第14章

TheYoungMaster

Twodaysafter，ayoungmandrovealightwagonupthroughtheavenueofChinatrees，and，throwingthereinshastilyonthehorse’sneck，sprangoutandinquiredfortheowneroftheplace。

ItwasGeorgeShelby；and，toshowhowhecametobethere，wemustgobackinourstory。

TheletterofMissOpheliatoMrs。Shelbyhad，bysomeunfortunateaccident，beendetained，foramonthortwo，atsomeremotepost-office，beforeitreacheditsdestination；and，ofcourse，beforeitwasreceived，TomwasalreadylosttoviewamongthedistantswampsoftheRedriver。

Mrs。Shelbyreadtheintelligencewiththedeepestconcern；butanyimmediateactionuponitwasanimpossibility。Shewastheninattendanceonthesick-bedofherhusband，wholaydeliriousinthecrisisofafever。MasterGeorgeShelby，who，intheinterval，hadchangedfromaboytoatallyoungman，washerconstantandfaithfulassistant，andheronlyrelianceinsuperintendinghisfather’saffairs。MissOpheliahadtakentheprecautiontosendthemthenameofthelawyerwhodidbusinessfortheSt。Clares；andthemostthat，intheemergency，couldbedone，wastoaddressaletterofinquirytohim。ThesuddendeathofMr。Shelby，afewdaysafter，brought，ofcourse，anabsorbingpressureofotherinterests，foraseason。

Mr。Shelbyshowedhisconfidenceinhiswife’sability，byappointinghersoleexecutrixuponhisestates；andthusimmediatelyalargeandcomplicatedamountofbusinesswasbroughtuponherhands。

Mrs。Shelby，withcharacteristicenergy，appliedherselftotheworkofstraighteningtheentangledwebofaffairs；andsheandGeorgewereforsometimeoccupiedwithcollectingandexaminingaccounts，sellingpropertyandsettlingdebts；forMrs。Shelbywasdeterminedthateverythingshouldbebroughtintotangibleandrecognizableshape，lettheconsequencestoherprovewhattheymight。Inthemeantime，theyreceivedaletterfromthelawyertowhomMissOpheliahadreferredthem，sayingthatheknewnothingofthematter；thatthemanwassoldatapublicauction，andthat，beyondreceivingthemoney，heknewnothingoftheaffair。

NeitherGeorgenorMrs。Shelbycouldbeeasyatthisresult；and，accordingly，somesixmonthsafter，thelatter，havingbusinessforhismother，downtheriver，resolvedtovisitNewOrleans，inperson，andpushhisinquiries，inhopesofdiscoveringTom’swhereabouts，andrestoringhim。

Aftersomemonthsofunsuccessfulsearch，bythemerestaccident，Georgefellinwithaman，inNewOrleans，whohappenedtobepossessedofthedesiredinformation；andwithhismoneyinhispocket，ourherotooksteamboatforRedriver，resolvingtofindoutandre-purchasehisoldfriend。

Hewassoonintroducedintothehouse，wherehefoundLegreeinthesitting-room。

Legreereceivedthestrangerwithakindofsurlyhospitality，

“Iunderstand，”saidtheyoungman，“thatyoubought，inNewOrleans，aboy，namedTom。Heusedtobeonmyfather’splace，andIcametoseeifIcouldn’tbuyhimback。”

Legree’sbrowgrewdark，andhebrokeout，passionately:“Yes，Ididbuysuchafellow，—andah—lofabargainIhadofit，too！Themostrebellious，saucy，impudentdog！Setupmyniggerstorunaway；gotofftwogals，wortheighthundredorathousandapiece。Heownedtothat，and，whenIbidhimtellmewheretheywas，heupandsaidheknew，buthewouldn’ttell；andstoodtoit，thoughIgavehimthecussedestfloggingIevergaveniggeryet。Ib’lievehe’stryingtodie；butIdon’tknowashe’llmakeitout。”

“Whereishe？”saidGeorge，impetuously。“Letmeseehim。”Thecheeksoftheyoungmanwerecrimson，andhiseyesflashedfire；butheprudentlysaidnothing，asyet。

“He’sindatarshed，”saidalittlefellow，whostoodholdingGeorge’shorse。

Legreekickedtheboy，andsworeathim；butGeorge，withoutsayinganotherword，turnedandstrodetothespot。

Tomhadbeenlyingtwodayssincethefatalnight，notsuffering，foreverynerveofsufferingwasbluntedanddestroyed。Helay，forthemostpart，inaquietstupor；forthelawsofapowerfulandwell-knitframewouldnotatoncereleasetheimprisonedspirit。Bystealth，therehadbeenthere，inthedarknessofthenight，poordesolatedcreatures，whostolefromtheirscantyhours’rest，thattheymightrepaytohimsomeofthoseministrationsofloveinwhichhehadalwaysbeensoabundant。Truly，thosepoordiscipleshadlittletogive，—onlythecupofcoldwater；butitwasgivenwithfullhearts。

Tearshadfallenonthathonest，insensibleface，—tearsoflaterepentanceinthepoor，ignorantheathen，whomhisdyingloveandpatiencehadawakenedtorepentance，andbitterprayers，breathedoverhimtoalate-foundSaviour，ofwhomtheyscarceknewmorethanthename，butwhomtheyearningignorantheartofmanneverimploresinvain。

Cassy，whohadglidedoutofherplaceofconcealment，and，byoverhearing，learnedthesacrificethathadbeenmadeforherandEmmeline，hadbeenthere，thenightbefore，defyingthedangerofdetection；and，movedbythelastfewwordswhichtheaffectionatesoulhadyetstrengthtobreathe，thelongwinterofdespair，theiceofyears，hadgivenway，andthedark，despairingwomanhadweptandprayed。

WhenGeorgeenteredtheshed，hefelthisheadgiddyandhisheartsick。

“Isitpossible，，—isitpossible？”saidhe，kneelingdownbyhim。“UncleTom，mypoor，pooroldfriend！”

Somethinginthevoicepenetratedtotheearofthedying。Hemovedhisheadgently，smiled，andsaid，

“Jesuscanmakeadying-bed

Feelsoftasdownpillowsare。”

Tearswhichdidhonortohismanlyheartfellfromtheyoungman’seyes，ashebentoverhispoorfriend。

“O，dearUncleTom！dowake，—dospeakoncemore！Lookup！Here’sMas’rGeorge，—yourownlittleMas’rGeorge。Don’tyouknowme？”

“Mas’rGeorge！”saidTom，openinghiseyes，andspeakinginafeeblevoice；“Mas’rGeorge！”Helookedbewildered。

Slowlytheideaseemedtofillhissoul；andthevacanteyebecamefixedandbrightened，thewholefacelightedup，thehardhandsclasped，andtearsrandownthecheeks。

“BlesstheLord！itis，—itis，—it’sallIwanted！Theyhaven’tforgotme。Itwarmsmysoul；itdoesmyheartgood！NowIshalldiecontent！BlesstheLord，onmysoul！”

“Youshan’tdie！youmustn’tdie，northinkofit！I’vecometobuyyou，andtakeyouhome，”saidGeorge，withimpetuousvehemence。

“O，Mas’rGeorge，ye’retoolate。TheLord’sboughtme，andisgoingtotakemehome，—andIlongtogo。HeavenisbetterthanKintuck。”

“O，don’tdie！It’llkillme！—it’llbreakmyhearttothinkwhatyou’vesuffered，—andlyinginthisoldshed，here！Poor，poorfellow！”

“Don’tcallmepoorfellow！”saidTom，solemnly，“Ihavebeenpoorfellow；butthat’sallpastandgone，now。I’mrightinthedoor，goingintoglory！O，Mas’rGeorge！Heavenhascome！I’vegotthevictory！—theLordJesushasgivenittome！GlorybetoHisname！”

Georgewasawe-struckattheforce，thevehemence，thepower，withwhichthesebrokensentenceswereuttered。Hesatgazinginsilence。

Tomgraspedhishand，andcontinued，—“Yemustn’t，now，tellChloe，poorsoul！howyefoundme；—’twouldbesodreffultoher。Onlytellheryefoundmegoingintoglory；andthatIcouldn’tstayfornoone。AndtellhertheLord’sstoodbymeeverywhereandal’ays，andmadeeverythinglightandeasy。Andoh，thepoorchil’en，andthebaby；—myoldheart’sbeenmostbrokefor’em，timeandagin！Tell’emalltofollowme—followme！GivemylovetoMas’r，anddeargoodMissis，andeverybodyintheplace！Yedon’tknow！’PearslikeIloves’emall！Iloveseverycreatureeverywhar！—it’snothingbutlove！O，Mas’rGeorge！whatathing’tistobeaChristian！”

Atthismoment，Legreesauntereduptothedooroftheshed，lookedin，withadoggedairofaffectedcarelessness，andturnedaway。

“Theoldsatan！”saidGeorge，inhisindignation。“It’sacomforttothinkthedevilwillpayhimforthis，someofthesedays！”

“O，don’t！，—oh，yemustn’t！”saidTom，graspinghishand；“he’sapoormis’ablecritter！it’sawfultothinkon’t！Oh，ifheonlycouldrepent，theLordwouldforgivehimnow；butI’m’fearedheneverwill！”

“Ihopehewon’t！”saidGeorge；“Ineverwanttoseehiminheaven！”

“Hush，Mas’rGeorge！—itworriesme！Don’tfeelso！Hean’tdonemenorealharm，—onlyopenedthegateofthekingdomforme；that’sall！”

Atthismoment，thesuddenflushofstrengthwhichthejoyofmeetinghisyoungmasterhadinfusedintothedyingmangaveway。Asuddensinkingfelluponhim；heclosedhiseyes；andthatmysteriousandsublimechangepassedoverhisface，thattoldtheapproachofotherworlds。

Hebegantodrawhisbreathwithlong，deepinspirations；andhisbroadchestroseandfell，heavily。Theexpressionofhisfacewasthatofaconqueror。

