PREFACE. WHILST millions of our oppressed and manacled fellowcreatures are still groaning under the cruelties of slavery, and panting for deliverance from thraldom, no apology is thought requisite in presenting anything calculated to increase a feeling of sympathy for that portion of suffering humanity whose own voice has but little chance of being heard, and when it has an opportunity of being raised in self-defence, is too often but little regarded. It must be evident to the most superficial observer, that recent events have excited an awakened interest universally in behalf of the down-trodden slave. It is exceedingly desirable that this feeling should not be allowed to pass hastily away, but that the public mind should be kept alive to the great subject of the negro's wrongs, till such time as they are effectually redressed. It has been thought, that an extensive distribution of Anti-Slavery Tracts would be very opportune at the present moment, and assist more than any other means in maintaining this feeling; for, in the days in which we live, more is to be effected by public opinion, and by appeals to the great sympathies of mankind, than by force or by statute |