(Dpium 



IN entering on this subject, I fear I shall have to re 

 present a picture of misery more extensive a ad more 

 astounding, than has ever been heretofore set forth in the 

 annals of history. Were it a trade in human flesh, it 

 might be to redeem the negro from the darkness of 

 paganism, and to establish him through Christianity 

 in the brightness of Eternal Glory. It might be the 

 means of redeeming him from being sacrificed at a feast 

 or a wedding to the atrocity of his capturer, or being 

 quartered before some hideous figure representing some 

 monster, or some monstrous idea of the Creator. All 

 these services might spring and do spring from slavery, 

 but it is not a good way to eifect reform. Still slavery 

 could point to many fair and bright spots, to redeem it 

 in a manner in the minds of the justly reflecting man. 

 But opium trade alas, there is no one bright spot, no 

 one redeeming virtue can be found in the whole course of 

 its man-devouring, hellish course. You, oh Americans ! 

 would rend your States into petty governments and 

 principalities, upon the subject of some three millions of 

 slaves, well clothed, well fed, and converted from pagan 

 ism simply because they bear the name of &quot;slaves.&quot; 

 But here, this ruffian trade sends more than that 