“Who，—who，—whoshallseparateusfromtheloveofChrist？”hesaid，inavoicethatcontendedwithmortalweakness；and，withasmile，hefellasleep。

Georgesatfixedwithsolemnawe。Itseemedtohimthattheplacewasholy；and，asheclosedthelifelesseyes，androseupfromthedead，onlyonethoughtpossessedhim，—thatexpressedbyhissimpleoldfriend，—“WhatathingitistobeaChristian！”

Heturned:Legreewasstanding，sullenly，behindhim。

Somethinginthatdyingscenehadcheckedthenaturalfiercenessofyouthfulpassion。ThepresenceofthemanwassimplyloathsometoGeorge；andhefeltonlyanimpulsetogetawayfromhim，withasfewwordsaspossible。

FixinghiskeendarkeyesonLegree，hesimplysaid，pointingtothedead，“Youhavegotallyouevercanofhim。WhatshallIpayyouforthebody？Iwilltakeitaway，andburyitdecently。”

“Idon’tselldeadniggers，”saidLegree，doggedly。“Youarewelcometoburyhimwhereandwhenyoulike。”

“Boys，”saidGeorge，inanauthoritativetone，totwoorthreenegroes，whowerelookingatthebody，“helpmelifthimup，andcarryhimtomywagon；andgetmeaspade。”

Oneofthemranforaspade；theothertwoassistedGeorgetocarrythebodytothewagon。

GeorgeneitherspoketonorlookedatLegree，whodidnotcountermandhisorders，butstood，whistling，withanairofforcedunconcern。Hesulkilyfollowedthemtowherethewagonstoodatthedoor。

Georgespreadhiscloakinthewagon，andhadthebodycarefullydisposedofinit，—movingtheseat，soastogiveitroom。Thenheturned，fixedhiseyesonLegree，andsaid，withforcedcomposure，

“Ihavenot，asyet，saidtoyouwhatIthinkofthismostatrociousaffair；—thisisnotthetimeandplace。But，sir，thisinnocentbloodshallhavejustice。Iwillproclaimthismurder。Iwillgototheveryfirstmagistrate，andexposeyou。”

“Do！”saidLegree，snappinghisfingers，scornfully。“I’dliketoseeyoudoingit。Whereyougoingtogetwitnesses？—howyougoingtoproveit？—Come，now！”

Georgesaw，atonce，theforceofthisdefiance。Therewasnotawhitepersonontheplace；and，inallsoutherncourts，thetestimonyofcoloredbloodisnothing。Hefelt，atthatmoment，asifhecouldhaverenttheheavenswithhisheart’sindignantcryforjustice；butinvain。

“Afterall，whatafuss，foradeadnigger！”saidLegree。

Thewordwasasasparktoapowdermagazine。PrudencewasneveracardinalvirtueoftheKentuckyboy。Georgeturned，and，withoneindignantblow，knockedLegreeflatuponhisface；and，ashestoodoverhim，blazingwithwrathanddefiance，hewouldhaveformednobadpersonificationofhisgreatnamesaketriumphingoverthedragon。

Somemen，however，aredecidedlybetteredbybeingknockeddown。Ifamanlaysthemfairlyflatinthedust，theyseemimmediatelytoconceivearespectforhim；andLegreewasoneofthissort。Asherose，therefore，andbrushedthedustfromhisclothes，heeyedtheslowly-retreatingwagonwithsomeevidentconsideration；nordidheopenhismouthtillitwasoutofsight。

Beyondtheboundariesoftheplantation，Georgehadnoticedadry，sandyknoll，shadedbyafewtrees；theretheymadethegrave。

“Shallwetakeoffthecloak，Mas’r？”saidthenegroes，whenthegravewasready。

“No，no，—buryitwithhim！It’sallIcangiveyou，now，poorTom，andyoushallhaveit。”

Theylaidhimin；andthemenshovelledaway，silently。Theybankeditup，andlaidgreenturfoverit。

“Youmaygo，boys，”saidGeorge，slippingaquarterintothehandofeach。Theylingeredabout，however。

“IfyoungMas’rwouldpleasebuyus—”saidone。

“We’dservehimsofaithful！”saidtheother。

“Hardtimeshere，Mas’r！”saidthefirst。“Do，Mas’r，buyus，please！”

“Ican’t！—Ican’t！”saidGeorge，withdifficulty，motioningthemoff；“it’simpossible！”

Thepoorfellowslookeddejected，andwalkedoffinsilence。

“Witness，eternalGod！”saidGeorge，kneelingonthegraveofhispoorfriend；“oh，witness，that，fromthishour，Iwilldowhatonemancantodriveoutthiscurseofslaveryfrommyland！”

Thereisnomonumenttomarkthelastresting-placeofourfriend。Heneedsnone！HisLordknowswherehelies，andwillraisehimup，immortal，toappearwithhimwhenheshallappearinhisglory。

Pityhimnot！Suchalifeanddeathisnotforpity！NotintherichesofomnipotenceisthechiefgloryofGod；butinself-denying，sufferinglove！Andblessedarethemenwhomhecallstofellowshipwithhim，bearingtheircrossafterhimwithpatience。Ofsuchitiswritten，“Blessedaretheythatmourn，fortheyshallbecomforted。”

AnAuthenticGhostStory

Forsomeremarkablereason，ghostlylegendswereuncommonlyrife，aboutthistime，amongtheservantsonLegree’splace。

Itwaswhisperinglyassertedthatfootsteps，inthedeadofnight，hadbeenhearddescendingthegarretstairs，andpatrollingthehouse。Invainthedoorsoftheupperentryhadbeenlocked；theghosteithercarriedaduplicatekeyinitspocket，oravaileditselfofaghost’simmemorialprivilegeofcomingthroughthekeyhole，andpromenadedasbefore，withafreedomthatwasalarming。

Authoritiesweresomewhatdivided，astotheoutwardformofthespirit，owingtoacustomquiteprevalentamongnegroes，—and，foraughtweknow，amongwhites，too，—ofinvariablyshuttingtheeyes，andcoveringupheadsunderblankets，petticoats，orwhateverelsemightcomeinuseforashelter，ontheseoccasions。Ofcourse，aseverybodyknows，whenthebodilyeyesarethusoutofthelists，thespiritualeyesareuncommonlyvivaciousandperspicuous；and，therefore，therewereabundanceoffull-lengthportraitsoftheghost，abundantlyswornandtestifiedto，which，asifoftenthecasewithportraits，agreedwitheachotherinnoparticular，exceptthecommonfamilypeculiarityoftheghosttribe，—thewearingofawhitesheet。Thepoorsoulswerenotversedinancienthistory，anddidnotknowthatShakspearehadauthenticatedthiscostume，bytellinghow

“Thesheeteddead

DidsqueakandgibberinthestreetsofRome。”1

And，therefore，theirallhittinguponthisisastrikingfactinpneumatology，whichwerecommendtotheattentionofspiritualmediagenerally。

Beitasitmay，wehaveprivatereasonsforknowingthatatallfigureinawhitesheetdidwalk，atthemostapprovedghostlyhours，aroundtheLegreepremises，—passoutthedoors，glideaboutthehouse，—disappearatintervals，and，reappearing，passupthesilentstairway，intothatfatalgarret；andthat，inthemorning，theentrydoorswereallfoundshutandlockedasfirmasever。

Legreecouldnothelpoverhearingthiswhispering；anditwasallthemoreexcitingtohim，fromthepainsthatweretakentoconcealitfromhim。Hedrankmorebrandythanusual；helduphisheadbriskly，andsworelouderthaneverinthedaytime；buthehadbaddreams，andthevisionsofhisheadonhisbedwereanythingbutagreeable。ThenightafterTom’sbodyhadbeencarriedaway，herodetothenexttownforacarouse，andhadahighone。Gothomelateandtired；lockedhisdoor，tookoutthekey，andwenttobed。

Afterall，letamantakewhatpainshemaytohushitdown，ahumansoulisanawfulghostly，unquietpossession，forabadmantohave。Whoknowsthemetesandboundsofit？Whoknowsallitsawfulperhapses，—thoseshudderingsandtremblings，whichitcannomorelivedownthanitcanoutliveitsowneternity！Whatafoolishewholockshisdoortokeepoutspirits，whohasinhisownbosomaspirithedaresnotmeetalone，—whosevoice，smotheredfardown，andpiledoverwithmountainsofearthliness，isyetliketheforewarningtrumpetofdoom！

ButLegreelockedhisdoorandsetachairagainstit；hesetanight-lampattheheadofhisbed；andputhispistolsthere。Heexaminedthecatchesandfasteningsofthewindows，andthensworehe“didn’tcareforthedevilandallhisangels，”andwenttosleep。

Well，heslept，forhewastired，—sleptsoundly。But，finally，therecameoverhissleepashadow，ahorror，anapprehensionofsomethingdreadfulhangingoverhim。Itwashismother’sshroud，hethought；butCassyhadit，holdingitup，andshowingittohim。Heheardaconfusednoiseofscreamsandgroanings；and，withitall，heknewhewasasleep，andhestruggledtowakehimself。Hewashalfawake。Hewassuresomethingwascomingintohisroom。Heknewthedoorwasopening，buthecouldnotstirhandorfoot。Atlastheturned，withastart；thedoorwasopen，andhesawahandputtingouthislight。

Itwasacloudy，mistymoonlight，andtherehesawit！—somethingwhite，glidingin！Heheardthestillrustleofitsghostlygarments。Itstoodstillbyhisbed；—acoldhandtouchedhis；avoicesaid，threetimes，inalow，fearfulwhisper，“Come！come！come！”And，whilehelaysweatingwithterror，heknewnotwhenorhow，thethingwasgone。Hesprangoutofbed，andpulledatthedoor。Itwasshutandlocked，andthemanfelldowninaswoon。

Afterthis，Legreebecameaharderdrinkerthaneverbefore。Henolongerdrankcautiously，prudently，butimprudentlyandrecklessly。

