kindly urged me to prepare for publication a full account of my life as a slave, and my life as a freeman.
Nevertheless, I see, with you, many reasons for regarding
my autobiography as exceptional in its character, and as being,
in some sense, naturally beyond the reach of those reproaches
which honorable and sensitive minds dislike to incur. It is not
to illustrate any heroic achievements of a man, but to vindicate
a just and beneficent principle, in its application to the whole
human family, by letting in the light of truth upon a system,
esteemed by some as a blessing, and by others as a curse and a
crime. I agree with you, that this system is now at the bar of
public opinion — not only of this country, but of the whole
civilized world — for judgment. Its friends have made for it
the usual plea — "not guilty;" the case must, therefore, proceed. Any facts, either from slaves, slaveholders, or by-standers,
calculated to enlighten the public mind, by revealing the true
nature, character, and tendency of the slave system, are in order,
and can scarcely be innocently withheld.
I see, too, that there are special reasons why I should write
my own biography, in preference to employing another to do
it. Not only is slavery on trial, but unfortunately, the enslaved
people are also on trial. It is alleged, that they are, naturally,
inferior ; that they are so low in the scale of humanity, and so
utterly stupid, that they are unconscious of their wrongs, and
do not apprehend their rights. Looking, then, at your request,
from this stand-point, and wishing everything of which you
think me capable to go to the benefit of my afflicted people, I
part with my doubts and hesitation, and proceed to furnish you
the desired manuscript ; hoping that you may be able to make
such arrangements for its publication as shall be best adapted
