The voice of freedom. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1839-1848, 1839-01-26
Letter of Hon. VIM. slade l..

The following manly letter from Mr.. SLADE
gencer:
MEssRs. Editors: I ask small space to notice
the communication of Samuel M. Semmes III
your paper of this morning. | am not going into
an argument on the question Of slavery. l know
and that, too, by ertr0ordialary experience, that
an argument, if were disposed to offer one, could
not find place in your paper. But desire to
disabuse "the abolitonists of the North" many
of whom are my immediate constituents, Of q
most serious charge which Mr. Semmes brings
against them.
81 abhor (says MIR. S. as deeply as any man.
the abolitionists of the North. Whilst they are
protesting the greatest sympathy for our slaves
and invoking the wrath of Heaven on US for hold
ing them, they practice the most revolving treat
ment toward the colored population around
them"
This charge against the abolitonists of" revolt
ing treatment and oppression toward the colored
population around them" ! meet with an unqual-
flied denial. There is not in it even a shadow OF
truth. On the contrary, the abolitionists of the
North" while they are endeavorng to convince
the South that slavery is wrong and ought to be
abandoned, are sedulous and untiring in their eff
forts to elevate and improve the colored popu-
laton around Them" This they endeavor to do
by laboring to remove the cruel and crushing
prejudice to which they are subjected; by impart-
ing to them moral and religious instruction; by
aiding them to form Just estimate of the true
dignity of their nature; by impressing them with
the conviction that they are MEN by intoxicating
upon them the duty of temperance and industry
by learning them the value of education by
tnoc To
responsible beings, and to deserve the respect of
others by the fuiflment of their social duties a
peaceful submission to the laws, and steady re-
sistance of the temptations to which their unhappy
condition peculiarly exposes them.
Such, sir, is, VIGOROUSLY, the truth with regard
to the relation which "the aboltionists of the
North sustain toward the colored population
around them" So notorious is it, that it has be-
come standing reproach against them that they
are encouraging an amalganaation of the white
with the black race and the public mind is bella
bored with arguments to prove that the latter can
never be raised by them from their present degra-
dation but must, while remaining in this land,
forever feel its crushing weight.
There is an injustice in the charge | have thus
repealed, too fragrant to be passed in silence. But
while repel it, | take pleasure in expressing my
conviction that the respectable gentleman who has
made it is unconscious of its injustice. am sure
he has not taken the pains to obtain accurate in
formation with regard to the abolitioniss of the
North for, if he had, he would have become con-
vnced that so far from merling the charge of g re-
voting treatment and oppression toWordS the CO.
ored population,' and, by necessary consequence,
Of the grossest inconsistency and hypocrisy, they
are acting the part of the good Samaritan, bend
ing, in compassion, over the neglected and outcas
Africans among them, pouring oil into their
raising them in their helplessness,
them in their weakness, and thus
the only hope to them of enduring and
permanent good.
afix my name to this communication, suppo-
sing, from what | observe in your remarks intro
1uctory to Mr.. Semmes' communication, that you
may otherwise decline its insertion If you are
willing to poblish it anonymously, you will please
do so. Respectfully your o'bt servant,
WILLIAM SLADE.