in a degraded condition.
There is no sympathy for or with them. They have no more rights than they
have as slaves with us, and they have no one to care for them when they are
sick or in trouble. You have seen a good deal of this in your occasional
visits to the North. In Washington, since the Abolitionists have
intermeddled there, the free blacks have become intolerable; they live from
day to day in discomfort and idleness. I mean as a general thing; there
are, of course, occasional exceptions. Bacchus is too old to take care of
himself; he would not be happy away from Exeter. Consider what I say to
you, and I will be guided by your wishes as regards your children.

"They might go to Liberia; some of them would be willing, no doubt. I have
talked to William, he says he would not go. Under these circumstances they
would be separated, and it is doubtful whether I would be doing you or them
a favour by freeing them. Be perfectly candid, and let me know your
wishes."

"As long as you, or Master Arthur and Miss Alice live, they would be better
off as they are," said Phillis.

"I believe they would," said Mr. Weston, "but life and death cannot be too
much considered in connection with each other. I must soon go. I am only
lingering at the close of a long journey. Arthur will then have control,
and will, I am certain, make his servants as happy as he can. My family is
very small; you are aware I have no near relations. I have made my will,
and should Arthur and Alice die without children, I have left all my
servants free. Your children I have thus provided for. At my death they are
free, but I would not feel justified in turning them into the world without
some provision. The older children can take care of themselves; they are
useful and have good principles. I have willed each one of them to be free
at the age of twenty years. Thus, you see, most of them will soon be free,
while none will have to wait very long. In the mean time they will be well
taught and cared for. My will is made, and all the forms of law attended
to. Arthur and Alice are very much pleased with it. Your older children
know it; they are very happy, but they declare they will never leave Exeter
as long as there is a Weston upon it.[B] And now, Phillis, are you
satisfied? I shall experience great pleasure in having been able to relieve
you of any anxiety while you have so much pain to bear."

"Oh! master," said Phillis, "what shall I say to you? I haven't