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the advantage of the weak and helpless, especially when the answer of the poor Fugitive, either in the affirmative or negative, would not affect his condition, it being previously determined with the law, as well as public opinion, by which he is doomed to return into hopeless bondage.
The glowing hope which kindled in his bosom while on his journey to a land of freedom, which also inspired him to press on with vigour, a smile occasionally beaming from his manly countenance, at the pleasant thought of soon being free, in a Country in which he would be recognised as a friend and a brother! All these are blasted; hope no longer invigorates his soul, and the pleasant thought of claiming his own right to freedom no longer exists in his palpitating heart.
In the Northern States, the Slave has many Christian, friends, who would, in absence of law, run any risk to rescue the Slave. Many do even now so far disregard the law, as to rescue the Fugitive. I cannot say I am clear of this fault, if a fault it be. To prevent this, however, the infamous Fugitive Bill has the following clause, sect. 7.
"And be it further Enacted, That any person who shall, knowingly and willingly obstruct, hinder, or prevent such claimant, his agent, or attorney; or any person or persons lawfully assisting him, her, or them, from arresting such Fugitive from service or labor, either with
