The Kentucky Gazette

" O, it is excellent

To have a giant's strength ! but it is tyrannous

To use it as a giant."

Shakespeare.

To the citizens of the United States.

There is nothing which at present so much deserves the attention of the humane and considerate, as Negro Slavery ; and yet there are few subjects which engage less attention. Self-interest is the order of the day, and it is almost impossible to encounter it with success.

It is not to be expected that slavery can be entirely abolished at one stroke; on the contrary, it will be a work of time—so much the more ought it to be begun immediately. While you procrastinate thousands are suffering all the evils which arise from the want of liberty. Why will you hold in chains which "you nor your forefathers were able to bear," the devoted race of Africans? Perhaps ere long the cruel hand of unrelenting tyranny will drive them to the commission of some desperate act—perhaps renew in the southern states those horrid scenes which some time since were acted in St. Domingo. Why will you violate the spirit of your constitution, and give the lie to your declaration of independence; which asserts that "all men are born equal," and of course have an equal right to liberty ! In case of war, you will find these slaves the most inveterate enemies you have; and will perhaps, have the best reason for being so. You vent frequent and loud complaints of the barbarity of the Algerines, nor once turn a thought to yourselves how much you exceed them in cruelty: and yet you are the "most enlightened nation on earth," while you keep your fellow mortals in perpetual slavery. The miserable have no other medicine, but hope," and that is denied these wretched beings by their inhuman masters. Death is their only hope—to them

" Life is as tedious as a twice

told tale,

Vexing the dull ear of a drowsy man."

Citizens of New Jersey,

You who are among the foremost in asserting your own rights. when the proud hand of a British tyrant shook the iron rod of despotism over your heads why are you among the last to acknowledge the rights of others? Show yourselves the character worthy of free-men.—Instruct your legislators to take proper means for giving freedom to your slaves—it is only custom and use which make them appear necessary to you. and custom will soon bring you to do better without than with them.

Legislators of New Jersey,

To you it belongs to " prepare the way" for setting at liberty the slaves in this state. Be steadfast in your duty, nor suffer yourselves to be swayed by interest. Your names will then be mentioned in future history as benefactors of mankind ; you will acquire more real honor and more satisfaction from this action, than to have a thousand slaves awaiting your need. or cringing at your feet.

W.

* The New England states (to their honor be it spoken) have abolished Negro slavery.—This is, therefore more properly applicable to the middle and southern states.