On the record
One liberty the slave always has,--whenever he deems it expedient, he may re-clothe himself in the rights which God and nature gave him, and which, though they may be ravished from him, can never be destroyed.
Source
gutenberg.orgEditor's note · Context
Mann asserts that enslaved individuals retain an inherent right to reclaim their freedom, despite the oppression they face.
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Under such a practice with regard to indictments, coupled with such a practice in regard to bail, an accusation would be as fatal as crime itself, however innocent the accused might be.
Is there not one spot where we can stand side by side, as friends, sympathize with each other, and act together in harmony?
This is the reciprocity of slave law.--to be forever liable to be proved guilty, but never able to prove himself innocent; to be subject to all punishments, but, through his own oath, to no protection.
But the impious hand of man divorces these twin capacities, wherever it denies knowledge.
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