The Union. [volume] (Georgetown, Del.) 1863-1866, 1864-02-26
Correspondence of the Uaion.
LETTER FROM LITTLE CREEK.
NEAR LAUREL, DEL, |
Feb. 9th, 1864. !

Mr.. EDITOR;
In taking an old book from my Libra
~, / found speech on the "vexed question"
written many years ago, but which, never
theless, would be well to give to your many
intelligent readers at this period of the
worlds history. The speech was made by
Sid Mehemit Ibrahim, a member of the di-
van of Algiers, which may be seen in Mar
tins account of his consulship, 1857.
1t was against granting the petition of the
sect called Erika or Purists, who prayed for
the Abolition of piracy and slavery as being
unjust.
1t weuld seem by the arguments used by
the pro-slayery men, that they have had ac-
cess to this colored mans eloquent and argu-
mentative speech. 1t only shows that mems
interests operate, and are operated on, with
surprising similarity, in all countries and eli
mates, whenever they are under similar cir
cumstances,
The African speech, as translated, is as
follows: ALA Bismillah, &c. God is great,
and Mohomet is his prophet.
"Have these Erika considered the oopse-
quences of granting their petition?
eff we cease our cruises against the Chris
tians, how shall we be furnished with the
commodities their country produce, and
which are so necessary for use? five for
bear to make of their people, who in this hot
climate, are to cultivate our lands2 Who
are to perform the common labsrs of our city,
and of our family? Must we nst then be our
own slaves? And is there not more compass
sion and more favor due to us Mussulmen,
than to those Christian dogs?
"We have now above fifty thousand slaves in
and near Algiers.
"This number, if not kept up by fresh sup
plies, will soon diminish, and be gradually
annihilated. If, then, we cease taking and
plundering the infdel ships, and making
slaves Of the seamen and passengers, our
lands will become of no value, for want of
cultivation the rents of houses in the city
will sink one half; and the revenues of gov
eminent arising from the share of prizes,
must be totally destroyed?-and for WHAT
u
suppose he had not learned the name of Alb
olitionist or he would have said "to crafty
the Aboltionists) who would have us not only
forbear making more slayes, but even manu-
nit those we have. But who is to indemnify
their masters for the loss2 Will the State dc
itf Is our treasury sufficient? Will the
Erika do itf Can they do itf Or woult
they, to do what they think justice to tn,
slaves, do greater injustice to the owners
And if we set our slaves free, what is to b.
done with themH
'Few Of them will return to their nativ
= countries; they know too well the create
= hardships they must then be subject to-
: They will not embrace of our holy religion
they will not adopt our manners; our peopl
> will not pollute themselves by intermarin
= with them,
'Must we maintain them as beggars in on
! streets, or suffer our properties to be the pre-
! of their pillage2 For men accustomed t
slavery, will not work for livelihood, whe
not compelled. And what is there so pitabl
y in their present condition? i.'
Were they not slaves in their own cour
= tries? Are not Spain, Portugal, France, an
the Italian States, governed by despots, wb
= hold all tAeir subjects in Slavery, without 9,
: ception? Even England treats her sailors q
- slaves, for they are whenever the governmer
pleases, seized, and confined in ships of wa
is condemned, not only to work, but to fight f
u small wages, or mere subsistence, not be
Sc ter than our slaves are allowed by us.
be their condition then made worse by fallir
OF into our hands? Mol they have only ei
ut changed on e slavery for another; and ma
say q better, for here they are brought into
land where the sun of Istamism gives fort
in its light, and shines in full splendor, al
ne they have an opportunity of making ther
h. selves acquainted with TIE true doctrine, al
en- thereby save their immortal souls.
ng "Those who remain at home have not tn
ng happiness. Sending the slaves home the
de would be sending them out of light into dar
re, ! ness,