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North Carolina,
nolens volens, could be made a member of the
Free States, if the abolitionists would send down a trusty band of liberators, amply provided with pistols, compasses, and a little money for the fugitives.
I believe that
Virginia is equally at our mercy; but I am ready to vouch for
North Carolina.
I questioned the slaves of that State on this subject almost exclusively.
Christmas is a good season for the distribution of such gifts; as, at that time, the
Virginia and Northern Carolina slaves, who are hired South during the year, are nearer to the
North by being at their owner's residence.
If the abolitionists of the
North could secure the cooperation of the captains of vessels that sail to the
Southern seaports, several hundreds of the slaves could easily be liberated every year in that way.
Railroad hands.
The
Manchester and Wilmington Railroad owns the majority of the hands who work on that line.
What do the
Irish Democrats think of that plan?
Their allowance varies, as it depends on the overseers.
The average allowance is one peck of Indian meal, and two pounds and a half of bacon a week; two suits of clothes, a blanket, and a hat, a year.
No money.
This road runs through the most desolate looking country in the
Union.
Nothing but pine trees is seen on both sides of the track until you enter
South Carolina, when a pleasant change is visible.