obocrats in irons. At this determined order, the gentlemen
of the lash scampered, and for the rest of the voyage conducted
themselves very decorously.

This incident of the voyage, in two days after landing at Liverpool,
brought me at once before the British public, and that by no act of my
own. The gentlemen so promptly snubbed in their meditated violence, flew
to the press to justify their conduct, and to denounce me as a worthless
and insolent Negro. This course was even less wise than the conduct
it was intended to sustain; for, besides awakening something like a
national interest in me, and securing me an audience, it brought out
counter statements, and threw the blame upon themselves, which they had
sought to fasten upon me and the gallant captain of the ship.

Some notion may be formed of the difference in my feelings and
circumstances, while abroad, from the following extract from one of a
series of letters addressed by me to Mr. Garrison, and published in the
_Liberator_. It was written on the first day of January, 1846:

MY DEAR FRIEND GARRISON: Up to this time, I have given no direct
expression of the views, feelings, and opinions which I have formed,
respecting the character and condition of the people of this land. I
have refrained thus, purposely. I wish to speak advisedly, and in order
to do this, I have waited till, I trust, experience has brought my
opinions to an intelligent maturity. I have been thus careful, not
because I think what I say will have much effect in shaping the opinions
of the world, but because whatever of influence I may possess, whether
little or much, I wish it to go in the right direction, and according
to truth. I hardly need say that, in speaking of Ireland, I shall
be influenced by no prejudices in favor of America. I think my
circumstances all forbid that. I have no end to serve, no creed to
uphold, no government to defend; and as to nation, I belong to none.
I have no protection at home, or resting-place abroad. The land of
my birth welcomes me to her shores only as a slave, and spurns with
contempt the idea of treating me differently; so that I am an outcast
from the society of my childhood, and an outlaw in the{287} land of my
birth. "I am a stranger with thee, and a sojourner, as all my fathers
were." That men should be patriotic, is to me perfectly natural; and
as a philosophical fact, I am able to give it an _intellectual_
recognition. But no further can I go. If ever