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James Redpath, The Roving Editor: or, Talks with Slaves in the Southern States., My first trip. (search)
-tenths of those whom he knew — would like berry much to be free; but as for himself he allus had had good masters; he didn't see how he could better himself by being free. No — no — no — he didn't car about freedom, he didn't. He admitted, however, with ludicrously hasty expression of it, his willingness to accept freedom for himself if he were offered the boon. My friend, I said, will you tell me why you would take it if freedom would not better you as you call it? He was puzzled. Burton's acting never afforded me one-half so much amusement as I derived from watching the bewildered and cunning expression of this non-committal negro's eyes. Why, massa, he stuttered, I meaned that — a. If — I had to take my freedom — eh — if I'se ‘bleeged to, why, I'd — I'd--have to take it! I offered him my hat in token of my admiration of this truly resplendent feat of logic. Your answer is perfectly satisfactory, said I; I only beg pardon for having caused you to a