I Am No Abolitionist, But To Me
It Seems Impossible That Any Englishman Should Really Advocate The
Cause Of Slavery Against The Cause Of Free Soil.
There are the
slaves, and I know that they cannot be abolished - neither they nor
their chains; but, for myself, I will not willingly join my lot with
theirs.
I do not wish to have dealings with the African negro,
either as a free man or as a slave, if I can avoid them, believing
that his employment by me in either capacity would lead to my own
degradation.* Such, I think, are the feelings of Englishmen
generally on this matter. And if such be the case, will it not be
acknowledged that the Northern men have done well to fight for a
line which shall add five or six States to that Union which will in
truth be a union of free men, rather than to that confederacy which,
even if successful, must owe its success to slavery?
* In saying this I fear that I shall be misunderstood, let me use
what foot note or other mode of protestation I may to guard myself.
In thus speaking of the African negro, I do not venture to despise
the work of God's hands. That He has made the negro, for His own
good purposes, as He has the Esquimaux, I am aware. And I am aware
that it is my duty, as it is the duty of us all, to see that no
injury be done to him, and, if possible, to assist him in his
condition.
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