\ THE INTERIOR OF THE JAIL IN P^M.MYRA, MISSOUIII. I! we 1 rniilii (!(| in iliis place eleven weeks, previoius to our beiiiir taken to ll Pfiiieiiiiiirv at JolVersun Citv. Sek Tai!!': 18. PRISON LIFE AND REFLECTIONS5 A NARRATIVE ARREST, TRIAL, CONVICTION, IMPRISONMENT, TREATMENT, OBSERVl- TI0N8, REFLECTIONS, AND DELIVERANCE WORK, BURR, AND THOMPSON, WHO SUFFF.RED AN UNJUST AND OEL'EL IMPRISONMENT (N MISSODRI PENITENTIARY, ATTEMPTING TO AID SOME SLAVES TO LIBERTY. THREE PARTS IN ONE VOLUME. BY GEORGE THOMPSON, ONE OF THE PRlgOKEBO. FIFTEENTH THOUSAND. DAYTON: PUBLISHED BY THE AUTHOR, AT THE BNITKD BRETHREN PRINTING ESTABLISHMENT. 1860. Entered, according to Act of Congrrei-s, in tlie year 1S47, BY GEORGE TnOMPSOX, In the Clerk's Office of the District Court of tlie XTuited States for the District of Ohio. MLT3 PREFACE, Reader, do you know the heart of a prisoner ? Arc you a friend of convicts 7 If not, you may not be much interested in the following pages — for they toll you much about the inside of a prison, and its suffering inmates. They are not confined entirely to the strict history of Alanson Work, James E. Burr, and George Thompson — they tell you much about other prisoners - much about the officers — something about the Governors, and Legislators, and Ministers of a slave State ■ — they tell you a little about the poor slave — the spirit of slaveholders — the influence and effects of slavery, and numer- ous incidents, with brief reflections on various subjects. You will not charge me with telling something about some- body of whom I know nothing — or with attempting to describe imaginary scenes — or telling of something that occurred, nobody knows where — for " I speak that I do know, and testify that I have seen," heard, and experienced. The book is principally a compilation from our prison writings — mostly from my own, as the greater part of that which came from the pens of my " companions in tribulation," has been lost, or I was not able to obtain it. However, as we all lived together, I was constituted, by mutual consent, the scribe or secretary. In my journal, I recorded for all. When we came into our cell at night, if either had seen or heard anything during tho day, that was of interest, he made it known, and it was re- 2123'? IV PEEFACE. corded by the secretary. Of the writings which are lost, the most valuable are their letters, which were written from time to time, and would give a better idea of their individual feel- ings, than I can in my own language — yet our feelings were so similar, and so nearly in unison did our hearts beat, that the reader must feel when reading mine, that he is in them reading the feelings of the other two brethren. I have been obliged to omit and pass by much that I desired to insert. Much of my journal — many letters, and various incidents, have been excluded. The reader need not expect connexion of subjects, or beauty of style, or elegance of language, or logical reasoning. I have mentioned things generally as they occurred, in their order, without regard to connexion. In some places, I have classified tilings of the same kind. The style, and language, are the spontaneous overflowings of my soul — in words which most readily presented themselves to my mind. And I have endeavored to present everything in its proper, natural light. The whole has been written in great haste, amid cares and anxieties. When speaking of other prisoners, I have withheld all names, for reasons I need not mention. When speaking of officers, I have given names. And I think no one can charge me with partiality — I have endeavored to give both sides. When they acted like men, I have said so — when they played the part of brutes, or demons, I have mentioned it. If they were kind, I have given them credit — if cruel, it is charged against them. If they complain of any one, they must com- plain of themselves — if Missourians are disgraced, or con- demned, they themselves have done it. I have recorded facts. PREFACE. If they are enraged, because the world has looked in upon their abominations, let the thought that God will expose them to the universe, compose their troubled consciences. If they are vexed with themselves, because they have so long harbored an enemy in their midst, let me say to them, as they said to us — " Just mind your own business, next time, and let other people alone." They must have been fools indeed, to suppose they could press a viper to their bosom without being wounded — or tread on coals, without being burned — or that they could lay open their hearts before a " dyed-in-the-wool abolitionist,'''' and not expect that it would be laid before the world — or that an opossum is dead, merely because he does not kick, and squall, when beaten by his enemy. If the reader is not a Christian, he will here see the excel- lence and importance of that religion, which will support and cheer its possessor in all possible conditions in life. And oh ! that he may be influenced to choose a friend, who will never forsake — a guide who will never mistake. If he is a Christian, I trust he will, in the following pages, learn the secret of having the mind kept in " perfect peace," though billows dash, and tempests roar — of being filled with a "joy unspeakable, and full of glory," though surrounded by a darkness as dense as Egyptian — and of " rejoicing in tho Lord alway,^^ though he " die daily" — namely, trusting in God, rationally, sincerely, implicitly, and contimially. The book has not been written to make money, nor to get a name — but to do good. I felt it to be my duty to write such a book, long before I left my cell — and there the most of it was written. I have endeavored to exhibit our own feelings — as also those n PREFACE. of our enemies. I have tried to exhibit the circuiustances, and influences, by which we were surrounded, that the grace of God might the more be magnified, in our preservation from the jaws of destruction — in our deliverance from the oppres- sor's power. Reader, you will here see the faithfulness of God to his promises — you will see the unfaithfulness of man. You will get a glimpse at the sufferings of a portion of your fellow creatures, of whom perhaps you never thought much, and if by reading this book, you shall be induced to " remember them in bonds as bound XDilh them,'''' I shall not have spent my time in vain. Part first, includes an account of the time we were in the County Jail, trial, sentence, &c. Part second, comprises about sixteen and t half months, under the government of John Gordon and Williir^ai Burch. Part third, embraces the remainder of our history, under James Brown, Capt. Richmond, Blaine, and Co., &c. That every one who reads the following pages, may bo stimulated to labor more zealously for suffering humanity, ia the desire and prayer of THE AUTHOR. Oberlin, April 9, 1847. Note. — The First Edition having met with so speedy a sale, and the testimony of those who have read it, being so uniform, that it has been a great blessing to their souLs, — another Edition is sent fcrth to the world, which I desire to leave as a token of my love to the Slave, and the cause of SupFERiNO Humanity, while I go far hence to labor, and die, for the degraded of other lands. GEORGE THOMPSON. Oberlin, December lOth, 1847. CONTENTS PART FIRST. CHAPTER I. iJescriplion of the prisoners — residence — motives and principles by which governed — tour of mercy — light in the darkness — betrayed — taken and bound — confidence in God — conduct of enemies — letter from Alanson to a brother — do. to his wife — extracts of letters from George ...... 13—21. CHAPTER 11. Aianson's journal — a murderer bailed — reflections of GLuincy committee — Aianson's journal .... - 21 — 26. CHAPTER III. Poetry, why in prison — George's journal — the library and our feelmgs — journal — letter from George — letter from James — journal, poor men in slave States, the vile woman — Patrollers — blasphemy — the church in slave States — the leaven working, friendly lawyer, a load of friends visit the jail, valuable cakes, counsel engaged 26 — 41. CHAPTER IV. The sleeping preacher — his dream — dark places, full of cruelty — Dr. Ely's slave — bloody towns — effects of slavery — devices of the enemy 41-48. CHAPTER V. Letter to Mrs. Ballard — to Moses Hunter — the Missourian's letter — re- flections — the Dr. Bosley affair — letter from James — from Alanson — from George .... - 48 — 56. CHAPTER VI. The command — the search — slave women in Palmyra — betrayers — a way opened to pass letters — rage of enemies — a slave whipped — promises sweet — letter to the church — sale of human beings — reflec- XJS CONTENTS. tioBsonP. C. L-'s letter — court — ^the abolition stand — treatment ci our friends — closet mother — the sleeping preacher again — excite- ment - - - - - / ' - 56 — 70, CHAPTER VII. Indictments — shackles off — ^jury chosen — witnesses, testimony — the plead- ing- -journal — sentence — our gallows, and murderers — bill of ex- ceptions and instructions — appeal refused — novel decision — our murderers again, testimony - . - - 70 — 85. CHAPTER VIII. Journal, twelve years in the penitentiary — a free man mobbed — mob la Cincinnati — the broken will — unbelief and faith — taking the slave's place — the last view — the Illinois au-d Missouri clerg}'men — in chains again — slaveholder's religion and Catholicism — trusting in God — the day of adversity — letter from Alanson, his feelings — letter from George to his parents — to Oberlin Evangelist — the slaveholders plan — the accusation, look at it — abrogation of God's law — " The slaves will not run away " — letters from George to a friend 85—112. PART SECOND. "^ CHAPTER L Journey to the penitentiary — Sabbath — slaveholder' idea of happiness- arrival at Missouri River .... 112 — lis. CtlAPTER II. Reception at penitentiary — the rules — journal how kept — the first night— the first morning — our cell, poetry — food — work- first Sabbath- second do. — brick kilns— character of officers — of prisoners — flog- ging — prayer in the cell, singing, reading — Alanson's first P. Y. letter — George's do. — chains off— the runaways — our library, read- ing by moonlight — tke fire .... 116^—142: CHAPTER III. Letter from George to a friend — work in the city — a friend — treacher«r of prisoners — chain off, trustee — the Lord's supper, poetry — letter CONTENTS iX writing — conversation — death of Ellen — slaveholder's conscience quieted — uses of scripture — runaways - - 142 — 156. CHAPTER IV. A man killed — dog buried — funeral sermons — George's letter to parents —joyful discovery— that "salt" again— letter to a friend— Sabbath shaving, Alanson whipped— the pleasing sight — friend brought let- ters — extract of answer — our character good in Missouri — ^aves escaping — the polyglott Bible— extract of letter — abolition all the time — the harvest field — a man hung — visit of friends — "relieving the niggers"— the new cell—" the preachers" - 156—173. CHAPTER V. The first convert — first death bed scene — alone in the woods — fruits on the Sabbath — " it's out of order," chained for attempting to speak in meeting — the door opening — gazed at — second death bed scene — a prisoner baptized — the sleeping guard — "that won't count" — third death bed scene — experience tellmg meeting — self defence 173 — 185. CHAPTER VI. Talk with Capt. B. and a Senator — with Slocumb and Chandler — reflec- tions — giving up principles — talk with Legislators — with Slocumb and J. Gallagher — letter to Governor and Legislature — clothing — sick 185—198. CHAPTER VII. Desire and prayer for the conversion of the world — the sympathizing gard — talk with a sick man — fourth death bed scene — dishonesty of officers — ardent spirits — a novel case — the hypocrite — jarabler's happiness — satisfaction— the wonder — reflections — the hand of the I-nrd - - - - 1QR— 'J07 CONTENTS. PART THIRD. CHAPTER I. N'ew wardens— The examination — recommendation — character of offi- cers — points gained — influence of power — partiality — our work — food, table, blessing sought — unfeeling doctor — preaching — "sing us one of the songs of Zioii" — our first prayer meeting 207 — 217. CHAPTER 11. The revival — communion season — a dream interpreted — a convert — • journal — describing the revival— Lovejoy's murderer — letter — tha reconciliation — general remarks — the memorable communion sea- son 217—234. CHAPTER III. Letter to parents — ^the sick man's resolution — the sick bed repentance- reflections — letter — James outside — scarcity of food — the buffalo robes— knitting ..... 234—243. CHAPTER IV. Visit from friends, privileges — ^journal — letters — petition — the privilege — the letters — departure — Judge B.'s hospitality — reflections 243-250. CHAPTER V. Cruel death — a man pardoned, why — amalgamation — the false tongue — the inspector's first examination — correspondence with the chaplain — letter fi-om a Missouri brother — change of wardens again — new overseer — lamps— the load of sin — new responsibilities and duties — trials — a trying time — the New Year — letter — a great break — the broken arm — letter to Mrs. Beardsley — cutting hair and head siiav- ing — Dr. Ely — Governor Reynolds murdered — class organized and broken up ----- - 250—275. CHAPTER VI. Bome interesting cases — poetry, "release of a prisoner" — intercession for Alanson — executive responsibility — James and the lawyer — Jaraes nnd AlansoD or(ts;de — I'^ttp-s from them — conversation witij CONTENTS. XI a Legislator, reflections — female prisoners — a prohibitioL — new or- der — "my cup runneth over" — searching cells — narrow escapes 275—292. CHAPTER Vir. r.'flh death bed scene — reflections now — letter to parents — the beaten horse — the slave and liberty — the Holy Spirit — the slave and his crime — equality of slaveholders' laws — our reformer — the little cloud — men made worse — the fourth of July — letter to a brother — condi- tion of discipleship — letters from James — my dreams — the incendi- ary letter — my deposition — letter — benefit of affliction — inspectors' second examination - - - . 292—308. CHAPTER VIII. Palse names — a note of thanks — tasks — the sick, reflections — recoramit- tents — extract from James' letter — from George's — the Christian slave — a break, cruelty — like seeks like— the unjust law — new chap- lain — deatns — talk with legislators — monthly concerts — fighting — our stove — George an assistant to the chaplain — holyday, prayer meeting ...... '308 -324. CHAPTER IX. C ixth death bed scene — letter to the widow — New Year — effort for Alan- son's release — talk with Legislators — Alanson pardoned, poetryi weaK mmas, the pardon — letter from Alanson — the lying Missourian a man murdered — a funeral sermon — the colporteur — the great cross — the temperance lecturer — prayer with prisoners — did he love liber- ty ' — Sabbath working — a slave's theology - - 324 — 336. CHAPTER X. The chaplain driven away — the converted sailor — treatment of sick — slaveholders converted — seventh death bed scene — the eijjhth deatli bed scene— bibles — temperance pledge, tobacco, &c. — holyday, and prayer meeting — Capt. Gorden's humanity! — extract of a letter — "abolition niggers" — the unfortunate family — inspector's third ex amination — " not this man, but Barrabas " — Pope G. — Fussing guard — address to Gov. E., poetry — More pardoned — a case of cru- elty — nothing against me — visit from friends, rich blessings — slave- holder's Christianity — ducking — new preacher — new prisoner 336—355. JtU CONTENTS. CHAPTER XL Another interesting case — James fainted — a day of fasting and prayer-* Catholics — petition for us — Chase and Judge B. — letter to Gov. E — secretary of state talked with us — James pardoned — poetry — new cell mate — the slave's request — hogs out — conversation with String- fellow — converts — fugitive missionary — the Lord defended me — last communion — Miss DLx — Capt. G.'s sabbaih breaking — conversation with a sick convert — poetry, Torrey's death - - 355 — 370. CHAPTER XII. The aged fathef's visit to his son in prison — conversation about my private sentiments — why not do so again — my release — conversatioB with the Governor — time of imprisonment — farewell r^^flections — concluding address to the reader - . - 370— STJ PRISON LIFE AND REFLECTIONS. PART FIRST. CHAPTER I. MOTIVES, ARREST, IMPRISONMENT, ETC. The subjects of this narrative are Alanson Work, James E. Burr, and George Thompson. The former was a man about forty years old — having a wife and four children — he was living at the Mission Institute, for the sake of educating his children, and training them up /or usefulness. The other two persons were young men studying for the ministry. The Mission Institute being situated near the Missis- sippi River, and just across the River from a Slave State (Missouri), we could, as it were, hear the crack of the overseer's whip — the shrieks and groans of those who were suffering its cruel inflictiafcs. Their earnest cries for help — their sighs for deliverance — their importunate entreaties, as they rehearsed to us their tales of woe, reached our ears, and our hearts melted with pity, while the resolution was formed to respond to their call ; and if need be, risk our own liberty and lives to effect their rescue. Inasmuch as we desired mercy from the " God of heaven," should we at any time, be brought into trouble, we did not dare to shut our eyes, nor our ears, nor our hearts, nor to restrain our hands from delivering them out of their troubles — remembering, " Whoso stoppeth his ears at the cry of the poor, he also shall cry himself, and shall not he heard.^' We knew if we were in theii 14 A TOUR OF MERCY. condition, we should feel very thankful to any one who would render us the desired assistance ; and then calling to mind the gospel rule, " As ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so unto them," we felt impelled to lend a helping hand. Likewise the command to love our neighbor as ourselves, impressed upon us the same obligation — so that we made up our minds, with earnest prayer for divine guidance, and anxious consultation, in view of these and many other principles and commands, to make the attempt — to " rid them out of the hand of the oppressor." About the first of July, 1841, James, with another brother, made a tour of mercy into Missouri, which re- sulted in an agreement with two slaves, to meet them at a certain point on the river, on a certain evening, to assist them across the river, on their way to freedom. On the day appointed, we went, arriving at the place about the middle of the afternoon. Alanson and James went into the country to view and reconnoitre, while I remained in the skiff to fish, and await their return. While thus alone my prayer was, " Lord, I beseech thee, send us good speed this day." And we now feel that the prayer was abundantly answered — though in a very different way from what we expected. We desired the liberation of the slaves. God knew how to bring it about, better than we did. We longed to be instrumen- tal in doino^ somethino; for our brethren in bonds. God granted us our hearts' desire. And a happy day for the slaves of Missouri was it, when we were taken captive, bound, and incarcerated in their midst. This was plac- ing the light just were it was most needed — in the dense darkness — and where it made visible the abominations that prevailed. Blessed be God ! After dark, a number of slaves came to Alanson and James, in the prairie, and pretended they were going with them. They had pro- ceeded but a short distance, when on a sudden, the slave- holders arose out of the grass, with their rifles, and took them prisoners — placing the muzzle of their guns to their breasts, and threatening, " I will shoot him any how," — but the mercy of the Lord prevailed. They were bound. DISCOVERY AND ARREST. 15 and taken to a house, where they were kept, while the blood-hounds came in hot pursuit of me. I was in the skiff. At first three or four slaves came, and approach- ing the bank very cautiously, one asked, " Are you a friendV^ I replied, " I am." I had talked with them but a short time, when suddenly I heard another kind of a salutation, " Come out of that, or I'll blow you through !" I looked up, and two guns were pointed at me from the bank. I was obedient to my new com- manders — dropped my fishing pole, and marched up to them, in secret ejaculations committing myself to God, to do with me as He saw best. Though the thing was so perfectly unlooked for, and unthought of, the Lord stood by me, saying, '•'•fe.ar not, I am with thee" — and my mind was calm — my soul composed — and my faith unwavering, that all was right and for the best. Of what was before me, I could form no conception, but felt that infinite wisdom and goodness would lead me. Sudden death seemed quite probable, amid their numerous threats to shoot me; "but none of these things moved me, neither counted I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy" in the holy cause of suffering humanity. To die for the slave I felt willing, if this was the thing needed — the Lord being Judge. I was bound, and marched barefoot, over hubs, roots, and stones. Host after host came with all speed to meet us, and " the earth rang again" with their fiendish yells. It seemed almost as if the infernal regions had been un- capped, and had vomited forth their legions to hail our approach, as if some long dreaded monster had been captured. But oh ! how sweet it was to feel that they could not go beyond what my Father should kindly and wisely permit. This kept me in peace. After they had eaten supper, they marched us some miles through the woods to another house. They made the slaves lead us by a rope, and sing " corn songs."* It seemed as if the very forests themselves were moved at the bursts of such unearthly sounds — and if there ♦ See page 18, for explanation. 16 LED AWAY BY ROPES. were any wild beasts in the region, they must have fled for their lives, to their caverns, or dens, or more distant forests. When we came to the house, we were marched round it time and again ; and when we halted in front of the piazza, the old grand-father and mother, and chil- dren — old and young, male and female, came out in their night dresses to gaze upon the wonderful monscfei'S. The old grandfather, tottering just on the verge of the grave, gave a little vent to his boiling soul, in the ex- clamation — " Ah ! you gallows-looking devils !" After their curiosity was somewhat gratified, we laid us down upon a feather bed, on the floor — all tied together — and slept sweetly till morning. We awoke refreshed and strengthened to endure the reproaches and sufferings which were before us, with patience, fortitude, and I trust submission. That morning a man came in to see us, who asked many questions, and made threats of shooting us on the spot. He was a professor of religion — seemed very much excited, and had hard struggles to keep from drawing his pistols on us, but '• the good hand of our God upon us," saved us from his burning fury. At the breakfast table, we asked a blessing on our food, while the landlady and others stood by. She seemed almost horror struck, that such wretches as we should pray ! — for she looked upon us as monsters of iniquity. The poor woman seemed to have some idea of the numerical strength of the Abolitionists — for said she, " They are as thick down there in the bottoms, as maggots in a dead horse, watching for slaves." And so terrified was she at the thought, that she had not been able to sleep soundly for two weeks ! Poor woman ! Who can help pitying one who is obliged to live in such constant fear 1 After breakfast, a crowd gathered round, who ques- tioned us in many things, and gave vent to their raging "bosoms, in sneers and reproaches. We were then tied .ogether, and led by the slaves (to mortify us) five miles, to Palmyra. The city was moved at our approach, many saying, " Who are these ?" " Well, you've made a tine naal," &c. In the court house, we had a mock trial THRUST INTO PRISON. 1^ Defore a magistrate and were " thrust into prison," to await the sitting of the court, two and a half months from that time. After they had left us, we knelt down, and committed ourselves to God, imploring his guidance and protection, feeling that He had wise purposes to ac- complish by this unintelligible dispensation. The following from Alanson to a brother in Quincy, will give further particulars. LETTER. Dear Brother: — I am a prisoner in a land, where to tell a man, made in the image of his Maker, that he has a right io freedom, is a crime of the deepest dye. James and I walked four or five miles back into the country. The first human being that we saw, was a woman and her son hoeing tobacco. James spoke to her, and I walked on. He found that she wanted to be free, and agreed to help her. We next came to a house ; James went in, and learned from a slave (the whites being absent), that the slaves he had seen before, were in the field alone. We went to them, it being now sunset. We asked them if they were going — they told us they were, and that one, living a mile from them, where they had some clothes to get, was going with them, and that they would come three hours after dark. We were seen by white men while with the slaves. After dark, we came and waited, anxiously listening for the signal. After some time we heard a distant whistle, and by an- swering repeatedly, soon came to five slaves — three or four miles from the river, on a bottom prairie. After salutations and professions, we started in a foot path for the river, rejoicing in the prospect of helping the op- pressed to liberty and happiness — when, suddenly three men arose from the high grass. The slaves having be- trayed us, now seized us, bound our hands, and marched us back in triumph to the first house. A company then started, and after two hours, returned with Brother George, — the slaves singing and shouting — making a song for the occasion. We were soon put on the march 18 LETTER TO MRS. WORK. for the residence of one of the party, two or three miles distant — each of us being led by a slave — others follow- ing, weaving the past and present circumstances, witli our future prospects, into a song, which they made to echo through the woods, to the great satisfaction of their masters and friends, who were on horseback. When we arrived at the house, we were marched around, and stared at as little less than Infernals. The language used, I will not attempt to describe. The next morning we were tied together, and taken on foot to Palmyra — being led by slaves, and escorted by fifteen horsemen. We were taken to the court house, a warrant issued against us — witnesses examined, and we committed, for stealing slaves (!) We were not permitted to speak for ourselves, but were taken to Jail, and the doors closed upon us. Under these trying circumstances we looked up to Him, who came to preach " deliverance to the captives, and the opening of prison doors to them that are bound," and found the promise of God precious to our souls. Soon after dark, the Sheriff, Jailer, and others came in, and made us fast to a chain fifteen or sixteen feet long. One end of the chain was made fast to the wall. Near the other end, an iron was put through a link and riveted around my ankle. Brother Burr w^as placed about two feet from me, and George about two feet farther. To his wife, Alanson wrote : " My Dear Wikk : — I write from Palmyra Jail. The wall is about four feet thick, made of two thicknesses of hewed logs with one foot of stone between them, and the outside brick. We feel that God is here. Send to us if you can. We have asked for a Bible, a Hymn Book, and paper. They reply, ' yes,' but do not. (Nearly a week elapsed, before we could get a Bible from any of them — at length an impenitent Lawyer brought us his.) Our enemies rejoice over us. Pray that we may be Christ-like. Be not troubled : the Lord will provide, and protect. Myself and companions sit EXTRACTS FROM LETTERS. 19 on the floor. We have three or four (very poor) blankets for a bed. Our food is corn bread and bacon, which we eat with our fingers ; but we have meat to eat which they know not of — ' a contented mind is a continual feast.' I am not anxious about myself, but feel that * tribulation will work patience.' I feel that if you will trust in God, He will make ' all things work to- gether for your good' — and this affliction prove a bless- ing to you, and give an impulse to the cause of truth and mercy. We know not our destiny, but fear the worst, and trust we shall be prepared for it." On the same piece of paper I wrote : " Dear Brother Hunter, if we could see you and Mr. Warren, we should like it. It is evident they are determined to send us to Jefferson. Two men were sworn who testified falsely. Can you come ? We rejoice in our chains. May the Lord direct." On the same I wrote to the church of which we were members. " Brethren and Sisters, you may think we repent the step we have taken. Jfot at all. We feel that we are in chains for Jesus'^ sake. The 2d, 3d, and 4th chap- ters of 1 Peter are very precious to us, as also the whole 'Letter of our Father.' We feel that p^ood will result from our being here — that our Master knows best what kind of a school we need. We can now sympathize with the slave as never before. We know how the chain feels. But our trials are light, compared with his. Pray for us. Our only hope is in God. Pray in faith — God will hear. " Yours in bonds, " George." About the same time (July 15), I wrote to M. C, "I anl now separated from you very unexpectedl) — but however the case may turn, I know the ' Judge of all the earth will do right' — and that ' all things shall work together for good to them who love God.' You may think that I am unhappy. By no ineans. I am happy in my Savior." 90 CONFIDENCE IN GOD. July 19. I wrote to the same : — " It seems very strange for me to date a letter to you from Prison. Yet so it is. Did you ever imagine such a thing*? I had thought of trials and persecutions when we should be far among the heathen, and had imagined the thing possible, that I might be cast into prison in Illinois, ' for conscience toward God,' but such a circumstance as this I now realize, I had not thought much about. Yet be assured, I am happy in my Savior. I have an unshaken confidence that this shall turn out for my good, for yours, and for the good of Christ's cause. With this confidence can I be troubled or uneasy? 'Be careful for nothing ; but in everything, by prayer and supplica- tion with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known unto God, and the peace of God, which passeth all un- derstanding, shall keep your hearts and minds, through Christ Jesus.' — Phil. iv. 6, 7. This is very sweet. My Bible is more than ever precious. Pray for my mother, that this may be sanctified to her present and eternal good. Try and make the same profitable im- provement of it yourself. Don't be over-anxious. Roll the care upon Jesus, and there let us leave it. Exercise an unwavering confidence in his providence. Our kind Father has wise reasons for putting me here ; and ' what thou knowest not now thou shaft know hereafter.' We should be willing to be in just that school that He sees we need. I hope I am willing. Pray that I may learn thoroughly and faithfully the lesson He intends I shall learn. When I have learned my lesson well, then I know He will take me out. And should I desire to leave school before I get my lesson"? Oh no. I do de- sire that discipline and instruction which will best qua- lify me for the greatest usefulness. " Yours, in chains and gospel bonds, " George." JOUENAL. — GREAT P£ACK. U CHAPTER II. EXTRACTS FROM ALANSON's JOURNAL. July 14-17. Visited often by the sheriff and many others, but still without the means of communicating with our friends. Had many anxious thoughts about my family, from whom I can hear nothing. 18. Sunday. Our prison was the " house of God and the gate of heaven" to our souls. In the forenoon George talked to our companions (two colored and one white man) about the prodigal son. In the afternoon he spoke on the Judgment day. Jesus was with us, and fed us with the bread of heaven. To me it was the most precious Sabbath I have enjoyed for many months. 19. Feel willing to go to the penitentiary or wherever the Lord wills. This afternoon Esq. Warren and Brother Hunter came in to see us. (The first we had seen or heard of any of our friends since leaving home.) We were happy before, but our happiness was increased on seeing them, and learning the sympathy in our behalf. The goodness of God and the kindness of friends broke my heart. We received books and paper. (We had received from the jailer in the forenoon one sheet of paper for us all, on which I was writing a joint letter to the Church, which was, at the time, published exten- sively — but now I have it not. This letter the jailer gave to Brother H., without showing it to the sheriff; but its being published, and the consequent excitement being so great, we could not, after that, get any more letters to or from our friends through the sheriff.) After consultation they went out to see what could be done for us. In the evening we attended prayers as usual. As we closed, C. I. (the free black), of his own accord, broke out in prayer. 20. Have been here a week to-day. Brother H. and 22 JOURNAL MONTHLY CONCERT. Esq. W. canie in, consulted about employing other counsel, and, much to our comfort, brought us a table and chairs. Had with them a precious season oi prayer. 21. No visitors to-day. The horse-thief is an un- pleasant companion. The truth does not reach his heart. I find the night season the most precious to my soul. When all are still, I have sweet communion with Him who heareth the sighing of the prisoner. 22. Found great satisfaction in reading the lives of Bunyan and other men, who suffered for well-doing. 23. Feel the want of exercise and pure air. The horse-thief held a conversation with a stranger outside, the most abominable and profane, which makes it very unpleasant. ! " gather not ray soul with sinners, nor my life with blcody men." 25. Sabbath. Brother George described heaven and hell, and pressed on our impenitent companions the question, whether they would leave their sins and go to heaven, or have them and go to hell. 26. The Lord hears prayer ; blessed be his name. My chain feels light this morning. ! let me not trust in man. Last evening being monthly concert for the oppressed, we remembered those in bonds, as bound with them. After lying down to rest, and while thinking of those bound in more galling chains than ours, we over- heard a conversation, by which we learned that six slaves had crossed the Mississippi, the night before, and that some persons were preparing to go to the river to intercept other fugitives. Gladly will I wear this chain till it galls my ankle to the bone, if thereby the slave may go free. (We all felt so and rejoiced.) 27. We are not disturbed wuth company. Spend our time in reading, writing, meditation, and prayer. 28. Health good. Peace of conscience and the pre- sence of my Savior. Our prison is a pleasant place, although we are surrounded by that which is filthy and abominable. 3L Have seen none of our friends to-day, as we ex- pected. Our companions now stand talking with some JOURNAL ELECTION DAY. 25 children in the street. The conversation is the most filthy imaginable. Slavery seems to have corrupted the very buds of society. It would be pleasant to be alone This evening we prayed that if we could do John (the horse-thief) no good, we might be rid of his company. Just after, the jailer came in and said that the sheriff was going to take him away in the morning. Aug. 1. Sabbath. When the officers came in for John, numbers came in to gape upon us. They staid sometime, and we were obliged to hear their revilings, oaths, and filthy conversation. When they were gone, we hoped to have a still, pleasant, and profitable Sab- bath. We were disappointed. The room overhead was occupied, most of the day, by a vile woman, and two more than vile would-be gentlemen ; yet the Lord was our " sun and shield." George spoke on Ps. Ixxxiv. The tabernacle of God appears more lovely, because we cannot enter therein. In the afternoon he spoke from Is. i. 3. Showed the great goodness of God in reason- ing with men, and our guilt in not knowing and consi- dering. Surely the Lord has placed us here that we may consider. 2. Election day. Numbers came to the window. The colored men conversed with them through the grates^ which was very unpleasant. I sometimes imagine we are confined on the brink of the pit and hear the sounds that come therefrom. ! how lovely do holiness and heavenly purity appear, when contrasted with the abo- minable, unholy, and filthy scenes that surround us. 3. Felt strengthened by the promise that " as my day is so my strength shall be." 5. Had the privilege of seeing my wife and Edwin Lovejoy.* There were numbers at the door, by whom we learned the hatred and excitement against us. Though we are in the lion's mouth we find honey in the carcase. " Who shall harm us if we be followers of that which is good ?" 7. Have not been well for the three past days. 8. Sabbath. In the afternoon there was a company • A little son about four years old. 24 TREATED WORSE THAN MURDERERS, playing cards over our heads, who mocked at and reviled the worship of God. " Father, forgive them." 9. An unpleasant day : felt gloomy ; but in the even- ing the love of God filled ray heart. The guard take delight in making a noise. They thump and dance over our heads, mocking and deriding our worship. We pity, and pray for them — " they know not what they do." Saw Mr. Craig, from Quincy, at the jailer's door. He went from there to the sheriff's but was not per- mitted to see us. I feel that this is the very school I need ; and though I sometimes tremble at the danger that surrounds me, yet the promises of God give me strength and peace. 10. Last night, a Mr. Berry was confined here on the alleged crime of murder, committed in Kentucky, last November. 11. Mr. Berry obtained bail and left us. He is a slave-holder. I tried to make him acquainted with the principles of abolitionists, the rights of man, and the claims of God. He could not gainsay the truth. " Let this fact be well considered. A man committed for the crime of inurder, is allowed the privilege of bail within twenty-four hours of his confinement. And while he was in jail, his friends had free access to him ! besides, he was not considered sufficiently guilty to de- serve a chain ! — while our three brethren, whose offence consisted in offering aid to a few wretched slaves in attempting to escape from their degrading vassalage, were treated with all manner of insult and scorn — made fast to the prison wall with a very heavy chain riveted about the ankle — guarded by an armed force during the whole time of their confinement there — kept on the coarsest fare — denied the privilege of seeing or corre- sponding with their friends (except Mrs. Work and children), — and not allowed the privilege of seeing ministers of the gospel from Illinois, who called for the purpose — neither allowed to have bail ! ! The offer was, indeed, made to accept of $6,000, advanced in cash, as bail for them; but we were assured that no individual or any number of individuals out of the state, would be LOOKING AT DEATM. .^g^ \^cep\ei\ in such a case. And to find any in Missoun, that would become thus responsible, was out of th« question." — Qaincy Coimnitiee. 12. 1 feel that the sheriff is cruel in keeping the letters of uiy wife and children from me, as some of them contain nothing but family affairs : but I will not murmur. 13. My body fails from confinement. 14. P^ind peace and strength in prayer — feel my ^' inward man renewed." Then let this body fail and die — ''■ this corruption shall put on incorruption, and this mortal immortality." 15. Sabbath. George spoke on the subject of faith, from the circumstance of Elisha and his servant seeing the mountain full of chariots and horses of fire. Surely *' they that be with us are more than they that be with them." 17. Saw Brothers Van Doorne and Record, at the jailor's. As they were starting for home (Quincy), we hailed them. They stopped in the middle of the street — said they were not permitted to speak with us — that our friends were well and thought much of us. They brought us fruit and sundry comforts. The patrols stand in the different streets at night; each armed with pistols, a club and cow hide. If a white man passes he is hailed ; if a negro, his " pass" is demanded. If he has none, no excuse will answer ; his shirt must come off and the cow-hide be applied to his back ! 20. Have been unwell. Looked at death. It does not appear dreadful, though I am so great a sinner. I love the Savior, his law and service ; and though I feel he would prepare me a mansion on high, I would be glad to live to train up my children, and to help the slave ; but " thy will, Lord, be done," for which pre- pare me and my family. 23. Last night, heard the guard say— "Since the d — d rascals have been here, more niggers have run away than ever before." They mentioned several, for whom $50 and $100 reward was offered. It makes our d 26 IN PRISON WHY 1 chain light to think that those of others are broken. We believe that our beinj^ here will spread the know- ledge that there is a road to liberty. Yes, yes, bless the Lord ! S. S. Glover, at our request, came in to see us, and spoke respectfully to us. This is the first Missourian, the blacks excepted, that has done so. The foregoing is all of Alanson's journal that I have been able to obtain. It will show of what spirit he was, and how he bore his imprisonment. He continued his journal till the day of trial, breathing the same spirit. Nothing could be found in it but pity towards the op- pressor and oppressed. CHAPTER HI. POETRY, JOURNAL, ETC. Among other letters, I received one from a sister, asking me the question, why I was in prison '^ — which I answered in the following manner : — I. •' In prison ! an ! why is this, my brother dear ? I was amazed and shocked, such news to hear. What hast thou done ? — thy Savior disobeyed 1 That thou art thus in chains and prison laid 1" II. Hark, sister, while to thee the cause I tell,i Why I was bound, and why now in this cell — Why witnesses who're false are 'gainst me sworn, And cruel men with rage and malice burn. III. A man by thieves was met upon his way — Robbed, bruised, and weltering in his gore hi> lay— And sad indeed the stale this man was in ; No one to help or take him to an inn. IV. A Levite passing where the sufferer lay, Stopped not to pity — hastened on his way. A priest along the same way chanced to go, He looked, but lelt tb« sufferer to bis wo. rW PRISON WHY*? ^ V. At lengtli one came, who on him looked andJeU, Poured oil and wine, as by his side he knelt : On his own beast he placed the man, relieved; Conveyed him to an inn, nor jiay received. VI. ** Go, do thou likewise," saith my glorious King, " Relieve the poor, and out of trouble bring — Where'er thou find him, lend a helping hand, And aid him on his way to freedom's land." VII. In deep distress a poor man thus I found, And offered freely to do up his wound ; The priest and Levite scorned and passed him by— The neighbors heeded not his mournful cry. vin. Knocked down, and robbed of all, he long had lain By cruel men oppiessed and almost slain. With torturing stripes his back was deeply gashed. Which oft, through spite and malice, had been lashed IX. Thus groaning, weltering, and despised by man, I heard him loudly call, •' Help, if you can ; To be delivered from this state I long, And placed where 1 may sing sweet freedom's song." X. 1 listened while he told his tale of grief, And longed to find some way for his relief, My heart with tender sympathy was moved, And my poor neighbor, as myself I loved. XI. I tried to comfort him, and poured in oil — I told him of Victoria's happy soil — " I'd like to go," said he, " but here I'm bound, How can I reach that distant, happy ground 1" XII. " I'll gladly help you neighbor on your way — We'll carry you by night, and hide by day." " O ! this is good ! 'tis good ! 'tis good .'" he cried, " I'll go with you, and with you safely ride." XIII. While thus engaged a dreadful voice 1 heard Which [hrealened death, if trom the place I stirred I Amazed was I — my hands were quicKly tied, While hardened robbers stood on either side ! I XIV. Followed by fiendish spirits, black and white, With hellish rage they vented out their spite — While hundreds lound us rushed, to gaze and rail, They thrust, and locked me fast within this Jail ! i8 OF ONE HEART AND MIND. XV. Such, Sister, is the cause why I am here — Such, why my voice you ca.i no longer hear. Did I in this do wrong 1 or sin commit. Because I wished this man to benefit ? XVI. My blessed Savior did I disobey. When from this man, I crossed not o'er the way! Because I tried the sufTrer to relieve. Did I, by doing this, the Spirit grieve 1 XVII. Ah, no — the Dove is still within my breast, And 'midst ihe raging tempest gives me rest. The Savior smiles, and all within is peace. — The storm and tumult, He will cause to cease. XVIII. " Fear not," He says to me — " keep courage good ; I will be with thee through the fire and flood ; You shall not want — I'll be to you a Friend, And all that's needful, I will surely send !" XIX. Blest Savior, in thy word [ will confide, And 'neaih the shadow of thy wing abide. Now let the tempests howl, and hell engage; Secure and safe am I from all their rage. XX. Come life or death — come sorrow, care, or pain — In him I'll trust, and glory in his name. " All things shall work together for the best;" And soon I'll with my glorious Jesus rest. Palmyra Jail, 1841. Some extracts from my journal will give further par- ticulars, and show my feelings at that time better than I can now express. My journal, for the first month and a half is lost — as also all of James's — but the extracts given from Alan- son's may be considered as expressing the feelings of each of us. We had but one mind in attempting to aid the slave, and after we were bound among strangers, and in an enemy's land, we felt but one interest. We all rejoiced in our sufferings — each sympathized with the other, our hearts beat in sweet unison, and all were willing to go to the Penitentiary, or die, if need be, for the deliverance of the oppressed. At home or abroad, in prison or at liberty, living or dying, we felt but one tiOD S LAW NULL AND VOID. 299 desire, and were aiming at but one object — the good of our fellow-men, and the glory of God. We had been in jail but a day or two, when one of the Guard came to the grates one night, and wished us to sing for them a song they heard us sing once ; it was " Awake my soul, in joyful lays, And sing the great Redeemer's praise," &c. It was neio to them. And we were reminded of the Jews in Babylon, whose enemies, said, " Sing us one of the songs of Zion." But blessed be God, that we were not obliged to " hang our harps upon the willows," — that we couUU with joyful hearts, " sing the Lord's song," " though in a strange land." July 18. Sabbath. In the morning a crowd came in to gaze upon, taunt, and try us. In my chains, with Testament in hand, I stood before them and preached, plainly and boldly, deliverance to the oppressed — hold- ing before them the Savior in bondage, bought and sold, whipped and abused, in the person of his " little ones," — the slaves — making appeals to their consciences, &-c. One of them, their chief speaker (who will hereafter speak for himself), tried to form some pleas for slavery, but they were dams of quicksand. When we spoke of our trust in God, they sneered a' the idea of such rascals trusting in Him. When wfe appealed to his law, for our rule — they said, " You better just let that alone, if you know what is good for you. God's law is not the standard here in Missouri.- We have laws of our own. You better study them !" When we told them, " the eyes of the Lord are upon them that fear Him, and his ears are open to their cry," they replied, "What had God to do in the matter? What does He care for you ? You better trust in the laws of Missouri," &c. I am glad they are so honest as to own, what we have believed, and are now more firmly convinced of, that the law of God, in slave states, is 7iull and void — a dead letter. Slavery tramples the Bible in the mire, nor heeds in the least its warnins: voice ! 30 MERCIES — FRIENDS — A RABBLE. When Brethren Hunter and Warren came over to see Qs the first time, they brought us such books as they thought would be suited to our condition — such as the Book of Martyrs, Village Hymns, Greek 'I'estament, Pilgrim's Progress, some Memoirs, Henry and Scott's Commentaries, Christian Lyre, Manhattan Collection, &c., &c. So that we had plenty of reading and music. Considerable of our time was spent in tuning our hearts and voices in praise. At morning, noon, and night, we thus poured out our souls before the Lord. Our singing, and happy contentment in our prison- house, much annoyed the consciences of the inhabitants of Palmyra. They said, " They are the strangest pris- oners we ever had here : " " We never saw such men before : " " Hark, the rebels are singing," &c. But none of these things moved us. Though at times the guard would order us to stop our singing, try to mock or frighten us, as " servants of the most high God," w^e felt that we were bound to praise his name in every place. July 24. A load came from Mission Institute. Brethren Griswold, Kirkland, and Seymour, Mrs. Sey- mour, and M. C, also Mrs. Work. None JDUtMrs. W. were allowed to look at us. We could see them walk the street, but could not speak a word to them. This was trying, but the Lord is good and kind in it all. They brought us many little comforts, which we were allowed to have, —straw bed, bedding, &c. After a long time, Mrs. W. was allowed to come in, with the sheriff, jailer, and others. She fell prostrate at her hus- band's feet, and wept excessively, for some time. At length, becoming more composed, she talked and prayed with us. She begged the sheriff to take off the chain — but no. She asked that they would keep her, and let her husband go home, — ?io, no ! The scene was affect- ing. We tried to comfort her, directing her to " trust in the Lord," and all wouhl be well. Lord, be with and support her. While they were here, a rabble gathered round, and acted like heathen. Poor, deluded, miserable men ! G, JesuSj sanctify this event to us and to them. — My A RABBLE — VISITED BY FRIENDS. 31 faith is tried. My heart is sick, at seeing the depravity of man. Had I now no Savior, whal could I do? No promises, where could I go ? These disa})pointments are for my good. O, that 1 may have no will of my own. Brother G. demanded admittance to us, as our counsel, but was denied. 26. Last night there was a rabble around the jail nearly all night, carousing, and thirsting for our blood. Night gatherings around the jail are frequent. 27. Last night great excitement about twelve run- away slaves. Some went in pursuit of them. May the Lord direct and protect the " outcasts." 28. 0, the flei;radation of man ! How sweet is the word of God ! Bright and very excellent does religion appear, when I witness the conduct of those who profess it not. May we ever exhibit the true spirit of Jesus. I should write more if I could get paper. My jour- nal I write on old scraps, and keep it in my watch pocket. ^' It is all for the loest." 31. 'I'ime passes very pleasantly. Aug. 1. This morning a company came, gazed, talked, mocked, sneered. "This," said one, "is a Gospel ship.''' Honorable appellation ! Ps. Ixxxi, and Ixxxiv. have afforded great comfort to us. Ps. xci, has been a rich feast. What ! Angels keepers ? Yes. 0, precious — delectable — sweet! Of this fountain the ungodly cannot drink. 5. Mr. Warren, and Mrs. Work, and Aunt Terrel called to see us. Mrs. W, was admitted. Aunt T. stool at the door, wept, and begged to see us, but could not. This is strange. Their hearts are made of steel — surely they cannot be flesh. Esq, W. demanded ad- mittance as our counsel, but was denied ! They came near mobbing him. Poor deluded creatures, they act more like fiends than men ! 6. To M — . " I am glad you can trust me and yourself in CJod's hands. I am happy in lying there. His promises are as a rock^ and strong consolation to my soul. I can see no reason for feeling uneasy or be- ing troubled. I know my Father will do just right. 33 LETTER TO A FHIEND. We shall one day see it, and thank hini for this provi- dence ; then let us. rejoice now." 8. The excitement runs high. We are a wonder to them. God will " cause the wrath of" man to praise him." Glory to Jesus ! 1 find the i^ook of Martyrs very interesting and profitable. J am in a palace com- pared with the condition of the ancient Christians. Compared with them I do r.ot suffer at all. Sweet Sabbiith ! 9. Happy to-day. Time passes pleasantly. Said Latimer to Ridley, as they were bound to the stake, " We shall this day light such a candle, by God's grace, in England, as 1 trust, shall never be put out." God grant a candle may be lighted in this 'prison, thai shall not cease to bum, till slavery shall come to an end Although we are so small, insignificant, and unworthy, yet I have no doubt God will kindle a fire, that will burn and spread, not only through this n^gion and state, bu* through the United States, and that will hasten the de- liverance of the oppressed and the conversion of the world. ! how unworthy am I to be the brand that shall be burned to cause this WorhX I Dear Lord, "do with me as seemeth thee good." Let this body be tortured and killed, only spread thy truth and glorify thy blessed name. But leave me not to my own strength. Stand by me: support, and com- fort me. We are unworthy to lie here. We do not deserve the honor ; but my God can use feeble means, and kindle the flame. Glory to his name ! LETTER TO A FRJEND. Palmyra Prison, August 9, 1841. " ISI. 1 feel as if I wanted to express my feelings to you, that you may know what is the state of my mine?, and hov/ to pray for me ; and I request, that before you read any further, you will retire and pray, that your mind and heu/1 raav be in fi nroper frame to receive and profit by whov I ani ;ibout to say. Lest you may feel that I am disturbed in my mind, you may be assured that it FEELINGS OF THE MOB. 33 is fixed on God. He is my stay. I feel a sweet peace within, and an assurance that He will do just right. " To-day I have heard more of the feelings of the people here, than I have since I came. It is amazing what passions can dwell in the liumaii heart. " Brethren Brown and Turner came here about noon, and we talked with them through the grates. A crowd immediately gathered round, with savage wildness and hellish madness depicted in their countenances. They looked upon Brethren B. and T. with a fiendish, blood- thirsty eye, as Uiey talked to us through the grates. When Brother B. asked, " Are you so fdled with grief that you cannot eat your bread ?" and I promptly an- swered, " No, we are happy ;" they wtre cut to the heart, and could scarcely refrain from gnashing on B. and T. with their teeth. Brother B. remarked, " We are all praying for you, and sympaihize with you, and believe God will overrule it for great good ;" which stir- red their rage very much. Brother T. asked James, how he felt about a " certain suhjecf^^' which they had often talked over. James replied, " The same as usual." Fuel was only added to the flame. " As soon as the brethren left us to get their wagon, they then gave vent to their spite and enmity, still standing under the window, where we could hear. They were running-over full. One man made a ilaming speech about our feeling so happy, when we had com- mitted such an awful crime ! — believed we lied — said we must have hard consciences, &c. Others, " They are sure to go to Jefferson." Others, " If they are not sentenced for twenty years, they will be hung here. The people will not be satisfied w^ith anything less." Oth- ers, twenty-five years. Others thought the people would be contented with a sentence of twenty years. Others, " It will need 100 men to take them to Jeffer- son," &c. " When Brethren B. and T. came back, and left the things, they again began to gather, but they drove of! before all came. One cried out, " You need not come 34 GOD WILL DO WHAT IS BEST. with that blacking, for they have gone." They then talked of pursuing them. But I think they did not. *' Such is a sketch of what I have seen and heard to-day. It drove me to my Bible to search for promises, and with them to the mercy seat. For a few moments my mind was a little agitated, but reflection, prayer, and ihe promises, calmed the tumult of my thoughts, aud brouo-ht sweet peace and consolation. I was ena- bled to roll my burden upon the Lord, and feel that He would sustain me, and grant me all needed grace. '• I feel that we are in the hands of God, and that He will do with us just as shall be for our best good, the good of the slave and the world. I don't know but we may be called to suffer (we have not yet suf- fered any), and perhaps to die for the slave, and for the truth of our Lord. I know^ that our Father can prpserve and deliver us ; and will, if that will most glorily his name (and I don't wish him to do it unless his cause will be more advanced by my life than by my death). Many holy men and women have been long imprisoned, and killed in many ways, for the name of Jesus, who, to hu- man appearance, were much needed in the church, and who promised fair to do much good ; but (jod saw that their suiferings and death would do more for his glory than their lives, and suifered wicked men to vent their fury upon them. He could have preserved them. Lovejoy's death probably did more good than he could have done by his life. I have expected that there must oe more sacrifices upon the altar of slavery, before it would come to an end, and if God sees fit to select one, 60 unworthy of the honor as myself, to suffer or die in this cause, I say, Jlnien. "George." James, writing to Brother Turner respecting the same adds, " One said, ' It was a violation of the laws of God and man, as sure as there is a God' — that is our act. Another, ' I have concluded to hang them.' Another, * I have determined to have them whipped,' and with many similar imprecations did they curse us. When JOURNAL, FAITH — A SLAVE. 