as he pleases.--If this be the real and true meaning of -liberty, and that where this is _not_, there is _slavery_, then there is -no liberty in the United States, (and God forbid, say I, there ever -should be here such liberty,) and every man, woman, and child in the -Union, is a _slave_! I doubt not this is the kind of liberty at which -some of the champions of Abolitionism, viz. Fanny Wright -Darusmont--Owen--et hoc omne genus, are aiming! But is this the liberty -sanctioned by God? No! Is this the liberty guaranteed by the declaration -of Independence? No! Is this the liberty for which the Fathers of this -Country fought and bled? No! No! Such liberty would be the most awful -tyranny and oppression--The liberty authorised by God, and sanctioned by -the laws of this Country, is, that no man shall do aught to the injury, -prejudice, or hurt of his neighbour--This is the only true liberty -granted by God to man; yet this is the very liberty, the advocates of -Abolitionism turn into ridicule, and attempt to destroy, under the -plausible plea of vindicating the rights of man! This was the plea of -Thomas Paine--This was the plea of Robert Owen--this is the plea of -Fanny Wright Darusmont--this is the plea of all the infidels on the face -of the earth! But, say Abolitionists, the Bible commands us, to "do unto -others as we would be done by." Admitted. This very passage was -addressed by the Infidels in their discussion with me to show the -absurdity of the Bible: and according to the use made of it by -Abolitionists, the argument of Infidels would be unanswerable! But will -Abolitionists stand by this rule? They will not: for if they did, they -would instantly abandon their crusade against their southern fellow -citizens: and if they will not, then let them no longer quote that as -authority, by which they themselves will not be governed! [See this -subject further illustrated in a subsequent chapter.] - -Liberty then may be defined to be, _the privilege of doing all that is -good--and nothing that is evil_--But who is to decide that which is -good, and that which is evil? The Creator of the universe--Man -unassisted by revelation never was, and never will be, able. The Bible -which contains the revealed will of Omnipotence is that volume, and that -only, which constitutes the umpire of good and evil[11:A]--The very fact -of the existence of laws in the land, proves man is not at liberty to do -as he pleases: for, "law is a rule of action:" actions therefore must be -controlled--Society demands it--God has authorised it--And perfect -Liberty maintains it. - -The Pirate boasts of liberty--preaches liberty to his comrades--and -condemns all law! Here is a specimen of perfect liberty! He may with -equal propriety, when taken prisoner, urge the Abolition text, "do unto -others, as you would be done by." Now, if you had been a pirate, (he -would say) and had the misfortune of having been taken prisoner, would -_you_ not _wish_ to be set at liberty? You reply, yes, certainly--then -he says, the Bible commands you to do unto others as you would be done -by; and, as you would _wish_ to be set at _liberty_, were you in my -situation, if you regard the authority of God you will set me _free_! -The reader must perceive to what lengths this principle may be carried -out--even to the utter destruction of all society! - -Again; would opening the doors of a lunatic asylum, and letting free the -patients thereof, be an act of kindness or friendship towards them? You -reply, Certainly not! Yet this would be granting them immediate -liberty--this would be pure abolitionism! But, you rejoin, the condition -of the persons--their mental inabilities disqualify them for liberty -till they are cured--till they can take care of themselves--till there -is no danger of their doing violence to others; therefore, keeping them -confined till _then_, is in fact an act of kindness towards them,--and -the opposite course would be most injurious to them! Thank you, kind -reader, these are identically the same reasons I give for not advocating -the _immediate_ emancipation of the slaves. I give you full credit for -the wisdom and propriety of your reasons: be so liberal as to grant me -the same indulgence--to give me the same credit for the sincerity of my -actions. It is probable the Abolitionist will reply, that the condition -of the slaves, and of the inmates of a lunatic asylum, is very -different. I answer, without fear of contradiction, that, as far as -mental incapability, the vast mass of the slaves are as incapable of -taking care of themselves as the great proportion of lunatics; and this -we shall fully demonstrate in a subsequent chapter. Again; do you think -children ought to be freed from all parental control? You reply, -certainly not; and you give the same reasons as you have just adduced -for not setting lunatics free. Is not this, then, a case parallel with -that of the slaves? And in both, I may as justly accuse you of -oppression, of tyranny, of a hatred to liberty, because you will not -emancipate lunatics, and all children, as you accuse me, for not -advocating the immediate abolition of slavery. - -_Slavery_ is derived from _slave_; as _servant_ comes from _service_. In -the English language the two are distinct from one another; the former -term being applied to _involuntary_, the latter to voluntary, servitude. -But this is not the case in either the Hebrew, Greek, or Latin tongues; -one and the same word, in each language, signifies both voluntary and -involuntary service. Thus "_obed_," in Hebrew--"+doulos+," in Greek--and -"servus," in Latin, signify what we mean by the terms, _servant_ and -_slave_. Hence in works written in any of these languages, we can never -tell from the word _itself_ whether the person to whom the term is -applied was a _slave_, or a _servant_: it is therefore only by -concomitant expressions or circumstances that we can come to a -conclusion as to the actual nature of his situation. This is the case -both in the Old and New Testament. - -For instance, when we read of individuals having been _sold_, having -been _purchased_, having been "bought _with money_" &c., we cannot doubt -for a moment the propriety of applying to such persons the term _slave_: -and that, no matter whether their servitude was temporary, or for -ever--whether they had sold themselves, or were sold by _others_; they -were _slaves_ to all intents and purposes--from the moment they were -sold they became subject to _involuntary_ servitude. - -Again, while it by no means follows that every servant ("_obed_"-- -"+doulos+"--"servus,") mentioned in the Bible, was a slave, it does -follow that every slave was a servant! - -Ere I make the next statement, I request it may be distinctly -understood, 1st, that I consider the "_Slave-trade_," and -"_Slave-holding_," two distinct things: 2d, that I do not consider -"_slave-holding_," "_cruelty_," "_oppression_," and "_tyranny_," -synonymous. While therefore I pronounce the former, that is _the -slave-trade_, to be barbarous, iniquitous, and _unscriptural_, I -_cannot_ find a single passage in the whole word of God which either -denounces _slave-holding_, or commands the owner to liberate -instantaneously his slaves. And I fearlessly defy all the Abolitionists -on earth to produce one such passage. If therefore the Bible is to be -the umpire, and to its authority alone I ever consent to strike, that -sacred book announces that "WHERE THERE IS NO LAW THERE IS NO -TRANSGRESSION;" (Rom. iv. 14): and as there is no law prohibitory of -_slave-holding_, it cannot be considered _sin_ (for sin is the -transgression of the law) by any, except those who aim at possessing a -higher degree of moral worth and righteousness, than the Lord Jesus -Christ himself; and, "who by good words and fair speeches deceive the -hearts of the simple." - -While I thus humbly vindicate the slandered slave-holder, I desire -equally to denounce all cruelty--all inhumanity--all oppression--the -same law of God which desires the slave to "be obedient to his master, -with fear and trembling" (Eph. vi. 5-9) commands the Master, "to FORBEAR -THREATENING"--(for "vengeance belongeth UNTO GOD") "to give that which -is _just_, and _equal_ to his slave; knowing that there is a MASTER in -Heaven; who will render to every man, without respect of persons, -according to his deeds." (Col. iv. 1.) - -But so far from the Bible condemning _slave-holding_, I maintain it -recognizes the practice by giving laws, and directions, both for Master -and for slave--and so far from encouraging the slave to run away from -his master, as the principles of Abolitionism teach, it unequivocally -exhorts and commands "_every_ man to ABIDE in the same calling wherein -he is called"--"if called, _being a slave_, care not for it; but if thou -_mayest_ (i. e. if thou lawfully) be _made_ (set) free, use it rather." -(1 Cor. vii. 20, 21.) This is my _guide_, this is my _principle_, this -would be the foundation of my advice to all.--But how opposite are the -principles, the advice, and the conduct of Abolitionists, to the -inspired Apostle! Paul says to the slave, "be obedient to your -Master--care not for being a slave"--_abide_ in it, unless "_lawfully_ -you can be made free." The Abolitionist says to the slave: "your -Master has no lawful control over you--run away from him the first -opportunity--take with you whatever of his property you can, _for it is -yours not his_!--and I will shelter you!" Thus it will easily be -perceived, that a very different spirit actuated Paul, from that which -now actuates the Abolitionist! More about this hereafter. - -If it be now enquired whether I consider slave-holding a sin and an -evil, I readily reply, I do consider it an _evil_; but I do _not_ -consider it a _sin_! I am aware Abolitionists confound the two terms -together, some through design, and, no doubt, many through want of -reflection or ignorance. Now although every _sin_ is an _evil_, yet -every evil is not a sin--I hesitate not to pronounce slavery one of the -_effects_ of sin--hence an _evil_: for all evil is the effect of sin. -Disease, famine, poverty, &c., are all evils; but who will venture to -affirm that they are therefore _sins_--I would use means to the best of -my judgment to assuage those evils--yea to remove them; but I would not -in order to remove _suddenly_ a disease, adopt a remedy which if it -would not _instantly_ cure it, would in all human probability destroy -the individual, or produce a greater disease--this would be Abolition -practice! Nor would I desire the poor man, in order to get rich -_instantly_, to go and plunder a bank--this would be Abolitionism! But I -would in the former case, adopt such remedies as would, with the least -possible danger to my patient's life, be calculated to assuage or -_remove_ the disease; and if it could not be removed, without having -recourse to a measure which would put his life in _jeopardy_, I would -not, provided life could be sustained at all, adopt any such measures; -but use every means in my power, to mitigate his sufferings--allay all -pain--and make his life as comfortable as possible. As to the latter -case (the indigent person) while I would relieve him to the best of my -ability, I would exhort him, not to have recourse to violent -measures--not to commit evil; but to put his trust in an all-wise and -benevolent Omnipotence, and by slow and sure means, by active industry, -to endeavour to better his condition--the opposite course I leave to -Abolitionists for adoption. - -Upon the principles inculcated in the cases I have just related, would I -act towards the slave, and the slave-holder; as more fully explained in -another part of this treatise. - - - - -CHAPTER II. - -THE PRINCIPLES, &C. OF THE LEADERS OF ABOLITIONISM EXHIBITED. - - -As Abolitionists are constantly taunting the friends of Colonization -with the charge, that the founders of it were Slave-holders, (which, by -the by, like almost all their other statements, as will be shown in a -subsequent chapter, is destitute of truth,) they cannot complain at -their opponents taking a _peep_ into the _principles_ of some of their -_Chief Champions_, and Promoters of Abolitionism--And, as WILLIAM LLOYD -GARRISON, Esq. stands pre-eminently distinguished as their great -Apostle, we shall let the public know what this Gentleman's _principles_ -are; with his abilities, character, moral or religious worth, we have -nothing to do--And as they have made him their head, and sent him as -their representative to England, we are fully justified, in concluding -that he spoke his sentiments not as an individual, but as the deputed -representative of those who sent him there; viz. the Promoters of -Abolition in this Country:--Therefore we need not further or stronger -evidence of the nature of sentiment, opinions, and objects of these -Gentlemen. Ex uno disce omnes. - -To begin,-- - -Who was sent to Europe, a few years ago, as the REPRESENTATIVE of the -American Anti-Slavery Society? - - WILLIAM LLOYD GARRISON, Esq.! - -Who, in that Country, publicly pronounced the American Union to be, "the -most bloody and heaven-daring arrangement ever made by man"? - - WILLIAM LLOYD GARRISON, Esq.! - -Who, in said Country, and in said year, called the said _Union_, "A -wicked and ignominious compact"? - - WILLIAM LLOYD GARRISON, Esq.! - -Who, in said place, and said year, denounced the SIGNERS of the -Declaration, to be men who, "virtually dethroned the MOST HIGH GOD"? - - WILLIAM LLOYD GARRISON, Esq.! - -Who pronounced the _American Union_ to be, "the most atrocious villany -ever exhibited on earth"? - - WILLIAM LLOYD GARRISON, Esq.! - -Who declared, "he recognized the Union with feelings of shame and -indignation"? - - WILLIAM LLOYD GARRISON, Esq.! - -Who predicted that the Union "would be held in everlasting infamy -throughout the World"? - - WILLIAM LLOYD GARRISON, Esq.! - -Who pronounced the Union an "unholy Alliance"? - - WILLIAM LLOYD GARRISON, Esq.! - -Who has pronounced the Union "to be null and void from the beginning"? - - WILLIAM LLOYD GARRISON, Esq.! - -Who has asserted, "that the Signers of the Union had no _lawful_ power -to bind themselves, or their posterity for one hour--for one moment"? - - WILLIAM LLOYD GARRISON, Esq.! - -_Finally_, who in the same country and year announced that the American -Union "was not valid when it was made, _and is not valid now_?" - - WILLIAM LLOYD GARRISON, Esq.![18:A] - -Again, who, on Tuesday, May 14th, 1838, in "Pennsylvania Hall," -Philadelphia, Pa., in the presence of nearly two thousand persons, -announced that "he hated, from the bottom of his heart, _prudence_, -_caution_, and _judiciousness_?" - - WILLIAM LLOYD GARRISON, Esq.! - -What can be thought of a system which has such a person for its head, -its chief champion--its Apostle? Was this gentleman _in earnest_ when he -used this language last week; or was he only "in fun"(!) (to use the -expression by which one of his friends attempted to excuse him) or was -he out of his senses? The last excuse is the only justifiable one--for -if _in earnest_, the public need not be surprised at the Utopian scheme -(abolitionism) of which he is the principal promoter.--If on the -contrary, he was only "_in fun_," it proves what an adept he is in -assuming to weep over the evils of slavery, while he was actually -_quizzing_ his audience! But peradventure he meant only _colonization_ -caution and prudence! Well did Dr. Reese say of him, in his letters to -the Hon. William Jay, (page 7) that "just so far as he (Mr. Garrison) -was believed in Great Britain, the (American) Society and Nation, would -be viewed with _abhorrence_!" This is the gentleman sent to this city of -_brotherly love_, who during the last week insulted not only the public -at large, but the tried, and disinterested, friends of the slave! He -opened his mouth with a tirade of abuse against that unremunerated -friend and advocate of the oppressed African, _David Paul Brown_, Esq., -whose judgment and talents would adorn the cabinet of any nation under -heaven.--He could not spare even this gentleman, whose person and -property have so frequently been threatened by the populace, for the -part he has so often taken in gratuitously defending the man of colour. -And all this because forsooth Mr. Brown, not having the fear of William -Lloyd Garrison before his eyes, but being tempted and seduced by a love -for his country, ventured to say, "if the question was, whether the -Union, or slavery, should be preserved, he would say the UNION." For -this unpardonable expression of love and attachment for his country, Mr. -Garrison said that either Mr. Brown, or his speech (I did not distinctly -hear which he said) ought to be tied to a millstone and cast into the -depths of the sea! He next assailed Elliott Cresson, Esq., who has by -his talents, property and zeal, done more service to the African, than -the whole Abolition Society has, or ever will, do.--Lastly, he could not -let pass the humble Author, whose _nothingness_, as yet, in the cause of -the poor man of colour, ought to have sheltered him from notice; but -even the professed _intention_ of exposing the designs of Abolitionists -appears quite sufficient to stir up the ire of this gentleman; hence he -denounced me, "as a foreign adventurer!" In this instance he has truly -proved the truth of his declaration, "that he hates caution and -prudence," for verily if ever I can get the opportunity of meeting him -on a platform before the public, he may ever after go to the South with -perfect impunity. His friends say, the Southerners have offered _five -thousand_ dollars for his head. If this be like the numerous other -misstatements respecting the South, little confidence is to be placed in -it; but if it be true, and that the above event ever takes place, I -guarantee they will no longer offer one dollar for it, except they have -a particular fancy for purchasing empty skulls, as I shall demonstrate -there is little or nothing in _his_. This is the only retaliation I -shall seek for his _urbanity_ towards me; and in this, it will be -perceived, I will be returning only good for evil. - -Let not Abolitionists at large mistake me--I do not intend to accuse -them, directly or indirectly, of impure motives--quite the reverse--I do -really believe all the Abolitionists, with very few exceptions, are the -best, and the most moral, and philanthropic men, in America; and are -actuated by the purest motives of doing good to all--relieving the -oppressed, and crushing tyranny. But at the same time, I do confess I -perceive strong symptoms of other motives actuating _some_--we know not -the heart of man--God only knows that--therefore, we can only judge of -men's views by their acts and deeds. I do not accuse even the gentleman -whose name has occurred so often in the preceding pages--he may be one -of the best, and sincerest men on earth, for aught I know, and I hope he -is; but then he must, _if that be the case_, be labouring under -_monomania_: and in that case, he certainly is not the most judicious -person to _lead_--to _advise_--or to _govern_ a political party -composed of thousands! One fatal _step_--one fatal _word_, of such a -man, may plunge thousands into ruin! He is, or he is not, a -fanatic--even he himself tells us, "he hates _caution_, _prudence_, and -_judiciousness_." Therefore, if we are to believe himself, and far be it -from me to doubt his word _on this occasion_, he is not a cautious man, -nor is he a prudent man, nor is he a judicious man! Who, therefore, can -for the future adhere to the principles of such a person, if he were -almost an angel from heaven? - -Is he a fanatic? I hope so, for his own sake: but then, he is equally -disqualified from advising, planning, guiding, or advocating, any -doctrine, let the doctrine be ever so good! - -But if he be not a fanatic--then, his principles, his declarations, his -doctrines, are most suspicious! unless peradventure, he is a -_simpleton_, while some crafty, designing persons, are behind the -curtain, urging him forward in his imprudent, and mad, career! - -Men are generally actuated by motives--_self_ rules more or less in _us -all_--the person who says, he has least of _self_, will generally be -found to possess most of it. "As in water, face answereth unto face, so -doth the heart of man to man." When pure charity, or philanthropy, -actuates men, they are never driven by it to malicious acts, to -falsehoods, to misrepresentation, or to hatred, for this evident reason, -because charity and philanthropy come from God, hence cannot give rise -to malice, hatred, or misrepresentation, for these proceed from Satan -and from Satanic motives, such as pride, ambition, love of money, -revenge, &c. As well might it be expected that a pure fountain could -send forth impure streams, as that charity or philanthropy could -produce malice or false testimony. The more I hear men boasting of their -philanthropy, while yet exhibiting those symptoms of a Satanic Spirit, -the more convinced am I that their motives are impure, that they are not -actuated by charity or love, but by pride, ambition, or malice. - -Know you not that Europe is looking on these States with a jealous eye? -America is deemed the cradle of republicanism--the Asylum for all who -venture to raise their voice against tyranny. Is there no gold in -Russia, nor in Austria? Were plans (religious and philanthropic!) never -devised by European Powers to divide the friends of liberty--to break up -Unions--and crush that goddess (Liberty) who ever haunts the bed of -Tyrants? What characters think you, would most likely be employed for -such purposes? Fools? No certainly. Notorious bad men? Certainly not. It -would be men of _good report_--_outwardly_ righteous. Would such persons -make known their plans? Certainly not. Would they declare that their -object was to ruin and break up the Union? No! No! They know better than -that. On the contrary, they would laugh at the very idea of the -possibility of a disturbance--they would turn the apprehension into -ridicule; and scoff at the very hint of so preposterous a dream! They -would exclaim, _Pshaw!