On the record
The slaves were rated as so many human machines by the masters for the production of wealth for themselves and to add to their liberty and leisure and pursuit of happiness.
Said by
Archibald Henry Grimké
Source
gutenberg.orgArchibald Henry Grimké: “The slaves were rated as so many human machines by the masters for the production of wealth for themselves and to add to…”
Editor's note · Context
He describes how slaves were viewed as mere tools for wealth production by their masters.
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More from Archibald Henry Grimké
He could not hold his peace; his message he was compelled to deliver in the ears of the nation whether its leaders would hear or forbear.
No body of men on the face of the earth deserve their charities, and prayers, and united assistance so much as the slaves of this country; and yet they are almost entirely neglected.
This sounds amazing and it is amazing because it fits the Negro's case so exactly, because it is an accurate description of his condition as an agricultural laborer in many of the Southern states.
It is a gangrene preying upon our vitals--an earthquake rumbling under our feet--a mine accumulating material for a national catastrophe.