35 ♦hey heard what Brother B. said, they were cut to the heart ; and when they saw you were gone, they were ready to gnash on us with their^ teeth. But as the natu- ral heart is opposed to God, of course it is to all good. Nothing enrages them so much as to hear of our peace and comfort. But our hope is in God. Ps. vii., xviii., xxii., and xlvi. Isaiah xli. 10 — 19. God's word, dear brother, appears more and more precious every day. " When we were first taken into the jail, the jailer said to us, ' This is your house.' " We then dedicated it to God, for the time we should occupy it. " We have good times on the Sabbath. I feel that God is giving us severe lessons to learn, but blessed be his name, it is good to be taught of Him." Aug. 14. The king of Syria was an enemy to Israel, and to God's people. He sent an army to take Elisha. When Elisha's servant arose in the morning, he saw the city surrounded, and was filled with fear. Forgetting Elisha's God, he cried, " Alas, my master, how shall we do 1" He saw no way of escape. He had no faith, and consequently could not see. But what was the re- ply of one who had faith in God 1 " Fear not, for they that be with us are more than they that be with them." This was like a Christian. With the enemy were houses, and chariots, and a host ; but with Elisha, the Almighty God, the angels, and the hosts of heaven. Why then should he fear? What could man do unto him? O Lord, increase my faith. Mr. Creathe, a Campbellite preacher in Lewis Co., Mo., is here preaching. Albert says he has a slave, through whose ear he has cut a hole, w^here he takes hold when he whips him !! — says he has seen the hole him-self. How far is slavery behind the Inquisition? In conversation with our jailer, he remarked, " It is no place here for a poor man ; he can't get along." No ; slavery crushes him. 16. A few nights since, a woman of vile character spent most of the night with the guard overhead. .The next day I wrote a letter to the sheriff, informing him 3iB A VILE WOMAN. that it was very unpleasant living so near a brothel, and requested its removal. He gave the letter to the guard. We ove:rheard them reac^ it, and say, '*■ Now this thing is known and she must leave the place," &c. Last night, Esq. Wilson, captain of the guard, came in with others, and showed out some of his spite about it. He had his iron rod ia his hand and seemed much agitated and enraged against me. " Well.^ is that brothel re- moved yet?" said he. He evidently came to give us a severe flogging, but dare not here in the jail. He is much troubled. Mr. Bess, the jailer, says they sent her away from town soon after. So it seems the letter was not in vain. PATROLLERS. David foresaw and described them more than two thou- sand years ago, in Ps. lix. 6, 7, and they now answer the description. In the 8lh verse he pronounced their sentence. They are very despicable characters. The slaves here on the Sabbath, dress like gentlemen, They get their clothes by extra work, done on the Sab- bath and in the night, and yet " they can't take care of themselves !" Shame on those who hide under this leaf. 17. The Lord is my comfort. Is. li. 12, 13. Dost thou, dear Lord, ask " who T am *?" I am but dust — a feeble worm — yet leave me not to fear my fellow worms, who are also M'eak and shall die ; nor to " forget thee," the Lord my Maker, though " the fury of the oppressor" is great, and he seems " ready to destroy." The Christian should not live in slavery, but walk at liberty. BLASPHEMY. Last night, one ot the guard, talking about our first letter that was published, said, " It is blasphemy and sacrilege for thu:vi:s to write such a letter!" This letter was an alTectionate outpouring of our souls THE CHURCH IN SLAVE STATES. 37 to those whom we dearly loved in the Lord, and with ^vhom we had long " taken sweet counsel ;" expressive of our happiness, contentnurnt, submission, faith — ask- ing their prayers, urging them to duty, &c. Reader ; you see how enlightened the inhabitants of slave states are, and what clear views of sin and virtue, reverence and blasphemy, they have ! ! if you have any pity in your heart, let it move for such pitiable ob- jects. " Mr. Moore, the rumseller, is nearly as great a nui- sance as John was. Charles and Albert seem worse than ever, and to be hardening fast. Dear Savior, pre- serve our souls safe from their polluting influence. Teach us how to speak and act before them. Jlug. 20. Our circumstances are such as try our souls, ind make us feel the preciousness of religious society. There is so much obscene talk — so many foolish songs —and so much trilling nonsense, that, much of the time, ve can read with but little satisfaction ; and it is often lifficult to fix our minds so as to pray w'lih an undivided leart. For two nights past I have had precious seasons, n the silent watches, when all was still, and nothing to listurb. With the poet I can say, " 'Tis sweet conversing on my bed, With my own heart and Thee." Why should I feel anxious about my friends'? Does lot my kind Father sit on the throne? Am I not in his lis hands'? Will He not do right? Does he not enow what I need, better than myself? Then for me o murmur, is great folly and aggravated unbelief. He las always done me good ; and frequently I have had )ccasion to thank Him for providences, which at the ime looked dark, and I could not understand, and I wil. erust Him now. THE CHURCH IN SLAVE STATES. ^ug. 21. In slave states, especially, Zion is almost dead — but little signs of life left. 212371 38 MORE FUGITIVES. Slavery eats out the very vitals. It causes and nour- ishes pride, laziness, haughtiness, cruelty, oppression, de- ceit, fraud, theft, lying, Sabbath-breaking, drunkenness, adultery, fornication, and all uncleanness, murder, and everything that is hateful and abominable in the sight of God ! It disregards all his laws — tramples them under foot — sunders, and as it were, annihilates, the principles of the Gospel ; and how can a church, with such a monster in its bosom, grow in the grace of God? Until slavery dies, there can await the slaveholding church naught but leanness and death. Already is error and delusion sweeping through the land like a mighty flood. Lord, how long? How wonderful, ivonderf ul, iha.t God has borne so long ! Surely he hath showed us what is good — " to do justly, to love mercy, and to walk hum- bly with God." But where is this to be found in the slave states 1 Certainly notin Missouri — notin Palmyra. 22. How delightful the Sabbath morning ! How my soul vvould leap for joy to meet with the saints in the sanctuary 1 But this is denied me ! Is the Savior ashamed of our habitation, or our chains 1 Glory to God! — no ! He will come even here and bless us, though man may curse and reproach, and many who profess to love Him, be ashamed to be seen communing with us. Have taken comfort in reading my father's letter. This morning Alanson talked to us from Isaiah Iv. 6 ; very good : I did not know that he could preach so well. In the afternoon, I talked from Micah vi. 2, 3, 8. Card playing overhead, and much noise. 23. Morning. The leaven is working — the flame is rising — the fire is spreading ! May the Lord fan the flame. Last week we learned, by overhearing the guard, that the people here are much troubled on account of their slaves. Since we have been here, light has gone abroad, and some sparks have found their way into the minds of the slaves, who are beginning to walk in the light thereof towards the river. Said Esq. Wilson, *' Since these d — d rascals have been put here, the slaves MORE FUGITIVES. 39 are going off faster and faster ; [good, good — go it my good fellows! ] and there are multitudes of other rascals, just like them, on the other side, ready to help the run- aways along." Yes, yes, Mr. W., and they are multiply- ing " faster and faster," too. May the Lord protect and carry them through. Shall we murmur that we are cast here? Are we not willing to suffer for the slaves, and thereby for our master 1 If the leaven begins to work so soon, shall we not rejoice 1 Yea, Lord, carry on thine own work, in thine own way. If the Palmyrians think to wreak their spite on all the " rascals" who are like us, on the other side, they will have a long work before them. Let them rage, and foam, and vent out hell's fume — let them imprison, revile, and menace, but let them know also, that the more they stir up fire-brands, the brighter and fiercer will they burn — the more they attempt to extinguish the flame, the hotter will it flash in their faces — the more rapidly spread and consume their two-legged property ! Let them go on then. They are but spreading snares for their own feet — preparing shame to cover their own faces — using means to defeat their own purposes, and pull down what they wish to build up. Work away — work hard ! Before breakfast, Mr. Glover came in. He appeared the most friendly and gentlemanly of any one that has been here (our friends excepted), since we came. He spoke like a friend — said the sheriff's conduct was alto- gether unjustifiable — he had no right so to do — that prisoners, may, by law, have paper, &c. The sheriff came in a moment, but could not look us in the face, nor did we have time to speak with him at all. I expect he has what Bunyan calls the gripes. Evening. I know not how to express my feelings^ nor in what words to frame my thanks to God, for what 1 have seen, heard, and felt to-day. My heart is full to overflowing. Bless the Lord for his goodness. My soul exults in Him who orders all things aright, and for his own glory. His kind hand is very plain, his direct- ing providence quite manifest. 40 MORE FUGITIVES. The journal description is so lengthy, I cannot copy. A load of our friends came to see us (nine in number), bringing us many comforts, fruit, cakes, pies, bread, clothes, letters, &c. None but Mrs. W. and her child- ren, were allowed to come in, and they were strictly forbidden to say anything to the father, or he to his family, except in a manner that all could hear ! This was truly astonishing, and shows the heart-hardening and conscience-searing effects of slavery. They seemed perfectly steeled, and past feeling. With the other friends we conversed through the grates, with great satisfaction, passing letters to and from each other, while we shook hands through the iron bars. In this way the most of our writings had to be sent out. The brethren and sisters seemed very cheerful and hap- py. Said one (now my wife), " J come not to weep, but to rejoice with you." And we did rejoice to see them so submissive under the affliction. It seemed to do our friends much good, thus to have an opportunity to see and speak with us, though iron grates intervened. Among other letters, I received one from my brother in Ohio, written to Brother Hunter. He said, " Tell George I am not ' ashamed of his chain,' nor to call him a brother^ in any sense of the word." It was reviving. Two of our letters were rolled in a cloth, and baked in the centre of a loaf of cake, so that when we opened the cake, our letters were safe and legible. Such cakes we valued very highly. They were rich food — very nourishing. The Lord can find ways enough to give his children all that is good. Our beloved teacher, Brother Beardsley, informed us that the committee in Quincy, had concluded to employ Esq. Warren, of Quincy, and Wright, of Palmyra. As they did not feel justified in employing another counsel, and as Wright was unwilling to undertake without the assistance of S. T. Glover, we engaged him — Alanson giving his note for two hundred and fifty dollars. The fee of the other two was four hundred dollars, paid, Drincipally, by frieiids. THK SLKEPIMG FREACHE&'^JOU&NjIL. ETC. 41 CHAPTER IV. THE SLEEPING PREACHER, JOURNAL, ETC. August 24. Last night Charles dreamed aloud again. (He, in his dreams, talked it all aloud.) We lay and heard him for two or three hours. He preached us a pfood sermon — adapted to the occasion, and fitted to oiar circumstances. We were much benefitted thereby, and strengthened in our faith ; encouraged to trust in God implicitly, being assured if we have Him on our side, vain are all the efforts of wicked men and devils arrayed against us. He was emphatically a sleeping preacher^ and a very eloquent one too. Though he is an ignorant, wicked boy, even Demosthenes could not produce finer strains of eloquence — nor Bunyan more sublime and- striking metaphors — nor divines more pure theology. It was beyond anything I ever heard ; and I trust we shall remember and profit by that sermon as long as we live. The next morning I wrote down all the principaH ideas, as far as I could call them to mind, and give a few of them below for the curiosity of the reader, and I hope profit too. THE DREAM. He first seemed to be in a by-way, where he ought noi to be, with his mother, his child and another of his companions by the name of George. While there, he espied a huge monster with great horns, and an iron grapple in his hand, coming towards them. They were much terrified ; and he felt that the devil had come for him and his child. He seized the child, threw it to his mother, and said to the monster — " Let my child alone, and take me." The mother and child escaped, while ht disputed with the devil, who seized him; but he very 4S THE DREAM. narrowly made his escape, and, they all got home. After they had talked about what had passed, he consulted with George about going with an army to take all the slaves in the country and free them. He would make peace with slave-holders on one condition oidy — that they should give up every slave. Said he, " I'll have every one, even to a span long." He was very uncom- promising with them. While thus employed in talking, his wife (who was uead), appeared to him, and gave him a letter, in which she exhorted him to repent and meet her in heaven, or he must go to hell — told him that the child must die and be with its mother, &c., which gave him much trouble and distress. He thought of his promises to his wife on her dying bed, and how he had broken them. He talked with his mother, who urged him to repent and prepare to meet his wife. She spoke of his wife's urging him to be a Christian. Now and then he would get out of patience and exclaim, " Mother, do go away and let me alone ; you are all the time at me about this subject — do let me alone." At length he confessed his neglect and his sin — said he was sorry — and after much entreaty and persuasion, promised he would do better and serve God the rest of his life, and trust in Him. He then seemed very happy — had great courage and faith in God — was not afraid of the devil and all his hosts — felt he could put them all to flight, and none of them could hurt him so long as he kept his faith in the Almighty God. " I have cast aside the devil's garments and implements," said he, " with which I could do nothing, and have put on God's garments, in which nothing can hurt me." He then began to talk with George, his companion, who was very fearful and faint hearted : — " You must not be so. You have the devil's garment on, and you must cast it all aside before you can do anything or be happy ; and you must put on God's garments ; then you will not fear.'' George tried to put the garment on over the devil's. " No ; you can't do that. You must take the OKI garment clean off. It wont go on over. It just tts, anJ you can't get it on over anything." George THE DREAM. 4^ tried, but could not get the old garment off. " Try again, pull hard, tear it off and throw it in the devil's face. I had to try hard many times, and kept it on a long time, but bless God, I've got it off and got on a new one which the devil can't look at."' George finally got it off and the devil took it away. He put on God's garment, and was happy and courageous. " Nf)w when the devil meets you, look him right in the eye and he can't hurt you, but if you look down you are gone for ever. Don't be afraid ; look up ; look him plumb in the eye, and he'll flee. " With our enemies is only the devil, but with us the Almighty God, who is stronger than all. He has given me a commission to go and fight, and He will be with me, for He has said so (and that is enough), He ca?iH lie, I shall conquer. They can't overcome. God will help me, and bring me safely home to heaven. " George, you must give up all the devil's armor, keep none ; take entirely new ; take God's. There is a trap- door in the heart, and you must turn the heart bottom upwards, and empty out all the filth and bad stuff, and have it filled with good, with God and his Spirit. Do it now. " You must not attempt to go round the commandments; you must go straight and keep them. If you go round them the first you know you will be right plumb in the middle of hell. " Keep your coat on. So long as you keep it on and your bright weapons in your hand, the devil can't look at you. You can walk right over him." He was sometimes very oratorical. It exceeded any- thing I ever heard. It was wonderful ; for when awake he is an exceedingly wicked and profane man. He must have been talking in this way for two or three hours ; so that I have given a mere skeleton of the scene. Could the whole dream be written out, just as he spoke it, it would make an uncommonly interesting, amusing, and instructive little volume. At other times in his dreams he would be commanding an array, planning and calculating with great shrewdness tt TREATMENT OF SLAVES. kow to ODtam the conquests, pursuing the enemy, Cutting bridges, charging with his cavalry on the sur- prised foe, firing cannon, shouting — " They flee, they flee, hurrah ! come on my brave tellows," — and then, after a victory, calling his officers about him and address- ing one and another, praising their bravery, encourag- ing them and bestowing rewards upon them. This " sleeping pieacher," is a short, thick set, stout mulatto — a Canadian — was engaged in their war skir- mishes there a few years ago, where he probably obtained his w^ar spirit. And if he is as shrewd and persevering and undaunted a warrior when awake as when asleep our generals would do well to seek him out and promote him to some chief rank ^ for in his sleep he seemed to understand war tactics perfectly. His hatred of slavery v/as inveterate ; and from his dreams it was evident that he thought much of lead- ing an army into the South and liberating every slave in the land. At times, in his dreams, he had collected a force and was going from plantation to plantation pro- claiming liberty to every one who W'Ould join, and thus swelling his army till it was irresistible. Aug. 25. " In reproaching us do they not reproach the Savior?" {Mat. xxv. 40, 45) . " They have blas- phemed thy name, ! Lord." " How long 7" " Arise, plead thine own cause. Remember how the foolish man reproacheth thee daily." {Ps. Ixxiv. 22). Surely " the dark places of the earth" (slaveholding dominions), " are full of the habitations of cruelty." It is a system of cruelty as much as the Inquisition. Said Charles, " It is a common thing for slaves to come upon the boats almost starved and plead and beg for something to eat ; will offer their hats or their clothes for something to satisfy the cravings of nature ; will work Sundays and nights to get money to buy some- tliing to eat !" He says they are often fed on cotton seed! When T think of separated wives and husbands, pa- rents and children, brothers and sisters ; the mangled, DBk silt's SX^i^TB. 4A Dleedmg" backs ; the starvations ; the oppressions and labors ; the murders, degradations, and ignorance ; the innumerable evils and sufferings indescribable ; I can but exclaim with the Psalmist — " Full of cruelty /" " O, Lord, pluck thy right hand out of thy bosom ; let thy arm be exalted and thy name honored in the destruction of this evil." To-day we talked with Ambrose — Dr. Ely's slave. He has a family of nine children — is buying himself — has to pay nine hundred dollars with interest ! — has it nearly paid, besides having worked two years for the Dr. of which no account was made. He was sold to go down south, but ran away, and the Dr. bought him run- ning in the woods. He is forty-one years old, black, and very large. He told us that one of the slaves who betrayed us had run away and there was fifty dollars re- ward offered for him. "0, they won't run away, they can't be hired to run away." Ah, ha ! Let them be sure of friends and see. The blacks generally seem to sympathize with us ; they are getting some ideas into their heads which are new to them. 0, if our enemies knew what they were doing how they would tremble at the consequences. They are fast un- dermining themselves. The thought that our being here will advance the cause of liberty is delightful. Let them do what they please with this body, if the chains of the poor slave are broken thereby, I will gladly suffer all that their spite and malice can invent. With the assurance that it will be so, a States prison will be a sweet place. BLOODY TOWNS. ^ug. 26. Habk. ii. 11, 12.— « Wo to him that buildeth a town with blood, and establisheth a city by iniquity." What meaneth this strange, this awful lan- guage'? How can a town be built with blood? How established by iniquity"? Go to ancient Babylor It 46 DR. Ely's sla^e. was built and enriched by conquering other nations ; its glory sustained by the blood of its enemies. It was es- tablished by its iniquitous laws. Concerning it the ** woe" was fulfilled. It has long since been adesolation. But come to our own country. Behold our southern cities. They are built and enriched, and sustained, by the gains procured from the blood and sweat and tears of the slave. They are built on slavery^ and slavery is a sys- tem of wholesale bloodshed — the blood flows continually. They are also " established" by such " iniquity" as the sun scarce ever looked upon ! Behold their laws, by which they are governed and " established," and well may w^e blush to think that we belong to the same race. ! could their cruelty and oppression be fully known ! But can they prosper 7 Is not the cup of New Orleans, of Vicksburg, of Palmyra almost full 1 The " woe" has gone out against them, and if it is not executed in their overthrow it is fulfilled in their moral desolation, and will be in their eternal destruction unless they re- pent. Are the inhabitants so generally and entirely sunken in iniquity, and so united together in their wick- edness, that there are none to testify against them 1 Let them not, therefore, think they are secure, for " the stone out of the wall shall cry against them, and the beam out of the timber shall answer it," (or " witness against it," as the margin reads), and proclaim their abominations. God will find witnesses enough to testify against them, and unless they repent there is only wo ! wo ! ! WO ! ! ! for them. Last night Charles preached repentance again in his sleep. He is much disturbed in mind, — Alanson talked with him to-day. He said, " I have so much pressing on my mind that I can't attend to religion." Getting out and getting slaves to Canada occupies all hia *houghts. My journalizing now is all done on old letters, and ray letters written on old cards, which I split — writing on the inside with my pencil, and on the outside with ink. " Necessity is the mother of invention." GAMBLING, AND OTHER IMMORALITIES. 47 The effects of slavery are seen very plainly in this State. Horse-racing is a great game among them. Pri- vate gambling is prohibited, while public and wholesale gambling is licensed by statute! Fighting, dueling, lawing (or mobbing), murdering, and so on, abound. Children are brought up to be haughty and insolent, and the fine feelings of the soul are totally destroyed. 27. When I read of the unspeakable pains and tor- tures so many Christians have endured from the servants of Satan, I can hardly think of my condition. Happy, happy am I. Thanks to God that I live in this day. Yea, thanks to his name that I am here. DEVICES OF THE ENEMY. Doubtless our enemies felt they were waging an un- holy warfare. For, so little confidence had they in the justice of their cause, that they used every means they could devise to call to their aid the united prejudices of the community against us. At first they branded us with the name of Mormons, than which. Abolitionists excepted, there was not a more odious name in Missouri. This was soon known to be falsely applied. Then they called us Dr. Nelson's sa- tellites — a name we were proud of — and he had been driven from their midst and hunted like a wolf, fleeing, in dead of night, for his life. In the papers they pub- lished us as dyed-in-the-wool abolitionists. Some were so zealous in the cause, they went about reporting that the Church to which we belonged had held several meetings, and passed resolutions to come and take us out by force ; which caused great excite- ment and tumult, preparations for resisting, &c. And when the three men were hung in St. Louis, they published a confession, said to be Brown's, in which he confessed he had assisted eighty slaves to Canada in one year — that he was employed by the abolitionists, and received a large salary, &c. The Rev. Mr. Bullard came out and published that Brown denied ever saying any such thing, but this was 48 SOURCE OF COIfSOLATIOir. af no avail. They were eager to believe that it was so, and I suppose they succeeded ; for it is exceedingly easy and natural for the carnal heart to " believe a He.'* All these and other causes combining, produced a tre- mendous excitement all over the country against us. Even the little hoys drank in the spirit, and would come to the jail and try to torment us, knocking on the door and calling out, — " Ha ! there, nigger-stealers, you think you will steal any more niggers, heh 7" — yea, and even the women would revile us as they passed the jaill But by this excitement they only burdened themselves, making it necessary, as they supposed, to keep a guard of four men at the jail, every night, at an expense of $1,50 a piece, $6,00 a night, for seventy nights — $420, beside other expenses amounting in all to nearly $1000 — all to come out of the county. Again, the more they increased and kept up the ex- citement, the more light spread abroad, the more the slaves inquired, heard, and learned ; and many times more than we should have got away, had we succeeded, bade farewell to Missouri and slavery in consequence of their foolish zeal to excite public odium against us. .See how God "disappointed the crafty devices" of the wicked, how He " takes them in their own crafti- ness," and causes all their " wrath to praise Him,'' while his children sing and rejoice. CHAPTER V. EXTRACTS OF LETTERS. EXTRACT — TO MOTHER BALLARD. We do not feel to murmur or repine, because we are here confined, and deprived of former privileges. No. It is not for us to say what we will do — where we will go, &c.,— -all this we leave with our Father, to di- LETTER TO REV. MOSES HUNTER. 49 rect as will most glorify his name. He best knows what kind of a training we need — and shall we say to Him — This is jiot best ? We cannot. We are happy here — and how can we be unhappy so long as we have such words, as Pi', xviii. 12; xxiii., xxvii. 1 — 3, 10 — 14 ; xxxii. 7, 8 ; xxxiv., xxxvii. 1 — 8 ; xlvi. 1 — 3 ; Ixxi. 1 — 8 ; Ixxxiv. 11, 12 ; xci., cxxi., cxxv. 1, 2, Is. xxvi. 3, 4; xliii. 1—3; xlix. 25; Maii. v- 10—12. Rom. vii. 28, 35 — 39 ; and many others 1 These are :\fcw of our cordials — our tonics — our balsams — our life preservers. Just read them carefully, and see if they are not sufficient for every state. Although our chain is a very large one, yet it feels very light. I sometimes forget I have any chain on my leg. I hardly think of it. Mother, come and pray with us in our palace. Come and see how we keep house. We are highly favored. We not only have a cook, but our victuals and drink are even brought to us, so that we are not obliged to step a foot out of the door. Yours truly, George. The following was written to Rev. Moses Hunter on a margin, cut from a newspaper : Palmyra Jail, Aug. 28, 1841. Dear Brother H. You see we have to rob the edges of newspapers in order to get paper on which to wTite to you. I have kept my journal on scraps of old letters, bits of news- papers, &c., ever since I came here. The paper which you left with the Sheriff, we cannot get. It has been more than three weeks since we had an opportunity to speak with him. But if his conscience can endure his conduct, we can easily bear what he sees fit to lay upon us. I think he will view his conduct in a very different light, at the great day of solemn trial. It seems he is determined to prevent us from obtaining justice. May the Lord have mercy on him. The jailer appears quite friendly. He is willing to do all he dai'es for us. We are watched very closely. The guard annoy us very much. Poor men ! I pity tl^em. 3 50 AN enemy's acknowledgment. Many of the colored men appear like real friends, and take a deep interest in our case. Some of them will get a few ideas, which I hope they will improve to ad- vantage. They frequently converse with us through the grates, and some of them appear like sensible men. God will take the cause into his own hands. Let this comfort our friends, though we go to the penitentia- ry, or be assassinated. Our bodies, our earthly ease and comfort, are nothing compared with God's cause. Let God's will be done, and let ours yield joyfully to his. I think it will be well to have a number of the sisters here on the day of decision. If we are acquitted, their presence will have a tendency to restrain violence. The Lord will reward you for all your trouble, and many poor slaves will rise up and ' call you blessed.' Yours, George. The following letter was written by P. C. L., ol Palmyra, who is said to belong to the Episcopal Church ; (at any rate, he professed to be very pious when he talked to us). It was written for the St. Louis Repub- lican. the missourian's letter. Mr. a. B. Chambers : Dear Sir, — From an editorial which I observed m a late number of yours, in regard to the Abolition- ists which have been lately apprehended in this county, I perceive you have been led into an error in saying they were Mormons. They are Presl)yterians, and are the satellites of the notorious Dr. David Nelson, for- merly of this county. Two of them are students of his ; the other is a man of family. You will remember that this same reverend gentleman was driven away from this county, some live or six years since, for disseminat- ing Abolition doctrines. When these men were first arrested, I was under the impression that they were kidnappers, and that their object was to get the negroes off and sell them ; but I THE MISSOURIAN's LETTER. 01 am perfectly convinced that they are dyed-in-the-wool Abolitionists ! ! They talk freely and openly on the subject,* and say that the laws of God are superior to the laws of man. On Sunday I called on and conversed freely with them. They are quite conversant, and one of them it studying for the pulpit as I am informed. They have i)rayer night and morning, and one gene rally gives a short discourse on the Bible. I never have, in the whole course of my life, seen such deluded crea- tures ! They say that they are fully resigned to their fate — that God will protect and defend them — that in doing what they were about to do, they were endeavor- ing to set free a portion of God's creatures, who were in bondage contrary to his will. Speaking of Dr. Nelson, he snys, But would you think he had the impudence to make an appointment at Philadelphia, a small place near Marion College, to preach, on last Sunday. News of this fact w^^.s brought to town (Palmyra), in the early part of the week, when two or three large companies were formed in different parts of the county, to go and take him out of the pulpit; but 1 am happy to say ne left the county on Saturday, for had he remained and attempted to preach, He would have been hung as HIGH AS Ham AN ! A large company, however, went to the College to make an examination, but as I said, he left the day before. In justice to Marion College, allow me to say, that it is in no way connected with these vile fiends. We are opposed to mob law in Marion, but there is a point beyond which lenity ceases to be a virtue. We are determined not to be harassed by this monster in human shape. We do not want to see one of our old and valued citizens stabbed, and nearly murdered as Dr. Bosley was, a few years since, and that on Sunday, by the same gang, and that too under the guise of religion. Respectfully yours, P. C. L. * See Chapter III., July 18. 62 WHO ARE ABOMINABLE IN SLAVE STATES '{ Can it be possible that the slaveholder's religion is the same as ours? " I tell you nay" — as far from it as light is from darkness. Who is the man that is most abominated in a slave state 1 Why, he who dares to live by the Bible, and act out its holy principles. " Well, do not slaveholders go by the Bible ?" No ; by the Bible ! — no, no ! Themselves being judges, the laws of their States are far superior to all the laws of God. Who is called a " monster," " fiend," &c.'? Why he who " let the oppressed go free," and then called on his neighbors to do the same ! He who would rebuke their abominations — pointing out to them a better way. Believe me, dear reader, for I speak that I do know, there can not be a greater abomination to slaveholding Christians than a Bible Christian. I have not merely heard so — or conjectured it — or believe so — 1 have seen it — I have felt it. 0, pray that the Spirit of God will open their eyes. THE DR. BOSLEY AFFRAY. Dr. Bosley is said to have been " nearly murdered by the same gang" — the Abolitionists. The circumstances, if my memory serves me, are about as follows. Dr. Nelson was preaching in Palmyra in 1835 or 1836. While thus engaged. Dr. Bosley advanced to take him from the pulpit. William Muldrow, a slaveholder, but friendly to Dr. Nelson, attempted to hinder him, a which Bosley drew his pistol on Muldrow, and Muldrow drew his dirk and stabbed Bosley. EXTRACT FROM JAMES's LETTER. One of our counsel told us it would be a violation of the laws of Missouri, to read either the Declaration of Independence or the Bible, to a slave ! How plainly their laws are at war with God ! I have thought that slaveholders will soon have to commence a law-suit against Jehovah, to see whether his or their laws shall stand. But the contest would be unequal — the Almighty will overturn their system of iniquity. PEACE — PATIENCE. 53 It may be a satisfaction to you to know our individual feelings, in regard to the step that brought us here. I do not repent it, nor have I any doubt respecting the morality of the act. James. EXTRACT FROM ALANSON's LETTER. I think I can see the hand of God in it. I now know how to feel for those who are separated from their families, and bought and sold like cattle — how to sym- pathize with the slave in all his afflictions, better than I ever did before. I have often thought I would give my life and strength to the cause of the slave. If He who is infinite in wis- dom, sees that I can do more for the cause by being for years separated from my family and those I love, shall I murmur? J\'o ; in humility I will rejoice, that I am accounted worthy to suffer for well-doing. Palmyra jail is not a gloomy place. I have had many happy moment'; bore, which I shall not soon forget. When I look at myself and the dangers that surround me, I tremble — but when I look at the promises, I find confidence and peace. Thus far 1 have found my strength sufficient for my day, and in this promise I will continue to trust. Though men have bound us with this chain, and guards are prepared to take our lives, if we attempt to escape, yet I feel that it is a kind hand that holds us here ; and that when our great Redeemer shall have accomplished His purposes of mercy. He will de- liver us. Be not anxious for us, but pray. Through the prayers of Christians I trust our imprisonment will be for the glory of God, and the speedy release of many in bonds. We have the sympathies of the slaves, and who knows but the " blessing of those ready to perish" may come upon us? May I ever esteem it of moie value than the favor of the oppressor. A. Work, 54 SUMMARY OF FEELINGS. TRIAL IN PROSPECT. Palmyra Jail, September 4, 1841. Not knowing what will be the issue of my trial, I de- sire to record a summary of my feelings, that it may be Jfnown what they are, should I suddenly be killed or thrust into States prison. And 1st: I do not regret the step I took more than seven weeks ago ; nor have I at any time been sorry for it, although thousands condemn and call me a thief, rascal, liar, and all that is vile and abominable — though many who love the Lord, and feel for the slave, and are my friends, disapprove of my course, yet I cannot see wherein I acted contrary to my master's direction or the spirit of the Gospel. My conscience approbates my course. That helping the poor is right, I have no doubt ; and although the slaveholders may plead it is taking their property, I feel, and am bold to affirm, that there is no such thing as their having property in man. It is all a sham. The slaves, by the law of God, own themselves, and if we can relieve them in any proper way, we are bound, by the laws of our king — by the bonds of huma- nity — by the feelings of mercy — by the spirit of the Messed gospel — to do it. The reproaches, insults, and menaces that have been heaped upon me — the close confinement, dragging the heavy chain, and being denied the many privileges which even their own law allows, have not in the least altered my principles concerning the rights of the slave, but on the other hand, have much strengthened them. I have not felt sorry that I have had to lie here so long. I have blessed the Lord, and will continue to bless Him for })lacing me here. As long as I live, I ex- pect to praise Him for it, and trust all my friends will nave occasion to do the same. At the time I was taken I felt a little troubled for a moment — so sudden was the transaction — but my mind soon became composed ; I lifted up my heart to God, committed myself to his care, and said " Father, glorify aUMMAKY OF PCELINGS. 55 thy name." Then, as ever since, I felt assured that He would overrule it for his own glory, that He had kind and wise designs in permitting it, and that " all things shall work together for good," to those that love Him. I have all along desired that his name may be glorified and the greatest good accomplished, and felt the assur- ance that this would be the case. I felt, and still feel, a peace within, a comfort, and a satisfaction, in leaving all in his hands. 'Tis " Sweet to lie passive in His hands, Ami know no wiil but His." There have been times, since I have been here, that have tried my faith, and I have been almost ready to despond ; but betaking myself (o the promises, and the weapon, " all prayer," I have been strengthened and encouraged, and would look up and say, " My Lord and my God." The days I have spent within these walls, have been happy, memorable, and profitable days. Time has passed sweetly and pleasantly away. The glorious Redeemer smiles upon and communes with us. He has spread before us the rich tables of his grace, and on their loaded bounties we have feasted. I now feel a confidence and joy in committing my whole cause into his hands, that He may plead it, and order all things according to his will, that knowing that it will be best for me, for my friends, and for the world. Can I not rejoice? It would be very pleasant to be restored to dear friends, and with them again enjoy the privileges of the sanctuary, of prayer and praise ; but if this is not my Savior's will, I hope I may not be left to desire it, nor feel dejected, though long deprived of it. It has long been my prayer that God would do with me just as He saw best. 1 have expressed a willing- ness to labor in any part of the vineyard "where He shall direct. If He has work for me in a States prison why should I not be willing to perform it, and rejoice to run at his command 1 I do, yes, and I will " rejoice in the Lord and joy in the rock of my salvation." This 1 know. 06 REJOICING IN GOD.. that wherever my Master sends me, He will be with ma to counsel, support, and grant all needed grace ; and no good thing shall I want. He will be more to me than father or mother, brother or sister — more than any or all earthly friends. He will also be more to them than I could possibly be myself. I joyfully commit them to his will- The fury of my enemies will not be in vain. Truth will be elicited — light will go forth — interest wdll be excited for the slave — and the great cause of liberty advanced. If this be the case, then what are years of toil and exclusion from, the world and from Christian society? I go cheerfully — I go gladly. Pray for me daily — that I may " be strong in the Lord" — exhibit his spirit in all circumstances, and be useful to others. Yours in the gospel, George Thompson, CHAPTER VI. JOURNAL. THE COMMAND. August 28. " Remember them in bonds as bound with them." — Hcb. xiii. 3. Those who have never been bound can better sympa- thize with those who are, by imagining themselves in the same condition. They will thenycc/for them. We here can, in a small degree, " remember them in bonds as bound with them," ^rom experience. 1st. We know how the chinn feels. 2nd. We know what it is to be at the will of another ; to do as others say ; receive what they see fit to give ; eat and drink what their will supplies, and await their pleasure. 3rd. We understand what it is to be forciblyseparated THE SEARCH. 57 from wife, childien, parents, and friends, and denied the sweetness of their society. 4th. To live in uncertainty — not knowing to-day whal they will do with us to-morrow. 5th. To be looked down upon with scorn, reproach and contempt, by men, women, and little children. 6th. What we now suffer is for trying to benefit the poor, down-trodden slave. 0, that we may feel for them more than we should have done had we not been placed here. I do. I be- lieve I shall. This evening a man was brought here from Waterloo for fighting. Said he, " If it had not been for whisky I should not have come here." His head was bound up, having been cut in the affray. ! cruel avarice ! that makes such deathful drink ! What multitudes are slain by this monster ! ! the misery ! — beggared families — broken-hearted wives, and desolate children ! 29. Just after breakfast a gang of seven came in, some with clubs, one with a great book under his arm, and among them the magistrate and constable. Amaze- ment filled our minds. What was coming, we could not conjecture — but soon, said one, " Where shall we be- gin?" And another, " We've come to see whether you have anything with which you can get out !" 'I'hen they searched every nook and corner — turning things upside down — rummaging the beds, trunks, drawer, &c. They have not had the least occasion to suspect any such thing as our desiring to get away. I expected they would search our papers — but as the Lord would have it, they did not read one — though they saw them in the drawer. They seem to know no Sabbath, except for wicked ness. In the morning we were much disturbed. Many came to the window, with whom the others talked and laughed till nearly noon. It was very distressincr to hear such nonsense and folly on this blessed day — hut here we are confined, and all we can say seems of no avail. We could neither read, nor think to profit. Dear Lord, it is said of thee, " He preserveth the souls of his saints.'* 3* 58 CONFIDENCE IN GOD. O ! look upon us surrounded by wickedness, and save us from its contaminating influence. At noon talked from Is. Iv. 2. A very quiet afternoon — was much be- nefited by the word. James preached from, " What shall I then do with Jesus'?" Whatever may come, I feel to say with the prophet Habakkuk, iii. 18 — " Yet will I rejoice in the Lord, and joy in the God of my salvation." Ps. Ixix. 19 is a co'mfort to me. The Lord knows all my wrongs, and my adversaries are all before Him. He knows their hearts, and just how to deal with them. SLAVE WOMEN IN PALMYRA. It is a common thing here for women to chop wood, and frequently, have I seen tliem thus engaged on the Sabbath. (I suppose their masters w^ere in C/mrcA.) A great part of the water that is used in Palmyra, is car- ried a considerable distance by slave women, on their heads — and many of them carry their large washings to and from the public spring in the same manner. (The town is chiefly supplied by a fountain.) Thus slavery not only robs, and oppresses, but turns e\ en females into beasts of drudgery and burden. OUR REASONS FOR SUSPECTING THEM. To-day, the slaves we would have helped, were here, among many others, who came to see us. They looked very much ashamed, and seemed to regret what they did, since they have ascertained that we were friends, and wished to do them good. But we have not the least hard feeling towards (hem — would just as soon help them to freedom as any others, though they may have volun- tarily betrayed us, as some say. We have rather felt inclined tc think that it was whipped out of them, by their masters — yet thero; are some things wliich strongly favor the former. It is said thatthc one who was foremost in the affair, belonged to a genuine kidnapper — if so, he may have ieared we were like his master, and conse- quently betrayed us. And it is a well known fact, that slaves in general are taught that abolitionists are their VISIT FROM OUR BETRAYERS. 69 worst enemies. It is not therefore to be wondered at, that they shouhl be suspicious of them, till this idea is corrected — and this has been, and will be one good re- sult of our imprisonment. The slaves will learn the true character of abolitionists, and fly to them for help from every quarter. Another thing, that favors the idea that they betrayed us. The slaves informed us, that they got together one night — tied the one who was leader in the matter, to a tree, and gave him fifty lashes! so incensed were they at him, for treating in such a manner, those who loved them. Again, one of the very slaves who assisted in taking us, (and for it, received large pay from the people), as soon as he learned our intentions, and that in Illinois were friends to help him, left his kind and generous master, to try and "take care of himself!" I trust he will suc- ceed. But whether they did or did not, voluntarily betray us, it matters not to us. We are, by this event, settled for a time in their midst, for which we bless the Lord. We will continue to seek their best good. Aug. 31. " Commit thy way unto the Lord ; trust also, in Him, and He shall bring it to pass." We are at times much puzzled to know how to get our letters to our friends, and often pray that the Lord will open ways for us to communicate with those we love. To-day Brethren William Vandoorne, and John Brown came over, and contrary to all that has been before they were allowed to come in with our two lawyers. Brother Vandoorne seemed to understand our straits, and while we were talking with the lawyers, &c., he with his hat in his hand behind him, backed up before us, and be- fore Charles (to whom we had given most of our papers), and we cast in our offerings, unobserved by our enemies FRIENDS ENEMIES RAGE. Sept. 1. Another load of friends came over — brethren and sisters. Mrs. Work came in while the rest were in the wagon under the grates of our window. We had 60 A WAY OPENED. but just passed our letters, shaken hands through the double grates, and spoken a few words, when they were ordered away from the window. Many gathered round as if to devour them. Their wild stare, and unmanner- ly conduct was such as might be looked for among a company of savages. Our brethren and sisters in the street, and we fast to our huge chain, united in singing some of the precious " Songs of Zion." When we be- gan to sing, the people in greater numbers gathered round, and many went away in a rage, cursing, and almost gnashing their teeth ! O ! what a spirit is that, which is so envious at the happiness of others ! What a heart does it show when a man is filled with rage, and fury, by seeing those who are the objects of his spite, happy in the Lord, and rejoicing under reproaches ! When I see the fury of those who would devour me —the great numbers of great men, of all classes who are uniting against me — their resolutions and determinations, al- most like that of the forty, who " bound themselves with an oath, that they would neither eat nor drink till they had killed Paul" — when I see all these things, and hear their threats, and then remember that they are magnify- ing themselves against God, it is very comforting 1o know that He can put his " hook in their noses, and his bridle in their lips," (Is. xxxvii. 29), and lead them where — and as He will — and cause all their rage to magnify his name. SLAVE WHIPPED. Sept. 4. Last night a slave passing the Jail, was or- dered by Esq. Wilson to stop. " Where are you go- ing ?" " My master sent me after the Doctor." " It is a d— d lie !"" said Wilson—" Pull off your shirt." " I can't do that," said the slave, and took hold of Wilson. The guards came to his help, and held the slave while Wilson gave him twenty lashes ! " Now go home," said he. " I shan't, I shall go after the Doctor," replied the slave, and ran, Wilson pursuing him. Shortly after Ambrose (Dr. Ely's slave), came along, ** Where are you going?" bawled out Wilson. "It's TRUST IN THE LORD. 61 none of your business," replied A , and as he was very large they dared not attack him. Two others came along with clubs in their hands, and Esq. Wilson thought his safest way was to let them alone. O ! the abominations of slavery! How innumerable are its cruelties ! Sept. 5. My faith fastens on the promises more and more strongly ; and yet the blessing of being restored to liberty and friends, seems almost too good, and too great, to expect. I am unworthy of it, but will cast myself into my Savior's arms, to do with me as seemeth good to Him. His word is very dear and sweet to-day. Talked from Ps. xxvii. 1 — 5. It gave me comfort and peace. With the assurance that th(j " Lord of Hosts is with us," " I will not fear." " For in the time of trou- ble He will hide me in a pavilion, and set me on a Rock." The "Book of Martyrs," has afforded me much com- fort and strength in prospect of suffering. As we were singing, a Palmyra lady passed by. " Hark," said she, " the rebels are singing." Trie Lord open her eyes, and have mercy. The Sun is about to leave us. Farewell, "King of Day." Shall I greet you again, on a Sab- bath, in Missouri ] I shall see you where it is best. Amen. EXTRACT FROM A LETTER TO THE CHURCH JUST BEFORE THE TRIAL. Dear brethren and sisters, I still ask you to remember us at the " throne of grace." Don't put any trust in man. There is no hope in an arm of flesh. There are many who have risen up against us, and who are laying deep their plans, in certain expectation of our condem- nation. They will spare no money, nor efforts to ac- complish their end. But " with us is the Lord our God." Don't think our lawyers can help us, unless God be on our side. Think of Hezekiah and Sennacherib — of Paul and Silas, and of Peter. Read the accounts, and look only to the Lord. Let there be much fervent prayer while the trial 09 PREPARATION FOR TRIAL. is advancing. Pray that Jesus our great " counsellor'' will direct the whole. Of some of those who shall come as witnesses, it may be required to testify to our former character. Esq. Glover thinks if that is established, it will be sufficient, and no more will be required. We wish W. J. C, to recollect very particularly the conversation between hira and James and the two slaves, to show that the slaves wished to go — that there w^as no intention of taking them against their will. Wright and Glover think this very important. We shall want those to whom James relat- ed the facts, and conversation, and his intentions — who knew our feelings and motives, as they have heard us express them, to testify to our motive — that it was to set them across the river, according to their own desire, and not against their wnlls, nor to make gain of them. Per- haps testimony may be required as to the time we had been in Missouri. May the Savior direct you all. Come filled with the Spirit, and relying on God. George. I will here remark, that many came over prepared to testify on all these points, but for reasons which will hereafter appear, not one was examined — our lawyers all considering it perfectly unnecessary. The particulars will be given in their order. TO A FRIEND. M , how w^ould you feel to see your father, mo- ther, brothers, or sisters put up, and knocked off to the highest bidder ! 0, have we felt for the poor slave, " as hound with him ?" Did Christians realize their condi- tion ; 0, how differently would they act ! Wherever we go, " let us cry aloud." SALE OF HUMAN BEINGS ! JOURNAL. Sept. 6. I know not in what words to express my feelings — my mind is fdled with mingled emotions ot amazement, indignation, })ity, and horror. At noon, eight or ten horses were sold, at sheriff's sale, and then a woman and her (iiild, for four hundred and sixty-five SALE OF HUMAN BEINGS. 63 dollars — lastly, a man for five hundred and seventy-one dollars ! Of such things I have often heard, but never before saw them. .0 ! the scene ! A crowd gathered round, and these immortal beings — bound to eternity, ^^ought with the sweat, groans, blood, and death of Jesus Christ — destined to heaven or hell — bearing the im})ress of their Maker's hand — pos- sessing feelings, emotions, and affections like ourselves, and the consciousness that they were born with the ^' in- alienable rights of life, liberty, and the pursuit of hap- piness" — these were set up, cried, and knocked off under the hammer, to the highest bidder, for gold and silver ! Am I among; human beino's'? Ami in a civilized country ? Can it be that T am among those who profess to be the servants of the blessed Redeemer, that meek and lowly Lamb ! Am I in a community where the Bible is read, and its principles professed? 0, what is man ! Where are his feelings of propriety, of mercy, of reason, of justice, of humanity? What do they think their fellow-men are ? Have they any thought ot an eternity — of a judgment — of a righteous, holy, and just God? Do they expect to meet these proceedings at his bar? There, do they expect to see the poor slaves they thus buy and sell, and be charged by the Judge with baying, selling, and abusing Him, in the "person of his children ? What can they think ? What have their hearts become ? And what will become ot them ? Is there a heaven for them ? Poor slaves ! what must be their cogitations, while being thus bid off? And what must be the state of a community — how distorted, how sunken in vice, and corru"-tion and wickedness — how far gone, and almost past recovery — how ripe for the judgments of heaven and how deserving to be cast into the darkness of deep oblivion and eternal night, that can allow, practise, and justify such awful abominations by law and by Ihe Bible ! and who imprison and kill those who oppose their iniquity ! ! And yet what are northern, compared with southern 64 A HORRIBLE THING DONE IN THE LAND. slave states ? 0, my country, my country ! Is there any mercy for it 7 How is God insulted, and cast away (so to speak), when men are looked upon, and treated as the brutes ! And yet multitudes who profess to be Christians, yea, the ministers of the gospel ! are en- gaged in this hellish system of barbarity — and worse than heathenish cruelty, and heaven-daring, insulting abomination ! ! heaven spare. Are they followers of Christ ? Are they on the road to the Celestial City 7 And are the upper regions to ring with songs from such beings 1 But I forbear. •' that they were wise, that they would consider their latter end," and these things also in view of it. May God have mercy on them, open their eyes, melt their hearts, and cause them to repent. May I have right feelings towards them. I can pray for them. THE MISSOURIAn's LETTER, AGAIN PRISON REFLEC- TIONS. Sept. 6. Read the letter, written by P. Ci Lambert — and a strange one it is to be written by a professor of religion. Dr. Nelson, that meekest of men — very harm- less, and who would not injure a fellow mortal for a world — whose whole soul is filled with love to God and man — who thinks of naught but heaven, and doing good to a lost world — he is called a '■'■ monster in human shape /" Does P. C. L., expect to sing in heaven ? Let him know that this " monster^^ will be there (he is already there before him). Abolitionists, wiiose hearts burn with love to their fellow-men — who are trying to benefit, help, and comfort the poor, and who rebuke the iniquities of slavery, — Ihey are called " vile fiends.^' If such be " fiends " God increase the number, and fill the earth with them. This man, no doubt, anticipates a seat in the mansions on high. Yet how will he feel, and all others like him, when they see " a multitude that no man can number of these " vile fiends," coming up before the throne, and striking their harps to the praise of the Lamb "? They will surely be there, and can such men as P. C. L., ■ -i DEPRAVING INFLUENCE OF SLAVERY. 65 be happy in their presence ? Will their notes of praise at all harmonize 1 But there is no discord there. Can they sing the same song ? There is only one there. Then what will they do 1 Will a portion of the upper region be set apart for them? Will they be colonized / Ah ! no. There is no place in heaven for those who. cannot love all men. I fear many will find their hea- ven to be hell. ! the Church ! Lord purge it. Of us he says, " I never saw such poor deluded crea- tures." Deluded? Bless God for ^mcA a delusion ! 