_ This is the old story. The Union has been -threatened one time by the Banks--another time by the Tariff! another -time by the Indians--another time by Texas--another time by the -"_bursting of a steam-boat_!" And forsooth _now_ by Abolitionism! By -this kind of wit, of sophistry, of bombast, they would allay all -suspicion, delude their innocent and unsuspecting hearers, who would -mightily applaud the erudition and talent of the orator! - -But who can listen to such advice as the following without suspicion, -"go forward, no matter the consequences--if slavery cannot be instantly -abolished without the disunion of this Nation, the sooner the better," -&c! And this proceeding, from an imprudent, incautious, and injudicious -man--from one, who not six years ago, pronounced in a foreign land, that -the Union was an "_unholy alliance_"--"_a wicked_, and _ignominious_ -compact"--and, "_null_ and _void_ from the beginning"! Can such -sentiments be propagated throughout _any_ Country with impunity? If such -were uttered in England respecting the King of that Nation, the speaker -would soon get a halter as his reward! And the Father of this Country, -the immortal Washington, penetrating, as it were, into futurity, and -well knowing how error _commences_, gave the following advice, as his -last and dying admonition, "Frown _indignantly_ (said he) on the _first -dawning_ of every attempt to alienate any portion of our Country from -the rest, or to enfeeble the sacred ties which now link together the -various parts." Was it, I wonder, the recollection of this admonition -that called forth the abuse, (if general report be true,) so abundantly -poured forth by the same champion, in "Pennsylvania Hall" on the memory -of Washington? But it is only justice to add that all the Trustees of -that Building, with whom I conversed on the subject, one excepted, -expressed their decided disapprobation of the course adopted by the -Gentleman alluded to. Now the question is, shall the advice of -Washington, or the doctrines inculcated by the Champions of -Abolitionism, be followed? The one is so diametrically opposed to the -other, that both cannot be regarded--If Abolitionism is to be -supported, then the principles of Washington must be abandoned--Now is -the time for every man to take his stand--Check the evil in the bud--"a -little leaven, leaveneth the whole lump"--Now it may be stopped without -blood--In a year or so, it may be impossible to say this--Again I say, -let every man, woman, and child, bind round his neck the advice of -Washington, "Frown _indignantly_ at the first _dawning_ of every attempt -to alienate any portion of our Country," and let the whole Nation shout, -AMEN! Then the _Champions_ of Abolitionism will soon find their -level--the _true_ friends of the black will all unite together, and with -open hearts, and open purses, use their utmost endeavours to make him -happy. - - - - -CHAPTER III. - -THE IMPRACTICABILITY OF THE OBJECT OF ABOLITIONISTS DEMONSTRATED--AND -THE INEVITABLE AND INCALCULABLE EVILS WHICH THAT OBJECT, IF -ACCOMPLISHED, WOULD PRODUCE, &C. - - -The professed object of the Abolition Society is to procure the -_immediate_, _instantaneous_, and _unconditional_ emancipation of all -the slaves in America.--And the means adopted by this Society to -accomplish this object are the publication and circulation of vast -numbers of papers and pamphlets, by way of enlightening the slave, and -the slaveholder--but which consist, for the most part, of exhortations, -and encouragement, to the slave, to disobedience, insubordination, and -rebellion. This advice is coupled with the most galling denunciations -and threats towards the slaveholder. How very far, in the nature of -things, these means are from accomplishing the object, every man of -common reflection must perceive. Besides, it is an undeniable fact, -which might have been anticipated by every man, not a hater of "caution, -prudence, and judiciousness," that the condition of the slaves has, -since the origin of the Anti-Slavery Society, become much more severe. -Since that Society commenced its distribution of incendiary papers, and -pamphlets, many of the slave-holders have prevented their slaves -learning _to read_; so that if the slaves were before bound with fetters -of hemp, the Abolitionists have converted the hemp into fetters of -iron.--But who can blame the slave-holder for this? We, in the Northern -and Eastern States, in which the white population far exceeds that of -the coloured, cannot justly estimate, or form a correct opinion of the -merits of the case, unless we transport ourselves down to the -South.--Let us go there for a few moments and then consider the -case.--Here we are then in South Carolina, where the slaves are in vast -numbers: unaccustomed to guide, or take care of themselves, without -either "caution, prudence, or judiciousness"! We have got our wives, our -daughters, our sons, our property, all at their mercy--a quantity of -papers and pamphlets are circulated among them, in which the -slave-holder is portrayed as a monster of hell--a picture or plate of -some act of cruelty generally heads the production--individual acts of -cruelty and oppression are selected, and so related as if similar deeds -were daily committed by every slave-holder in the South! What must the -poor man of colour think upon reading, or seeing, this? Why he says -within himself, although my master is very good to me, and I have every -thing I want, yet as this paper says all masters treat their slaves in -this cruel way, the sooner I run off the better! And this paper tells me -there is something called _liberty_ which gives money, and houses, and -pleasure in abundance; the sooner I get these good things the better! -Moreover this good paper also tells me that my master has no right to -keep me--that my master's property is _not_ his, but it belongs to his -slaves, for they have earned it--and that if I run away the white man -will immediately receive, protect, and give me plenty of money, plenty -of fine clothes, plenty of pleasure, _plenty_ of no work! I will tell -all these good things to all my black brethren--if _I_ have a right to -go, so have THEY--if my master's property is _mine_, so is it _theirs_ -also.--The poor deluded slave is thus set on fire, and thus he inflames -the minds of all he knows.--They talk and converse, and dream of these -good things--but they cannot easily run off--they become -discontented--surly--unruly--idle--disobedient--and he who feeds, -clothes, and takes care of them, can get little from them! Who can blame -the slave-holder under such circumstances adopting every means in his -power to check this spirit of rebellion, to prevent the possibility of -such doctrines being inculcated amongst his slaves, which every man, -except a hater of "caution, prudence, and judiciousness," must be fully -aware, would, if left unchecked, sooner or later break out into open -rebellion, and place himself and his children at the mercy of ignorant -men, inflamed by the hope of gain and the stimulus of lust! One or the -other party would conquer.--If the coloured population became the -victors (to grant the wish of the Abolitionists) awful would be the -condition of both whites and blacks--the male whites would be exposed -to all the consequences of revenge and malice, for the victory could not -be achieved without some resistance, and that very resistance on the -part of the whites would be deemed by the blacks, a sufficient cause for -retaliation; the wives and daughters of the white population would then -be subjected to consequences of unbridled, and unrestrained lust, to -deeds too shocking to think of, and too brutal to relate.--Think, oh -think, on this, ye virtuous females, who innocently aid, and -incautiously lend your voices and influence to the promotion of a cause, -which, if successful, would inevitably produce these consequences.--Turn, -oh turn, from such a course, and lend your powerful aid to emancipate -the _mind_ of both slave and slave-holder. - -But setting aside all these consequences to the white, and admitting, -for the sake of every possible latitude to the Abolitionist, that the -white population richly deserve such results, what would be the -condition of the coloured population after such a victory? Let us -suppose that after a month's hard fighting, in which the soil of the -south would be drenched with the blood of white and black, that the -_white_ population became annihilated, and not one left south of the -Potomac. Behold the black placed in immediate, full, and unrestrained -possession of the whole South--What think you would be the result ere -one year could elapse? Does it require much penetration, or much acumen, -to foresee that it would be far better for them, had they, to a man, -fallen in the contest? Ignorant--unaccustomed to liberty--unacquainted -with the principles of government, or the means of producing order, or -of providing for futurity,--his blood still under the stimulus of -success--his actions now unrestrained--all the brutal passions of man -at their highest pitch of excitement, indulging in all the luxuries of -their late Master's house--what would be the inevitable consequences? -First, black would fight with black, till the land would now become -drenched with _black_ blood--parties and associations of blacks would be -formed, according to the dispositions, desires, views, temperaments, and -morals of each party. Ignorant, dissipated, idle, and ambitious for -superiority, party would fight with party, till scarcely a party would -be left. During the scenes of blood, of carnage, of idleness, of -devastation, and of debauchery, the soil becomes uncultivated, the seed -not sown, if in spring,--the earth's produce not gathered, if in -harvest! The stores of the former years become consumed--each man, -thinks that each man, but himself, ought to work; and each man thinks -that he _himself_ ought now to enjoy _liberty_. The very attempt -of any, to induce any to work, would be a sufficient provocation -for mortal combat! Wants would now begin--still appetites must be -gratified--"Caution, prudence, and judiciousness" they have either never -learned, or have been taught by the great Champion of Abolitionism, _to -hate_! Each day diminishes the stores, and increases the demands--and -each day, fresh indications of _abolition-liberty_, manifest themselves -in blood and outrage! At length, and that not many weeks after their -victory, famine, with all her horrors, stares them in the face--children -and infants, and mothers cry in vain for help--for nourishment.--Her -ever constant companion, _Pestilence_, now attends, and thousands and -thousands die of want and disease, calling down from heaven eternal -curses on the heads of those who excited them to rebellion--the authors -of all their sufferings--the ABOLITIONISTS! - -On the other hand, suppose that, in such a rebellion throughout the -South, the _whites_ were to conquer--this could not be accomplished -without the destruction of vast numbers of the people of colour--nor -without the loss of the lives of many whites. What then would be the -condition of the surviving blacks? Common justice, and prudence, would -oblige the white population to deprive the slaves of many of those -privileges which they _now_ enjoy, and to rivet their fetters more -securely--whom would they have to thank for all this? ABOLITIONISTS! -Whom have they even _now_ to thank for the loss of many indulgences? The -ABOLITIONISTS! And whom have thousands _now_ to thank for being still in -slavery? ABOLITIONISTS! - -Take a view of the subject in any possible way, let the black conquer, -or let him be conquered, ruination to him is the inevitable result, -totally independent of the awful calamities to which the white -population would be subjected. Here is a two-horned dilemma: let the -Abolitionist sit upon either horn so long as he can, consistently with -his profession of charity--of philanthropy, of christianity! - -Leaving this part of our subject for the present, I will ask any man of -common sense, and of the least reflection, whether the means adopted by -Abolitionists to enlighten the slave-holder, so as to make him -emancipate his slaves, are the most judicious, or the most likely to -accomplish that end? I will venture to aver, without fear of -contradiction, that they are so far--very far, from being likely, in the -very nature of things, to accomplish the _professed_ object (the -emancipation of the slaves,) that no surer method could possibly be used -more calculated to _increase_ their sufferings, and to rivet their -chains! And so convinced am I of this, that I cannot conceive how any -man of _intellect_, who has a _single eye_ to this object, would for a -moment sanction such means! Let us place ourselves in the situation of -slave-holders, and then see the effect such conduct would have upon -_ourselves_; recollecting that _by nature_ all men are alike, for, "as -in water face answereth to face, so doth the heart of man to man": so -says the Bible at all events, no matter what _you_ may think to the -contrary! Here we are then, a pair of slave-holders (not slave-traders). -Our parents left slaves to us, as "_our inheritance_" (Lev. xxv. 44, -46). We are surrounded by them. The subsistence of our wives, and of our -little ones, depends on their labour and exertion. We treat them kindly, -and they have abundance of food and raiment. We instruct them--and pay a -physician to attend them when ill.[30:A] A party has got up in the -North, whose professed object is to enlighten _us_ slave-holders. -Pamphlets and Papers in abundance are sent down to us. We read -them--when lo! we find ourselves portrayed as Monsters! Our characters -slandered. Our _legal_ rights denied. Our heads branded with the -epithet--"Men stealers"--"Tyrants"--"Devils incarnate"--"Objects -_peculiarly_ deserving the eternal wrath and vengeance of Heaven"--the -world called upon to abhor and detest us, and we held up to public and -everlasting infamy! But this is not all. The very persons whom the -providence of God gave us--whom we feed, clothe, instruct, attend in -sickness and in health, and who thus enjoy more comfort and happiness, -than nine-tenths of the labouring class of white free persons in any -part of Europe!--these very persons are, in said pamphlets, taught and -encouraged to look upon us as their oppressors, as the only barriers to -their wealth and happiness--as having no lawful right to possess -them--and that all our substance--all our property--is in fact, not -_ours_, but _theirs_! Moreover, that the Law of God authorises them to -run off as quick as they can, and, if practicable, with as much of _our_ -property as they can convey away! - -What think you would be _our_ feelings--_our_ conduct on perusing such -productions? Would they be calculated to make us listen, and give a -ready ear to their authors? Unquestionably not--but the very reverse! -Such is the nature of man, that, however well disposed he may be to -listen to instruction, and to take advice, the moment he is assailed -with harsh words, with opprobrious epithets, with threats of vengeance, -and particularly, with what he deems likely to affect his _purse_, he -shuts his ears, hardens his heart, and shuns you. The proceedings of -Abolitionists, may be compared to stopping a man's ears, and then -punishing him for not hearing; or knocking out his eyes, and then -calling upon him to read; or lastly, like attempting to separate a block -of wood, by applying to the crevice, the _base_, instead of the apex, of -the wedge; against which you may strike in vain, till either you break -the wedge, or spend your strength, without ever even once _entering_ the -crevice! - -If then such would be the effect upon _us_, placed in the circumstances -of the Southerner, is it right or judicious, or prudent, to assail him -with abuse, accuse him of conduct to which Abolitionists have driven -him, or continue to encourage and pursue a system which, so far from -accomplishing the desired object, tends only to augment the sufferings -of the slave, and to produce consequences the most awful and calamitous -to all concerned, both to whites and to blacks! - -Again, the slave is taught, in those Abolition productions, to consider -all slave-holders, _cruel tyrants_! This statement, no man, with any -regard for truth, or possessing the least information or reflection, -will venture to affirm. How galling, therefore, must it be, for those -conscious of rectitude, to have the crimes of others attributed to them! -How would the Abolitionists of this City, or of Boston, like to have it -proclaimed to the world, that _all_ the married men in these two cities -are _cruel_ and _unnatural_, husbands, masters, and parents; because -there are some persons in those places, who richly deserve to be so -designated? Moreover, I am convinced that there are in these, our -cities, _ten_ cruel and unnatural (white) parents, husbands, and -masters, to _one_ cruel and unnatural slave-holder in the South! What -think you of that, Mr. Abolitionist? I would recommend you to "cast the -_beam_ out of thine own eye, and then shalt thou see _clearly_ to cast -the _mote_ out of thy brother's eye;" and to recollect the admonition of -the sacred writer, "Therefore, thou art inexcusable, O man, _whosoever_ -thou art that judgest: for wherein thou judgest another, thou condemnest -thyself; _for thou that judgest, doest the same things_. And thinkest -thou this, O man, that judgest them which do such things, and doest the -same, that _thou shalt escape the judgment of God_!" (Rom. ii. 1-3.) - -Let us now contrast the advice and commands of Christ and of his -Apostles, with the advice and doctrines of Abolitionists-- - -The Bible teaches-- - - Abolitionism teaches-- - -1. "Having food and raiment be therewith content." - - 1. Be not content with food and raiment unless you get free! - -2. "Let _every_ man abide in the same calling wherein he was called."--1 -Cor. vii. 20. - - 2. Let no slave abide for one moment as such, if he can get - off! - -3. "Art thou called being a _slave_,[33:A] care not for it."--1 Cor. -vii. 21. - - 3. If you are a slave _never cease_ caring for it! - -4. "If thou mayest (can _lawfully_) be _made_ free, use it rather."--1 -Cor. vii. 21. - - 4. Whether thou mayest or mayest not (lawfully or unlawfully) - get free! - -5. "Slaves, be obedient to them that are your masters, _according to the -flesh_."--Eph. vi. 5. - - 5. Slaves, be not obedient to your masters; but leave them as - quick as you can! - -6. "Slaves, obey _in all things_ your masters."--Col. iii. 22. - - 6. Obey your masters as little as possible, that they may be - compelled to cast you off! - -7. "Let as many slaves, _as are under the yoke_, count their own masters -worthy of all honour."--1 Tim. vi. 1. - - 7. Masters are worthy of no honour or respect, but contempt - and infamy! - -8. "Let those who have _believing_ masters, not despise them."--1 Tim. -vi. 2. - - 8. There are no slave-holders _believers_:--despise them all! - -9. "Love them that hate you, and do good to them that despitefully use -you."--Matt. v. 44. - - 9. _Hate_ your masters, for they oppress you: and do _evil_ to - them, for they despitefully use you! - -10. "Love your enemies."--Matt. v. 44. - - 10. Your masters are your enemies, _therefore_ despise them. - -These few instances will show how different is the spirit which guided -the sacred penmen, and that which now actuates the Abolitionists.--If -there were no other evidences that Abolitionism _is not_ the cause of -God, the foregoing ought to be sufficient to convince every man who -believes in the divine origin of the Sacred Scriptures, and who is -willing to submit his judgment to the authority of HIM, "whose ways are -not as our ways, and whose thoughts are not as our thoughts." - -I think I have now fully proved my propositions, viz., "that the -principles of Abolitionism are injurious to the slaves themselves, and -are contrary to the express commands of God." - -We shall now accomplish to the fullest extent the professed wish of -Abolitionists, and see what would be the probable result! Suppose I -possessed the power of granting, at the stroke of my pen, instantaneous -emancipation to all the slaves in America, and were this moment to issue -the following proclamation: "To all whom it may concern, greeting! I do -hereby command and order, that all slaves throughout the Union be -instantly set free, and they are now free accordingly!" Let us now -ascend in a balloon and take a view of TWO MILLIONS AND A HALF, of poor, -ignorant, pennyless, men, women, and children, cast abroad on the world, -without a home--without a guide--without "caution, prudence, or -judiciousness!" Is not this exactly what you want, Mr. Abolitionist? -What awful consequences must ensue! Not so much to the whites, but more -particularly to the poor ignorant people of colour! Can that be called -friendship, or charity, or philanthropy, which would lead to such a -result? Those ignorant, poor, unprotected, people have now _liberty_! -Will _liberty_ cover them--feed them--protect them--stop the crying of -the hungry child--or the cravings of the famished mother? What have they -given for this liberty; and what have they got by it? They have given -up, _peace_, _plenty_, _protection_, and _contentedness_! And they have -got _liberty_, with starvation, anxiety, and want! What a glorious -exchange! What a profitable bargain! How thankful they ought to be, to -their pseudo-friends, the ABOLITIONISTS! - -But come out now, Abolitionists, like men, and answer this question, -"Are the slaves in the South, _now_ in a proper condition for immediate -emancipation?" Are they, or are they not? Reflect upon the above -picture, and then answer like men.--Do you reply, that you think they -ought to have _first_ some education--some provision made for them--some -arrangements to guard against possible consequences?