e of
most black invaders, without any very prolix form of "apprenticeship."
If, as I am satisfied would be the case, our slaves remained peaceful on
our plantations, and cultivated them in time of war under the
superintendence of a limited number of our citizens, it is obvious that
we could put forth more strength in such an emergency, at less
sacrifice, than any other people of the same numbers. And thus we should
in every point of view, "out of this nettle danger, pluck the flower
safety."

How far slavery may be an advantage or disadvantage to those not owning
slaves, yet united with us in political association, is a question for
their sole consideration. It is true that our representation in Congress
is increased by it. But so are our taxes; and the non-slaveholding
States, being the majority, divide among themselves far the greater
portion of the amount levied by the Federal Government. And I doubt not
that, when it comes to a close calculation, they will not be slow in
finding out that the balance of profit arising from the connection is
vastly in their favor.

In a social point of view the abolitionists pronounce slavery to be a
monstrous evil. If it was so, it would be our own peculiar concern, and
superfluous benevolence in them to lament over it. Seeing their bitter
hostility to us, they might leave us to cope with our own calamities.
But they make war upon us out of excess of charity, and attempt to
purify by covering us with calumny. You have read and assisted to
circulate a great deal about affrays, duels and murders, occurring here,
and all attributed to the terrible demoralization of slavery. Not a
single event of this sort takes place among us, but it is caught up by
the abolitionists, and paraded over the world, with endless comments,
variations and exaggerations. You should not take what reaches you as a
mere sample, and infer that there is a vast deal more you never hear.
You hear all, and more than all, the truth.

It is true that the point of honor is recognized throughout the slave
region, and that disputes of certain classes are frequently referred for
adjustment, to the "trial by combat." It would not be appropriate for me
to enter, in this letter, into a defense of the practice of duelling,
nor to maintain at length, that it does not tarnish the character of a
people to acknowledge a standard of honor. Whatever evils may arise from
it, however, they can not be attributed to slavery, since the