01 that it may rapidly spread, till all the Church shall be under its influence. Happy delusion ! ! how Slavery blinds men's eyes and minds ! Thej can see nothing good or lovely in a person or plan, that does not uphold their " Domestic Institutions." The more faithful a man is to them, the more he is despised and persecuted ! And should the glorious Redeemer again appear, and pass through the slave dominions, doubtless he would be looked upon as the greatest " fanatic" — ••' insurrectionist," and " monster in human shape," that ever trod God's footstool — would be despised, hated, . and "hung as high as Haman," without "Judge or , Jury," by those who " worship the great goddess," and fear lest " the hope of their gains" should be taken away ! Shall I then repine, and think it hard that I , must lie here so long 1 No, no ! I bless the Lord for this chain. It looks sweet to me. I shall never forget it. COURT. On the 6th of Sept., court commenced, but our case did not come on till the 10th. There were three rea- sons for its delay. First : It took some time for the , Sheriff to hunt up men for Jurors. Second : Confident . of the weakness and injustice of their cause, they had . sent to St. Louis, for one Crockett, who was paid a large sum, by the voluntary contribution of individuals — and our trial must be delayed till he arrived. But the third, and perhaps most prominent reason was, they could not, ,; for a long time, find any indictment against us, for it had 66 A DIFFICULT CASE ON HAND. become universally acknowledged, by friends and foes, that we had broken no law of Missouri ! And what to do they knew not. To send us to the penitentiary they were determined, but the how puzzled them for a time. Said the States Attorney to a brother lawyer, *' I wish you would help me a little. I have a difficult case on hand. I can find no law on which to predicate an indictment against these men, and yet an indictment must be made out in some way !" Yes, but none but the distorted mind of the slaveholder could have devised the plan. For how is it possible to indict a man who is obedient to the law ? And, " Where no law is, there is no transgression" — divine authority for it. Said a lawyer to Esq. Glover, after he had made his plea for us, and was retiring from the court-house — *•'' Well G., you have made it perfectly dear, that these men have transgressed no law of the State." Said Wright in his speech — " If we have no law to inflict punishment upon these men — if we have over- looked this point in our legislations, let justice take its course — release them and send men to Jefferson who will enact a law, and thus guard against all future de- predations of the kind. At Jefferson only, can this defect be supplied." To our trial many of our friends from Quincy and vi- cinity came, with whom we had frequent interviews through the grates, while waiting from day to day for our case to come on. Those who could not come, wrote, assuring us of their sympathy and prayers. THE ABOLITION STAND. While waiting in daily expectation of our trial, I wrote the following on the bottom of the drawer to our stand, with my pencil, that after we had gone it might act as an Anti-Slavery lecturer where the living voice would not be heard. ADDRESS. " Wo to them who decree unrighteous decrees (such as slave laws), and establish iniquity by law," (such as ADDRESS TO THE STAND. (57 buying and selling men — parting wives and husbands, parents and ciiildren — causing men to work without wages, the hire of whom crieth unto the Lord for ven- geance). Ijet every one engaged in this system of hellish iniquity be afraid and tremble, for the judgments of heaven hang over tlieir guilty heads, and will quickly fall upon them unless they repent. ! man, " flee from the wrath to come." " Escape for your life." Ruin is nigh. " What thou doest, do quickly ;" — for unless you humble yourself before the eternal God, there is no heaven for you, but an awful, eternal hell. The slaves are God's poor. All their sufferings are noticed by Him — every stroke of the whip is recorded ■ — every groan counted — and every tear bottled up by their Maker, to be brought up against you at the solemn judgment. How will you answer? What will you say for yourself? You will be speechless. 1 pity the fate of a slaveholder. If there is a lo^ place in hell, an enlightened slaveholder will occupy that place. He will be cursed by men and devils. I pity the children of slaveholders. They are trained up for oppressors, upon whom God will pour the " black- ness of darkness" for ever and ever. I pity a patrol. This office is cruel, low, mean, and heart-hardening. Dear stand, — You have been very kind to us in our confinement. For your valuable services we are very thankful. As we are now about to leave you, we bid you farewell, and send you into the world a single-hand- ed abolitionist, to preach deliverance to the captive, to rebuke men for their sins, and warn them of their danger. Cry aloud to high and low, rich and poor — spare not. May you do much good and be protected. We com- mend you to the mercy of the people. May many of the oppressed be delivered by your means. I pray some eye may fall upon it, and that good may result by the blessing of the Lord. " How great a mat- ter a little fire kindleth." A DEVICE — THE RABBLE. TREATMENT OF OUR FRIENDS. Though many of our friends were present in Palmyra for nearly a week, yet, by the " good hand of God upon them," no one was injured. And wonderful, as it may seem, the large body of " dyed-in-the-wool," abolition- ists were generously entertained by the citizens. Mr. Muldrow, keeper of the Temperance house, invited Mrs. Work and other ladies to make his house their home during the trial. Mr. Wilcox, a tavern keeper, gave the use of a house, and fuel, to all who desired to occupy it. I rejoice that I am able to speak some good of those who desire our destruction. One of our witnesses, whose testimony was deemed very important, was pursued by a company, and very narrowly escaped with his liberty, at the risk of his life. By some means (perhaps by some Illinois traitor), it was ascertained that he was with James at the time the agreement was made to meet and ^elp the slaves. They had determined to take him, and »end him to Jefferson with us (merely for speaking to a slave) ! Their plan being known, by one who felt friendly, he was advised to stand on Illinois soil as soon as possible. He fled, and barely saved himself. 0n the night of the 9th, the rabble made considerable disturbance — collected a company of " certain lewd fellows of the baser sort," and marched round through the town singing, Imzzaing, and deriding our friends, till the Lord came upon them and smote one of their num- ber, making him groan and cry aloud, and thus they Svere dispersed. How easy for God to smite them all ! They made their boasts that if we were cleared, we ivould get a great flogging, before we could get out of town. How vain their threats ! " The Lord ii on my side. I will not fear what can man do unto me 7" Dear Savior, stand by me. THE CLOSET MOTHER. Said mother B., as she stood and talked with us through the grates, " If my John (who was dead), was there, I should feel that I could do more for him, by FEW WILLING TO SUFFER. 69 staying at home in my closet, than by going into court to testify for iiim !" This is an excellent spirit, it shows that she knows from whence help must come, and a con- fidence that she should not be turned empty away. Ah ! give me such to plead my cause — those who go to the fountain of help. Some seem to think we cannot be so happy here, as at liberty. I know of no two months in all my life, to which I expect to look with so much real pleasure, as to these. Sweet walls! sweet chain ! THE SLEEPING PREACHER AGAIN. To-day he had a long dream about delivering the slaves. As he fell asleep and dreamed in the day-time, we had a fair opportunity to observe all his motions, as well as hear his words — and a more amusing sight I never saw. Sometimes he would be in one position, levelling a cannon at the enemy ; then he would be riding on horseback, spurring and hastening with all speed, calling upon his troops to follow. Said he, with great energy, " Slavery shall be done away, or / will die." His whole soul seems to be bent on this one thing. This is his fixed determination — asleep and awake. ! that every abolitionist had his courage and perseverance. But how few are ready to die, or even suffer a little for the poor slave ! They are willing to avow themselves the friends of the des})ised, so long as they are surrounded by others who plead their cause ; but as soon as they find themselves among the enemies of the slave, they are still and afraid. Said Charles (in his dream) , " If no one will go with me, I'll go alone, in the strength of God, and shall pre- vail. The slave shall be free /" May all have this spirit as respects spiritual weapons, and go forward — single-handed if necessary — determined never to cease crying aloud, and using all their endeavors, till every chain is broken, or life is extinct. Lord ! gird up thy people for the work. Prepare me to go forth, and labor successfully for the downtrodden. 70 THE TRIAL. EXCITEMENT. During the two months we lay in jail previous to trial, our fame had spread far abroad — and the farther it extended, the more exaggerated and false the statement became ; so that great excitement prevailed over the country. The prejudices of the people were aroused against us, and great indignation was manifest on almost all countenances. When court time came, multitudes assembled from far and near. The old and young, black and white, rich and poor, all seemed enlisted — here a company and there a group — some staggering like a drunken man, others cursing and mocking. Some seemed very anxious to get into the jail, where they could lay hands on us ; but God restrained them. They evidently waited from day to day, with much im- patience, to see us brought forth, eager to get a view of such notorious disturbers of their peace. It would be a great wonder, if, in the midst of such a furious gang of wolves, a few feeble lambs (our friends), were not destroyed, if we did not call to mind the pro- mises. From these, we should have expected just such a wonderful deliverance. CHAPTER VII. TRIAL AND CONVICTION. On the day previous to our being brought forth, our at- torneys, Warren and Glover, came into the jail, and read to us our indictments. And I almost regret I have not a copy of them, for the reader — but it is best I should not have. They were strange things indeed, and would show very clearly, to what extremities slavery was driven, when obliged to resort to such measures for its support. The principle, by which they were governed, INDICTMENTS. 71 seemed to be, " If we have not rights we have might on our side, and go to the penitentiary they shall." In my journal, respecting it, I recorded, — " What the result will be I cannot tell, but it does appear as if, in making out their indictments, they lacked common sense. I can say with Paul, ' Neither can they prove the things whereof they now accuse us ;' unless they suborn wit- nesses (which a number did), and then I am sure they will have the worst of it." There were three indictments. The first took the broad ground, and charged us with stealing four or five negroes — being utterly false in many of its circum- stantial statements. The second charged us with an attempt to steal them. The third, with having formed a combination, intending to make an attempt to steal them — both the latter, as false and ridiculous in their statements, as the former. At first, our counsel thought ,of trying me alone on the latter indictment, as this was the lightest, and I was only an accessory in them all — but finally concluded there would be no manner of danger in taking us all together, on the first, feeling confident that justice could do nothing with us. We consented to be thus tried. " May our faith be greatly increased, and continue to increase, as we advance through the fiery ordeal. May we have His spirit, " who, when He was reviled, reviled not again — when he suffered. He threatened not, but committed Himself to Him who judgeth righteously." SHACKLES OFF. Sept. 10. JYoon. Truly they are many who are gath- ered together against us, to destroy us. What are loe, that we should attract so much notice ! A little before twelve o'clock, they came, and knocked off our fetters, with hammer and chisel. We were then led out to the gaze of hundreds, who, no doubt, expected to see some- thing very wonderful. They were a sight indeed ! Such running, and crowding, and stretching, and climb- ing — such eyes, and mouths, and expressions of wonder and amazement, we had not before seen ! ! what mad- 72 JURY CHOSEN. ness! What folly! What meanness! They seemed almost ready to devour us. Thus surrounded, we walked to the court house, each accompanied by a guard. la a few minutes, court ad- journed, and we returned to our palace, safe and sound. This is the first time, for more than fifiy-eight days, that I have taken a natural step. I feel like a bird out of its cage, now that we can walk about our room with free- dom. Evening. Have been before the court — house crowd- ed — windows, doors, stairs, &c., all full, while many could not find a place. After a long time the Jury was chosen, — all of whom, with one exception, had made up tjieir minds from previous rej>ort, and under oath, con- fessed themselves prejudiced aQmns,t us, but thought they could decide ai'cording to jnstice, which was, in their vie-'V, the Penitentiiiry. Such, reader, was the impar- tial jury , before whom we were tried ! WITNESSES, Against us, were three or four witnesses sworn »— and for us, about six. As Esq. B., an old man, whose head blossomed in white, came forward to be sworn in our beh;df, one of tlie rabble behind us, ex- claimed, " there goes the daddy of all Aboliinnisls." But though so many of our witnesses were sworn, when the testimony and confessions of those against us were heard, it was deemed wliolly unnecessary to occupy more time in the examination of our witnesses ; as the testi- mony of our enemies was considered abundantly suffi- cient to clear us from the indictment. Ir their first testimony, many things were stated, posi- tively false, and which the witnesses must have known to be so. For example, Wm. P, lirown testified that he heard Work and Burr tell the slaves that they liaU Bent off four negroes about four weeks ago — thiit they had sent off a good many negroes, who were all doing well, &c. 'I'he Devil could not have told a more abso- lute falsehood. Nothing of the kind was ever uttered by them. Two weeks previous to our arrest, we had KXAMINATION OF WITNESSES BROWn's TESTIMONY. 73 helped one on his way, and that was all. Again Brown said, when he presented his gun, Burr sprang, and said " Lord God !" and appeared to be ne-Av fifteen feet high ' Burr made no such expression. The '■''fifteen feef* is a sufficient comment on this testimony. Again, he swore, that when he came to the bant, 1 was paddling. I had my fishing pole in my hand, and was standing in the skiif, just ready to draw my captive from the watery element, when he approached and threat- ened to shoot me. Again, he swore it w^as dark, there being a fog, so that he could not see a man at any dis- tance. The^ac^ is, it was a very bright night, and the moon was shedding her silvery rays most beautifully upon the earth. And many other statements, which I will not mention, were just as false — statements respect- ing what we said — what slaves said, &c. When cross examined by our counsel, he ^aid, " I told Paris, Allen, and Prince (slaves), that there were some men from Illinois, who wished to assist them in getting their freedom, and that if they wished to go, they had my per- mission to go with them, ! They said they did not wish their freedom. I told them to go with Anthony, (a slave) — and where he was going — and that if they saw any man who wished to aid them in getting their freedom, that they had my permission to go with them ! That I would meet them before they got to the River. I (lid dot direct Anthony to go, but I knew he was going. I did not know that John went, but John was present, when he told all his boys, that they might go, if they de- sired. We gave the negroes five dollars apiece, for their conduct, and some more money was made up for them in Palmyra afterwards. I gave these directions to my negroes, at my home, in the yard, before they went. I told them to go where Anthony had appointed to meet them — the prisoners — at the river, I told Allen to go, and get hold of the skiff, and hold it. I also stated to Wiseman, the directions I had given to my negroes. I don't know that the prisoners had ever seen the negroes before, nor do I know that any agreement had been 'nade to meet the negroes. I never had any communi- 4 74 NEGRO TESTIMONY LUGGED IN. cation directly or indirectly, with the prisoners, prior to the time I took them. I had no control over Woolfblk's negro. Woolfolk was not at home. I do not know that John heard me, when I said that as many as wished to go had my permission, but he was present in the yard and heard me." Reader, what think you of sending men to Penitentia ry for twelve years on such testimony 1 It needs no comment. Mr, Quinn was examined. Among other things he stated that he saw Burr two weeks before our arrest, in Boulman's field, where he was at work. When he lelt he did not go in the precise direction given to him, he did not go in any road.'^ Cross examined. He said, " Burr did not speak to the negroes, and there was no road, to go in the direction my uncle gave him. He was in the Jield, and there ivas no road /" Reader, you may consider this as a specimen of the circumstantial evidence brought against us. Look at it. Because, perchance. Burr did not go in the precise course he was directed ; because, in a field where there was no road he varied a little to the south, what is the conclu- sion 1 Why, that he wanted to steal the slaves ! Another thing. When the witnesses were cross ex- amined, our counsel were particular to enquire from tcAencethey derived their information (on many points). They were obliged to confess, '■'•from the slaves .'" By the laws of Missouri, a black man's testimony against a white man, is of no avail, and yet here, they were lug- ging in testimony after testimony, as if they saw or heardthe things themselves, when, lo ! " My negroes told me," so and so. Crockett, the St. Louis lawyer, saw that the most of the testimony of the witnesses was likely to be shown to be but the mere say-so of the negroes, and he remon- strated strongly against our counsel asking such ques- tions. Mr. Boulraan, an old man, tottering on the brink of the grave, was examined, but what he said, mere ly made sport, and a roar of laughter in the assem SPEECH OF GLOVER. 75 bly — and I deem it not necessary to fill my pages with trifling nonsense. For want of room, I am obliged to omit much I otherwise should desire to lay before the public. Sept. 11. Last night as we were talking together, one above cried out, " Shut your mouths there below, and go to sleep." They had been playing cards and ca- rousing, so that we could scarcely sleep at all, and then because we could not sleep on account of their noise, and were passing the time in conversation, their hearts were so filled with spite and envy, that they grudged us even that happiness. 0, what a spirit. But such worketh slavery. THE PLEADING. The States Attorney [Abernethy], made a short speech, venting out his hatred to abolitionists — classed them with Mormons, yea, with the notorious land pi- rates, John A. Murrell's gang, holding us up as terrible creatures, and making appeals, to excite the prejudice and hatred of the multitude, who were already so charged therewith, that they could scarcely contain themselves. In his speech he compared the slaves to sheep, and liberty to salt ; — said that enticing away the slave by spreading the offer of liberty before him, was just as really larceny, as tolling away a man's flock of sheep by salt. Glover followed him with a clear, forcible, and argu- mentative speech, showing by various illustrations that what we did could not, in any sense of the word, be called larceny. His illustrations and references I cannot call to mind. He made some thrilling appeals to the jury with regard to the importance of justice — beautiful- ly introduced the case of Aristides — referred to the house in which we were assembled as being called a house of justice, &c. — acknowledged that the rights of the peo- ple had been invaded — ^but there was no law forbidding it, and consequently they must patiently and nobly bear the WTong, till legal steps could be taken to prevent such thinofs. 76 SPEECHES OF ANDERSON AND WARREN. He made the case very plain ; but their hearts were so filled with deep-rooted prejudices, and their minds so blinded to everything that does not uphold slavery, the jury appeared to see no force in his reasoning. Anderson followed Glover. He volunteered his ser- vices, and talked very wickedly. His whole speech was merely a wild, boisterous harangue against Aboli- tionism and Mormonism (classing us with the Mormons), appealing with great spirit to the malice and prejudice of the jury and crowded assembly present, that he might make our punishment more sure. He fought hard against God, against his truth, his poor and his ' little ones' — against righteousness and all reason, mercy, jus- tice and humanity. Tt distressed my soul exceedingly to hear a professor of religion (I was informed he was such), talk thus ; and I could, at the time, but raise my heart to God in his behalf. ! that his eyes may be opened. . Once (as I am informed) he professed to be a warm friend of Dr. Nelson and of the poor slave — but he has laid aside such feelings, and, as his own slave testifies, is now worse than ever — more oppressive to the slaves, and more bitter against those who plead their cause. He plead strongly for slavery — made exciting appeals, and seemed to desire ardently our long impri- sonment. Shall we meet him in heaven? How will he look upon us and sing with us there ? Unless his feelings change from those expressed, he could not be happy with us. The Lord will make it all right. Alanson and myself wrote him a very plain letter, which he publishetl, to increase the prejudice against us, and augment our suffering. Warren next made a lucid speech — showing clearly, by a variety of familiar illustrations, that what we did, could not be called larceny. He was an Illinoisian, and much prejudice prevailed against him in Palmyra, many supposing him to be an abolitionist. Yet he plead boldly. That his arguments might liave more force, or to secure his own safety, he told them — "• I have never yet passed for an abolitionist on either side of the river." SPEECH OF WRIGHT. 77 Whether he was an abolitionist, I cannot say — but this much I can say for him — he and Moses Hunter were the first of our friends whom we saw after our confine- ment. They both prayed with us in the jail ; and there, in the presence of the jailer, guard, &c., he prayed for the " oppressed" as not one half of the abolitionists would dare to. Wright followed, making the closing speech in our behalf. He was quite lengthy but not tedious. He took up the statute, and, from standard authors (so re- ceived on all other points even in slave states), demon- strated to every unprejudiced mind, that upon no possi- ble principle of legal interpretation, could our conduct be called larceny — that there was no law whatever in Missouri touching our case. He took up the facts, and showed that we had no in- tention to convert said property to our own use — had no self-interest in the matter, but desired only the benefit of the slave. In every point of view, from legal rules, le- gal principles and examples, he in numerous ways brought out the same truth. Said he — " I appear before you as a friend to our in- stitutions — as a citizen of the State, and as a slaveholder^ but also a defender of justice. I believe those men were honest in their intentions, and really desired to benefit the slave. I have no doubt that they think them- selves persecuted, and, should ihey go to the peniten- tiary, will feel that they are martyrs, and that their crown will shine briohter, and their sonof rise higher on account of w'hat they now suffer. I despise an aboli- tionist, and their conduct too, but I plead that there is no law to hit the case, and therefore they should not be punished. Our only way is to send men to Jefferson who shall make provision for the future.* Let justice take *The following' law was passed and approved by the Governor more than three years after we were confined in the Penitentiary. " It' any person shall forge for any slave a free pass, or place in the possession of any slave any paper or thing whatever, by which such slave may the more readily escape from his master, — and any person who may abduct or entice, or attempt to abduct or entice any slave away from his master, such person shall, for every such oifence, be subject to 78 THE GREAT LEVER. its course," &c. He plead nobly, though he was a slaveholder. None but those who were determined not to see could help seeing the truth, as thus spread before them in meridian brghtness. He showed that the slaves were so far from being in our possession, and under our control, that we were in their possession, and that they were in the possession of their masters, acting according to their commands, and under their control — and instead of our stealing them, that they stole us. It was now evening. After an intermission of half an hour, we again assembled, and Crockett made a display of his ingenuity in evading argument, blinding men's eyes, and causing justice to fall in the streets. His speech pleased the rabble very much, but was not in ac- cordance with the laic. For the information of the reader, I will mention the great lever by which he overturned, in the minds of the jury, all that had been brought forward from standard authorities, by our counsel. From a great many refer- ences, they had shown what was,, and what was not lar- ceny — and that the present case could not from any definition, or principle, or example, be construed into larceny. But a very easy way to get round all this, had Crockett, by simply saying that " England had no slave property, consequently all these examples that have been brought forward, have no application to this species oi property, and are wholly irrelevant ! ! !" Amazing ! what a discovery ! Where is the school-boy that does not know that England did have such kind of property, when the laws were m.ade ? And yet, this palpable absurdity was swallowed by the mass, as an unanswerable argument. His speech continued till near midnight, on Saturday; we then returned to our habitation, to spend the Sabbath. an incfictmcnt in any court in the Slate having criminal jurisdiction, and, on conviction thereof, shall be confined in the Penitentiary ot' the State for a term of years not less than five nor more than ten."'^Sec. vii. Reader, the above is a true copy from the State Records, signed by the Speaker of the House, President of the Senate, Secretary and Governor of the State of Missouri. March 27, 1845. And we were locked in the Penitentiary, Oct. 3, \Q\{. Judge whether we were transgressors oi *ieir laws. DESTINY UNCERTAIN YET NOT ANXIOUS. 79 JOURNAL. Sept. 12. After the scenes of the past week, the care, anxiety, and suspense in which we have been held — surrounded by gazing crowds, who poured their ana- themas upon us, and thirsted for our blood, how delight- ful to be again enclosed in our room from the multitudes ! Yea, how sweet to meet another Sabbath, when we can draw near, and pour out our hearts into the bosom of our Savior. Though we are yet in suspense, it is good to have this day, to study our bibles and pray. The result is yet uncertain. It is now in the hands of the judge and jury, and they are in the hands of God — and lam sure He will lead to that decision which will most advance the cause of liberty and truth. Feeling this, and desiring only the advancement of that cause, why should one anxious thought possess my bosom ? They say they must punish us, to deter others from the like, and put a stop to such proceedings — but how vain ! Why cannot they see that the more they ])unish, the worse it will be for them 1 For they will only increase the number of " these vile fiends," an hundred fold ! Well, if Jesus be with me, I can bear the reproaches and insults of man. Confinement will be liberty ; the prison, a palace ; stripes, sweet-oil ; hard labor, rest ; separation from friends, tolerable ; and death, in forms frightful, will be glorious. In ourselves, in our friends, in our lawyers, in man, there is no help ; " our help is in the name of the Lord." *' Man's extremity is God's opportunity." SENTENCE. Sept. 13. Monday morning, we again went before the court. After the different instructions were given to the judge, and he had charged the jury, that we were guilty^ &c., they retired a short time, and returned with a verdict of " Guilty, and twelve years in the fcnitentiary.''^ Clap- ping of hands, and shouts of " good, good," filled the house. Though they had so strongly declared they would hang us, if we were sentenced for less than twenty m INTENDED MURDER, years, they appeared to be satisfied, when this sentence was pronounced. " There," said one, " we've got cleaj of mobbing them !" OUR GALLOWS. So general was the expectation, that they could do nothing with us, by law, that a mob had been organized, who had erected our gallows, provided ropes, blacked their faces, and were ready to take us at a moment's notice, in case we were acquitted, and hang us on the spot! Reader, do ydu believe this? It cannot be doubted. I have abundant testimony, printed, oral, and optical. On this point I shall let the Missourians speak for themselves. Yes, there were twenty men, at Palmyra and Hannibal, who, in the sight of God, were (and if living are), guilty of our murder ! They are murderers in the light of God^s law, and as such, they will be tried and condemned at the great tribunal, unless, before that time, they make their peace with the Judge. We pity them, we pray for them — " Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do." BILL OF EXCEPTIONS FROM THE COURT RECORDS. ♦' And this being all the evidence in the cause, the counsel for the prisoners ask the court to instiuct the jury as follows : " That before they can find the defendants guilty, they must, from the evidence in the cause (and from no other source), find the follow- ing facts : "1. That the defendants had possession of the slaves. And, to eonstitute a possession in them, of said slaves, the jury must frons the evidence in the cause, find that the defendants exercised autho- rity to restrain the movements of the slaves, or (the slaves being present), claimed the right of control, dominion, or authority over the will of said slaves. " That if they find that the defendants were so possessed of said slaves, the jury must also find, from the evklence in the cause, that at the time of becoming so possessed of said slaves, it was the intention of said defendants, to convert the property in said slaves to their own use. If on the contrary the jury shall find from the evidence in the cause, that the defendants were in the control of said slaves or in the power of said slaves, or that when the defend- Vi\s and slaves met and wi^ile ♦,hey remained together, the defend- INSTRUCTIONS. Si ants claimed no authority over said slaves, nor exercised any, but met the slaves on equal looting, as free men, they ought to find the defendants not guilty "They ask the court further to instruct the jury, that whether Anthony met the defendants, with or without the consent of his master, still, to constitute a taking of said slave, by the defendants, the said slave must have been in the possession of said defendants, as before explained — and that even such possession. cannot author- ize the jury to find defendants guilty of larceny unless the jury can also find from the evidence in the cause, that at tiie time defendants had the intention to convert the projjerty in said slaves, to their own use. That a conversion to the use of said defendants cannot be made out, by merely showing that the defendants were willing and desirous to give aid and assistance to said slave or slaves in crossing the Mississijipi river, and in pursuing their journey to Canada, but that there must be an intention to sell, or hire, or retain said slaves for their service, or otherwise to exercise acts of ownership over said slaves." The record proceeds — " Wliich instructions the court refused, and instructed the jury that the agreement to meet the slaves for the purpose of aiding them in ob- taining their freedom, and their meeting under that agreement constituted a taking ! To which opinion of the court, in refusing to grant the instruction asked by the counsel, for the prisoners, and deciding that the agreement to meet the shives, constituted a taking, the defendants except." The attorney for the State moved the court for the following instructions : State of Missouri, against George Thompson, James Burr, and Alanson Work, for larceny. The said State, by her attorney moves the court to instruct the jury : 1. That if they believe from the evidence in this cause, that James Burr and Alanson Work (/;(/ steal, take, and carry away the slaves, as charged in the indictment, or any one of them, and George Thompson was in any way aiding or abetting as charged in the in- dictment, then they must find them all guilty, as charged in the eecond count of said indictment. 2. That if they, the defendants, Burr and Work had the slaves, or anyone of them under their control or government, and while so, caused the said slaves to take one step, then the taking and carrying away was completed. 3. That if the defendants fraudulently intended to deprive the owners of said slaves, of th« projierty and labor of said slaves, and to confer the same on them (the slaves), the defendants 4* Indictment for larceny. 82 REl ^£.D A NE\V HEARING. oT any third person or persons, oilier than the gaid owners, that IS sufficient to make the stealing, taking and carrying away, larceny. That if the jury believed there m'«.s a taking, it is no difference whether the taking was effected by physical, or moral force, if the force was sufficient to effect the object intended. 5. (Erased). 6. That if the jury find from the evidence in this cause, that the defendants, James Burr and Alanson Work attempted to steal, take, and carry away tiie slaves, or any one of them as charged in the indictment,* and that George Thompson aided or abetted in such attempt, but failed in executing said atteiniit, then they must find them, Bair and Work, guilty of said attemj)!, and George Thomp- son guilty as accessory before the fact of said attempt," — which (in- struction) was given by the court. To which opinion of the court in giving the said instructions for the State, the defendants by their counsel also excepted. After verdict, the defendants moved in writing for a new trial as follows. State, Burr, Work, and Thompson, \ °^ ^^^^^^ The defendants by their counsel, move the court for a new trial. 1. Because the cou.t refused proper instructions asked by the de- fendants. 2. Because the couit gave improper instructions on behalf of th« plaintifT. 3. Because the verdict \s against cvidenc*;. 4. I^ecause it is against law. 5. Because the punishment i» excessive. Glover and Wright, for def'ts. Which motion the court also overruled, and the defend- ants excepted to the opinion of the court in overruling said motion. The defendants then moved in writing to arrest the judgment in the case, as follows : Statjj:, ) vs. > Indictment. Burr, Work, and Thompson, ) The defendants move the court to arrest the judgment in the above cause. 1. Because \he declaration is bad. 2. Because the judgment is for the wrong party. Glovkr and Wright, for def'is. But the court also overruled said motion, and defendants e.Ycepted, ♦ This is wholly gratuitous and false, for there was no such charge in the indiclment by wr.it h we were tried — the charge was broad stealino — the altctnjit to stcai v;as a separate indictment altugellier. APPEAL TO THE SUPREME COURT REFUSED. 83 and prayed that their several exceptions to the opinions and deci- sions of the court as aforesaid, might be signed and sealed, and made part of the record in the cause. This is done accordingly. j,^^^ ( P. H. McBride, Judgf * ^" \ r. RucKER, Clerk. (A copy.) From the foregoing, the reader will get a pretty good idea of the circumstances in the case, as also of the Hagrant injustice we suffered. The exceptions and in- structions of our counsel were contemned, and utterly rejected — our appeal for a new hearing refused, and every motion in our favor vetoed by the judge. We remained in jail until the 17th, when we went out to receive our sentence from the Judge. After hearing it, we appealed to the Supreme Court of Missouri — and obtained a respite of two weeks, while our counsel could go to St. Louis, where the court was sitting — but the Supreme Judge utterly refused to have anything to do with it, and would not allow the appeal. Thus our twelve years stared us fairly in the face ; but by the grace of God, we were enabled to meet them undaunted and unmoved. Let me here remark (what the reader must have ob- served), that it was evident through the whole of our trial and imprisonment, we were not looked upon nor considered as common State felons, but as abolitionists. It was contended by no one that we intended to steal the slaves in the common acceptation of that term. Every body acknowledged us as " true blue^' abolitionists, who desired only the good of the slave. NOVEL DECISION. During the course of the tiial, it was contended and decided, that a man on the East bank of the Mississippi river, might steal another on the West bank ! It was not necessary that he should even see, or speak w^ith the slave ', if, by any means, by moral suasion, letter, or signs, he helps a slave to freedom, who had of his own accord run away from his master, he is guiltv of grand larceny ! If a man in Quincy lets it be known 84 STEALING SLAVES WITH SALT. that he will help slaves on their way, after they have crossed the river — and this information spreads among the slaves, so that hundreds take shelter under his roof ; what is the decision of a court of justice in Missouri? Why, that he stole them all, though he may never have seen one of them till they called at his door for help. Nay more. If he only sends word into Missouri to one slave, and that slave spreads the news to others, that in Quincy are friends who will help them — as many as will come — they come — others help them on their way — he sees or speaks to none of them — what is the deci- sion in Missouri, by lawyers, judges, and juries ] Why he STOLE them all! How? pray. "Why he placed the SALT before them!" " Salt ! salt !— Sheep ! Sheep !" is the great hue and cry, for an illustration on this subject. Hereafter, reader, you shall have more as novel deci- sions as this, by Missouri courts of justice. OUR MURDERERS AGAIN. As this subject is in close connexion with our trial, I will close this chapter with testimony on the point. A man writing from Palmyra says, " There is a deterrnina lion on the part of tlie citizens, should they be cleared, in consequence of any flav/ or technicality in the law, not to let them go unpunished. " This, T think you may put down as a settled point — and I am of the opinion that it would be far better for the prisoners to be sent to the penitentiary, than to be turned loose here — for there is no telling what scenes might be enacted. On one day I heard the above senti- ment expressed on several occasions by as respectable gentlemen as there are in the county. Suppose, sir, that those men had been cleared, could not every man in this community have done the same with impunity ? Most assur(:dly, and I repeat it — I should deeply deplore to see these men loose, in Palmyra, for there is no tell ing what scenes might be enacted." I am thankful 1 can inform the public " what scenes" would have been " enacted" had we been cleared. OUR MURDERERS — TESTIMONY. 85 Rev. Wm. Beardsley, writing for the Oberlin Evan- gelist, says, " We have been assured by respectable people in Missouri, that there were many at the court, prepared 8nd fully determined, in case they were not convicted, to assassinate them on the spot." A minister, at the time he wrote, living at St. Louis, and acquainted in Palmyra, handed us, in the Peniten- tiary, a letter (hereafter to be introduced) in which he says, " I believe the Lord overruled the affair for the preserving of your lives — for had you been acquitted, you all would have certainly been murdered ! The in- furiated mob, with their faces all blacked, had prepared the gallows, and even the ropes for your execution! 0! tell it not in Gath — publish it not in the streets of Aske- lon! After we had been in the Penitentiary, nearly four years, a man who at the time of our trial (I believe he was present) lived in the adjoining county, said to us, " To your trial, twenty men came from Hannibal pre- pared to hang you in case of an acquittal. When the sentence was announced, ^ magistrate Sdi\(\io his fellow, " There we've got clear of mobbing them !" Reader, turn back and read their repeated threats, their oaths and curses, and then judge if I speak falsely. " Lord, lay not this sin to their charge." CHAPTER VIIL JOURNAL AND LETTERS. TWELVE YEARS IN THE PENITENTIARY. Sejit. 13. " Father, not as I will, but as thou wilt.** Glorify thy name." If that is the field of labor for me — if most for my good— if best for ray friends — if the cause of Christ n\. the monster needs none of these objections and excuses. He corner, and with re- lentless grasp lays his cold hand upon them — AWFUL COMMINGLING OF GROANS. 183 " Pursues them close, thro' every lane of life ; Nor misses once tiie track ; but ])resses on, Till, forc'd at last to the tremendous verge, At once they sink ****** r> During the day, James went in to see hira. Another prisoner, a physician, was standing by. The sick man looked on them and said, " one a physician of the body ; the other, of the soul." That night, James and myself sat up with him. I asked, is Jesus near? " J hope so." Is he precious? "Yes" Are you willing to die? " Yes ; but I would like to see my wife and child." He then gave me a message to send to his wife, which I gave to Pope Gorden. Capt. Burch had just been to see him — left and went to the guard room ; called out a number of prisoners; and while the long, mournful groans of the dying man were ringing through the hollow-sounding hall, at the same time, were mingled with them the noise of the strap and paddle joined to the shrieks and cries for mercy, of another fellow-pri- soner, beneath the torture ! ! ! it was an awful mingling of strange and discord- ant sounds ! But such is the hardening influence of slavery, slave- ry, SLAVERY ! The poor man died at half past nine. We laid him out, and staid with him the rest of the night, busying ourselves in reading. The death of this man caused some solemnity among the officers, for they thought much of him. It was also a loud call to Alanson, as he was taken from his side, and from before his face. The whole business of chair-making now devolved on Alanson, bringing with it a weight of responsibility and care. It also brought him more into notice, and afford- ed him more frequent opportunities of speaking a word for the honor of his Master. EXPERIENCE MEETING. Jfov. 6. After shaving, the usual three were locked up with us to study the Bible, sing and pray. We then ^84 CRIME AND EXPERIENCE OF W. O. had an experience-telling exercise, which was very in- teresting and profitable, as it made us better acquainted with each other's souls. W. G., before he committed the crime for which he came here, had been anxious for his soul, and felt the importance of being a genuine Christian. But a neigh- bor of his had threatened his life, and was watching for an opportunity to shoot him ; so that he was in constant fear, day and night. He was much agitated. He felt he was not in a proper state of mind to repent, as he would be liable to be influenced only by fear ; and his mind was so confused he could not bring it to bear upon the subject long enough to accomplish the work. He was in great distress lest he should be killed and go to hell. And under this excited state of mind he was influenced to take the life of his enemy, not because he hated the man, nor because the man had injured him, nor merely to save his own life, but that he might have an opportu- nity to repent of his sins in a proper frame of mind ! He felt that the act was very wrong, but felt impelled to do it, rather than be killed himself and go to hell. He was apprehended and put in prison to await trial. As he wa^ on his way to the jail, he yielded his heart to God, while riding along the road ; light and peace broke in upon his mind, and he was happy.* Everything ap- peared new ; he felt himself a ?ieiv man, but was doubt- ful whether this was religion. (For the man was very ignorant, and learned to read in jail.) He talked with one of the guard, who was a baptist professor, who told him his experience, and began to speak of his hope. This was too dry for the new-born soul ; he broke out, " My religion is better than that ; it is stronger than a hope ; I feel that I have it in possession.^^ In jail, he read his Bible from morning till night, with much prayer, and was filled with joy and peace unutter- able. Then he could look at death and rejoice. He was • It should be understood, tliat some considerable time elapsed after the commission of tho crime, before his arrest. A QUESTION. 185 tried, and sentenced to be hung ; the day of execution came ; his funeral sermon was preached on the gallows- stand ; the sheriff showed him liis watch and said, " You have six minutes, sir, to live." During all this, his mind remained calm and unruffled ; " none of these things moved him ;*' his wife and children he had com- mitted to God ; himself, resigned to his will, he felt ready and longed " to depart and be with Christ." But before the time had expired, a reprieve from the Gover- nor came, saving his life, and sentencing him for ten years to the penitentiary. Said he, " When the reprieve was read to me, I felt really disappointed. I felt that it would be better to die, than suffer the imprisonment." He seems to be fast ripening, either for some station of usefulness, or for heaven. He is willing to do anything for his Master. There dwells within him a warm heart — a choice spirit — a noble soul. In the afternoon we had preaching — after which, I again requested the minister to administer the Lord's supper, not only to us, but to the other two brethren.* He acknowledged the propriety of the thing, and pro- mised to consult with the wardens, but we heard no more of it. I continued to administer the ordinance myself to the brethren. CHAPTER VI. PRISON SCENES— VISITS— REFLECTIONS, ETC. THE STRONGEST TEXT. November 12th was quite cold. W. G. had come to our cell as usual. Our clothing being thin, our blankets few, and our bed broad, we all crowded therein, with our heads raised so that we could read, and thus we studied * See note on pp. 147, 148. 186 THE BRETHREN, CAPT. B>, AND A SENATOR. the Bible, fed the lamb, and strengthened each oth^r. While we were engaged in this mann(:r, Capt. Burch and a Senator came into the cell. I arose, but the others clung to their warm nest. Capt. B. began — " G., what is their strongest text to support their doctrine ?" — (abo- lition.) G. not comprehending his meaning, and being confused, we replied, we do not teach any particular doctrine, except that a man repent of his sins, and love God. We can fellowship all who give evidence of be- ing Christians. "But how will you judge 1" By the Bible, sir. " But the Universalists and others take the Bible." Yes, but " by their fruits shall ye know them." Capt. B. still wished to enquire of G. about the doctrine we taught. We said, we have not attempted to instil abolition into the mind of G., as that subject is not allowed here. He replied, " But placed as you are here, you can't help talking — and having so good an opportu- nity, you must converse on the subject. I know that the prisoners talk ; I know that I give rules which are not kept fifteen minutes, and I don't expect they will be Kept when I give them." But we have the fear of God before our eyes, said James. ''And so do I have the fear of God before me," replied the scorched and fiery drunkard. 'J'hen turning to the Senator, he said, " Their doctrine is a reasonable one — that 'all men are born free and equal.' I agree with them in the theory, but when it comes to the practice of it, I can't go with them." The Senator asked, " Is there no way for the men to keep warm on the Sabbath?" " No other than that you see," said Capt. B , pointing to those in the bed. JYov. 30. Mr. Slocumb, a Presbyterian minister, and Hinton, a Ba})tist, came to talk with us. They were very friendly, gave cheering consolation, and argued the subject of abolition. They said to me — " You are a professor of religion I suppose?" Yes, sir. "You think you enjoy yourself here ?" I know I do — 'I am contented and happy. The next Sabbath, Mr. S. preached for us ; and then, for the first time, all the prisoners were assembled in one room — the carpenter's shop. A Methodist minister, can't go the practice. 18*7 from town, came with him ; and after preaching, they both, with Pope G., came to our cell. MESSRS. SLOCUMB AND CHANDLER. Mr. S. made many inquiries about us — names, resi- dence, sentence, &c. Said he, " It is hard, is it not?'* No sir, it is good to be here, I replied. Alanson said, it is not pleasant to the flesh, but the confidence that it "will work for good makes us happy. He was very anxious to try and do something " to bring us out of this tolace ;" and as the giving up of our principles seemed to he the pivot on which our deliverance turned, he was anxious to convince us of our error, as he called it, and bring us to look at the subject in its true light. " For, until you can see and say that you have done wrong, and will do so no more, I feel that all I can do for you here, with this people will be of little avail." Accordingly "they tried their reasoning faculties, to convince us that what we did was legally and morally wrong, bringing the old illustrations of the sheep, horse, salt, &c. The same kind of strange infatuation, and blind, mock rea- soning, we had heard so often, that it was disgusting to us. We told them plainly, that we could conceive of no such thing as the slave being comparable to a horse *— that we could not admit the principle of property in inan. We contended, " The slave is a ?nan, and as such has an indisputable right to himself, to his earnings, and to his liberty (unless forfeited by crime), and it is but just and right to use any lawful means to aid him in ob- taining that of which he has been so unjustly and inhu- manly deprived." Mr. S. confessed that if he was in a free state, and a slave should ask his assistance, he would help him — not as a slave, but as he would any other ta.'a.'A. Said he, " I would ask no questions — I would not stop him." Mr. Chandler said, " We will allow our fibolition friends to go thus far — they may help them after they get into a free state. They need not stop nor return them, but assist them if they choose." He also acknowledged, " We ought to obey God rather than man"— that where human laws clashed with the divine, 188 WHEN YOU MAY ASSIST SLAVES. we ought to refuse allegiance to the former, even unto death. And again, he said, " I see no reason why the whites should not be slaves, as well as the blacks." REFLECTIONS. They both contended that it would be larceny to de- prive the owner of his slave, whether by enticing, threatening, forcing, or any other way, while he is in a slave state ; but that it would be just and right to help him after he had escaped ! What logic ! How perfect- ly does slavery blind the eyes and pervert the mind and reason of those under its influence ! According to their doctrine, one man may help a slave across the river ; another may take him to Canada. The former is guilty of grand larceny, the latter "has done that which is just and right." The very men who charge us with breaking the laws of God and man, in our attempt to aid a poor slave, on one side of the river, say they would help him, if he was on the other side ! If a man comes into Missouri, and steals a horse — takes him into a free state, and delivers him up to ano- ther, the latter is not justified, but considered just as guilty as the former. But according to the reasoning of Missouri moralists, he should be fully acquitted. The slave is property — the horse is property ; both are taken from Missouri to a free State, and delivered up to ano- ther — parallel cases. But here they are not so fond of their horse illustrations. They are unwilling to carry out their principles. The man who helps away the property of another, after his comrade has brought it across the river is accessory to the crime, and as guilty as the principal — so pronounced by the laws of God and man. Now mark — if the slave is property while west of the Mississippi river, he is when east of it; for cer- tainly the bare crossing a river cannot change a chattel into a man — cannot deprive of legal ownership — cannot destroy the right to recover that which has escaped ; and if it is property, whether horse or slave, that has crossed into a free State, then to assist that property in THE SLAVE NOT PROPERTY. 189 escaping from its owner — to prevent his recovering what is legally his own, is evidently wrong. But slavehold- ers tell us we may help the slaves, after they get into a free state — we may assist them in their struggles for "liberty and the pursuit of happiness." So said Gov. Reynolds, so say the clergymen of Missouri, and so say we. And when they have granted this, they have virtually said what we affirmed, that the slave is not pro- perty. As I said one day to Dr. Moore, so long as the slave is possessed of a rational mind — an immortal soul, it is out of the power of any or all human legislation, to change him into a piece of property. Rob him of these grand distinctions, and his body may be made a chattel, but not till then. After all the legislation, he is still a man ; and the laws of sympathy, of kindness, of huma- nity, and of God, are as binding upon us respecting him in his low, suffering condition, as in reference to any other man in afflictive circumstances. In view of the foregoing, then, our enemies themselves being Judges, when brought to the bar of reason, it is right to help the slave in a free state — thereby depriving them of what they call property — but which has been shown from their own concessions, not to be property — other- wise it would be wrong to deprive them of it. GIVING UP OUR PRINCIPLES. Itec. 18. Mr. Slocumb again preached for us, and came again to our cell for further conversation. He said he had talked with the Governor about us, who thought we might do mueh good if we would correspond with our friends, and entreat them to desist from their exciting work. " If this can be stopped, and you are willing to use your influence to accomplish the work, then he (the Governor), may do something for you. But if you persist in your course, and maintain your princi- ples, you will have to stay your whole time out. You could have much influence with your friends, if you would only give up, make it known to them, and beg them to refrain and be quiet. You suffer on account of 190 SWEETER THAN LIBERTY. what they do, and you will have to stay your whole twelve years, unless your friends stop." How clear that it is not felony, but doctrine, that locks the doors upon us. If we are willing to renounce our principles, and manifest the sincerity of our abjuration, by persuad- ing our friends to do the same, or to hold their peace, and not speak against slavery, then the Governor will begin to think about letting us go ! There is a something sweeter to us than liberty— namely, a clear conscience and our principles respecting " hu- man rights." Liberty ! It is but trash ^^hen put up as a price for the renunciation of those great principles, founded on that immoveable basis — the word of God. Yes, when we deem them too dear to be bought or bribed aw^ay from us by life, even much less by what is called liberty ! THE LEGISLATORS. During the sitting of the legislature, we were ofter. visited by crowds of the members, who would inquire, dodge, and look, to get a view of the abolitionists, and then gaze and stare, more like idiots than statesmen ! On the 25th of December (Sabbath), four of them came to our cell to " gratify their curiosity," and learn our principles respecting helping the poor. They inquired how we felt about the deed which brought us here. We answered, " We feel that we acted imprudently, but that we did not sin." They con- fessed that slavery was wrong ; " But how shall we do 1 Our legislative bodies know not what course to adopt." Said I, " send your statesmen to me, I can tell them what to do, very quick." " Well, here are four . egisla-^ tors, you can tell us." " Why just stop doing wrong* Abolish your wicked oppressive laws, and at once enact those which are just and righteous. Just take yaur foot otF the neck of the slave and let him get up ; and no longer rob, spoil, whip, and oppress him." " O ! if we do that, they will cut their masters' throats, and raise insurrections 1" Sirs, which is most calculated to exasperate them to PREACHING ANTI-SLAVERY. 191 such desperation, robbing them of everything that is dear in life, and acting the part of a cruel tyrant towards them — or paying them for their work, and treating them kind- ly ? If they do not rise up and cut your throats when you are heaping all manner of abuse and outrage upon them, is it at all according to reason, observation, or good sense, that they will be thus enraged because you come to them in the spirit of kindness, and say, " I have been treating you wrongfully ; I am sorry for it, I will do so no more. You are all free men ; and now if you will work for me, I will pay you your wages." Is it the na- ture of kindness to provoke? They could not get over it. I appealed to the Bible in support of my positions. He replied, " I do not pretend to be a religious man, who takes the Bible for his guide." Suffice it to say, we gave them a compendium of abolitionism, which was not very palatable. And we rejoiced in having the privilege of lecturing boldly in the centre of Mis- souri. Here we may preach the strongest anti-slavery to ministers and statesmen, and no man dare lay his hands on us. Here we can pray and " cry aloud," with no fear of molestation! Behold the wisdom of God. RENUNCIATION AGAIN. While pursuing our avocations, we were all three called for to go to the guard room, where we found Mr. Slocumb and James Gallaher waiting for an interview with us. Mr. S. was very anxious to induce us to con- cede, so far as to secure executive clemency, in our be- half, as also Mr. G. Mr. S. " Can you not feel and say that you have done wrong — that your views were mistaken and un- sound? How far can you, in conscience, renounce them? I may secure the influence and talent of the Legislators in your favor. If you continue to persist, and refuse to yield and confess publicly, there is NO HOPE of doing anything for you. Petitions will be of no avail, and all that I or any other man can say w 19i, KENUNCIATION. your behalf will be in vain so long as you remain inflexi- ble on this subject. I have talked with the members respecting your case; and the other evening I met a large room full of them, to whom I mentioned the subject of your deliverance. Those who were from the interior and back parts of the state, who had heard and felt but little of the excitement, would con ver.