--If this be your -answer, I congratulate you on the first symptoms of restoration to sound -mental health: I now entertain hopes of your speedy recovery, and ere -you have read the last page of this humble treatise, I doubt not, but -you and I will perfectly agree, and I will give you a certificate of -health! - -There will nevertheless remain some stubborn Abolitionists, even all who -"hate prudence, caution, and judiciousness," who will still exclaim "the -slaves are now fit for _instantaneous_ and unconditional emancipation!" -A word or two with such characters before I close this chapter. Pray -from what premises do you draw your conclusions? Is it from the present -condition of those already made free, or from the emancipation of slaves -in other countries. I shall examine both of these grounds. First then as -to the condition of those already emancipated, which condition if it -even favoured the views of Abolitionists, would not be a justifiable or -parallel case, forasmuch as the free people of colour amongst us now -were not suddenly, but _gradually_ emancipated--and were not totally -ignorant, for many of them knew how both to read and to write. Therefore -with all these points strong in favour of every thing the Abolitionist -could possibly desire, we shall fearlessly investigate the result. - -In the facts I am about adducing, I wish it to be clearly understood, -that I do not attribute them to any natural peculiarity, or natural -inferiority of coloured persons, but distinctly to the want of -education, and to the peculiar and trying circumstances in which these -persons are placed. If even the free persons of colour, turned out good -and worthy citizens to the utmost wish of every benevolent man, it would -not, as I have just stated, prove any thing in favour of Abolition; but -so far from this being the case--so far, notwithstanding all the -advantages of _gradual_ emancipation, and a preparatory course of -instruction, from the result substantiating the opinion of -Abolitionists, viz. "that the slaves may, with safety to themselves, and -to others, be instantaneously emancipated;" it stands an -incontrovertible evidence against them--a warning that it is difficult -to conceive how any man in his senses, would not be admonished by; if he -be one who regards the welfare and happiness of this country, and the -real good of the black! The following paragraph is taken from "the Plea -for Africa," p. 179. - - "It has been asserted that, of free blacks collected in our - cities and large towns, a great portion are found in abodes of - wretchedness and vice, and become tenants of poor-houses and - prisons. As a proof of the tendency of their condition, the - following striking facts among others, ascertained a year or - two since, have been mentioned: In Massachusetts, where the - coloured population is small, being less than 7,000 souls, - (only 1-74th part of the whole population,) --> about - 1-6th part of the whole number of convicts in the state-prison - are blacks. In Connecticut, 1-34th part of the population is - coloured, and --> 1-3d part of the convicts. In New-York, - 1-35th part are blacks; --> 1-4th part of the convicts - in the city state-prison are blacks. In New-Jersey, the - proportion is 1-13th coloured; and of the convicts 1-3d. In - Pennsylvania, 1-34th part of a population of more than a - million of souls, is coloured; and more than one-third part of - the convicts are black. - - "I need not pursue these illustrations of the degradation of - the free blacks in the non-slave-holding States. It appears - from these statements, which I find in the First Annual Report - of the Prison Discipline Society, that about _one quarter_ - part of all the expense incurred by these States for the - support of their institutions for criminals is for _coloured_ - convicts. The bill of expense in three of these States stands - thus: that is, the expense for the support of coloured - convicts for the specified number of years preceding the - report from which this schedule is made, is in - - Massachusetts, 10 years, $17,734 - Connecticut, 15 years, 37,166 - New-York, 27 years, 109,166 in one prison. - -------- - $164,066 - - --> This sum was expended in an average of less than - eighteen years, on convicts from among a population of only - 54,000 coloured persons. - - "Illustrations, borrowed from the criminal statistics of the - South, would place this matter in a far more unfavourable - light. References to the expenses for the maintenance of - paupers, would give a similar result." - -According to the above statement, it appears, that in Massachusetts, -there are (in proportion to the whole population) TWELVE coloured -persons to _one_ white, in poor-houses and prisons! - - In _Connecticut_, ELEVEN Coloured, to _one_ White, in Do.! - In _New-York_, EIGHT Coloured, to _one_ White, in Do.! - In _New-Jersey_, FOUR Coloured, to _one_ White, in Do.! - In _Pennsylvania_, ELEVEN Coloured, to _one_ White, in Do.! - -If the trial of 300,000 Coloured free persons, (the number now in the -States,) emancipated _gradually_, and under the most favourable -circumstances possible, be not sufficient to open the eyes of the -Abolitionists to the recklessness of their course, I know not what -could. Can this result afford any encouragement or satisfaction? And if -not, why persevere in attempting to bring about what cannot take place; -and which if it could, would produce incalculable misfortunes throughout -the States? - -We shall now investigate the other appeal, viz., that no evils arose -from the _immediate_ emancipation of the slaves in Mexico--the British -slaves in the West Indies, those in Chili, Buenos Ayres, Colombia, and -New York. In the first place, then, give me leave to remark that as to -Mexico, the slaves there were only comparatively a handful, about -20,000. Secondly, they were incorporated into the Army, as the -_condition_ of emancipation; so that they actually only changed from -civil to martial law! And thirdly, so far from the slaves in Mexico -having been set free in one day, it took them TWELVE YEARS to buy their -freedom! The law, granting them this privilege, was, it is true, made in -one day; but the accomplishment of it, took TWELVE YEARS! See Dr. -Reese's Letters to the Hon. William Jay, p. 104. As to the English -slaves in the West Indies, every one knows their emancipation was not -immediate, for in fact they are not as yet literally emancipated! -Besides, the British found it necessary not only to pay handsomely for -them; but they find it indispensably necessary still to maintain there a -considerable standing Army! And the venerable Mr. Clarkson, writing on -the subject, said, "I never stated that our West Indian slaves were to -be emancipated _suddenly_, but by degrees. I always, _on the other -hand_, took it for granted, that they were to have a _preparatory -school_, also." Lastly, as to the four other places, it is notorious, -that the slaves were not in one single instance, immediately and -unconditionally emancipated. Here are the cases so frequently referred -to by Abolitionists, as a ground of justification for their project, and -yet we perceive there is not one of them a case, parallel, to the -condition of the Southern States; moreover, where any of them, have any -resemblance to the circumstances of our country, the result shows the -madness of the Abolition Scheme! There is one more _fatal_ objection to -the Abolition system, viz., that its whole aim is the removal of the -effect, and not the cause! Now the first principle in philosophy, indeed -in common sense, is, "_to remove the cause_:" and every system built -upon any other principle is absurd, and must turn out useless. -Abolitionism is therefore unphilosophical, absurd, fallacious, and -inefficacious! That slavery is the cause of much evil, I do not pretend -to deny; but then slavery itself is only an _effect_. For example, a -person gets a splinter of wood into his finger--the finger inflames--the -arm inflames--the whole body (as it were) inflames--delirium or lockjaw -supervenes, and death closes the scene! Now the inflamed finger is the -cause of the inflamed arm; and that the cause of the general fever; and -that the cause of the delirium; and that the cause of death![39:A] What -kind of empirical practice would every attempt be to remove the -inflammation of the finger, of the arm, or of the body, while the cause -(the splinter) still remained in the finger? The very first thing any -man of science would, under such circumstances, do, would be to extract -the splinter--the original cause of all--when once the cause had been -removed, then, but not till then, would he attempt to remove the -effects. - -The attention of Abolitionists is directed solely to the removal of the -effect--for slavery is only the effect of the African _Slave-trade_. Now -if there never had been _slave-trade_, there would be now no _slavery_: -and this cause--the slave-trade, still exists. ONE HUNDRED THOUSAND -Africans are annually torn away by the hand of violence from their -native land; and of this number, ere they reach their destination, SIXTY -THOUSAND die of hard and cruel treatment. Yet to all this Abolitionists -pay no attention,--they weep and wail over, and preach and brawl about, -the people of colour in these States, nine-tenths of whom are slaves -only in _name_, and who are far better off, far happier, far more -contented--far better provided for, than nine-tenths of the white -labouring population of civilized Europe. - -The ingenuity of Abolitionists, I am aware, will readily find for them a -plausible answer to this charge: they will reply, oh if we stop slavery -here--if we break up the system in our States, if there be no market to -which the slave-trader can bring his slaves, the African traffic will -soon cease. Admitted, if the little "IF," which always professes to -accomplish great things, could work miracles. But pray, would breaking -up the slave-trade in these States, break up the market elsewhere? -Certainly not! For those 100,000 slaves now annually exported from -Africa, are not brought here; but to the Brazils, Havanna, &c. &c. - -A short quotation from "the Plea for Africa" will furnish the reader -with still more extensive views of the horrors of the SLAVE-TRADE, to -which Abolitionists, with all their philanthropy, pay no attention. - - "Mr. Clarkson divides the slaves into seven classes. The most - considerable class consists of kidnapped, or stolen Africans. - In obtaining these, every species of injustice, treachery and - cruelty are resorted to. This class, Mr. C. supposes, embraces - one half of the whole number transported from Africa. The - second class consists of those whose villages are set on fire - and depopulated in the darkness of night, for the purpose of - obtaining a portion of their inhabitants. The third class - consists of those who have been convicted of crimes. The - fourth, of prisoners in wars that originate from common - causes, or in wars made solely for the purpose of procuring - captives for slaves. The fifth, such as are slaves by birth. - The sixth and seventh, such as have surrendered their liberty - by reason of debt, or by other imprudences, which last, - however, are comparatively few in number. - - "They are sometimes brought a distance _of a thousand miles; - marched over land in droves, or caufles as they are called, - secured from running away, by pieces of wood which yoke them - together by the neck, two and two, or by other pieces fastened - with staples to their arms_. - - "Some are carried to what are called slave-factories; others - immediately to the shore, and conveyed in boats to the - different ships whose captains have captured or purchased - them. The men are confined on board the ship, two and two - together, either by the neck, leg, or arm, with fetters of - iron; and are put into apartments, the men occupying the - forepart, the women the afterpart, and the children the - middle. The tops of these apartments are grated for the - admission of light and for ventilation when the weather is - suitable for the grates to be uncovered, and are about three - feet three inches in height, just sufficient space being - allotted to each individual to sit in one posture, the whole - stowed away like so much lumber. - - "It is said that many of them whilst the ships are waiting for - their full lading, and whilst they are near their native shore - which they are no more to set foot upon for ever, have been so - depressed, and overwhelmed with such unsupportable distress, - that they have been induced to die by their own hands. _Others - have become deranged and perfect maniacs, or have pined away - and died with despairing, broken hearts._ - - "In the day-time, in fair weather, they are sometimes brought - on deck. They are then placed in long rows on each side of the - ship, two and two together. As they are brought up from their - apartments, a long chain is passed through the shackles of - each couple, successively, and thus the whole row is fastened - down to the deck. In this situation, they receive their food. - After their coarse and meagre meal, a drum is beaten by one of - the sailors, and at its sound the Negroes are all required to - exercise, for their health, jumping in their chains as high as - their fetters will let them; and if any refuse to exercise in - this way, they are whipped until they comply. This jumping, - the slave-merchants call "_dancing_." - - "The middle passage is the whole from the time the ship weighs - anchor until she arrives at her destined port. On the passage, - the situation of the slaves is, indeed, doubly deplorable, - especially if the ship have a long passage, and is very full. - A full-grown person is allowed, in the most commodious - slave-ships, but sixteen inches in width, three feet three - inches in height, and five feet eight inches in length. _They - lie in one crowded mass on the bare planks, and by the - constant motion of the ship, are often chafed until their - bones are almost bare, and their limbs covered with bruises - and sores._ The heat is often so great, and the air they - breathe so poisoned with pestilence by the feverish - exhalations of the suffering multitude, that nature can no - longer sustain itself. It is no uncommon occurrence, to find, - on each successive morning, some who have died during the - night, in consequence of their suffering and confined - situation. A large proportion of those who are shipped, die - before they have crossed the ocean. Many also die soon after - completing the voyage, from what is called "the seasoning;" - that is, in becoming acclimated in the country to which they - are carried. - - "It is said that when the slave-holders first visited the - western coast of Africa, the country was most delightful. The - coast was covered with villages, or thickly settled towns, - which swarmed with inhabitants. Simple in their manners, - amiable in their dispositions, in quiet enjoyment of the - profuse bounties of nature, they are represented as exceeding - happy. - - "They were a comparatively innocent, unoffending, contented, - happy race. It was not until slave-dealers introduced among - them every thing that could please the fancy and awaken the - cupidity of uncivilized men, that they were at all prone to - interfere with each other's happiness. By the more than brutal - cruelty of white men, quarrels were fomented, tribe was set - against tribe, and each supplied with the means of mutual - destruction." - - "Then what is man? And what man, seeing this, - And having human feelings, does not blush, - And hang his head, to think himself a man?" - -Besides all this, recollect that there are about FIFTY MILLIONS of -Africans left exposed to the debasing influence of this hellish -practice. And if the Colonization Society did nothing more than stop or -check this torrent of infernal iniquity, it ought to render its friends -and advocates immortal, and make those blush (_if blush they could_) who -vilify and slander them. - - - - -CHAPTER IV. - -THE ERRORS OF THE QUARTERLY ANTI-SLAVERY MAGAZINE, FOR APRIL, 1837, -RESPECTING THE SCRIPTURAL WORDS "_Servant_"--"_Property_"--"_Buy_," &C., -BRIEFLY NOTICED. - - -There is no argument more frequently used by Abolitionists than that the -Scriptures prohibit the purchase, or sale of men, or holding any man as -property--and as the above Magazine has no doubt contributed much, by -the talent, learning, and _ingenuity_, (I don't like to say sophistry) -of its editor (Mr. Elizur Wright, jun.,) to build up this most -preposterous assertion, I shall take leave to investigate a few of the -arguments adopted therein. - -There is a great difference between a man going to the Bible to find -sanction for an opinion which he has _already_ formed, and a man going -to the Bible, for its opinion. The one first forms his own ideas of -things, of what is, and what is not, right or wrong, and then goes to -the Scriptures to sanction or corroborate those ideas; the other forms -no opinion whatever, until he searches the sacred oracles of truth to -ascertain what _they_ say on the subject. - -Now it appears to me evident that the editor of this periodical acted on -the former principle--he first came to the conclusion, that "_to own_," -"_to buy_," or "_to sell_," a human being, was wrong and unscriptural; -and then went to the Bible to _make_ it prove that his opinions were -correct. And so far has he been carried away with his preconceived -opinions, and so much did he labour under the "_spell_" of Abolitionism, -that he frequently confounds the act of purchasing a man, with the act -of stealing a man! using synonymously the terms "purchasing" and -"stealing!" Thus when he attempts to prove that purchasing a man is -unscriptural, and that all slave-holders ought to be put to death, he -refers to the twenty-first chapter of Exodus and sixteenth verse! (See -said Magazine, page 247-249). But how does this read, "He that STEALETH -a man, and selleth him, or if he be found in his hand, he shall surely -be put to death." It does _not_ read, "he that stealeth, OR selleth:" -no, no! the whole and only crime condemned here was, "STEALING the man;" -but retaining or not retaining him, or selling him, did not exculpate -the thief! - -This is one of the most unhappy passages in the whole Bible, the -Abolitionists could have selected: for while it incontrovertibly -sanctions "selling men," by making "the selling" no excuse for "the -stealing," it condemns _to death_ the African traders, for their -conduct, and the American Abolitionists, for theirs.[45:A] - -The editor builds nearly the whole of his arguments, which occupy 126 -pages, on TWO ERRONEOUS PRINCIPLES--which principles, if I prove to be -really erroneous, I need not wade through his numerous conclusions to -show the fallacy of each and every one of them; "for every argument -built upon a false position necessarily ends in an absurd conclusion." - -The two principles or pillars of his edifice are, 1st. That as the same -word (both in Hebrew and in Greek) signifies both slave and servant, and -as every slave is a servant, therefore, every servant, is a slave! This -species of logic reminds me of the syllogism, that, "as, every man is an -animal, and a horse is an animal, _therefore_, every man _is_ a horse!" -Is it necessary to spend time in exhibiting the folly and fallaciousness -of this first principle? A child would laugh at it; yet this work is -held up by Abolitionists, as of almost equal authority with the Bible -itself! - -One or two conclusions drawn from this first principle will, no doubt, -be gratifying to the reader. In page 220, the editor proceeds thus: - - "To keep the South in good spirits, we must believe not only - that Abraham kept slaves, but that our _blessed Saviour was a - slave-holder_! Of course _heaven must be_, on a larger scale, - like one of those establishments which line the shores of the - Mississippi. When they find a text which recognises _masters_ - or _servants_, they consider it triumphant. - - "_First._ It will prove that every country in Christendom is - a slave region. On every farm in Great Britain there are - _servants_. Every statute and every instrument of writing - which obliges _tenants_, and _keepers of cattle_, &c., calls - them _servants_, and their landlord or employer master. Is - Great Britain a slave region? And in our own country every - white apprentice is, in his indenture, called a _servant_. Is - he a slave? - - "_Second._ It will prove that slavery is the _only_ kind of - servitude which the Scriptures approve. At one "fell swoop," - it would unchurch the professors at Princeton, and every - master and servant in our free states. If the term _servant_, - of itself, and necessarily, signifies a _slave_, it follows - not only that _the kingdom of God has always been like the - kingdom of the devil_, in regard to servitude and personal - rights, but that voluntary and requited servitude is a modern - innovation, for which there is neither precedent nor example - in Holy Writ; and therefore it is at least doubtful _whether a - voluntary servant, and the master who pays him wages, ought to - be received into the Church_! For if inspired men always - passed them by unnoticed--if those whom they instruct and - recognise as believers were slaves and slavemasters - exclusively, where shall we find example for admitting the - voluntary servant and his master, till they qualify themselves - by slavery? Thus the assumption in question leads to the - conclusion, not that God tolerated slavery, _but that he - tolerated nothing else_."!!! - -The above paragraph furnishes an admirable specimen of the species of -_reasoning_ by which Abolitionists are _deluded_! - -The second principle, upon which the Editor builds his arguments, is -that as the original word which signifies "_to buy_" sometimes signifies -something else, therefore it _never_ signifies what we mean by _buying_ -or _purchasing_! I am really astonished at this gentleman's -forgetfulness, for to nothing else do I wish to attribute his reasoning -on this subject. He will therefore pardon me in _reminding_ him that -just in proportion to the poverty of any language, does each word in -that language represent numerous ideas; in which case the real meaning -intended by the writer can be ascertained, to a certainty, only by the -concomitant circumstances, or adjoining expressions. If in our own -language, which is so rich, we have numerous words, each representing -many distinct ideas, is it at all surprising that such should be the -case in ancient tongues? This, the Editor knows far better, in all -probability, than myself; and is also aware that preconceived theories -not only put _new_ ideas into our heads, but oftentimes eliminate -correct ones! Now when we hear of an article being bought "_with -money_," these two last words put, beyond all possibility of doubt, and -beyond all the possibility of sophistry, the nature of the meaning of -the word "_bought_"--viz. "_To acquire the property, right, or title, to -any thing, by paying a consideration, or an equivalent_--_to purchase; -to acquire by paying a price_," &c. [See Webster's American Dictionary]. -The various passages of Scripture quoted by the Editor in page 259, in -no way whatever militate against the meaning of the word "_buy_." - -Now the following simple questions may be put: 1st. Did God in any one -passage in the whole Bible forbid or prohibit the _purchase_ of men? Not -in a single instance! 