In fact, it undermines the whole fabric of his chattelhood; it prepares for what slaveholders are pleased to pronounce the unpardonable sin when committed by a slave.

It lays the foundation for running away, and going to Canada.
They also see in it a love for freedom, patriotism, insurrection, bloodshed, and exterminating war against American slavery.
Hence they are very careful to inquire whether a slave who is for sale can read or write.

This question has been asked me often by slave traders, and cotton planters, while I was there for market.

After conversing with me, they have sworn by their Maker, that they would not have me among their negroes; and that they saw the devil in my eye; I would run away, &c.
I have frequently been asked also, if I had ever run away; but Garrison would generally answer this question for me in the negative.
He could have sold my little family without any trouble, for the sum of one thousand dollars.

But for fear he might not get me off at so great an advantage, as the people did not like my appearance, he could do better by selling us all together.