-e with calmness, and reason upon the sub- ject ; but those from the eastern borders would take fire in an instant at the mention of the thing, and were so ex- cited that they could not speak of it but in very harsh language. He spoke of the increasing excitement in the commu- nity, and said, " If this state of things continues, it will tear us all to pieces as a nation, and fill our land with carnage and blood ; but if you will only renounce your views, it will have a tendency to quell the excitement and cool down the abolition fever." Mr. Gallaher also said — " I have no doubt that if it was known to the people of Missouri that you had given up your principles, they would very soon be reconciled and willing to sign a petition for your release. If the exci- ting cause could be removed they would easily forgive and forget, and you would be delivered. But so long as that remains which caused the irritation, — hatred and pre- judice, — any effort for your deliverance will be useless." As Mr. S. wished some answer, full and definite, and not having sufficient time then, I proposed writing out our views and feelings, frankly and fully, that it might be known just w^hcre we stood — what we could do, and what we could not do. They wished it written in such a manner that it could be published (hoping it would be of such a character as would please slave- holders), so that the people might be induced to act for us. I accordingly wrote ; and as the letter cannot be obtained, I will give the substance of what we ad- dressed " To the Governor and Legislature of Mis- souri, — Men, brethren, and. fathers," &c. We stated how long we had been here — how cheerfully we had toiled, and contented and happy we had been, amid all ADDRESS TO THE GOVERNOR AXD LEGISLATURE. 193 our sufferings — the thing we attempted to do, namely, to help a poor man across the river, who asked for our assistance, and the feeling which prompted us, pure love — that we had no other feeling than love^ toward those who had been most active in sending and holding us here — that we would as soon help the most bitter ene- my we had as the most wretched slave living — that we should remain cheerfully and work faithfully, just so long as they saw proper to hold us. We stated plainly how far we could go, and how far we could not go, that we could not refuse to " open our mouth for the dumb," for God had commanded it — that we must " cry aloud, and spare not, and show the people their sins," for it was heaven's injunction — that we could not assist to re- turn, or stop their slaves who escaped, for God had said, '" 'J'hou shalt NOT deliver unto his master, the servant that is escaped," and wo to those do it — that we could not say w^e would not Ac//) them on their way, fortius was commanded by God — that we could not give up one single principle which we conceived to be truth, and founded on the word of God, for liberty, or life itself — that much as we valued the blessings of freedom, of Christian society, and the house of God, and ardently as we longed to be preaching the gospel to those in mid- night darkness, we could not, on any conditions, purchase these privileges, by any act, which we should lament on a death bed, or at the day of judgment. That if they wished us to say, we would not come to this State, to help slaves away, so far we could promise, and no fur- ther (not because it would be sinful so to do, but unsafe) — that our writing to our friends would not stop the ex- citement; for it was their /)Mraying, the overseer came in, and said, " We have been 216 AN EFFECTUAL DOOR OPENINS. talking below, and I have come up to see if you will preach for us this afternoon, if the minister does not come." I told him I was willing so to do. But the chaplain came, and preached to us his first sermon. He is a warm hearted, zealous Methodist preacher — gener- ally very earnest in his exhortations to saints and sinners, and helped us to do good. After sermon, he called on me to pray. This was another new thing which caused much talk among the prisoners. We felt that God was fast opening " a great and effectual door" of usefulness, for which we desired to be prepared. We had long been praying, and look- ing, and waiting, but now we saw the clouds dispersing; the sun began to shine, and we could see our way more clearly. We were greatly encouraged to look up, and ask for " great things" — to " open our mouths wide," and CO " commit our way unto the Lord." SING us ONE OF THE SONGS OF ZION. March 12. We had spent our Sabbath in the hospi- tal as usual, with James, who was there sick. Alanson and myself had retired to bed, but soon a guard came for me, saying, " I want you to come into the hospital and sing for us." So of old, " They that carried us away captive, required of us a song" — but, blessed be God, that we were not obliged, through grief and sorrow of heart, to say, " How can we sing the Lord's song in a strange land?" With joyful hearts we arose and went. The guards, five or six, were assembled, and we ^ng some of our favorite pieces for them. OUR FIRST PRAYER MEETING. 19. After preaching, I went to Capt. R., and asked permission for a few of us to have a season of prayer together in the Hospital. It was granted. We assem- bled — eight in number — sang, prayed, and exhorted. In addition to our usual praying number, J. D., our colored brother was present. He had frequently conversed with us on the subject of his soul's salvation, but this was tne first opportunity we had of praying with him. He THE FIRST PRAYER MEETING. 217 v.as considerably broken and confused, but in earnest. An old man who was present and heard him pray, said, "I did not know as old J. had got along so far as that.*' He confounded the wicked. W. S. was sick in the Hospital. After we had sung and prayed, he broke forth as follows, " I feel the love of God in my soul. Jesus is precious. He is very sensi- bly and feelingly near. 0, if I had a tongue, I would persuade all to go to glory with me, but I am too weak." It was a precious little season to us, and a commence- ment of a series of meetings never to be forgotten. True, our number was small, yet we were enough to claim the promise, " Where two or three are assembled together in my name" — no matter where, though in a orison, enclosed by high walls, secured by locks, and iron gates, or in a dungeon, or a cave — " there am I in the midst of them." CHAPTER n. PRAYER MEETINGS— CONVERSION OF SINNERS, &c THE REVIVAL. March 25. I had considerable conversation with J. R. about the spiritual wants of the prison, and begged the privilege of a stated prayer meeting, every Sabbath morning, promising that I would hold myself responsible for any misconduct that might occur in meeting. He spoke favorably, and said, " I will talk with my father, and let you know." Accordingly, the next morning (Sabbath), I was called down to the guard room, \vhere wei f; Capt. R. and others. He said, " We have conclud- ed to gr mt you that privilege, and you can have your meetings in the hospital." 0, what glad tidings were .hese to our thirsty souls ! Our hearts leaped for joy at 10 218 STATED PKAYER MEETING. the piospect of again exhorting sinners to " flee from the wrath to come," and pointing them to the Lamb of God. The thoughts of our prayer meeting, during the week, would lighten our toils, and sweeten all our cares and pains. We saw clearly that God " had not despised the affliction of the afflicted," nor withheld any good. At our next meeting, about a dozen were present, and nterest was manifest. The number continued to in- crease. The attention of the impenitent was arrested. The Lord heard prayer and blessed his own truth, so that while some came from novelty, others evidently had an arrow in their hearts. In our exhortations, singing, and prayers, we aimed at the immediate conversion of sinners — beseeching them to come to the Savior tearing away their excuses — and, from our own experience, testifying to the excellency of religion, and to its power to support and cheer, even in these trying circumstances. We soon had evidence that the Spirit was in our midst, seconding our feeble endeavors, and pressing sin- ners to forsake their evil ways. We had a few meetings when one with whom we had frequently conversed, cried aloud for mercy. This not only encouraged us, but it affected the wicked, and a " shaking among the dry bones" was observable. Some mocked and ridiculed, while others became more serious, and anxious to attend the meeting. They tried to ha- rass and vex the convert, but he bore it with patience, and continued to pray with us. Soon another was anxious to know what he must do to be saved. We talked with him privately, and he made up his mind fully and deliberately to serve the Lord. Though both were extremely ignorant, being scarcely able to read intelligibly, yet it was exceedingly interesting to hear them pray. Their broken and half choked words, — disconnected sentences and ideas were *' music to our ears." One of them in prayer, used this language, " Lord we are here in this dreadful house of Itondage, T thank Thee for the privilege of praying to- CONVERTS — COMMUNION SEASON. 219 gether in this little cell. I never expected such a great privilege," &c. Jipril 9. Attended the communion, inviting W. G. to unite with us. At the first suggestion he was pleased with the idea ; but soon expressed doubts as to the pro- priety of the thing without a regular minister. We rea- soned the case with him — showed the general nature ol the command, explained the design of the ordinance, and gave him what liglit we could. A few days after, he came and said, " I have been studying and praying over that thing, to know my duty, and I have come to the conclu- sion that it is right for me to unite with you." He came, and for the first time, obeyed the dying command of our Lord. He was much blessed, and greatly strengthened by the occasion. It was sweet to feed this lovely lamb. Oj.how eagerly he would drink in the truth ! April 14. W. F. P. came to my cell, with whom I conversed and prayed. He says, " I feel that I am for- given of the past, and am now determined to live for God the rest of my time." Bless the Lord ! A DREAM INTERPRETED. With H. B. I had frequently conversed, when at work — he always acknowledged the necessity of a change — knew his duty, but said, " I am so wicked, it seems like I could not bring my mind to the subject. Sometimes I feel as if I could forgive my enemies, then again I am full of revenge." One morning he told me his dream, which I interpreted, according to the event, though it did not come to pass, for perhaps six months. The dream--" I saw a very beautiful bird of exquisitely fine colors, beyond anything I ever saw, or can describe. It was called the King Bird of Paradise. I pursued it through thickets and thorns, over stones and logs — amid many difficulties, falls, and bruises, but finally I caught it, and it was the most delightful creature I ever saw in all my life." The interpretation. — " The King Bird of Paradise' is the Savior^ the " chiefest among ten thousand, and al together lovely." The " thorns, logs, rocks, bruises 220 THE DREAM INTERPRETATION. falls," &c., are the trials and sufferings through which you are now passing. And happy indeed would you be amid them all, if by these afflictions you should behold, and embrace the blessed Savior. He afterwards acknowledged the interpretation abund- antly true — frequently blessed the Lord for all these af- flictions, which had been the means of leading him to Jesus, and in strong terms expressed his peace and hap- piness, as far beyond everything he ever experienced w^hile at liberty. He came to our prayer meetings, became interested for his soul's salvation, and would freely weep, while I presented Jesus before him, with entreaties to repent and accept of his salvation. I conversed with him pri- vately, urging him to immediate submission. His wife came to see him. After she left, I asked him, " Have you given your heart to God and deter- mined to serve Him ?" " Yes, I have resolved to serve God, and do right the rest of the time I have to live." "Did you tell your wife so?" "Yes, and she smiled, and said, I think we shall see happy days logethei yet." He came out a burning Christian. Many things in his case would be interesting to the reader, but should I mention half the particulars during the revival, they would swell this volume to an immode- rate size. An outline is all I can present. But I will mention one thing about H. B. When he was converted, he was a perfect slave to tobacco — it had been all his comfort. Before he came to prison, he was a " great drinker" too. But mark, when he submitted to God, and turned enemy to his sins, he " swept the board" — swore eternal abstinence from liquor, and cast away his tobacco pouch, to touch it no more. The habit was strong, but he cried to God, to subdue the desire and in less than a week, he was nfree man, though in prison. that his example might shame any of my readers who may use this " abominable thing." The interest increased, and we multiplied our meetings — not that we trusted in them, but so great was the wickedness here — anxious sinners conllned with the RELIGIOUS INTEREST INCREASING. 221 vile who did all they could to turn them away, and there being no place of retirement, almost the only hope seem- ed to be, to get them alone, or in a meeting and press them to submission on the spot. The sick increasing in the hospital, and some of them being low, we met in our cell, which accommodates about thirty persons. It was soon crowded — we preach- ed Christ, and invited weeping sinners to Jesus. The Lord blessed the truth, and to all it was evident " Truly God is in this place." We felt it and rejoiced. Perhaps I cannot better give the reader an idea of these scenes than by quoting from my journal, where I recorded circumstances, and the spontaneous overflow- ings of my soul, as they occurred. I had informed the Chaplain of the state of feeling, and advised him to call the anxious forward. The next Sabbath is described in my journal as follows. April 30. "Alleluia!" Salvation has come with power. Prayer meeting in the morning ; after which, when we were locked up, I preached in my cell to six brethren, fellow prisoners, from Acts ix. 16. New-born souls rejoicing ! Prayer meeting again after dinner ; deep interest. The Chaplain brought with him another brother, who preached from Heh. iii. 13, a very search- ing sermon, and cutting appeals concerning the" deceit- fulness of sin." The anxious were called for; eight rushed forward, dropped on their knees and begged for mercy, sobbing and groaning aloud. The Chaplain prayed and called for others to follow ; — James and my- self did so. It was an awfully solemn scene. The mass of the prisoners crowded around to gaze. The of- ficers were present. After meeting I led them to my cell, and ! what a sight ! Here were the murderer, the highway robber, the profane, the unclean, the thief and gambler, prostrat- ed, crying for mercy, and yielding themselves to God. Glory ! glory ! glory ! The tiger is changed into a lamb, the vulture to a dove. One cried, " I am lost, I am lost, I am so wicked." " Submit to God," I cried. 222 THRILLING SCENE. " I will," said he. Another — " I will go with you. I yield to God for ever, and will serve Him." Amen. Another — " I submit to God. I yield to Him body and spirit, to take me and do as He sees best." Hosanna ! Another—" I will serve God." " When ?" " Now. I will obey Him." O, reader, 1 cannot present this scene before you in words. Had you been here, you would have heard them bewailing before an offended God, their mountain-towering sins — seen them trembling with fear of being rejected and cast off, almost in despair — some calling for " mercy, mercy, mercy," — others, " there is no hope for me, I have been such a great sinner ; no hope," &c. We felt that it was a critical time with them, and pointed them to the Lamb of God," beseech- ing them to look, believe, submit, and yield their hearts to Him. It was solemn as death. We almost forgot we were in prison, where the rules strictly forl)ade our speaking to a fellow prisoner. We could not hold our peace. Speak we must and speak we did, " no man forbidding." We now saw a great work before us in watching over and instructing the lambs, searching out Ihe anxious, and warning the careless. But blessed be God for our good overseer. His heart was also in the work. He conversed with prisoners about their souls, and allowed us to do the same with freedom. May 2. Conversed with C. S. in my cell — a very interesting case. Said he, " They point at me, and laugh and make fun of me, but I am determined not to care for it." He is very decided. Prayed with me — the the first time he ever prayed in English. He is a Rus- sian — talks well — is very forgiving toward enemies — and thanks God for sending him here. 3. Talked with J. M., but he did not submit. 4. Talked and prayed with him ; he also prayed and signed his name to an article of entire consecration, which I drew up. He seemed to be in great distress — would give or suffer anything, if he could only feel that his sins were forgiven. When we arose from prayer, he looked round the cell and said, " Your cell is a palace, CLORIOUS DAYS. 233 and you are happy in it, but ^ am miserable." I rea- soned and plead, but tremble for bim. 5. Met, in F. D.'s cell, with three converts and an unbeliever — talked and prayed — a precious season — de- lightful to hear the babes pray and praise the Lord. The ainner would not bow. Glory to God ! for sending me to a penitentiary to preach the gospel. Last night with the sick. 6. Saturday evening, prayer-meeting here with the converts, after they had finished their work. They are very anxious to get together — could not wait for the Sabbath. ! how " the good hand of our God is upon us!" 7. Glorious Sabbath ! Murderers aud thieves sub- mitting to God — converts rejoicing and praising their King, and pleading for sinners who are trembling be- neath the load of their guilt. I'hree prayer meetings to-day besides preaching. In one, the Chaplain was present, and heard them tell what God had done for them. In sermon he spoke of the prayer meeting, and urged all to attend — there is full liberty for all who wish to attend. I have all talk and pray who profess to be converted. 9, James with the sick — Alanson staying with S. to talk with him — J. S. and E. S. with me. Talked and prayed. They give good evidence of being truly con- verted. 12. W. B. with us — formerly an ignorant Catholic — has been very wild and profane — lived eighteen years without going into a meeting house — ^but truth reached his heart, and he trembled in view of his sins — now seems penitent, humble, decided, ready. 13. Saturday eve. Meeting full of interest and warm hearts. 14. The most glorious day I have seen ! The pow- er of God wonderfully displayed. In prayer meeting, four new cases of conversion ; cell crowded to overflow- ing; converts mounting higher and growing stronger; while the long-hardened tremble like Belshazzar. Preached to twelve converts, in my cell, from LuJce ix. 224 A murberer's confession. 23. In the afternoon, a powerful sermon — six new ones came forward — I talked and prayed with them, " no man forbidding." Glory to God ! 19. x\. D. with us to stay all night — appears well. 20. A good prayer meeting this evening^ 21. The work is rolling — glory to God! Two new cases in the prayer meeting. Preached to a crowded cell, from Luke xa^ 26-33. O ! what scenes ! Hosanna ! E. R. is overflowing. He talks and prays like a preacher. His whole soul is in the work. At one time he said, " I find that the more of the spirit af religion I possess^ the more of an abolitionist I am !" This is good. In the afternoon, divided our prayer meeting, and fill- ed two cells — James and Alanson conducting one, and I the other. Glorious ! glorious ! E. p. lovejoy''s murderer. 23. Last night, J. M. cut his throat — bled three quarts — still alive. This is all from unbelief, which drove him to despair. Submission to God would have saved him all this. See May 3d and 4th. Just here I will say what I have to say about this per- son. He came here on the night of the fire. I worked \vi*.h him some time. He told me all about the Alton " scrape" — acknowledged he was one of the leaders oi the mob, and was the man who fired the building. He and a young doctor (he would not give the name), swore to each other as follows, that he (J. M.) would ascend the ladder, and fire the building, if the doctor would shoot DEAD the first man who should come out of the door, to shoot him. E. P. Lovejoy was the first, and was shot dead, by the young doctor. J. M. was in- dicted and tried for arson. Mr. U. F. Linder, the ring- leader of the mob, plead his cause, and he was cleared, but banished from the place. Subsequently he was en- gaged in house robbing, and an attempt to murder a wo- man — and came here for seventeen years. He is said to be guilty of various other murders. lie professed to be anxious about his soul, for a tims lovejoy's murderer— a break. 225 — became sullen and downcast — cut his throat, which was sewed up — two days after, he picked up a hand axe, and struck a prisoner on the head, hurting him severely. When asked loJiy he did it — he repled, " I i'elt it my duty to kill somebody !" He was locked in his cell, where he tore his blanket into stri])s, and tried three times to hang himself from the iron bars of the window, but the string broke every time. He was chained to the floor — tore open his throat wound — wish- ed the officers to give him a rope, and let him hang himself — then begged that he might drown himself, &c. A desperate character. Ho was one of MurrilPs right hand men — and told me of many of his deeds of rob- bery, kidnapping, stabbing, knocking down, &c. While working with him one day, he remarked, in the presence of the guard and myself — '' There is a man in Ohio Penitentiary {ox fifteen years, for a crime which I committed myself. He is perfectly innocent, and knew nothing about it !" Can nothing be done for that man's release 1 There are also men in Missouri prison, for what others did ! One slaveholder served two years there for what his slave did ! 28. Four new cases. Interesting prayer meeting, a bundle of tracts given to us, for which we are thankful. June. 4. James quite sick — chaplain came to see him. 7. Last night staid with James, in the hospital — and drew up a temperance pledge — also an anti-tobacco pledge. 10. This morning seven prisoners made a break, by knocking down the gate keeper, and opening the gate. Two were soon taken — one was shot — four balls passing through the fleshy part of the arm, into his side. He came near dying several times, while the wound was being dressed. " The way of transgressors is hard'' most certainly. Two others were drowned, one of them leaving a large family. 11. Very interesting prayer meeting. Preached to about twenty-five, from Ex. xxxii. 26. Said J. D., ]0* 226 IMMERSION EXTRACT OF A LETTEB. *' A lazy man cannot seek religion, nor be a Christian.'* It is good to feed the lambs. 18. Preached to parents with respect to trusting their wives and children with God — blessed time. In the prayer meeting, J. D. full of the Spirit — the cell could scarcely contain him — he jumped as if on springs — clapped his hands, and shouted glory ! The old man sixty-two years old pleading for mercy. Lord save him, 19. W. S. with us to receive instruction on baptism. He is an old gray headed man, and appears of an excel- lent spirit. 22. H. B. with us, for instruction on baptism. He is a lovely spirit. 25. An old Baptist man preached. After sermon, those who wished to be immersed, came forward, and were examined. Six were immersed. EXTRACT OF A LETTER TO A FRIEND. Through the goodness of God, we can yet exclaim, wnth one of old, " Ebenczer ;" and call upon you all to " magnify the Lord with us." I cannot describe to you on paper, His wonderful works in our midst. The number that now unite with us in prayer, and in telling *' what God has done for them, and how lie has had com- passion on them," is upwards of twenty. Give God the praise. The work is His.- In the converts, the turning point with many was, forgiveness and love of enemies — but God gave them no peace till they gave up all animo- sity. Said one, " For three long years, I have lived with bitter enmity in my heart against two men, on whom I was determined to have revenge, when I left this place ; but God told me I must give it all up, or He would not hear one word to me, and now^ I feel to love them, and find more happiness than in all my life before. You must do as I did — forgive your enemies." I tell you these scenes are glorious. The wicked, who surround, mock, deride, and lie ; but in the face of all this, to see men come out boldly on God's side makes our souls re- joice. I never saw men appear better than some of READY TO DEPART AND BE WITH CHRIST. 227 these converts do. They just " ca.?^ r)//^ the works of darkness/' and yield up to God. Alanson says, " Tell my family to trust in God, and be patient ; and all things will work together for the best." He is as happy as a king. James has been sick, and nigh unto death. We did not much expect he would stay with us long — but through the mercy of God he has nearly recovered ; he now wants bodily strength. He was in the hospital two weeks and a half — felt willing and ready to " depart and be with Christ, which is far better" — still thinks it doubtful w^hether he meets you all again, till we meet where sio-hino; and sorrow are not known." THE RECONCILIATION. July 2. We had an interesting scene in the prayer meeting. H. B. and W. S. were sent here on the false testimony of G. S. They were perfectly innocent as to the thing charged against them. G. S. was hired to swear falsely, and they were sent here. Soon after G. S. stole, and came himself. The two former had cherished bittei feelings of revenge against the latter, and he knew it. But when they were converted, they went to him and told him they freely forgave him. He could hardly believe it. H. B. went to his cell, talked kindly, and assured him of his hearty forgiveness. G. S. melted into tears, confessed his guilt, and said, " I would be willing to do or suffer anything, if you could only be restored to your family." To-day they w^ere all present in the prayer meeting. G. S. professed repentance, and a determination to serve God ! I addressed the three. My heart was moved ; and before all I asked, " H. B., do you freely and fully forgive G. S. ?" He frankly replied in the affirmative, arose, and gave him his hand in token of reconciliation. I turned to W. S., and asked the same question. He expressed his cheertul forgiveness, and gave his hand in token of friendship and love. It was affecting. A little before they were at vari- ance, and meditating each other's destruction, refusing to be reconciled ; now, melted down, their enmity slain, 228 SCENES OF INTEREST. and love filling their souls, they embraced each other, as brethren going to heaven together. 9. A good prayer meeting. Preached from 2 Cor. V. 17. In the afternoon, after sermon, the chaplain bap- tized four persons by pouring, which he thinks is the only proper mode. 23. Prayer meeting in the carpenter's shop. Many prisoners and the overseer attended. C. N. came to oui cell — gave evidence of conversion — prayed and talked well. Two weeks ago, we w^ere spinning together, and I reproved him for swearing. Said he, " From that time I began to pray, and ask for the forgiveness of my sins, and ceased not till I found relief.'' Ah, " a word in season, how good is it?" 28. Glorious Sabbath ! Salvation and rejoicing ! In- teresting prayer meeting — excellent class meeting. Some new cases. J. P. said, " The thing which brought me here was forsaking Christ. I have a pious wife and children. It has been three years since I forsook God. First, I neglected secret prayer ; second, family devo- tion ; third, the house of God ; now I am fully deter- mined to be faithful." He prayed and wept freely. Just came last week. W. W. very much broken down — wept like a child. He said, '' I believe my coming here will be the means of saving my soul." 0, what God can do ! " Is anything too hard for the Lord 7" No preaching ; no time to read ; all day occupied in helping others ; but praise to God for such a privilege. Said one, " My first year here was one of misery and death. The second has been one of life and peace." James in another cell laboring. He had a melting time. The Lord was present in power. Aucr. 7. Judge B. granted us the privilege of a lamp at night, so that we could improve our evenings by reading. 0, what a great blessing ! After being de- prived of it more than two years, how sweet to enjoy again the bliss of reading God's word, after the toils of the day! 0, how good is our Father! May we value and improve the privilege. A PRISONER PREACHING TO PRISONERS. 229 13. No preaching. After prayer meeting, went into another cell with four others. Had a precious time. They drank in the truth with eagerness. 14. Last night T. sent for me to sit up with him. He is quite sick — sees himself a great sinner. 20. After dinner, Judge B. came and called me outot my cell, and said that there had been a request that I might preach in the absence of the chaplain, who was sick. " I have no objections, and you can address them, or hold a prayer meeting. Just take your own course." The prisoners were assembled, and with great delight I preached to them from Ephesians v. 14. Excellent attention. Judge B. and wife, overseer and others, pre- sent. Truly this is the hand of the Lord. These quotations from my journal show pretty clearly the nature of the work, our circumstances, and the way we were occupied for about one year or more after the change of officers. Some general remarks about the re- vival, and I must leave it. My usual course was to sing while they were collect- ing, which answered the purpose of a bell — for there was so much heart and life in the sinaino:, that we could be heard all over prison. After two or three prayers, I read a portion of Scripture with remarks suitable to the occasion — warning sinners, and instructing converts in the various duties devolving upon them. And it was very gratifying to see with what eagerness they sought to know the will of God, receiving the truth with a re- lish that convinced us our " labor was not in vain in the Lord." After I had talked, opportunity was given for any one to speak or pray, and it was expected that all would take a' part. They were remarkably ready on all occasions, to go forward in any Christian duty, and many of them were bright examples of piety. Frequently they would be seen, coming to the prayer meeting leading the impen- itent, with whom they had been talking, and whose conversion they particularly desired — a cell mate, or some fellow laborer. The obstacles in their way were 230 GENERAL REMARKS. many. The hardened ridiculed and mocked, but they bore it patiently, and the work rolled on. They all looked up to us, as children to a father. To us they came to make known their joys and sorrows, their temp- talions and their victories, their falls and uprisings, for instruction and counsel, for encouragement and help. The responsibility of watching over, and feeding, of seeking out, and reclaiming this interesting flock, all rested on us. The chaplain rarely came to talk with any of them, except on the Sabbath. When he called for the anxious, we were privileged to talk and pray with them. During the week, we had to look after the Iambs, who dwelt among wolves, and carry forward our labors also. If we wished to stay all night with any one, or have any one come and stay with us for conversation, it was only to ask and we received. They loved the prayer meetings — and would remain from breakfast to dinner, without weariness. After din- ner, again they assembled to praise and pray, reluctant to leave the place where God had so richly blessed their souls. The work was so great, and important, that we ceased for a time to desire, or pray for liberty. We felt that this was the place for us. And we rejoiced to thrust in our sickles, and reap a rich harvest, " gathering fruit unto eternal life." I. I love in such a place to dwell. These lambs to me, are dear. Glory to Jesus, for my cell ; Hosaiuiah, that I'm here. II. O ! what is liberty to me, Or friends, however dear — ' Since scenes like these, I here can see, And things like tliese can hear? III. Let those who wish, seek worldly fame. And warriors wonders tell ; But give to me, reproach and shame. With Jesus and my cell LAMBS IN THE MIDST OF WOLVES. 231 We saw here a Hock of lambs, which, if we should go away, would have no shepherd. They dwelt in the midst of ravening wolves, and who should look after them? Our wardens soon became indifferent, and cared not for their souls. Our good overseer was occupied with a multiplicity of other cares ; and after a while was turned away — his place occupied by an enemy of all good — new wardens came in, who " feared not God, nor regarded man " — our chaplain had other business, that he thought more important, and who should look after these precious souls 1 Who would care for a poor, de- spised convict 7 We felt our responsibility — we saw their need of our help, and frequently heard them say, " I don't know how we should get along, if you should go away ;" and, blessed be God, we rejoiced to stay and do them good. To us they would listen — they felt ?. confidence that as we were " tempted in all points" like as they, we could enter into all their feelings, and sym- pathise with them in all their temptations and trials — that we would listen with patience to all their difficul- tied and sorrows, and gladly " comfort them by the com- fort wherewith we ourselves were comforted of God," in " all our tribulation." About forty professed to be converted. How many were truly, in h^art renovated, we cannot say. The parable of the " sower, and the seed," is just as true here as in places where liberty is enjoyed. Some " ran well " for a time, and turned back — a number w'ere " stony ground hearers," who could not endure the scorching rays of ridicule and persecution — of " thorny ground hearers" there were but a few — of those who " received the seed into good and honest hearts" there were a goodly number. " How do you know?" How do I know ? How does the husbandman know that his seed found a place in fertile soil 1 that his grain did not all fall upon the rock — or that it was not all consumed by the fowls, nor all choked by the thorns? How? Why, he sees it spring up and groiv — he sees it blossom — he sees it ripen — he fills his garner — he eats thereof, and is strengthened. How do I know ? " By ihc'ir fruits 232 THE MEMORABLE COMMUNION SEASON. ye shall know them." They gave every evidence that can be desired. They brought forth fruit — they still bring forth fruit; and we trust they will bring forth more abundantly^ when again restored to liberty. When we see them so perfectly transformed in their characters, minds, thoughts, words, actions, how can we doubt 1 When we see them hating the things they loved, and loving the things they hated — when we view the " old things passed away, and all things become new " — when the image of Satan is changed info the image of God ; and the spirit of heaven takes the place of the spirit of hell, how can we but believe that they have " Christ in them the hope of glory?" Their gentleness, docility, and exemplary walk would shame multitudes of profes- sors, who enjoy far superior advantages. And could they have been present in our convict meetings, and wit- nessed the readiness and eagerness of these poor prison- ers to p'ive vent to the overflowino- of their full and warm hearts, in testifying to the love of God, the pre- ciousness of the Savior, and the blessedness of His ser- vice, they surely would have blushed in view of their own backwardness, and indifference. And to have wit- nessed those scenes, would have made the heari, of any Christian rejoice and praise the Lord. But I must not fail to give the reader a glance at one scene, in our " hallowed cell," which we shall ever remember with joy- THE prisoner's COMMUNIO^J. We plead again and again, with the Chaplain, to ad- minister to us, and to the converts, the Sacrament* — ^but in vain. We then concluded to invite a number of the brethren to unite with us. During the week we tried to sliow them the importance and nature of the or- dinance. They obtained permission to remain in our cell after the prayer meeting — at which time we endea- vored to " remember our Savior" in His own appointed ordinance. Five of the brethren were with us — making ' See note on page 147, 148. THE MEMORABLE COMMUNION SEASON. 233 eight in all. Upon our little table was a cup of water, and a neat piece of corn bread, around which we were gathered. In a few words I endeavored to give them proper views of the ordinance, and with what feelings it should be observed. I tried to point out the appropriateness of the emblems, showing that as bread is the staff of natu- ral life, so is Jesus the " bread of heaven" — " the living bread," upon which, by faith, our souls feed, and are strengthened. As water cleanses our bodies from filth, so the blood of Christ cleanses the soul from sin — as without water, we should soon die, so without the application of the blood of atonement we should perish for ever — as receiving a draught of water quenches our thirst, so a drauaht by faith, from '* the fountain opened to the house of David, and to the inhabitants of Jerusalem," quenches all our desire for sin, and the vanities of the world, &c. I spoke of the love of our Savior — that we should remem- ber Him, with penitence for sin, with gratitude, and a full consecration of all our powers to His service — that we should remember His life, His example, His pro- mises. His sufferings, death, ascension, and His inter- cession in heaven for us. Portions of the scripture were read — each one prayed, and all united in praise. And while we partook of the simple emblems, the Master oi the feast was present, to bless in a remarkable manner. Every soul was full, and all eyes " a fountain of tears," so that our little cell was truly " Bochim.^'* Such a scene I never witnessed. It was a sweet, heart- melting, blessed season. With four of them, it was their first approach to the Savior's table — and often have they spoken of that time. We felt ourselves repaid a hun- dred fold, for twelve years' imprisonment. O ! " hal- lowed cell," how dear thou art' With what rapturous delight shall we look back from the heights of Zion, to this sacred place ! And when we sit down, with these little ones, " at the marriage supper of the Lamb," Judges a. 4, 5. 234 JOYFUL ACQUIESCENCE IN THE DIVINE WILL- bow shall we then praise His holy name, for a Penitent tiary f To " Him who is our life," siiall be all the glory. We had many other precious seasons, but I cannot particularize. Ihus, reader, 1 have given you a sketch of our prison revival — the details would interest any person, but my limits will not permit. In its order, I shall tell you a little about the hrcnking up of our class and prayer meetings by our wicked officers. CHAPTER HI. LETTERS— SICK-BED REPENTANCE, &c. extract of a letter. Belovkd parents : Again let me assure you that ''all is well^ *' The Lord reigns." " He doeth his will in the armies of heaven, and among the inhabitants of this lower world, and none can stay his hand, or say unto Him, what doest thou?" Nor should we wish for a moment to " stay His bend," or alter His course in anything — - for all His ways are in infinite wdsdom and love, and always for the present and eternal good of his children. My prison proves more than a palace — " it is good to be here." Worlds on worlds could not purchase from me wliat I have here obtained. It is more precious than rubies, and infinitely above silver, or the most fine gold. I do 'tind will rejoice. I kiss the rod and bless the hand that apj)lies it. 0, rejoice with me ! Let no one weep on my account. There is no cause for weeping. It is joy — joy unspeakable and full of glory, that fills my soul. Peace, like a river from heaven's eternal ocean ot love, rolls in uf)on me. I have cause to rejoice. We hi.ve long prayed ; the Lord has answered our prayers. LABOR WITH THE SICK. 235 and gone far beyond our feeble faith and hope. The Lord has opened a great and effectual door of usefulness before us, and we expect to see a great work here. My privileges are too great for words to exoress. I rejoice to labor among these dying sinners, and ex- hibit to them the gospel of Jesus. And if only one soul is made for ever happy in heaven, through our instrumen- tality, shall we not be abundantly paid for all we have suffered, or may yet be called upon to endure? 0, re- joice that I am placed here. Do not say that I could have done more somewhere else. God is wise. This is just where he has put me, and therefore I know it is where I can do the most good. 0, it is inexpressibly sweet and glorious to lie quiet in his hands, and believe his promises ! Blessed is the man that trusteth in Him. I know it. George. THE SICK man's RESOLUTION. McM. was very sick in the hospital. I was with him two nights. We talked with him about his soul, and urged him to repentance. The overseer did the same, and warned him of his danger. He was so full of pains, and in such distress, that he said, " I can not attend to the subject now as I should, I have so much else to think about. If 1 should repent now, I should be liable to be actuated by wrong motives — fear of death and hell, rather than hatred to sin and love to God. I feel that a sick bed is a poor place to prepare to die, and if the Lord will spare my life and raise me up, I will then attend to the subject." He recovered, but did not repent. We reminded him of his promise, and plead with him to be a Christian. He said he would serve God, but meant to do it secretly, without any noise or show, without making a professioa of religion. " I will live a sober, upright life, while here, will not join with the wicked, and when I get my liberty I will connect myself with some society." Thus the devil deluded him, and I fear obtained his purpose— the ruin of his soul. How many such ! 336 CONVERSATION WITH A SICK MAN. THE SICK-BED REPENTANCE. L. H. was a young man — a mere boy in years, but old in sin. He was taken down with pleurisy, and sent for me before day-light, to come and see him. I found him very sick and shuddering at death. He said, "You are the first pious man, George, I ever sent for to see me, but I feel that I need the instruction and help of some one, for I can't live long." " You now feel the need of the consolations of religion." "Yes, I do, George. I feel that I need it, and if I ever get well, I will live a different life, and be a Christian." " But you may die now." " Then I'm lost.^' I exhorted him to repent, and look to Jesus for mercy, casting himself upon Him, and he should find pardon. That night I sat up with him. He soon asked me to read and pray. " Do you feel that you are a sinner?" " Yes, the greatest in the penitentiary, and need God's grace as much. I have been viewing my past life to-day, and my sins pressed on my head like seas." "Have you repented and con- fessed them to God ?" " Yes, I have. I think I have truly from tiie heart, repented, and turned from all my evil ways." " Some promise God on a sick bed, they will serve Him." — " It makes no difference with me. I don't ask God that I may get well. Here am I, do as seemeth Thee good. I am willing to die, George, if it is God's will. I have felt a change of some kind, to-day, I know not what it is, but I feel that in my bosom, for which I would not take a world of gold and silver. I feel contented and happy." " Do you feel willing that the world should know all your crimes?" "Yes, I am willing that everybody should know them. I think I can make reparation in all cases but one." (Probably murder). " Do you wish to talk with and warn your evil companions ?" " Yes, I have done it to-day, though they made sport of me — but I did not mind that." " Well, what do you wish me to pray for?" " That God will forgive my sins, and give me gra;e to serve Him, and that I may truly repent." While I prayed, he seemed to unite heartily^ and to be much affected, CONVERSATIOW WITH A SICK MAN. 237 frequently adding with emphasis, " Amen, Lord have mercy on my soul." I said, " We need not fear to die, if Jesus is our friend." " I feel that He is my friend," he replied, " I have made my first prayer to-day." " Look to God to help you to stand fast, and cleave to Him." " I know I can do nothing without Him, and on Him 1 depend for strength." " How do you feel towards Christians ?" " I once hated them, but now I love them better than I do my own life. And I have often cursed you, George, w^hen I have heard you pray on Sundays ; but I do ask you to forgive me, for God has. I was plunging into all manner of vice and sin, never thinking I had a Supreme Master, or that there was any hereafter — but I feel that God has afflicted me, to bring me to consider and see my sins. I was blind this morning, but now I see where I was, and through the blood of Jesus Christ I hope to be saved. It was the happiest day that ever happened to me, when I came here. I had a good mother, but she spoiled me by humoring rae."* He also confessed his true name. On the Sabbath, Alanson was with him all day. He warned his evil associates of their danger, and exhorted them to repent and forsake their evil ways. One replied, " 1 can't.'' Said he, " You can, if you will. You must bring yourself to say, '/ will.^ " James was with him one night. He was restless, but seemed much interested in James' prayer, and often cried aloud, " Amen, Amen." At evening, I called to see him. " How do you feel, L. ?" "I'm gone! I'm gone ! George." "Submit to God, and put your trust in Him." And while T held his hand, he prayed that God would have mercy on him, forgive his transgressions, grant him grace, as he needed, &c., " for the Redeemer's sake. Amen," Again, when he was worse, I said, " Commit yourself to God." " I have — I have. Let Him do what he sees best. His •will, not mine, be done." Again, Alanson said to him, " Be patient, and in the • Mothers, -will you learn a lesson from this prisoner's confession l 238 REFLECTIONS. spirit of a little child yield to the Lord." He replied with emphasis, " I do yield." Alanson repeated, " And let this feeble body fail," &c. He exclaimed, " 0, may I be of that happy company." The foregoing is the substance of our conversations with him ; and should no more be said, it might be in- ferred that his repentance was genuine. So we hoped, and watched with trembling every symptom for good or ill, till he recovered ; but we were disappointed. As he became better in body, he grew worse in spirit, and could soon curse and swear freely. I have been thus particular with his case for various reasons. 1. To verify the truth of God's word, " In trouble men call upon God." " In their affliction they will seek me early." 2. In health, men can despise religion, blaspheme God and curse Christians ; but when death stares them in the face, they desire the consolations of that very re- ligion — will call those same Christians to pray for them, and beg God for mercy. 3. See how perfectly a man may be deluded by Satan, even on a dying bed — willing to die, full of expectation of happiness, yet unprepared. Had he died, instead of getting well, we should have had hope. Do not multi- tudes die in this way? ! a death bed repentance ! 4. How manifest the folly and danger of putting off repentance to a sick bed. True, many on a sick bed do repent, but not because they hate sin or are sorry they have offended God, or because the love of God has melt- ed their hearts — they do repent, but it is from fear, a ser- vile, slavish dread of hell. And being conscious of a repentance they think God is reconciled, their sins for- given, and they prepared for heaven. 5. How important that those who converse with per- sons on a sickbed should be faithful in probing them to the bottom — in showing them the true character of God, and what it is to repent and love Him. We tried to dc so in this case, yet see the result. 6. From both the preceding cases, learn the secret of BLESSEDNESS OF RELIGION. 239 the ephemeral peculiarity, so common to a sick bed re- pentance. They are influenced only by fear, and when the cause of that fear is removed, their religion vanishes. For they love sin just as much as ever. They have no true love to God because He is holy and hates sin, but because they know he will punish sin — and when the prospect of life is again restored, this kind of fear de- parts — and having no decision, no principle, the heart remaining unbroken, they are led captive by Satan at his will. O ! a death bed repentance ! Beware ! As a candle appears most brilliant in dark places, so true religion shines with clearest lustre in dark dispensa- tions, but with greatest brightness in the gloom of death. When all men forsake it, it stands by its possessor and is more precious than ever. When earthly prospects are all blasted, it opens a door of hope, an assurance of immortal riches and glory. When trials and sufferings combine to crush, it comforts and supports, so that " we glory in tribulation," " rejoice in our sufferings," " and reckon them not comparable with the glory that shall be revealed." But 0, in death, when riches cannot profit, honors cannot relieve, friends cannot help, and every- thing earthly fails — when nature is sinking, and our clay tenement crumbling —when earth fades away, and eternity opens upon our view — while the cold waves of death dash over us, who can tell the worth of religion then 1 It lights the dark valley, dries up the deep wa- ters, quenches the raging flame, so that the last moments are the most delightful of the whole life. As its possessor draws near his heavenly home, and more clearly beholds the blissful company, he leaps for joy at the prospect of meeting his Father and Elder Brother — of " sitting down with Abraham, Isaac, :.nd Ja- cob, and all the prophets, in the kingdom of God," to be " for ever with the Lord." 0! blessed religion! What would this prison be without its comforts ! What a prison would this world be, were it not for its blessed influences ! How un- speakably foolish are they who reject its easy yoke! How cruel they who would exterminate it from the 240 REJOICING IN GOD. earth ! And how inexcusable are all who do not rejoice in its life and peace giving power ! We add our testimony — that no place, no troubles, no circumstances, no calumny, nothing can deprive its pos- sessor of the comfort and joy it affords, so long as he trusts in God. " Perfect peace'' ^ is his portion.* AN EXTRACT OF A LETTER, Written in the time of the revival, will show our feelings. " Beloved, this is a delightful place to me. These walls are sacred, these cells are hallowed palaces, and the rattle of bars, bolts, and locks, sweet music in our ears. Believe me when I say, a more soul-cheering, blessed place than this same " hallowed cell," I never dwelt in. I had almost ceased to pray for any other field of labor — as to anxiety, I have none. Such scenes as I have here witnessed, I never saw, in all the pro- tracted meetings, or in all the anxious rooms, or prayer- meetings I ever attended. I am in a penitentiary, but it is here I have seen the power of God — the long-harden- ed, cut down by the two-edged sword, prostrate before the Lord, and begging for mercy, in accents almost startling — yea, here, I have seen those same persons sit- ting at the feet of Jesus, clothed and in their right mind, "praising and glorifying God" for what He has done. 0, how they sing ! how they pray ! how they do bless God for a penitentiary ! " My soul doth magnify the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior." When I see the tiger take the disposition of a lamb — the vul- ture become a dove — obscenity turn to purity — curses to prayer and praise — haired to love, and hell to hea- ven, I must acknowledge the hand of God, and rejoice. Some of the hardest, and those least expected, have bowed, while the self-righteous moralist stands aloof. Our days are so occupied with work, and our Sabbaths in laboring with -iiuners and feeding the lambs, that we get but little time /' reading; but we cheerfully foregc this privilege, for ih sake of doing others good. We • Written, while sittiii^ up with a sick man one nigbt JAMES, SICK. 241 adopt the language of one of old,* " I have learned to see a need of everything that God gives, and to need no- thing that God denies me. There is no dispensation, though cross and afflictive, but either in or after, I find I could not be without it, and nothing that I am without, whether taken from me, or not given to me, but sooner or later, God quiets me in Himself without it. I cast all my care on the Lord, and live securely on the wisdom and care of my heavenly Father. I find that when/ai^^ is steady, nothing can disquiet me — and when faith tot- ters, nothing can establish me." George. james, outside. About the middle of July, as James was recovering from a severe fit of sickness. Judge B. granted him the liberty of going outside for his health, to breathe the fresh air, eat at his house, hoe in the garden, &c. Thus, without any guard he went out when he wished, to bathe, gather Nature's spontaneous productions, assist Mrs. B. about the house, read, meditate and pray in the grove, " where none but God could hear," and drink in the pure air of fragrant Nature. He had free access to Judge B.'s library, from which we had many valuable books. This liberty was very reviving to James' system. About the last of August he was very sick again. He was taken in the night, so that we had to knock on our door, for the guard, who called up the hospital steward, and came with some medicine. We felt that he could not last long, but the Lord raised him up. In the fore- part of September, I was taken down for some days. Having no physician — no helper but Jesus, it was sweet to go to Him. SCARCITY OF FOOD. Sept. 24. Sabbath. Two men worked most of the forenoon to dig potatoes enough for a scanty dinner, and for supper we had nothing;. Food for the body, and • John Elliot. U 242 PRISONEfis' KNITTING. temporal comforts may fail, but glory to God ! for the fountain, ever flowing, and the loaded tables of rich pro- visions, for the soul, to which we may at all times freely come — no man having power to prevent, and no condi- tion or place being able to bar us from the rich repast. Oct. 3, 1843. Now entering upon our third year. How short the time ! How varied the scenes, trials, and circumstances! How many and trying the temptations ! How glorious the victories! How multiplied and im- minent the dangers, and how striking the deliverances ! What favors and blessings unspeakable, unnumbered, and ever memorable! To God be glory, and praise for ever. THE BUFFALO ROBES. Oct. 14. This evening, Judge B. w^ent round, and left a buffalo robe for each cell, which is a great comfort ia our circumstances. How much have we suffered from the cold nights ! But now we shall be comfortable — for the first time, in a cold night, since we came here. May we be thankful. By our scarcity of bedding, we have learned to " re- member the poor.^^ How many have neither shelter nor covering ! But we can assure them that Jesus will warm the soul with his love, while the body may suffer. KNITTING. After we obtained our lamp, the evening and the cold cell were welcomed with great delight, that we might refresh our minds, from the fountain of truth. After devotions, Alanson and James would knit, while I read to them aloud. In this way, and when they were unwell, Alanson knit for himself two pairs of socks, and "ames knit for himself one pair. For so covetous was Mrs. B., that she influenced her husband not to buy socks for all the men, but made many of them knit their own, before they could have any. In this way, many went with cold feet, a long time, till, in their slow way, by knitting Sundays, and all their spare time, they pro- VISIT FROM FRIENDS. 243 vided themselves. And from this cause numbers suffer- ed most of the winter. I did not learn to knit. B.nd sent me, Isaac T. Hinton's " prophecies of Daniel and John" — then just published in St. Louis, in pamphlet form, ten numbers — which a fellov\r prisoner bound into a neat vo- lume — a book we read with great interest. They wished to have me steward of the hospital, that I might labor for the good of the sick, but I was too good a hand to work, for the officers to be willing to give me up. Money and not souls, was what they desired. Reader, these inspectors were all wicked men, yet see how God turned their hearts towards us. What but the Almighty Spirit could induce those in authority, and who are not governed by his laws, to deal thus kindly with men, who are the pests of their community, and the abomination or slave States 1 They manifested their good will, and said, " We grant you anything that will conduce to the reformation of the prisoners." Our worldly-seeking officers will be held responsible for all the good that might have been done by the carrying out of the Inspectors' plan. OUR TEXTS CORRESPONDENCE WITH THE CHAPLAIN. With the chaplain I had frequently conversed on the subject of slavery. He said he was opposed to the system — never did, and never would hold a slave, but could not approbate our course. He requested me to write down for him the passages of scripture, by which we justified ourselves in helping slaves. As I did not keep a copy of the letter, I can only give the reader the references, witli some of the jirincipal ideas. In the commencement, I laid down the doctrine that "human legislation cannot unman the slave" — that LETTER TO THE CHAPLAIN. 255 " man, born in the image of God, is man, of whatsoever color, rank, or condition" — that " there is no such thing as inoperty in man.''