2d. Did God ever give directions respecting the -purchase of men, and the treatment of men so purchased? He -unquestionably did. [See Gen. xvii. 13, 27. Exodus xxi. 2-7, 26, 27.] -3d. Did God recognize such as were thus purchased with money, as the -_property_ of their masters? Most undoubtedly. [See Exod. xx. 17. xxi. -20, 21, where the servant is actually denominated, "HIS MONEY!"] - -Having now proved the erroneousness of the two principles upon which the -Editor of this Magazine built his arguments; and having demolished the -two pillars which supported his whole edifice, the arguments and the -edifice necessarily coming to naught, I shall end this chapter with a -few remarks on a text of Scripture which Abolitionists adduce as a -justification for encouraging, sheltering, and retaining, those who run -away from their legal masters. This text is to be found in Deut. xxiii. -15, and reads thus, "Thou shalt not deliver unto his master the servant -which is escaped from his master unto thee. He shall dwell with thee, -even among you, in that place which he shall choose in one of thy gates, -where it liketh him best: thou shalt not oppress him." Did this verse -stand totally unconnected with any other portion of the Scriptures; were -it even completely isolated, I could not dare, in common justice, give -it that interpretation which would render it in direct opposition to the -whole tenor of Scripture; and which Abolitionists do, in order to -shelter themselves from the condemnation justly attached to their -principles. No marvel that there are thousands of men in the land who -consider the Bible a mass of contradictions, when those who profess to -believe in its Divine origin thus _make_ it, to promote their own views, -contradict itself. Compare the meaning attached to this passage by -Abolitionists, with the first column on page 33 in this treatise, and -then see if such meaning is not as directly opposed to the spirit and -letter of the passages of Scripture contained in that column, as any two -things possibly can be! - -But we need only look at the passage alluded to, as it stands in the -Bible, to see at once the true meaning of it; and that it, no more -sanctions or authorises the conduct of Abolitionists, than the command -of God to the Jews to extirpate the inhabitants of Canaan, authorises -the Abolitionists to extirpate our Southern brethren! Much of this -chapter (Deut. xxiii.) is taken up with directions to the Jews -respecting their future conduct towards their heathen neighbours, the -Ammonite, Moabite, &c., _from whom_, ("THINE ENEMIES,") if a servant -escape, thou shalt not deliver him back. This command, be it observed, -is not to _individuals_, but to the JEWISH NATION, which the sixteenth -verse fully proves: for therein we find directions given, that the -servant escaped from those heathen nations, may be permitted to dwell -_among_ the Jews, and in whatever place he chooses. This could not, in -the nature of things, be a command to one Jewish master, in respect to -the treatment of a slave that had escaped from another Jewish master: -the one expression "he may dwell _among_ you" (v. 16.) ends all dispute -on this subject. The Abolitionists must now for ever more search for -some other passage of Scripture, to contradict that which directs us to -"_do unto others as we would he done by_!" - - - - -CHAPTER V. - -THE CONDUCT AND CHARACTER OF THE SOUTHERN SLAVE-HOLDER, VINDICATED. - - -One of the peculiar features in the practice of Abolition champions, is -to discredit every statement proceeding from all others, except from -themselves: and in this respect they resemble very much, as I stated in -the preceding part of this pamphlet, the champions of Infidelity! If -there be, therefore, any truth in the common adage, that "none are so -suspicious as those who are conscious that their own statements ought -not to be credited," there can be no difficulty in accounting for the -unbelief of those gentlemen. - -No one pretends to deny that there are in the South, _some_ cruel, -irreligious--inhuman--slave-holders--and who will have the hardihood to -deny that there are also in the North, _thousands_ of cruel, irreligious -and inhuman, masters, husbands, and fathers! Would the latter fact be a -justifiable reason for branding _all_ the masters, husbands, and -fathers, in the North, as a set of cruel, irreligious, inhuman monsters? -Ah, but says the Abolitionist, they do not use the lash in the -North.--Don't they? If not, it is only because many prefer the cudgel, -which they use liberally on the head, back, and limbs of their -unfortunate _white_ slaves! How many think you (in this religious city -of Philadelphia) white masters, and white husbands, and white fathers, -are annually bound over or punished for cruelty to their _white_ -apprentices--white wives--and white children? And how many more are -they, whose barbarity never comes to light, or whose wealth shelters -them? Methinks the effects of the cruelty of a husband or of a father, -would be just as sore on the back or head of a wife, or of a child, as -if they were the effects of the cruelty of a slave-holder: a rose smells -as sweet by any other name! You reply they cannot _sell_ them here; I -answer, it would be far to the advantage of many if they could. - -But now to the matter of this chapter: it is constantly published and -circulated by Abolitionists that so hard-hearted, brutal, and inhuman -are all the slave-holders in the South, that they all desire slavery, -are all inimical to freedom, and revel in their iniquity. So far from -this being the case, I reply that the vast majority of them, regret the -necessity of holding slaves--are anxious to have them emancipated, and -would hail with delight any plan by means of which they could emancipate -them, with safety to themselves, and with safety to their slaves. Let us -hear the testimony of a few of them on the subject, recollecting that -according to the principles of common justice, as established in all -civilized nations, _it is not lawful to consider a man unworthy of -credit till he is first proved to be a liar_. - -Patrick Henry says,-- - - "I repeat it again, that it would rejoice my very soul that - _every one_ of my fellow beings was _emancipated_. As we ought - with gratitude to admire that decree of heaven which has - numbered us among the _free_, we ought to _lament and deplore_ - the necessity of holding our fellow men in bondage."--_Debates - in Virginia Convention._ - -Zachariah Johnson says,-- - - "Slavery has been the foundation of that impiety and - dissipation which have been so much disseminated among our - countrymen. If it were _totally abolished_, it would do much - good." _Ibid._ - -Judge Tucker says,-- - - "The introduction of slavery into this country, is, at this - day, considered among its _greatest misfortunes_." And in - 1803, he said, after pronouncing slavery to be "a calamity, a - reproach, and a curse,"--"those who wish to postpone - emancipation, do not reflect that every day renders the task - more arduous to be performed." - -General Harper says,-- - - "It tends, and may powerfully tend, to rid us gradually and - _entirely_ in the United States, _of slaves and slavery_, a - great _moral and political evil, of increasing virulence and - extent_, from which much mischief is now felt, and very great - calamity in future, is justly apprehended. It speaks not only - to our understandings, but to our senses; and however it may - be derided by some, or overlooked by others, who have not the - ability or time, or do not give themselves the trouble to - reflect on, and estimate properly, the force and extent of - those great moral and physical causes, which prepare - gradually, and at length bring forth the most terrible - convulsions in civil society; it will not be viewed without - deep and awful apprehensions by any who shall bring sound - minds, and some share of political knowledge and sagacity, to - the serious consideration of the subject. Such persons will - give their most serious attention to any proposition which has - for its object, the eradication of this terrible mischief - lurking in our vitals."--_Letter on Colonization Society._ - -Darby says,-- - - "Copying from Montesquieu, and not from observation of nature, - climate has been called upon to account for stains on the - human character, imprinted by the hand of political mistake. - No country where negro slavery is established, but must bear, - in part, the wounds inflicted on nature and justice. Without - pursuing a train of metaphysical reasoning, we may at once - draw this induction, that if slavery, like pain, is one of the - laws of existence, the latter does not more certainly produce - physical weakness, debility, and death, than does the former - lessen the purity of virtue in the human breast."--_History of - Louisiana._ - -M'Call says,-- - - "It is shocking to human nature, that any race of mankind, and - their posterity, should be sentenced to perpetual slavery." - _History of Georgia._ - -General Mercer says,-- - - "For, although it is believed, and is, indeed, too obvious to - require proof, that the colonization of the free people of - colour alone, would not only tend to civilize Africa; to - abolish the slave-trade; and greatly to advance their own - happiness; but to promote that also of the other classes of - society, the proprietors and slaves; yet the hope of the - gradual and utter abolition of slavery, in a manner consistent - with the rights, interests, and happiness of society, ought - never to be abandoned."--_Report to Colonization Society._ - -F. S. Key, Esq. says,-- - - "I hope I may be excused, if I add, that the subject which - engages us, is one in which it is our right to act--as much - our right to act, as it is the right of those who differ from - us not to act. If we believe in the existence of a great moral - and political evil amongst us, and that duty, honour, and - interest, call upon us to prepare the way for its removal, we - must act. All that can be required of us, is, that we act - discreetly," &c.--_Speech before Colonization Society._ - -Mr. Clay says,-- - - "If they would repress all tendencies towards liberty and - ultimate emancipation, they must do more than put down the - benevolent efforts of this society. They must penetrate the - human soul, and eradicate the light of reason, and the love of - liberty. _Our friends, who are cursed with this greatest of - human evils, (slavery,) deserve our kindest attention and - consideration. Their property and safety are both - involved._"--_Speech before Colonization Society._ - -William H. Fitzhugh, Esq. says,-- - - "Slavery, in its mildest form, is an evil of the darkest - character. Cruel and unnatural in its origin, no plea can be - urged in justification of its continuance, but the plea of - necessity; not that necessity which arises from our habits, - our prejudices, or our wants; but the necessity which requires - us to submit to existing evils, rather than substitute, by - their removal, others of a more serious and destructive - character. There is no riveted attachment to slavery, - prevailing extensively, in any portion of our country. Its - injurious effects on our habits, our morals, our individual - wealth, and more especially on our national strength and - prosperity, are universally felt, and almost universally - acknowledged." - -Mr. Levasseur says,-- - - "Happily, there is no part of the civilized world, in which it - is necessary to discuss the justice or injustice of the - principle of negro slavery; at the present day, every sane man - agrees that it is a monstrosity, and it would be altogether - inaccurate, to suppose that there are in the United States, - more than elsewhere, individuals sufficiently senseless to - seek to defend it, either by their writings or conversation. - For myself, who have traversed the twenty-four states of the - Union, and in the course of a year have had more than one - opportunity of hearing long and keen discussions upon this - subject, I declare that I never have found but a single - person, who seriously defended this principle. This was a - young man, whose head, sufficiently imperfect in its - organization, was filled with confused and ridiculous notions - relative to Roman History; and appeared to be completely - ignorant of the history of his own country. It would be waste - of time, to repeat here, his crude and ignorant tirade." - -These are the sentiments of MEN OF EMINENT TALENTS, CITIZENS OF THE -SOUTH, AND SLAVE-HOLDERS! - -Lastly, the Southern Reporter says,-- - - "The _conscientious_ slave-holder deserves a larger share of - the sympathy of those who have sympathy to spare, than any - other class of men, not excepting the slave himself." "One - _great evil_ of the system is its tendency to produce disorder - and poverty in a country." "The slave-trade may be regarded as - a _conspiracy_ of all Europe and the commercial part of this - continent, not only against Africa, but in a _more aggravated - sense, against these southern regions_." - - "Almost all masters, in Virginia, assent to the proposition, - that when slaves can be liberated without _danger to - themselves_, and to their _own_ advantage, it ought to be - done. If there are few who think otherwise in Virginia, I feel - assured that _there are few such any where in the south_!" - [See Dr. Reese's Letters to the Hon. William Jay, p. 50-53.] - -But if it be now asked why do they not liberate them, as they appear so -anxious so to do? I reply that totally independent of the considerations -above stated, the law of the land prohibits their so doing unless they -give large security, or send them abroad. So that in fact the -_Abolitionists themselves are now the actual slave-holders of -thousands_! For by their calumniating and misrepresenting the motives -of the advocates of the Colonization Society, they have prevented the -influx of such means to that body as would have enabled it to relieve -the slave-holder from that _bondage_ under which he labours, and thus -free his slaves! - -Another calumny circulated is respecting the state of ignorance and -irreligion in which all the slave-holders keep their slaves. This is as -great a falsehood as ever was uttered by man or Devils, if we are to -give any credit to the testimony of every good and pious man who lives -in, or has visited, the South. - -The following testimony I the more readily adduce because it is taken -from the Report published by the _Abolitionists_, of the Discussion -between Mr. Breckinridge and Mr. Thompson; and the truth of which I find -the latter gentleman does not attempt to deny. - - "RELIGIOUS INSTRUCTION OF SLAVES. - - "The Southern Evangelical Society, is the title of a proposed - association, among the Presbyterians of the South, for the - propagation of the gospel among the people of colour. The - constitution originated in the synod of North Carolina, and is - to go into effect as soon as adopted by the synod of Virginia, - or that of South Carolina and Georgia. The voting members of - the society are to be elected by the synods. Honorary members - are created by the payment of 30 dollars. All members of - synods united with the society are corresponding - members--other corresponding members may be chosen by the - voting members. Article 4th of the constitution provides that - 'there shall not exist between this society and any other - society, any connexion whatever, except with a similar society - in the slave-holding states.' Several resolutions follow the - constitution--one of these provides that a presbytery in a - slave-holding district of the country, not united with a synod - in connexion with the society, may become a member by its own - act. The 5th and 6th resolutions are as follows:-- - - "Resolved, 5. That it be very respectfully and earnestly - recommended to all the heads of families in connexion with our - congregations, to take up and vigorously prosecute the - business of seeking the salvation of the slaves in the way of - maintaining and promoting family religion. - - "Resolved, 6. That it be enjoined on all the presbyteries - composing this synod to take order at their earliest meeting - to obtain full and correct statistical information as to the - number of people of colour, in the bounds of our several - congregations, the number in actual attendance at our several - places of worship, and the number of coloured members in our - several churches, and make a full report to the synod at its - next meeting, and for this purpose, that the clerk of this - synod furnish a copy of this resolution to the stated clerk of - each presbytery." - - "The next document carried them one state farther South, and - related to South Carolina, in which that horrible Gov. - M'Duffie, who seems to haunt Mr. Thompson's imagination with - his threats of 'death without benefit of clergy,' lives, and - perhaps still rules. It is taken from the same paper as the - next preceding extract:-- - - - "RELIGIOUS INSTRUCTION OF SLAVES. - - "From an intelligent New Englander at the South:-- - - "To the Editor of the _New York Observer_-- - - "I am apprehensive that many of your readers, who feel a - lively interest in the welfare of the slaves, are not - correctly and fully informed as to their amount of religious - instruction. From the speeches of Mr. Thompson and others, - they might be led to believe that slaves in our Southern - states never read a Bible, hear a gospel sermon, or partake of - a gospel ordinance. It is to be hoped, however, that little - credit will be given to such misrepresentations, - notwithstanding the zeal and industry with which they are - disseminated. - - "_What has been done on a single Plantation._ - - "I will now inform your readers what has been done, and is now - doing, for the moral and religious improvement of the slaves - on a single plantation, with which I am well acquainted, and - these few facts may serve as a commentary on the unsupported - assertions of Mr. Thompson and others. And here I could wish - that all who are so ready to denounce every man that is so - unfortunate as to be born to a heritage of slaves, could go to - that plantation, and see with their own eyes, and hear with - their own ears, the things which I despair of adequately - describing. Truly, I think they would be more inclined, and - better qualified to use those weapons of light and love which - have been so ably and justly commended to their hands. - - "On this plantation there are from 150 to 200 slaves, the - finest looking body that I have seen on any estate. Their - master and mistress have felt for years how solemn are the - responsibilities connected with such a charge; and they have - not shrunk from meeting them. The means used for their - spiritual good, are abundant. They enjoy the constant - preaching of the gospel. A young minister of the Presbyterian - church, who has received a regular collegiate and theological - education, is labouring among them, and derives his entire - support from the master, with the exception of a trifling sum - which he receives for preaching one Sabbath in each month, for - a neighbouring church. On the Sabbath and during the week you - may see them filling the place of worship, from the man of - gray hairs to the small child, all neatly and comfortably - clothed, listening with respectful, and in many cases, eager - attention to the truth as it is in Jesus, delivered in terms - adapted to their capacities, and in a manner suited to their - peculiar habits, feelings and circumstances;--engaging with - solemnity and propriety in the solemn exercise of prayer, and - mingling their melodious voices in the hymn of praise. Sitting - among them are the white members of the family encouraging - them by their attendance, manifesting their interest in the - exercises, and their anxiety for the eternal well being of - their people. Of the whole number 45 or 50 have made a - profession of religion, and others are evidently deeply - concerned. - - "Let me now conduct you to a Bible class of 10 or 12 adults - who can read, met with their Bibles to study and have - explained to them the word of God. They give unequivocal - demonstrations of much interest in their employment, and of an - earnest desire to understand and remember what they read. From - hence we will go to another room where are assembled 18 or 20 - lads attending upon catechetical instruction conducted by - their young master. Here you will notice many intelligent - countenances, and will be struck with the promptitude and - correctness of their answers. - - "But the most interesting spectacle is yet before you. It is - to be witnessed in the Infant School Room, nicely fitted up - and supplied with the customary cards and other appurtenances. - Here, every day in the week, you may find 25 or 30 children - neatly clad, and wearing bright and happy faces. And as you - notice their correct deportment, hear their unhesitating - replies to the questions proposed, and above all, when they - unite their sweet voices in their touching songs, if your - heart is not affected and your eyes do not fill, you are the - hardest-hearted and driest-eyed visitor that has ever been - there. But who is their teacher? Their mistress, a lady whose - amiable christian character, and most gifted and accomplished - manners are surpassed by none. From day to day--month to - month, and year to year, she has cheerfully left her splendid - halls and circle of friends to visit her school room, where, - standing up before those young immortals, she trains them in - the way in which they should go, and leads them to Him who - said, 'suffer little children to come unto me.' - - "From the Infant School Room, we will walk through a beautiful - lawn half a mile, to a pleasant grove commanding a view of - miles in extent. Here is a brick chapel rising for the - accommodation of this interesting family--sufficiently large - to receive 2 or 300 hearers. When completed, in beauty and - convenience it will be surpassed by few churches in the - Southern country. - - "On the plantation you might see also many other things of - great interest. Here a negro is the overseer. Marriages are - regularly contracted. No negro is sold, except as a punishment - for bad behaviour, and a dreaded one it is. None is bought - save for the purpose of uniting families. Here you will hear - no clanking of chains, no cracking of whips; (I have never - seen a blow struck on the