"'I stopped after service, and, without at first introducing myself, I
asked him if he was in the habit of praying, as he had done to-day, for
slave-holders. He said yes. I asked him if it was a general practice at
the North. He thought it was. I inquired if he would have every slave
liberated to-morrow, if he could effect it. "By all means," said
he.--"Would they be better off?" said I.--"Undoubtedly they would," said
he. "But that is not the question. Do right, if the heavens
fall."--"What would become of them?" said I.--"Hire them," said he; "pay
them wages; let husbands and wives live together; abolish
auction-blocks, and"--"But," said I, "some of the very best of men in
the world, at the South, are decidedly of the opinion that such
emancipation would be the most barbarous thing that could be devised for
the slaves."--"Are you a slave-holder?" said he.--"I was," said I; "but
I have liberated my slaves, and I am in your city to see the last two of
my servants sail with your fellow-citizens ---- and ----" (naming
them).--"You don't say so!" said he. "What did you liberate them
for?"--"I could not take proper care of them," said I, "situated as I
am.
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