^ Therefore, it being true that the slave is a man, the commands respecting helping the poor, relieving the distressed, &c., apply to him as our " brother," our " neighbor," " bone of our bone, and flesh of our flesh," as really as to any other class of pooi and needy. I rejoiced to comply with his request, as it gave me an opportunity of preaching the truth, backed up at every step with a " Thus saith the Lord ;" to which he, as Zion's Watchman, was bound to give heed and obey. The references — Luke x. 27, 30-37 ; Heh. xiii. 3 ; Prov. iii. 27 ; xiv. 31 ; xvii. 5; xxi. 13 ; xxiv. 11, 12 , Matt. V. 7 ; vii. 12 ; xxv. 34-45 ; Mark xiv. 7 ; Deut. XV. 7, 8, 10, 11 ; xxiii. 15, 16 ; Job xxix. 11-17 ; xxxi. 15-22, 32 ; Ps. xli. 1-3 ; Ixxxii. 4 ; Is. xvi. 3 ; Iviii. 10 ; Jer. xxi. 12; xxii. 3. Each of these references was followed by appropriate explanations, questions, and remarks, which the reader must imagine for himself. ANSWER. City of Jefferson, Aug. 12, 1844. Bro. Thompson : As to the abstract principle of Slavery, we would not attempt to vindicate it — but as to the measures by which the evil is to be removed, that is quite a different matter. That modern abolitionism is fraught with dis- astrous consequences both to master and slave, is a fact too notorious to be denied. Measures should be adopted for the emancipation of the slaves, but without interfer- ing with our political institutions any further than by moral suasion. I find slavery from the days of Abraham to the pre- sent time, and none of the sacred writers ever interfere with it as an institution, but they enjoin obedience on the part of servants to their masters, and never authorize resistance on their part, or an effort to secure their freedom. The apostle says, " Art thou called, being a servant, care not fi)r it ; but if thou may est be 256 LETTER FROM A MISSOURI BROTHER. free, use it rather" — that is, if the master of the slave will voluntarily free him, let him receive his freedom — out if not, let "him not care about it ! As to the passages of Scripture you quoted, I deem them all irrelevant, and having nothing to do with the subject of slavery. They have general reference to acts of oppression, as practised by the rich upon the poor, and will be seen in the conduct of the rich in free States towards their hired servants, more clearly than in the conduct of the master toward the slave," and so on, a sheet full of opposition to abolitionism, of a similar character to the above. It needs no comment. He did not give me the letter till about nine months after I wrote to him, and then just as he was leaving, so that I had no opportunity to reply to him. As to the references, T leave the reader to judge^ whether they are relevant or not. THE MISSOURI BROTHER. The following letter was handed to us, privately, but it is deemed not unadvisable now to make it public. It was a reviving cordial to our souls. It shows also, that even in Missouri, are some warm-hearted friends of the slave. This man was known to be anti-slavery, but being a wealthy merchant in St. Louis, he stood his ground. THE LETTER. Jefferson, Nov. 23, 1843. To my dear brethren, Thompson, Burr, and Work, " Peace be multiplied from God our Father and from Jesus Christ our Lord :" My Beloved Brethren : Will please excuse the liberty I take in address- ing this to them. The other day, when in the confinea of your wretched abode, I saw you all, but was denied the privilege of speaking one single word to you, though I could scarce refrain. I wanted to tell Bro. George LETTEB FROM A MISSOURI BROTHER. 257 Thompson to be " strong in the Lord," knowing that " all who live godly in Christ Jesus, shall suffer persecution." The more the God of this degenerate world exalts him- self in opposition to truth, the more he disposes every sincere heart for the reception of it. You are, my dear Brother T. in a trying and afflictive situation — but oh, trust in God, and these afflictions that appear dark and mysterious, will ultimately work out your eternal good and the general good of thousands. " I would that ye should understand," says Paul, " that the things which happened unto me, have fallen out rather unto the fur- therance of the gospel," &c. The Lord bless thee, my dear Brother Thompson, with all his communicable ful- ness. Be assured his grace shall be sufficient for thee. Trust in Him with all thy heart, and thee shall be enabled to say with St. Paul, " I take pleasure in infirmi- ties, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses, for Chrisfs sake.^' " Prisoner of hope, be strong, be bold, Cast off thy doubts, disdain to fear, Dare to believe — on Christ lay hold. Wrestle with him in mighty prayer, Tell Him I will not let Thee go, Till I thy name, Thy nature know." Farewell, my friend and brother. Thee shall not be forgotten at the mercy-seat. Peace be with thy spirit. To MY DEAR Brother Burr : — " Because thou hast kept the word of his patience, the Lord, even thy God, will keep thee in the time of affliction, trial, and tempta- tion." "He that overcometh, shall be clothed in white raiment, and shall sit down with my Father in the king- dom." Bear in mind the immutability of the promises, and be assured they are on your side. " Lo, I am with yoQ alway, even unto the end," says the blessed Savior. 0, believe it, dear Brother Burr. Humble faith claims the blessed Jesus as the help of the helpless — the strength of the weak — the riches of the poor, — the peace of the disquieted — comfort of the afflicted, light of those who sit in darkness, the companion of the desolate, 258 LETTER FROM A MISSOURI BROTHER. Friend of the friendless, the redemption of captives— in a word, He is our all and in all, now, this very moment^ and shall beyb;* ever. Never fear, my dear Brother B. Be not in the least 3ast down. Rather count it an honor to suffer for the cause of Christ, and his poor, afflicted, suffering people. The time is not far distant, when Ethiopia shall stretch her bleeding hands to God, and this wicked nation shall know that there is a God, who executelh judg-ment and justice, and who ruleth in righteousness. Lord, hasten the time. Thousands of his saints join in — -Lord, hasten the time ; Amen. The influence by which my brethren are surrounded IS bad — it will, therefore, be highly essential for you to importunately entreat the Searcher of hearts, to keep the candle of his grace lighted in your souls, then you will easily discern, if the inward parts are " Holiness to the Lord." The Lord bless thee, by dear Brother Burr, with every new-covenant blessing. " No man too largely from Heaven's love can hope, If what he hopes he labors to secure." "Man's inhnmanity to man, makes countless millions mourn."— Burns. " Man is to man the sorest, surest ill." — Young. I am thy affectionate friend and brother. To MY Dear Friend and Brother Work : To you as well as to the other two brethren, I am a stranger in person, but not in spirit. I would say to Brother Work, " take courage." God says to thee as He did to Abraham, " I am thy shield, and exceeding great rew^ard." I was at Quincy, a short time ago — went to see thy companion, and thy dear children — they were all well. Thou need not feel concerned about thy family. The Lord will raise them up friends. I have no doubt that many of the brethren will esteem it an honor and a privilege, as well as their Christian duty, to contribute to their necessities, whilst the head and father suffers in the cause of truth and righteousness. LETTER FROM A MISSOURI BROTHER. 259 The Lord thy God will bless thee and thy family. He will make thy light break forth as the morning-. I understand Brother Work is a Mason. I will not fail to try what the Grand Lodge will do for his deliverance. I think perhaps something can be done in this way. Try and be patient. Trust in the Lord, and He will bring it to pass. I know you suffer unjustly, and am persuaded in ray own mind that you have been put where you are, ille- gally, according to the laws of Missouri. On the other hand, I believe the Lord overruled the affair, for the saving of your lives — for if you had been acquitted, you would all have certainly been murdered. The in- furiated mob, with their faces all blacked, had prepared the gallows, and even the ropes, for your execution ! ! " tell it not in Gath, publish it not in the streets of Askelon." But never fear, Dear Brother Work, nor be in the least discouraged ; it will come out right at last. But look to him on whose shoulders is laid the government of the world, and yet, astonishing humilia- tion ! felt the infamous load of a malefactor's cross ! Barbarous soldiers, followed by an enraged mob, led Him like a lamb to the slaughter, that we might be delivered from the heavy curse of the law, and gently conveyed by the celestial powers, into Abraham's bosom. My sheet is full before I was aware — so I must subscribe myself. Your sincere friend and brother, in the cause of God and of the oppressed. This letter was to us almost like a voice from heaven. The Providence which gave it to us was remarkable — but the Lord will find ways enough to convey to his children all that they need. CHANGE OF WARDENS, AGAIN. About the ninth of December, Capt. Richmond sold out his half of the penitentiary, to a company in St. Louis, " Blaine, Tompkins, and Barret," ungodlv, ava- ricious men. 260 CHANGES. Many regretted the change, but we committed it all ♦^o God, believing that he could guide our vessel safely through. The new wardens were wealthy business men, and they introduced many changes, improvements in ma- chinery, &c. They were also slaveholders, and looked upon an abolitionist with feelings more bitter than Brown and Richmond — but, by our conduct, we commended our- selves to their consciences, so that they were obliged to treat us with respect. But Blaine's character will more fully appear as we advance. Just here, I will say for him, that he treated the sick with more humanity, and would have the prisoners fed better, than any previous officer. NEW OVERSEER. Our uncle Joseph (as we called our good overseer), was so kind and gentle that many would take advantage and misbehave — yet all liked him, and his kindness has often conquered the hardest, where whips would only have exasperated to desperation. But he was not cruel enough to satisfy the wardens, and he had to resign his station to a new overseer, on the 11th of December. And " then a new king arose, which knew not Joseph." He was a very unfeeling, tyrannical man, having been so long accustomed to rule over men, in other prisons, that he seemed perfectly hardened. He walked about in a very lordly manner, with a haughty scowl, giving his orders and regulations. His first step was to forbid the Savior's name being acknowledged at the table, and turning us, as far as he could, into infidels or brutes. This step caused the wicked to triumph. They had been much annoyed by having a blessing sought on the food, but when they saw tills new regulation, they exulted over the Chris- tians, as if they had gained some great victory. We went to the former overseer — his power was gone, and he could do nothing. We went to Judge Brown — he would do nothing. We went to the inspectors, and LAMPS. 261 they did nothing. We went to Jesus, rolled our burden on Him, and there left it. LAMPS TAKEN AWAY. Judge B. and uncle Joseph had granted a number of the prisoners a lamp, by which they might spend their evenings in reading, and thus improve and store their minds with useful knowledge. Many of the converts were thus privileged, who eager- ly improved it, much to their benefit and comfort. We furnished them with books, which they read with great interest and profit. But this was too much for Blaine and Mc C. (our new overseer) . They could not endure to see prisoners take so much enjoyment and quiet satis- faction. Accordingly, their next step was to take away all the lamps — thus obliging those who desired to im- prove themselves, to spend their long, cold, winter nights, in darkness and solitude. While many were benefitted by the lamps, no one was injured thereby. But Mc C. must show either his authority, or his hatred to that which is good. We were ordered to put out our light, and did so — but the next day, we went to Judge B., who readily consented to let us have it again, and we enjoyed our usual privilege, while others were deprived. Soon, another, and another, and another obtained from him the same privilege ; and some took it without asking Then again, after a while, Mc C. gave another sweeping order, and all lights were extinguished. We w^ent to Judge B.; he readily granted the continuance of ours. The same thing was acted over again and again, but still the Lord gave us our lamp. Finally, Judge B. said, ** You can have it, but you must keep it to yourselves, and not let other prisoners see you have it." So we had our steel, flint, tinder, and matches, and lit our lamp after we were locked up at night. " Behold the goodness of the Lord !" On every occasion, when our lamp was taken away, we M'ent to God and asked Him for it — He heard, and immediatelv restored it to us. 262 BENEFITS OF GODLINESS. For this blessing we cannot be sufficiently thankful. I know not how I could haye got along without it. Besides our devotional reading, and singing, new^spaper reading, book reading, letter writing, journalizing, book writing, &c,, my volume of Poems, composed at my work, has been principally written afternight. lamawarethatourofficers and Missourians little thought of what use our lamp was to us, but our God knew what we needed, and provided it. But setting aside all our writings, our light was an in- valuable blessing. By it, we read the Bible through and through, and w^ho can compute the value of the know- ledge thus obtained ! Ah ! little do they who have never been deprived of their comforts realize the importance and worth of what they enjoy, and of which multitudes are deprived. Rea- der, may it never be necessary for God to take away your privileges, to teach you the w^orth of them. THE LOAD OF SIN. In a prayer meeting, Dec. 17th, three of the converts, in speaking of the goodness of God to them, mentioned their improved health, which they attributed to the cast- ing off the load of sin w^hich bore so heavily upon them ; and to their loving, and obeying God. Multitudes of Christians would never have thought of such a cause ; and yet it is perfectly scriptural. The Bible speaks of " length of days," " long life," freedom from disease, &c., as being a result of obeying God. As " envy is the rottenness of the bones," so a " sound heart is the life of the flesh''' — and " godliness has promise of the life that now is." It is also a very natural result. O! could you hear them tell of the continual sorrow, and disquietude of their minds, while in sin, you would say, it must be very wearing to the physical life — tut when they turned to God, their souls were filled with peace and quietness. Solomon says, " A cheerful heart doeth good like a medicine." What active Christian does not know this^ NEW RESPONSIBILITIES, AND DUTIES. Dec. 18. The overseer called me to the guard room. PRIVILEGES AND TRIALS. 263 and said, " We have agreed to place implicit confidence m you, that you will regard the best interests of the In- stitution." " I have, sir, heretofore, and I shall con- tinue so to do. I feel it to be my duty." " That's the character given you, and now we want you to act, as foreman of the weaver's shop (about twenty hands). I shall hold you responsible for the conduct of the hands —the quantity, and quality of their work, and for the supply af materials wherewith to keep them busy, you will be responsible to me, and I shall be responsible to the wardens. And now I want you to report every instance of misconduct, otherwise the blame will come upon you," &c. I felt it to be a very undesirable station — for I found it about as much as 1 could do, to watch, and keep myself straight, together with all the care, anxiety, and watchfulness, devolving upon me, re- specting the many weak lambs, without the load ot tw^enty wild, profane, mischief-making men, being laid upon me. But go forward, I must, claiming the promise, " as thy clay is, so shall thy strength be." They were continually breaking the rules ; but to report, and have them whi})ped, I did not desire. I coaxed and warned, I threatened and plead, but they only took advantage of my good nature and forbearance, which often almost vexed my spirit to impatience, but the grace of God was " sufficient" for me. The station broug-ht with it its advantages as well as its trials. 1. I had to work but little. 2. I could talk freely with them all, on any subject. 3. I could go to any shop in the prison, and talk with '.he prisoners when I pleased. 4. I could spend much of my time in reading. 5. I could go to my cell for prayer when I chose. 6. I could remain out of my cell, on the Sabbath, and 3onverse with whom I saw proper, and other similai privileges. I tried to improve these advantages for the good of my fellow prisoners — and not in vain. God blessed my efforts. But the station brought with it other trials. It was 264 DELIVERANCE FROM TROUBLE. customary for the hands to do overwork, for which they were paid in flour, molasses, tobacco, &c., on Sabbath morning. The foreman had to go all around the prison to find his hands, and give them their pay. This I de- termined I would not do on the Sabbath. On one morning I was called to the guard room, igno- rant of what was wanted, and was offered some molas- ses, short cake, butter, &c., (as all foremen were allow- ed). I told him, " I do not wish any, sir."' " Tel- Work to come down, and get some if he wishes." " He does not wish any, sir — the greatest favor you can grant us is, to let us have the Sabbath sacred to ourselves." " You may, but you must conform to prison rules — they must be obeyed, without distinction. We keep the Sab- bath sacred, and make the prisoners observe it.(!) We wish to see all moral. (!) I believe in being religious every day,{f) though I belong to no church. You mav stay in your cell, and read, and pray, as much as yoti choose," &c. And that very day, a number of hands had to work a great part of it, getting bagging to the river ! And this is a specimen of how they " keep the Sabbath sacred." Everything that can possibly be, is crowded into the Sabbath, to save week time, and yet with brazen face they can say, " We keep the Sabbath sacred !" Abominable. He gave me some tobacco to carry round to my hands, which I kept till Monday, and then gave it to them, as they came to their work. A TRYING TIME. On a certain week, a number of my hands did over- work. I looked forward to the Sabbath with many anx- ious thoughts. Saturday night I went to Judge B. and begged to be excused from waiting on my hands on the Sabbath. "You cannot be excused, Thompson." I looked at both sides of the question — by r(ifusing, I might expect the displeasure of the officers, and their influence against me — a mangled back, and scars for life ; and what more I knew not. On the other hand, I should have a consciousness of " obeying God, rather REFLECTIONS ON THE PAST. 265 than men," remembering that " it is thankworthy^ if a man for conscience toward God, endure grief, suffering wrongfully." I went to God, and my mind fully settled on keeping the Sabbath, let the conse- quences be what they might. I threw myself on the promises, and patiently awaited the morning of decision — when, lo ! a fellow-t'oreman came for my book, and of his own accord, offered to attend to my hands, him- self, that I might not be troubled on the Sabbath. The hand of God was manifest, and my heart involuntarily arose in thanksgiving to the " Hearer of prayer." This prisoner was a wicked man, but knew my feel- ings about the Sabbath, and having hands of his own to attend to, volunteered to attend to mine at the same time ! I was no more molested in this way. The hand of God on the wicked officers, restrained them from ever asking us to break the Sabbath- THE NEW YEAR. Jan. 1st, 1844, we observed as well as we could, as a day of fasting and prayer for the conversion of the world. We fasted, but being so occupied with labors we could not pray, except at our work, while others were eating, and in the evening ; at which time we had a blessed season. In my journal I recorded " How comforting to feel that God knows all our circumstances ! If there be first a willing mind, it is accepted," &c. The past has been a year of great things, but its ac- counts are now sealed for the judgment. How has Jesus plead our cause ! While the arrows of envy, malice, and spite have been darted at us, we have been kept under the shadow of his wings. While death has cut down on the right hand and left, we are spared. While thousands have suffered with hunger, " bread has been given us, and our water has been sure," and we have had many comforts. While others have been filled witTi fear and uneasiness, we have been kept in peace. What scenes have we witnessed ! What songs ot thanksgiving from "new-born babes?" Our cell has 12 266 IT IS GOOD TO BE HERE. been "* the house of God and the gate of heaven.' Truly it is the Lord. We will thank God and take courage — " Praise him for all that is past, and trust him for all that's to come." He who has been with us thus far, will not. now forsake us — no never, never. Come what will, we shall " lack no good thing." EXTRACT OF A LETTER TO A FRIEND. Speaking of a prayer meeting on the first Sabbath ol the year I said, " I expect to remember that delightful season when at the right hand of my Savior with all the blood- washed com- pany. And do you not think it will interest the Redeemer to listen to my simple story, of the amazing goodness of that Savior in whose presence we shall all be assem- bled? And will it not heighten their joy, and increase the sweetness of their harps, as I may be permitted to point to one and another, and say, " This man was born there." 0, there are many trials, yet " it is good to be here." Never did I feel more contented with my condi- tion than now, and you will find the reason beautifully expressed in Abbott's " Young Christian," chapter se- cond, page thirty-seventh, last half — story of Howard. Alanson says, if ever he goes as a missionary, he feels bound to the place, " where the Ethiope dwells." James' heart flies across the ocean to the same. We agree as touching this thing." George. a great break. When one or more run away, it is called " a break." On the fourteenth of January, after preaching, as some fe- males were going out at the gate — a plan having been previously laid — one man knocked the gate keeper down ; another pulled the gate open, and a rush was made for liberty. Seventeen went out before the gate could be closed. They were so eager, that they trampled one on another, each caring on ly for himself. The large bell rang, and the citizens of Jefferson were JAMEs' AKM BROKEN. 267 quickly in the {)ursuil, on horseback and on foot, with muskets, and other warlike weapons. The prisoners were surrounded, and before midnight, all but one were again within the walls. This one was shot in the side, and was unable to be brought back for months ; finally he came. All were sentenced to receive thirty-nine stripes with the raw-hide, and to have the head shaved with the ra- zor, for six months. It being on the Sabbath, and just after preaching, it was a distressing scene. Thus the minds of all were diverted from the truth to which they had been listening. 0, how many ways has Satan to " catch away the word that is sown." In times of such disturbances, the innocent suffer with the guilty, for all are treated with more rigor and severity for some time. In the midst of such confusion and excitement, it was sweet to us to reflect, " Thou rulest the raging of the seas — when the waves thereof arise. Thou stillest them." " Surely the wrath of man shall praise Thee — the remainder of wrath wilt thou re- strain." THE BROKEN ARM, On the 19th of January as James was at work cal- endering bagging, his fingers caught in the machine, winding his hand and arm around an iron bar about one and a half inches in diameter. Before the machinery could be stopped it had wound his arm up about half way to the elbow, mangling and bruising the fingers and hand, and breaking into a number of pieces the two wrist bones, one of which protruded through the flesh. It was providential that his whole arm was not taken from his body, or he in a moment crushed to death. But the Lord, who is wise and good, knows just how much to afflict us, " that we may be partakers of his holiness" — how far to suffer the proud waves to advance, before He says, " Hitherto shalt thou come, but no further" — and he will not lay upon us more than we are able t . bear, for "He knoweth our frame, He remembereth tnat we are dust." 268 TREATMENT OF JAMES. He came to the cell — the doctor was soon present, and set it according to the best of his skill ; which we feared at the time, was not very good, as the result proved. He bore the setting very well, scarcely utter- ing a groan — painful yet needful. The weather being moderate, he chose to remain in the cell, as the hospital at that time was extremely filthy, and the company unpleasant and disgusting. After all had left the cell, he broke out into singing — after which he said, " It is all right.^' •"' Good is the word of the Lord," &c. At our evening devotions, he united with us in singing and prayer. That night and most of the next day, I was with him. The pain, of course, was constant, so that he lost much sleep. In the course of four or five days, the hospital was prepared for him, and he was removed thither, where the steward waited on him. There he had his bed, large rocking chair, books, fire, and some few things from outside — a little milk, a trifle of light bread, a few apples, &c., but his diet was principally such as the prison afforded — corn bread and bacon, mush or gruel. He was there tolerably comfortable, though much annoyed. The doc- tor assisted in dressing his arm two or three times, and then left it to do as it miglit, and probably he would have lost his hand altogether, but for the kindness of Capt. R., who was an old sea-doctor, and gave counsel respecting it. In about eight months, he began to do a little at light work, but it became stiff, so that he can do but little of any kind of work, and it being his right hand, he is the more disabled. And there is no doubt that it is owing to Ur. Moore's ignorance, but more to his carelessness and indifference, that James has not now the free use of his arm. Dr. Davidson looked at it, and said, " It might have been saved if it had been attended to, but now it is too late." Other experienced physicians were brought in to look at it, and gave the same opinion. But "it is all for the best." If the cause in, and for which, we are suffering, be that of Truth and Righteousness, then are all our suffer SCARS, FOR JESUs' SAKE. 269 ings here for the sake of Jhrist, and his " little ones." Such beint^ the case, James can ever after sing a song, in which I cannot yet unite, viz. : " I bear in ray body, the ??iar/a of the Lord Jesus." And what Christian would not glory in being able to say this in truth ? What a satisfaction to the mind of one who has been lacerated, wounded or maimed, to look on his scai's, and feel that the) art for the sake of Jesus! And as they are tokens, or evidences of his love to his Master, so are they the means of quickening, increasing, and cementing his attachments to his Lord and Savior. " Henceforth, let no man trouble me, for I bear in my body the marks of the Lord Jesus." Sweet! to mrs. beardsley joy of faith. Beloved Sister : I am full of joy and peace in believing. It flows into my soul like a clear, smooth, peaceful river, pro- ceeding from the throne of God. 0, the blessedness of believing what our heavenly Father says. It keeps the soul c]uiet in times of commotion and danger; fills it with light in the deepest darkness — yea, as the Prophet has inimitably expressed it, " in perfect peace." A little faith will disperse every cloud, put to flight every lion, and scatter all the objections, and hobgoblins, that unbelief can present. It is a lesson that takes some a great while to learn, but the why is because they want their own way, and think they know better than God, what will be for their good. How else can we account for the murmurings of so many, when God frustrates their plans. Why so much uneasiness when a shower ^alls at a time they did not wish, or frost cuts off the crops, or their fields are laid bare by some providence'' Why all this weeping and dejection, when sickness pros- trates them, or their friends or relatives are snatched away by death, or by some rude barbarous hand, into a hostile country, to suflfer and toill Why all these, and ten thousand similar feelings, under aflflictive dispensa- tions of Providence? Either they do not really believe that God governs the world, or that He mistakes Himselt 270 BLESSEDNESS OF FAITH. someti nes, with respect to their particular case. Could they ill all dispensations, see and acknowledge the hand of God, as wise, kind, faithful, mighty, O, how instan- taneously would the troubled emotions of the soul be quieted to peace and joy unutterable. I sometimes am so filled w^ith pity for those under the influence of unbelief, I almost wish a tongue and power I have not, to place before them the excellencies oi faith. It opens the blind eyes — it looks at things as they are. See two persons in the same circumstances, under the ditferent influences of faith, and unbelief, and what a contrail ! It 'Was this matchless principle, that gave me joy and peace, when the guns were pointed at my breast — when dra2;o-ino- the heavy chain, and listenino; to the sentence of twelve years in the 'penitentiary ! it is this " faith which works by love," that has supported, and cheered my soul, amid all my trials. I rejoice that I came here — that I am here — that I m,ay he here. When the Lord has done with me here, he will give me another field. " My meat is to do the will of Him that sent me." My self, circumstances, inte- rests, friends, comforts, trials, «//, I commit to, and leave W'ith my God, saying, " Father, glorify thy name." " Here am I, do with me, as seemeth thee good." Fare- well. Gkorge. CUTTING HAIR, AND SHAVING HEADS. It was the usual custom of the officers to cut the hai? close, on one half of the head — and in cases of miscon- duct, to shave the head. For a year and a half or two years, our hair was cut in the fashion. Then it was suffered to grow naturally. Most of the prisoners thought it a great trial to have their heads thus disfigured — and indeed it did present a singular appearance — but I never thought it of sufficient consequence to ask for — if they " gave me my liair," well and good — if not, it was all the same. 'I'hey were welcome, as I frequently told them, to a half, or the whole, if they wished it. The character was not affect- HAIR CUTTING. 271 ed thereby. It is done to keep prisoners from escaping, but it is all folly — for if a man is resolved to run away, he will go just as quick without, as with hair. Shortly after McC. came, he gave orders to shave one side of the heads of the prisoners. Some, by hard pleading, got excused — but to us there was nothing said about shaving heads, or cutting hair. And from that time, with a few short exceptions, wdien there has been great excitement, on the occasion of a " break," or some such thing, we have had our hair. Many have been sent forth with one side of their hair cut closi — and one man had his whole head shaved, a day or two before he was discharged — both of which are in direct opposition to law. DR. ELY. Jan. 28. The celebrated Dr. Ely preached to us. All that he said, was good, plain truth, but spoken in such a light manner, as to cause much laughter, and I fear, spoiled the good effect it might have had. The recollection of his past conduct, respecting Marion city. and his slave Ambrose, and slavery, so rushed upon my mind, that, I confess I could not receive that profit, I otherwise would have gained. He once was a great man, but where is he now? 0\ how his case should teach us to keep humble at the Savior's feet, and watch- fully avoid everything that will tend to lead us away from God ! I spoke to him. He said he recognised me as one of tlie three — (he was present at our trial). He went in to see James, and talked with Alanson, but could not give much comfort — " If I was thus separated from my fam- ily," said he, " I should be very unhappy." GOV. REYNOLDS SUICIDE ! Feb. 9, 1844, was an eventful day. Gov. R. after making out his will, writing letters to several persons, &c., retired from the breakfast table to his office, and deliberately committed suicide, by discharging the coa 272 GOD DEFErJDS THK WIDOW AND FATHERLESS. tents of a loaded rifle into his head. He had pardoned out a number of wilful murderers^ while the cases of others were rejected ; and finally has gone hiraseif to reap a murderer's reward ! Something of the kind we had looked for. We had long piayed tliat if he could not be converted, but was fully bent on withstanding the Almighty, and trampling down justice and judgment, he might, by some means, be removed, that the cause of suffering humanity might advance. The cries and tears of many fatherless chil- dren, and desolate widows, had long been ascending to heaven against hira. And as God has said He " will surely hear their cry," is it any wonder that he was cut down, in awtul judgment? " The fatherless and widow," are objects of heaven's special care, and protection. And just as certain as " in thee the fatherless findeth mercy," so surely wili their " Redeemer thoroughly plead their cause," " hear their cry, and save them" from their rich and proud op- pressors. Well did a noble British officer,* in the time of the Revolution, on hearing of the cruelties of some of his fellow-officers, to the widows and fatherless, re- mark to a widow, " Such men will ruin our cause ; fo? the word of God assures us, that His ear is always open to the cry of the widow and orphan — and believe me, madam, I dread their cry, more than I do the shouts oi an enemy'' s army.'" Yes, sooner let kings and monarchs seek my life, than the orphan's or widow's cry ascend to heaven against me. Rather let me cause " the widow's heart to sing for joy;'* and let "the blessing of those wdio are ready to perish, come upon me," and I am 'lappy. Remembering the danger of indulging in improper feelings at the downfall of an enemy, we called to mind the injunction, " Rejoice not, when thine enemy falleth, fest the Lord see it, and it displease Him." As we felt it to be the hand of God, we could but say • Major Muckleworth. THE CLASS. 273 Amen, and pray that He would accomplish His o^vn purposes, by the event. The Lieutenant Gov. Marmaduke was sent for, 3id took his place. THE CLASS ORGANIZED, AND BROKEN UP. 1 had often urged the chaplain to form some kind of an organization for the converts, by which we might be regulated in receiving, disciplining, and cutting off mem- bers — that it might be known who were " of us," and who were not — but was put off from time to time, with one excuse and another, for about eleven months. Every one who went up to be prayed for, was looked upon by the wicked, as having "joined the church," and wdien any who had been to the anxious seat, whether convert- ed or not, " turned back,^^ they were pointed at, saying, "There is one of your professors!" "That's your Christianity!" "I knew they were all hy])ocrites !" &c. Thus the reproach was cast upon all — " for whether one member suffer, all the members suffer with it." And there being no way to deal with backsliders, they were still looked upon by the wicked, as belonging to the church, and in fellowship with those who walked uprightly. Some of these very backsliders wojild some- times attend the meeting, sing, and even pray, which grieved some honest hearts, and gave the wicked occa- sion to rejoice, but what could I do ? Should I tell them that I did not wish to see them in the meeting, this would create disturbance. Should I forbid them to sing or pray, I should be called partial, intolerant, and charged with domineering: over men's consciences. I was much tried — yet felt it my duty to give full liberty for any to speak or pray, who felt so disposed. At length the chaplain came with a methodist " class paper" — talked with the overseer, who gave permission to have a class formed — promised to furnish a room, where we could meet every Sabbath — that I should pat such names on the paper, as I thought proper, which persons should be allowed to attend the meeting — must 12* 274 CLASS ORGANIZED AND BROKKN UP. give the f^uard a list of the names, that he might know whom to leave out of their cells, to meet in class — for now all others were locked uj-*, and not allowed to attend unless they belonged to the class ! I felt myself placed in peculiarly trying circumstan- ces — dark clouds were fast gathering — the officers were evidently working against the prayer meeting, which had (lone so much good, but to go ahead, as long as I could move, trusting in God, I was determined. We met four or five times in the capacity of a class, and were then forbidden to meet any more, to the great grief of many ! I talked with the overseer, but he was unyielding. I asked for a reason — he replied, "I think there will no good result from it." " I know of no evil that has resulted,'" said J, " but much good. Has there been any im[)roper conduct in any of the meetings?'' " None, but 1 think evil v.dll grow out of it !" Not the first instance of evil could he point out, but meet we should not ! There seemed to be a settled determina- tion to oppose everything that had good in it. I went to judge Brown — he refused — though he had positively promised that we should have the meeting — that he would make all the prisoners attend, and would attend himself. He was turned like a weathercock, by McC, whither he would. All hope from this quarter failed. 1 went to the chaplain — he could do nothing. We went to the inspectors — they promised time and again, that it should be established. I rehearsed its his- tory to them-^-its rise, fall, and results — they saw no ob- jections, and said they would attend to it, but tiiey never did anything. We carried the case to our Father, and he seemed to say, " Let it suffice thee — speak no more to me concerning this matter." We ceased, saying, "The will of the Lord be done." As numbers of the brethren were allowed to stay out of the cells on the Sabbath, T begged the privilege of having them come to our cell and pray with us. McC. and Judge J5. both utterly refused. We cnuld get to- gether in companies and talk — tiie most wicked men in OCCASIONAL PB,AYER MEETINGS. 275 che prison could laugh and talk together all day, and no fault was found ! but meet to pray^ we should not ! As our cell was open on the Sabbath, we ventured to invite the brethren at all events — some were afraid, and others resolved to come, till they were obliged to stop — they came, and we had precious seasons together. The Lord richly blessed our souls. And from tliat time, we had occasional prayer meetings, just as we could get any of the brethreri together long enough. Of some ofthe.se seasons, I shall hereafter speak. CHAPTER VI. CHARACTER OF THE CONVERSIOx\S— INCIDENTS. INTERESTING CASES. First. — Old J. D. was a colored man — for a misdemea- nor he came here, and served three years. He once was a slave, and l)ought liimself and family. For himself he gave five hundred and fift\ dollars — for his wife, four hundred and twenty; for his daughter, four hundred, and for a child before it was born, thirty-five dollars ! Unborn children, bought and sold ! Was ever such a thing heard of in the most savage nation under heaven 1 And yet in this gospel land, it is not an uncommon thing !* ! shame, shame, on my country ! O ! sla- very, where is thy blush 1 J. D. was a remarkable old man — he could not read a word, but was a striking instance of the power of grace on the uneducated mind. He seemed taught by the Holy Spirit. His afflictions brought him to the Savior's feet. I could wish that those who say, " the niggers * A prisoner who had lon^ been an overseer in the South, said, " It is a common thing Soiitli. to sell unborn chiidrcn. They commonly bring one hundred, and frequently one hundred and fifty dollars.'' 276 POWER OF GRACE ON AN UNEDUCATED MIND. have no souls," could only hear him talk and pray — surely their mouths would he stopped. JYo souls/ What blasphemy ! His views of gospel truth, and Christian duty, in many respects, were very clear. He talked understandingly, and, when engaged, with great energy, eloquence, and application. He was always active and ready. From many of his sayings, take the following as specimens. On one occasion in the prayer meeting, he said, " God has so placed me that when I kneel down to pray, the devil runs away^ for he don't like me, and thank God there's no great loss, for / donH like him. They may take me how, or when they please, Vm always r^ady, and have something to say about God and his goodness to me." What a reproof to many who can find nothing to say for Jesus, unless they are in a particular mood — who can talk about everything else but religion ! " Always ready !" What a lesson ! In the same meeting a young man professed to give his heart to God, before whom J. D. took his stand, and addressed him as a young soldier, at some length in a spirited, affecting manner, concerning the difficulties, doubts, dangers, «Si.c., of the Christian life — much to the edification of all present. In another meeting, he said, " My heart has leaped for joy to-day. Trusting in God ! There is nothing like it in all the world. I thank God for sending me here. It has been the means of saving me from everlast- ing: torments." After the prayer meeting was broken up, he came to our cell one Sabbath, and we sang and prayed together for some time. He arose before us to " tell us the state of his soul," and said, " It has now been a long time since we met here, but I feel the knot drawn tighter than ever, and my soul is anchored out in the cause of the Lord. I feel that God is good in sparing me. When I came here, I did not expect to live one year, but he has helped me to worry my time almost through. I hope and pray that He will spare me a little longer, THK SPEECH —CONVERTS. ^1 that I may meet my little family, and tell them what he has done lor my soul — to meet them, with Jesus in my soul, and glory in rny view. And oh! brethren, when I'm gone, I shall remember and pray for you. If we should meet no more on earth, we shall meet in heaven. I shall know you there as I do here, and there, there will be no more locking up. Glory to God ! Press on then, brethren, through every difficulty, that you may be re- warded. The prize is great, and soon the time will come when it will be given to us. And when I'm gone, I want you all to pray for old gray-headed J y, for though I am far away, when you kneel down, your prayers ivill reach my heart. Sometimes when I reflect what God has done for me, my heart leaps for joy ; and I believe if the prayer meeting had continued until now, / should have been able to move a mountain ! It was like going to a school to be instructed and strengthened. I sometimes get cold now, but what little I have they canH get from me." Notice his estimation of the prayer meeting. Many felt as he did. He left the prison, alive in religion, and spent most of the day going round the city, talking to the slaves and directing them to trust in God. He came into the prison again, and said to James, " I feel better than I did, the day I bought my head.'''' He took and gave many lessons on abolition. He was wa- ter-drawer the most of his time, and talked with many slaves. Second. — H. B. was a father. In the prayer meetings, he often spoke of his family, while the tears would flow freely, in view of his past unfaithfulness to his wife and children. And to hear him pray for them was affecting. On one occasion he said, " I v^-ould give ten thousand worlds, if I could only hear of the conversion of my child-*en." The Lord heard him. In a few weeks news came of the conversion of two of his daughters, which filled h' u with great joy. He wept as he related the news, ind blessed the Lord. At another time, his little son came to see him, with whom he conversed. Said he, " Tell your mother that 278 A CHRISTIAN SPIRIT. I am spending here the happiest days of my life. I am contented. 1 should like very well to come heme and instruct my children, but cannot just now." At another time, news came, that his son, about seven years old, had died. The spirit which he manifested was so perfectly Christian, so sweet, so submissive, and his conduct so exemplary, that we rejoiced in happy dis- appointment. He felt perfectly reconciled and satisfied with what his Father had done — felt that it was right, and all for the best — that God would take care of his child better than he could, " and I cheerfully give him back to Him, who gave him to me. The Lord gave, and the Lord hath taken away, and blessed be the name of the Lord." But his wife came a few days afterwards, and inform- ed him that the boy was alive, and had not even been sick. He received his son as Abraham did Isaac, " from the dead, in a figure." He felt that he was dead, and under this imj^ression manifested his faith and de- light in God's will, and when his faith, as it were, was proved, as Abraham's, God gave him back his son, whom he was so willing to surrender at the call of the Giver. At two different times he was at work outside in the woods. The guard was his relative, and said to him, " Now B., if you wish to go home to your family, go, and I will not stop you. You can have my pistols and go." His family lived only about twelve miles distant, but religion made him unwilling to receive liberty in a dishonorable manner. He chose to trust in the Lord. Once, he, with a company of others, had determined on "liberty or death," but the plot was providentially dis- covered and broken up. See what a change the grace of God makes. His general deportment gave us great comfort in our afiliction. At length a pardon .cftii^e for him, and he went home, after retiring with us to our cell, to pray and commune together, probably for the last time. Anticipating his departure, I composed and gave him the following : aELEASE OF A PRISONER. 279 ON THE RELEASE OF A PRISONER. I. Go, Fellow Pris'ner, here so long confined, By iron doors, and locks, and i^loomy walls; Leave all thy tears and siifl'rings now behind, And answer to thy little children's calls II. Go find your darlings — wipe away their tears — Cheer up their hearts — their sorrows drive away — Bid them to banish all their former fears, And now rejoice to see the wished-for day. Til. Go find that weeping, broken-hearted wife, Whom thou hast caused to mourn by evil ways, Go sweeten, now, her long-embittered life. And in God's fear together spend your days. IV. Go to your friends, whom you have made to weep. And who have followed you with many prayers; Go wipe the tear from off that furrowed cheek. And lighten life's oppre,'?sive, anxious cares. V. Go, tell them all that you have seen and felt — The evil of your former wicked ways; 'J'hat Jesus' love your hardened heart did melt, And filled your soul with songs of grateful praise. VI. Go show the world by upright, holy acts. And godly conversation joined with all. That you henceforth will mark your Savior's tracks, And do, in earnest on his name now call. VII. Go, Fellow Pris'ner, go be useful. Go, And be to man a blessing where you dwell : The end of sinful ways to sinners show. Which lead to prisons, gallows, and to hell VIII. Go serve Manasseh's God and your's till death, Nor e'er forget your lonely prison-cell ; ••Remember those in binds," with prayerful breath, And meet me finally in heaven. Farewell He had spent many pleasant hours and Sabbaths with 280 THE HAPPY PRISONERS UNDER AFFLICTION. US, and seemed as dear as an own brother. Our hearts were knit together like those of David and Jonathan. Third. — W. F. P. was a young man of feeble consti- tution, and of rather loose habits. He was converted soon after coming here, and lived so that the wicked were obliged to confess, " I believe that he is a Chris- tian." He was sick much of his time, and often thought he was near his end ; but was always composed, and willing to die or live, just as God saw best. How has my soul been refreshed, as I have conversed and prayed with him, in view of death! 0, he was so sweetly re- signed to his Father's will. The spirit that he exhibited, and the testimony he bore would amply reward us for all our sufferings, had we nothing more to comfort us. At one time he said, " I am better satisfied and more contented here, than ever I was outside. I praise God for his afflicting rod, and feel that my two years here will be the happy means of saving me from the prison- house from which none are pardoned." Again, I called on him, when he was very sick — con- versed and prayed with him. Found him in an excel- lent frame of mind. He said, " My pains are great, but I feel that God is my friend. He is good and does all things right, and knows best when to afflict. ' He does not afflict willingly,' nor will He afflict me more than I can bear. I am willing to lie and suffer as long as my Lord sees best. All is in love, and for my good. We should be thankful for afflictions as well as mercies, for all are blessings." He had doubt about getting well, but was not alarmed. He felt some anxiety about his c'd father and family ; but committed them to God, and felt that by prayer in prison, he could procure for them blessings and necessaries, which he could not when at liberty, a wicked man. I fed him with some of the j)romises, upon which his faith seized with eagerness, and I felt that it was well worth coming to a peniten- tiary, to enjoy such a privilege of comforting one of Christ's "little ones." He spent his last Sabbath in our cell, much to our satisfaction. INTERCESSION FOR ALANSON. 281 Fourth. — C. S. was a Russian, from St. Petersburg He gave us much comfort — was exceedingly interesting in prayer meetings or private conversation — full of life and zeal. He attributed his first serious impressions, to seeing us so frequently on our knees, and hearing us pray, when he carried around bread at night. He thought if we needed to pray, surely he vastly more. And to hear him talk and pray in his broken English, would do any one good. Reader, I have given you some specimens of our prison fruit. I might multiply cases, if ray limits would permit, but these must suffice for the present. It was my habit when any who were friendly to us came in, to intercede with them to use their influence to restore Alanson to his family. As the inspectors were frequently in, I plead his cause before them. They listened, felt an interest in his case, and promised to speak to the Governor, and use their influence to get him out — but it was their opinion that when one went, we would all go. They always treated us with great re- spect and kindness. At one time, a Mr. C. was inside, to whom I said — " Tell the Governor that if he will let Alanson go, he may add his remaining time to the end of mine." But they would not admit of this kind of substitution. At another time, an honorable Judge came in, with whom I made myself somewhat free, and who seemed to feel for us, and had said to our friends that he believ- ed we were innocent. He was a man of extended in- fluence, and could help if he would. I asked, " cannot something be done for Work's release ?" " I do not know — Work is a first rate fellow." I said, " If there is an honest, conscientious man in the world, I believe that he is one." The Judge replied — " I have no doubt of it; I have no doubt of it." He also asked many questions respecting Alanson's family, and then went up stairs and talked with him. EXECUTIVE RESPONSIBILITY. He promised Alanson he would go and see the Gov 282 RESPONSIBILITY AND GIVING UP THE POINT. ernor in his behalf, but added, "I think no Governof will take the responsibility of turning you three out, without the co-operation of the Legislature." Responsibility ! Indeed ! If a thief, a whore-monger, a robber, a "man- stealer," or a murderer, is petitioned for by his friends, the Executive can very readily take the " respon-^ibility" of turning them loose upon the community, without any fear of public censure, or risk of losing his popularity, or election to some higher seat of honor! And this fearful "responsibility," has often been taken without even the form of a petition ! But when asked to " open the prison doors" to those who are acknowledged to be honest, conscientious men, against whom they have " no imputation," who have a " good character," and are " first rate fellows," ! they cannot endure the " responsibility !" To pardon the whole list of criminals, is no responsibility ; but to release those who love and desire to benefit their fellow men, and whose lives are devoted to doing good, this is insupjiortable "responsibility!" For such persons, in Missouri, are execrated, and should the Executive turn them loose, a torrent of public disapprobation may be expected, which he cannot meet, since he " loves the praise of men more than the praise of God." What a notion of " responsibility !" But more : Gov. Marmaduke came in, and had a number of the prisoners called before liim — two or three murderers and Alanson were among the number. He said to Alanson, "1 liave received two letters from your wife, and an- swered one of them, informing her that I could not, con- sistently, let you go. I have also received a long argumentative letter on slavery from Mission Institute, signed by three individuals. I am glad to hear of your behavior here — though you are far from friends it has made friends of all who have had anything to do with th? place, and it has also made friends outside! If I consulted only my own feelings as a father, I would immediately turn you out, but I cannot consistently with my executive duties. The excitement, all .over the country, is the greatest it ever has been, and I do not VITIATED PUBLIC SENTIMENT. 283 think that I, or any other Executive would be suf famed by public opmion, in letting you go. And further — should I let you go, it would have the appearance of GIVING UP THE POINT !" What point? Why their op- position to our principles. They hold us here, because we will not " give up the point" — and if they should let us go while we persist in our doctrines, it would have the appearance of giving up to us that we were right and they were wrong. Jiut if we would only give up the point, they can let us go, and boast, " We've conquered them at last." I have not heard of their being troubled about the *' appearance of giving up the poiint" to thieves and murderers* wdio have been pardoned out, and who de- clared, too, they would do the same thing again ! To act in accordance with the convictions of con- science, while the frown of a few ignorant, unreasona- ble, feeble men, is incurred, is great res})onsibility — but to do wrong, and incur the displeasure of that just and Almighty Being, who holds their life and eternal destiny in his hands, is no responsibility ! What a vitiated pub- lic sentiment do such things bespeak ! Yet such is one of the natural consequences of slavery. Contrasted with such principles, how noble is the conduct of him, who, with promptness and resolution, will do right, though the displeasure of the wdiole world should be incurred, or the sacrifice of his life be the con- sequence. The man who thus acts from a principle of duty to God and man, leaving consequences with the Lord, finds a rich reward in his own bosom, though outward sufferings and reproaches may be heaped upon him. We are thankful that we are not in prison as State felons — but we rejoice that we are " counted worthy to suffer shame," as abolitionists — as the friends of suffering humanity. We ask no higher honor in this world. * Gov. M., soon after this conversation with Alanson, pardoned out two murderers — one of whom wilfully shot his neighbor. 284 ALANSON AND JAMES OUTSIDE. JAMES AND THE MISSOURI LAWYER. As James was reading his Bible, in the shoe-shop, a lawyer from Boone County came in, and asked, " What book is that?" " The Bible, sir." " Do all here have the Bible ?" " Many are without any, but would be glad to have one." " Is a Bible given to each one when he leaves here ?" " It is given to none, sir." " I think it would be an excellent plan, it might save them in the hour of temptation. What is your name?" " My name is Burr, sir." " Ah, that is just what I should ex- pect from th« character I have heard of you outside, to find you with your Bible. Hold on to it." " I expect so to do as long as I live '" " Yes, it is the only thing worth sticking to." Would to God that all lawyers could thus speak of the Bible. ! what an overturning would there be in our courts of ??ioc/c-justice ! How much less fraud, ly- ing, and extortion would be practised by them ! And how many more would be willing to plead for the poor as well as the rich, and " open their mouths for the dumb," in the cause of humanity ! March 11. James returned to the cell — having been absent six and a half weeks. About this time. Captain Richmond was expecting to move away, and Alanson and James were permitted to go outside alone, at two different times, each, to converse with Mrs. R. Nothing prevented free conversation on any subject, and the topic of slavery and helping slaves, was discussed with kindness and good feeling. Mrs. R. had always been kind to us. About the middle of March, a citizen was in the shoe- shop, conversing with the hands about petitions. He turned to James, and said, " Here is Burr, I will not sign a petition for him, because he will not give up his principles." EXTRACT OF A LETTER. I am happy to find again a few words from Alanson LETTERS. 