estate,) and here last, but not - least, you will find a flourishing Temperance Society - embracing almost every individual on the premises. And yet the - 'Christianity of the South is a chain-forging, a - whip-platting--marriage discouraging, Bible-withholding - Christianity!' - - "I have confined myself to a single plantation. But I might - add many interesting facts in regard to others, and the state - of feeling in general, but I forbear. - - Yours, &c. - A NEW-ENGLAND MAN. - - "He would now connect the peculiar and local facts of the - preceding statement, with the whole community of slave-holders - in the same state; and show by competent and disinterested - testimony the real and common state of things. The following - extracts were from a letter printed in the New York Observer - of July 25, 1835. - - "I have resided eight years in South Carolina, and have an - extensive acquaintance with the planters of the middle and low - country. I have seen much of slavery, and feel competent to - speak in regard to many facts connected with it. - - "What your correspondent has stated of the condition of one - plantation, is, in its essential points, a common case - throughout the whole circle of my acquaintance. - - "The negroes generally in this state are well fed, well - clothed, and have the means of religious instruction. - According to my best judgment, the work which a slave here is - required to do, amounts to about one third the ordinary labour - commonly performed by a New-England farmer. A similar - comparison would hold true in regard to the labour of - domestics. In the family where I reside, consisting of _nine_ - white persons, _seven slaves_ are employed to do the work. - This is a common case. - - "In the village where I live there are about 400 slaves, and - they generally attend church. More than one hundred of them - are members of the church. Perhaps 200 are assembled every - Sabbath in the Sunday Schools. In my own Sunday School are - about 60, and most of them professors of religion. They are - perfectly accessible and teachable. In the town of my former - residence in New-England, there were 300 free blacks. No more - than 8 or 10 of those were professors of religion, and not - more than twice that number could generally be induced to - attend church. They could not be induced to send their - children to the district schools, which were always open to - them, nor could they generally be hired to work. They were - thievish, wretched and troublesome. I have no hesitation in - saying, and I say it deliberately, it would be a great - blessing to them to exchange conditions with the slaves of the - village in which I now live. Their intellectual and moral - characters, and real means of improvement, would be promoted - by the exchange. - - "There are doubtless some masters who treat their slaves - cruelly in this State, but they are exceptions to the general - fact. Public opinion is in a wholesome state, and the man who - does not treat his slaves kindly, is disgraced. - - "Great and increasing efforts are made to instruct the slaves - in religion, and elevate their characters. Missionaries are - employed solely for their benefit. It is very common for - ministers to preach in the forenoon to the whites, and in the - afternoon of each Sabbath to the blacks. The slaves of my - acquaintance are generally contented and happy. The master is - reprobated who will divide families. Many thousands of slaves - of this State give evidence of piety. In many churches they - form the majority. Thousands of them give daily thanks to God, - that they or their fathers were brought to this land of - Slavery. - - "And now, perhaps, I ought to add, that I am not a - slave-holder, and do not intend to continue in a slave - country; but wherever I may be, I intend to speak the - - TRUTH. - - "The next document related particularly to _Virginia_,--the - largest and most powerful of the slave states; but had also a - general reference to the whole south, and to the whole - question at issue. The sentiments it contained were entitled - to extraordinary consideration, on account of the source of - them. Mr. Van Renselaer was the son of one of the most wealthy - and distinguished citizens of the great free state of New - York. He had gone to Virginia to preach to the slaves. He had - everywhere succeeded; was everywhere beloved by the slaves, - and honoured by their masters. He had access to perhaps forty - different plantations,--on which he from time to time - preached,--and which might have been doubled, had his strength - been equal to the task. In the midst of his usefulness--the - storm of abolition arose. Mr. Thompson, like some baleful - star, landed on our shores; organized a reckless agitation, - made many at the north frantic with folly--and as many at the - south furious with passion. Mr. Van Renselaer, like many - others, saw a storm raging which they had no power to control; - and like them withdrew from his benevolent labours. The - following brief statements made by him at a great meeting of - the Colonization Society of New York, exhibit his own view of - the conduct and duty of the parties. - - "_The Rev. Cortlandt Van Renselaer_, formerly of Albany, but - who has lately resided in Virginia, addressed the meeting, and - after alluding to the difference of opinion which prevailed - among the friends of Colonization, touching the present - condition and treatment of the coloured population in this - country, proceeded to offer reasons why the people of the - North should approach their brethren in the South, who held - the control of the coloured population, with deference, and in - a spirit of kindness and conciliation. - - "These reasons were briefly as follows: 1. Because the people - of the South had not consented to the original introduction of - slaves into the country, but had solemnly, earnestly, and - repeatedly remonstrated against it. 2. Because, having been - born in the presence of slavery, and accustomed to it from - their infancy, they could not be expected to view it in the - same light as we view it at the North. 3. Slavery being there - established by law, it was not in the power of individuals to - act in regard to it as their personal feelings might dictate. - The evil had not been eradicated from the state of New York - all at once: it had been a gradual process, commencing with - the law of 1799, and not consummated until 1827. Ought we to - denounce our Southern neighbours if they refused to do the - work at a blow? 4. The constitution of the United States, - tolerated slavery, in its articles apportioning representation - with reference to the slave population, and requiring the - surrender of runaway slaves. 5. Slavery had been much - mitigated of late years, and the condition of the slave - population much ameliorated. Its former rigour was almost - unknown, at least in Virginia, and it was lessening - continually. It was not consistent with truth to represent the - slaves as groaning day and night under the lash of tyrannical - task-masters. And as to being kept in perfect ignorance, Mr. - _V. had seldom seen a plantation where some of the slaves - could not read, and where they were not encouraged to learn. - In South Carolina, where it was said the gospel was - systematically denied to the slave, there were twenty thousand - of them church-members in the Methodist denomination alone. He - knew a small church where out of 70 communicants_, 50 were in - slavery. 6. There were very great difficulties connected with - the work of Abolition. The relations of slavery had ramified - themselves through all the relations of society. The slaves - were comparatively very ignorant; their character degraded; - and they were unqualified for immediate freedom. A blunder in - such a concern as universal Abolition, would be no light - matter. Mr. V. here referred to the result of experience and - personal observation on the mind of the well known _Mr. - Parker_, late a minister of this city, but now of New Orleans. - He had left this city for the South with the feelings of an - immediate Abolitionist; but he had returned with his views - wholly changed. After seeing slavery and slave-holders, and - that at the far South, he now declared the idea of immediate - and universal Abolition to be a gross absurdity. To liberate - the two and a half millions of slaves in the midst of us, - would be just as wise and as humane, as it would be for the - father of a numerous family of young children to take them to - the front door, and there bidding them good bye, tell them - they were free, and send them out into the world to provide - for and govern themselves. 7. Foreign interference was, of - necessity, a delicate thing, and ought ever to be attempted - with the utmost caution. 8. There was a large amount of - unfeigned Christian anxiety at the South to obey God and to do - good to man. There were many tears and prayers continually - poured out over the condition of their coloured people, and - the most earnest desire to mitigate their sorrows. Were such - persons to be approached with vituperation and anathemas? 9. - There was no reason why all our sympathies should be confined - to the coloured race and utterly withheld from our white - Southern brethren. The apostle Paul exhibited no such spirit. - 10. A regard to the interest of the slaves themselves dictated - a cautious and prudent and forbearing course. It called for - conciliation: for the fate of the slaves depended on the will - of their masters, nor could the North prevent it. _The late - laws against teaching slaves to read had not been passed until - the Southern people found inflammatory publications - circulating among the coloured people._ 11. The spirit of the - gospel forbade all violence, abuse and threatening. The - apostles had wished to call fire from heaven on those they - considered as Christ's enemies; but the Saviour instead of - approving this fiery zeal, had rebuked it. 12. These Southern - people, who were represented as so grossly violating all - Christian duty, had been the subjects of gracious blessings - from God in the outpourings of his Spirit. 13. When God - convinced men of error, he did it in the spirit of mercy; we - ought to endeavour to do the same thing in the same spirit." - -The last testimony that I shall adduce on this subject is from "The Plea -for Africa" [p. 160, 164] in which the writer says, - - "There is certainly a pleasing and commendable spirit - exhibited, after all the precautionary provisions of - legislative acts, by the christian community at the South, in - respect to the religious instruction of their slaves. I have - before me a letter from an eminent clergyman of Virginia, a - part of which I will read, since you may from such sources be - better able to apprehend the true feeling of Christians at the - South, and the actual condition of the slaves: - - "'To give you an idea of the feeling of the Christian - community toward that unfortunate class of people which we - have among us, I would refer you to the articles which - appeared in the Religious Telegraph during the last year, - signed, 'Zinzindorf,' and which terminated in passing a - resolution in the synod of Virginia, recommending every church - in the State, to set apart one of its best qualified members, - whose duty it shall be to give religious instruction to the - coloured people. And I am happy to state, that many enter upon - this self-denying, though pleasing duty. - - "'We hope that the public mind is fast preparing for a general - emancipation, and that the Christian community will not be - remiss in instructing and preparing the coloured people for - the colony. The redeeming spirit is amongst us, I hope, and - will not rest till every slave shall be restored to the land - of their fathers, and this State placed upon a footing with - the other happy States of our Union, who know not the curses - of slavery.' - - "I have also before me a letter from Georgia, written by a - distinguished gentleman to his friend, on the same subject, - which reads as follows: - - "'With regard to your inquiries about the religious - instruction of the Negroes of the South, I would state, that - we have much reason to be grateful for what is doing, and for - what in prospect may be done. My knowledge on this subject is - confined to Georgia and South Carolina; I visited Bryan - county, Georgia, a few weeks since, for the exclusive purpose - of seeing what was doing there for the Negroes. On one - plantation I found the slaves far more improved, both as - regards their temporal comforts, and their religious - instruction, than I had expected to see. The number of Negroes - on this plantation is, I believe, about two hundred. They live - in framed houses, raised above the ground--spacious, and in - every way comfortable, and calculated to promote health. The - Negroes were uniformly clad in a very decent and comfortable - way. There is a chapel on the place where the master meets the - adults every night at the ringing of the bell. Reading a - portion of Scripture, and explaining it, singing, and prayer, - constitute the regular exercises of every night in the week. - On the Sabbath they have different and more protracted - exercises. - - "'A day school is taught by two young ladies--embracing all - the children under twelve or fifteen years of age. The - instruction in this and other schools in the county, is - _oral_, of course; but it was gratifying to see how great an - amount of knowledge the children had acquired in a few months. - A Presbyterian minister of Philadelphia was with me, and he - said, in unqualified terms, that he visited no infant schools - at the North better conducted--Schools on the same plan are - now established on the several other plantations in the same - county. And I think I may say there is a very general interest - getting up on this subject. A large portion of the wealthy - planters either have already, or contemplate building churches - on their premises, and employing chaplains to preach to their - slaves. Several I could mention who, though they are not pious - themselves, have done this already, from what they have seen - of the beneficial influence of religious instruction on the - slaves of other plantations. Persons at a distance may be - surprised at this fact, but it is so in a number of cases that - I could name, if it were necessary. Ministers of all - denominations begin to awake to their duty and responsibility - on this subject. Many of them are now devoting themselves - _wholly_ to this portion of our community; and it is to be - hoped that every christian master will soon be brought to an - enlightened sense of duty. And _if we are allowed to - prosecute this work without indiscreet interference on the - part of our Northern brethren_, I feel assured that we shall - see the Negroes _far more improved_ in a short time than they - are at present.' - - * * * * * - - "Of the religious condition of the slaves _in South Carolina_, - a clergyman in that State writes: - - "I am able from authentic information to say, that of the - _five hundred and eighty thousand_, which compose the entire - population of this State, about _sixty-seven thousand_ are - members in the Baptist, Methodist, Presbyterian, and - Episcopalian churches. _Of these communicants more than forty - thousand are slaves._ The whole slave population is 315,000. - It is easily seen, therefore, that of the white population - about _one-seventh_ are church members. It is proper these - facts should come into the estimate of the religious condition - and prospects of our slaves. In New-England there are _twenty - thousand_, and in the free states _a hundred and - twenty-thousand_ blacks. I should be glad to see a comparison - of their religious condition with that of our slaves in this - one item. Do you believe that _one-twentieth_ of them are - communicants? And do you believe that in New-England, _as - here_, there is a _larger proportion_ of black than white - communicants? And what is doing _there_ to improve the moral - condition of the blacks?" - - * * * * * - - "I might multiply proofs of a disposition prevailing - extensively at the South in all the States to give to the - slaves religious instruction, and all practicable religious - privileges. I think the general feeling on this subject is - greatly misapprehended in the non-slave-holding States. The - evils of slavery are great, but they ought not to be magnified - either by representing the slaves as deprived of all religious - privileges, or their masters as destitute of christian - benevolence and the feelings of humanity." - - - - -CHAPTER VI. - -COLONIZATION PRINCIPLES VINDICATED--CALUMNIES REFUTED--THE GOOD -COLONIZATION HAS ALREADY DONE--IS DOING--AND THE INCALCULABLE GOOD IT -WILL DO, IF DULY PATRONISED. - - -_The Colonization Society_ was formed in Washington, December 21st, -1816; and not in Virginia, as Abolitionists falsely assert. Amongst its -most prominent promoters and founders, were, FINLAY--CALDWELL--and -MILLS; than whom none were more excellent and pious: they were not -slave-holders, as Abolitionists falsely assert. - -Although the simple object of this Society is the colonization of the -_free people of colour_, who _voluntarily_ desire to go abroad, yet the -members of it are decidedly opposed to slavery. And although _as a body_ -they do not attempt to interfere with the rights of the slave-holder, -yet as _individuals_ they have, and do exercise their utmost powers to -diminish the evils of slavery--to provide, for the liberated person of -colour, and to induce the slave-holder to emancipate his slaves; and all -this consistent with the _legal_ interest of the owner, and consistent -with the laws of God. Nothing could more satisfactorily prove the truth -of these statements than the two following facts, 1st, that the actual -PRO-SLAVERY party denounce the Colonization Society; and 2dly, that vast -numbers of slaves have been emancipated through the influence of this -Society. Dr. Reese says in his work before quoted, p. 41, - - "The society does not merely "_promise_" to promote Abolition, - but exerts a mighty and _successful moral influence in - actually abolishing slavery. And here I will not refer to the - truth, which he who runs may read, that in Kentucky, Delaware, - Maryland, and even Virginia_ itself, it is now openly avowed - that '_colonization doctrines have sealed the death warrant of - slavery!_' _Hence the pro-slavery party have declared that - 'colonization and emancipation are synonymous terms_, and that - the approach of _the former must be resisted_!' At a meeting - of the same party _in Charleston_, the following toast was - given, 'May the infernal regions soon be _colonized_ with the - officers of the Colonization Society!' And while labouring - with your misguided associates in the North, to hold up the - Colonization Society, as hypocritical in its professions to - exert a _moral influence_ towards the voluntary and utter - abolition of slavery, you are leagued with 'all the advocates - of the negro's perpetual bondage, who are the bitter - uncompromising enemies of the society.' The Rev. J. M. - Danforth states on his own personal knowledge, that in South - Carolina, 'the society, and every thing connected with it, are - held in _extreme abhorrence_ by our leading men, our - politicians and wealthy planters. It is so _unpopular_ an - institution, that very few name it publicly,--it is regarded - here as a _northern scheme_ to _wrest_ from us our _slaves_.' - In your anti-colonization efforts then, you are associated in - action with the very men, whose character as slave-holders is - so odious, that you deprecate their connexion with the - colonization cause, as an unpardonable sin. Let me conjure - you, sir, no longer to be 'jostled by the trafficker in human - flesh,' in your crusade against the society or its benevolent - objects, but abandon the 'bad eminence' to which your 'want of - information' has unhappily raised you." - - "The following manumissions are the legitimate result of the - '_moral influence_' of the Colonization Society. - - "[67:A]It would be endless to enumerate the cases of this kind - that have occurred. Some of them must be recorded, that the - acts and the names of the parties, where known, may have the - applause to which they are entitled, and, what is of more - consequence, that they may serve as stimuli to others, to - follow the noble example. - - "A lady, near Charleston, Va. liberated all her slaves, _ten_ - in number, to be sent to Liberia; and moreover purchased - _two_, whose families were among her slaves. For the one she - gave $450, and for the other $350. - - "The late William Fitzhugh bequeathed their freedom to _all - his slaves_, after a certain fixed period, and ordered that - their expenses should be paid to whatsoever place they should - think proper to go. And, 'as an encouragement to them to - emigrate to the American colony on the coast of Africa, - where,' adds _the will, 'I believe their happiness will be - more permanently secured, I desire not only that the expenses - of their emigration be paid, but that the sum of fifty - dollars_ be paid to each one so emigrating, on his or her - arrival in Africa.' - - "David Shriver, of Frederick co. Maryland, ordered by his - will, that all his slaves, _thirty_ in number, should be - emancipated, and that proper provision should be made for the - comfortable support of the infirm and aged, and for the - instruction of the young in reading, writing, and arithmetic, - and in some art or trade, by which they might acquire the - means of support. - - "Col. Smith, an old revolutionary officer, of Sussex county, - Va. ordered in his will, that all his slaves, _seventy_ or - _eighty_ in number, should be emancipated; and bequeathed - above $5000 to defray the expense of transporting them to - Liberia. - - "Patsey Morris, of Louisa co., Va. directed by will, that all - her slaves, _sixteen_ in number, should be emancipated, and - left $500 to fit them out, and defray the expense of their - passage. - - "The schooner Randolph, which sailed from Georgetown, South - Carolina, had on board _twenty-six slaves_, liberated by a - benevolent individual near Cheraw. - - "Of 105 emigrants, who sailed in the brig Doris, from - Baltimore and Norfolk, _sixty-two_ were emancipated on - condition of being conveyed to Liberia. - - "Sampson David, late a member of the legislature of Tennessee, - provided by will, that all his slaves, _twenty-two_ in number, - who are mostly young, should be liberated in 1840, or sooner, - at his wife's decease, if she died before that period. - - "Herbert B. Elder, of Petersburg, Va. bequeathed their freedom - to all his slaves, _twenty_ in number, with directions that - they should be conveyed to Liberia, by the first opportunity. - - "A gentleman in Georgia, has recently left _forty-nine_ slaves - free, on condition of their removal to Liberia. - - "Mrs. Elizabeth Morris, of Bourbon co., Va. provided by will - for the emancipation of her slaves, about _forty_ in number. - - "David Patterson, of Orange co., North Carolina, freed - _eleven_ slaves, to be sent to Liberia. - - "Rev. Fletcher Andrew gave freedom to _twenty_, who - constituted most of his property, for the same purpose. - - "Nathaniel Crenshaw, near Richmond, liberated _sixty_ slaves, - with a view to have them sent to Liberia. - - "Rev. Robert Cox, Suffolk co., Va. provided by his will for - the emancipation of all his slaves, upwards of _thirty_, and - left several hundred dollars to pay their passage to Liberia. - - "Joseph Leonard Smith, of Frederick co., Md. liberated - _twelve_ slaves, who sailed from Baltimore for Liberia. - - "Of 107 coloured persons who sailed in the Carolinian, from - Norfolk for Liberia, _forty-five_ were emancipated on - condition of being sent there. - - "In the brig Criterion, which sailed from Norfolk for Liberia, - on the 2d August, 1831, there were _forty-six_ persons who had - been liberated, _on condition of proceeding to Liberia_; 18 by - Mrs. Greenfield, near Natchez; 8 by Mr. Williams, of Elizabeth - city, N. C.; 7 by Gen. Jacocks, of Perquimans, Ohio; 4 by - Thomas Davis, Montgomery co. Miss.; 2 by two other - individuals; and 5 by some of the Quakers in North Carolina. - Of those liberated slaves, 2 only were above 40 years of age, - 22 were under 35, and 22 under 20. - - "A gentleman in N. C., last year, gave freedom to all his - slaves, 14 in number, and provided 20 dollars each, to pay - their passage to Liberia. - - "Mrs. J. of Mercer co., Kentucky, and her two sons, one a - clergyman, and the other a physician, lately offered the - Colonization Society, _sixty_ slaves, to be conveyed to - Liberia. - - "Henry Robertson, of Hampton, Va., bequeathed their freedom to - _seven_ slaves, and fifty dollars to each, to aid in their - removal to Liberia. - - "William Fletcher, of Perquimans, N. C., ordered by will, that - his slaves, _twelve_ in number, should be hired out for a year - after his death, to earn wherewith to pay for their conveyance - to Liberia. - - "A gentleman in Kentucky, lately wrote to the secretary of - the society, 'I will willingly give up _twelve_ or _fifteen_ - of my coloured people at this time; and so on _gradually_, - till the whole, about _sixty_, are given up, if means for - their passage can be afforded.' - - "On board the Harriet, from Norfolk, of one hundred and sixty - emigrants, between _forty_ and _fifty_ had been slaves, - emancipated on condition of being sent to Africa. - - "In addition to these instances, several others might be - added, particularly that of Richard Bibb, Esq., of Kentucky, - who proposes to send _sixty_ slaves to Liberia--two gentlemen - in Missouri, who desire to send _eleven_ slaves--a lady in - Kentucky offers _forty_--the Rev. John C. Burress, of Alabama, - intends preparing _all his slaves_ for Colonization--the Rev. - William L. Breckenridge, of Kentucky, manumitted 11 slaves, - who sailed a few weeks ago from New-Orleans. - - "In this work of benevolence, the Society of Friends, as in so - many other cases, have nobly distinguished themselves, and - assumed a prominent attitude. They have, in North Carolina, - liberated no less than _652 slaves_, whom they had under their - care, besides, as says my authority, an unknown number of - children, husbands and wives, connected with them by - consanguinity, and of whom, part went to Canada, part to - Liberia, part to Hayti, and a portion to Ohio. In the - performance of these acts of benevolence, they expended - $12,759. They had remaining under their care, in December, - 1830, 402 slaves, for whom similar arrangements were to be - made. - - "It holds out every encouragement to the Colonization Society, - that the applications for the transportation of free negroes, - and slaves proposed to be emancipated on condition of removal - to Liberia, _far exceed its means_. There are, in North - Carolina _and the adjacent states_, from _three to four - thousand_ of both descriptions, ready to embark, were the - society in a situation to send them away. - - "_R. S. Finlay_, Esq., at a late anniversary says,-- - - "I know that much pains have been taken to _calumniate_ our - brethren of the south, by representing them to be the - advocates of perpetual despotism. From an _extensive and - familiar acquaintance_ with their views and sentiments, formed - upon actual observation, I know this not to be the fact. I - have publicly discussed this subject _everywhere in the - southern states_, from the eastern shore of _Maryland to the - Gulf of Mexico_, in the presence of hundreds of slaves at a - time, and with the general approbation of the audience to - which my addresses were delivered,--and have uniformly - represented it as affording the best and only safe means of - _gradually_ and _entirely abolishing slavery_. Indeed, so well - is the moral influence of the operations of this society - understood in the extreme south, that all _the advocates of - perpetual slavery are bitterly opposed to it_, and _none are - its advocates, but the friends of gradual, peaceful, and - ultimate entire emancipation_!" 16th _Report_. - - "In a letter, dated Nov. 4, 1831, Mr. Clarkson says, - - "For myself, I freely confess, that of all the things which - have occurred in our favour since the year 1787, when the - abolition of the slave trade was first seriously proposed, - that which is now going on in the United States, under the - auspices of the American Colonization Society, is most - important. It surpasses anything which has yet occurred. _No - sooner had the colony been founded at Cape Montserado, than - there appeared a disposition among the owners of slaves in the - United States to give them freedom voluntarily, without one - farthing of compensation, and to allow them to be sent to the - land of their ancestors._ This is to me truly astonishing! a - total change of heart in the planters, _so that many thousands - of slaves may be redeemed without any cost of their - redemption_! Can this almost universal feeling have taken - place without the intervention of the Spirit of God!" - - "_Within one year it is said that more than 2000 slaves have - been offered the Colonization Society from five different - States, with the desire expressed on the part of both master - and slave, for a passage to Liberia. As Colonization gains - ground, the freedom of untold thousands, it is to be hoped, - will be secured, and Africa gladdened yet more and more with - the light of civilization and christianity._" - -Abolitionists assert, with a degree of confidence that not unfrequently -makes an unreflecting audience receive that for unquestionable truth, -which has not a shadow of truth in it, that the Colonization Society -has done nothing as yet in the cause of the afflicted man of colour! -However satisfactorily the preceding instances expose the fallacy of -this accusation; yet that which this Society has done, and is doing, is -not confined to these cases; but extends to still further, and more -important operations, which may be divided into two distinct heads. -First, the happiness and comfort bestowed on those who have gone to -Liberia; and secondly, the considerable check already given to the -African slave-trade, by its _total suppression along the whole coast of -Liberia_. - -I shall prove the first of these statements by documents drawn up and -signed by the coloured inhabitants of Liberia, who themselves had once -been slaves, which is, it is presumed, the very best possible evidence -that could be adduced. - -At a PUBLIC MEETING, held pursuant to notice, in MONROVIA (_Liberia_) on -Wednesday, Sept. 29th, 1836, J. C. Barbour, Esq., in the chair, the -following resolutions were proposed and carried unanimously-- - - 1. "On motion of the Rev. J. Revey, - - "_Resolved_, That this meeting entertain the warmest gratitude - for what the Colonization Society have done for the people of - colour, and for us particularly, and that we regard the scheme - as entitled to the highest confidence of every man of colour. - - 2. "On motion of S. Benedict, Esq., - - "_Resolved_, That we return our grateful acknowledgments to - * * * *, * * * *, Esqrs., and other early and devoted friends - of colonization; names for which we shall ever cherish the - highest esteem; that we hear with regret, _from misrepresentation - or want of accurate information_, they have abandoned the - noble scheme; and that we hope the day is not far distant in - which they will again reunite their energies to advance the - high and benevolent object. - - 3. "On motion of Mr. H. Teage, - - "_Resolved_, That this meeting regard the colonizing - institution as one of the highest, holiest, and most - benevolent enterprises of the present day; that as a plan for - the amelioration of the coloured race it takes the precedence - of all that have been presented to the attention of the modern - world: that in its operations it is peaceful and safe; in its - tendencies, beneficial and advantageous; that it is entitled - to the highest veneration and unbounded confidence of every - man of colour; that what it has already accomplished demands - our devout thanks and gratitude to those noble and - disinterested philanthropists that compose it, as being, under - God, the greatest earthly benefactors of a despised and - depressed portion of the human family. - - "The hour being late, on motion of Rev. B. R. Wilson, - - "_Resolved_, That the meeting adjourn until to-morrow, 10 - o'clock, A. M., to the First Baptist Meeting-house. - - * * * * * - - "_Thursday_, 10th.--Met according to adjournment. - - 4. "On motion of James Brown, Esq.--_Resolved_, That the - thanks of this meeting be presented to those ladies of the - United States, particularly to those of New-York, - Philadelphia, and Richmond, for their disinterested efforts to - educate the children of this colony; and that they be assured - that, in no department of the colony, do the effects of - colonization shine more conspicuously than in the schools - supported by their benevolence. - - 5. "On motion of Doctor J. W. Prout,--_Resolved_, That this - meeting entertain grateful remembrance of General Robert G. - Harper of Baltimore, an early and devoted friend of - colonization; also of the name of the late Daniel Murray, Esq. - of Baltimore, and that we regard the Colonization Society and - its friends as powerfully efficient in elevating the man of - colour. - - "Whereas it has been widely and maliciously circulated, in the - United States of America, that the inhabitants of this colony - are unhappy in their situation, and anxious to return: - - 6. "On motion of Rev. B. R. Wilson,--_Resolved_, That the - report is false and malicious, and originated only in a design - to injure the colony, by calling off the support and sympathy - of its friends: that, so far from a desire to return, we would - regard such an event as the greatest calamity that could - befall us. - - 7. "On motion of Rev. G. R. McGill,--_Resolved_, That the name - of Rev. R. R. Gurley never be forgotten. - - 8. "On motion of S. Benedict, Esq.,--_Resolved_, That we - entertain lively feelings of gratitude towards H. R. Sheldon, - Esq. for his munificent donation towards the erection of a - high school in this colony. - - 9. "On motion of Mr. Uriah Tyner,--_Resolved_, That the thanks - of this meeting are due to the members of the Colonization - Society, for their unwearied zeal to promote the interest of - this community. - - 10. "On motion of Mr. Lewis Ciples,--_Resolved_, That this - meeting entertain the highest respect for the memory of the - late Thomas S. Grimkey, of South Carolina, for his persevering - efforts in behalf of the Colonization Society. - - 11. "On motion of Rev. Amos Herring,--_Resolved_, That this - meeting entertain the deepest gratitude for the members of the - Colonization Society, for the organization and continuation of - an enterprise, so noble and praiseworthy as that of restoring - to the blessings of liberty, hundreds and thousands of the - sore oppressed and long neglected sons of Africa; that we - believe it the only institution that can, under existing - circumstances, succeed in elevating the coloured population; - and that advancement in agriculture, mechanism, and science, - will enable us speedily to aspire to a rank with other nations - of the earth. - - 12. "On motion of Mr. H. B. Matthews,--Success to the _wheels_ - of colonization; may they roll over every opposer, and roll - on, until all the oppressed sons of Africa shall be rolled - _home_! - - 13. "On motion of Mr. David Moore,--_Resolved_, That we - recollect, with peculiar satisfaction, the active part which - the benevolent, in the state of Mississippi, have taken in the - welfare of this colony. - - 14. "On motion of Major L. R. Johnson,--_Resolved_, That this - meeting cherish the most grateful remembrance of the name of - the late Rev. R. Finley, of New Jersey, the founder and - indefatigable patron of this colony. - - 15. "On motion of J. J. Roberts, Esq.,--_Resolved_, That the - thanks of this meeting be presented to the friends of this - colony in England. - - "On motion of Mr. Dixon B. Brown,--_Resolved_, That the - resolutions of this meeting be published in the Liberia - Herald." - -The second statement which I have made respecting what the Colonization -Society has done towards checking the _slave-trade_, cannot better be -substantiated than by the following paragraph taken from the -Colonization Herald of Sept. 5th, 1835. - - "The success of the Colonization Society, may indeed be said - to be little short of miraculous--for in the brief space of - thirteen years, _with funds whose aggregate amount scarcely - equals the individual outlay of Sir Walter Raleigh in - Virginia_, they have banished the slaver from nearly 200 miles - of coast, and rescued hundreds of his hapless victims--they - have settled nearly 4000 emigrants (one half of them - emancipated for the purpose,)--they have established schools, - churches, temperance societies, and a newspaper:--agriculture, - the mechanic arts, and a legitimate commerce, employing nearly - twenty sail of coasting vessels, have sprung up, while the - activity of their foreign commerce is attested by our own - marine lists. - - "That the despised Colonizationists have effected all this, is - beyond the reach of cavil--it is now a part of the history of - our enterprising country. And while our opponents have been - gravely debating the possibility of establishing _one_ colony, - a little constellation has risen--star by star--and shed its - light along the dreary coast, giving promise of new 'United - States' in due season. May not these benevolent founders of - Liberia be well satisfied with their experiment? Need I blush - to acknowledge that these results have dispelled all my - doubts? And may not the statesman safely assume that if a - feeble society, assailed from its very formation with ridicule - and reproach, has been able to found and sustain a young - state, the patriotism, the philanthropy, and the piety of this - great nation can accomplish the noble work of justice to them, - and mercy to both? Nor is it among the least cheering of the - results achieved by this noiseless and unpretending system of - _practical benevolence_ to the black man, that it has won its - way to the love, and confidence, and gratitude of benevolent - proprietors--so that the society has, from its very - commencement, been distressed by offers of - emancipation--_distressed_, because its funds have not enabled - it to relieve a tithe of the cases presented. There are at - this moment, between one and two thousand applicants for the - privilege of Colonization, and thousands more are in a state - of training for the same purpose. Each year's developement of - the ample resources of the colonies for securing the welfare - of the colonists, and of their importance to the commerce and - manufactures of this country, will increase the tide of - emigration, until, with due aid from the national treasury, - the stream shall exceed the annual increase, and then a rapid - decrease in the existing total of coloured population will - ensue. This I know will be denied--but I appeal to facts as - the best data for my conclusions. Let us then remember that by - official returns, the emigration from the United Kingdom was - 76,000 last year. And have not our poor blacks quite as many - reasons for seeking an asylum in that growing realm--so - emphatically their own--from the increasing severity of - Southern laws, and the horrors of Northern mobs? Will not this - be the more extensively felt, as these African States open up - new channels to profitable industry, until the emigration - shall reach 56,000 per annum--which was the average yearly - increase of the whole coloured population during the ten years - from 1820 to 1830? And when we recollect that they would, - under our system, be wafted thither free of expense to - themselves, there is every reason to believe their numbers - would soon equal the British emigration, which is in most - cases at the proper cost of the parties themselves. If only - that point was reached, an access of 20,000 per annum would - accrue beyond the present natural increase, and thus create an - actual diminution in our coloured population--augmented too, - by the circumstance that the emigrants would generally be of - the young, the active, and the procreating class--while the - relative disproportion of the races would be rapidly felt - through the great increase of the whites. - - "I am well aware that it has been most gratuitously and - absurdly asserted, 'that our whole marine is insufficient to - convey to Africa this annual increase!' And yet 42,000 tons of - shipping, only making two trips each year, and allowing each - emigrant six times the space allowed on board the slavers--or - one ton and a half each--would accommodate the whole! What - then shall we say to those who assert that the annual wealth - of this great nation, with a surplus of ten millions - annually, is unable to carry _to_ Africa, _one_-third as many - of the offspring of oppression, as a band of pirates and - outlaws each year drag away in chains _from_ her shores! A - late writer in Blackwood's Magazine, asserts that no less than - 200,000 slaves were shipped in 1831--Walsh that 50,000 were - landed at Rio Janeiro alone, in 1828. We may, then, without - difficulty, colonize 100,000 annually--a number that would in - thirty years transfer our whole coloured population to Africa, - by an outlay of three millions of dollars yearly,--a sum which - the weekly contribution of three cents by one-seventh of our - people, would supply; or, if voted as a measure of justice for - the many wrongs received at our hands by poor Africa and her - children, would afford a safe mode of depleting our - overburdened treasury." - -To the above may be added the testimony of Mr. J. F. C. Finlay, who, -writing from Millsburg, in the colony of Liberia, to the Rev. Dr. -Wilson, of Cincinnati, under date of 6th December, 1834, says,-- - - "The colony of Liberia has done at least five times as much - towards abolishing the slave-trade on this coast, as _the - whole of the United States_." - -As to the objections which have been raised against the climate of -Liberia, and the ill-health which the settlers first suffered, I am only -astonished how any one _in America_ could allow such futile arguments to -influence them! It is an undeniable fact that the first inhabitants of -all new countries suffer much from ill-health, and that just _in -proportion to the fertility of the soil_; which is evidently -attributable to the impregnation of the air and water with the gases -arising from the quantity of decomposing vegetable matter with which the -ground is covered, and which renders the land, after due cultivation, -most productive. Do Americans forget the fact in respect to the now -flourishing State of Louisiana? The colony of Iberville was begun to be -settled in 1699, and in the ensuing thirteen years, 2500 colonists were -landed there, out of whom only 400 whites and 20 negroes remained at the -end of that time. On the Island of Orleans, where a settlement was begun -in 1717, the early settlers died by hundreds; and both settlements were -given up once or twice, by those who began them, and commenced anew by -other hands. - -It was so with Jamestown: it was so with Plymouth, although in a -northern climate. They were both desolated by sickness, and the -mortality was far greater than it has ever been in Liberia. Five hundred -emigrants at one time landed in Jamestown, in Virginia, and in less than -five months their numbers were reduced to sixty. Disaster and defeat -seemed to embitter all the struggles of the Pilgrim fathers at Plymouth. -More than half their number died the first winter. - -The following testimonies of several highly respectable gentlemen, -Physicians and others, as published in the "Plea for Africa," (p. 233,) -are so satisfactory that to say one word more in refutation of the -Abolition misstatements, would be an insult to an enlightened community. - - 1st. "Dr. Shane, of Cincinnati, went with a company of - emigrants to Liberia in 1832, sailing from New-Orleans; and, - among other things, writes, 'I see not in Liberia as fine and - splendid mansions as in the United States; nor as extensive - and richly stocked farms as the well-tilled lands of Ohio; but - I see a fine and very fertile country, inviting its poor and - oppressed sons to thrust in their sickles and gather up its - fullness. I here see many who left the United States in - straitened circumstances, living with all the comforts of life - around them; enjoying a respectable and useful station in - society, and wondering that their brethren in the United - States, who have it in their power, do not flee to this - asylum of happiness and liberty, where they can enjoy all the - unalienable rights of man. * * I do not think an unprejudiced - person can visit here