“The remains which are found of Domestic Slavery in the American colonies and among some European nations would never, surely, create a desire of rendering it more universal. The little humanity commonly observed in persons accustomed from their infancy to exercise so great authority over their fellow-creatures, and to trample upon human nature, were sufficient alone to disgust us with that unbounded dominion. Nor can a more probable reason be assigned for the severe, I might say barbarous, manners of ancient times than the practice of domestic slavery, by which every man of rank was rendered a petty tyrant, and educated amidst the flattery, submission, and low debasement of his slaves.”[147]
It is not improbable that this passage suggested to Colonel Mason, of Virginia, his condemnation of Slavery, as producing “the most pernicious effect on manners; every master of slaves is born a petty tyrant”;[148] and also the remarkable representation by Jefferson of the effect on “manners,” when he says, “The whole commerce between master and slave is a perpetual exercise of the most boisterous passions, the most unremitting despotism on the one part, and degrading submission on the other.”[149]
To this increasing testimony, where philosophy and literature unite, against the “axiom” of our Chief Justice, I add that of Granville Sharp, England’s earliest Abolitionist, who, more than any other person, was inspired to bear witness. Through his persistent purpose the case of Somerset was presented for hearing and pressed to judgment. The “axiom” was rejected by his life. In 1769, he wrote a tract entitled “A Representation of the Injustice and Dangerous Tendency of tolerating Slavery, or of admitting the least Claim of Private Property in the Persons of Men, in England.” Others followed. At the same time he was the watchful guardian of colored persons, offering them friendly protection.
Poetry and eloquence gave expression to the proud declaration of English law. Cowper’s “Task” appeared in 1785, with the exulting words,—
“Slaves cannot breathe in England; if their lungs
Receive our air, that moment they are free;
They touch our country and their shackles fall.”[150]
Sheridan took up the strain, and in one of his best utterances said:—