Freedom's Journal/1827/03/16/Effects of Slavery

Mr. Editor,—A few days since the following fact which occurred six or eight weeks ago, on S———n circuit, was related to me. It took hold of my feelings in a very peculiar manner, and excited within my bosom a greater detestation of slave dealing as well as of those who engage in this nefarious practice, than I ever realized before. I feel in my own mind that such individuals are unworthy of a place in society, and should be treated by overy philanthropist with cold neglect. The ears of God are open to the cries of the hundreds whom they have torn from the society of those who rendered life agreeable to them. How great and tremendous then will that account be which shall be summed up against them in the day of eternity.

A few weeks since, there was a sale of the effects of the late Dr. M**** H**** Among other things were several slaves. One of them, a man named William, was a member of the Methodist Episcopal church at the ———— on this circuit. As far as I can ascertain, he was a very pious, humble Christian, and useful among the people of his own color, by holding meetings and occasionally exhorting them. Among those present at this sale waa a Mr. W. from a neighboring city, a man who I am told, does nothing for a livelihood but go about to purchase negroes, and employ others! to do so. To this detestable person was poor William knocked off, for about $205. When, the man was going to quit the place, he ordered William to stretch out his hands in order to be tied. He rather shrunk from this, as every honest man would do: however with much piety and resignation, he submitted. Then it was that his colored friends begun to weep bitterly. William turned his attention to them, and with a becoming dignity and Christian fortitude, which melted the hearts of all present, but the hard and seared one of his purchaser, said "Don't cry for me; God is everywhere." This so affected those around, that a Mr. S**** offered Mr. W $400 for the man. But he refused it, and poor William was driven off. Where he now is I know not; but I think it more than probable, that he is far, very far from his native place, as I am informed that the same man, a short time after, put four or seven waggon loads of slaves on board a vessel which has already sailed from B*****c. Poor. William, my heart feels for you more particularly, when I think that you may fall into the hands of some hard, tyrannical master; but fear not, your "God is everywhere" and you shall feel the truth of that promise given to the disciples of Jesus, "Lo I am with you always, even to the end of the world."