If I was indifferent to slavery I had to be logical and be indifferent to her becoming a subject of barter.

At least what, but a sentimental reason, could I set up against the enforced servitude of Zoe?
What did it matter in point of justice and civilization that the South could not carry on her commercial interests without slavery?
Was trade everything?
Were the merchants the leaders of civilization?
Were merchants to be permitted to do what they chose in order that they might create wealth for themselves, or even the nation?
In a word, was wealth everything?
My Adam Smith had said no, and I had already read that.

He had classified banks of issue, colonialism, and slavery, as well as some other things as equal parts of a mercantile program.

I was, therefore, inclined to dissent from any plan that included any one of these things.
And still I was swept along by the torrent of Douglas' thinking.

His vision enthralled me.