force against others of the King's subjects,) there are many
others of a quite different character, and who, if made
free, would soon be able, as well as willing, to bear a part
in the public charges. Many of them, of good natural parts,
are discreet, sober, honest and industrious; and may it not
be said of many, that they are virtuous and religious,
although their condition is in itself so unfriendly to
religion, and every moral virtue, except _patience_? How
many of that number have there been and now are, in this
province, who had every day of their lives embittered with
this most intolerable reflection, that, let their behavior
be what it will, neither they nor their children, to all
generations, shall ever be able to do or to possess and
enjoy any thing--no, not even _life itself_--but in a manner
as the _beasts_ that perish!

We have no property! we have no wives! we have no children!
we have no city! no country! But we have a Father in heaven,
and we are determined, as far as his grace shall enable us,
and as far as our degraded condition and contemptuous life
will admit, to keep all his commandments; especially will we
be obedient to our masters, so long as God, in his,
sovereign providence, shall _suffer_ us to be holden in
bondage.

It would be impudent, if not presumptuous, in us to suggest
to Your Excellency and Honors, any law or laws proper to be
made in relation to our unhappy state, which although our
greatest unhappiness, is not our _fault_; and this gives us
great encouragement to pray and hope for such relief as is
consistent with your wisdom, justice and goodness.

We think ourselves very happy, that we may thus address the
great and general court of this province, which great and
good court is to us the best judge, under God, of what is
wise, just and good.

We humbly beg leave to add but this one thing more we pray
for such relief only, which by no possibility can ever be
productive of the least wrong or injury to our masters, but
to us will be as life from the dead.[651]

FOOTNOTES:

[650] Slavery in Mass., pp 96, 97.

[651] Neil, pp. 39-41.

* * * * *

CHAPTER XIII.

THE COLONY OF NEW YORK.

1693, August 21st--All Indians, Negroes, and others not "listed in the