We are very sorry
that our English ancestors began to impose you upon us, and that Newport
and Salem vessels brought so many of you here into slavery; but we
cannot think of requiting you for this by jeoparding our own peace; nor
would it be kind to you, as things are, to be made prominent in any way
as a class. When the Northern people are, generally, your true friends,
and cease to use you in an offensive manner, to excite civil war, we
shall join to elevate you in every way consistent with your true
interests.'
"There will be cases of extreme hardship," said I, "if a slave, fleeing
from the South, however unjustifiably, nevertheless becomes surrounded
here with a family, and the owner comes and claims him. There are
principles of natural humanity which come into force at such a time to
modify or set aside a claim. I know, indeed, that to build a valuable
house on land not mine, does not vacate the land-owner's title; and,
moreover, I know what may be alleged on the principle illustrated by
Paley, who speaks of a man finding a stick and bestowing labor on it
which is more in value than the stick itself. These cases of slaves who
have gained a settlement here, call for the utmost kindness and
forbearance between the sectional parties in controversy; clamor will
never settle them, nor the sword; but the reign of good feeling will
cause justice to flow down our streets like a river, and righteousness
like an overflowing stream.
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