The New era. [volume] ([Portsmouth, Va.]) 1845-1847, 1845-08-20
From the Boston Post.
MISS DELLA WEBSTER

Has published an account of her arrest, trial
conviction, imprisonment, and pardon, in Ken
tucky, upon the charge of seducing slaves To leave
their masters. Her narrative appears TO be writ
ten with as much candor could be expected IN
der the circumstances, and does justice to the ju.
dicial authorities generally, for their liherality
and Kindness towards her, although she had cause
to complain In some of the preliminary stages of
her troubles. We are convinced by her own mar
rative, that she cOgnizant of Fairbanks's pro-
ceedings in assisting slaves to make their escape,
and thereby rendered herself amenable To the
laws of Kentucky. The following are her con-
Guiding remarks
e" Thoughts on slaUery-The reader will ex-
pect, before | conclude this work, that ] should
give my views of the character of American sla-
very. My sentiments upon this subject may be
pretty clearly gathered from what has been ex-
pressed incidentally already, but since so much
has been said in relation to a change in my views,
it will be expected that should be more distinct
and full in my declarations. | have never yet
read any publication issued by the abotiOnsls.-
What shall say, therefore, will be the result of
conviction from youth, and personal observation
From my earliest knowledge Of the existence
and nature of American slavery, / have had an
utter adherence of II, as a system of uncom-
pounded wckedness, alike opposed to Christian
ty and the principles of republican government.
Indeed, think it almost as bad as the devil and
wicked men can make it.
These sentiments | have never disguised, either
in Kentucky elsewhere. II is true denied
being abolitiOnst, in the sense Of Kentucky
construction, and | still deny it; for am, and
ever hare been, as bitterly opposed to what is
termed negro SteaIing,' as Kentuckians them
selves
believe the zeal Of those who would seduce
the slave from his master is altogether msdirect-
ed. For though the condition Of individual slaves
may thus be greatly improved, the chains of thrsl-
dom are riveued tighter than before on the
manning thousands, who must still drink the Bit
ter waters of slavery. Nor do | approve Of any
thing which has tendency TO sow discord or to
create feeling Of animosity between the north and
south. am decidedly opposed to a dissolution
Of the Union. For consider the north as deep.
ly implicated in the guilt of slavery as the south
and far more ineTcusdbie.
would not he understood that my adherence
Of this institution arises merely from the fact of
injustice TO the slave. 1t is injustice to ourselves.
II is a canker worm. gBawing the vitals of our
best interests, and eating out the fat Of the land
and making our country poorer and leaner eyery
day.
Though my understanding cannot sanction anv
interference with the claims Of the south. or any
violation Of the rights which the constitution Sc
cures to the Shareholder, my sympathies must
ever congratulate the slave who makes his own
voluntary and harmless escape.
believe the diffusion Of light. with the active
exercise Of Christian spirit. would produce such
a revolution in pGblc senirnement that the lppis-
latures Of the slave states would soon adopt some
plan TO remedy this evil,--aud must applaud
any just, safe, and polite measures to Danish this