Quotes from Solomon Northup

Unsoundness in a slave, as well as in a horse, detracts materially from his value. If no warranty is given, a close examination is a matter of particular importance to the Negro jockey.

I could not comprehend the justice of that law, or that religion, which upholds or recognizes the principle of slavery.

Life is dear to every living thing; the worm that crawls upon the ground will struggle for it.

There are few sights more pleasant to the eye than a wide cotton field when it is in bloom. It presents an appearance of purity, like an immaculate expanse of light, new-fallen snow.

It has been suggested that an account of my life and fortunes would not be uninteresting to the public.

What difference is there in the color of the soul?

Life is dear to every living thing; the worm that crawls upon the ground will struggle for it.

At such times, the heart of man turns instictively towards his Maker. In prosperity, and whenever there is nothing to injure or make him afraid, he remembers Him not, and is ready to defy Him; but place him in the midst of dangers, cut him off from human aid, let the grave open before him, then it is, in the time of his tribulation, that the scoffer and unbelieving man turns to God for help, feeling there is no other hope, or refuge, or safety, save in his protecting arm.

I could not comprehend the justice of that law, or that religion, which upholds or recognizes the principle of slavery;

So we passed, handcuffed and in silence, through the streets of Washington, through the Captial of a nation, whose theory of government, we are told, rests on the foundation of man's inalienable right to life, LIBERTY, and the pursuit of happiness! Hail! Columbia, happy land, indeed!

Really, it was difficult to determine which I had most reason to fear—dogs, alligators or men!

I ask no paradise on high, With cares on earth oppressed, The only heaven for which I sigh, Is rest, eternal rest.

And what difference is there in the color of the soul?

My sufferings I can compare to nothing else than the burning agonies of hell!

Eliza, stop crying, You let sorrow take over you; you will drown in it

Credit leads a man into temptation. Cash down is the only thing that will deliver him from evil.

Ten years I toiled for that man without reward. Ten years of my incessant labor has contributed to increase the bulk of his possessions. Ten years I was compelled to address him with downcast eyes and uncovered head—in the attitude and language of a slave. I am indebted to him for nothing, save undeserved abuse and stripes.

Of course you did ; the law says you have the right to hold a nigger, but begging the law's pardon, it lies. Yes, Epps, when the law says that it's a liar, and the truth is not in it. Is every thing right because the law allows it ? Suppose they'd pass a law taking away your liberty and making you a slave?

I don't want to survive, I want to live.

I had not then learned the measure of "man's inhumanity to man," nor to what limitless extent of wickedness he will go for the love of gain.

Alas! I had not then learned the measure of "man's inhumanity to man," nor to what limitless extent of wickedness he will go for the love of gain.

Blessed be sleep! It visiteth all alike, descending as the dews of heaven on the bond and free.

On the way, a great many demanded it, read it, and passed on. Those having the air and appearance of gentlemen, whose dress indicated the possession of wealth, frequently took no notice of me whatever; but a shabby fellow, an unmistakable loafer, never failed to hail me, and to scrutinize and examine me in the most thorough manner. Catching runaways is sometimes a money-making business.

The existence of Slavery in its most cruel form among them, has a tendency to brutalize the humane and finer feelings of their nature. Daily witnesses of human suffering—listening to the agonizing screeches of the slave—beholding him writhing beneath the merciless lash—bitten and torn by dogs—dying without attention, and buried without shroud or coffin—it cannot otherwise be expected