285 and James, that they may speak for themselves. They wrote in my letter — Dear Wife : I sympathize with you in your troubles, but can only relieve you by advice and prayer. I hope you will draw your consolation from the word of God. Af- fliction sanctified, is better than affliction removed. God's promises are exceeding large, especially to the widow and fatherless. Will not you and the children look out all you can find, and make them your own. Then you will rejoice in tribulation. I want you should be able, with a full heart, to testify to the faithfulness of God in supporting and carrying you in triumph through all your troubles. Be not troubled about me. I am well. Be faithful to the children. Tell them to be good, and then we shall meet in heaven, if not before. The Lord bless you, and keep you, and provide for you. Farewell, Alanson Work. from james, written with his left hand. Friends : W^hy do I not hear from you more often? I am sure if you were in prison, " enclosed in hewn stone,'* and could neither see nor hear of what was going on in the world — if you were obliged to see one thing all the time — and in addition, if you had a broken arm to cheer the gloom, you would wish for some one, now and then, to comfort you with a word of consolation. You know but little of the worth of a letter in prison. I want you all to do what you can for the salvation of souls. Do as the " Village Blacksmith" did — " set a trap, and bait it with faith and prayer." Do all the good you can. J. E. Burr. THE LEGISLATURE DOCTRINE LAW. April 4. One of the four legislators who came to our cell one Sabbath, mentioned in Part II, called to talk with me. He began, " I suppose you feel about as you 286 CONVERSATION AND REFLECTIONS. did when I last talked with you." " I am not aware, sir, that any material change has taken place in my mind, and I do not think the people of this State, can, with reason, require us to give up our sentiments, before they will let us go." The absurdity was so plain, he had to acknowledge it, and said, " They do not, nor could they in any land of liberty." Reader, you have been shown time and again, that they do require this — that o\xv principles, and they alone, sent us here and keep us here. " Give them up, and you may go," is the cry from every quarter. The man went on, " If you can promise neither to come to this State, nor aid others in coming to assist slaves, there will be no difficulty in getting your time shortened." " We have repeatedly told you we should not come to this State again, forthat purpose." He had considerable to say about the law — that it was made by the people, and till repealed, should be observed — that the way to alter it, was to enlighten the people. Very good and true, but how are the people to be enlighten- ed'? They shut their eyes, and stop their ears, and make special laws to keep out the light from the State. They will neither hear nor read on the subject of Anti- slavery, and if any one dares to attempt to " enlighten the people," he is mobbed, banished, or cast into prison. How shall we enlighten them? Will the slave-holding statesmen tell us how 1 Again the man said, " For one man to disregard the law, is to set himself up against all the people, and tends to the subversion of all government." But what does all this amount to, so long as the law IS against the Bible, and contrary to God's law ? If the law is unrighteous, and tends to the subversion of the law of heaven, it must be opposed, though it should subvert every government on earth. There must be those who will cry aloud and refuse obedience, even unto death. When human and divine laws conflict, the latter are always to be regarded. " We ought to obey God rather than man," is the Christian's motto. THE PRISON DAUGHTER. 287 FEMALE PRISONERS. In the early part of our time, a woman of vile charac- ter was sent here — staid two or three days 'and was pardoned. Abouta^ear afterwards another came, for killing her husband. Her sentence was five years — she staid nearly two, and was pardoned. She worked outside, at Caj^t. R.'s and Judge B.'s house. Mrs. B. abused her so shamefully, she ran away, but was brought back the next day and locked up in her cell, where she had but little to eat or drink, for some days. The horrid cruelty towards her, while thus locked up, so aroused the indignation of certain wicked prisoners, that there-was strong talk of a " muti- nyP unless Judge B. altered his course. After about three weeks she was again taken outside, where she worked about four months — coming to her cell every night. In the fall she became the mother of a daughter. Tlie doctor refused to be present at the time of her de- livery. Mrs. Brown would neither come nor let anyone else attend — the overseer told one of the prisoners to assist her — who did so, and he was the only one to wait upon her for sometime. Mrs. B. refuse J to come near her, or to furnish any materials for the child's clothing — so that she remained in her cold cell, with her child, for nearly a week before anything was done. Nor was she allowed to have any fire during the cold winter weather — but suffered in her damp and chilly cell, till she was pardoned out ! The whole is a horrid, disgrace- ful affair, on all sides. But can anything better be ex- pected from slavery'? The next woman was put in a cell and ri vetted fist, having a stove, and everything brought to her by other prisoners, with whom she conversed much. A great many resorted to her cell to converse with her. Her conversation was very disofustino:. She was sick mrch of the time, and often in the night have we been awa- kened by her groans and screams for help. After a tine the door was I'nfis^etted, and the guard could go there 288 THE COLORED WOMAN. when they chose ! She staid about six months and was pardoned out. The next was a colored woman. She arrived here in the night, and was locked in a cell with three wicked vile men*! The next day she was arrayed in prison colors — half of her dress yellow, and the other halt white. This was the first time that any female had been so clothed. The others wore their own clothes, which they brought with them. She was then placed in the wash-house, to work with two wicked men — if in her cell by day, it was unlocked, so that any prisoner could visit her, or any guard by night! Now why is she treated in this manner"? " ! she is nothing but a nigger .'" And what respect is paid to a " nigger'' s'^ purity in a slave State? Many other things might be mentioned respecting the abomina- ble treatment of these women, but I must pass along. A PROHIBITION. So many of the prisoners who were trusted outside alone, had run away, that the inspectors prohibited the officers from sending any men out without a guard. But as James had been sick and was quite feeble, he asked one of the inspectors, if he could go out and breathe the fresh air for his health. The reply was, " I have no objection, and I presume the other inspectors will have none. We are not at all afraid of you. There is not the least imputation against you !" " No imputation !" and yet will not let us go ! At different times James went out and enjoyed the liberty of recreating himself as he chose, which greatly invigorated his system. Usually, in the morning, the guards went around and unlocked the cells, not waiting to see whether the pri- soners came out. But McC. gave his order, that the guards, after they had gone round, and unlocked the doors, should go round again, and lock up every man who was not out of his cell. Then whoever was thus locked up, was taken to the guard room, to give an ac- count of himself. Generally, there were two bells — one A NKW ORDER. 289 for rising — the other fifteen minutes after, for opening the cells, at which time, every man was ordered to be ready to come out, and proceed to his place of work. Frequently the guard would forget themselves, so that the two bells would ring almost immediately after each other — or there wouid be only one, which often deceived the prisoners, and they were unable to get out in time. Our morning devotions were often disturbed by the ••.nlocking and slamming of doors, but pray we would, leaving consequences with God. Some of the guard would not mind anything about us, if we were in our cell, but others wished to show their authority, and im- portance. One morning, as I was on my knees, such an one came around, and suw me — stoo^. a moment, went to the win- dow, and waited — then came back, as I was ready to go out, and said, " I'll lock you up every morning, if you do not come out sooner." I simply replied, " I am willing^ sir." He reported me to the overseer, but he knew that I understood my own business, and said nothing about it. The guard, poor man! Did he think he could frighten a Christian from prayer 1 We felt the need of it. It was our *•' vital breath.'''' Look at this, Reader. The poor prisoners are driven to work, from before they can see in the morning, till after they can see at night — hav- ing not more than half sufficient time to eat — and yet if one is found on his knees after the door is opened, fault is found because he is not at his work, whether he has anything to do or not ! This will give you an idea of the trials of the dear converts. Such circumstances teach us the value of secret retirem.ent. Deprived of this, we could lift up our hearts, while at work. This, man could not prevent. " MY CUP RUNNETH OVER." About the first of May, a barrel came from our friends to Judo;e B. It was more than half full of crackers — of which we had not a taste. In the same, was nearly a half bushel of dried fruit, which was given to us — also a quantity of medicines, which w^e received — a bundle 13 290 KICH BLESSINGS. of letters, on which we feasted, and a valuable addiiioB to our library, Meiaoir of Elias Cornelius, and Hannah Hobbie, Pike's Young Disciple, Pilgrim's Progress, Counsels to Young Men, Infidelity, Alleine's Alarm, Baxter's Call, Bouge's Evidences, and Missionary He- ralds. As we had many calls from prisoners, for books, we could now supply them more fully. We had long felt the need of more religious books — for such was the general anxiety to read, Ihey would read anything, how- ever plain and cutting it might be. A number of novels had also been furnished by Mrs. Brown, which were devoured with great eagerness. To counteract this in- fluence, we needed the truth, and God abundantly pro- vided it, from time to time. Beside our books, we had a good supply of tracts, magazines, papers, &c. — so that our cell was a general resort, on Saturday nights, and Sabbath mornings, for something to read on the Sabbath, which gave us again the opportunity of speaking to them about their souls. In this way, " a great and effectual door" was opened for us to do good, for which we blessad the Lord. SEARCHING THE CELLS. It was customary, now and then, for the guards or overseer to go around, and search all the cells, to see what could be found, that was not allowed — if any were breaking out, &c. When guards who were acquainted with us, went around, they did not disturb our cell, and frequently, as they passed, or looked in at the door, the remark has been heard, " There is no danger here" — " Everything is right enough here," &c. But sometimes new guards were sent around, who knew no better than to take every- thing as they went, making no distinction. At such limes there was a great rumaging, and overturning in our cell. They found many things to look at — yet such was the general appearance of the cell, that the almost ir resistible impression was, " There is no danger here" — for it has more the aspect of a student's room, than of a priiioner's cell. PROTLutED FKOM THE DEVICES OF THE ENEMY. 291 At one time, a very self-important guard came m, while James was unwell, and searched the cell. He took down my letter box, which before had not been dis- turbed — in which I kept my own letters, my journal, and various trinkets. He examined the letters, and looked at my journal, but the Lord blinded him, so that he did not know what it was. He exclaimed, " Why, what an extensive correspondence this fellow has!" He took some little articles, which the overseer and Judge B. restored to us. 'I'hus the Lord was good to us. At another time, some Dutchmen went around. They turned everything up-side down, and took a number of things, which Judge B. gave back, as soon as we asked him. All my writings and papers, they passed by, not knowing that there was any harm in them. This work was then partly written, besides various other writings, any of which, if they had f.dlen into the hands of the ofHcers, and been read, would have brought me into deep water, but the Lord blinded them on every occasion. " He disappointeth the devices of the crafty." As the overseer had been around examining the cells, I asked him, " Did you find anything amiss in my cell?" He replied, " It looks more like a store-room, than a prisoner's cell," and yet the Lord did not let him take away our " store" of goods. But at the last searching, we had a narrow escape — yet the " way of escape" was opened in due time, so that God, again disappointed them, and delivered his little ones, who cried unto Him. In the cell were a number of boxes — one large chest, in which James kept his papers, and our spare clothes — another^ filled with dried fruit — and another containing all my papers — journal, and writings of various kinds. The two former were left — the latter, with all its con- tents taken. They so arranged it, that no one could go to his cell, to get anything, and we could only lift our hearts to God for help, which was granted. As my box was on the way to the guard-room, I told the guard, who was standing near me, and who had always been very favor- able to us, that there were some things in it; I would 292 FIFTH DEATH-BED SCENE. like to have — he stopped it, and I took out all my papers, and everything that was of any consequence. He looked at my journal, but made no objection. Had he not been present, I should not have dared to stop the box — it would have been examined, and myself proba- bly severely punished, and my time here much extended — but God has promised to defend those who trust in Him, and He did so. CHAPTER Vn. DEATH— LETTERS— VARIOUS EVENTS. FIFTH DEATH-BED SCENE. About the first of May, a fellow-prisoner was taken down with consumption. At different times we were called on to sit up with him. James was with him one day and night, and asked his feelings in view of death. He replied, " I know I am not prepared to die. I know it — I k7iow it, but my pains are now so great, that I have just aS much as I can attend to, without thinking of that." I was with him one night, but did not talk much, as he seemed inclined to sleep most of the time. — There were three others in the hospital. I read a portion of scripture, and prayed with them, and they retired. To- wards evening of the next day he sent for me. T went, and found him worse. I asked, " Are you in pain ?" " I have no particular pain (of body), but I have an- other sort of misery, miscrij,''^ referring to the distress of his mind, in view of his condition. He continued, " 0, I have a heap I want to say to you, when I have opportunity." " Do you think much about your past life of sin, as you lie here ?" " yes. Have I not, to-day, been dissolved in tears, in view of it ?" I urged CONVERSATION WITH THE DYING MAN. 293 upon him the necessity of true repentance, and immedi- ate submission to God, while reason \|j|||6 continued — and placed before him the danc^er of delay — to which he as- sented, lie felt that he should not get well, and wished me to send the minister to him, which I did, on the Sab- bath after preaching. — Poor man ! he had not only his pains, and feeble state of body and mind to contend with, but the sneers and " wickedness of the wicked," who made light of his seriousness, and tried to divert his mind. Alanson was with him one night, and conversed and prayed. The next night I was with him, but had not much conversation — spent the most of my time writ- ing some of the foregoing pages. A day or tw^o after, he called for me in the morning. He was very glad to see me, and wished me not to leave him. He wished me to sing, ''Eden of love," which ] did ; he said, " That is the most deliglitful song I ever heard." Then occurred the following. — " Do you feel prepared to die?" "No," "Do you feel the im- portance of it ?" " Certainly — certainly — but you see how loio I am — so weak 1 can do nothing, I can- not help myself to anything." " Though you cannot walk, you can think, and speak to God in your heart." " 0, I do think, day and night." "Do you feel that you have been a great sinner?" " I know it — but not so bad as some — I am better than many." " Do you think your good Morks will do you any good, or be of any avail before God?' "No, they will not." " Youi good works are but '"filthy rags.^ You must come to God as a guilty sinner, as a rebel, as a beggar of mercy, for Jesus' sake, and cast yourself wholly upon Him. Do you think God is willing to forgive you?" " I ex- pect so ; why not me, as well as others'?" " He will,il you come as he has directed." " I am willing to come so." " Are you willing to confess your sins?" "Yes?" " Do you ?" " I do ; but what is repentance?" "It is true sorrow for all sin ; and putting it away. Now should you get well — go forth into the world — have plenty of money, and the prospect of living many years, would you not love sin as much as ever?" "No,! 294 THE DYIN'G MAN MURDERED. would do right." " God has been Very kind to you &\, your life." " Yesy He has." " But have you ever done anything for Him?" "No, I have done nothing, and now I am so weak, what can I do ?" " You can repent, and give your heart to God. If you now fix your affec- tions upon Him, and strive to please Him in your mind, it will be as acceptable, as the actions of those who are well. You can now sin in your heart, as well as others in their actions. And you may soon die, therefore it is the more important that you now secure the salvation of your soul, and make Jesus your Friend." "Is He not my Friend ?" " I do not know. He is if you love, and try to please Him." " If I get well, I will never do wrong again." On the evening of the next day, a wicked man called to see him, and in a light manner remarked, " 0, you will be about again in a few days, and walking around — won't you ?" It was with difficulty the sick man could speak, but he exclaimed with emphasis, " Go away — I am dying, go away, go away. Don't you see death hovering around me '?" He felt that he was near the grave, and did not wish such persons near him. As he looked up and saw me, he asked, " Is that you, Mr. Thompson ?" " Yes, how do you feel ?" He could but faintly utter, " About as usual." The next morn- ing I called to see him, but he was beyond conversation, or perception, and soon breathed his last. He said, one night, to the man who was watching with him, " I am murdered. If I had been brought here (the hospital), three days before I was brought, and when I wanted to come, my life might have been saved — but in- stead of that, they made me work when I was not able, and now I must die V And he is not the only case. I shall have occasion to mention others. He was buried — I was going to say " with the burial of an ass," but truly there is more solemnity at the burial of many a dumb brute, than there was in this case. While he was yet in the hospital, some were swearing — others talking and laughing about him, as if nothing had happened. Such carelessness and indifference as NOW IS THK ACCEPTED TIMK, 295 was manifested around this dying and dead man, was most shocking — and l)e.s])oke a depravity of the human heart, not to be expected among savages, and probably to be found only with gospel-hardened sinners. How just the complaint of God, " Seeing many things, but thou observest not ;" — " my people doth not consider." REFLECTION. How uniform and united is the testimony, that "a sick bed is a poor place to prepare to die." And yet how many are acting the same foolish part, and sur- rounded by such a '' cloud of witnesses," are " putting far off the evil day." Reader, ou?- death-bed may be attended by such burning fever, racking pains, and distraction of thought and mind, as will utterly disqualify us for thinking up- on our latter end — for arrano-ino;' our business, for medi- tation and prayer — for warding sinners, or inciting saints to duty. Then let us think of death, judgment, and eternity noxa — arrange now, and so keep arranged, all our business, that it will not require our thoughts upon a dying bed. Let us do our duty to our own souls, to saints and sinners, now — prepare now to meet God, and henceforth, live in a continual state of preparation to depart suddenly, or by a lingering disease, or in any way, time, or place God shall choose. extract of a letter. Beloved Parents and Friends : "Ebenezer,*' — God is faithful. Though the earth be in motion, and rock from centre to circumler- ence — though the nations are moved and agitated, while war is raging, and *' rumors of wars" continually fall upon our ears, yet a simjiie trust in God, will preserve us from all anxiety and apprehension of evil — from all that would disturb the sweet repose of the soul in Him. Beloved, it is unbelief — a secret unwillingness that God should rule and govern as He pleases, that causes all the disquietude, fretting, murmuring, discontent, and son-ow, which is so common among professing Chris- 296 THK GREAT WORK. tians, when things do not go just as tftey had desired 02 planned. And this unhelief is very offensive to our kind Father. It evinces a very bad, unsubdued spirit, entirely unbecoming obedient and submissive children. God has promised to give this world to his Son ; but a o-reat work is yet to be done before it can be brought into subjection to his holy will. Mankind are in a slate of alienation from Him — degraded, depraved, and sun- ken in ignorance and vice — yet this work is to be DONE, and that speedily. And all opposition to the onward march of His kingdom, and the victories of His cross, will be as vain as they are unreasonable. The wicked may scoif — infidelity may spread itself abroad, and till our land with its deadly poison — Catholicism, with all its absurdities and blasphemies, may sweep ovei our fair heritage like a deluge — and Satan with his com- bined legions may rage, and bring into exercise all hia crafty devices — but all in vain. Immanuel's victorious chariot, shall roli, on — " the stone cut out of the moun- tain without hands,'' shall " increase^ and fill the whole earth" — the " little leaven" shall work, " till the whole is leavened." This revolted empire shall be complete- ly subjugated; and to Jesus " every knee shall bow," and all nations, tribes, and tongues own Him their Lord and King. But in what way is this glorious triumph to be brought about 1 By Christians being " co-workers with Godj^' " laborers together with Him,^^ and co-operat- ing with the Ho! J/ Ghost. The day has come when every one who bears the Christian name, must make this work the great object and business of their lives, or give up all ho[)e of being friends of the Prince, who calls upon all his followers to tly to his assistance, and lay down their lives, if need be, for his cause. 0, who can — who dare sleep, in such a day as this 1 George. the bf.aten house. Judge B. had often beaten, very cruelly, a poor horse "A'hich was conaewbat balky. As he was thus beating CRUELTY LIBERTY. 297 the poor beast one morning with a hoop-pole, he was kicked in the face, disfigured and seriously bruised, es- caping narrowly with his life. The doctor was speedily called, who washed and sewed up the wound. " A merciful man is merciful to his beast," tind cruelty to dumb brutes, is not overlooked, nor suffered to })ass un- punished by Him, whose are " the cattle upon a thou- sand hills." Then how should they tremble, who can treat human beings, stamped with the image of God, worse than they treat their brutes — who inflict wounds, and stripes upon a fellow, " which mercy with a bleed- ing heart, weeps, when she sees inflicted on a beast.*' " Blessed are the merciful !" THE SLAVE AND LIBERTY. A slave was in on business, with whom James con- versed. He expected to be free in the Spring, by means of his master's will. He said, " in the time of the war, all were for liberty. Every ball that was shot was for liberty ; and 1 am for liberty too." Tiie very thought seemed to give him new life and animation. O, liberty^ sweet liberty ! thou gift of heaven, and dearest boon of man, on earth, for which our fathers bled and died, how art thou now by thy children, denied to three millions of our brethren, in this our boasted land of liberty. How art thou abused ! How little val- ued, and how little understood ! 0, long desired day, hasten thy approach, when the inestimable blessings of " liberty, and the pursuit of happiness," shall be enjoy- ed, open, and free alike to all. THE HOLY SPIRIT. On the ninth of June, a Campbellite preacher " held forth" before us. He was brought by the overseer, who favors *hat religion, because he can have it and hold on to his wickedness. The preacher was gifted, and said many good things, but he spoke too lightly of the influ- ence of the Blessed Spirit ; and it is to be feared that they who can speak lightly o? that, but too plainly evince their ignorance and need of his heavenly efficacy. 13* 298 THE OFFICF, OF TIIK SPIRIT. Take away the Holy Spirit, and what cnn wc do? We cannot know Jesus, for the " Spirit takes of Him, and shows unto us." We cannot understand the Scriptures, for the Spirit is our " Teacher." We cannot see the guilt and depravity of our own hearts and lives, for the Spirit " convinces of sin." We cannot pray, for the Spirit is our " Helper." We cannot find happiness, for the Spirit is our " Comforter." We can know nothing of the joys of Heaven, nor have any view of the things unseen and eternal, for they are " revealed unto us by the Spirit." W^e shall never love and ob^y God, shall neither speak, will, nor do good, for it is the Spirit that inclines, persuades, and draws us — speaks and works in us " to will and to do." " It is not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit, saith the Lord." " Uphold me by thy free Spirit." " Thy Spirit is good — lead me into the land of uprightness.'"' " Grieve not the Holy Spirit," but " Be filled wnth the Spirit." THK SLAVE AND HIS CRIME. Jii7ie 13. A slave was brought here in chains, hand- cuffed and barefoot. What was his crime? Why he had been torn away from his wife, whom he dearly loved, and went one hundred miles to see lier ! And for this was he brought here, with a special charge to our tyrant, " Work him hard, feed him lightly, and flog him for every offence," all which was eagerly fulfilled. It was IVlcC.'s custom to give those who did their task, a piece of meat at night. The slave did more than his task, and came among the rest for meat. McC. addres- sed him, " What do you want, nigger?" " Some meat, sir." "You can't have any, there's none for you.'* " Why, he has done more than his task," said one. " That's nothing. I'll make him do that, and feed him twice a-day." 0, cruel slavery ! He was also (logged very severely for nothing, except that he was a poor slave. After three months he was probiibly sent South, for an infamous dealer in human Hesh was around here buying up all he could, to take to the low countries. PAST FEELING. 299 With what fear and agitation, must the bosoms of the poor slaves be convulsed, when a " trader" is in the neighborhood ! Christians, and ye husbands who love your wives, look at this case. Think of it, and remem- ber there are at this moment thousands, whose wives and children are as dear to them as yours are to you, from whom they are rudely sundered, and sold to distant climes, to meet them no more on earth ! Have you the heart of a Christian? Then let it ascend to God in their behalf. Have you a mouth and tongue ? Then cry. aloud against such abominations, and " open your mouth for the dumb." Have you the common feelings of hu- manity 1 Then awake and exert your every power for . humanity, bleeding at every pore. EQUALITY OF SLAVE flOLDERs' LAWS. June 19. A man seventy-three yenvs old, was brought here, for ten years, charged with Lev. xx. 15 ! Aston- ishing, if true. The old man could do nothing, and the officers interceded for him, so that he was pardoned in a ^ew weeks. Why ? Not because he was not guilty, but because he could do nothing for the profit of the offi- cers. This has been the case in a number of instances. But look here. Slavehoklers will send a man to the penitentiary for ten years, for the crime referred to* while for fornication and adultery, if perchance the female be a slave, no notice is taken of it ; but high and low, black and white, bond and free, may thus indulge with impunity. 0, Slavery ! where is thy blush 1 Alas I thou art one of those " who being past feeling, have given themselves over to work all uncleanness with greediness !" OUR " REFORMER." As a crazy man was reading aloud the tract. '' We are all here," at the same time attending fauuluUy to his business. Col. Price came along, and forbid his reading, took the tract, and tore it in pieces on the spot, before our eyes ! How similar is this to one of Israel's kings, who cut the Book of the Law in pieces, and threw it into 300 THE LITTLE CLOUD. the fire! He also once forbid me to read, when ] ^ad nothing to do at the time. Again, he refused to give me a letter, because it had a few words in it about the abuse of a servant girl ; and there is no doubt that he destroy- ed a bundle of our letters, which w^e had written with the permission of other officers, to send by a friend. A prisoner wrote a letter to the inspectors, which every prisoner has a right to do by law. Col. P. threw it into the fire, before his eyes ! Many other such things I miglit mention, respecting Col. P., but will speak of only one more : he is an un- reasonable, oppressive, fiery tippler. Such is one of the men placed over criminals to re- form them — such the inveterate hatred to all good, of one of our head managers l '^ A place of reformation !" On the 27th of June, a small cloud of promise arose, which raised our hopes a little, that God was about to do something for this place. The chaplain was deputed by the inspectors, to ascertain how many Bibles there were in the })rison, and report to them. He went into every cell, leaving tracts and searching for Bibles, and found forty ! Here are eighty cells, and about one hun- dred and seventy prisoners, and forty Bibles among thera all ! In many of the cells there are two, and in some three, so that more than three-fourths of the prisoners were without any Bible, and many without a book of any kind, except as Satan sent them a novel, or as they borrowed from others. We had numerous applications for a Bible, and had to lend our own to supply the de- mand. We were rejoiced to see that the inspectors were waking up upon this subject ; for we had frequent- ly spoken to them, to ministers and legislators, pleading for Bibles. But look at this case, '("he law provides that every prisoner shall have a Bible. See the neglect. Yet it is called a " place of reformation." This terrain the mouth of Satan, and applied to this place, is full of meaning — for it does, mostly, reform men from good to bad, and I'rom bad to worse ! But as the term is used by Christians, to apply it thus to this place, is a mockery of language and an insult to common sense. " But have MEN MADK WORST,. 301 not many been truly reformed here '?" Yes, but no thanks to our wicked " reformers," for the greater part of the reformation. True, for a while they granteu us the privilege of having prayer meetings, for which vve and thousands of others will thank them eternally — for souls were saved thereby — but a great part of the reli- gious reformation has been carried on, noticithstanditig al their hatred and opposition to the work, at the risk, many times, of bringing down upon us their displeasure and their fury. Take out the few Christian prisoners, and then the only influence and tendency of the whole system, under its present officers and regulations, is to damn the prisoner ; to harden and destroy the officers ; to curse the community, the state, and the world. Many come liere, who either know nothing about crime, or they are mere children in such knowledge. After studying a few years unde.- such \villing and experienced teachers as are the officers and many of the prisoners, they become perfect adepts in the business. The old and learned become chafed and exasperated, till they are prepared for more daring deeds ; the weak become strong, and the strong become stronger in wickedness and vice ; and all, with a few exceptions, are made ten- fold more the children of hell than before ! " A place of reformation !" THE FOURTH OF JULY. All hands were allowed to quit work about three hours before night, and keep some of the fourth— of which day, the most of the prisoners thought much, as a day of gambling, drinking, feasting, and carousing. An extra supper was ]:)repared, consisting of wheat four biscuit, unleavened, fresh pork, and coffee ! After sup[>er, the prisoners stood in groups, talking as much as they chose, no officer making objections, except in one case. As I stood conversing with a colored man, a guard looked at him and called out, " See here, come away from there." Had he been talking with any ex- cep one of us, there would have been no objection. 302 THE CO.NUI'IION Of UISCIPLESHIP. But he celled with a slave, and was talking to an aboli- Honist. They dislike to have us communicate with the slave in any way — but, thank God, we did place " the salt" before thein by proxy, though we could not always speak to them ourselves. For a few days in the beginning of July, I was sick, and quit work. While thus sick, a letter was given to me, bringing the joyful news that my oldest brother was preaching — for which I had long been praying — and that ny youngest, with his wife, had devoted himself to pre- paration for the missionary work. Language failed to express my feelings. An extract from the answer is all I can give. THE EXTRACT. " I almost feel to say with old Simeon, ' Lord, naw let- test thou thy servant depart in peace,' for thou hast heard my prayers. I can cheerfully spend my life in seclusion and toil, or with a willing heart, depart from every earth- ly field of labor, since you have arisen to fill my place. You have now a thousand times repaid me for all my anxiety respecting you. Labor to get enlarged views of the Gospel, and of the work before you. Remember, ' The field is the u'or/rf,' and not some little ' garden spot,' here at home, where they have rejected the gospel a thousand times. The great portion of the field is yet uncultivated, covered with thorns and nettles, having never yet heard the 'joyful sound:' and in unbroken crowds, the inhabitants are sinking to rise no more. The gospel would have saved them if carried to them. Chris- tians might have done it, they neglected it, and millions are lost for ever ! Where is the guilt? " From every land, they noio cry, ' Come over and help us.' If they receive the gospel, they may be saved. Christians can, and should, give it to ' every creature.' If they refuse, may the Lord deliver me from their ac- count. Do you not say, ' Here am I, send me V A hearty missionary spirit, is the only true spirit of Chris- tianity. It is this that constitutes the very condition of tliscipleship. ' Whosoever he be that forsaketh not all JOY IN UKATH. 303 that he hath, cannot be' — a deacon'? a minister? a mis- sionary? No, no, but ' he cannot be my disciple.'' Let this spirit fill your soul. Let the gospel be given to the present generation of heathen, or they will perish, and rise up in the judgment to condemn all who could and who were urged to go, but ' would not.' ! look forward to the judgment. Will you there have thou- sands curse, or bless you? I pity those who can satisfy themselves with excuses, when millions are crying, when all nations are stretching their hands for the ' bread of life.' Truly the work is great and responsible, but our suffi- ciency is of God." Though I am ' shut up, and cannot go forth,' I do rejoice to hear of others entering the field. Though we are weak, blind, and ignorant — our foes nu- merous and strong, and obstacles fill our path — yet glory to God ! We hear, ' My grace is sufficient for thee.' " George." As a few of James' letters have fallen into my hands, I delight to extract from them, that he may speak for himself. The first should have been introduced previ- ously to his breaking his arm, but it will be interesting^ here. first extract. Dear Brother : " God is love." He desires our greatest happi- ness more than w^e or all the bowels of humanity con- centrated could desire it ; and his Omnipotence will surely bestow on his children everything that wall be a real good, in time or eternity. When my sickness was most alarming, I had a bright foretaste of heaven, and longed to take my departure, to unite with the bright throng before the throne. My soul was filled with rapture at the thought of meeting good old Abraham, the prophets, apostles, and all the martyrs, wdio have " come up out of great tribula- tion." Nor do I now feel anxious to tarry long on this earth. I am only a pilgrim and a stranger, as all my fathers were. I long to join the happy company above. God has shown me the vanity of all terrestrial objects 304 LETTER FROM JAMES. — that " this world is poor from shore to shore,'' and has nothing that is worth one hour's toil, compared with the joys of heaven. I would like to leave this world fof some fairer clime, and I know of no place short of hea- ven, worth stopping at. second extract. Dear Brother : I am obliged to write with my left hand, as my right arm is broken. For the last four months, my health has been better than at any previous time since I came here. God has " stayed his rough wind, in the day of his East wind" — for my former poor health and a broken arm in addition, would have been both winds together. The Lord knows what we can bear. You see I have been called to "sing of mercy and of judgment." God is ten thousand times better to me than all my earthly friends. Notwithstanding all my unworthiness, He has gone before me in all my troubles, and has been a " sun and shield" to me. He has not forgotten his " exceeding great and precious promises.'^ He stands pledged that not a hair of our head shall perish ; yet it depends on our staying where He commands us. li we forsake Him, as did the children of Israel, we must expect the rod. But what a privilege ! that He who cannot err is as willing, as He is able, to lead us ! To Him I will repair. He " doeth all things well." J. E. B. THE INCENDIARY LETTER. She who is now my wife once w'rote me a letter on an anti-slavery sheet of paper, having stamped on it a col- ored woman in chains, on her knees, crying " Am not I a woman and a sister?" It created considerable talk and stir, for slaveholders cannot endure to see in picture what they see every day in real life — they are very sen- sitive. However, they reluctantly gave me the letter. At another time (the first of July), she wrote, giving an account of her journey to the Indians and their hab- its, and her return home. Among other things, was a THE INCENDIARY LETTER. 305 Story of a certain servant girl, who was very much abused, whipped, punished, and scratched by her mis- tress, till the blood trickled down her face. It was not stated that the servant was a slave,* or that she was even colored ; but Col. Price, who was familiar with such scenes, supposed of course she must be a slave, and would not give me the letter. I ascertained from a friend that the letter had come and was withheld. I mentioned the case to the Chaplain, which greatly in- censed McC. and Col. P. against me. I spoke to Col. P., he declared he would not give it to me. I spoke to Judge B. again and again, till he procured the letter and brought it to our cell, saying, " Read it, and hand it to me." Had the letter fallen into his hands in the first place, there would have been no difficulty ; but since his partners had refused, he gave it to us secretly, lest they should turn against him. Said Col. Price, " You have been corresponding too freely, and it must be stopped." Judge B. — "The Governor, inspectors and officers have agreed that no prisoner shall be allowed to write or receive letters re- specting any means for their liberation ; but I have and shall allow you three to write freely to your friends on that subject ; and shall give you every chance to help yourselves, in that way, that I can." The day after we heard of the letter, one of their horses dropped dead. In two days another was found dead — and they soon gave up the letter. MY DEPOSITION. While they were thus excited about the letter, I was suddenly taken from the weaver's shop, and placed in the cooper's shop, where I would have none but myself to watch, and also could learn a new trade. But the next week they were obliged to send for me, to fill my old place — which I did for a few days, and then went to weaving. All the reason they pretended to offer for removing » I have since learned that she was a slave — and the inhuman Ttaa- tress was the wife of an officer of government, among the Indians, ti06 EXTRACT OF A TETTER. me Irora the foremanship, was, *' You are too easy with the hands — too tender-hearted — too desirous of keeping peace with them all. The hands are not afraid of you^" And who would not wish to keep peace, and to have his workmen do their duty from love, and not from a slavish fear? If I had caused three or four of my hands to be whipped every day, I should have been a first rate foreman ! But because I would not exercise the spirit of a slave-holding tyrant, they are displeased — this is proven by many facts. But more. Another very obvious reason was, because I would not break the Sabbath, honor their dignity, and sacrifice all principle to please them, as did the other foreman. Judge B. had nothing against me. He remained calm and kind, and took my part against the other officers. Col. P. (lid not speak a word to me for more than a year after that time, so that I had no further difficulty with him. ANSWER TO THE TROUBLESOME LETTER EXTRACT. " Where have Christians shone brightest, and exhibit- ed to the world the excellence, and power of religion in its greatest brilliancy? Surrounded by comforts, luxuries, friends, and everything that heart could wish — temporal and spiritual? Goto the prison — the dun- geon — the stocks ! Hear the persecuted saints sing, and pray, and shout, supported and comforted by a hand un- seen — a ijower divine. Gototherack. Seethe astonished multitude look on and wonder! The bones are crack- ing, the sinews snapping, but songs of praise and prayer for enemies, mingle and ascend to God ! See them at the stake, amid circling flames, blessing their persecutors, and shouting in pros|)ect of eternal blessedness. Witness Daniel in the den — the three children in the furnace — Joseph in the prison, and a host of others. In them religion shone forth, with charming lustre. ! give me sucfi a religion ! What gave to the world some of Bun- yan's rich works? A prison. What taught Baxter the sweetness of "The Saints' Rest?" A prison — long and severe afflictions. What gave " Dodd's Prison BENEFIT OF AFFLICTION. 3Pf? Thoughts" to the afflicted'? A prison. What Memoirs are most spiritual, and exhijit most of the gospel ■! Those which give the history of suffering snints. Witr ness Payson, Page, H. Hobbie, and many others. What says the humble Christian of every age ? " My most afflictive (lay s have been my best dnys^ Think of Job. Read the eleventh of Hebrews. What would the " af- flicted, tossed with tempest, and not comforted," do, without these rich examples of patience, submission, joy, and faith I What drew forth the overflowing, never-failing foun- tains of comfort, joy, and peace, in a multitude of the Psalms, to suffering saints ? Sore afflictions. Let us not then be afraid to meet any trial that our Father places before us. He will be with us. " My grace is sufficient for thee." George. inspectors' second examination. They heard many sad tales. Some had been unjustly punished — some shamefully neglected and left to suffer ■when sick — others complained of their food — others, of oppressive tasks, &.c. The inspectors promised to rectify these things, but that was the last of it. They generally talked much, and did little. When I was called before them, the officers were very uneasy and greatly agitated. They stood before the door, went away, returned, looked in, talked, and squirmed as if they were on nettles. They thought I was exposing their abominations — and so I was, and they could not help themselves. Many things were laid before them. I gave them a history of the rise, effects, and fall of the prayer meeting — spoke of the need of, and general desire for one, &c. I added, " It seems to be McChesney's object to break up every thing like religion here." They all agreed there could be no harm in having a prayer meeting, and promised to make arrangements. They said to James, " We mean to do all we can to bring things right here, and to have ^ prayer meeting." 308 THINGS GROW WORSE. They told Alanson, and some of the converts, that they could see no possible objection to it, and gave great encouragement that it should be re-established — but that was the last we heard about it ! We informed them of the Sabbath breaking, by officers and prisoners — but things only grew worse. CHAPTER VIll. SICKNESS— LETTERS— SLAVES. FALSE NAMES. It is quite a common thing, for prisoners to come here under a false name — thinking thereby to keep their friends from knowing that they have been in the peni- tentiary — that they may go out into the world again, and not be known as a " convict." In the time of the prayer meetings, I told them that all such were living lies, and they must give up their false names, and be honest, or they could not be Christians. One of this class professed to be converted. We told him he must take his right name — and he was just ready to do it, when he asked the chaplain about it, who told hira there was no harm in it, and we could do no more with him. Others gave their right names, and were willing the world should know their characters — " converted con- victs !" After we were forbidden to meet together, a number of the brethren were in the habit of coming to our cell, on the Sabbath, to sing and pray. At one time, an old man, who had belonged to the Old School Presbyterians, in Ireland, and in Philadelphia, was present, and confes- sed he was here under a false name. " I have been much troubled about it. It was foolish and wicked in me to do so. It is a transgression, for which I must loii^. 309 luuiiule myself before God." He confessed his true name, and felt relieved. We were now so hurried with work, that we had but little opportunity to look after the lambs. Take the fol- lowing for a specimen. A brother, who slept under the same roof with ourselves, was very sick for four days, before we knew anything about it ! Other prisoners have died before we heard they were sick. A NOTE OF THANKS. I have mentioned that many prisoners read our books. The following note will show with what feeling they were received by wicked men. It was written by one who had read the most of our library. He was a great thief^ yet a great reader — an Englishman. Just before he left he wrote : Sunday, July 28, 1844. To G. Thompson : Please to accept my thanks, for the many favors you have bestowed on me, in allowing me the use of your books, from time to time. I wish it was in my power to make you some compensation beside that of empty thanks. You have my best wishes. While you walk in the flowery paths of religion, you have nothing to fear ; for the God whom you worship, is the same that delivered Daniel out of the lions' den. I should be very glad to see you, and your companions, at liberty. " Let me die the death of the righteous, and let my last end be like his." G. L. How many Christians are often dejected, and fearful, in times of trial ! Says an enemy, " You have nothing to fear."' Christians, cheer up. The same person read " Christian Perfection," and wrote on a blank leaf, " I have read this book, not with any prejudice against the doctrine it contains, nor have I read it with indifference, but still there is a something ■ — a longing disposition to hang on for the pleasures of the world." The judgment is convinced — the will rebels. 310 TASKS. TASKS. For about two years after we came, theie was no task work, — except in the brick yard, where they were regu- lated by brickmakers' rules. When task work began, they were quite moderate. By rewards, and promises, prisoners were encouraged to do overwork, and when, they had shown that they could do it easily, the task was raised. Take the case of the weaver's shop. At first, the task was thirty-five yards (bagging) a-day. It was a long time before they could get any one to do this. They coaxed, and threatened, and hired, till one did it — then all must do it. Next, forty-four yards, by hiring, was done. This was one piece. The task was then six pieces a week, and a reward offered for seven pieces. When that was done, it was given as a task — do it, or be punished — and a reward offered for eight. And so on to twelve pieces — Judge B. and McC. solemnly giving their word, from time to time, that they would not go any higher. But word, honor, and every principle oi honesty, propriety, or decency, was sacrificed to feed the avaricious desire ! The weavers, trusting their veracity from time to time, continued to do overwork, till the task was raised from thirty-five to one hundred yards a day, which the most could do before night. I could do ray task and have Saturday to myself, for reading and writing this book. And after I left the shop, they continued their improve^ ments, till some would weave their six hundred yards by Wednesday and Thursday night. This is only a specimen of the rope walk, the factory, the hackle house, the cooper's shop, &c. A few who were strong, and accustomed to the business, would do 9 great day's work — then that is the task, and all must do it or be punished — and many poor w^eakly men have been often punished because they could not do more than they could — or as much as some others. Thus while some can " play" at their business, others are worked far beyond their strength. Some facts would noL be believed, and 1 will not tell them. HARD TREATMENT C F THE SICK. 311 THE SICK, THIS SEASON. Many were taken down with fever and ague, and other complaints. As many as forty were on the sick list at once, and ! what a miserable spectacle (fid they present! Many were driven to work till they could go no longer. Then they must go before a doctor, who has not so much feeling for them as for a brute — who will order them to their work, when they need their bed and careful nursing — at other times will give them medicine to make them sick — again will refuse to look at, or hear a word from them, when they come before him, and then go and tell the officers that there is nothing the matter with them. Next, the officers are impatient and fretful every hour the prisoners are sick, almost ready to command them to get well and go to work, yet will do nothing to make them able. In one instance McC. gave orders to a sick man, " J., you have been sick long enough. I shan't put up with it any longer, now go to work and get well!" Many, many have been driven to work long before they ought to go, or were able to work. The consequence was, they had a relapse, and were worse, perhaps, than before. Again, they are committed to the care of a fellow pri- soner, who is almost as bad as the doctor — ungodly, hardened, selfish, lazy, having but little concern whe- ther they live or die. It is not of much consequence what the disease is, the prescriptions are much alike — generally a heavy dose ol calomel and jalap, or blue mass, or oil, or quinine. A number of men went to the doctor to have their teeth pulled, which ached severely — he ordered an em,etic for them, and they had to take it ! Other cases might be given just as absurd. And his dietetic prescriptions are general, for all alike, whether they can eat the food or not. For breakfast they have a piece of dry, hard, corn bread, and a cup jf bitter rye coffee ; for dinner, some dry mush, or potatoes, or potato soup, and dry corn bread — at times, beef broth ; for supper, the same as for 312 COMFORT INj AND BENEFIT OF SICKNESS. breakfast. Some extreme and favored cases get now and then a piece of dry, wheat bread, or if they are dying, a lit- tle chicken broth ! The common complaint is " I can't fet anything that I can eat." Generally, nothing suita- le or nourishing is provided, and thus they are starved, till they are driven to work again, on their corn bread and fat bacon, which often brings a relapse. And, ex- cept in dangerous cases, they are confined to their cells where the air is impure and oppressive, with no one to fan, cheer, or help them. " 0, this is exaggeration !" says one. " I speak that I do know, and testify that I have ^een," and felt, and yet " the half has not been told you." I cannot portray it fully. On the 5th of August, James was taken with the chills, fever, and headache. He went to Dr. Moore, who ut- terly refused to do anything for him. In the course of a week, he was about aguin. On the 12th, I was taken with the chills. For five days, I was unable to get any medicine. And when it did come, I was obliged to get up every hour, for two nights, at the knock of the guard on the door, and take it alone. About this time James was taken again. We had but little to strengthen us — little that a sick man or weak stomach could bear. On the 26th, Alanson was taken sick, and quit work for a week. On the 3d of September T was taken again — a shake every day. To get strength on the diet we had, seemed almost impossible. Two weeks I kept still. To- wards the last of September, Alanson was again brought to his bed. During this sickness, he succeeded in get- ting one small piece of light bread. Otherwise, the diet was as previously described. While thus stretched upon our beds of pain and lan- guishing, we had no kind, angel hand to soothe, and administer to our necessities. While one was burning with fever, the others were obliged to be at their work, leaving the sufferer alone with God. But the Lord made all our bed in our sickness. Ps. xli. 1-3. He '' stayed his rough wind in the day of his east wind." Whatever we lacked we were assured that LOTE OF PRISOW LIFE. 815 we had what was good. While food was denied the body, our souls had food they knew not of. The pro- mises were reviving cordials. The heavenly letter was full of consolation, vast and free. By these trials we learned hovv^ to sympathize witk the poor — we better understand the heart of a pri- soner, and the condition of thousands of the slaves, who in sickness are not treated half so well as we were. We are better prepared to labor for them. O ! how lit- tle do they suffer from sickness, who are surrounded by kind friends, anxious to make them as comfortable as possible, who have all they can wish or ask for, when compared with a poor prisoner or a slave, who has much to make and keep him sick, and but little to make him well ! " Sick, and in prison." I have been thus particular, 1. That the world may know these things, and if pos- sible, that a change may be effected. 2. That Christians may pray for them. 3. That they may be thankful for the mercies they enjoy. 4. To magnify the grace of God, who stood by and comforted us in all our afflictions. When we were sick with chills, we generally could read or write every other day; and in this manner I read much, and wrote many of the foregoing pages, when 1 had to bolster up in my bed. Other parts were written late at night, while others were asleep, and when I much needed to be asleeji. RECOMMITMENTS. The majority of Ihe prisoners came from St. Louis in gangs, from two to seventeen, with sentences from two to ninety-nine years, on charges of all kinds. Many are not satisfied with one trial, and come again. Since we have been here, four or five have served their time out, gone forth to stealing, and came back again — and some have served out their second term, since ours commenced. One man served two years, had the dropsy, just went out with his life, went to St. Louis, committed highway tob 14 314 LOVE OF PRISON LIFE. bery, and was sent back for ten years, having been ab- sent about six weeks. He will probably die here. Many go from here, almost directly to other prisons, and from thence to others — thus they spend their lives in the various prisons of the world. We have, and have had them here from nearly all the penitentiaries in the Union, East, West, North, and South. And many have been in two, three, four, penitentiaries, and so on, before they came here. One man spent twenty-two years of his life thus, before being sentenced here for six more. To many, tliere is no place so natural and so much like home as a prison. And I have remarked of a num- ber of new comers, " That man has been in a Peniten- tiary before." Why '? " He acts perfectly at home. He knows all about the wAys and manners of convicts." When a 7iew one comes " he acts like a cat in a strange garret," as the saying is. He is awkward and confused, and frightened, and disconsolate. A number are here from New South Wales. They escaped from there on vessels, went to New Zealand, and lived for nine months naked with the natives, till an opportunity offered to come to this country. One lived thus among the natives two years — married a chief's daughter, and had two children. He is a polished rogue, very affable in his manners. Thus they go from one place to another. Steal they will, for it is the only way they know to get a living — and thieves are caught — and prisons are made for thieves. Their sin finds them out, and they find " the way of transgressors is hard — here, and hereafter. Pitiable objects ! Yet, this is a place for moulding such characters ! extract from james' letter sept. 24, 1844. Dear Brother : This is the first I have written with ray right hand, since I broke it — and as it is now so stiff that I cannot shut It, I have no hope of ever having the proper use of it again. I can do but very little of anything with it. Looking at the circumstance in a worldly point of view, many EXTRACT OF A LETTER. 