Slave Life in Georgia - African American History

Slave Life in Georgia 107
have been spoken to by many gentlemen who are interested in this subject; but
they complain of the indifference of the anti-slavery public, who
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will not pay a small advance on the price of an article made of free-labour
cotton; nor encourage enterprises set on foot to increase the supplies of the raw
staple. But they will cry over the sufferings of the poor slave, who labours under
the lash, from morning till night, in the cotton, rice, or sugar-cane fields, and
who, when these commodities rise ever so little in price, soon has the figure
scored into his flesh, and so finds out the markets have improved. I am quite
convinced that if slavery is to be put down, one of the most certain means--if it
is not, indeed, the only one--is to reduce the value of its products in the markets,
by bringing into them as much cotton, sugar, rice, c.--but especially cotton--as
can be raised by free-labour. This cannot be done all at once; but it can be done.
To do it well, it must be set about in right down earnest, and systematically; and
I intend to devote the rest of my days to doing my part.
I do not want charity help. Thank God, I am a strong man yet, in spite of the
privations, hardships, and sufferings I have undergone. I have no education, and
until I can settle down I am not likely to pick much up. But I have just that sort
of experience which I believe I could turn to
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account were the field open. I am what is called a "handy fellow." I am a good
carpenter, and can make just what machinery I want, give me only tools. I
understand all about the growth of cotton, from the time of preparing the land to
receive the seed, till the wool is jinned and packed. I am a good judge of its
quality, too, and know what is the best kind of jin for the various sorts. I do not
say this for the sake of boasting. My knowledge has not come naturally to me. I
have acquired it in a very hard school, and I want to turn it to account.
And why do I say I do not ask for charity-help? Because I feel that with a fair
field I can earn my own living. I want to do it. I want to rise. I do not want to
stay in this country any longer than is necessary for me to get enough money to
purchase me some tools, and to set me going in the world. I hope to realize
sufficient for this by the sale of my Narrative, and intend to place myself under
the guidance of the good friends I have found, and who have promised to use
their influence and interest in my behalf, to secure me a fair chance. I want to
24.03.2006