time engaged in an investigation of the subject, and that it had produced in my mind a desire to consult some writers on slavery; and it appeared, that recent writers, preferred that their views upon it, should appear before the public in a fictitious garb.  I have no doubt, that the first inquiry of most of those into whose hands this volume may chance to fall, will be, “Which side of the question is it on?” Thus, it appears that the question of African slavery has two sides; and that either interest, ignorance, or prejudice; or what is worse, a vain glorious desire on the part of some to be considered the champions of liberty, the guardians of the rights of man, has arrayed a large portion of this nation on one side, or the other.  I utterly despair—­I have no hope that my labors will meet the approbation of ultraists, North, or South.  But there is yet another class in our country—­a class of persons who are conservative in their views, honest in their intentions, and patriotic in their feelings; who are prepared to listen to the voice of reason, and the injunctions, admonitions and warnings of Divine Revelation.  It is to them I appeal.  Thank God, I believe that they constitute a large majority of the nation.

I have long beheld with regret and astonishment, the efforts that have been made by a certain class of writers, to disseminate erroneous views in the Northern section of the United States, with regard to Southern slavery.[2] The recent publication by Mrs. Stowe, entitled “Uncle Tom’s Cabin,” is a work of that class.  I have no wish to write anything harsh or unkind; for however ill-timed, ill-advised, or ill-judged the work may be, if her object was the alleviation of human woe, I can but respect the motive that prompted her to write, though I may differ with her in opinion as to the means most likely to accomplish the proposed object.  The fair authoress may have meant well.  I shall leave that, however, to the “Searcher of all hearts;” but I frankly confess that I fear that the book will result “in evil, and only evil.”  I cannot avoid here, quoting the language that she puts in the mouth of Chloe, the wife of Uncle Tom, who is the hero of her tale:  “Wal any way, that’s wrong about it somewhar, I can’t jest make out whar it is, but thar’s wrong somewhar.”  We all admit that there are wrongs, it is clear to every one, neither do we differ much as to what those wrongs are, nor yet as to their causes and effects; but unfortunately for us, we differ widely, when we undertake to propose remedies for the evil complained of.  We have all need of that charity “which suffereth long and is kind; that thinketh no evil.”  It is as unreasonable and as wicked, to treat each other unkindly, because we differ in opinion, as it would be to treat each, other unkindly, because there is a difference in the features of our faces, and the expression of our countenances.  The Author of our existence, for wise purposes, made us to differ mentally, as well as physically.  The structures