316 would think it a hard matter to be a cripple all their days, but I do not have a murmuring thought about it — feeling that all that God does xa right and well done. He has a special regard for all his children, and will always do what is for their best good. I feel that dying is no- thing. God will do "all things well." James. quietnkss extract of a letter. " When He giveth quietness, who then can make trou- ble?" There is the quietness of the calm which pre- sages the dreadful storm — and there is a quietness of the soul, produced by a sense of God's favor, and protection. It arises from a confidence in his goodness, power, and faithfulness to all his promises. It results from an im- plicit committing of ourselves to his disposal and care. It is a " quietness,'''' which all the storms of earth cannot discompose, consisting of ''^ peiject peace,'''' of "joy un- speakable and full of glory." ! blessed " quietness! " George. the christian slave. About the middle of September, a slave was brought here from the city. His crime was this — a suspicion on the part of his master, that he ivould run away. The slave was a Christian. He said to Alanson, " If they sell me South, the Lord is there. I don't care where they put me, the Lord is with me from time to time. I am happier here than I was outside. I have a house in heaven. I am bound to believe in Jesus Christ, &c." The following occurred between him and James : " Do you know whether your master will sell you South V- He replied, " I do not. I have lived with him fourteen years, and always tried to do well." " Wherever they send you, live for God." " That I am determined to do. Though all forsake me, God is my friend. Send me where they will, they can't take Him away from me. He is all the comfort I have." " Can you read ?" "Some." " You must try and improve all you can." " I will — but we have only one book" (among three) . " I 316 CHRIST SOLD. will lend you a Testament next Sabbath." *' I wish you would. I like to read — but above all, I like to look into the holy book of God— that's the best of all." " I would be glad to help you if I could, but it is for trying to help just such a man as you^ that t am sent here." " 1 know it," said he, " and there is a great reward laid up for you." " It don't matter much," said James, " if we are bound in this world, if we are Christians, and get to heaven, we shall then all be alike and happy — there IS no slavery there." " I know it. I am sure of that." "I pray for you every day." " I thank you," said he. " I too pray for you all." What a lesson many Christians may learn from this poor slave ! No outward trouble or circumstances could destroy his happiness. And mark how the slaves regard our sufferings. Give me their prayers and bless- ings rather than the favor of their opulent masters. On the 19th, the master came in with another man, and asked, " How much do you think you can give me for him ?" Who that has human feelings is not shocked at such a question 7 His master is a professor of religion. See him bartering away for money, a brother in the Lord — one of Christ's " little ones !" Yea, selling Christ himself, according to his own declaration. How similar to Judas' question ! What multitudes are sold and abused who are true Christians, by those who profess to be the same ! O ! when all these things shall be published at the great, day, what scenes will be exhibited ! And yet this is the system that the mass of the Church are countenanc- ing — in which many of her members are engaged, and which many of her watchmen refuse to rebuke and op- pose ! Sept. 20. Sabbath morning, the slave came to our cell, and we had a blessed season of conversation and prayer together. ! that prayer ! How childlike ! How submissive, and truly evangelical ! It did us good. He tokl his experience, which was very touching, and highly scriptural. It reminded us of some of Bunyan's \ THE CHRISTI.iN SLAVE. 3^1 figures — such as the burden, a view of the cross, and the Savior offering to help. His views of the evil and de- sert of sin were very remarkable. He was evidently taught by the Spirit. " Come life or death, I am fully determined to press on in the narrow way, and never look behind, for there is nothing to look back after, God will be with me everywhere, and if we have Christ we have all. With Him and his love in our souls, the trials and sufferings of earth are nothing. If we lose Him we lose all, and nothins: can comfort us. Thank God ! I can stand up before ten thousand worlds, and say — ' I am born of the Spirit.' I know God hears prayer, and that the prayers of the righteous do avail much (referring to the prayers of an aged slave woman for his conversion). If I get home first, I shall be lookr ing for you, and I hope to strike hands with you there. If you get home first, look out for me, for I am bound to meet you there. I shall be continually scratching that way." As he shook hands with us, he said, "God bless you all." Two of the converts were present. " Fray for me. I shall remember you. Let us so live that when we get to heaven, we shall be looking for one another." We told him something of what many were doing for the slaves, which animated and cheered his heart. 0, how far, far superior is he to his rich master. And who would not choose the slave's seat in heaven 1 Should slaveholders see us outside, conversing with their slaves, they would be almost horrified, but they can send them here to us. Sept. 22. The slave left, in chains. Farewell, brother. Perhaps his master is described in Zech. xi. 5. — • " Whose possessors slay them, and hold themselves not guilty ; and they that sell them say, ' Blessed be the Lord (very pious), for I am rich.' " (Very thankful.) Oh ! oh ! the abominations of our " peculiar and do- mestic institutions." Our hearts were deeply affected by this slave's case, because it has come under our own observation ; we saw 318 A BREAK— -CRUELTY. the Savior in him. But the cases of thousands of others much worse thafi this, never come to the light. They have no one to cheer and comfort them ; no one to heal their wounds, and go with them to the mercy seat. They suffer and groan, they languish and pine, they are bought and sold, they bleed and die alone. " Remem- ber them in bonds, as bound with them." Oct. 1. Some kind friend sent us a quantity of sweet potatoes — we know not who, but it is evident some one thinks of us. 3. James was directed to stay with a sick man, in his cell, during the day and half the night, till he re- covered. He waited on him about a week. On the same day a master pointed me out to his slave, who stared as if he meant to know how an abolitionist appeared. 9. A company of prisoners working in the back side of the yard, succeeded in getting a hole through the stone wall. That evening was the time to make their exit, but when the leader had advanced nearly through, he saw a number of guns pointed at him, and drew back. Their plan had been discovered, and prepara- tions were made to meet them. A number were severe- ly punished, while the ring-leader went clear. One man received two hundred strokes with the cow-hide, because he would not say he did anything, but only knew of the plan. He was whipped and scarred from the ends of his toes to the crown of his head, and the ends of his fingers ; so that when they brought him forth again, they could find no place to strike him that was not already cut ! The man would not confess, and was almost killed. " For five months after that, I had run- ning sores on my bacK, ' said he to me. For a long time he went nearly double, and could scarcely move about. The same man was so abused and starved that he was driven to the extremity of cutting off the ears and tails of living hogs, boiling them in a cup with corn, and eating them. For this lie was again punished. '"'■ How c^uld he get these things?" Very easily. The yard was VILE MEN EXALTED. 319 tfironged with hogs, and with a little corn he could easily catch them. " LIKR SEEKS LIKE." In the weaver shop, the meanest and worst man of the company was appointed foreman. In the black- smith-shoj), the rope-walk, cooper-shop, hackle-house, and factory, the greatest thieves — the most false, dis- honest, and evil-disposed men in the prison, are fore- men. So did the emperors of old — each one appointed officers according to his own character. " They that work wickedness are set up." Said one of the hands to me, " Thompson, you must be more mean ; then you will soon be foreman again." Oct. 17. One of the hands had a fit. While with him in his cell, I saw written on the wall, "God hath delivered me to the ungodly, and turned me over into the hands of the wicked." Joh xvi. 11. I was glad to see that he acknowledged the hand of God in his affliction. TIIK UNJUST LAW- Oct. 27. Our chaplain preached from, " Sin is a re- proach to any people." He said many good things, but did not tell how great a sin slavery is, nor what a re- proach it is to our nation. One remark pleased us much. After laying down the broad ground that any, and all sin is a reproach, he said, " The transgression of an un- just law cannot constitute a man a sinner." We trans- gressed no human law, yet suppose there had been one, as there is now, is not such a law an unjust law, in every sense of the word 1 It makes a man an offender who obeys the divine law, to love, do good to, and re- lieve our fellow men. It makes it a crime to " plead for the dumb," " rebuke iniquity," to be " eyes to the blind, and feet to the lame," and ten thousand other things which God requires. What can be more unjust 1 Then we are not sinners. On the next Sabbath he preached his farewell, from " Righteousness exaltetb a nation," — a perfect Fourth o* DEATHS. July harangue. He said nothing about the del>asemen* of our nation, in consequence of its unrighteous and cruel oppression. Every other sin and iniquity but the greatest, the cherisher and protector of all others, may be rebuked, but touch not " our craft by which we have our" unrighteous " wealth." NEW CHAFLAIK. JVou. 10. Our new chaplain preached to us, and as he was not a singer, I was called on to lead the singing. The singers being scattered all over the room, and so many discordant voices uniting^ the sound was rathe? distressing than pleasing. I made application to have ail the singers sit together, which was granted. I chose my own singers, who took a front seat, which helped the matter a little. Till I left, I thus led the singing. A few days after, the chaplain came to me, and said "I am a stranger, and hardly know how to proceed o? ■what to do. I want you to advise me what steps to take." I led him to my cell, where I gave him a histo- ry of things, and told him what I thought was his duty. He is a young man, talented, but not at all calculated to preach to prisoners. He don't understand a prisoner's heart. However, he felt fettered, as he said to me one day. He knew the officers did not want him here, and he feels restraint almost as much as we do. About the middle of November, Alanson and myself were let out, at four or five o'clock, to make a fire in our shops. This was continued all winter, which gave us an opportunity to read considerably in the morning, as well as evening. DKATHS. On the morning of the 10th, P. R. died. He had been sick but four or five days. I knew nothing of his sickness till after I was locked in my cell, the night he died. He had been here one year. He was very fond of his children, tiilked much about, and longed to see them. A s^hort time before Uus, his littls son sent to LEGISLATORS. 321 him, " Pa, you are gone too long." Poor boy ! What will he think now ? How will his little heart break, to think he can never see Pa again. Soon another was called away, after being sick one week. He had but five months to stay, would do any- thing to gain the favor of the officers, but neglected to seek God's favor, " which is life," till death took away his spirit, and the doctors his body for dissection. Three days after, another died, trusting in his own morality. When I went out, early in the morning, 1 asked the steward, "How are the sick?" "They are all dead." James had been sitting up with them, and a guard asked him how they were. " The Doctor says they might get well, if they could only have the proper attention paid to them." The guard replied, " Ah ! you know that cannot here be obtained." For the want of it, numbers have died. THE LEGISLATOR. JYov. 23. The man with whom I have had two con- versations (previously mentioned), called to have an " abolition argument," as he said. His principal topic again, was about the public opinion with regard to this or any other evil. " The only true and safe course, is to enlighten the people, and bring public sentiment against it." I answered, " I heartily believe this is the best way to do away slavery." But how, how^ HOW, is the slaveholding public to be enlightened? If they believe in "enlightening the public," w^hy this fear of the light, and making laws against it? Ah! well do they know that their cause will not bear the light. To " enlighten the people," is just w^hat we want. A few days after, he came again, with two others, to my loom, and we had a long talk. They asked many questions about the treatment, clothing, work, books, &c. One was strongly in favor of a Sabbath School, and Li- brary, Newspapers, and other religious means, to make the prison a place of reformation. The need of all these 14* 322 CIItERING CONCKkTS. things I strongly urged. Said one, " "We expect that you will tell the truth about the institution !" . 29. A number of legislators talked w'xXh. Alanson, proposing the same old questions, " How do you feel 1" —"Do you think it was wrong?" They would not sign a petition^ because he would not " yield the point, and give up to them." They urged him to " yield, and not be such an enthusiast — yield for the sake of your family, and for your own sake." This was touching to the parent's tender feelings, but the grace of God ena bled him to stand firm and unyielding. Afterwards he asked another, " Do you think they will let me go home to my family V He replied, " I am afraid not. There is too much prejudice yet." Yes, yes, that's it — cruel, unreasonable jyrejudice ! During the legislature, many of the members were in to see us. MONTHLY CONCEKT. Though in prison, we have observed the monthly cor> cert for the oppressed, and have had some cheering sea- sons. At one time Alanson conversed with a slave, who came to him to get some work done. He said that many slaves were running away from St. Louis. Others brought in the same news. And from other sources we learned that many were going from other places. This gave new life to our little concerts. We rejoiced and took courage. As a slave was standing by Alanson, he asked, " Do you know my name." " No." " Do you know what I am here for?" " I do not." " It is for trying to help a poor slave." " ! you are one of the preachers ! I preaches sometimes. I have been in the cause five years." JDt'c. 1 . After preaching, the chaplain came to me and enquired about the class, and said he would attend to it, and have it started. But he little knew the opposition there was to encounter. " On the side of our oppres- Bors there was power." CALLED ON TO PRAY. 323 FIGHTING. It is a rule, that if two prisoners fight or quarrel, they will certainly be punished. Two fought in the rope- walk. They were led into the guard-room, where were Judge B., Capt. B., and McC, to behold the sport — to witness the diabolical tragedy, which follows. The prisoners were stripped of coat and shirt — their left hands tied together — a raw hide given to each — and the command, " Now take satisfaction out of each other !" It was cut and slash, over the eyes, the head, or the back, where they thought they could get the most " satisfaction," till one cried " enough,'" and they were parted. In ancient times, they assembled to see wild beasts worry and devour each other ; but in this enlightened age, this Christian country, this place of reformation, official men, can feast themselves, in seeing their own species act the part of wild beasts, and witness with ecstatic delight, scenes which would make an angel weep and put humanity to blush. Under such instructors is it any wonder that villains are multiplied'? OUR STOVE. Dec. 10. Alanson obtained permission to have a small sheet-iron furnace in our cell, which made it very comfortable in the coldest weather. How great the blessing ! How agreeable were our mornings and even- ings ! How pleasant our Sabbaths, compared with for- mer and latter days ! We kept it through that winter. The next we could get none. It furnished us facilities for reading and writing, we could not have enjoyed in the cold. We praised the Lord for his mercy. Ai that sitting of the Legislature, our friends had ex- pected to be present, to intercede for us, but were pro- videntially prevented. Dec. 22. After sermon, I was called on to pray for the first time since I was turned out of the foremanship. During the remainder of my time, it was the chaplain's fustom to call on one of us to pray. And towards the 334 A PETITION FOR ALANSON. latter part, I had to pray, sing, and line his last Lyinna for him. CHRISTMAS HOLIDAY. The day was given to the prisoners. Our food was extra — light biscuit, roast meat, coffee, sausage, and ap- ples The majority spent the day sporting and carous- ing as they pleased. We almost imagined ourselves in, some large city, when we heard the fiddle, flute, danc- ing, boxing, wrestling, laughing, hooting, shouting, racing, &c., &c. Col. Price, McC, and the guard, were spectators, and encouraged the sport. The mass were all taken up with the foolishness and wickedness. But in the " hallowed cell," a company of Christians assembled, and we had a reviving prayer meeting. I also wrote a letter for a colored brother to his wife and brother, who are slaves. Increased our temperance signers — talked with the visitors, &c. A citizen came to see us, and said, " Murderers, robbers, thieves, and all villains, can get pardoned out from here before Burr and Thompson. They will stay their time out'" On that day, a man from Quincy arrived with a petition for Alanson, which he circulated among the Legislators CHAPTER IX. LEGISLATORS— ALANSON'S RELEASE, &c. SIXTH DEATH-BED SCENE. Early on the morning of Dec, 16th, I found W. G., our first prison brother, very sick. He was bled — fainted twice, and was taken to the hospital. The next morning James asked him how he felt in his mind. He answered, " I am so sick, I have no mlna, 1 can't think." " Are you willing to leave all in the hands oi LETTER TO THE WIDOW. 325 God ?" " Yes." " Are you willing lo die now ?" " I am." We frequently watched with him during the night, and comforted him with the promises. I asked, " Do you feel anxious about your family ]" " No, I do not, at all." We often called on him during the day, and watched the feelings of his soul. He was at all times, calm and submissive, desiring the will of the Lord. The following letter, which I wrote his wife, will give further particulars : Penitentiary, Jan. 6, 1845. Sister G., It devolves upon me to announce to you " heavy tidings" — yet not of such a nature as to produce despair, though they cause you to weep and mourn — for you will not mourn "as those without hope.^' Endeavor, then, to be calm, while I say to you that your beloved hus- band, W. G., has left this troublesome world of pain and sorrow, for his eternal rest-, "at God's right hand, where are pleasures for evermore." He had been sick about three weeks, during which time I frequently conversed and prayed with him, much to his comfort. A day or two ago, we thought he was a getting better, but last nit;ht and to-day he grew worse, and gradually failed, till near sundown, when he breathed his last. He wished me to write to you and tell you his feelings — exhort you to train the dear children for God, and meet him in heaven. In view of death he was composed. During all his sickness, was willing to die, and felt that through the cleansing blood and meritorious sacrifice of Christ, he was prepared to " depart and be with Him." To-day, I asked, " Do you feel that Jesus is your FViend?' "Yes." " Will he be with you in the hour of death?" "Yes." I then repeated to him the pro- mises, and prayed with him. A few minutes before he died, I asked, " is the Savior near to you?" " Yes." " Are you afraid to die ?" " No." " Can you commit your wife and children to the Lord?" "Yes." This was the last word he spoke. There can be no doubt of his happy state. For more than three years here, his 326 HAPPY BROTHER. walk nas been unblamable — so that the most wickeo were compelled to say, " I believe he is a genuine Christian." Perhaps I knew as much of his hearty as any man, having had sweet fellowship with him for three years, and I can assure you that his spirit, dispo- sitions, principles, aims, desires, hopes, were those of a true, humble, devoted child of God. He was ever fond of his Bible, and " ready for every good word and work." I mention these things for your consolation, and the comfort of his friends." G. T. The letter went on to comfort her, but I cannot copy. A poem, which I composed on the subject of his death, closes : Thus are his toilings, griefs, and sufferings o'er ; And now, on Canaan's happy, peaceful shore He'll see the wisdom, goodness, love of God, In all the pains and smartings of the rod ; And for them all, will praise, adore and love With all the blissful company above. ! happy brother ! what a glorious change • Here, suffering prisoner — now with Jesus reigns ! Here, cast out, scorned, disfigured, trodden down — Now, honored by Immanuel with a crown ! From earthly prisons, and from cruel foes, To heavenly mansions, and to God he goes. By the man who came from Quincy, we received a bundle of letters, dried fruit, and clothes. We answer- ed the letters, and wrote a number of others, to send back by him, but they never were sent. Probably they fell into the hands of Col. Price. Jan. 1, 1845. "' I enter upon a new year, " not knowing the things that shall befall me here, save that the Holy Ghost witnesseth, that bonds and afflictions abide me." " But none of these things move me." Let come what will, if God come with it, it shall be welcome. With Him, I have a//, without Him, noth- ing.'^ The last three Sabbaths Alanson spent with us, he went round to all the cells distributing tracts — " no mau forbidding ;" he talked with the prisoners, and TALK WITH LEGISLATORS. 327 found a general desire to read anything he would give them. Jan. 15. Judge McBride, and other legislators, came in to see Alanson. The Judge said, " Some friends are making an effort to get you out, and I have come to in- quire about your feelings. The Governor says he will do nothing, without a pledge, through us, that you will do so no more." Alanson said, "The act was impru- dent, and done without sufficient consideration. I will not do so myself, nor will I encourage others to do the like." " Your wife pledged herself to use her entrea- ties to get you to go back to Connecticut — if you will do so, you will be out of the way, where you can't inter- fere with our rights." " As for going back I do not know about it — I don't know as it will be so that I can, — though the entreaties of my wife will have considerable influence. I don't know as I have any property." " I believe you have not — your wife is living on charity." Alanson did not promise to go back to the East. 18. To Capt. Carson and other members, I said — " Can't you do something for me, this winter, to get me out of this place?" "I don't know, Thompson, it is doubtful. There has been much talk about you among the members, and they generally think that the rigor of the law should have its course on you a while longer. It is generally considered that you are the ring-leader and in- stigator in this affair, because you are the most forward and intelligent." " It is a mistake. In the three indict- ments, I was only brought in as accessory. Have you heard anything against my character or con- duct, since I came here?" " Not a whisper." Another — " Did you belong to those abolitionists in Illinois?" " I was a citizen there, and a member of Mission Insti- tute." He was very fiery — spoke of the " under ground railroad," and the work of the abolitionists — was willing at once to go and fight them, and tear Illinois all to pieces. Another — " It is a pity, a pity, you got into this scrape' — have your sentiments changed ?'' " No sir." Capt. Carson — " Well, I will have further con- versation with the members about it." 328 A LEGISLATOR ENRAGED. ALANSON PARDONED. Jan. 20. Alanson left us. He had been a prisoner three years, six months, and seven days. We rejoiced to see him go. It was a general time of rejoicing among the prisoners, to see " old man Work" go out. He carried out with him, in hi? open hand, upwards of two hundred pages of this work, besides all my jour- nal up to that time. Such was the " good hand of our God upon us," the officers did not even look to see what he had ; otherwise, we all should have found trou- ble a plenty. My poem on " The Departure of Alanson" closes as follows — T. 0, happy Alanson ! released from his chains. And compassed with spirits akin to his own : His tongue will break forth in unknown, joyful strains. And tell with exulting what Jesus hath done. II. The songsters of nature his bosom will cheer, And earth's blooming prospects enrapture his sight: The sound of " the church-going bell" he can hear. And view happy throngs with enlivening delight. II. Go, go, happy brother, to freedom again, The great boon of heaven improve and enjoy. A little while longer, your partners remain, To labor, and suffer — and " count it all joy." IV. Farewell, now, dear brother, farewell a few days. Though parted in body, we're still joined as one, For all these afiiictions, our Father we'll praise. And adore him for ever, around the white throne. The man who came from Quincy with the petition was here about four weeks, and his conduct was an} - thing but that of a gentleman. He represented Alan- son to the legislators as a " poor, weak-minded man ;" said " he was over-persuaded and duped into it by the others, who were more crafty, and deserved their punish- ment." " Weak-minded !" Would that he had a quai - BANISHMENT OF ALANSON. 329 ter of the mind that Alanson has. And when he came, a year after, he told the same story about James — re- presenting him as having no mind, and myself as the " crafty" one — telling things directly contrary to what he said a year previous. These things I had from an ungodly legislator, who heard both stories, and who despised his wicked conduct. He also lavishly spent hundreds of hard earned dollars, where there was no need. THE ARTICLE OF PARDON ALIAS, BANISHMENT. THE STATE OE MISSOURI, To all who shall see these presents : greeting. Know ye, that by virtue of authority in me vested by law, and for good and sufficient reasons appearing, I, JOHN C. EDWARDS, Governor of the State of Missouri, do hereby pardon Alanson Work, who was, on the day of October, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and forty one, by judgment of the circuit court of Marion County, committed to the Penitentiary of said State, for the space of twelve years, for the crime of stealing negro slaves, in this State. And I do hereby restore and entitle the said Alanson Work to all the rights, privileges, and immunities, which by law, attach to, and result from, the operation of these presents — on the express condition, however, that said Work returns to the State of Connecticut, his former residence, with his wife and children, and settles himself there. In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and caused to be affixed the great seal of the State of Missouri. Done at the city of Jefferson, this, twentieth day of January, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hun- dred and forty five, of the independence of the United States, th« sixty ninth, and of this State, the twenty-fifth. By the Governor, JOHN C. EDWARDS. JAMES L. MINER, Secretary of State. This is like giving the slaves the privileges of the freemen of the United States, if they will go to Africa And who ever heard before of a Governor having power to banish a person from States other than his own 1 Well, it is just like slavery, A LETTER FROM ALANSON. When the pardon was handed to me the conditions were not pointed out or mentioned, and I CBme out of 330 THE LYING MISSOURIAN. the prison without knowing that the 'nd: m was ia it. Capt. Swartout was present when the j ardon was given to me and we came out together. Aft^r we had started, he told me he had put the name of John Smith on the way bill, instead of Alanson Work. Abernethy, the State's Attorney* rode thirty miles in the stage with us. He did not know me. Where we stopped for din- ner, he began — "Have you been to Jefferson cityl" "I have." " Wer& you acquainted with Thompson, Burr, and Work?" "Yes, I had some acquaintance with them." " Did you go into the penitentiary to see them ?" " Yes, I went in there." He then said, " I am sorry for them. They have staid there long enough. They ought to be turned out." He told Swartout he wanted to make some acknowledgments to me, but as- sured him he did no more on our trial than the law com- pelled him to do.f Some months after Alanson left, a citizen, by the name of Chase, came in and said to James, " I have had a letter from Work, at Poughkeepsie. He said, ' if you ever get out, you must never think of a nigger again, for I am thoroughly convinced, that the course we pur- sued, was wrong, unconstitutional, and against God, ant man.' I think Burr, will get out before long, bu; Thompson is so head-strong, I believe he will have to stay his whole time out, unless he talks differently from what he said to me. I would not sign a petition for him." Work never said any such thing,J but this man tried ♦ Our Prosecuting Attorney. T It is false. He did do more. t Since writing the above, I have received a letter from Alanson. Re «ays, " I have written but one letter to Mr. C, and that one was written from Mission Institute, soon after my return to my family. That I should write what Mr. C. says I did, is too inconsistent to be believed by anybody who knows as you do, that we should have been released two or three years sooner, if we had only bowed to them enough to say we had done wrong. " Now, if I would not say that, when, by so doing, the prison doors would have been opened to me, think you I would, when I had clean escaped the lion's den, and was restored to my family 1 That I would, when many hundred miles from the power of slaveholders, voluntati'jr PRICE FOR LIBERTY. 331 his mgen,,-"ty ., deceive, frighten, and get me to re nounce mj.rprinciples. At one , time, he came in, and began, " Well, Thomp- son, they have played the mischief with the abolitionists in Cincinnati. They have tarred and feathered Birney," &c. I made some plain remarks, and he replied, " If that is the way you talk, you will stay everyday of your time." Again, he said, " They have driven the aboli- tionists from Quincy — whipped some, mobbed others, and they have all left, or will leave soon — and if you were there, they would hang you right up." And again, he came to me, " Thompson, will you sign a paper, for ever renouncing Abolitionism, and all con- nexion with it — never to advocate it in any way, but assist in putting it down"? On these conditions, you can now be got out I" I have no comments — but will only remark, he was known as a man who regarded not the truth, who had an inveterate hatred against Abolitionists, and yet professed to be ouv friend ! A MAN MURDERED. Jan. 24. A prisoner died — insensible to the last. For a week or more, he had been crazy, having fits, and in great pains most of the time — yet the doctor said, " nothing was the matter with him /" He begged for medicine, but could not get it ! At night, he was locked in his cell with his sickly cell-mate, without any light, •where he frequently had fits ! I hesitate not to say, he was MURDERED ! On the same day, Capt. Gorden came to be our over- seer, to whom the principal management of the prison- ers was committed. A FUNERAL SERMON. Jan. 26. The chaplain preached the funeral sermon of W. G., mentioned in the last " death-bed scene." It make the concession they required ! No, dear brother, you will not be- lieve it. No, I did not write to Mr. C. from P. at all, much less say what he says I did. " Alanson Work." 332 A FRIEND. was the first and the last thing of the kind, known in the prison, while I was there. Jan. 29. Another man died about the middle of the afternoon, and was buried that evening, I knew not of his sickness, till I heard of his death. THE COLPORTEUR, Feb. 4. A dear brother called to get some work done — inquired us out, and left some American Messengers — a Christian Almanac, and some precious tracts, which were a rich feast to our souls. On the 22d of Decem- ber, he called again, conversed, and left tracts, almanac, &c. On the 26th, he came in with a basket of books and tracts, distributed around to the prisoners, and gave me what books and tracts I desired — also a bundle of American Messengers. The Lord bless and reward the brolher for seeking out those who are " sick, and in pri- son" — for administering to the wants of the suffering, and despised. We followed him with our prayers. THE GREAT CROSS, A slave came to me and said, " Do you pray yet?" "Yes, I shall do that, as long as I live." He replied, " When you are praying for all others in the world, re- member poor Tne. I want you to pray that the Lord wiP take me under His feet, and keep me there till the storm is over. Your brother has a great cross to bear, and it is just as much as he can do to wag under it." Truly the poor slaves have " a great cross" to bear, and all their toils, and sufferings, and reproaches, are " just as much as they can wag under." Lord, hide them beneath thy wings, till the " storm is over." Reader, will you help the slave bear his " great cross ?" Feb. 24. I was, at my request, placed in the wagon- shop, where I remained till my release — thankful for the opportunity of adding to my knowledge, preparatory to the work of a missionary. THE TEMPEKANCE LECTURER. Feb. 27. A man came in to collect facts respecting DESIRE FOR LIBERTY. 333 intemperance. He went round to each one with many enquiries. He asked me the cause of my confinement. I replied, " My benevolence brought me here." " Abo- litionism 1" " Yes sir." James said, " My kindness to all men, brought me here.*' The man replied, " It \vas unfortunate for you. Some of the Abolitionists carry their points a little too far. There are Abolitionists here (in Missouri), but they don't go so far," &c. PRAYER WITH THE PRISONERS. March 2. The chaplain did not come. I was per- mitted to sing and pray with all the prisoners, who had assembled for preaching. The same privilege, I fre- quently enjoyed after that time, when the chaplain failed to come. Sometimes Capt. G., and sometimes a guard requested me thus to sing and pray with them. After preaching, either James or myself, were generally called on, by the chaplain, to pray. March 13. I worked on the ware-house, at the river, where I narrowly escaped, with my life. The scaffold, under which I was at work fell, and struck me on the head. It was very providential that I was not killed. DID HE " LOVE LIBERTY 'JJJ J. A. was a slave in Virginia. He resolved to buy himself. For two years he saved what he could by odd jobs, and working Sundays, saving a little here and there, as he could get a few cents for the object. His master moved to Missouri. Here he bought his time for twelve dollars a month — excepting that during two summers he paid one dollar a day. All he could earn over was his own. He worked eight years, and gave $650, for him- self. To this add what he paid for his time — about $1250,00 beside the two years, yea, and all his former life in Virginia, and what a price ! Ten years he toiled for what he didn't love, did he? " Can't take care of themselves !" Try it. Let a poor, ignorant pale face beat it. In addition he earned nearly enough to buy his wife. He has here been converted, and is a lovely Christian. I have written to his wife, and have read 9 334 SABBATH BREAKING. number of letters from her. She thinks she would be " better satisfied" to belong to her husband than to another man. Who would nof? She talks like a ^ood Christian. I had intended to insert some of her letters, which I have, but my space will not permit. SABBATH WORKING. From the time that McC came as overseer, the Sab bath began again to be desecrated, and its profanations increased till he left. By officers and prisoners it was contemned and trodden down. Capt. G. came with great pretensions to reformation. He told one and ano- ther that it was wrong to work on the Sabbath, and pre- tended to disallow it saying, " We want no man to work on the Sabbath, but to read their Bibles and Testaments. If you had read your Bibles more, probably you would not have been here." Read the Bible ! — and one half of the prisoners had no Bible, no Testament, or any other good book. " Want no men to work on the Sab- bath !" — and the very man to whom he spoke these words, a short time after, was compelled to work all the Sabbath day, time and again ! For the last year the most prominent record in my journal, is their awful Sab- bath breaking. It has been amazing. I began to keep an account of the names of those who worked on Sun- day, what they did, and by whom ordered out, and con- tinued it for a few months ; but it was too tedious to re- cord all their abominations, and too shocking for the mind to dwell upon. It is one continued scene of noise, pounding, hallooing, bedlam, and confusion, as soon as the Sabbath returned ! The blacksmith's hammer was heard nearly every Sabbath. In the carpenter's shop work was common on the Lord's Day. The Sabbath was the day that the guards, Mrs. Brown, and others took, to hire the priso- ners, for a trifling sum, to work for them. In the brick yard, in the hemp, in hog killing, many were hired, and others compelled to work on the Sabbath. If any of the machinery broke or was out of order, it was repaired on the Sabbath. And many times when they have thus SABBATH BREAKING. 335 stolen God^s time, to save the time of a few hands, has He visited them with heavy judgments ; yet they w^ould not regard it. Often when we have been thus annoyed by the wickedness around us, has our prayer been, " The Lord require it," and his hand has fallen heavily upon them. We complained to the inspectors. They said, *• It is a breach of their contract, and by so doing they forfeit their claim to the place." But nothing was dont — Sabbath desecration continued. ! how often have our souls longed for some quiet retreat, some grove or desert, the closet and the sanctua ry, the stillness of a country Sabbath, and the commu nion of Saints. But Jesus stood by, and comforted us, taught us to prize these blessings, and to sympathize with those who are deprived of them. April 4. For some weeks a protracted meeting in town had been in operation, and all classes were num- bered among the converts — to what I shall not attempt to say. JAMES AND A SLAVE. James asked, " What are they doing in town '?" The slave replied, "Some are trying to pray." "Are you helping them ?" " I have to pray for myself." " Do you not pray for those who will not pray for them- selves?" " I pray for them, any how." " How many times a day do you pray ?" " I have not counted. How many times do you pray V " As often as I can get the opportunity." " Well, then, you must pray all the time.'^ Another prisoner, " What does that mean ? — ' Pray •without ceasing.' " James replied, " Always be in a praying mood." " That ain't the place," said the slave, " where it says, ' Pray in season and out of season'—- that means to pray when you feel like it and when you don't feel like it — when you have the Spirit, and when you don't have the Spirit." At another time the slave said, " Seventy-five have joineti the church. God know^s whether they are Chns- tians, and they may know whether they have the Spirit, 336 A slave's theology. and are born of God." Shame on many gospel-en« lightened professors, who sneer at the idea of assurance in the Christian life. Let this poor, despised slave, teach them purer theology. CHAPTER X. VARIOUS INCIDENTS. THE CHAPLAIN DRIVEN AWAY. April 6. Our chaplain had been so much engaged in the meeting in town, that he did not come for a number of weeks — and then, as soon as he made the last prayer, Capt. Gorden drove him away, without suffering him to pronounce the benediction — to prevent his speaking to any of the prisoners, as had been his custom after preaching 1 I exhorted the chaplain not to submit to it, and he afterwards pronounced the benediction,* but was obliged by Capt. G., to leave before the prisoners were dismissed — so that we had no opportunity to speak to him, except as he sometimes came in on business, and very rarely at such times — for Capt. G. would cling to him, till he saw him again out of the gate. At one time James and myself were talking with him a few moments — Captain G. saw us, came and drove James away, and led the chaplain to the gate ! Why this 1 They were afraid we would expose their awful abominations, and used all their efforts to prevent our communicating with citizens — but they could not — we did^ and I now must bring out their wickedness to the world. The law grants to the Chaplain, the privilege of talking with prisoners as much as he desires, but what is law to • He was once driven away before the benediction, after Capt. Q.'« eonversion. THE CONVERTED SAILOR. 337 Captain G.? He has ruled over men, so long, he can tread it down with impunity — and such are tlie men placed over outlaws, to teach them obedience to law ! Every desire or effort to reform was crushed by Captain G., but notwithstanding all his contempt and opposition, the Lord gave us souls. THE CONVERTED SAILOR. T. F. was from his youth a seaman, and spent many years on board an English " man of war." He had visited nearly all parts of the world, and told us many things of different nations. The last few years had been spent ou the " Western waters," where he " drank freely," !!>ecame intoxicated, and killed the mate of the boat. He was tried in St. Louis, and sent here for ten years — staid about seven. He was very profane, and ignorant of Bible truth. I conversed with him, and lent him many of our books — his eyes were opened, and the Lord blessed the truth. He ceased swearing and reproved the sin in others. He com- menced praying, Khd talked with his fellows about the nreasonableness oi' revenge — the folly of a dishonest life, and the importuuce of religion. Said he, " I pray every day, night and morning. I sit up and read serm*.»ivs till the others are in bed, and asleep, then I blow ovU the light (which he had secretly), kneel down and prav, — confess my sins to God, and ask Him to shoiv me my dns, that I may repent, and put them away — not from fear of punishment, but because they are offensive to (/od,'^ I had frequent conversa- tions with him, and w^ prayed together. He was very fond of the truth, and drank it in like water. The Mis- sionary Herald he rea.( with great eagerness, and would sit up till midnight to read one through. It was reviving to our souls to see him groiv, and strengthen, and shine. The evidence of his conversion was cheering. Soon after the change, he was pardoned out : we prayed to- gether in his cell, then with James, and another brother in ours, and bade him farewell. 15 338 INHUMANITY TO THK SICK. SICKNESS TREATMENT. ^pril7. I was taken with the ague; and shoirly after, James also. We had it at different periods, for more than three months — sometimes one, and then both at a time. A rehearsal of all the particulars of the sick, during this summer, would not only defile my pages, but be a disgraceful and indelible blot on human- ity. At times, James and I had a little light bread, &c.; and then again, for days we have lain upon oui bed, too weak and faint to walk or sit — without havino- a mouthful brought us to eat. When able to walk about, we sometimes, by hard begging, obtained a few potatoes, or some small article of nourishment ; but when the system was once run down, it was with much difficulty that strength could be regained. When able to sit up, our time was spent in reading or writing, which added much to our comfort. During this summer, about sixty of the prisoners were sick at one time with ague and scurvy, and their treatment was inhuman. Men, with limbs swollen, stiff and blotched with scurvy, were driven to work till they could no longer walk — others were neglected till their teeth seemed ready to drop out of their mouths, and their llesh became almost putrid. The sight was awful ! If they went to Judge B. with their complaints, they were turned off with " you live so high, you are all getting the gout," or some other contemptuous remark. One, who was almost starved, asked him for something to eat. He replied, " I have given the Steward some flour, and you will probably get some of that ; if that won't do, you may go sick .'" The man got one small biscuit ! many got none. The doctor gave strict orders that no sick man should have a mouthful to eat, but one third of a pint of coffee three times a day, and that I could not drink. One who had the ague, said " I have had seven shakes, and have not had any medicine." Another, who had been for months in the Hospital, and beheld the treatment, said, " If the Almighty has anything to do with human events, I jraUlTS OF slaveholders' RKLIGION. 339 should expect that he would trouble Judge B.,* for the manner in Avhich he has treated the sick here. Some who had been sick and expected to die every hour, could not get a little nourishment, when a picayune'sf worth would have saved their lives !" Doubtless this is true, in a number of instances. On one occasion, the Doctor said, " I do not care much if they (the sick), do starve to death." He probably spoke the truth — for his actions corresponded. Said the Steward, " I am not allowed to give the sick any thing to eat ; and yet the officers are mad and complaining because we do not get strong and go to work ! As I spoke to Judge B., he said, " you can shake any time — I suppose you intend to have another shake to-day !" One who was dying said to me, " They have treated me outrageously and inhumanly." Every word is true. One man complained to Captain G., that he was sick, and could not weave — he took him into the guard-room, gave him twenty lashes, and made him work. Such is the medicine some get. These are a few specimens — I might fill a volume with accounts of these abominations, but the Judgment will reveal them. SLAVEHOLDERS CONVERTED. April 19. The chaplain came to my cell and laiiceii sometime — gave me an account of the revival in town — said that Captain Garden was one of the converts, and would shout as loud as any one ! About ninety were converted, embracing the oldest and .nost influential men in the place — our Doctor (/) and some desperate tyrants among the number. The news filled us with joy, but we watched for the fruits of a slaveholder's revival. For a time Captain G. did seem a little different, but he soon became as bad, and worse than before — exhibiting more of his contrariness, cruelty, and opposition to all good, than when he was Warden ! The Doctor, if anything, was more hard-hearted than • His little boy, a favorite, siciiened and died very suddenly. t 6 1-4 cents. 340 DEATHS. ever ! And slave-holders continued to crush their bleeding victims ! Before Capt. G. was converted, he manifested respect for us, but it was after his pretensions to religion, that he treated us with contempt, and seemed to delight in vexing and crossing us, all he could. And it was after the conversion of some of the " in- fluential" men, that they could come and labor to have me renounce my sentiments ! May 12. A. G. B. died — a young boy, sent here for life, for killing his father — had been here two and a half years — belonged to my " class," before it was broken up, and was very exemplary in his conduct. SEVENTH DEATH-BED SCENE. J. H. M. had long been sickly, and unable to work. He was greatly abused and so starved because he could not work, that he was reduced to a skeleton, and became unable to move about. Upon his sick and death bed, I conversed with him — gave him dried apples, and tried to do him good. " Can you forgive them for their ill treatment of youl" said I. "I have no hard feelings towards any one, for any thing done to me. Once I used to take it to heart, but now I do not care anything about it." " Do you think you shall livel" " I can't without a great change. I do not dread the sting of death at all." " The best of us have no merits of heaven. All have sinned and need the merits and mercy ot Christ, before they can enter there." "Yes, George, 1 have been sensible of that for two or three days." I gave him such counsel as he needed, when the bell rang, and I had to leave. Taking him by the hand, I said, " Farewell, perhaps we shall next meet in eternity." He replied, " Farewell, George. I hope to meet you in ft better world." He soon died. Jipril 30. J. J., who had long been sick, died. His whole mind was taken up with thoughts of liberty, and plans for the future. Thoughts of death and judgment, ne put far away, even while the monster stood before the door. He had but eight days of his time to stay, when BIBLES ! 341 it Was suddenly cut short, and he was called to exchange this, for the prison of eternal gloom ! THE EIGHTH DEATH BED. L. was from Connecticut — and o-ne who had often re- sisted the grace of God. He died with consumption. I frequently conversed witli him. At one time he said, " God is just, and justice is all I want. In his hands I am safe." We were called to sit up with him. Just before his death, I asked, " Do you feel willing to die 1" " If I could, I would rather see my family again — but if I must die, why I must. I have no control over such matters." " Do you feel prepared to die 7" He looked up with an expression of wonder, that I should ask such a question, and with a sneer said, '' Why, I can't do anything to prepare for death. You know what my sentiments are." As he was willing to stand or fall, on the ground of justice, God took him at his word — but on such terms can no flesh be justified. Poor man ! How little did he understand of the guilt of sin, and the purity and extent of God's laws ! And here is the delusion of many souls. Sin is supposed to be but a little thing, and God's law of but little account — similar to the laws of mortals ! BIBLES ! BIBLES ! For more than two years we plead with ministers, in- spectors, and legislators, to have the place supplied with Bibles. In May the chaplain was deputed to purchase a quantity in St. Louis, and on the 3d of June a box of one hundred and fifty was brought in, and distributed to all who wished for one. They were received with great eagerness, by those who had been so long without any book. To us it was a joyful sight, and our sinking hopes were a little revived. We blessed the Lord for this new token of his love. June. 8. Two strangers preached and exhorted — a large company of spectators in. While I prayed, one of the ministers wept aloud. To hear a despised con- vict pray, was a new thing to him and to many others. 342 TEMPERANCE PLEDGE TOBACCO TESTIMONY. who came in on the Sabbath, apparently on purpose to see and hear us pray. 10. While we were at breakfast, two men were found attempting to scale the wall by means of a rope. They were severely punished. Numbers have dug through the wall, out of their cells, at night, but before they could get over the wall, have been observed by the guard and suffered the consequences. 15. The chaplain formed a Bible class, which took the place of preaching for some months. It was then given up, but few engaging in it. TEMPERANCE PLEDGE. While sitting up with James, one night, in the hospi- tal, I drew up a temperance pledge, describing the effects of intoxicating drinks, and promising to " touch not, taste not, handle not." As w^e had opportunity, we ob- tained signatures, to the number of seventy-six — of whom thirty-four confessed that liquor was the cause of their trouble. An opportunity to circulate the pledge would have added many names. The object was to se- cure them against future temptation. Of their drinking in the prison there was not much danger. One man, who ran away, and was brought back after about two years, said to me, " Had I not signed the pledge, here, I should have been drunk fifty times, but I thought how I had promised before God and the holy angels, not to touch it, and I stuck to it and drank none." I also drew up an anti-tobacco pledge, but it did not thrive much — yet it saved some from the vortex of pollu- tion. In the pledge, I spoke of looking to Jesus, to subdue the desire for it. One said, " I never knew be- fore that I was such a slave to it. I have often tried to quit, but never till now sought the help of Jesus, and it is no wonder that I failed. I feel assured that he will give me the victory." In one week the desire was all gone. In two months he gave me the following. " For two years I used snuff. My nose became a trumpet and I quit it. I then began to smoke. I thought it made me A PRAYER MEETING. 343 look bi^, and was soon a slave. To appease the craving desire, I took to chewing. I knew it was injurious, but persisted in the use of it for eight years. By the grace of God, I was enabled lately to abandon it, and can now be a judge of its baneful effects. In two months since I quit, I have increased in weight twelve pounds, and in strength twenty per cent. I am not now molested with heart burn as formerly, nor troubled with drowsiness and unaccountable dullness of spirits. My nerves are not continually fluttering as formerly, my stomach is now always in good order, my mind clear and vigorous. In short I am now better and happier than I ever was, with my longest pipe, or my best ' honey dew.' " June 28. Said a man to-day, " If I had my cell full of gold, I would give it for liberty again !" Ah! what has the ungodly man here to comfort him? They " are like the troubled sea." July 4. The afternoon was given to us as a holiday. While the most of the prisoners were carousing, wrest- ling, boxing, and racing, we collected the Christians in our ceil, and had a precious prayer meeting. All prayed and expressed their determination to cleave to God. It was a very sweet, refreshing season. The Lord blessed us abundantly. CAPT. gorden's humanity ! The wife of a prisoner came nearly twenty-one hun- dred miles, with two children, to see her husband. Capt. G. said to him, " What do you want to see your wife for? You can have ten minutes, by the watch, to talk with her. You must not say one word about what brought you here, or about getting out." He sent a guard with a watch to hear the conversation. For more than three years they had not seen each other, and at first meeting were so overcome, that they could say but little in ten minutes. She went to the Governor, who sent her back, with orders to let them talk together, as much as they desired, and they did so. At another time a wife came to see her husband, and Capt. G. said to him, "Your wife has come to see you. 344 TKUSTING IN GOD IN AFFLICTION. — she is foolish for so doing, and you can have jivt minutes, to talk with her." Why such inhumanity ! These two men had been faithful, and worked hard. I assign but one reason. Capt, G. is a slaveholder, and by familiarity with scenes and acts of cruelty, his heart has become steeled, and unfeeling — a natural tendency of slavery. Judge Brown, in general, was more humane, in this respect. He would let friends who came a long dis- tance to see a father, husband, son, or brother in prison, see and converse with them. EXTRACT OF A LETTER. July 15, 1845. Dear Brother E. : I have scarcely seen the day since early in the Spring that I could say, " I am well" (in body.) And now I have to lie upon my bed to write. However, I feel happy in committing myself to God; crying at all times, " Father, glorify Thy name." Those who are surrounded by health, wealth, liberty, friends, honors, &c., can know but little of what they realize, who are poor, forsaken, insulted, in prison, sick, languid, faint, and surrounded by all that is vile and odious. The for- mer find no difficulty in trusting God, for what they already abundantly enjoy — the latter know arid experi- ence from day to day the blessedness of trusting in God, and to the world they can unhesitatingly testify to the powder of Religion, to support and cheer, when all earthly supports fail and wither away. Those in adversity drink imn:iediately from the foun- tain-head of all comfort and joy — while those in prospe- rity, drink of the streams which are generally mingled with numerous earthly ingredients. Hence, the benefit of affliction. 0, let us not " despise the chastening of the Lord," nor be " weary of his correction." Geohge# " abolition niggers." July 21. James was appointed servant-general oi JAMES TALKING WITH SLATES. 