Green-Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1844-1884, 1845-03-07
For the Freeman.
Minutes,
the roots.

bound from Oonstantinople to Boston, 1914.
Sailed July 4th. Out two days. A noble Turk
and American Missionary were found on board,
who had been condemned for breaking the Mo-
hamedon law which forbids Turks from embra-
cling the Christian religion.
18th. Off the coast of Sco, saw boat nearing
the ship, ten men in the boat. Hailed, and found
they were Greeks who had been slaves to the
Turks, with the boat, which they had seized
Took them on board, and landed them at Cerigo
Greek port,
August 1st Ran into Tunis in Africa for re-
freshments In the night TWO misesable looking
men, chained and fettered, came on board, said
they were Americans, had been in Slavery ten
years, and entreated the captain to have compass
sion on them, and take them back to their own
land. Their chains and letters were soon off, and
they slowed away for security Sailed on the
third. After hours sailing saw Tunican cutter
in chase, which was soon along side ship, said we
had taken away two slaves, which had been seen
on board, and demanded leave to search for them.
This demand was promptly refused; and the cut
ter had to return in great wrath without the slaves.
10th. Touched at MADEIRA female disguised,
stole on board in the night, said she had embraced
the Protestant faith had been arrested by the Pa
piss, and condemned to the flames: but had es-
capped, and seeing the ship under American coors,
had venturel aboard, aud mpIored our protection
The captain had heart to feel, and readily grant
ed her request She was safe from her bloody
prosecutors
25th. Passing along the coast of Cuba observed
boat, which appeared in distress; upon nearing
her found two men, a woman and four children
on board, emaciated, and in starving condition
They had fled from the boodhounds of Cuba, and
had made desperate effort for liberty. In their
distress they cried to US for help and their request
was not denied.
September 10th. Entered the Chesapeake, and
anchored off Norfolk.
18th. Sailed again, On the 10th it was rumor-
ed that two black men were on board. They were
summoned before the captain, and stated that they
belonged to Boston, had been taken out of thei
ship in Charleston, imprisoned, and sold into sla
very; that they had escaped, and had been allow.
ed, by one of the sailors to come on board and Sc
crete themselves.
Gath. The ship entered Boston harbor--Af
welI-and the passengers were soon all on shore
joyful that they had reached the land Of Liberty
Here some grave questions arise Did Captain
A do right in receiving and allowing these va
rious persons to remain on board his ship? If m
did right in one case, die he not do right in all thu
cases? 1t is believed the same principles in
volved in every case. The missionary knew tina
he violated the laws of Turkey, when he breaches
the gospel to a Moslem; and the Moslem knew
that he forfeited his life, if he renowned his oil
religion and embraced the gospel. They never
theless fled, when prosecuted, sought safety Of
board the ship o., In this case the captain vi
olated the law by bringing them through the Dar
danels, and might have been involved in serou
consequences. Who that has soul would not i
such case, have ventured the consequences? |
each case an unjust and cruel law was violated
Did not the law of God require, that the captai
should disregard such laws, protect the innocen
and risque the consequences? Had d. d. frot
Virginia been in the situation of the Missionary
would he not have appauded the conduct of tn
captain rescuing him from Turkish vengeance :?
In such an hour would he have told the captain
respect the laws of Turkey! Are shareholders
America better than in Turkey? What must al
qels think of a learned divine, who was willing
evade and violate the laws of Turkey, when
was himself in danger, and then condemn OF
good captain for taking home the black men, IN v
olation of slave laws? 1t should be remembered
that there are laws behind and above all huma
enactments. And those who violate these etern
laws must abide the consequences, whatever hi
AN OLD MAN.