Three lectures on British colonial slavery

Front matter

THE EISENHOWER LIBRARY

3 1151 02744 1546

LIBRARY

Preface

Reader, do you know the heart of a prisoner? Are y m a friend of convicts ? If not, j^ou may not be much interested in the following pages — for they tell 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 3'ou much about other prisoners - much about the ofiicers — 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 numerous incidents, with brief reflections on various subjects.

You will not charge me with tellincf somethinfr about somebody of whom I know nothing— or with attempting to describe imaginary scenes — or telling of something that occurred, nobody knows where — for " 1 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 the day, that was of interest, he made it known, and it was re-

IV PREFACE.

corded by the secretary. Of the writings which are lost, the most valuable arc their letters, ^vhieh were written from time to time, and would givo a better idea of their individual feelings, than 1 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 lettr-rs, 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 tlie 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— 1 have endeavored to give botli 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, 1 have given them credit — if cruel, it is charged against them. If they complain of any one, they must complain of themselves — if iMissourians are di-sgraced, or condemned, they themselves have done it. I have recorded facts.

PREFACE. V

If they are enraged, because the world has looked in upon their abominations, let the thought that God will expose tiieiu to the imiverse, compose their troubled consciences. If they are vexed with themselves, because they have so long harbored an eneui}' in their midst, let me say to them, as they said to us — " Just mind j/otir own business^ next time, and let other people alone." They must have been fools indeed, to suppose they could press a viper tu their bosom without being wounded — or tread on coals, without being burned — or that they could lay open their hearts before a " di/ed-in-the-icool aboHtionisf,'^ 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 excellence 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, 1 trust he will, in the following pages, learn the secret of having the mind kept in " perfect peace," though billows da.sh, 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 the Lord «7ifa^," though he " die daily" — namely, truslino iti Go'l, rationuUu, sincerchjj iiiiplicitli/, and confiniially.

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 m}' cell— and their the most of it was written.

1 have endeavored to exhibit our own feelimrs — as also those

VI PREFACE.

of our enemies. I have tried to exhibit the circumstances, 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 oppressor'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 suiferings of a portion of your fellow creatures, of whom perhaps j'ou never thought much, and if by reading this book, you shall be induced to " remember them in bonds as bound loith 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 a half months, under the government of John Gordon and William 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 be stimulated to labor more zealously for suflfering humanity, is 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 miitbrm, that it has been a great blessing to their souls, — another Edition is sent forth to the world, which I desire to leave as a token of my love In the Slave, and the cause of SuFFERi.NT. HaMANiTY, while I go far hence to labor, and die, for '.he degraded of other lands.

GEORGE THOMPSON.

Obcrlin, December lO//(, 1817.

i

Chapter I

Description 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 II

Alanson's journal — a murderer bailed — reflections of Q,uincy committee — Alanson's journal ... - - 21— 2G.

Chapter III

Poetry, why in prison — George's journal — the library and our feelings — journal — ;etter 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 — reflections— the Dr. Bosley affair — letter from James — from Alanson — from George ..... 48 — 50,

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-

Viii CONTENTS.

tions on P. C. L.'s letter — court — the abolition stand — treatment of our friends — closet mother — the sleeping preacher again — excitement -----..- 5(3 — 70.

CPIAPTER VII.

Indictments — shackles off — jury chosen — witnesses, testimony — the pleading— journal — sentence — our gallows, and murderers — bill of exceptions 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 in Cincinnati — the broken will — unbelief and faith — taking the slave's place — the last view — the Illinois and Missouri clergymen — 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 slaveholder's plan — the accusation, look at it — abrogation of God's law — "The slaves will not run away " — letters from George to a friend

83—112.

Chapter I

Journey to the penitentiary — Sabbath — slaveholder' i lea of happinessarrival at Missouri River - . . . 112 — 116.

Chapter 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 — flcgging — prayer in the cell, singing, reading — Alanson's first P. Y. letter — George's do. — chains ofT- the runaways — our library, reading by moonlight — the fire - . . . ii6 — 142.

Chapter III

Letter from George to a friend — work in the city — a friend — treachery of prisoners — chain off, trustee — the Lord's .«upper, poetry — letter

COMKNTS UC

writing — conveisatioii — death of Ellen— slaveholder's coii.scicnco quieted — uses of seripture — runaways - - 142—156.

Chapter IV

A maji killed — dog buried — funeral sermous — George's letter to parents — ^joyful discovery — that "salt" again — letter to a friend — Sabbath shaving, Alanson whipped— the pleasing sight— friend brought letters—extract of answer — our character good in Missouri — slaves 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 telhng meeting — self defence 173 — 185.

Chapter VI

Talk wiih Capt. B. and a Senator — with Slocutnb and Chandler — reflections— giving up principles — talk with L'-gislators — 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 ufiicers — ardent spirits— a novel case — the hypocrite — gambler's happmess — satisfaction— the wonder— reflections — the hand of the Lord 198-207.

CONTENTS.

Chapter I

New wardens — The examination — recommendation — character ol" ofTicers — points gained — influence of power — partialil}' — our work — food, table, blessing sought — unfeeling doctor — preaching — "sing us one of the songs of Zion " — our ifiirst prayer meeting 207 — 217.

