; and there may be disabilities properly attaching to them
which, though they seem hard, are the inevitable consequence of a
dependent, inferior condition. All this, however, has a benign effect
upon us, if we will but act in a Christian manner, to make us gentle,
kind, generous; and when this is the case, no state of society is
happier than ours. Let Jacobinical principles, such as some of our
Northern brethren inculcate, prevail here, and they at once destroy this
benevolent relation. This relation will improve under the influence of
the Gospel; it has wonderfully improved since Jefferson's day; and
though the time may be long deferred, we shall no doubt see this colored
race fulfilling some great purpose in the earth. I trust that our
Northern friends will not precipitate things and destroy both whites and
blacks; for a servile war would be one of extermination. Many of the
Northern people I fear would acquiesce in it, provided especially, that
we should be the exterminated party. This is clear, if words and actions
are to be fairly interpreted.'

"'The colored people here, as a race,' said a planter, 'are under
obligations to us as partakers in our civilization. No matter, for the
present, how their ancestors came here;--that does not at all affect
their present obligations to us for benefits received. Now it is not a
matter of course that, having been thus benefited by us, they are at
liberty to go away when they please. This we assert respecting them as a
whole. Are not the blacks, as a race, so indebted to us that we ought
to be consulted as to the time and manner of their departure? We say
that they are. They do not morally possess the right, we think, to sever
the relation when they please.'

"Said an elderly, venerable man, 'A white woman in the cars, in
Pennsylvania, begged me to hold her infant child for her, while she
fetched something for it. She ran off, leaving the child to me. My wife
and I took the child home, and have been at pains and expense with it. I
question the child's right to say, whenever it pleases, Sir, I propose
to leave you. I have invested a good deal in him, have increased his
value by his being with me, and he has no right to run off with it.'

"'But,' said the physician, 'how long should you feel that you have a
right to his services?'

"'I will answer that,' said the gentleman, 'if you will say whether my
general principle be correct. Have I, or have I not acquired just what
all