Judge Walker Reid to Gov. John J. Crittenden, September 13, 1848

Wednesday morning Sep 13th I could not sleep after writing last night about the slaves. I thought of Rebellion and treason and Lord ? & R? Emmett and the innocent blood collected in one great reservoir sufficient to swim in by false or ignorant decisions. I begin to think I have a Conscience too, but far different from that ascribed to the Preachers & negro thieves.

Natural rights! why did not the strong, subdue the weak? and murder or sell his captives? until the patriarchal age, when God by his Prophet Moses authorised the buying and selling of Slaves! Hadnt Abraham the father of the faithful 300 from in his House besides those bought with money? And did no ? Lord Jesus Christ, and his Apostles, lay down rules, to govern masters and Slaves who believed the Christian religion?

Natural rights, of those bound to serve forever, and then, to become an Inheritance to the Jewish children as in the 25th Ch 45&8 of Sec. were cast out a very early day. And can see nothing, in favor of black servants now, that did not assist in favor of th many millions of Slaves in Italy formally except their complexion. It was then common to have salves white, as well as black. And our common Situation must be excited because of color. I might add that Preachers then in imitation of Saint Paul, in regard to Philemon’s slave, took up runaways and taught them their duty, to obey their masters & sent ‘em home, instead of furnishing means of escape. Yet with all this staring me in the face, I could not rest for thinking, what a century might bring forth and exchanging places.

We know their object was to get away, and become free, contrary to the law. They have no rights, save that of trial. [illeglbe] secured by the [illeglb[e treatment by act of a [illegible]. They are property. And yet they are men. And when I think of what History may say I almost wish this trial had never come before me. I know I must say what the Law is, not what I would have it to be. And if I had decided that the law allowed negroes to Arm, and march in bodies of 40, and fire upon white men who attempted dot arrest them, even their owners and that according to Natural law, it was only self defence, what would have thought of it! I owe obedience to the law, & my oath binds me to say what it means, whether I like it or not.

Now Governor, I have imposed a hard task on you, to read so much, without seeming to have an object in view. And I will say that although it first seemed to me proper to have an example made I had rather you would pardon all. And that in my opinion the people of Bracken would be glad of it. A [illegible] I have told you truth, as far as I have spoken it may be those I have committed something, without intending it. And if in the high and holy duty you have to perform, you can find it your heart, to forgive, I shall be proud of it. And whether or not, I shall have a good conscience because after doing my office according to my best skill and Judgement, I have begged for mercy, & whether granted for not, I shall ever remain as I am now your Excellencys Friend and Fellow citizen

Walker Reid