to your person or property, but I regarded you as my oppressor, and I
deemed it my duty to get out of your hands by peaceable means.

I was always obedient to your commands. I laboured for you diligently at
all times. I acted with fidelity in any matter which you entrusted me.
As you sometimes saw fit to entrust me with considerable money, to buy
tools or materials, not a cent was ever coveted or kept.

During the time I served you in the capacity of blacksmith, your
materials were used economically, your work was done expeditiously, and
in the very best style, a style second to no smith in your
neighbourhood. In short, sir, you well know that my habits from early
life were advantageous to you. Drinking, gambling, fighting, &c., were
not my habits. On Sabbaths, holidays, &c., I was frequently at your
service, when not even your body-servant was at home.

Times and times again, I have gone on Sunday afternoon to H----, six
miles, after your letters and papers, when it was as much my privilege
to be _"out of the way,"_ as it was C----.

But what treatment did you see fit to return me for all this? You, in
the most unfeeling manner, abused my father for no cause but speaking a
word to you, as a man would speak to his fellow-man, for the sake simply
of a better understanding.

You vexed my mother, and because she, as a tender mother would do,
showed solicitude for the virtue of her daughters, you threatened her in
an insulting brutal manner.

You abused my brother and sister without cause, and in like manner you