Frederick Douglass

A succession of earthquakes would be less destructive, than the insurrectionary fires which would be sure to burst forth in different parts of the south, from such interference.

Woe to the slaveholder when he undertakes to hinder or to prevent the operation of these electric conductors.

But for these, the rigors of bondage would become too severe for endurance, and the slave would be forced up to dangerous desperation.

These holidays are conductors or safety valves to carry off the explosive elements inseparable from the human mind, when reduced to the condition of slavery.

Were slaveholders at once to abandon the practice of allowing their slaves these liberties, periodically, and to keep them, the year round, closely confined to the narrow circle of their homes, I doubt not that the south would blaze with…

These holidays serve the purpose of keeping the minds of the slaves occupied with prospective pleasure, within the limits of slavery.

To enslave men, successfully and safely, it is necessary to have their minds occupied with thoughts and aspirations short of the liberty of which they are deprived.

Judging from my own observation and experience, I believe these holidays to be among the most effective means, in the hands of slaveholders, of keeping down the spirit of insurrection among the slaves.

Among a mass of nonsense and wild frolic, once in a while a sharp hit is given to the meanness of slaveholders.

I hated slavery, slaveholders, and all pertaining to them; and I did not fail to inspire others with the same feeling, wherever and whenever opportunity was presented.

Trained from the cradle up, to think and feel that their masters are superior, and invested with a sort of sacredness, there are few who can outgrow or rise above the control which that sentiment exercises.

I cared very little into whose hands I fell—I meant to fight my way.