345 the prison. His business was to wait on the officers, keep the guard-room in order, light lamps in the halls and around the yard, &c. He served two weeks, was taken sick again, and another took his place. What little he did the rest of his time, was winding bobbins for the weavers. While he was •' servant," three runaway slaves, were brought here in chains, for safe-keeping. Said Ca])t. G. to James, " These are abolition niggers." " What ! werethey trying to 'abolition' themselves'?" " Yes, that's it." These slaves were waited on, by James, who talk- ed and prayed with them. He asked one, " Well, you were running away, were you?" "0, no, I was only going to see my wife in Kentucky." Again he asked, " Can you read?" One replied, " I can. I had a tes- tament with me in the woods, but a white man took it away from me, and I've not seen it since!" He then talked some time with them, and gave them a testament. They frequently came to our cell, to talk through the lit- tle door, while we " enlightened their minds." Many other prisoners encouraged them to try again ; and they said they were determined to keep trying, till they had " liberty or death." When they left, in chains, to to go south, they were furnished, by a blacksmith, with instruments to cut their irons. The sight of the " slave trader," filled my soul with feelings which I cannot, in words, express. Heaven ! in mercy stay thy judgments ! THE UNFORTUNATE FAMILY. A young man came for stealing — staid till his brother came, and ran away. After a time two other brothers came — soon, the old gray headed father, who acknow- ledged he had killed men, came and shortly after, the younger, a lad of fifteen, joined them. The old lady was in jail, and expected to come, but was liberated again. Jiug. 13. Talked with a prisoner about studying the Bible. He said, " I want no more to do with the Bible. I have read it through twenty-two times, and it never 15* 346 inspectors' third examination . did me any good." He confessed it was his own fauf. How many professing Christians have read it as much'? We talked with them along time about many things —a little must suffice. Stringfellovv said to James, " I have no sympathy for abolitionists. They are worse than thieves, robbers, or murdereis; and doing mon! evil than all united." Gen. Monioe — " 'I'he slave^ running away, is but little. Those who help them off are not the men who do the mischief — they are only the tools of the great men. But those who write and speali much on the subject, are the ones who do the mischief They even endanger the Union. No one wants to holci you here, but there is a principle concerned in it — if you are pardoned out it will take off the restraint which we wish to lay on others, and encourage them to do the same." Stringfellow — " Well, Burr, you are charged with helping your neighbor — would you not think it as bad for a man to persuade your apprentice away, as to steal your money'? James — "It would be wrong, but I do not consider the slave as property, or bound." " Well, if we let you go, you will do so again." " I will leave the State, and not trouble you again." " It is a mighty few abolitionists, that will be reformed in so short a time." (four years.) Many ot the prisoners interceded with them to use their influence for their liberation — and upon their re- commendation, without any petitions, six were pardon- ed at once — three of them, murderers — one an old coun- terfeiter — one an incendiary, and the other a horse racer. " NOT THIS MAN BUT BARRABAS." Soon after we came here, an old man, a murderer, was pardoned, because of his money, by Gov. Reynolds. A petition came for Alanson — in answering which Gov. Reynolds came out strongly against the too free use of the pardoning power. Then soon ;itUM', A. G. who had wilfully and deliberately shot a man, and was sent here for ten years, was pardoned after staying about six months. KOT THIS MAN, BUT BARABBAS. 347 Next, E. H. who wilfully shot a man, and decJared to me he would do the same thing again, was pardoned. He was first sentenced to be hung — then for twenty years in this place — then for ten — staid five and half and left, again engaging in drinking and gambling. A. H. was accessory to a wilful murder — first sen- tenced to be hung — then to this place for life — then his time reduced to ten years — then pardoned at the expi- ration of five and a half years. D., a Dutchman, killed a man — was sent here for two years — staid a few months and was pardoned by Gov. Reynolds. S. H. deliberately shot a man, and declared to me he would do it again — was sent here for forty-nine years — staid two and a half and was released by Gov. Marma- duke. J. G. charged with murdering his wife-sent here for ten years — staid five, and was pardoned by Gov. Mar- mad uke. M., a woman, killed her husband with an axe — was sent here for five years — staid about half of it and was pardoned by Governor Edwards. U., an old man, killed his neighbor — staid here a few weeks and was turned out. J. P. shot a man for calling him a liar (and a greater one can scarcely walk the earth), staid about two years, and was set at liberty, declaring he would do the same thing again. R. stabbed and then shot a man — came here for seven years — staid four years and three months, and was re- leased. T. shot his neighbor without a cause, in cool blood — sent here for fifteen years — staid nearly five and was pardoned. W. G. stabbed his neighbor to death — sent here for fifteen years — staid five, and was pardoned. T . F. stabbed a man in a fit of intoxication — came tor ten years — staid seven, and was pardoned. W. J. engaged in house breaking and shooting a wo- man, was sent here for ninety-four years — has the pro- 348 POPE G. THE rUSSINQ GUARD* mise of being, and expects soon to be turned out (after staying about five years), by Gov. Edwards! Besides a host of thieves, gamblers, whoremongers, burglers, &c., who have been pardoned by the forementioned Go- vernors ! So partial did the Executives manifest them- selves to murderers, that it passed into a proverb among the prisoners, " A murderer can get pardoned out soon er and easier than those charged with any other crime, though they may be innocent !" " If you wish to gel pardoned out quick, commit murder," &c. Such a pub lie sentiment does slavery foster ! Se'pt. 2. Pope G. was in, with whom I talked. " Do you hear anything said about letting me go from this place?" "0 yes, Thompson, I hear a good deal said about you." " Anything about letting me go soon?" " Why, people outside think you do not wish to get out." " Well I shall not fret about it either way, and if I could see that I was doing good to my fellows, I should not care for my release." " I think they should let Burr go at least, as he is a cripple, has a broken constitution, and can't do much. I suppose he can't earn his salt now." Sept. 21. Capt. G. and prisoners at work (Sabbath). We were also annoyed by pounding, bawling from cell to cell, and dancing. I complained to Capt. G. He paid no attention to it. In the afternoon, James and myself were singing, when a new, ignorant guard came along, looked in, his face flushed with anger, and said, " Do you know you are breaking the rules ?" " We do not know it." " Well, I'll help you to know it. I'll have no fuss or loud talking here. What are your names 7" " Burr and Thompson." He shut both doors in a great rage. We continued our singing, knowing what we were about, and had no " fuss." 25. I asked a slave, " When are you going to bo free"?" *' After I am dead." This is the poor slave's hope. THE slave's hope. 34 k THE slave's hope. I. From this sore bondage I then shall he free, After I'm dead — after I'm dead. Rest in the grave, there remains yet for me, After I'm dead — after I'm dead. Here, I expect still to suflTer and toil, And with my heart's blood to fatten the soil- But oh ! I shall 7-est, from this world of turmoil After I'm dead — after I'm dead. II. 1 shall be free from the tyrant's strong hand, After I'm dead — after I'm dead. Nor trembling hear his loud threat'ning command. After I'm dead — after I'm dead. Now, they may bind me, and beat when they please, Press me with burdens which give me no ease; No more, as their victim, on me shall they seize. After I'm dead — after I'm dead. III. I shall be free from their scorn and contempt, After I'm dead — after I'm dead. They to their malice may give a free vent, After I'm dead — after I'm dead. Far from their power, lifcen shall abide. Safe from their envy — secure from their pride ; And soon, in the dust, they will lie by my side, After I'm dead — after I'm dead. IV. 1 shall be free ! 0, the rapturous name ! After I'm dead — after I'm dead. Free from my shackles, and all mortals' claim, After I'm dead — after I'm dead. And my dear Savior I hope soon to see, VV^ho gave His life as a ransom for me. That I, in his kingdom, might ever be FREE, After I'm dead — after I'm dead. Penitentiary, Sept, 25, 1845. Toward the last of September, James was ^ick again with ague — took much medicine. At that time, I composed an address to the Governor in poetry, which he received kindly, and showed to 350 ADDRESS TO GOV. EDWARDS. numbers who came to see him. I have not room, or the reader should have the address. Here follows a short •X tract — 0, may I go ? Cari'st you my pardon grant ? Ten thousand thousaad will your kindness thank. Others liave been released — ! why not I Or must I here remain and droop and die ? A brother and companion on my charge Has been restored to liberty at large, For which a thousand thanks to heaven ascend. And shall in blessings on your head descend ; And thousands more, with prayers for you shall rise As sweet and grateful incense to the skies, If a poor captive's prayer shall reach your heart, And draw the word from you, " In peace depart." I am a Christian, Sir, and Christ my Lord, Will bless with vast and infinite reward. The man, who to his suffering subject shows Compassion, and relief from heavy woes. In view of our relationship as men. Which should all sinful prejudice condemn ; In view of prayers, and tears, and many sighs, Which daily to Jehovah's throne arise ; In view of millions sinking down to hell, ^V'hose suff'rings mortal lips can never tell ; III view of time, which soon will be no more. But waft us to a distant, unknown shore; In view of Death, w^hich hastens on apace. To usher us before the Judge's face; In view of that great, final, reckoning day. When we shall hear him to his children say — " Come near, ye blessed, and sit down with me On thrones i)repareii from all eternity" — But to the wicked, " Hence, accursed, depart I — With Satan and his angels have your part ;" In view of heaven, where angels prostrate fall. With saints confessing Jesus Lord of all, VVheie endless pleasures do for ever roll. And full fruition fills up every soul ; In view of vast eternity to come, Which fixes our unchanging, future doom; In view of all ; I ask once more the same, And jdead lor mercy in my Savior's name ; Commending you to his all gracious care, That you may liear and grant my earnest prayer MORE PARDONED. 351 Sept. 29. The Methodist minister from St. Louis preached for us. The next day he went, in company with our chaplain and others, to see the Governor in our behalf. Towards evening they called to see us — spoke very kindly — felt much — saw my address — said, " You will get out after a while, be patient. The weather is setting that loay /" Oct. 1. Two more were pardoned out, and I was ap- pointed to supply the place of one of them, in carrying around bread at night, to one quarter of the prisoners. By this arrangement, we had better suppers. I continu- ed so to do for nine months, till I left. 15. A young man was pardoned, who went to the Governor to plead for us. The Governor said, " I will attend to their case, and turn them out just as soon as I can consistently." Public opinion was his guide. During this month, James was sick much of the time, with bilious complaints. I began to gain strength to labor. A CASE OF CRUELTY. Two prisoners dug through the cell wall, unlocked ano- ther cell, and let out two others, intending to scale the out- side wall. They were discovered, and terribly punished immediately. Some who celled near by, said, they " never heard such hot times in the guard-room before." Others said they heard " much whipping and loud cries," and while they were whipping one, they heard Bradbury say, " Now get up." "I can't Mr. B." He then whipped him again, " Now get up, or I'll kill you." " Judge Brown, do stop Mr. B. I can't get up." " Then drag him to his cell." And as he was crawling to a cell nearby, he was heard, " Do stop, Mr. Davis. I am go- ing as fast as I can." He probably was kicking him along. In the morning, Capt. G. came to me and said, "Go there into the hall, pick up S., and carry him to his cell, he has the backache.''^ Backache! 0, what hard-heartedness ! But this is slavery ! He was lying on the bricks, in great pain, and almost as helpless as a man with his back broken. We carried him to his cell, 352 CRUELTY NOTHING AGAINST ME. where he remained a considerable time before he could get out. JSTov. 8. One who has lived South, said to James, " I have seen planters sit down, each bet a nigger, and gamble for them !" Can the history of heathenism furnish its equal 1 And yet who can doubt it 7 Is it not "just like" slavery, thus to demonize the master, while it brutalizes the slave ! On the same day, J. F., a former overseer, was in, with whom I spoke. He said, " I have heard nothing against you — nothing against your conduct here. I know no reason why you should not go out as well as Work. If one, all — for all are equally guilty. I don't think they can require any more than that you shall not do so again. I should rather have seen you go out, than some who have been pardoned, who will be curses to society." 21. James went to the quarry, with the hands, for his health. A rock burst from the effects of the fire. A guard said to James, " I am glad you came out here with us. You have the Bible, and therefore good Providence protected us from being hurt. For a number of days he went outside, and was greatly benefited. VISIT FROM FRIENDS. On the 22d,W. M. and M. C. arrived at our mansion. It was Saturday evening, and we talked with them, be- fore a guard-room full. On Sabbath afternoon, they came to our cell, where we conversed, and prayed, and sang, till night, without restraint. From them we learned much about the state of the anu-slavery cause, and of the world. It was un- speakably sweet, thus to fellowship together once more. Why were we so favored above other prisoners, when their friends come to see them? My only answer is, " It was the good hand of God upon us," constraining * the enemy to entreat us well in the day of evil.' " On Monday they convcirsed with the Governor, who promised that he would turn us out, if they would send THE BEST WINE. 353 a petition from Marion county, from whence we were sent. He said, " They have been punished enough, and if I should act according to my own feelings, I would turn them out; but I am the servant of the people." In the evening, they came to the cell, and brought dried fruit, crackers, dried beef, sugar, honey, apples. Missionary Heralds, Union Missionaries, writing paper, &c. That night, I spent mostly writing and preparing things to send home by them. In the morning, again talked and prayed with them, and gave them just what I pleased — no officer asking, "What have you there'?" They saw the box and the bundle, but said nothing. Who can deny the restraining hand of God? This treatment is to be attributed, under God, to Judge Brown — as also all the kind treatment of all our friends when they came. " Give God the glory." In every instance, where we were fearful, the Lord in great mercy rebuked our unbelief, not with the rod, as we deserved, but by far exceeding our expectations and granting us unex- pected privileges. 0! "how great is his goodness!" As is his power, so is his mercy to his little ones. But the best wine was reserved till after they were gone. In reading the Missionary Heralds, but especial- ly the Union Missionaries, our souls feasted. My jour- nal says, " Such emotions as fill ray soul, I cannot express. We both have to shout glory ! glory ! glory to God ! read and rejoice — read and shout — read and thank the Lord for such a new era in the history ot missions — for such a noble coming out from the abomi- nations of slavery. ! how we have prayed here in prison, for a purging of the church in this thing. Glory to God for such intelligence." In the Heralds we visited nearly all parts of the world, rejoiced, and wept with the missionaries — heard the converts sing — saw the idols destroyed — the darkness flee, and the light spread abroad. Like John Baptist, though we were in prison, we heard of the wonderful works of God. We quickly pass from Mendi to Guinea, Gaboon, Natal, Ceylon, Bombay, Madura, Siam, China, Palestine, Turkey, The Islands, the Rocky Mountains, 354 DUCKING. Red Lake, from ;ribe to tribe — from nation to nation— from continent to continent, and round the world we go — hasten back to our " hallowed cell," and lift up our prayer for the Holy Spirit to be poured upon them. slaveholders' CHRISTIANITY. JVov. 30. Our Chaplain, before all the prisoners, called Captain G., " Brother Gorden ! !" The most abased prisoner among us, saw the inconsistency of such an appellation, and many made their remarks upon it. But I suppose the chaplain did not know as much about his " Brother'''' as we did — for on that very Sab bath, he had been at work all day, with a number ot hands. However, perhaps this is as much as can be expected fiom a slaveholding religion. It does not require them to give up their sins — their greatest sins. They can hold slaves, break the Sabbath, oppress, be covetous, commit adultery, lie, steal, murder, and still be good members of the church ! / know it to he so. ENOUGH TO EAT DUCKING. Dec. 3. Captain G. whipped a man for cooking a little, which was very common. At the table he forbid any man's cooking, and said, " If any one does not get enough to eat, come to me, and he shall have it." The next day, one went to him, and asked for more — he took him into the guard-room and ducked him for it — and that is the " enough to eat," he got ! The ducking apparatus is a large armed chair, in which the sufferer is tied, hand and foot, so that he can- not move. Then there is a box which fits close round the neck below, and open at the top, into which they pour a bason or pail full of water, directly into the man's face. Not being able to avoid the water, he is strangled, choked, and almoet killed. It is said to be very severe. It was an invention of McChesney, our former overseer, »5u) was a perfect inquisitor. THE NEW PREACHER. Jan, 7. A fellow prisoner, who served two years PRISONERS EASILY AFFECTED AT FIRST. 355 • here, preached to us. He had been to the Pacific — was converted, turned preacher, came back, and solicited his fellows to make their peace with God. He was ignorant, but zealous, and his sermon produced more effect on offi- cers and prisoners, than all the sermons we had heard for years. Hard hearts melted, and eyes which had not wept for twenty years, were then moistened. Such a shake of the hand as he gave us, we had not received in Missouri. He knew not how to let us go ; and as he left, he said, " We'll soon be released from earth — we'll soon meet in heaven." THE NEW PRISONER. Jan. 9. A new prisoner came, with whom I convers- ed. His feelings were tender, and he wept freely. He said, " 1 hope it will be for my good. My old mother is a widow, and she has prayed for me, thousands and thousands of times [weeping]. I will never do so again. I am resolved to serve the Lord the rest of my days." *' Do you pray ?" " Yes, I have prayed, day and night, [weeping], ever since I was convicted, and am deter- mined to continue. I wish to know my duty. I desire that all here may come to Jesus," &c. I told him of his trials, and gave him counsel. He did continue to pray. Many when they first come are very tender, and open to the truth. Proper officers and treatment, would save them, but they are neglected, mingle with the despe- rate, become hardened and prepared for all evil. CHAPTER X. PETITION— STATE SECRETARY— JAMES PARDONED ANOTHER INTERESTING CASE. Dec. 12. I conversed with a man who said " I be- lieve my coming here is the best thing that ever happen- ed to me. I have been a very b^d man, for twelve or 356 JAMES FAINTED. fifteen years back-— not hurting others, but myself — I have been my worst enemy. I am now determined it shall be my whole effort, desire, and study to serve God. There is no other object worthy of man. It is what he was created and placed here for. As for the riches and honors of the world, I care no more about them than about the dust on which I tread." He left in ten days after. Such cases were very reviving to our hearts, amid the dense darkness. Jan. 18. We took to our cell, the tinner's furnace, with coals. As I sat looking in my atlas, James com- plained of his heart beating very hard, fainted, and fell into my lap. With my foot I knocked on the door, and called a guard ; he came with the steward, and brought medicine. After they left, he had another spasm, and fell back on the bed — soon vomited profusely — I had the headache all the night. Such being the effect of our lire, we concluded to go without, and endure the cold. Towards the last of December, I worked evenings, packing pork. Thousands of hogs were here killed, the most of the feet of which we had to eat. Jan. 4, 1846, we observed as a day of fasting and prayer, for our own benefit, and the conversion of the world. In the forenoon, we " remembered" Jesus in his own ordinance, and sang hymns which I prepared for the occasion. The afternoon was devoted to singing and praying for the church, the boards, the missionaries, and the world — and we longed to be in the field. THE CATHOLIC CHRISTIAN. A man sent here for ninety-nine years, for murder, said to me, as I was questioning him, " I learnt all my prayers when I was a little boy, and keep them yet. I have not learned any new ones. I was born in the Catholic Church, and I will die in it. I don't swear much — a little sometimes, and I pray every Sunday," &c. Poor man ! There are many Catholics here, and generally they SUSPENSE TALK WITH JUDGE B. 357 are very strict to pray — every day, or at least, on Sun- days — but they will get angry, swear, break the Sabbath, &c. The priest carne to see them, brought books, went through his ceremonies, and they could have the sacra- ment administered to them, while protestants plead in vain for a minister to come, and break unto them the sa- cred emblems ! During the winter, when we could not keep warm by wrapping our blankets around us, we covered up in bed, so that we could read. I fixed our lamp, so that we could go to bed, and read evenings. 20. We obtained permission to have a young man cell with us, that we might do him good. Said Judge B., " If you can make him any better, I have no objec- tion." He was with us one night — prayed, and talked well. But the next day Capt. G. took him away, and put a small boy with us, who had just come, saying, " Take this boy and teach him better morals." He re- mained with us about a week, when I hurt my back, and not having room in our bed, he left. About this time, we lived in considerable suspense, having heard that Swartout had been here a month, with a large petition from Marion Co. We expected the Governor would do as he promised, but he did not. Numbers spoke to us, saying, " You will go out in a few days." We endeavored to be prepared, and then left it all with the Lord. This was the time Chase came, and wished me to sign a renunciation of my principles, for my liberty ! I talked with Judge B. " Can you do it '?" " I cannot." *' Well, do not make any such pledge, unless you feel it, and can live up to it. If you should renounce. Chase, probably, would turn right round, and call you a hypo- crite^ &c. I am wnlling you should go out. As to your conduct and Burr's, it is known outside, as well as it is m here. I think they can make no such requirement," &c. Penitentiary, Jan. 21, 1846* Dear Sir: Is an American citizen, in this day of light and lib- 358 EXTRACT OF A LETTER TO GOV. EDWARDS. erty, to be imprisoned, because he thinks differently from others ? And has he not the lawful right to express those thoughts, without fear of incarceration 1 Then is it in accordance with the spirit of our free government, to continue to hold a man in prison, till he shall renounce Lis peculiar sentiments'? Suppose, sir, the Whig party should gain the ascend- ency, and put you in prison, for advocating Democracy — and at the end of four and a half years, should grave- ly ask you if you would renounce those principles for your freedom ! Would you not reject such a proposition with disdain, and rather choose your dungeon 1 Are such arguments calculated to change a man's sentiments ? But have my private sentiments anything to do with the matter of releasement? If, in this free country, and under laws which secure to every man, the freedom of thought and speech, a man ts to be imprisoned, or held in prison, because he does not think as some others do, we may as well, at once, adopt the ancient. Papal mode — incarcerate, torture, an;* burn all who differ from the party in ascendency ! If I have broken the laws of a state, can more be required ol me, as a condition of pardon, than that I should keep, and honor those laws in future 1 Or, if I could not con- scientiously comply with them, that I leave the State, and no more interfere with them 1 Such I will do. Can more be required of me 1 Should not every man of reason and humanity be satisfied ? George Thompson. the secretary of state col. martin. Jan. 26. The above named person came to see us. " I came to have a free, candid talk with you, and I want you to answer as in the presence of the Deity. 1 am very much prejudiced against abolitionists. I am a southerner — live in a slave State, and hold slaves. 1 came of my own accord to know your feelings. W^hat is the object of the Abolition Society — general emanci- pation ?" " Yes sir — by moral suasion, light, and argu- ments. They disapprove of carnal means, except some THE INQUISITIVE COL. MARTIN. 359 " hot-heads^^ who are for fighting — there is a great diffe- rence between them." "What are your views?" " Slavery is wrong, and all lawful means should be used to put it away, as soon as possible." " If you were re- leased, and, in a meeting, should be called upon for an expression of your feelings, what would you tell them?" " I would tell them honestly, and correct their preju- dices.^^ Other conversation occurred, not important to be mentioned. He asked James nearly the same ques- tions, and others in addition. " If you were free now, what could you do?'' "I would get into a free State as quick as possible, and stay there." " But that is not enough — we don't care so much about the locomotive, as we do the influence. It is the principle .that does the mischief." " What I did, was in kindness to the black man — he plead so hard." " I don't doubt that there are a great many abolitionists who are actuat- ed by the purest motives." " I will leave the State, and will persuade my friends not to do as I did." * What right had they thus to pry into our private sen- timents, and lead us to break the laws of Missouri, which forbid the expression of such principles ? The right was the might, in order to find some pretence for detaining us still longer ! If, then, our enemies were at any time deceived by ambiguous answers (we always spoke the truth), we say to them as Paul said on a cer- tain occasion, " Ye have compelled us.^^ We told as lit- tle as they would let us tell, till our tongues should be loosed and unfettered. If they considered us thieves, would f hey care nothing about the locomotive ? So long as a thief keeps away from them, they have nothing to fear. The reader can carry out the reflections, and make the application. JAMES PARDONED. Jan. 30. In the forenoon James was suddenly snatch- ed from me, leaving me alone — and yet not alone, for * That is, not to go into a slave State for slaves. 360 JAMES RELEASED. Jesus was with me. He was ready — took out with him all his papers, but expecting to go myself, I had made no arrangement for him to take mine, though I had but little, having sent them away from time to time. His pardon is similar to Alanson's, except that it is without conditions. I rejoiced to see him go. All the prisoners were glad to see " old Burr," as they called him, go out to enjoy liberty again. DEPARTURE OF JAMES EXTRACT. L First one, now the other has left My partners in gladness and woe : Of all kindred spirits bereft. For comfort to whom shall I go ? There's none here my burdens can share. To whom r can open my heart — They pity, and wonder, and stare, But none understandeth my smart. ir. But glory to God and the Lamb ! With freedom to Him I can go : My case He doth well understand, And each secret feeling doth know. To Him I'll unburthen my soul. For He will sweet comfort afford ; And while the high waves o'er me reil, 1 humbly will trust in the Lord. Ill A pris'ner, they long may retain — With locks, bolts, and bars, keep secare This body — in torturing pain. While reason, or life shall endure. They cannot, no cannot they bind, What God has created so free — The spirit immortal — the mind — A slave it disdaineth to be. IV. From dungeons it sallies abroad, And visits earth's far distant shores, Surveys the creation of God, And eartli, seas, and planets, explores— POETRY— THE MIND. 361 From Arctic to Antarctic flies, Where mortals did never yet treart-*- From West, to behold the sun rise. And view the life-giving beams spreatJ V It enters the churches so fair, Where saints in devotion are bow*(i. And joins in impoitiinate prayer, Or harmonic praises aloud. It hastes to the lovely fireside, Where kindred and friends gather round; Or far where the heathen abides, And Heralds in labors abound. VI. It soars to the heavenly throne, Wliere angels and saints join in praise ; Views pleasures to mortals unknown. And glory that never decays — Holds converse with Jesus the King, And infinite blessings receives — Returns to the dungeon to bring Sweet comfort to him that believes. vn. Then bind me with chains, hand and foot — My bod)' with burdens crush down — Or deep in foul dungeons be put. And all men with enmity frown — Yet let it to all men be told — To all who with sorrows are bow'd, In evenj condition, I hold, In spirit, communion with God!,- teniteniiary, January 31, 1846. The Lord showed me that an arm of flesh was short, and I sank into his arms, submissive to his will. I had some inexpressibly sweet seasons, alone in my cell, pouring out my w^hole heart before the Lord. He quiet- ed my soul in himself ; I believed and was happy. I felt that he had wise reasons for detaining me, and very soon he showed me those reasons, and I blessed Him that I did not go out. I soon found that my work was not done in the penitentiary — but more of this shortly. I am not certain that the officers did not use their infiu- 16 362 PRISON WORK NOT DONE. ence to keep me, for the day after James left, two valua ble hands ran away. NEW CELL MATE. Feb. 1. A very wicked man was put in with rae — one who had run away many times, and caused thorn much trouble. I went to Captain G., and requested an exchange, but he would not listen, saying, " I put him there to keep him from giving me trouble." This was the first time I had been locked up with one who had no fear of God before him, and I sought wisdom and grace from above. But I soon found him a very quiet man, willing that I should go on as usual with my devotions. He listened while I read, and kneeled in time of prayer. Being very anxious to learn to read, f gave him instruction. And as he was one who would keep a secret till he died, and despised a traitor, I went on without fear, with my writings and plans, as when James was with me. The change in his feelings was wonderful and rapid. He had been a thief for seven years, and before he came to my cell, was studying and dreaming day and night about getting away and being taken. But these feelings soon left him, and he could sleep soundly all night. He frequently expressed him- self as fully determined to live an honest life — became reconciled to his lot — was very much engaged in his book — and said he despised nothing so much as thieves —to his mind they had become loathsome. He had many questions to ask about religion. I have hope for him. THE slave's request. Soon after James left, a slave, with whom I had lonft been acquainted, came to me, and was very urgent that I should write him a free paper. " I am about to leave this place, and want a favor." I told him that I could not do such a thing. He entreated. Said I, " Try without." " I shall be caught." I told him where he would find friends. And when I made his case known to a wicked fellow prisoner, he said, " Do you have DESIRE FOR LIBERTY. 363 nothing to do with it. I'll attend to him." He wrote for the slave a " pass," and gave him all needful instruc- tion. Whether he succeeded I cannot tell. HOGS OUT. Feb. 10. By order of the inspectors, the hogs were all turned out of the yard. For nearly four and a half years, we have lived in a hog-pen, disagreeable, filthy, and abominable. We made complaints to the inspectors, but till now, our requests had been unheeded ! From twenty to forty, and even to two, four, and five hundred of these filthy, condemned, and abominable creatures have associated, fed, and slept, in the same pen and building, which one hundred and fifty prisoners occupi- ed. Well, it is just like slavery. TALK WITH MR. STRINGFELLOW, THE STATE's ATTORNEY. "I am very much prejudiced against abolitionists, and have no sympathy for you. If you had done it out of rascality, I would have felt for you, but you had no per- sonal interest in view, and such meddling I despise. Or if it had been some poor, ignorant, foolish fellow, I could have sympathy ; but you are a sensible man, and I have no sympathy for you. Work and Burr were re- presented by Swartout as weak men, having little mind, and led into it by you. I w^ould not believe you if you said you gave up your principles. You feel as you did before, and if free, would you not turn round and say that such laws (as make men property, and imprison men for helping slaves), are not laws'? Do you not feel towards the niggers as always'?" " I feel that they are men." " And have as good a right to be free as any body *?" " Yes, by all lawful means. But I would leave the continent." " Yes, and go right among the niggers, which shows that your feelings towards them are not changed. I saw one of your letters." " But I would go to instruct them, as any other heathen." " They are good for nothing but slaves — they never could, and never can take care of themselves. I can- not promise to do anything for you," &c. 364 SYMPATHY FOR RASCALS. No comment is needed. In addition, I heard from him more oaths and profanity than I had heard in a long time from the most depraved convict. Again, to prove the truth of his assertion, he used his influence, and plead one hour for the release of one who " did it out of rascality" — who stole two slaves, sold them, and pocketed the money. For him, he had sym- pathy. Reader, put this down as a fair specimen of Missouri justice. 14. Judge B. said to me, " I think you will have to stay till next Legislature. I don't think the Governor will take the responsibility (!) without a heavy petition.* I told him, as to my part, I was perfectly willing yoa should go, and can do no more. Take it patiently — the time will soon run round." A prisoner who came about this time, and knew something about public sentiment, said, " All they are keeping Thompson here for, is be- cause he W'ill not give up his sentiments." I have mentioned that one of Lovejoy's murderers is here — I have also had two other prisoners confess to me, that they were engaged in destroying Pennsylvania Hall — one of them was a ring-leader, — here for seven years. TWO MORE CONVERTS. After preaching, Feb. 22, two persons came forward and professed to give their hearts to God. Here, again, was work for me in which I rejoiced. Both talked well, and expressed themselves as strongly determined to serve the Lord. With one of them I frequently prayed. The evidence of a genuine change w^as cheering. They met with many sneers, but bore them patiently. I en- deavored to instruct and strengthen them. CRUELTY. A man was whipped by Capt. G., first with a stick, then wuth a cow-hide, and then with the strap, because • The petition which took James out, was for both of us, and was a '*heavi/ pelition," as Judge B., the inspectors, and others testified. THE LAST CONVERT. 365 he would not do what he could not — beam a chain in fifteen minutes. It cannot be done with such chains as we generally get. I know something about it. " Will you do it 1" "I can't, ifyou should kill me." "Well, I'll kill you if you don't," &c. A slaveholding Christian ! THE LAST CONVERT. After James left, I become acquainted with a young Scotchman, who seemed very steady, industrious, and quite intelligent. As I was always looking out for singers, he was recommended to me by some who sat near him in meeting, and heard him, as a good sing- er. I sought opportunities to converse with him — found him open and frank, and desirous of Christian instruc- tion. Learning the state of his mind, I selected books suitable to his case, and lent to him — which he read with attention and earnestness. The Lord blessed the truth> and soon he was " sitting at the feet of Jesus, clothed and in his right mind." He adopted the words of Harlan Page, " Resolved, that I will, the Lord being my helper, think, speak, and act, as an individual — for as such 1 must live — as such I must die, stand before God and be damned, or saved for ever. I have been waiting for others. I must act, as if I was the only one to act, and wait no longer." He said, " Although I feel for you, being here, yet I am glad to have such a one to whom I can unbosom my feelings. I hate sin. I long to cease from sin." " The profanity of my cell-mates, often breaks in like an intruder on my best thoughts," &c. I should be glad to give the correspondence that took place between us, on blank leaves, sand-paper, and boards, but my limits forbid. I asked the Lord to let him cell with me — he went to Captain G., trembling lest he should be refused, but the Lord touched his heart. The Scotchman was not familiar with many of our tunes, and this he urged as one reason why he desired to cell with me — that he might leain my tunes, and be able to sing in meeting. Capt, G. consented, on one condition, namely, that I should furnish bed clothing ! (which I gladly did). But how 366 TH£ LAST CONVERT. mean and unjust! By law, they are bound to provide these things, and yet it is not enough that I furnish my own,— I must also furnish for others, and for those, too, who ?ive forced upon me ! (my wicked cell-mate). But I was thankful that I was able, by the blessing of God, to furnish a bed for myself and others too, in a peniten- tiary. As J. A. came into the cell, he said " I feel as if I had been set at liberty." I found him truly con- verted — humble, teachable, prayerful, studious, consci- entious, faithful, and desirous of knowing his whole duty. Again I enjoyed the luxury of social reading, singing, and prayer. Our Sabbaths were delightful. His heart entered right into all my feelings, and circumstances, and principles, so that we were one. We took great comfort in singing. He was anxious to learn all the tunes he could, before I should be snatched away. Many of our eA^enings were spent, in composing poetic dialogues — each composing his part. Much of our conversation was in poetry. His outward deportment commended him to the consciences of officers and pri- soners — being faithful in all that was appointed him. Our hearts oecame united, like those of David and Jonathan — and now, he seems as near to me as an own brother. Having " begotten him in my bonds," my soul yearns over him. ! how often has my whole being blessed the Lord that he did not let me go with James ! What would have become of these precious souls 7 Soon after J. A. came to cell with me, he remarked " I am bound to acknowledge the hand of God, in my affliction, and in coming into this cell. I remember the words you spoke to me, when I was sawing — to consider why God con- tended with me — I thought of it all night, reviewed my life, and saw my state. I had entirely forgotten God, and it is for my good that I am here." He renounced all sin — liquor, tobacco, &c., and was a happy man. March 3. I urged the chaplain to stay, after preach- ing, converse and do good. Said he, " Yes, but there THE FUGITIVE MISSIONARY. 367 are so many gag-laws, here, I know not when I should run foul of them." He lacked courage. March 16. Said a slave to a prisoner, in my hearing, " I have a much harder master than you have, and I would not stay here five minutes, if I had any way to es- cape." How " contented and happy !" Poor fellow. March 18. A prisoner who had been an overseer in the South, told me the following. A tyrannical overseer took his place and undertook to whip Harry, an old slave preacher. Harry ran, and went to C, about two hundred miles, and told him his circumstances. He took two horses and carried Harry to a tribe of Indians. Some years after he went there and saw Harry, who was preaching to the Indians. They thought every thing of their preacher, and would not part with him on any account. May such fugitives be greatly multiplied. Amen. March 21. Talked with the new inspector. He is very kind — said, " As for my part I wish you was out — you have been here long enough. I believe you are an honest, virtuous man, and have a large circle of virtuous friends. I wish you was out. I will speak for you to the Governor," &c. Such language was not com- mon. March 24. The southern overseer told me that sell- ing unborn children was common in the South ! Price from one hundred, to one hundred and fifty dollars ! ! ! March 29. A slave said to a prisoner, "I would be mighty willing to serve seven years here, and work hard for my liberty, and so would the most of all that ever I knew." Another slave made the same remark to one of my cell-mates. ! what a horrid insult to human nature, is it to say that the " slaves are contented and happy !" Lord, spare such blasphemers ! Jlpril 12. At the table on Sabbath morning, Capt. G. gave out, " I now give from eight to ten o'clock for all who wish to wash or clea||^heir cells !" And ! what confusion and noise — bu some sweet was mingled with the bitter. In this time I collected the lambs with 368 THE LORD DEFENDED ME. some of the impenitent, and had a precious prayer meet- ing. The Lord blessed our souls. Jlpril 15. A slave came to me for directions to liber- ty — said " One word from you is better than gold." I value the " blessing of those ready to perish." April 20. A petition was presented to Judge B. with eighty-five names, that I might preach to them when no minister was here. Nothing was heard from it. About this time Capt. G. for some cause, very earnest- ly desired to glut his cruelty by punishing me — as he had never enjoyed that sweet privilege. He watched my steps, as a wolf would watch for a lamb, but God encircled and shielded me from all his devices, cast back upon him all his false charges, and brought me through the battle unhurt. April 27. At the table, Capt. G. said, " I have re- quested — I have advised you not to talk, and now I say you shanH talk, in your cell or out. I'll punish for everv offence. There shall be no singing or whistling in the cells." We sang and prayed as usual — no man daring " to molest, or make us afraid." And as to talking, they may as well try to roll back the Niagara, as to stop talking, while the prisoners work and cell to- gether as they do. THE LAST COMMUNION SEASON. May 3. I broke the sacred emblems to my beloved ^' son, in the Lord." It was sweet to feed the lamb — and cheering to see him renew his strength, and burn with more ardent love. It was a precious season to him. We desired others to be present, l)ut Capt. G. sneering- ly refused. Said J. A., " I now feel doubly united to you as a brother in Christ." After dinner, others came, and we had a melting sea- eon of jirayer and praise. J|^s DIX. 15. The modern Howard, in feminine gender, made us %. visit. She first went round with the olhcers, ])ut she had been in prisons enough to know that the truth could CAPT. G.'S SABBATH BREAKING. 369 not be obtained from them , and she talked with the priso- ners, who opened the abominations before her. I had a long, familiar, and very interesting talk with her. She was bold, atfable, and sympathizing. She asked a great many questions, to which I gave answers. An officer came to me, and said, " There is a lady here, who has been visiting nil the prisons in the United States, and trying to alleviate the sufferings of prisoners. She wishes to talk with you." We talked as much as we desired. I addressed a short poem to her, but saw her not, after- wards. 18. The guard forgot to lock our cell, at night. I waited till bed time, and, as I had a wicked man with me, for " safe-keeping," I went down, in the dark, and called a guard to perform his duty. About this time, Capt. G.,on two Sabbath mornings made all the prisoners go into the new building, for one hour, where they ran, jumped, scuffled, and carried on as if it were a fourth of July — the guards joining with them, and Capt. G. looking on ! A reformer / He will meet all these things at the solemn judgment. 23. Talked with a sick convert. He said, " I feel just as I wished to feel." " How?" " Perfectly resign- ed to the will of my Maker. Heretofore, death was a terror to me. I prayed that God would give me to view it in its true light ; and as I was reading " Saints' Rest," (eightieth page), and thinking on death, I found peace, and now I am willing to die here, or where my Maker sees best. I felt as if I wanted to tell you. Tell J." &c. 24. We were much annoyed, by the ringing shouts of w^srriors, and their friends, cheering them to the work of murder ' Strange Sabbath work ! ! 26. Saw an account of Torrey's death — composed some verses on t-he subject. I insert two verses. I. Our brother died — 1 ut 'twas the victor's death. Who in his fall, his greatest conquest won ; Anil more accomplished with his dying breath, Than he in all his life before had done. The shock was felt throughout tiie oppressor's camp — It cooled their zeal, and did their courage damp. 370 THE AGED FATHEr's VISIT. 11. Rage on ye haughty tyrants of our land — Crush down the poor and needy, in the dust — But know the day of vengeance is at hand, When you shall feel th' Ahnighty's withering thniBt In untold depths of woe to sink you down, While bright shall shine the objects of your frown. CHAPTER XII. RELEASE— PARTING REFLECTIONS, &c. THE AGED FATHER's VISIT TO HIS SON IN PRISON. May. 28. My old father came to see me, and labor for my release. When I was first brought into his pre- sence, {he father overcame him, and he wept, unable to speak. I said, " Weep not, father, ' it is the Lord, let Him do what seemeth Him good.^ " His mind became composed, and we conversed together, some time. The next day, we again conversed alone, and in the presence of Judge B. Speaking of giving up my principles, the judge said, " It is like requiring a man not to eat," &c. He talked well. At that time, I learned that it was my letter to the Governor, and my talk with the Secretary, that kept me here. For such a cause, I glory to stay. A number, speaking to father of the letter said, " If those are his sentiments still, I will oppose him- — but if he renounces them, I will help him." I did 710^ re- nounce a particle. For nearly a week, I talked with my father every day — each saying what we desired. He was allowed, during his whole stay, of four weeks, to come and talk alone with me, just when he chose. On the Sabbath, he was with me, in my cell — where we once more united our voices in prayer and praise. ! delightful moments ! I learned that great numbers of petitions, from free States, had been sent here for us, couchod in denuncia- THE PE/ITIONS. 371 tory lanc^uage, calculated to exasperate the minds of slaveholders — and in addition, that the Governor had been obliged to pay postage on them, to the amount of three hundred dollars ! Now, while I am confident that the Lord will overrule the whole for the advancement of His cause, I must say, that in this thing — burdening the Governor witn the postage on business communications — my abolition friends acted very unwisely, and contra- ry to all acknowledged rules of propriety. And, while there can be no doubt that such petitions delayed my lib- eration, I bless the Lord that they were sent. If we were thieves^ the Missourians must have seen we had a large company of warm allies — and that what they considered a crime, was, by a large part of the na- tion, looked upon as a virtuous act. June 7. Learned that people outside are afraid of my pen, if I should be liberated ; and that it is possible I may be required to give a -pledge not to use it against them. No such pledge was required — and sooner than give it, I would lay down my life. The chaplain said to father, " I don't know how I could get along without George." But I left one to fill my place — a worthy Christian. June 10. Said a prisoner to Judge B., " Judge, I wish you would permit George to preach once before I go away?" "Before you go away?" "Yes," "I would if I thought it would do any good." '' I think \t would." " Well I'll let him." He said, and did not. Said father, " They look upon you as a Christian — though in error." And for this " error," they have long kept a " Christian" in prison ! June IL Father came in with the chaplain and Tho. Miller — Judge B. present. " George," said father, " tell these men how you feel respecting the act that brought you here." "I would not do the same thing again; and I would try and deter others from doing as I did. The step was rash and imprudent." Chaplain — '•' You unqualifiedly regret it, and will ne- ver do so again?" " I will never do so again." 372 QUESTIONED PRIVATE SENTIMENTS. Miller — " You will deter others from it 1" " Rest as- sured of that, if I have any influence."* I promised to deter others from so doing. I have done so in public and in private — and I now again warn every reader against doing as we did. They now have laws against it — not that it is wrong to break those laws • — they are not worth a straw — they are 7iot Icnas, nor is there the least obligation to observe them — but — keep on free soil. June 13. The inspectors came, and introduced to me the Lieutenant Governor, who was acting in Gov. Ed- wards absence. He asked some questions similar to those already given — was kind, and threw his influence in my favor. June 14. For the last time, I collected the lambs, and had another prayer meeting. It was a blessed, reviving season. Beloved, sweet, " hallowed cell !" Just before I left, numbers of the influential men of Jefferson, said, " It is inconsistent and absurd to require him, or any man, to give up private sentiments in such a case — it is something we have nothing to do with." When they found they could not keep me any longer, I suppose they desired to smooth the matter over as well as possi- ble. But it came too late. The contrary fact is too no- torious, and cannot be denied. June 18. I was taken with ague again, and continued sick till I left on the twenty-fourth. The Governor returned, after a long absence — found most of the people in %vor of turning me out — and he sent my " diploma" Nvhich is similar to Alanson's, except * Let it be remembered, that when I said 1 wouid not do so again — that I would deter others, &c., I did not confess to them that I did morally wrovg. This 1 never acknowledged, though they tried hard to have me do 60. 'I lie on.y reason, then, why 1 would not do so again, and why I would deter others from going to a slave State, as we did, is the same that would keen me from nmning into a lion's month, with my eyes open— the same tnat would keep you fioni thrusting yourself into the midst of a pack of wolves to rescue a poor lamb — the same that kept Christ from casting ITIinseif down from the pinnacle of the temple. He who acts presumpiuously, need got exjiect the protection of heaven. Before my capture, 1 knew nothing of the danger — now I know it, and knowing it, U would be wrong to do the same again. Am 1 1'ght 1 HEAVY CHARGE AGAINST MISSOURI. 373 that there are no conditions expressccl. My father wass treated very kindly by all. The Secretary Martin, and State's Attorney Stringfellow, refused to favor, though they promised not to oi)pose. The father's grey hairs excited sympathy, and his presence touched hearts, that other means had failed to move. Our library, bedding, under clothes, &c., I left for the good of my fellow sufferers, who were rejoiced to see me restored again to liberty. After I had faithfully labored so long, I was turned away with some old clothing, which scarcely covered my nakedness till I got home. I believe this was the case with Alanson and James. And it has been so with Tc-any. That evening the Governor came to see me, and riasped me as would a father his long lost son. He talked very kindly. Said he, " I have no doubt that all ^ the States will by and by see it to be for their interest to do away slavery — for Tifree man will v;ork faster, strike truer, bring it down harder, and work with more spirit and zeal, than a slave who gets nothing for his toils. One man in the East, will do as much as ten of our men (slaves) here," &c. He spoke very beautifully. , Again, speaking of their contentedness and good treat- I ment, he added, with emphasis, " But they are not free, and every man ivho has a soiil^ ought to he free,^^ ^'c. The next day, we took boat and bade farewell to the prison, and the land of cruelty and oppression. TIME OF IMPRISONMENT. Years. Months. Dars. Alanson was a prisoner, 3 6 7 James, " " 4 6 17 George, " " 4 11 12 Total, 13 5 All this amount of time, labor, and suffering, stands entered in high heaven's ledger against Missouri. — For it she must account, have given, suffered, and done, we regret not. We ^ave it to the slave and to God, and He will make a wiie and proper use of it. Yet Missouri must meet it all, at the solemn reckoning day. FAREWELL REFLECTIONS, ON THE BOAT WAPOOLA. The time I have spent in Jefferson seems like a dream of yesterday. How quickly the years have fled away ! The good Lord forgive my misimprovement of them — that I have been so dull to learn his lessons, and have reaped so little profit from the kind dispensations of his hand, which has meted out to us the whole in love. Farewell! rugged hills, over which I have so often carried my heavy chain ; up and down which I have dragged my v/eary limbs along, and whose blooming herbage and refresliing groves have so long mocked my seclusion ; farewell. Farewell ! ye huge walls, iron grates, doors, locks, bars, dungeons, cells. Long did ye trifle with my mis- ery, and deride my wishful looks, and ardent desires, for sweet liberty. Long, long, ye held me fast, and would not let me go, but now your power is broken ; your pris- oner is free. Farewell ! excessive toils which crushed me to the earth. Farewell ! oppressors, cruel masters, tyrants : farewell. Ye fellow prisoners, farewell. With you I have long toiled, suffered, groaned, bled. Many of you I have warned, invited, counselled. Some of you I have comforted, encouraged, cheered, strengthened, and led to Jesus. Together we prayed, together sang. The Lord has called us to part, perhaps to meet no more in time J farewell. But, though I say farewell, I cannot forget you. no, I shall think, talk, and pray for you. I love you. 1 know the heart of a prisoner. But be patient ; farewell. Farewell ! ye who looked and pitied, but could not help; who thought and wept, but could not relieve; who loved and sympatltizcd, but could not rescue ; who talked and j)raycd and urged ; who gave a willing CONCLUSION. 376 shoulder with my aged father, and to your great joy saw me come forth a free man ; who tendered me the hearty shake, the open doors, and the liberal supply of my wants. The Lord reward you according to your " will- ing mind," for all you have done, or would have done for a " little one." " The Lord hath done great things for us, whereof we are glad." " It is the Lord's doing, and it is marvellous in our eyes," — to Him be glory. " magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt his name together." " The young lions may lack, and suffer hunger, but they who seek the Lord, shall want no good thing." " There shall no evil happen to the just." 0! blessed promise! to the ligliteous given, While up and down this cruel world they're driven. It cheers their hearts, supports them in distress. And as forme, let others curse or bless, Beiieve this soul-reviving word, I must, " There shall no evil haj>j)en to the Just.' CONCLUSION. Reader, I have written a book and told you many things — but yet, " the half has not been told you." You will learn the rest at the judgment, when all things shall be revealed. Now are you in prosperity? Will you be thankful, and improve your privileges and opportunities, before they are taken from you, and you learn the worth, by the want of them 1 " Work while it is day," and " walk while you have the light." Are you in affliction 1 From what you have read, be encouraged to put your whole trust in God, and earth and hell united, cannot harm you. Had I a voice so strong and loud, To reach from east and west, I'd say to all with sorrovvs bow'd, " The will of Christ is best." Whatever your affliction, submit to God, and He won't 376 CONCLUSION. hurt you. Friends may forsake — foes gather round, the elements combine against you, and all nature threaten your destruction — " Have faith in God," and you shall stand unmoved. " Be not afraid, only believe." Are you in a state of impenitency 1 " Prepare to meet your God." Are you a slaveholder "? " Break every yoke, and let the oppressed go free." Are you an apologist for slavery 1 " When thou saw- est a thief, then thou consentedst with him, and hast been partaker with adulterers." Are you one who refuses to take an active part against oppression in all its forms ? " Open thy mouth for the dumb, in the cause of all such as are ap})ointed to destruction. Open 'ihy mouthy and plead the cause of the poor and needy," or God will hold you as an enemy. Are you a Christian 1 " Thou shalt iib any wise re- buke thy neighbor, and not suffer sin upoh nim." " Be not partakers of other men's sins." '-Keep thyseli pure." See 'that the blood of the souls of "the poor innocents" is not on your garments. " Love thy neigh- bor as thyself" " As ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them." And remember, that " whosoever stoppeth his ears at the cry of the poor^ shall also cry himself, and shall not be heard." Are you a minister of the covenant 1 " Lift up thy voice like a trumpet — cry aloud, and spare not- — show my people their sins." If thou refuse to warn the wicked of this way, he shall die, but his ulood will 1 require at thy hands." Wo to him who holds his peace, in such a day as this ! Wo to him who pleads for wickedness, in this day of light ! Wo to him who calls good, evil — and evil, good, in the nineteenih century ! Wo to him who opposes the onward march of liberty and righteousness ! CONCLUSION. 377 Wo to him who will not " cease to do evil, and learn to do well." Wo, wo, to him who will not " remember them in bonds as bound with them, /" Finally, whosoever has an ear, let it be open to the truth — an eye, let it search for the truth — a heart, let it receive and obey the truth. Whosoever has a pen, let him use it — and a tongue, let him employ it in oppos- ing Slavery — the "Mother of Abominations" in our land. Reader, farewell, till we meet at the Judgment* UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA LIBRARY Los Angeles This book is DUE on the last date stamped below. ^ JMPiOgi^^ 4UUl2»?i6® K, R73 N0V21197S "? )rinLy-50m-ll, '50 (2554)444 5> REC'D LD-URC MAY iiiatt ,RE€'iD.LD-UKi L 007 316 434 5 UC SOUTHI RN HI GIONAL LIBRARY f ACILI I Y AA 000 910 090 o