With feelings hard to describe, Paul saw slaves disposed of, singly and in parties.

Fathers, mothers, sons and daughters were bid for and sold, and the critical purchasers examined them as if they were prize cattle.
While the sale proceeded, Paul spelled out the inscription on the monument which said "that if he (Henry Clay,) could be instrumental in eradicating this deepest stain, slavery, from our country, he would be prouder than if he enjoyed the triumphs of a great conqueror." Even to his childish mind this seemed sadly inconsistent with the surroundings.

The auction concluded with the sale of three boys, who seemed to be brothers, or at least close friends for they wept bitterly when parted.

As they moved away, Paul's eyes were full of tears at the agony of the unhappy creatures, and turning to the Captain he said: "Do you think this is right ?" "No," responded the Captain, "I'm darned if I do.

It is an outrage and a shame that human beings should be sold like cattle, but--Great Scott! Did you notice what big prices they brought ?" then added reflectively; "I'm blessed if it wouldn't pay me better to run a cargo of them down from Pittsburgh, than a tow of coal barges!" Late that evening the Captain and Paul returned.