Therewerereportsaroundthecountry，soonafterthathewassickanddying。Excesshadbroughtonthatfrightfuldiseasethatseemstothrowtheluridshadowsofacomingretributionbackintothepresentlife。Nonecouldbearthehorrorsofthatsickroom，whenheravedandscreamed，andspokeofsightswhichalmoststoppedthebloodofthosewhoheardhim；and，athisdyingbed，stoodastern，white，inexorablefigure，saying，“Come！come！come！”

Byasingularcoincidence，ontheverynightthatthisvisionappearedtoLegree，thehouse-doorwasfoundopeninthemorning，andsomeofthenegroeshadseentwowhitefiguresglidingdowntheavenuetowardsthehigh-road。

ItwasnearsunrisewhenCassyandEmmelinepaused，foramoment，inalittleknotoftreesnearthetown。

CassywasdressedafterthemanneroftheCreoleSpanishladies，—whollyinblack。Asmallblackbonnetonherhead，coveredbyaveilthickwithembroidery，concealedherface。Ithadbeenagreedthat，intheirescape，shewastopersonatethecharacterofaCreolelady，andEmmelinethatofherservant。

Broughtup，fromearlylife，inconnectionwiththehighestsociety，thelanguage，movementsandairofCassy，wereallinagreementwiththisidea；andshehadstillenoughremainingwithher，ofaoncesplendidwardrobe，andsetsofjewels，toenablehertopersonatethethingtoadvantage。

Shestoppedintheoutskirtsofthetown，whereshehadnoticedtrunksforsale，andpurchasedahandsomeone。Thissherequestedthemantosendalongwithher。And，accordingly，thusescortedbyaboywheelinghertrunk，andEmmelinebehindher，carryinghercarpet-bagandsundrybundles，shemadeherappearanceatthesmalltavern，likealadyofconsideration。

Thefirstpersonthatstruckher，afterherarrival，wasGeorgeShelby，whowasstayingthere，awaitingthenextboat。

Cassyhadremarkedtheyoungmanfromherloopholeinthegarret，andseenhimbearawaythebodyofTom，andobservedwithsecretexultation，hisrencontrewithLegree。Subsequentlyshehadgathered，fromtheconversationsshehadoverheardamongthenegroes，assheglidedaboutinherghostlydisguise，afternightfall，whohewas，andinwhatrelationhestoodtoTom。She，therefore，feltanimmediateaccessionofconfidence，whenshefoundthathewas，likeherself，awaitingthenextboat。

Cassy’sairandmanner，address，andevidentcommandofmoney，preventedanyrisingdispositiontosuspicioninthehotel。Peopleneverinquiretoocloselyintothosewhoarefaironthemainpoint，ofpayingwell，—athingwhichCassyhadforeseenwhensheprovidedherselfwithmoney。

Intheedgeoftheevening，aboatwasheardcomingalong，andGeorgeShelbyhandedCassyaboard，withthepolitenesswhichcomesnaturallytoeveryKentuckian，andexertedhimselftoprovideherwithagoodstate-room。

Cassykeptherroomandbed，onpretextofillness，duringthewholetimetheywereonRedriver；andwaswaitedon，withobsequiousdevotion，byherattendant。

WhentheyarrivedattheMississippiriver，George，havinglearnedthatthecourseofthestrangeladywasupward，likehisown，proposedtotakeastate-roomforheronthesameboatwithhimself，—good-naturedlycompassionatingherfeeblehealth，anddesiroustodowhathecouldtoassisther。

Behold，therefore，thewholepartysafelytransferredtothegoodsteamerCincinnati，andsweepinguptheriverunderapowerfulheadofsteam。

Cassy’shealthwasmuchbetter。Shesatupontheguards，cametothetable，andwasremarkeduponintheboatasaladythatmusthavebeenveryhandsome。

FromthemomentthatGeorgegotthefirstglimpseofherface，hewastroubledwithoneofthosefleetingandindefinitelikenesses，whichalmosteverybodycanremember，andhasbeen，attimes，perplexedwith。Hecouldnotkeephimselffromlookingather，andwatchinherperpetually。Attable，orsittingatherstate-roomdoor，stillshewouldencountertheyoungman’seyesfixedonher，andpolitelywithdrawn，whensheshowed，byhercountenance，thatshewassensibletotheobservation。

Cassybecameuneasy。Shebegantothinkthathesuspectedsomething；andfinallyresolvedtothrowherselfentirelyonhisgenerosity，andintrustedhimwithherwholehistory。

GeorgewasheartilydisposedtosympathizewithanyonewhohadescapedfromLegree’splantation，—aplacethathecouldnotrememberorspeakofwithpatience，—and，withthecourageousdisregardofconsequenceswhichischaracteristicofhisageandstate，heassuredherthathewoulddoallinhispowertoprotectandbringthemthrough。

Thenextstate-roomtoCassy’swasoccupiedbyaFrenchlady，namedDeThoux，whowasaccompaniedbyafinelittledaughter，achildofsometwelvesummers。

Thislady，havinggathered，fromGeorge’sconversation，thathewasfromKentucky，seemedevidentlydisposedtocultivatehisacquaintance；inwhichdesignshewassecondedbythegracesofherlittlegirl，whowasaboutasprettyaplaythingaseverdivertedthewearinessofafortnight’striponasteamboat。

George’schairwasoftenplacedatherstate-roomdoor；andCassy，asshesatupontheguards，couldheartheirconversation。

MadamedeThouxwasveryminuteinherinquiriesastoKentucky，whereshesaidshehadresidedinaformerperiodofherlife。Georgediscovered，tohissurprise，thatherformerresidencemusthavebeeninhisownvicinity；andherinquiriesshowedaknowledgeofpeopleandthingsinhisvicinity，thatwasperfectlysurprisingtohim。

“Doyouknow，”saidMadamedeThouxtohim，oneday，“ofanyman，inyourneighborhood，ofthenameofHarris？”

“Thereisanoldfellow，ofthatname，livesnotfarfrommyfather’splace，”saidGeorge。“Weneverhavehadmuchintercoursewithhim，though。”

“Heisalargeslave-owner，Ibelieve，”saidMadamedeThoux，withamannerwhichseemedtobetraymoreinterestthanshewasexactlywillingtoshow。

“Heis，”saidGeorge，lookingrathersurprisedathermanner。

“Didyoueverknowofhishaving—perhaps，youmayhaveheardofhishavingamulattoboy，namedGeorge？”

“O，certainly，—GeorgeHarris，—Iknowhimwell；hemarriedaservantofmymother’s，buthasescaped，now，toCanada。”

“Hehas？”saidMadamedeThoux，quickly。“ThankGod！”

Georgelookedasurprisedinquiry，butsaidnothing。

MadamedeThouxleanedherheadonherhand，andburstintotears。

“Heismybrother，”shesaid。

“Madame！”saidGeorge，withastrongaccentofsurprise。

“Yes，”saidMadamedeThoux，liftingherhead，proudly，andwipinghertears，“Mr。Shelby，GeorgeHarrisismybrother！”

“Iamperfectlyastonished，”saidGeorge，pushingbackhischairapaceortwo，andlookingatMadamedeThoux。

“IwassoldtotheSouthwhenhewasaboy，”saidshe。“Iwasboughtbyagoodandgenerousman。HetookmewithhimtotheWestIndies，setmefree，andmarriedme。Itisbutlatelythathedied；andIwasgoinguptoKentucky，toseeifIcouldfindandredeemmybrother。”

“IheardhimspeakofasisterEmily，thatwassoldSouth，”saidGeorge。

“Yes，indeed！Iamtheone，”saidMadamedeThoux；—“tellmewhatsortofa—”

“Averyfineyoungman，”saidGeorge，“notwithstandingthecurseofslaverythatlayonhim。Hesustainedafirstratecharacter，bothforintelligenceandprinciple。Iknow，yousee，”hesaid；“becausehemarriedinourfamily。”

“Whatsortofagirl？”saidMadamedeThoux，eagerly。

“Atreasure，”saidGeorge；“abeautiful，intelligent，amiablegirl。Verypious。Mymotherhadbroughtherup，andtrainedherascarefully，almost，asadaughter。Shecouldreadandwrite，embroiderandsew，beautifully；andwasabeautifulsinger。”

“Wassheborninyourhouse？”saidMadamedeThoux。

“No。Fatherboughtheronce，inoneofhistripstoNewOrleans，andbroughtherupasapresenttomother。Shewasabouteightornineyearsold，then。Fatherwouldnevertellmotherwhathegaveforher；but，theotherday，inlookingoverhisoldpapers，wecameacrossthebillofsale。Hepaidanextravagantsumforher，tobesure。Isuppose，onaccountofherextraordinarybeauty。”

GeorgesatwithhisbacktoCassy，anddidnotseetheabsorbedexpressionofhercountenance，ashewasgivingthesedetails。

Atthispointinthestory，shetouchedhisarm，and，withafaceperfectlywhitewithinterest，said，“Doyouknowthenamesofthepeopleheboughtherof？”

“AmanofthenameofSimmons，Ithink，wastheprincipalinthetransaction。Atleast，Ithinkthatwasthenameonthebillofsale。”

“O，myGod！”saidCassy，andfellinsensibleonthefloorofthecabin。

Georgewaswideawakenow，andsowasMadamedeThoux。ThoughneitherofthemcouldconjecturewhatwasthecauseofCassy’sfainting，stilltheymadeallthetumultwhichisproperinsuchcases；—Georgeupsettingawash-pitcher，andbreakingtwotumblers，inthewarmthofhishumanity；andvariousladiesinthecabin，hearingthatsomebodyhadfainted，crowdedthestate-roomdoor，andkeptoutalltheairtheypossiblycould，sothat，onthewhole，everythingwasdonethatcouldbeexpected。

PoorCassy！whensherecovered，turnedherfacetothewall，andweptandsobbedlikeachild，—perhaps，mother，youcantellwhatshewasthinkingof！Perhapsyoucannot，—butshefeltassure，inthathour，thatGodhadhadmercyonher，andthatsheshouldseeherdaughter，—asshedid，monthsafterwards，—when—butweanticipate。

