The voice of freedom. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1839-1848, 1839-02-02
THE VOICE OF [E1aNMD0M5c
For The Voice of Freedom,
Mr.. KNAPP:

Mr.. KNAPP:
Dear Si-An article in your last aludes to the very
common declaration off, do not say how Interested null
ttude that the slave Of the South is better fed, better
clothed and happier than the free laborer of the North
send you the following for insertion if you think it advi-
sable send it for obvious reasons If there be sin,
which the obquity of the human heart warrant or
the full circle of human conduct can comprehend,
-'sof so frigh,ful men
As to be hated needs but to be seem
that sin is American Slavery In reference to this, the
persuasion of every who has impaay looked at the
subject, must be full and settled. To abhor the system
we have only inform ourselves with regard to it, But
of the majority Of Northern people, the knowledge of
must be knowledge derived from testimony From expe-
rience we have knowledge of the system, when
some democratic mob being for the purpose of
performing civil miracle, by contravenng. suspendng
The laws of most glorious, free and perfect republic
From observations of certainly have By
way of testimony have distinct and opposite
of information; the through those who, for
purposes of speculation, either commercial POLITICAL
keep up intercourse with the South-who are ever
ready yield truth gold, and principle to political pre-
fermen; those who visit the South for pleasure for
health, and whose circumstances predsposi,on permits
them look at but the pleasing side of slavery, viz the
kind and liberal hospitality of the master: the other, hro
those whose circumstances have permitted them look at
slavery with eye candor and whose freedom from the
bias of prejudice interest allows them to report with
tongue truth The pernicious and nvincibe in
uence with which the friend of freedom has contend
the present tme the testimony of those men who are
at all events determined to report favorably- Northern
did, counter declaration of good, discriminating judicious
men, is certainly important therefore transmit to you
part of communication from the Rev. VIM. A. Chaplin, of
Greensboro-simpy adding, that whoever acquainted
with that gentleman will be satisfied that such declarations
from such man. sufficient put to silence at and
forever the tongue of the apoogst; condemn the ys
tenn and arouse all efficient action for its suppression
After preliminary remarks, Mr. C. proceeds
ssI spent nearly three years in Richmond and vicinity
do not know that state any facts of peculiar inter-
est the subject of slavery, for while was there-aho
saw enough to convince that the system is one of the
cruelty and oppresson-yet it is difficult to state
the particular facts which led my mind to this concusion
especially as from feelings of decacy seemed to be prop
er to shut my eyes and close my far possible
those enormes in the abuse of slaves, which would be
calculated to cause uneasness to the masters in they
should be known. will however state some facts which
forced upon my observation while there resided
nearly two years in the family of Conrad Webb ESQ. of
Hampstead, New-Kent Co.. about twenty miles from Rich
mond, Va. was employed family instructor. Mr. w
had three four plantations, and esteemed of the
two wealthest in the county. 1t supposed that
he owned about 200 Slaves rs of whom
home plantation. He a member of the Presby terian
church. and appointed Elder in the same during the
time was residing with him. He was native of Virgin
ia and graduate ola N E. College. The slaves were
called in the morning before daylight and believe at all
the year, that they might prepare their food
be ready for work it light enough to see
and know that in the season of huskng corn, Oct and
Nov, they usually were compelled to work ate-till IL
or o'clock at night The slaves lived in wreched log
cabins. consisting Of each, without floors or WIN
dows understood that their food consisted of daily
ton of q meal each man. and half Of that
amount to child-and a week small piece of meat,
from to four ounces have distributed, salt
ed herring two, which understand sometimes sub
stituted
'I know that Mr.. WIS slaves better clothed than
many in the neighborhood whom occasionally saw, and
have reason believe, better fed also, / heard
him remark that many gave only half the roons which he