My long-crushed spirit rose, cowardice departed, bold defiance took its place; and I now resolved that, however long I might remain a slave in form, the day had passed forever when I could be a slave in fact.
From his autobiography, this describes his profound internal transformation and unwavering resolve to no longer be enslaved in spirit, despite his legal status.
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It was born in the tempest and whirlwind of war, and has lived in a storm of violence and blood.
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