1Hamlet，ActI，scene1，lines115-116

Results

Therestofourstoryissoontold。GeorgeShelby，interested，asanyotheryoungmanmightbe，bytheromanceoftheincident，nolessthanbyfeelingsofhumanity，wasatthepainstosendtoCassythebillofsaleofEliza；whosedateandnameallcorrespondedwithherownknowledgeoffacts，andfeltnodoubtuponhermindastotheidentityofherchild。Itremainednowonlyforhertotraceoutthepathofthefugitives。

MadamedeThouxandshe，thusdrawntogetherbythesingularcoincidenceoftheirfortunes，proceededimmediatelytoCanada，andbeganatourofinquiryamongthestations，wherethenumerousfugitivesfromslaveryarelocated。AtAmherstbergtheyfoundthemissionarywithwhomGeorgeandElizahadtakenshelter，ontheirfirstarrivalinCanada；andthroughhimwereenabledtotracethefamilytoMontreal。

GeorgeandElizahadnowbeenfiveyearsfree。Georgehadfoundconstantoccupationintheshopofaworthymachinist，wherehehadbeenearningacompetentsupportforhisfamily，which，inthemeantime，hadbeenincreasedbytheadditionofanotherdaughter。

LittleHarry—afinebrightboy—hadbeenputtoagoodschool，andwasmakingrapidproficiencyinknowledge。

Theworthypastorofthestation，inAmherstberg，whereGeorgehadfirstlanded，wassomuchinterestedinthestatementsofMadamedeThouxandCassy，thatheyieldedtothesolicitationsoftheformer，toaccompanythemtoMontreal，intheirsearch，—shebearingalltheexpenseoftheexpedition。

Thescenenowchangestoasmall，neattenement，intheoutskirtsofMontreal；thetime，evening。Acheerfulfireblazesonthehearth；atea-table，coveredwithasnowycloth，standspreparedfortheeveningmeal。Inonecorneroftheroomwasatablecoveredwithagreencloth，wherewasanopenwriting-desk，pens，paper，andoveritashelfofwell-selectedbooks。

ThiswasGeorge’sstudy。Thesamezealforself-improvement，whichledhimtostealthemuchcovetedartsofreadingandwriting，amidallthetoilanddiscouragementsofhisearlylife，stillledhimtodevoteallhisleisuretimetoself-cultivation。

Atthispresenttime，heisseatedatthetable，makingnotesfromavolumeofthefamilylibraryhehasbeenreading。

“Come，George，”saysEliza，“you’vebeengoneallday。Doputdownthatbook，andlet’stalk，whileI’mgettingtea，—do。”

AndlittleElizasecondstheeffort，bytoddlinguptoherfather，andtryingtopullthebookoutofhishand，andinstallherselfonhiskneeasasubstitute。

“O，youlittlewitch！”saysGeorge，yielding，as，insuchcircumstances，manalwaysmust。

“That’sright，”saysEliza，asshebeginstocutaloafofbread。Alittleoldershelooks；herformalittlefuller；herairmorematronlythanofyore；butevidentlycontentedandhappyaswomanneedbe。

“Harry，myboy，howdidyoucomeoninthatsum，today？”saysGeorge，ashelaidhislandonhisson’shead。

Harryhaslosthislongcurls；buthecanneverlosethoseeyesandeyelashes，andthatfine，boldbrow，thatflusheswithtriumph，asheanswers，“Ididit，everybitofit，myself，father；andnobodyhelpedme！”

“That’sright，”sayshisfather；“dependonyourself，myson。Youhaveabetterchancethaneveryourpoorfatherhad。”

Atthismoment，thereisarapatthedoor；andElizagoesandopensit。Thedelighted—“Why！thisyou？”—callsupherhusband；andthegoodpastorofAmherstbergiswelcomed。Therearetwomorewomenwithhim，andElizaasksthemtositdown。

Now，ifthetruthmustbetold，thehonestpastorhadarrangedalittleprogramme，accordingtowhichthisaffairwastodevelopitself；and，onthewayup，allhadverycautiouslyandprudentlyexhortedeachothernottoletthingsout，exceptaccordingtopreviousarrangement。

Whatwasthegoodman’sconsternation，therefore，justashehadmotionedtotheladiestobeseated，andwastakingouthispocket-handkerchieftowipehismouth，soastoproceedtohisintroductoryspeechingoodorder，whenMadamedeThouxupsetthewholeplan，bythrowingherarmsaroundGeorge’sneck，andlettingalloutatonce，bysaying，“O，George！don’tyouknowme？I’myoursisterEmily。”

Cassyhadseatedherselfmorecomposedly，andwouldhavecarriedonherpartverywell，hadnotlittleElizasuddenlyappearedbeforeherinexactshapeandform，everyoutlineandcurl，justasherdaughterwaswhenshesawherlast。Thelittlethingpeeredupinherface；andCassycaughtherupinherarms，pressedhertoherbosom，saying，what，atthemomentshereallybelieved，“Darling，I’myourmother！”

Infact，itwasatroublesomemattertodoupexactlyinproperorder；butthegoodpastor，atlast，succeededingettingeverybodyquiet，anddeliveringthespeechwithwhichhehadintendedtoopentheexercises；andinwhich，atlast，hesucceededsowell，thathiswholeaudienceweresobbingabouthiminamannerthatoughttosatisfyanyorator，ancientormodern。

Theyknelttogether，andthegoodmanprayed，—fortherearesomefeelingssoagitatedandtumultuous，thattheycanfindrestonlybybeingpouredintothebosomofAlmightylove，—andthen，risingup，thenew-foundfamilyembracedeachother，withaholytrustinHim，whofromsuchperilanddangers，andbysuchunknownways，hadbroughtthemtogether。

Thenote-bookofamissionary，amongtheCanadianfugitives，containstruthstrangerthanfiction。Howcanitbeotherwise，whenasystemprevailswhichwhirlsfamiliesandscatterstheirmembers，asthewindwhirlsandscatterstheleavesofautumn？Theseshoresofrefuge，liketheeternalshore，oftenuniteagain，ingladcommunion，heartsthatforlongyearshavemournedeachotheraslost。Andaffectingbeyondexpressionistheearnestnesswithwhicheverynewarrivalamongthemismet，if，perchance，itmaybringtidingsofmother，sister，childorwife，stilllosttoviewintheshadowsofslavery。

Deedsofheroismarewroughtheremorethanthoseofromance，whendefyingtorture，andbravingdeathitself，thefugitivevoluntarilythreadshiswaybacktotheterrorsandperilsofthatdarkland，thathemaybringouthissister，ormother，orwife。

Oneyoungman，ofwhomamissionaryhastoldus，twicere-captured，andsufferingshamefulstripesforhisheroism，hadescapedagain；and，inaletterwhichweheardread，tellshisfriendsthatheisgoingbackathirdtime，thathemay，atlast，bringawayhissister。Mygoodsir，isthismanahero，oracriminal？Wouldnotyoudoasmuchforyoursister？Andcanyoublamehim？

But，toreturntoourfriends，whomweleftwipingtheireyes，andrecoveringthemselvesfromtoogreatandsuddenajoy。Theyarenowseatedaroundthesocialboard，andaregettingdecidedlycompanionable；onlythatCassy，whokeepslittleElizaonherlap，occasionallysqueezesthelittlething，inamannerthatratherastonishesher，andobstinatelyrefusestohavehermouthstuffedwithcaketotheextentthelittleonedesires，—alleging，whatthechildratherwondersat，thatshehasgotsomethingbetterthancake，anddoesn’twantit。

And，indeed，intwoorthreedays，suchachangehaspassedoverCassy，thatourreaderswouldscarcelyknowher。Thedespairing，haggardexpressionofherfacehadgivenwaytooneofgentletrust。Sheseemedtosink，atonce，intothebosomofthefamily，andtakethelittleonesintoherheart，assomethingforwhichitlonghadwaited。Indeed，herloveseemedtoflowmorenaturallytothelittleElizathantoherowndaughter；forshewastheexactimageandbodyofthechildwhomshehadlost。Thelittleonewasaflowerybondbetweenmotheranddaughter，throughwhomgrewupacquaintanceshipandaffection。Eliza’ssteady，consistentpiety，regulatedbytheconstantreadingofthesacredword，madeheraproperguidefortheshatteredandweariedmindofhermother。Cassyyieldedatonce，andwithherwholesoul，toeverygoodinfluence，andbecameadevoutandtenderChristian。

Afteradayortwo，MadamedeThouxtoldherbrothermoreparticularlyofheraffairs。Thedeathofherhusbandhadleftheranamplefortune，whichshegenerouslyofferedtosharewiththefamily。WhensheaskedGeorgewhatwayshecouldbestapplyitforhim，heanswered，“Givemeaneducation，Emily；thathasalwaysbeenmyheart’sdesire。Then，Icandoalltherest。”

Onmaturedeliberation，itwasdecidedthatthewholefamilyshouldgo，forsomeyears，toFrance；whithertheysailed，carryingEmmelinewiththem。

Thegoodlooksofthelatterwontheaffectionofthefirstmateofthevessel；and，shortlyafterenteringtheport，shebecamehiswife。

GeorgeremainedfouryearsataFrenchuniversity，and，applyinghimselfwithanunintermittedzeal，obtainedaverythorougheducation。

PoliticaltroublesinFrance，atlast，ledthefamilyagaintoseekanasyluminthiscountry。

George’sfeelingsandviews，asaneducatedman，maybebestexpressedinalettertooneofhisfriends。

“Ifeelsomewhatataloss，astomyfuturecourse。True，asyouhavesaidtome，Imightmingleinthecirclesofthewhites，inthiscountry，myshadeofcolorissoslight，andthatofmywifeandfamilyscarceperceptible。Well，perhaps，onsufferance，Imight。But，totellyouthetruth，Ihavenowishto。

