“4th Mo. 23d.  Friend K. drank tea here last night.  It seems to me that whenever mother can get anyone to argue with her on the subject of slavery, she always introduces it; but last night she was mistaken, for, to my surprise, Friend K. acknowledged that notwithstanding all that could be said for it, there was something in her heart which told her it was wrong, and she admitted all I said.  Since my last argument on this subject, it has appeared to me in another light.  I remarked that a Carolina mistress was literally a slave-driver, and that I thought it degrading to the female character.  The mistress is as great a slave to her servants, in some respects, as they are to her.  One thing which annoys me very much is the constant orders that are given.  Really, when I go into mother’s room to read to her, I am continually interrupted by a variety of orders which might easily be avoided, were it not for the domineering spirit which is, it seems to me, inherent in a Carolinian; and they are such fine ladies that if a shutter is to be hooked, or a chair moved, or their work handed to them, a servant must be summoned to do it for them.  Oh!  I do very much desire to cultivate feelings of forbearance, but I feel at the same time that it is my duty to bear an open and decided testimony against such a violation of the divine command.”

“28th.  It seems this morning as if the language was spoken with regard to dear mother:  Thy work is done.  My mind has been mostly released from exercises, and it seems as though I had nothing to do now but to bear and forbear with her.  I can truly say I have not shunned to ’declare unto her the whole counsel of God, but she would none of my reproofs.’  I stretched out my hands to her, speaking the truth in love, but she has not regarded.  Perhaps He has seen fit not to work by me lest I should be exalted above measure.”

“5th Mo. 6th.  Today has been one of much trial of mind, and my soul has groaned under the burden of slavery.  Is it too harsh to say that a person must be destitute of Christian feelings to be willing to be served by slaves, who are actuated by no sentiment but that of fear?  Are not these unfortunate creatures expected to act on principles directly opposite to our natural feelings and daily experience?  They are required to do more for others than for themselves, and all without thanks or reward.”

“12th.  It appears to me that there is a real want of natural affection among many families in Carolina, and I have thought that one great cause of it is the independence which members of families feel here.  Instead of being taught to do for themselves and each other, they are brought up to be waited on by slaves, and become unamiable, proud, and selfish.  I have many times felt exceedingly tried, when, in the flowings of love towards mother, I have offered to do little things for her, and she has refused to allow me, saying it was Stephen’s or William’s duty, and she preferred one of them should do it.  The other night, being refused in this way, I said:—­