That very convenient covert for all manner of cruelty and outrage that cowardly alarm-cry, that the slaves would “take the place,” was pleaded, in extenuation of this revolting crime, just as it had been cited in defense of a thousand similar ones.
Douglass exposes the common, cowardly justification used to excuse the brutal violence and murders committed against enslaved people.
Share
More from Frederick Douglass
It had no interest in recognizing or preserving any of the ties that bind families together or to their homes.
I wished it was possible I could remain small all my life, knowing that the sooner I grew large the shorter would be my time to remain with them.
The friendless and hungry boy, in his extremest need, found himself in the strong protecting arms of his mother.