“Mysympathiesarenotformyfather’srace，butformymother’s。TohimIwasnomorethanafinedogorhorse:tomypoorheart-brokenmotherIwasachild；and，thoughIneversawher，afterthecruelsalethatseparatedus，tillshedied，yetIknowshealwayslovedmedearly。Iknowitbymyownheart。WhenIthinkofallshesuffered，ofmyownearlysufferings，ofthedistressesandstrugglesofmyheroicwife，ofmysister，soldintheNewOrleansslave-market，—thoughIhopetohavenounchristiansentiments，yetImaybeexcusedforsaying，IhavenowishtopassforanAmerican，ortoidentifymyselfwiththem。

“Itiswiththeoppressed，enslavedAfricanracethatIcastinmylot；and，ifIwishedanything，Iwouldwishmyselftwoshadesdarker，ratherthanonelighter。

“ThedesireandyearningofmysoulisforanAfricannationality。Iwantapeoplethatshallhaveatangible，separateexistenceofitsown；andwhereamItolookforit？NotinHayti；forinHaytitheyhadnothingtostartwith。Astreamcannotriseaboveitsfountain。TheracethatformedthecharacteroftheHaytienswasaworn-out，effeminateone；and，ofcourse，thesubjectracewillbecenturiesinrisingtoanything。

“Where，then，shallIlook？OntheshoresofAfricaIseearepublic，—arepublicformedofpickedmen，who，byenergyandself-educatingforce，have，inmanycases，individually，raisedthemselvesaboveaconditionofslavery。Havinggonethroughapreparatorystageoffeebleness，thisrepublichas，atlast，becomeanacknowledgednationonthefaceoftheearth，—acknowledgedbybothFranceandEngland。Thereitismywishtogo，andfindmyselfapeople。

“Iamaware，now，thatIshallhaveyouallagainstme；but，beforeyoustrike，hearme。DuringmystayinFrance，Ihavefollowedup，withintenseinterest，thehistoryofmypeopleinAmerica。Ihavenotedthestrugglebetweenabolitionistandcolonizationist，andhavereceivedsomeimpressions，asadistantspectator，whichcouldneverhaveoccurredtomeasaparticipator。

“IgrantthatthisLiberiamayhavesubservedallsortsofpurposes，bybeingplayedoff，inthehandsofouroppressors，againstus。Doubtlesstheschememayhavebeenused，inunjustifiableways，asameansofretardingouremancipation。Butthequestiontomeis，IstherenotaGodaboveallman’sschemes？MayHenothaveover-ruledtheirdesigns，andfoundedforusanationbythem？

“Inthesedays，anationisborninaday。Anationstarts，now，withallthegreatproblemsofrepublicanlifeandcivilizationwroughtouttoitshand；—ithasnottodiscover，butonlytoapply。Letus，then，alltakeholdtogether，withallourmight，andseewhatwecandowiththisnewenterprise，andthewholesplendidcontinentofAfricaopensbeforeusandourchildren。OurnationshallrollthetideofcivilizationandChristianityalongitsshores，andplanttheremightyrepublics，that，growingwiththerapidityoftropicalvegetation，shallbeforallcomingages。

“DoyousaythatIamdesertingmyenslavedbrethren？Ithinknot。IfIforgetthemonehour，onemomentofmylife，somayGodforgetme！But，whatcanIdoforthem，here？CanIbreaktheirchains？No，notasanindividual；but，letmegoandformpartofanation，whichshallhaveavoiceinthecouncilsofnations，andthenwecanspeak。Anationhasarighttoargue，remonstrate，implore，andpresentthecauseofitsrace，—whichanindividualhasnot。

“IfEuropeeverbecomesagrandcounciloffreenations，—asItrustinGoditwill，—if，there，serfdom，andallunjustandoppressivesocialinequalities，aredoneaway；andifthey，asFranceandEnglandhavedone，acknowledgeourposition，—then，inthegreatcongressofnations，wewillmakeourappeal，andpresentthecauseofourenslavedandsufferingrace；anditcannotbethatfree，enlightenedAmericawillnotthendesiretowipefromherescutcheonthatbarsinisterwhichdisgracesheramongnations，andisastrulyacursetoherastotheenslaved。

“But，youwilltellme，ourracehaveequalrightstomingleintheAmericanrepublicastheIrishman，theGerman，theSwede。Granted，theyhave。Weoughttobefreetomeetandmingle，—torisebyourindividualworth，withoutanyconsiderationofcasteorcolor；andtheywhodenyusthisrightarefalsetotheirownprofessedprinciplesofhumanequality。Weought，inparticular，tobeallowedhere。Wehavemorethantherightsofcommonmen；—wehavetheclaimofaninjuredraceforreparation。But，then，Idonotwantit；Iwantacountry，anation，ofmyown。IthinkthattheAfricanracehaspeculiarities，yettobeunfoldedinthelightofcivilizationandChristianity，which，ifnotthesamewiththoseoftheAnglo-Saxon，mayprovetobe，morally，ofevenahighertype。

“TotheAnglo-Saxonracehasbeenintrustedthedestiniesoftheworld，duringitspioneerperiodofstruggleandconflict。Tothatmissionitsstern，inflexible，energeticelements，werewelladapted；but，asaChristian，Ilookforanothereratoarise。OnitsbordersItrustwestand；andthethroesthatnowconvulsethenationsare，tomyhope，butthebirth-pangsofanhourofuniversalpeaceandbrotherhood。

“ItrustthatthedevelopmentofAfricaistobeessentiallyaChristianone。Ifnotadominantandcommandingrace，theyare，atleast，anaffectionate，magnanimous，andforgivingone。Havingbeencalledinthefurnaceofinjusticeandoppression，theyhaveneedtobindclosertotheirheartsthatsublimedoctrineofloveandforgiveness，throughwhichalonetheyaretoconquer，whichitistobetheirmissiontospreadoverthecontinentofAfrica。

“Inmyself，Iconfess，Iamfeebleforthis，—fullhalfthebloodinmyveinsisthehotandhastySaxon；butIhaveaneloquentpreacheroftheGospeleverbymyside，inthepersonofmybeautifulwife。WhenIwander，hergentlerspiriteverrestoresme，andkeepsbeforemyeyestheChristiancallingandmissionofourrace。AsaChristianpatriot，asateacherofChristianity，Igotomycountry，—mychosen，mygloriousAfrica！—andtoher，inmyheart，Isometimesapplythosesplendidwordsofprophecy:‘Whereasthouhastbeenforsakenandhated，sothatnomanwentthroughthee；Iwillmaketheeaneternalexcellence，ajoyofmanygenerations！’

“Youwillcallmeanenthusiast:youwilltellmethatIhavenotwellconsideredwhatIamundertaking。ButIhaveconsidered，andcountedthecost。IgotoLiberia，notasanElysiumofromance，butastoafieldofwork。Iexpecttoworkwithbothhands，—toworkhard；toworkagainstallsortsofdifficultiesanddiscouragements；andtoworktillIdie。ThisiswhatIgofor；andinthisIamquitesureIshallnotbedisappointed。

“Whateveryoumaythinkofmydetermination，donotdivorcemefromyourconfidence；andthinkthat，inwhateverIdo，Iactwithaheartwhollygiventomypeople。

“GeorgeHarris。”

George，withhiswife，children，sisterandmother，embarkedforAfrica，somefewweeksafter。Ifwearenotmistaken，theworldwillyethearfromhimthere。

Ofourothercharacterswehavenothingveryparticulartowrite，exceptawordrelatingtoMissOpheliaandTopsy，andafarewellchapter，whichweshalldedicatetoGeorgeShelby。

MissOpheliatookTopsyhometoVermontwithher，muchtothesurpriseofthegravedeliberativebodywhomaNewEnglanderrecognizesundertheterm“Ourfolks。”“Ourfolks，”atfirst，thoughtitanoddandunnecessaryadditiontotheirwell-traineddomesticestablishment；but，sothoroughlyefficientwasMissOpheliainherconscientiousendeavortodoherdutybyhereleve，thatthechildrapidlygrewingraceandinfavorwiththefamilyandneighborhood。Attheageofwomanhood，shewas，byherownrequest，baptized，andbecameamemberoftheChristianchurchintheplace；andshowedsomuchintelligence，activityandzeal，anddesiretodogoodintheworld，thatshewasatlastrecommended，andapprovedasamissionarytooneofthestationsinAfrica；andwehaveheardthatthesameactivityandingenuitywhich，whenachild，madehersomultiformandrestlessinherdevelopments，isnowemployed，inasaferandwholesomermanner，inteachingthechildrenofherowncountry。

P。S。—Itwillbeasatisfactiontosomemother，also，tostate，thatsomeinquiries，whichweresetonfootbyMadamedeThoux，haveresultedrecentlyinthediscoveryofCassy’sson。Beingayoungmanofenergy，hehadescaped，someyearsbeforehismother，andbeenreceivedandeducatedbyfriendsoftheoppressedinthenorth。HewillsoonfollowhisfamilytoAfrica。

TheLiberator

GeorgeShelbyhadwrittentohismothermerelyaline，statingthedaythatshemightexpecthimhome。Ofthedeathsceneofhisoldfriendhehadnotthehearttowrite。Hehadtriedseveraltimes，andonlysucceededinhalfchokinghimself；andinvariablyfinishedbytearingupthepaper，wipinghiseyes，andrushingsomewheretogetquiet。

TherewasapleasedbustleallthoughtheShelbymansion，thatday，inexpectationofthearrivalofyoungMas’rGeorge。

Mrs。Shelbywasseatedinhercomfortableparlor，whereacheerfulhickoryfirewasdispellingthechillofthelateautumnevening。Asupper-table，glitteringwithplateandcutglass，wassetout，onwhosearrangementsourformerfriend，oldChloe，waspresiding。

Arrayedinanewcalicodress，withclean，whiteapron，andhigh，well-starchedturban，herblackpolishedfaceglowingwithsatisfaction，shelingered，withneedlesspunctiliousness，aroundthearrangementsofthetable，merelyasanexcusefortalkingalittletohermistress。

