I give you such evidence, because it cannot be invalidated nor denied.

I hold in my hand sundry extracts from the slave codes of our country, from which I will quote.

* * * Now, if the foregoing be an indication of kindness, _what is cruelty_?
If this be parental affection, _what is bitter malignity_?
A more atrocious and blood-thirsty string of laws could not well be conceived of.

And yet I am bound to say that they fall short of indicating the horrible cruelties constantly practiced in the slave states.
I admit that there are individual slaveholders less cruel and barbarous than is allowed by law; but these form the exception.

The majority of slaveholders find it necessary, to insure obedience, at times, to avail themselves of the utmost extent of the law, and many go beyond it.