Richmond palladium. [volume] (Richmond, IA [i.e. Ind.]) 1839-1854, 1843-12-01

for decision upon their lives and liberty had
been Heretofore a practitioner Of the law in the
Courts Of the L. States. Bu, for thlfty wears
and upwards had ceased 10 practice | had ne c r
expected TO appear the sama capacity.
again, during ms life But tina, appeal being
made 10 my sense OF humanity, II was not possI-
bic for to resis, il. | must say you that |
acted aioge her ndepe ndently ct the question
whether they were slaves freemen. Ii was
with me sentiment Of simple humanity, seeing
fellow creatures suffering, and to whom it was
supposed might, possibly, render assistance.
acted upon the same general principles OF
humanity upon which any Of you seeing drow-
ming child. would save him al the peril Of your
lives. ! did therefore undertake their defence.
Their one clear in principle it was
perilous IN the condition 10 which they were ex
posed. There never came cause before hu
man tribunal, IN my opinion, when the law was
more decided, and the rights of the prisoners TO a
full and free discharge more clear: and so deer
ded the Supreme Court Of the United States. at-
ter week OF searching argument IN which re-
gre, TO say that the Attorney General of the U.
States appeared in argument against those suffer
ing human beings. A respectable counsellor at
law from Connection, and myself appeared IN
their defence.
| should have taken more pleasure in the Sc
G0el of that transaction, If from what has trans
PRED since, had reason 10 believe, that the per-
sons thus relieved, had drawn from those precepts
Of wisdom, for their future conduct. which no.
ped could furnish a great opportunity, through
this means to let in the light Of civilization into
Africa itself
| must say 10 you that it is my fixed opinon,
that The abolition of slavery in this country, can.
not be successful till the evil is struck at the root,
and slavery in Africa is suppressed.
If it is possible TO mitigate the condition OF
those persons, whom tho white people bring from
The coast of Africa TO for life, as slaves 10
America, and who would no, be ensaved were
they no, themselves 10 Africa, the original fouE>
ders OF slavery, it is by changing the state OF
things IN Africa. Let the people of Afrlca--iei
the sovereigns of AfIica--le, the Republics OF
Africa, if such here be, let them abolish slavery
at home, and slavery will he abolished IN Ameri-
ca. But as long Africa encourages slavery. il
is Impossible to put an end to it IN America. The
very source of the evil must first be cut off.
How this can be done, do not pretend to say.
], is no, he nature the right of our govern
ment TO interfere with the governmen, of any
foreign country, not even the government of Al
RIGA itself.
There is another reason for wishing the aboli-
ton Of slavery in that country, and That Is the
impression upon tho minds OF muititudes~ OF that
barbarian people, ana IN Iacr, II Is Tue i,nr--:n-
of many minds 10 own country, that slaves
ira nsferred from Africa civilized land have
their condition ameiora;ed, not INJURED.
Upon this subject do not know, and cannot
speak; but if | may Judge from the fact that the
natives of Mendi before alluded to, when brought
here. compared with their condition when taken
back to Africa leaves 1t still problematlcaI whe-
Their any service has been done them more than
to save their lives, am afraid that question re-
mains to be decided hereafter. And if you, as
coIored men, having peculiar sympathy for your
fellow OF color, have it 10 your power TO OPP
crate upon influence 10 any way their condl-
ton, exhort you to exert that influence as pow.
erfuiiy there, you exert il here for the aboli-
ton Of slavery in this country. | suppose IT is
possible there NAV be some power on your part
in exering an influence over them.
Respecting disability of color in those states
where slavery is not recognized, | have il in ut.
ter abhorrence | hope sincerely, that at no dis
,ant day, IL may be done away with, at least IN
those states which profess 10 be governed by the
laws Of nature. l will GO further, and say, that ]
hope the time is not distant, though utterly de-
SPAR Of living to see it, when color will not be the
cause of slavery in the United States, but when
America will be able to face the world, and say
that there is not a slave within her borders.
/ Gentlemen, thank you for your kind feelings
and remain your friend.
FROM WASHINGTON.