53 Quotes by Solomon Northup

Is everything right because the law allows it?

What difference is there in the color of the soul?

Suffice it to say, during the whole long day I came not to the conclusion, even once, that the southern slave, fed, clothed, whipped and protected by his master, is happier than the free colored citizen of the North. To that conclusion I have never since arrived.

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

I can speak of slavery only so far as it came under my own observation - only so far as I have known and experienced it in my own person.

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

They are deceived who flatter themselves that the ignorant and debased slave has no conception of the magnitude of his wrongs. They are deceived who imagine that he arises from his knees with back lacerated and bleeding, cherishing only a spirit of meekness and forgiveness. A day may come - it will, if his prayer is heard. A terrible day of vengeance when the master in his turn will cry in vain for mercy.

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

My back is thick with scars for protesting my freedom.