THE MISSIONARY’S CASE.
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Negro as to the precise purport and extent of those Instructions. There existed the general impression, that some extension of grace and bounty had been made to the Slaves. In the ignorance which was so studiously maintained as to the nature of it, their hopes were proportionably excited; they knew that something had been done, and they were inquisitive to learn what it was. The general conversation amongst them was, “ Has not our freedom come out ? Is not the King of Great Britain our friend?” Various speculations occupied them; reports of particular circumstances agitated them. Each believed in the detail as his fancy or credulity led him; but to one point all their hopes pointed ;—“ Freedom ! freedom !” was the sound unceasingly heard; and it continually raised the vision on which their fancy loved to repose. And now, allow me to take the opportunity of reasserting the opinion which, with respect to that most important subject of Emancipation, I have uniformly maintained, not only since I have had the honour of a seat in this House, but long before, with no other difference, save, perhaps, in the manner of the expression, correcting that manner by the experience and knowledge which a more extended intercourse with human life must naturally have bestowed. My opinion ever has been, that it is alike necessary to the security of our White brethren, and just, and even merciful to the Negroes—those victims of a long-continued system of cruelty, impolicy, and injustice—to maintain firmly the legal authorities, and with that view, to avoid, in our relations with the Slaves, a wavering uncertain policy, or keep them in a condition of doubt and solicitude, calculated to work their own discomfort, and the disquiet of their masters. Justice to the Whites, mercy to the Blacks, command us to protect the first from the effect of such alarms,