It is only too true, however, that captains, after some terrible collision, due to their imprudence, have often taken flight without troubling themselves about the unfortunate ones whom they had put in danger, and without endeavoring to carry assistance to them.
That drivers do as much and leave to others, on the public way, the trouble of repairing the misfortune which they have caused, that is indeed to be condemned.

Still, their victims are assured of finding immediate help.

But, that men to men, abandon each other thus at sea, it is not to be believed, it is a shame! Meanwhile, Captain Hull knew several examples of such inhumanity, and he was obliged to tell Mrs.Weldon that such facts, monstrous as they might be, were unhappily not rare.
Then, continuing: "Whence came the 'Waldeck ?'" he asked.
"From Melbourne." "Then you are not slaves ?" "No, sir!" the old black answered quickly, as he stood up straight.

"We are subjects of the State of Pennsylvania, and citizens of free America!" "My friends," replied Captain Hull, "believe me that you have not compromised your liberty in coming on board of the American brig, the 'Pilgrim.'" In fact, the five blacks which the "Waldeck" carried belonged to the State of Pennsylvania.

The oldest, sold in Africa as a slave at the age of six years, then brought to the United States, had been freed already many years ago by the Emancipation Proclamation.