without becoming an ardent and sincere - friend of colonization. I can attribute the apathy and - indifference on which it is looked by many, as arising from - ignorance on the subject alone, and would that every free - coloured man in the United States could get a glimpse of his - brethren, their situation and prospects. * * * Let but the - coloured man come and see for himself, and the tear of - gratitude will beam in his eye, as he looks forward to the not - far distant day, when Liberia shall take her stand among the - nations of the world, and proclaim abroad an empire founded by - benevolence, offering a home to the poor, oppressed, and - weary. Nothing but a want of knowledge of Liberia, prevents - thousands of honest, industrious free blacks from rushing to - this heaven-blessed land, where liberty and religion, with all - their blessings, are enjoyed.' - - 2d. "Captain Kennedy, who visited Liberia in 1831, says, 'with - impressions unfavourable to the scheme of the Colonization - Society, I commenced my inquiries.' The colonists 'considered - that they had started into a _new existence_. * * They felt - themselves _proud in their attitude_.' He further says, 'many - of the settlers appear to be rapidly acquiring property; and I - have no doubt they are doing better for themselves and for - their children, in Liberia, than they could do in any other - part of the world.' - - 3d. "Captain Nicholson of the United States' Navy, gave as - favourable a report. Captain Abels says, 'My expectations were - more than realized. I saw no intemperance, nor did I hear a - profane word uttered by any one. I know of no place where the - Sabbath seems to be more respected than in Monrovia.' - - 4th. "A distinguished British naval officer, who passed three - years on the African coast, published a favourable notice of - the colony, in the Amulet for 1832, in which he bears this - testimony:--'The complete success of this colony is a proof - that the Negroes are, by proper care and attention, as - susceptible of the habits of industry, and the improvements of - social life, as any other race of human beings; and that the - amelioration of the condition of the black people on the - coast of Africa, by means of such colonies, is not chimerical. - _Wherever the influence of the colony extends, the slave-trade - has been abandoned by the natives, and the peaceable pursuits - of legitimate commerce established in its place._ They not - only live on terms of harmony and good will together, but the - colonists are looked upon with a certain degree of respect by - those of their own colour; and the force of their example is - likely to have a strong effect in inducing the people about - them to adopt it. A few colonies of this kind, scattered along - the coast, would be of infinite value in improving the - natives.' Governor Mechlin has said, 'As to the morals of the - colonists, I consider them much better than those of the - people of the United States; i. e. you may take an equal - number of the inhabitants from any section of the Union, and - you will find more drunkenness, more profane swearers and - Sabbath-breakers, than in Liberia. You rarely hear an oath, - and as to riots and breaches of the peace, I recollect but one - instance, and that of a trifling nature, that has come under - my notice since I assumed the government of the colony.' - Captain Sherman has said, 'There is a greater proportion of - moral and religious characters in Monrovia than in the city of - Philadelphia.'" - -Lastly, Dr. George T. Todsen, Colonial Physician, writes thus,-- - - "Being requested to express my opinion of the climate of - Liberia, and particularly as to its influence and action upon - such persons of colour as are born, and have lived for years - in the United States, previous to their arrival in the colony; - I have no hesitation in saving that, after a residence in the - colony of nearly five years, as Colonial Physician, I am - convinced there is nothing there that, with ordinary prudence, - the necessaries and comforts of life, and care and medical - attendance, can endanger the lives of emigrants of colour, in - a greater degree, than would be done by their removal to - almost any other foreign country, even the most healthy. I - shall here state a few facts which the records of the colony - will amply confirm. In 1830, in November, I embarked on board - of the 'Volador,' with eighty-five emigrants, children - included. We arrived at Cape Mesurado in January, 1831, and - on the 1st of February, 1833, two years after our arrival, I - went round, inspected the company, and found, to my great - satisfaction, that but three children and two adults had died. - During that interval, eleven children were born among that - expedition; so that the whole company had increased to the - number of ninety-one, six more than left the United States. - The same success attended the succeeding expeditions, until - June, when I was seized with a violent attack of fever, from - which although I partially recovered, it returned at short - intervals, and reduced me to such a state of debility, that I - became unable to pursue and discharge my arduous and - exhausting duties. I dwell upon this circumstance, because it - was one of those important events which produced less - favourable results in the subsequent bills of mortality in - Liberia, and created an apprehension in the minds of the - friends to Colonization, that there is something in the - climate of that country inevitably destructive to emigrants of - colour from the United States. This impression has had a most - injurious effect on the advancement and prosperity of the - colony. But I feel most happy in my conviction that it is - without the least foundation. - - "I have read in 'a Narrative of an Expedition into the - interior of Africa, by Macgregor Laird and R. A. K. Oldfield, - surviving officers of the English expedition, to the Niger'--a - pretended description of the motives for the establishment, - &c. &c., of the colony of Liberia, of its condition as - ascertained by them during a three days' visit to its shore. - - "I will briefly state that I was at Caldwell, in the colony, - when this expedition touched there. No sooner had the iron - steamboat Quorra, dropt her anchor in the river St. Paul, than - Lieut. Allen, R. N., Mr. Lander, and Dr. Briggs, paid me a - visit, and invited me on board. Although very ill and unable - to walk, I accepted their invitation. They were exceedingly - kind and attentive to me; were with me during the greater part - of the time they remained in the colony, (three days,) and we - conversed freely as fellow-labourers in the African cause. - They did not conceal the unhappy dissensions that existed - among the members of their expedition. There were two parties; - Lieut. Allen, R. N., Mr. Lander, and Dr. Briggs, belonging to - the one; and Mr. Laird and Capt. Harris to the other. I had - little or no intercourse with the latter individuals, who - were represented to me, particularly Laird, as having embarked - in the expedition solely from mercenary motives. As regards - his charges and statements about the real motives of the - Colonization Society, they are too absurd to notice. His stuff - about the sterility of the soil of Liberia, thousands can - answer; besides, I am pretty certain he never put his foot on - terra firma while there. Every friend to science and humanity - must lament the premature death of by far the most able and - respectable members of that expedition; and no one can be - surprised that a man, actuated solely by the love of gain, - should seize on calumny and detraction, on any subject - originating or connected with America or Americans, and to be - presented to English readers, as a never-failing means of - success. - - GEO. T. TODSEN." - -I shall conclude these testimonies with the following extract from the -Colonization Herald of March 1838, which was written by a gentleman of -most unquestionable veracity, and who resided for some time in Liberia. - - "It is now SIXTEEN YEARS since the first settlement in Liberia - was established, on Cape Mesurado. In 1821 the American - Colonization Society purchased a part of the Island of - Sherboro, distant about 120 miles from Cape Mesurado, and - during that year and the following a vigorous, but ineffectual - effort was made to plant a colony there. The treachery of the - natives, the insalubrity of the climate, and a series of - melancholy disasters finally compelled its abandonment, and - the society directed its attention to the more eligible scite - mentioned above; where, in 1822, after a protracted - negotiation, a purchase was made, and a feeble band of - emigrants took possession. - - "As my object at present is not to trace the progress of the - colony through its various fortunes, I shall reserve for - another article an account of the early trials and - difficulties, as well as the manly daring and heroic - achievements with which its history is fraught, and come at - once to the bright picture of its present condition and - prospects. Liberia (stretching along 300 miles of the coast, - and extending from 10 to 40 miles inland) now numbers four - separate colonies, viz: - - "MONROVIA, established by the American Colonization Society, - including the towns of _Monrovia_, _New Georgia_, _Caldwell_, - _Millsburgh_, and _Marshall_-- - - "BASSA COVE, established by the United Colonization Societies - of New York and Pennsylvania. This colony includes _Bassa - Cove_ and _Edina_. The latter village was founded by the - American Colonization Society, and lately ceded to the United - Societies-- - - "GREENVILLE, established by the Mississippi and Louisiana - Colonization Societies, at SINOU-- - - "MARYLAND, established by the Maryland Colonization Society at - _Cape Palmos_. - - "In the NINE VILLAGES enumerated above, there is a population - of about 5000--all of course coloured persons--of which THREE - THOUSAND FIVE HUNDRED are emigrants from this country, and the - remainder natives of Africa, mostly youth, who have come into - the colonies to learn 'Merica fash,' and make themselves - 'white men,' by conforming to the habits of civilization, and - becoming subject to our laws. - - "The commerce of the colonies, though in its infancy, is - already extensive. From $80,000 to 125,000 is exported - annually, in camwood, ivory, palm oil, and hides; and an equal - or greater amount of the manufactures and productions of - Europe and America are brought into the colonies in return. - Monrovia, which is the largest town and principal seaport, - carries on a considerable coasting trade, by means of small - vessels built and owned by her own citizens. Not less than 12 - or 15 of these, averaging from 10 to 30 tons burden, manned - and navigated by the colonists, are constantly engaged in a - profitable trade along seven hundred miles of the coast. - - "The harbour of Monrovia is seldom clear of foreign vessels; - more than SEVENTY of which, from the United States, England, - France, Sweden, Portugal and Denmark, touch there annually. - - "BASSA COVE and CAPE PALMAS have both good harbours, and - possess great advantages for commerce. Already their waters - are gladdened by the frequent presence of traders from other - countries, and in a few years, when the hand of enterprise - shall have developed the rich mines of wealth which nature - has so abundantly provided there, these growing towns will - become the centres of an extensive and important business. - - "SINOU, too, possesses an excellent harbour, and is the - natural outlet of a vast tract of rich and productive country. - Under the fostering hand of its enterprising founders, it must - soon become an important link in the great maritime chain of - Americo-African establishments. The productions of the - country, which may be raised in any quantity for exportation, - are _coffee_, _cotton_, _sugar_, _rice_, _indigo_, _palm oil_, - together with the _gums_, _dye-woods_, _ivory_, &c., which are - collected from the forests. - - "The state of morals in the colonies is emphatically of a high - order. Sabbath-breaking, drunkenness, profanity, and - quarrelling are vices almost unknown in Liberia. A temperance - society formed in 1834 numbered in a few weeks after its - organization 500 members; at that time more than one-fifth of - the whole population. - - "At BASSA COVE and CAPE PALMAS, the sale and use of ardent - spirits are forbidden by law. In the other colonies the ban of - public opinion so effectually prohibits dram drinking that no - respectable person would dare indulge an appetite so - disreputable. - - "There are EIGHTEEN CHURCHES in Liberia, viz. at Monrovia 4, - New Georgia 2, Caldwell 2, Millsburgh 2, Edina 2, Bassa Cove - 3, Marshall 1, Cape Palmas 2. Of these, 8 are Baptist, 3 - Presbyterian, and 1 Episcopalian. - - "As there are FORTY CLERGYMEN in the colonies, all the - churches are not only regularly supplied with preaching, but - religious meetings are weekly held in many of the native - villages. - - "Seven hundred of the colonists, or one-fifth of the whole - population, are professed Christians, in good standing with - the several churches with which they are connected. As might - be expected, where so large a proportion of the people is - pious, the general tone of society is religious. No where is - the Sabbath more strictly observed, or the places of worship - better attended. Sunday schools and Bible classes are - established generally in the churches, into which, in many - cases, the native children are gathered with those of the - colonists. - - "There are ten week-day schools in all the settlements, - supported generally by education and missionary societies in - this country. The teachers in most cases are coloured - persons. A laudable thirst for knowledge pervades the - community, and a great desire is expressed for an academic - institution, toward the support of which they would contribute - liberally; though as yet they are scarcely able to establish - one single handed. - - "In some places, as at BASSA COVE, literary societies are - formed for mutual improvement, much on the plan of village - lyceums in this country. - - "At Bassa Cove and Monrovia there are public libraries for the - use of the people. The one at the former place numbers 1200 or - 1500 volumes. - - "A monthly newspaper is published at Monrovia. The articles in - this paper afford good testimony of the general intelligence - of the people, and reflect great credit upon the talented - editor, a coloured man. - - "There are at present 25 or 30 white persons connected with - the various missionary and education societies, or attached - to the colonies as physicians, &c. The government of Liberia - is essentially republican. All the officers, except the - Governor, (who is appointed by the Colonization Society) - being chosen by the people. Elections are held annually in - every village, and are conducted with great propriety and - decorum. A vice-governor, legislative councillors, a high - sheriff, constables, &c., are some of the officers elected - annually. The militia is well organized and efficient. The - officers and men exhibit a degree of enthusiasm in the - performance of their duty seldom witnessed elsewhere; and on - field days their neat and orderly appearance, their thorough - discipline, and the promptness and precision of their - evolutions, command the admiration of every observer. - - "There are a number of volunteer corps, regularly uniformed - and equipped. These of course are the elite of the Liberia - militia; and indeed many of them would lose nothing by a - comparison with our own city guards. - - T. B." - - -CONCLUSION OF THIS CHAPTER. - -We have before shown that although the only object of the Colonization -Society is to restore the free man of colour to the land of his fathers, -yet that the accomplishment of this very object necessarily involves -the removal of the actual cause of slavery itself, and of all its -horrors, viz. _the African slave-trade_. In this respect alone, if it -did no more, it as far exceeds in utility, the Abolition Scheme, as the -light of the sun exceeds that of a taper. Moreover this one fact, and -this alone, ought to secure for it the patronage of every friend of -humanity; and would no doubt long since have done so, and have procured -for it ample funds from the good people of this country and of England, -had its objects not been misrepresented, particularly in the latter -place, where there is no one sufficiently acquainted with the merits of -the case to refute and put to silence those who were, and are employed, -by the Anti-Slavery Society, for the express purpose of vilifying and -calumniating, before a British public, some of the greatest benefactors -this country ever had. It is well known how that indefatigable and -disinterested friend of the coloured man, Elliott Cresson, Esq., after -he went to England, at his own expense, for the express purpose of -promoting this cause in that country, was vilified, calumniated, and -misrepresented by American Abolition Agents! - -Let any man take a map of Africa in his hand, and ask himself the -question, what Powers on earth could effectually stop a trade carried on -along a coast of at least seven thousand miles, including the various -bays and inlets, &c.? Could the combined naval forces of Europe and -America accomplish it, not even taking into consideration the enormous -annual expense of such an enterprise? The very idea is preposterously -absurd! We all recollect the difficulty encountered last winter in -attempting to guard the Canadian frontier of only a few hundred miles! - -Are fifty millions of Africans to be left exposed to the demoralising -influence, and the unspeakable horrors of the _slave-trade_? And are we -to talk of _humanity_ and allow ONE HUNDRED THOUSAND miserable human -beings to be annually dragged from their native land--from their -homes--from their parents--from their friends--and be subjected to the -horrors described in pages 41, 42? What means, what power, what system, -except the Colonization Society, can check this climax of human -barbarity? And by what means are the glorious truths of divine -revelation to be disseminated amongst upwards of fifty millions of our -fellow creatures except by the pure word of God, the Bible, which black -man hands to black man, African hands to African--and so on, till _this_ -man of sin be consumed by the brightness of the Gospel, and the -Ethiopian be enabled to lift up his hand to the living God? - -The Colonization Society has, as already shown, done much in this -work--and all that it has not done is justly attributable to the effects -of the misrepresentations of the Abolition Champions, who are, in this -sense, not only the slave-holders of thousands of slaves, but the -PROTECTORS of the African Slave-trade! - - - - -CHAPTER VII. - -COLONIZATION AND ABOLITIONISM CONTRASTED! - - -THE COLONIZATION OPERATIONS, - - ABOLITION OPERATIONS, - -1. - -Are directed to the removal of the cause of slavery, viz: _the African -slave-trade_. See chap. vi. - - 1. - - Are directed to the removal of _effects_! See p. 40. - -2. - -Hence are strictly philosophic, correct, and consistent with common -sense. See p. 39. - - 2. - - Hence are unphilosophical, absurd, fallacious, and - inefficacious! See p. 39. - -3. - -Are consistent with the injunctions and commands of God. See chapter vi. - - 3. - - Are in direct violation of the laws of God! See p. 33. - -4. - -Have _already_ removed much of the cause and effects of slavery. See -chapter vi. - - 4. - - Have not affected in the slightest possible degree the cause - of slavery, except by _protecting_ the African slave-trade! - See preceding page. - -5. - -Are sanctioned and patronised by most of the enlightened, the best, and -most religious men in the country. See chapter v. - - 5. - - Are patronised and sanctioned by none, except by the innocent - and unsuspecting dupes of brawling orators, and interested - agents! See p. 20. - -6. - -Have caused the emancipation of vast numbers, and that consistently with -the laws of God. See chapters v. and vi. - - 6. - - Have caused the freedom of not one, except in a way directly - opposed to the will of Heaven! See p. 33. - -7. - -Have ameliorated the condition of thousands of people of colour. See -preceding chapter. - - 7. - - Have increased the sufferings of thousands of slaves! See - preceding chapter.