"Some slaves were not. The Bible speaks of equality, that the Lord created all the nations of the world of one blood, and men who believe they had the right to own men would not wish their property to learn that truth. Moreover, while the institution of slavery might have been abolished some forty years past in England, as it was abolished here less than a decade past, the practice continues. Holding the purse strings can be a far greater shackle than clapping men in irons--"
William's voice had been rising a little as he spoke, and he cut himself off when he noticed it was drawing attention. He started again, softer.
"I do not mean to offend you, Ms Palmer, but only to speak of the world that I have known. In truth, it pleases me that you have never encountered this barbarism."