George Washington, in his Will, left their freedom to his slaves, to be given them after his wife’s death. He ordered a fund to be set aside for the support of all his old and sick slaves, and he bade his heirs see to it that the young negroes were taught to read and write and to carry on some useful occupation. Kosciuszko was Jefferson’s intimate friend, and like him a believer in Freedom for all men, without regard to race or colour. Before he left America, Kosciuszko made a will turning over his American property to Jefferson, for the purchase of slaves from their owners and for their education, so that when free, they might earn their living and become worthy citizens. From the time of Jefferson until the Civil War, slavery to be or not to be, was the burning question. Men and women, specially those belonging to the Society of Friends, devoted their lives to the abolition of slavery. Many of these Abolitionists were mobbed, and otherwise persecuted, because of their humane efforts. William Lloyd Garrison was the great leader of the Abolitionists. “The Quaker Poet” Whittier was also a leader in the agitation against slavery. But to go back to Thomas Jefferson: When the Missouri Compromise went into effect, and “the house was divided against itself,” Jefferson was deeply and terribly stirred. He looked far into the future. “This momentous question,” he wrote, “like a fire-bell in the night, awakened and filled me with terror. I considered it at once as the knell of the Union. It is hushed, indeed, for the moment. But this is a _reprieve_ only--not a final sentence.” And again he said:-- “I tremble for my Country, when I reflect that God is just; that His justice cannot sleep for ever.” First the reprieve! Then as the crime was continued, the execution of the sentence! Nearly a hundred years of slavery passed after the framing of the Declaration, then on North and South fell the terrible retributive punishment of the Civil War. ON THE FOURTH OF JULY 1826 It was the Fourth of July, the fiftieth anniversary of the Signing of the Declaration of Independence. In his home at Monticello, Thomas Jefferson had closed his eyes for ever on the Fourth of July, the fiftieth anniversary of the Signing of the Declaration of Independence. MAY 29 PATRICK HENRY THE ORATOR OF THE WAR FOR INDEPENDENCE _I know not what course others may take; but as for me, give me Liberty or give me Death!_ PATRICK HENRY TO THE READER _Whether (Independence) will prove a blessing or a curse will depend upon the use our People make of the blessings which a gracious God hath bestowed on us._ _If they are wise, they will be great and happy. If they are of a contrary character, they will be miserable. Righteoutness alone can exalt them at a Nation._ _Reader!--whoever thou art, remember this; and in thy sphere practice virtue thyself, and encourage it in others._ PATRICK HENRY