In this document, by referring to the multitudes who had suffered in their behalf, he encouraged the negroes to stand for their liberties.

He instructed them to be armed and ready to rush to the rescue of any of their number who might be attacked: "Should one of your number be arrested, you must collect together as quickly as possible, so as to outnumber your adversaries who are taking an active part against you.

Let no able-bodied man appear on the ground unequipped, or with his weapons exposed to view: let that be understood beforehand.

Your plans must be known only to yourself, and with the understanding that all traitors must die, wherever caught and proven to be guilty.

Whosoever is fearful or afraid, let him return and depart early from Mount Gilead" (Judges, vii.