“Laws，now！won’titlooknaturaltohim？”shesaid。“Thar，—Isethisplatejustwharhelikesit，roundbythefire。Mas’rGeorgeallerswantsdewarmseat。O，goway！—whydidn’tSallygetoutdebesttea-pot，—delittlenewone，Mas’rGeorgegotforMissis，Christmas？I’llhaveitout！AndMissishasheardfromMas’rGeorge？”shesaid，inquiringly。

“Yes，Chloe；butonlyaline，justtosayhewouldbehometonight，ifhecould，—that’sall。”

“Didn’tsaynothin’’boutmyoldman，s’pose？”saidChloe，stillfidgetingwiththetea-cups。

“No，hedidn’t。Hedidnotspeakofanything，Chloe。Hesaidhewouldtellall，whenhegothome。”

“JeslikeMas’rGeorge，—he’sallerssofercefortellin’everythinghisself。IallersmindeddatarinMas’rGeorge。Don’tsee，formypart，howwhitepeoplegen’llycanbartohevtowritethingsmuchastheydo，writin’’ssuchslow，oneasykindo’work。”

Mrs。Shelbysmiled。

“I’mathinkin’myoldmanwon’tknowdeboysanddebaby。Lor’！she’sdebiggestgal，now，—goodsheis，too，andpeart，Pollyis。She’souttothehouse，now，watchin’dehoe-cake。I’sgotjistdeverypatternmyoldmanlikedsomuch，abakin’。JistsichasIginhimthemornin’hewastookoff。Lordblessus！howIfelt，datarmorning！”

Mrs。Shelbysighed，andfeltaheavyweightonherheart，atthisallusion。Shehadfeltuneasy，eversinceshereceivedherson’sletter，lestsomethingshouldprovetobehiddenbehindtheveilofsilencewhichhehaddrawn。

“Missishasgotdembills？”saidChloe，anxiously。

“Yes，Chloe。”

“’CauseIwantstoshowmyoldmandemverybillsdeperfectionergaveme。‘And，’sayhe，‘Chloe，Iwishyou’dstaylonger。’‘Thankyou，Mas’r，’saysI，‘Iwould，onlymyoldman’scominghome，andMissis，—shecan’tdowithoutmenolonger。’There’sjistwhatItelledhim。Berryniceman，datMas’rJoneswas。”

Chloehadpertinaciouslyinsistedthattheverybillsinwhichherwageshadbeenpaidshouldbepreserved，toshowherhusband，inmemorialofhercapability。AndMrs。Shelbyhadreadilyconsentedtohumorherintherequest。

“Hewon’tknowPolly，—myoldmanwon’t。Laws，it’sfiveyearsincetheytuckhim！Shewasababyden，—couldn’tbutjiststand。Rememberhowtickledheusedtobe，causeshewouldkeepafallin’over，whenshesotouttowalk。Lawsame！”

Therattlingofwheelsnowwasheard。

“Mas’rGeorge！”saidAuntChloe，startingtothewindow。

Mrs。Shelbyrantotheentrydoor，andwasfoldedinthearmsofherson。AuntChloestoodanxiouslystraininghereyesoutintothedarkness。

“O，poorAuntChloe！”saidGeorge，stoppingcompassionately，andtakingherhard，blackhandbetweenbothhis；“I’dhavegivenallmyfortunetohavebroughthimwithme，buthe’sgonetoabettercountry。”

TherewasapassionateexclamationfromMrs。Shelby，butAuntChloesaidnothing。

Thepartyenteredthesupper-room。Themoney，ofwhichChloewassoproud，wasstilllyingonthetable。

“Thar，”saidshe，gatheringitup，andholdingit，withatremblinghand，tohermistress，“don’tneverwanttoseenorhearon’tagain。JistasIknew’twouldbe，—sold，andmurderedondemar’oldplantations！”

Chloeturned，andwaswalkingproudlyoutoftheroom。Mrs。Shelbyfollowedhersoftly，andtookoneofherhands，drewherdownintoachair，andsatdownbyher。

“Mypoor，goodChloe！”saidshe。

Chloeleanedherheadonhermistress’shoulder，andsobbedout，“OMissis！’scuseme，myheart’sbroke，—dat’sall！”

“Iknowitis，”saidMrs。Shelby，ashertearsfellfast；“andIcannothealit，butJesuscan。Hehealeththebrokenhearted，andbindethuptheirwounds。”

Therewasasilenceforsometime，andallwepttogether。Atlast，George，sittingdownbesidethemourner，tookherhand，and，withsimplepathos，repeatedthetriumphantsceneofherhusband’sdeath，andhislastmessagesoflove。

Aboutamonthafterthis，onemorning，alltheservantsoftheShelbyestatewereconvenedtogetherinthegreathallthatranthroughthehouse，tohearafewwordsfromtheiryoungmaster。

Tothesurpriseofall，heappearedamongthemwithabundleofpapersinhishand，containingacertificateoffreedomtoeveryoneontheplace，whichhereadsuccessively，andpresented，amidthesobsandtearsandshoutsofallpresent。

Many，however，pressedaroundhim，earnestlybegginghimnottosendthemaway；and，withanxiousfaces，tenderingbacktheirfreepapers。

“Wedon’twanttobenofreerthanweare。We’sallershadallwewanted。Wedon’twanttoleavedeoleplace，andMas’randMissis，andderest！”

“Mygoodfriends，”saidGeorge，assoonashecouldgetasilence，“there’llbenoneedforyoutoleaveme。Theplacewantsasmanyhandstoworkitasitdidbefore。Weneedthesameaboutthehousethatwedidbefore。But，youarenowfreemenandfreewomen。Ishallpayyouwagesforyourwork，suchasweshallagreeon。Theadvantageis，thatincaseofmygettingindebt，ordying，—thingsthatmighthappen，—youcannotnowbetakenupandsold。Iexpecttocarryontheestate，andtoteachyouwhat，perhaps，itwilltakeyousometimetolearn，—howtousetherightsIgiveyouasfreemenandwomen。Iexpectyoutobegood，andwillingtolearn；andItrustinGodthatIshallbefaithful，andwillingtoteach。Andnow，myfriends，lookup，andthankGodfortheblessingoffreedom。”

Anaged，partriarchalnegro，whohadgrowngrayandblindontheestate，nowrose，and，liftinghistremblinghandsaid，“LetusgivethanksuntotheLord！”Asallkneeledbyoneconsent，amoretouchingandheartyTeDeumneverascendedtoheaven，thoughborneonthepealoforgan，bellandcannon，thancamefromthathonestoldheart。

Onrising，anotherstruckupaMethodisthymn，ofwhichtheburdenwas，

“TheyearofJubileeiscome，—

Return，yeransomedsinners，home。”

“Onethingmore，”saidGeorge，ashestoppedthecongratulationsofthethrong；“youallrememberourgoodoldUncleTom？”

Georgeheregaveashortnarrationofthesceneofhisdeath，andofhislovingfarewelltoallontheplace，andadded，

“Itwasonhisgrave，myfriends，thatIresolved，beforeGod，thatIwouldneverownanotherslave，whileitwaspossibletofreehim；thatnobody，throughme，shouldeverruntheriskofbeingpartedfromhomeandfriends，anddyingonalonelyplantation，ashedied。So，whenyourejoiceinyourfreedom，thinkthatyouoweittothatgoodoldsoul，andpayitbackinkindnesstohiswifeandchildren。Thinkofyourfreedom，everytimeyouseeUncleTom’sCabin；andletitbeamemorialtoputyouallinmindtofollowinhissteps，andbehonestandfaithfulandChristianashewas。”

ConcludingRemarks

Thewriterhasoftenbeeninquiredof，bycorrespondentsfromdifferentpartsofthecountry，whetherthisnarrativeisatrueone；andtotheseinquiriesshewillgiveonegeneralanswer。

Theseparateincidentsthatcomposethenarrativeare，toaverygreatextent，authentic，occurring，manyofthem，eitherunderherownobservation，orthatofherpersonalfriends。Sheorherfriendshaveobservedcharactersthecounterpartofalmostallthatarehereintroduced；andmanyofthesayingsarewordforwordasheardherself，orreportedtoher。

ThepersonalappearanceofEliza，thecharacterascribedtoher，aresketchesdrawnfromlife。Theincorruptiblefidelity，pietyandhonesty，ofUncleTom，hadmorethanonedevelopment，toherpersonalknowledge。Someofthemostdeeplytragicandromantic，someofthemostterribleincidents，havealsotheirparalleinreality。Theincidentofthemother’scrossingtheOhioriverontheiceisawell-knownfact。Thestoryof“oldPrue，”inthesecondvolume，wasanincidentthatfellunderthepersonalobservationofabrotherofthewriter，thencollecting-clerktoalargemercantilehouse，inNewOrleans。FromthesamesourcewasderivedthecharacteroftheplanterLegree。Ofhimherbrotherthuswrote，speakingofvisitinghisplantation，onacollectingtour；“Heactuallymademefeelofhisfist，whichwaslikeablacksmith’shammer，oranoduleofiron，tellingmethatitwas‘callousedwithknockingdownniggers。’WhenIlefttheplantation，Idrewalongbreath，andfeltasifIhadescapedfromanogre’sden。”

ThatthetragicalfateofTom，also，hastoomanytimeshaditsparallel，therearelivingwitnesses，alloverourland，totestify。Letitberememberedthatinallsouthernstatesitisaprincipleofjurisprudencethatnopersonofcoloredlineagecantestifyinasuitagainstawhite，anditwillbeeasytoseethatsuchacasemayoccur，whereverthereisamanwhosepassionsoutweighhisinterests，andaslavewhohasmanhoodorprincipleenoughtoresisthiswill。Thereis，actually，nothingtoprotecttheslave’slife，butthecharacterofthemaster。Factstooshockingtobecontemplatedoccasionallyforcetheirwaytothepublicear，andthecommentthatoneoftenhearsmadeonthemismoreshockingthanthethingitself。Itissaid，“Verylikelysuchcasesmaynowandthenoccur，buttheyarenosampleofgeneralpractice。”IfthelawsofNewEnglandweresoarrangedthatamastercouldnowandthentortureanapprenticetodeath，woulditbereceivedwithequalcomposure？Woulditbesaid，“Thesecasesarerare，andnosamplesofgeneralpractice”？Thisinjusticeisaninherentoneintheslavesystem，—itcannotexistwithoutit。

