Excerpt from Remarks Upon a Plan for the Total Abolition of Slavery in the United States

It cannot be, in this enlightened age, that the slave can be kept ignorant of the sublime theory of liberty, when missionaries and other free agents are preaching and emblazoning to them all its poetical beauties, and attractions, under a pretence of religious duty; but which is, by the bye, a most cruel, mistaken, and ill timed charity, in their present vassalage. It only serves to embit ter their feelings, adding to their unhappiness, by making them discontented and rebellious, without furnishing any adequate relief.

It cannot be possible, according to the immutable principles of human nature, when those fettered beings understand their natural rights, that they can be kept submissive and tranquil, in slavery. Most conclusive and melancholy proofs of this fact may be found in the late insurrections. They have dreadfully signalized their vengeance with conflagration, bloodshed and murder. In their slaughter, whole families have been massacred, even to infant children.

This horrid fatality is only a prelude to the gathering of a more tremendous storm, threatening to burst forth with desolating fury. This frightful aspect may be the more fearfully dreaded, from the existing state of that miserable race, composing as they do, so large and formidable a portion of the population of the southern states. It is idle and hopeless for the slave holders ever again to rest in peace and contentment, until slavery is abolished.

Let it be asked, what provokes the slave to such shocking deeds Is he fighting for that liberty which is an inheritance he received from the Creator? Is be struggling to break asunder those chains put upon him by the crafty devices of a more intelligent being?

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