previously
worked.

But the thought of the harsh auctioneer not allowing me to bid my dear
sister farewell, sent red-hot indignation darting like lightning
through every vein. It quenched my tears, and appeared to set my brain
on fire, and made me crave for power to avenge our wrongs! But alas!
we were only slaves, and had no legal rights; consequently we were
compelled to smother our wounded feelings, and crouch beneath the iron
heel of despotism.

I must now give the account of our escape; but, before doing so, it may
be well to quote a few passages from the fundamental laws of slavery;
in order to give some idea of the legal as well as the social tyranny
from which we fled.

According to the law of Louisiana, "A slave is one who is in the power
of a master to whom he belongs. The master may sell him, dispose of
his person, his industry, and his labour; he can do nothing, possess
nothing, nor acquire anything but what must belong to his
master."--Civil Code, art. 35.

In South Carolina it is expressed in the following language:--"Slaves
shall be deemed, sold, taken, reputed and judged in law to be chattels
personal in the hands of their owners and possessors, and their
executors, administrators, and assigns, to all intents, constructions,
and purposes whatsoever.--2 Brevard's Digest, 229.

The Constitution of Georgia has the following (Art. 4, sec. 12):--"Any
person who shall maliciously dismember or deprive a slave of life,
shall suffer such punishment as would be inflicted in case the like
offence had been committed on a free white person, and on the like
proof, except in case of insurrection of such slave, and unless SUCH
DEATH SHOULD HAPPEN BY ACCIDENT IN GIVING SUCH SLAVE MODERATE
CORRECTION."--Prince's Digest, 559.

I have known slaves to be beaten to death, but as they died under
"moderate correction," it was quite lawful; and of course the murderers
were not interfered with.

"If any slave, who shall be out of the house or plantation where such
slave shall live, or shall be usually employed, or without some white
person in company with such slave, shall REFUSE TO SUBMIT to undergo
the examination of ANY WHITE person, (let him be ever so drunk or
crazy), it shall be lawful for such white person to pursue, apprehend,
and moderately correct such slave; and if such slave shall assault and
strike such white person, such slave may be LAWFULLY KILLED."--2
Brevard's Digest, 231.

"Provided always," say