The author was never an investor in slaves, although he always possessed a negro servant. One who served till age enfeebled him, was retired on a pension. Another, cut short in his service by fatal disease, was respectfully followed to his last resting place by the master upon whom in health he had attended. His thoughtful care of his attendants and his liberality when trouble overtook them, won their affection and respect. It may be understood then that interest in slaves as property did not enter into his defense of slavery as an institution of his country. No selfish thought prompted the use of his pen in the exposition of the unfairness of opinion abroad--but, imbued with a keen sense of right, he was actuated by the desire to dissipate that injustice which took possession of many minds--coloring their views and proving barriers to their sympathies. To make clear his point of view by stating the true conditions which brought about slavery in the South and to define the relation which existed between master and slave, was the purpose of General Early in writing this real story of slavery as it was established in America, and as it continued to exist in that section of which it became the heritage. R. H. Early. Contents CHAPTER PAGE I--The African Slave Trade 11 II--Origin of Slavery in the United States 16 III--Legislation on the Question of State Establishment 36 IV--Causes Leading to Secession--Secession of the Cotton States 62 V--Action of the Border Slave States--Convention of Virginia 88 VI--The Right to Withdraw 94 VII--Injurious Effect of Misinformation 110 _Come now let us reason together_ The Heritage _of the_ South CHAPTER I =The African Slave Trade= The struggle for independence made by the Southern States of the American Union, grew out of questions of self government arising mainly in regard to the institution of African slavery as it existed in those states, and as that institution was the occasion for the development of the difficulties which led immediately to the struggle, the conduct of the states lately forming the Southern Confederacy has been misunderstood, therefore, misrepresented, with the effect of casting upon them not only the odium of originating the war but even for the existence and continuance of slavery itself.