[89:A] - -8. - -Keepeth not one in bondage. See preceding chapter. - - 8. - - Keepeth thousands in bondage! See chapter vi. - -9. - -Exhort all slaves to obey the commands of God, and encourage none who -violate them. - - 9. - - Exhort all slaves to run off from their masters, and thus to - disobey the commands of God! See p. 33. - -10. - -Allay the prejudices of the slave-holder. - - 10. - - Aggravate his prejudices and drive him, in self-defence, to - the adoption of greater restraints! - -11. - -Produce patience, and contentedness among the slaves. - - 11. - - Produce discontent and disobedience among them! See p. 33. - -12. - -Act in every possible way, consistent with the laws of God and man, and -with the safety of both slave and slave-holder, in removing the evils of -slavery. - - 12. - - Act in every possible way in violation of the laws of God and - man, and inconsistent with the safety of either slave or - slave-holder! - - - - -APPENDIX. - - -A. - -The unexpected length to which this pamphlet has extended prevents the -Author introducing here, as he had contemplated in page 11, an article -on the difference of opinion among mankind in all parts and ages of the -world, without divine revelation, on that which is really good and -really evil. See article "MORALITY," in "_The Christian's Defensive -Dictionary_," by the Author. - - -B. - -Extract of an Address of William Lloyd Garrison, Esq., from "THE LONDON -PATRIOT," of August, 1833; and republished in "THE COLONIZATION HERALD" -of this City, May 16th, 1838. - - "I know that there is much declamation about the sacredness of - the compact which was formed between the free and the slave - states, on the adoption of the national constitution. A sacred - compact, forsooth! I pronounce it the most bloody and - heaven-daring arrangement ever made by man, for the - continuance and protection of a system of the most atrocious - villany ever exhibited on earth. Yes--I recognize the compact, - but with feelings of shame and indignation; and it will be - held in everlasting infamy by the friends of justice and - humanity throughout the world. It was a contract framed at the - sacrifice of the bodies and souls of millions of our race, for - the sake of achieving a political epoch--an unblushing and - monstrous coalition to do evil that good might come. Such a - compact was, in the nature of things, and according to the law - of God, null and void from the beginning. No body of men ever - had the right to guarantee the holding of human beings in - bondage. Who or what were the framers of the American - government, that they should dare to confirm and authorise - such a high handed villany--such a flagrant robbery of the - inalienable rights of man--such a glaring violation of all the - precepts and injunctions of the Gospel--such a savage war upon - the sixth part of their own population? They were men like - ourselves--as fallible, as sinful, as weak as ourselves. By - the infamous bargain which they made between themselves, they - virtually dethroned the Most High God, and trampled beneath - their feet their own solemn and heaven-attested declaration, - that all men are created equal, and endowed by their Creator - with certain unalienable rights, among which are life, - liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. They had no lawful - power to bind themselves, or their posterity, for one - hour--for one moment--by such an unholy alliance. It was not - valid then--it is not valid now. Still they persist in - maintaining it--and still do their successors, the people of - New England, and of the twelve free states, persist in - maintaining it. A sacred compact! a sacred compact! What is - wicked and ignominious? - - (Signed) WM. LLOYD GARRISON, - Agent for the New-England Anti-Slavery Society." - - -CONCLUSION. - -As it is not improbable that the partisans of Mr. William Lloyd -Garrison, following the example he set them last week in Pennsylvania -Hall, (page 19), will ask what right has this "_foreign adventurer_" to -interfere in this question? The simple reply of the Author is, that as -he will yield precedency to no man on earth, in subjection and -faithfulness to the laws of that country in which it pleases the -providence of God to place him, so he considers it his duty to serve it -to the utmost of his power, in obedience to the command of "HIM who is -higher than the highest." Rom. xiii. 1. - - -NOTICE. - -It is hoped that the short time consumed in writing the preceding pages -will be received by the public as a sufficient apology for any errors; -eight days only having elapsed since the first line of it was written, -to the completion of the stereotyping of the whole work. - - -FOOTNOTES: - -[11:A] See Appendix A. - -[18:A] Extract of Address of William Lloyd Garrison, Esq., published in -the London Patriot of August 1833. See _Appendix_ B. - -[30:A] That this is the kind of conduct pursued by thousands of -slave-holders, we shall, in another part of this treatise, -incontrovertibly prove. - -[33:A] See page 12. - -[39:A] This is described in popular, not professional, language. - -[45:A] The Abolition Champions, by means of their addresses, rob (I -suppose there is no difference between "_robbing_" and "_stealing_") the -Southerner of his _legal_ property! See their exhortations, &c. to the -slaves. - -[67:A] Mathew Carey, Esq. - -[89:A] - -_Letter from W. Rawle, Esq. (formerly President of the Anti-Slavery -Society) to ----, Esq._ - -"My dear Sir-- - -"The conduct and proceedings of the General Anti-Slavery Society have -not met with my entire approbation. The members appear to me to be -actuated by a blind and injudicious zeal, productive of measures, the -effect of which will be to awaken alarm, create a determined opposition -among the slave-holders, and delay the progress of conscientious -emancipation. - -"That day--the day of general emancipation--will, I trust and believe, -hereafter arrive: but I fear it will be delayed by the institution of -societies so warm and so imprudent. - -"June 27, 1834." - - -_The opinion of Henry Clay, Esq.--March, 1837._ - -"I regret extremely the agitation of the question of immediate -abolition. Without impugning the motives of those who are concerned in -it--indeed with great respect for some of them, I must say in all -sincerity, that I do believe it is attended with unmixed mischief. It -does no good, but harm to the slave; it engenders bad feelings and -prejudices between different parts of the Union, and it injures the very -cause which it professes to espouse. Instead of advancing, I believe -that it has thrown back to an indefinite time the cause of gradual -emancipation--the only mode of getting rid of slavery that has been ever -thought to be safe, prudent or wise in any of the States in which -slavery now exists. - -"Hoping that you will excuse the delay which has occurred in my -transmission of an answer to your letter, I am gentlemen, - -With great respect, your ob't servant, HENRY CLAY." - - - - - - -End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Abolitionism Exposed!, by W. W. Sleigh - -*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK ABOLITIONISM EXPOSED! *** - -***** This file should be named 42089.txt or 42089.zip ***** -This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: - http://www.gutenberg.org/4/2/0/8/42089/ - -Produced by Jonathan Ingram, Lisa Reigel, and the Online -Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net (This -file was produced from images generously made available -by The Internet Archive) - - -Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions -will be renamed. - -Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no -one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation -(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without -permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, -set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to -copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to -protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project -Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you -charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission. If you -do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the -rules is very easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose -such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and -research. They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do -practically ANYTHING with public domain eBooks. Redistribution is -subject to the trademark license, especially commercial -redistribution. - - - -*** START: FULL LICENSE *** - -THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE -PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK - -To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free -distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work -(or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project -Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project -Gutenberg-tm License (available with this file or online at -http://gutenberg.org/license). - - -Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm -electronic works - -1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm -electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to -and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property -(trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all -the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy -all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession. -If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project -Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the -terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or -entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8. - -1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be -used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who -agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few -things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works -even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See -paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project -Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement -and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic -works. See paragraph 1.E below. - -1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation" -or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project -Gutenberg-tm electronic works. Nearly all the individual works in the -collection are in the public domain in the United States. If an -individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are -located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from -copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative -works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg -are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project -Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by -freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of -this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with -the work. You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by -keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project -Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others. - -1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern -what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are in -a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, check -the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement -before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or -creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project -Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no representations concerning -the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United -States. - -1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: - -1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate -access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently -whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the -phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project -Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed, -copied or distributed: - -This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with -almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or -re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included -with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org/license - -1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived -from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is -posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied -and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees -or charges. If you are redistributing or providing access to a work -with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the -work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 -through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the -Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or -1.E.9. - -1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted -with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution -must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional -terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms will be linked -to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the -permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work. - -1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm -License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this -work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm. - -1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this -electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without -prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with -active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project -Gutenberg-tm License. - -1.E.6. You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary, -compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any -word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access to or -distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than -"Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version -posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.org), -you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a -copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon -request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other -form. Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm -License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. - -1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying, -performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works -unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. - -1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing -access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided -that - -- You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from - the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method - you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is - owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he - has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the - Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments - must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you - prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax - returns. Royalty payments should be clearly marked as such and - sent to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the - address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to - the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation." - -- You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies - you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he - does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm - License. You must require such a user to return or - destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium - and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of - Project Gutenberg-tm works. - -- You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any - money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the - electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days - of receipt of the work. - -- You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free - distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works. - -1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm -electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set -forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from -both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael -Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark. Contact the -Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below. - -1.F. - -1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable -effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread -public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm -collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic -works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain -"Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or -corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual -property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a -computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by -your equipment. - -1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right -of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project -Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project -Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project -Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all -liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal -fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT -LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE -PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE -TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE -LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR -INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH -DAMAGE. - -1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a -defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can -receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a -written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you -received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with -your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with -the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a -refund. If you received the work electronically, the person or entity -providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to -receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If the second copy -is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further -opportunities to fix the problem. - -1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth -in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS' WITH NO OTHER -WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO -WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. - -1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied -warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages. -If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the -law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be -interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by -the applicable state law. The invalidity or unenforceability of any -provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions. - -1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the -trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone -providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance -with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production, -promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works, -harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees, -that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do -or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm -work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any -Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. - - -Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm - -Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of -electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers -including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It exists -because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from -people in all walks of life. - -Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the -assistance they need, are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's -goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will -remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project -Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure -and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations. -To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation -and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 -and the Foundation web page at http://www.pglaf.org. - - -Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive -Foundation - -The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit -501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the -state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal -Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification -number is 64-6221541. Its 501(c)(3) letter is posted at -http://pglaf.org/fundraising. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg -Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent -permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws. - -The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S. -Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered -throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at -809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email -business@pglaf.org. Email contact links and up to date contact -information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official -page at http://pglaf.org - -For additional contact information: - Dr. Gregory B. Newby - Chief Executive and Director - gbnewby@pglaf.org - - -Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg -Literary Archive Foundation - -Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide -spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of -increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be -freely distributed in machine readable form accessible by the widest -array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations -($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt -status with the IRS. - -The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating -charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United -States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a -considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up -with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations -where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To -SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any -particular state visit http://pglaf.org - -While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we -have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition -against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who -approach us with offers to donate. - -International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make -any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from -outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. - -Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation -methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other -ways including checks, online payments and credit card donations. -To donate, please visit: http://pglaf.org/donate - - -Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic -works. - -Professor Michael S. Hart is the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm -concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared -with anyone. For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project -Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support. - - -Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed -editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S. -unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not necessarily -keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition. - - -Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility: - - http://www.gutenberg.org - -This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, -including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary -Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to -subscribe to our email newsletter to hear about new eBooks. |