Yankee. You know that the Yankees are trying to make you blacks all free, don't you?
Negro. Wal, I hab heard dat dey were.
Yankee. Would you rather be free or would you rather be as you are—a slave?
Negro. Wal, Massa, I don't zac'ly know. Spects ebery man like to own hissef.
Yankee. Now, supposing you found a man on his road to liberty, that had been a slave or prisoner, would you help him, or would you betray him?
Negro. Who is you, Massa? Wat for you asks such queer questions?
Yankee. Suppose we tell you; suppose we put our lives in your hands—will you betray us?
Negro. No, sah. I reckon not. But who is you?
Yankee. We are Yankee officers, and have been in prison. We are now trying to get through to our lines, and want you to help us.
Negro. 'Fore God, Massa! Is dat so?