What
honourable-we except the modernly chivalrous-man would see his
children jostled by the ruffian trader? What man, with feelings less
sensitive than iron, would see his child sold to the man-vender for
purposes so impious that heaven and earth frowned upon them? And yet
the scene was no uncommon one; slavery affords the medium, and men,
laying their hearts aside, make it serve their pockets. Those whom
it would insult to call less than gentlemen have covered their
scruples with the law, while consigning their own offspring to the
hand of an auctioneer. Man property is subvervient material,--woman
is even more; for where her virtue forms its tissues, and can be
sold, the issue is indeed deplorable. Again, where vice is made a
pleasure, and the offspring of it become a burden on our hands,
slavery affords the most convenient medium of getting rid of the
incumbrance. They sell it, perhaps profitably, and console
themselves with the happy recollection of what a great thing it is
to live in a free country, where one may get rid of such things
profitably. It may save our shame in the eyes of man, but God sees
all,--records the wrong!
Thus Maxwell contemplated the prospects before him. At length he
resolved to visit Marston upon his plantation, impress him with the
necessity of asserting their freedom, in order to save them from
being sold with the effects of the estate.
He visits Marston's mansion,--finds the picture sadly changed; his
generous friend, who has entertained him so hospitably, sits in a
little ante-chamber, pensively, as if something of importance has
absorbed his attention.
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