Antislavery movements -- United States; Slavery -- United States
belonged to him, and nothing which rightfully belonged to anybody else.
Wrapped in his new winter suit, snug and comfortable, a pocket full of
silver, safe from his pursuers, embarked for a free country, Madison
gave every sign of sincere gratitude, and bade his kind benefactor
farewell, with such a grip of the hand as bespoke a heart full of
honest manliness, and a soul that knew how to appreciate kindness.
It need scarcely be said that Mr. Listwell was deeply moved by the
gratitude and friendship he had excited in a nature so noble as that of
the fugitive. He went to his home that day with a joy and gratification
which knew no bounds. He had done something “to deliver the spoiled out
of the hands of the spoiler,” he had given bread to the hungry, and
clothes to the naked; he had befriended a man to whom the laws of his
country forbade all friendship,--and in proportion to the odds against
his righteous deed, was the delightful satisfaction that gladdened his
heart. On reaching home, he exclaimed, “_He is safe,--he is safe,--he
is safe_,”--and the cup of his joy was shared by his excellent lady.
The following letter was received from Madison a few days after.
“WINDSOR, CANADA WEST, DEC. 16, 1840.
My dear Friend,--for such you truly are:--
Madison is out of the woods at last; I nestle in the mane of the
British lion, protected by his mighty paw from the talons and the
beak of the American eagle. I AM FREE, and breathe an atmosphere
too pure for _slaves_, slave-hunters, or slave-holders. My heart is
full. As many thanks to you, sir, and to your kind lady, as there
are pebbles on the shores of Lake Erie; and may the blessing of God
rest upon you both. You will never be forgotten by your profoundly
grateful friend,
MADISON WASHINGTON.”
PART III.
----His head was with his heart,
And that was far away!
_Childe Harold._
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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