The Ottawa free trader. [volume] (Ottawa, Ill.) 1843-1916, 1843-12-08
EmauciPatiO Touching Case.

EmnuciPatiou---A Touching Case.
Mr.. John Macdonough, OF New Or
leans. some time ago liberated a number
of his slaves, and sent them TO Liberia
with liberal outfit. His plan Of accom-
pllshing their Liberation was somewhat pc
culiar. He proposed to such as were will
ling TO go to Africa an arrangement of this
kind, viz tina, he would allow TO each one
a certain portion Of his time each week,
and would pay him for the labor done at
such time, or credit him with it at fair
price. The servant man was TO have his
ordinary task Of daily labor, and if by in
creased industry he could finish this so as
10 have additional time at his disposal he
should have the benefit of it, The sum
a, which each was valued, at a moderate
estimate, was set down against him in the
account book, and every credit gained by
extra labor was duly entered also. In
this way some fifty or sixty achieved
their freedom, by process which made
it manifest that they knew how TO prize
it, and that they were worthy of it--by
process too, which confirmed them in hab-
its Of industry and thrift. Mr.. Macdon.
ough published a statement of the whole
affair, and the following extract is from
the concluding portion Of it,-Bah. Pat.
ain closing this statement, will say
few words to show what the attachment
Of people similarly situated Slaves will
be to a master who treats them Justly.
The ship on which they sailed for Africa,
laid opposite my house, in the MISSISSIPPI
pi, at the bank of the river; had taken
my leave of them on going on board the
ship, on Friday evening, the day previous
to her sailing, in my house. The scene
which then took place will not attempt
to describe-it can never be erased from
my memory. Though standing in need
on the occasion of consolation myself, in
bidding last farewell on earth to those
who had so many claims on my affection,
and who had been around and about me
for such long series of years, had to
administer il to them, who stood in the
W
separation was but for brief period of
time. that we should meet again, trust
ed, in better and happier state: to
charge them TO grid up their loins, and
play the man valianty, in their dctermi-
nation TO enter into their own Canaan
and TO remember, that there was still an
other and final separation from all things
earthly, which they had to sustain and en-
counter; 10 meet, and be prepared for
which, they must perscvere in well doing
to the end that their lamps must be kept
well trimmed, and their lights burning.
On Saturday morning, the Rev. Mr.. Nc
Lean, the Agent of the American Coloni |
cation Society, (who TOOK a deep interest
in all that concerned this people, crossed
the river TO despatch the ship, and see
them take their departure, which took
place about eight o'clock in the morning
of the same day, the It'll of June. After
seeing them off, the ship was taken by
steamer. Mr.. Mclean came into my
house, as was expecting him 10 break
fast, and on seeing him much affected in
his manner, IA tear standing in his eye
inquired if any thing had taken place to
give him pam; to which he replied, "Oh,
sir, it was an affecting sight to sec them
depart. They were all on the deck of
the ship, and your servants who have not
gone, were on the shore bidding them
farewell, when from every tongue on
board the ship, heard the charge to
those on shore, Fanny take care of our
master James take care of our master,
take care of our master rs you love us,
and hope 20 meet us in heaven, take care
of our MASTER" Which CALCULATIONS, said
he, continued until they were out of hear
ing. This would appear to reverse the
general course Of things. It's the master
or mistress who is heard, when about to
make voyage, recommending their SER
wants to the care of some confidential per-
son, but here were the servants recon-
mendiug their master 10 the care of other
servants"