Thepublicandshamelesssaleofbeautifulmulattoandquadroongirlshasacquiredanotoriety，fromtheincidentsfollowingthecaptureofthePearl。WeextractthefollowingfromthespeechofHon。HoraceMann，oneofthelegalcounselforthedefendantsinthatcase。Hesays:“Inthatcompanyofseventy-sixpersons，whoattempted，in1848，toescapefromtheDistrictofColumbiaintheschoonerPearl，andwhoseofficersIassistedindefending，therewereseveralyoungandhealthygirls，whohadthosepeculiarattractionsofformandfeaturewhichconnoisseursprizesohighly。ElizabethRusselwasoneofthem。Sheimmediatelyfellintotheslave-trader’sfangs，andwasdoomedfortheNewOrleansmarket。Theheartsofthosethatsawherweretouchedwithpityforherfate。Theyofferedeighteenhundreddollarstoredeemher；andsometherewerewhoofferedtogive，thatwouldnothavemuchleftafterthegift；butthefiendofaslave-traderwasinexorable。ShewasdespatchedtoNewOrleans；but，whenabouthalfwaythere，Godhadmercyonher，andsmoteherwithdeath。ThereweretwogirlsnamedEdmundsoninthesamecompany。Whenabouttobesenttothesamemarket，anoldersisterwenttotheshambles，topleadwiththewretchwhoownedthem，fortheloveofGod，tosparehisvictims。Hebanteredher，tellingwhatfinedressesandfinefurnituretheywouldhave。‘Yes，’shesaid，‘thatmaydoverywellinthislife，butwhatwillbecomeoftheminthenext？’TheytooweresenttoNewOrleans；butwereafterwardsredeemed，atanenormousransom，andbroughtback。”Isitnotplain，fromthis，thatthehistoriesofEmmelineandCassymayhavemanycounterparts？

Justice，too，obligestheauthortostatethatthefairnessofmindandgenerosityattributedtoSt。Clarearenotwithoutaparallel，asthefollowinganecdotewillshow。Afewyearssince，ayoungsoutherngentlemanwasinCincinnati，withafavoriteservant，whohadbeenhispersonalattendantfromaboy。Theyoungmantookadvantageofthisopportunitytosecurehisownfreedom，andfledtotheprotectionofaQuaker，whowasquitenotedinaffairsofthiskind。Theownerwasexceedinglyindignant。Hehadalwaystreatedtheslavewithsuchindulgence，andhisconfidenceinhisaffectionwassuch，thathebelievedhemusthavebeenpractisedupontoinducehimtorevoltfromhim。HevisitedtheQuaker，inhighanger；but，beingpossessedofuncommoncandorandfairness，wassoonquietedbyhisargumentsandrepresentations。Itwasasideofthesubjectwhichheneverhadheard，—neverhadthoughton；andheimmediatelytoldtheQuakerthat，ifhisslavewould，tohisownface，saythatitwashisdesiretobefree，hewouldliberatehim。Aninterviewwasforthwithprocured，andNathanwasaskedbyhisyoungmasterwhetherhehadeverhadanyreasontocomplainofhistreatment，inanyrespect。

“No，Mas’r，”saidNathan；“you’vealwaysbeengoodtome。”

“Well，then，whydoyouwanttoleaveme？”

“Mas’rmaydie，andthenwhogetme？—I’dratherbeafreeman。”

Aftersomedeliberation，theyoungmasterreplied，“Nathan，inyourplace，IthinkIshouldfeelverymuchso，myself。Youarefree。”

Heimmediatelymadehimoutfreepapers；depositedasumofmoneyinthehandsoftheQuaker，tobejudiciouslyusedinassistinghimtostartinlife，andleftaverysensibleandkindletterofadvicetotheyoungman。Thatletterwasforsometimeinthewriter’shands。

Theauthorhopesshehasdonejusticetothatnobility，generosity，andhumanity，whichinmanycasescharacterizeindividualsatthe，South。Suchinstancessaveusfromutterdespairofourkind。But，sheasksanyperson，whoknowstheworld，aresuchcharacterscommon，anywhere？

Formanyyearsofherlife，theauthoravoidedallreadinguponorallusiontothesubjectofslavery，consideringitastoopainfultobeinquiredinto，andonewhichadvancinglightandcivlizationwouldcertainlylivedown。But，sincethelegislativeactof1850，whensheheard，withperfectsurpriseandconsternation，Christianandhumanepeopleactuallyrecommendingtheremandingescapedfugitivesintoslavery，asadutybindingongoodcitizens，—whensheheard，onallhands，fromkind，compassionateandestimablepeople，inthefreestatesoftheNorth，deliberationsanddiscussionsastowhatChristiandutycouldbeonthishead，—shecouldonlythink，ThesemenandChristianscannotknowwhatslaveryis；iftheydid，suchaquestioncouldneverbeopenfordiscussion。Andfromthisaroseadesiretoexhibititinalivingdramaticreality。Shehasendeavoredtoshowitfairly，initsbestanditsworstphases。Initsbestaspect，shehas，perhaps，beensuccessful；but，oh！whoshallsaywhatyetremainsuntoldinthatvalleyandshadowofdeath，thatliestheotherside？

Toyou，generous，noble-mindedmenandwomen，oftheSouth，—you，whosevirtue，andmagnanimityandpurityofcharacter，arethegreaterfortheseverertrialithasencountered，—toyouisherappeal。Haveyounot，inyourownsecretsouls，inyourownprivateconversings，feltthattherearewoesandevils，inthisaccursedsystem，farbeyondwhatarehereshadowed，orcanbeshadowed？Canitbeotherwise？Ismaneveracreaturetobetrustedwithwhollyirresponsiblepower？Anddoesnottheslavesystem，bydenyingtheslavealllegalrightoftestimony，makeeveryindividualowneranirresponsibledespot？Cananybodyfalltomaketheinferencewhatthepracticalresultwillbe？Ifthereis，asweadmit，apublicsentimentamongyou，menofhonor，justiceandhumanity，istherenotalsoanotherkindofpublicsentimentamongtheruffian，thebrutalanddebased？Andcannottheruffian，thebrutal，thedebased，byslavelaw，ownjustasmanyslavesasthebestandpurest？Arethehonorable，thejust，thehigh-mindedandcompassionate，themajorityanywhereinthisworld？

Theslave-tradeisnow，byAmericanlaw，consideredaspiracy。Butaslave-trade，assystematicaseverwascarriedononthecoastofAfrica，isaninevitableattendantandresultofAmericanslavery。Anditsheart-breakanditshorrors，cantheybetold？

Thewriterhasgivenonlyafaintshadow，adimpicture，oftheanguishanddespairthatare，atthisverymoment，rivingthousandsofhearts，shatteringthousandsoffamilies，anddrivingahelplessandsensitiveracetofrenzyanddespair。Therearethoselivingwhoknowthemotherswhomthisaccursedtraffichasdriventothemurderoftheirchildren；andthemselvesseekingindeathashelterfromwoesmoredreadedthandeath。Nothingoftragedycanbewritten，canbespoken，canbeconceived，thatequalsthefrightfulrealityofscenesdailyandhourlyactingonourshores，beneaththeshadowofAmericanlaw，andtheshadowofthecrossofChrist。

Andnow，menandwomenofAmerica，isthisathingtobetrifledwith，apologizedfor，andpassedoverinsilence？FarmersofMassachusetts，ofNewHampshire，ofVermont，ofConnecticut，whoreadthisbookbytheblazeofyourwinter-eveningfire，—strong-hearted，generoussailorsandship-ownersofMaine，—isthisathingforyoutocountenanceandencourage？BraveandgenerousmenofNewYork，farmersofrichandjoyousOhio，andyeofthewideprairiestates，—answer，isthisathingforyoutoprotectandcountenance？Andyou，mothersofAmerica，—youwhohavelearned，bythecradlesofyourownchildren，toloveandfeelforallmankind，—bythesacredloveyoubearyourchild；byyourjoyinhisbeautiful，spotlessinfancy；bythemotherlypityandtendernesswithwhichyouguidehisgrowingyears；bytheanxietiesofhiseducation；bytheprayersyoubreatheforhissoul’seternalgood；—Ibeseechyou，pitythemotherwhohasallyouraffections，andnotonelegalrighttoprotect，guide，oreducate，thechildofherbosom！Bythesickhourofyourchild；bythosedyingeyes，whichyoucanneverforget；bythoselastcries，thatwrungyourheartwhenyoucouldneitherhelpnorsave；bythedesolationofthatemptycradle，thatsilentnursery，—Ibeseechyou，pitythosemothersthatareconstantlymadechildlessbytheAmericanslave-trade！Andsay，mothersofAmerica，isthisathingtobedefended，sympathizedwith，passedoverinsilence？

Doyousaythatthepeopleofthefreestatehavenothingtodowithit，andcandonothing？WouldtoGodthisweretrue！Butitisnottrue。Thepeopleofthefreestateshavedefended，encouraged，andparticipated；andaremoreguiltyforit，beforeGod，thantheSouth，inthattheyhavenottheapologyofeducationorcustom。

Ifthemothersofthefreestateshadallfeltastheyshould，intimespast，thesonsofthefreestateswouldnothavebeentheholders，and，proverbially，thehardestmastersofslaves；thesonsofthefreestateswouldnothaveconnivedattheextensionofslavery，inournationalbody；thesonsofthefreestateswouldnot，astheydo，tradethesoulsandbodiesofmenasanequivalenttomoney，intheirmercantiledealings。Therearemultitudesofslavestemporarilyowned，andsoldagain，bymerchantsinnortherncities；andshallthewholeguiltorobloquyofslaveryfallonlyontheSouth？

Northernmen，northernmothers，northernChristians，havesomethingmoretodothandenouncetheirbrethrenattheSouth；theyhavetolooktotheevilamongthemselves。

