The Ohio star. [volume] (Ravenna, Ohio) 1830-1854, 1853-05-11

me if there is not some thing I can do to crafty
you-some small return for your exertions ~ my
behalf. Think, darling
% you mustn't talk so dear uncle! There was
no merit in what did. always did love to have
people sick. SO could wait upon them-no mean
if they must be sick, always liked to take care
of them. But there is one thing, Uucle, that
have thought much about lately, some thing would
like to ask you when you are stronger
I'm strong enongh now, dear-out with it,
sWell, you know Uncle, you were never sick in
your life before, and it was worry strange if you
didn't think or consider what might happen in case
you were-taken away she added in trembling
voice. and looking up at Emily as if to implore for
gveness for limiting at such thing, but now since
you have been brought SO very low, felt as if
could not 60 away without asking if you shall make
any provision for your slaves SO that they may be
safe in case such an event should happen?' with
another deprecating look.
There, Emily didn't tell that was what made
our birdie so silent since got on my Tsst usaiaa
Yes Fraukie, this thought has seldom been absent
from my mind since it is capable of having thoughts
| again. Here is paper, that wish you to exam
inc, and tell me if it meets your approval
frankie opened the paper, 1t was pledge for
the emanci patton of all Walter Marston's slaves,
SO soon the legal process which was already
commenced, could be concluded. Every one,
said he, who wishes to leave. is to be settled at
my expense, in some place that he shall choose,
and those who do not, will remain and work for
me at fair wages; and now, frankie. there is not
human creature, small great, this planta-
| &c he
verted into saeable property. Does this please
you >
oh SO WELL so well, uncle :; cried frankie, with
all the wonted enthusiasm beaming from her face,
: that is just what wanted, for though it's not
probable that one of the negroes can be persuaded
to leave you,-'
Always excepting Alphonse,' interposed Phil
Marstou, who had come in silly, during the COLO
guy, and now stood behind his Cousins chair.
Yes, excepting Alphonse,' she answered blush
ing little, 'but Phil, how does the new arrange
meet your wishes! Emily is not displeased, /
know, 1 can read it in her looks
Looks = exclaimed Phil, erecting and expan-
ding his figure, till button dropped from his sport
ing jacket, and throwing into his face the gravity
of an arch bishop, Look can't you read in my
looks! always thought it was wicked TO have
:. slaves! I've told father so. I've told him a
hundred times it must be wrong to compel crea-
lures to work SO. I've been oyerseer and know
they work great many times when they'd raih-
er not. lisa high-handed wrong, and I'm very
glad father sees it at last!
But uncle said frankie, when the laugh al
Phil's expense had subsidized, is it necessary to wa
acquaint them with your intentions p
Mono, go right along now If you like, yor
and Emily, and spread the intelligence; when I'n
stronger I shall see them, and tell them well,
shall try to tell them the truth, and that is what
never have yet; if it please God to restore me tt
heaith, intend to commence educating these crea
lures for freedom, intend to devote the remainde
of my life to it, bat go along now-onIy don
break all their hearts, by letting them suppose the,
are to be driven off to Canada. Ugh poor crea
tures!'
J So Emily and frankie departed on their mission
of gadness; they found the field hands just return
ing from labor, and many swarthy face lightet
, up with strange half-bewildered pleasure, an,
many faithful heart thrilled with joy at the
rauce that no vicssitude of fortune could hereafte
: expose them to those hardships, which many knew
too well by by bitter past experience. Violet's jo
!, was deep and manifest though less noisiy express
ed than that of many others not SO well fitted t
: use and value the boon of freedom.
9 She went to the rough cradle where her bab
It slept, and beckoning the ladies' to approach. Sc
8 there, missis look there That baby's mine now
The Lord give him to me, and nobody but the Lor
5 can take him away from me-! and great tears fe
: ON the mothers eyes upon the broad, placid fac
Of the sleeper.
. On the whole, it was touching spectacle thos
simple untutered creatures, overjoyed with til
> name of freedom, a child who has found gel
:. of countless value; dimy conscious of some gle'
good, yet realizing SO imperfecty, the height an
. depth, and anspeakable riches of the treasure
But frankie recolected her uncle's promise of Ell
= tightening them to their privileges and duties
= freeman, and checked the ready tears that gathe
= ed in her eyes.
;. A few Gays after this. the Fugitive Slave Bill
Il 1850 passed; but frankie, though she read
aloud to her uncle and to Tracy Hammond, for
bore to mike any comments, especially she wi
to leave in few days for home. Il should like
know what Tracy thinks of that Law though ! sa
n she to herself, pelnhpS oelore we pail, III ia
- an opportunity to learn.
IF There were sorrowful farewells, and bitter lar
entatious at Marston Hall, on the morning th
H. Frankie took her departure. Constance Herbel
n. and Angelique came to bid goodbye and Fra
r. kes lip for the first time grew tremulous, as 81
an pressed it upon the cheek of the quadroon girl.
so Gladly would she have pledged herself toabor mig
I'd nnl day, with prayer and petition for the liberati
h of the beautiful chatte but she knew it would be
IN vain. She was to be set free-this was Constan
"a openly avowed intention. The power would so
-. be hers, and the slave girl would bide her time
Az Tracy Hammond accompanied frankie TO Nate
h. ez, and to the boat on which her passage was
M curel She was to proceed alone to Cincnna
where she had received intelligence that sor
. friends would meet and bear her company the |