Chapter V

Cruel death — a man pardoned, why — amalgamation— the false tongue — the inspector's first examinntiun — correspondence with the chaplain — ^letter fom a Missouri bnKher — change of wardens again — new overseer — lamps -the load of sin — new responsibilities and dutiestrials — a trying time— the New Year— letter— a great break— the broken arm- letter to Mrs. Beardsley — cutting hair and head shaving— Dr. Ely — G.w^rnor Reynolds murdered — class organized and broken up - - - . . . 250—275.

Chapter VI

Seine interesting cases — poetry, "release of a prisoner" — intercession for Alansan — executive responsibility — James and the lawyer — James and Alanson outside — letters from them— conversation with

CONTENTS. XI

a Legislator, reflections — female prisoners — a prohibition — new order— " my cup runneth over " — searching cells — narrow escapes

275—292.

CHAPTER Vir.

r-fth death bed scene — reflections now — letter to parents — the beaten horse — the slave and liberty — the Holy Spi lit — the slave and his crime — equality of slaveholders' laws — our reformer — the little cioud — men made worse — the fourth of July — letter to a brother — condition of discipleship — letters from James — my dreams — the incendiary letter — my deposition — letter — benefit of affliction — inspectors' second examination - - - . 292 — 308.

Chapter VIII

False names — a note of thanks — tasks — the sick, reflections- -recommittents — extract from James' letter — from George's — the Christian slave — a break, cruelly — like seeks like — the unjust law — new chaplain— deatns — talk with legislators — monthly concerts — fighting — our stove — George an assistant to the chaplain — holyday, prayer meeting 308-324.

Chapter IX

Sixth death bed scene — letter to the widow — New Year — eSbrt for Alansou's release — talk with Legislators — Alanson pardoned, poetryi weaK mmds, the pardon — letter from Alanson — the lying Missourian a man murdered — a funeral sermun — the colporteur — the great cross — the temperance lecturer — prayer with prisoners — did he love liberty ' — Sabbath working — a slave's theology - - 324 — 336.

Chapter X

The chaplain driven away— the converted sailor — treatment of sick — slaveholders converted — seventh deith bed scene — the Universalist's death bed — 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 examination— " nut this man, but Barrabas " — Pope G. — Fussing guard — address to Gov. E., poetry — More pardoned — a case of cruelty— nothing against me — visit from friends, rich blessings — slaveholder's Christianity— ducking — new preacher — new prisoner

336—355.

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 Stringfellow — converts — fugitive missionary — the Lord defended me — last communion — Miss Dix — Capt. G.'s sabbath breaking — conversation with a sick convert — poetry, Torrey's death - - 355^370.

Chapter XII

The aged father's visit to his son in prison — conversation about my private sentiments — why not do so again — my release — conversation with the Governor — time of imprisonment — farewell reflections — concluding address to the reader ... 370 — 377.

PRISON LIFE AND REFLECTIONS.

Chapter 1. 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 for usefulness. The other two persons were young men studying for the ministry.

The Mission Institute being situated near the Mississippi 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 inflictions. Their earnest cries for help — their sighs for deliverance — their importunate entreaties, as they rehearseii 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 !ihnll not he heard.'^^ We knew if we were in their

14 A TOUR OF MERCY.

condition, we should feel very thankful to any one who would render us the desired assistance ; and then caiiino 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 resulted 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 skitF to fish, and await their return. While thus alone my prayer was, '■'• 0 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 instrumental in doing something 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 placing 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 proceeded but a short distance, when on a sudden, the slaveholders 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 kej)t, while the blood-hounds came in hot pursuit of me. I was in the skilF. At first three or four slaves came, and approaching the hank very cautiously, one asked, " Are you a friend?'''' 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, '■'■fear 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 sutfering 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 uncapped, 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 ]iermit. 'J'his 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 A\VAY 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 children— old and young, male and female, came out in their night dresses to gaze upon the wonderful monsters. The old grandfather, tottering just on the verge of the grave, gave a little vent to his boiling soul, in the exclaiuation — " 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 j)ray ! — 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?

After breakfast, a crowd gathered round, who questioned us in many thino;s, and o-ave vent to their racinobosoms, in sneers and reproaches. We were then tied together, 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 fine haul," &c. In the court house, we had a mock trial

THRUST INTO PRISON. 17

before a mao;istrate and were "thrust into prison," to await the sitting of the court, two and a half months from that time. After they iiad left us, we knelt down, and committed ourselves to God, imploring his guidance and protection, feeling that He had wise purposes to accomplish 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 to 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 c;ime and waited, anxiously listening for the signal. After some time we heard a distant whistle, and by answering repeatedly, soon came to five slaves — tliree 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 oppressed to liberty and happiness — when, suddenly three men irose from the high grass. The slaves having betrayed 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 following, weaving the past and present circumstances, with 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, lor 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 was placed about two feet from me, and George about two feet farther.

To his wife, Alanson wrote : " My Dear Wife : — 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 tlie floor. We have three or four (very poor) blankets for a bed. Our food is corn bread and bacon, which \ve eat with our finders ; but we have meat to eat which they know not of — ' a contented niina 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 together for your good' — and this affliclion prove a blessing 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."