But，whatcananyindividualdo？Ofthat，everyindividualcanjudge。Thereisonethingthateveryindividualcando，—theycanseetoitthattheyfeelright。Anatmosphereofsympatheticinfluenceencircleseveryhumanbeing；andthemanorwomanwhofeelsstrongly，healthilyandjustly，onthegreatinterestsofhumanity，isaconstantbenefactortothehumanrace。See，then，toyoursympathiesinthismatter！AretheyinharmonywiththesympathiesofChrist？oraretheyswayedandpervertedbythesophistriesofworldlypolicy？

ChristianmenandwomenoftheNorth！stillfurther，—youhaveanotherpower；youcanpray！Doyoubelieveinprayer？orhasitbecomeanindistinctapostolictradition？Youprayfortheheathenabroad；prayalsofortheheathenathome。AndprayforthosedistressedChristianswhosewholechanceofreligiousimprovementisanaccidentoftradeandsale；fromwhomanyadherencetothemoralsofChristianityis，inmanycases，animpossibility，unlesstheyhavegiventhem，fromabove，thecourageandgraceofmartyrdom。

But，stillmore。Ontheshoresofourfreestatesareemergingthepoor，shattered，brokenremnantsoffamilies，—menandwomen，escaped，bymiraculousprovidencesfromthesurgesofslavery，—feebleinknowledge，and，inmanycases，infirminmoralconstitution，fromasystemwhichconfoundsandconfuseseveryprincipleofChristianityandmorality。Theycometoseekarefugeamongyou；theycometoseekeducation，knowledge，Christianity。

Whatdoyouowetothesepoorunfortunates，ohChristians？DoesnoteveryAmericanChristianowetotheAfricanracesomeeffortatreparationforthewrongsthattheAmericannationhasbroughtuponthem？Shallthedoorsofchurchesandschool-housesbeshutuponthem？Shallstatesariseandshakethemout？ShallthechurchofChristhearinsilencethetauntthatisthrownatthem，andshrinkawayfromthehelplesshandthattheystretchout；and，byhersilence，encouragethecrueltythatwouldchasethemfromourborders？Ifitmustbeso，itwillbeamournfulspectacle。Ifitmustbeso，thecountrywillhavereasontotremble，whenitremembersthatthefateofnationsisinthehandsofOnewhoisverypitiful，andoftendercompassion。

Doyousay，“Wedon’twantthemhere；letthemgotoAfrica”？

ThattheprovidenceofGodhasprovidedarefugeinAfrica，is，indeed，agreatandnoticeablefact；butthatisnoreasonwhythechurchofChristshouldthrowoffthatresponsibilitytothisoutcastracewhichherprofessiondemandsofher。

TofillupLiberiawithanignorant，inexperienced，half-barbarizedrace，justescapedfromthechainsofslavery，wouldbeonlytoprolong，forages，theperiodofstruggleandconflictwhichattendstheinceptionofnewenterprises。LetthechurchofthenorthreceivethesepoorsufferersinthespiritofChrist；receivethemtotheeducatingadvantagesofChristianrepublicansocietyandschools，untiltheyhaveattainedtosomewhatofamoralandintellectualmaturity，andthenassistthemintheirpassagetothoseshores，wheretheymayputinpracticethelessonstheyhavelearnedinAmerica。

Thereisabodyofmenatthenorth，comparativelysmall，whohavebeendoingthis；and，astheresult，thiscountryhasalreadyseenexamplesofmen，formerlyslaves，whohaverapidlyacquiredproperty，reputation，andeducation。Talenthasbeendeveloped，which，consideringthecircumstances，iscertainlyremarkable；and，formoraltraitsofhonesty，kindness，tendernessoffeeling，—forheroiceffortsandself-denials，enduredfortheransomofbrethrenandfriendsyetinslavery，—theyhavebeenremarkabletoadegreethat，consideringtheinfluenceunderwhichtheywereborn，issurprising。

Thewriterhaslived，formanyyears，onthefrontier-lineofslavestates，andhashadgreatopportunitiesofobservationamongthosewhoformerlywereslaves。Theyhavebeeninherfamilyasservants；and，indefaultofanyotherschooltoreceivethem，shehas，inmanycases，hadtheminstructedinafamilyschool，withherownchildren。Shehasalsothetestimonyofmissionaries，amongthefugitivesinCanada，incoincidencewithherownexperience；andherdeductions，withregardtothecapabilitiesoftherace，areencouraginginthehighestdegree。

Thefirstdesireoftheemancipatedslave，generally，isforeducation。Thereisnothingthattheyarenotwillingtogiveordotohavetheirchildreninstructed，and，sofarasthewriterhasobservedherself，ortakenthetestimonyofteachersamongthem，theyareremarkablyintelligentandquicktolearn。Theresultsofschools，foundedforthembybenevolentindividualsinCincinnati，fullyestablishthis。

Theauthorgivesthefollowingstatementoffacts，ontheauthorityofProfessorC。E。Stowe，thenofLaneSeminary，Ohio，withregardtoemancipatedslaves，nowresidentinCincinnati；giventoshowthecapabilityoftherace，evenwithoutanyveryparticularassistanceorencouragement。

Theinitiallettersalonearegiven。TheyareallresidentsofCincinnati。

“B——。Furnituremaker；twentyyearsinthecity；worthtenthousanddollars，allhisownearnings；aBaptist。

“C——。Fullblack；stolenfromAfrica；soldinNewOrleans；beenfreefifteenyears；paidforhimselfsixhundreddollars；afarmer；ownsseveralfarmsinIndiana；Presbyterian；probablyworthfifteenortwentythousanddollars，allearnedbyhimself。

“K——。Fullblack；dealerinrealestate；worththirtythousanddollars；aboutfortyyearsold；freesixyears；paideighteenhundreddollarsforhisfamily；memberoftheBaptistchurch；receivedalegacyfromhismaster，whichhehastakengoodcareof，andincreased。

“G——。Fullblack；coaldealer；aboutthirtyyearsold；wortheighteenthousanddollars；paidforhimselftwice，beingoncedefraudedtotheamountofsixteenhundreddollars；madeallhismoneybyhisownefforts—muchofitwhileaslave，hiringhistimeofhismaster，anddoingbusinessforhimself；afine，gentlemanlyfellow。

“W——。Three-fourthsblack；barberandwaiter；fromKentucky；nineteenyearsfree；paidforselfandfamilyoverthreethousanddollars；deaconintheBaptistchurch。

“G。D——。Three-fourthsblack；white-washer；fromKentucky；nineyearsfree；paidfifteenhundreddollarsforselfandfamily；recentlydied，agedsixty；worthsixthousanddollars。”

ProfessorStowesays，“Withallthese，exceptG——，Ihavebeen，forsomeyears，personallyacquainted，andmakemystatementsfrommyownknowledge。”

Thewriterwellremembersanagedcoloredwoman，whowasemployedasawasherwomaninherfather’sfamily。Thedaughterofthiswomanmarriedaslave。Shewasaremarkablyactiveandcapableyoungwoman，and，byherindustryandthrift，andthemostperseveringself-denial，raisedninehundreddollarsforherhusband’sfreedom，whichshepaid，assheraisedit，intothehandsofhismaster。Sheyetwantedahundreddollarsoftheprice，whenhedied。Sheneverrecoveredanyofthemoney。

Thesearebutfewfacts，amongmultitudeswhichmightbeadduced，toshowtheself-denial，energy，patience，andhonesty，whichtheslavehasexhibitedinastateoffreedom。

Andletitberememberedthattheseindividualshavethusbravelysucceededinconqueringforthemselvescomparativewealthandsocialposition，inthefaceofeverydisadvantageanddiscouragement。Thecoloredman，bythelawofOhio，cannotbeavoter，and，tillwithinafewyears，wasevendeniedtherightoftestimonyinlegalsuitswiththewhite。NoraretheseinstancesconfinedtotheStateofOhio。InallstatesoftheUnionweseemen，butyesterdayburstfromtheshacklesofslavery，who，byaself-educatingforce，whichcannotbetoomuchadmired，haverisentohighlyrespectablestationsinsociety。Pennington，amongclergymen，DouglasandWard，amongeditors，arewellknowninstances。

Ifthispersecutedrace，witheverydiscouragementanddisadvantage，havedonethusmuch，howmuchmoretheymightdoiftheChristianchurchwouldacttowardstheminthespiritofherLord！

Thisisanageoftheworldwhennationsaretremblingandconvulsed。Amightyinfluenceisabroad，surgingandheavingtheworld，aswithanearthquake。AndisAmericasafe？Everynationthatcarriesinitsbosomgreatandunredressedinjusticehasinittheelementsofthislastconvulsion。

Forwhatisthismightyinfluencethusrousinginallnationsandlanguagesthosegroaningsthatcannotbeuttered，forman’sfreedomandequality？

O，ChurchofChrist，readthesignsofthetimes！IsnotthispowerthespiritofHimwhosekingdomisyettocome，andwhosewilltobedoneonearthasitisinheaven？

Butwhomayabidethedayofhisappearing？“forthatdayshallburnasanoven:andheshallappearasaswiftwitnessagainstthosethatoppressthehirelinginhiswages，thewidowandthefatherless，andthatturnasidethestrangerinhisright:andheshallbreakinpiecestheoppressor。”

Arenotthesedreadwordsforanationbearinginherbosomsomightyaninjustice？Christians！everytimethatyoupraythatthekingdomofChristmaycome，canyouforgetthatprophecyassociates，indreadfellowship，thedayofvengeancewiththeyearofhisredeemed？

Adayofgraceisyetheldouttous。BothNorthandSouthhavebeenguiltybeforeGod；andtheChristianchurchhasaheavyaccounttoanswer。Notbycombiningtogether，toprotectinjusticeandcruelty，andmakingacommoncapitalofsin，isthisUniontobesaved，—butbyrepentance，justiceandmercy；for，notsureristheeternallawbywhichthemillstonesinksintheocean，thanthatstrongerlaw，bywhichinjusticeandcrueltyshallbringonnationsthewrathofAlmightyGod！