Thank you for visiting SNEWPapers!
Sign up free
Literary
January 6, 1825
Phenix Gazette
Alexandria, Virginia
What is this article about?
A enslaved man named James expresses devotion to his kind mistress upon manumission, preferring to remain under her protection as a hired laborer. Reflecting on gratitude as divine incense, the narrative shifts to Warner Mifflin, who redeems a repentant slave from Jamaica and grants him freedom in Philadelphia.
Clipping
OCR Quality
92%
Excellent
Full Text
never wanted any thing—I have worked no more than your neighbors who labor for themselves—I was richer than many white people, for they have borrowed money of me—how can I leave my kind mistress who never commands, but with this mild request obtains her will 'James I wish thee to do such or such a thing'—give me what you choose, and, whether I be called a free man, or a slave it matters not, seeing I cannot be happy but under your protection—no I will never leave you'
"Well then James, I will grant thy request. After thy manumission paper shall have gone through the necessary routine, I will hire thee by the year; but take one week to thyself—this is a memorable epoch in thy life. celebrate it with joy, with rest, or in any other manner thou mayest choose."
"No master! this is sowing time I will take my holy-day at another season, only let this be observed as a day of rejoicing in the black family. Since it is your desire I accept my liberty, and as the first act of a free man, let me seize my master's hand and press it to my heart, in which love and gratitude shall not cease to exist until it beats its last. Let the second act be, to assure you that there is no labourer in Kent county who will be more diligent than he who shall henceforth merit the title of Faithful James.
Is there an incense more agreeable than this, that man can offer to his Creator.
Some time after his marriage, this same Warner Mifflin sold at Lewistown a negro, with whom he was displeased. The bad conduct of the slave obliged his new master to part with him to a third, who equally discontented with his bargain sent him to Jamaica, where the how-hide soon rendered him more reasonable and docile. Here, calling to mind the kindness of his first master, he wrote him a letter in which he painted a lively picture of his unhappiness and repentance. Such was the effect it had upon the heart of Warner Mifflin, that he sailed for Jamaica. regretting that he had been the cause of this man's calamity, repurchased him, brought him to Philadelphia and gave him his liberty.
"Well then James, I will grant thy request. After thy manumission paper shall have gone through the necessary routine, I will hire thee by the year; but take one week to thyself—this is a memorable epoch in thy life. celebrate it with joy, with rest, or in any other manner thou mayest choose."
"No master! this is sowing time I will take my holy-day at another season, only let this be observed as a day of rejoicing in the black family. Since it is your desire I accept my liberty, and as the first act of a free man, let me seize my master's hand and press it to my heart, in which love and gratitude shall not cease to exist until it beats its last. Let the second act be, to assure you that there is no labourer in Kent county who will be more diligent than he who shall henceforth merit the title of Faithful James.
Is there an incense more agreeable than this, that man can offer to his Creator.
Some time after his marriage, this same Warner Mifflin sold at Lewistown a negro, with whom he was displeased. The bad conduct of the slave obliged his new master to part with him to a third, who equally discontented with his bargain sent him to Jamaica, where the how-hide soon rendered him more reasonable and docile. Here, calling to mind the kindness of his first master, he wrote him a letter in which he painted a lively picture of his unhappiness and repentance. Such was the effect it had upon the heart of Warner Mifflin, that he sailed for Jamaica. regretting that he had been the cause of this man's calamity, repurchased him, brought him to Philadelphia and gave him his liberty.
What sub-type of article is it?
Prose Fiction
Dialogue
Essay
What themes does it cover?
Slavery Abolition
Moral Virtue
Liberty Freedom
What keywords are associated?
Manumission
Slavery
Abolition
Warner Mifflin
Gratitude
Redemption
Quaker
Literary Details
Form / Style
Narrative Anecdote With Dialogue On Manumission
Key Lines
Give Me What You Choose, And, Whether I Be Called A Free Man, Or A Slave It Matters Not, Seeing I Cannot Be Happy But Under Your Protection—No I Will Never Leave You
Is There An Incense More Agreeable Than This, That Man Can Offer To His Creator.
Such Was The Effect It Had Upon The Heart Of Warner Mifflin, That He Sailed For Jamaica... Repurchased Him, Brought Him To Philadelphia And Gave Him His Liberty.