Narrative of the Life and Adventures of Henry Bibb, an American Slave, Written by Himself

Narrative of the Life and
Adventures of Henry Bibb, an
American Slave, Written by
Himself

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Henry Bibb, an American Slave, Written by Himself, by Henry Bibb
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Title: Narrative of the Life and Adventures of Henry Bibb, an
American Slave, Written by Himself
Author: Henry Bibb
Release Date: March 17, 2005 [EBook #15398]
Language: English
Character set encoding: ASCII
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NARRATIVE OF THE LIFE AND ***

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NARRATIVE
OF THE
LIFE AND ADVENTURES
OF
HENRY BIBB,
AN AMERICAN SLAVE,
WRITTEN BY HIMSELF.
WITH
AN INTRODUCTION
BY LUCIUS C. MATLACK.
NEW YORK: PUBLISHED BY THE AUTHOR; 5 SPRUCE
STREET.
1849

INTRODUCTION.
From the most obnoxious substances we often see spring forth,
beautiful and fragrant, flowers of every hue, to regale the eye, and
perfume the air. Thus, frequently, are results originated which are
wholly unlike the cause that gave them birth. An illustration of this
truth is afforded by the history of American Slavery.
Naturally and necessarily, the enemy of literature, it has become the
prolific theme of much that is profound in argument, sublime in poetry,
and thrilling in narrative. From the soil of slavery itself have sprung
forth some of the most brilliant productions, whose logical levers will
ultimately upheave and overthrow the system. Gushing fountains of
poetic thought, have started from beneath the rod of violence, that will
long continue to slake the feverish thirst of humanity outraged, until
swelling to a flood it shall rush with wasting violence over the
ill-gotten heritage of the oppressor. Startling incidents authenticated,
far excelling fiction in their touching pathos, from the pen of
self-emancipated slaves, do now exhibit slavery in such revolting
aspects, as to secure the execrations of all good men, and become a
monument more enduring than marble, in testimony strong as sacred
writ against it.
Of the class last named, is the narrative of the life of Henry Bibb,
which is equally distinguished as a revolting portrait of the hideous
slave system, a thrilling narrative of individual suffering, and a

triumphant vindication of the slave's manhood and mental dignity. And
all this is associated with unmistakable traces of originality and
truthfulness.
To many, the elevated style, purity of diction, and easy flow of
language, frequently exhibited, will appear unaccountable and
contradictory, in view of his want of early mental culture. But to the
thousands who have listened with delight to his speeches on
anniversary and other occasions, these same traits will be noted as
unequivocal evidence of originality. Very few men present in their
written composition, so perfect a transcript of their style as is exhibited
by Mr. Bibb.
Moreover, the writer of this introduction is well acquainted with his
handwriting and style. The entire manuscript I have examined and
prepared for the press. Many of the closing pages of it were written by
Mr. Bibb in my office. And the whole is preserved for inspection now.
An examination of it will show that no alteration of sentiment,
language or style, was necessary to make it what it now is, in the hands
of the reader. The work of preparation for the press was that of
orthography and punctuation merely, an arrangement of the chapters,
and a table of contents--little more than falls to the lot of publishers
generally.
The fidelity of the narrative is sustained by the most satisfactory and
ample testimony. Time has proved its claims to truth. Thorough
investigation has sifted and analysed every essential fact alleged, and
demonstrated clearly that this thrilling and eloquent narrative, though
stranger than fiction, is undoubtedly true.
It is only necessary to present the following documents to the reader, to
sustain this declaration. For convenience of reference, and that they
may be more easily understood, the letters will be inserted
consecutively, with explanations following the last.
The best preface to these letters, is the report of a committee appointed
to investigate the truth of Mr. Bibb's narrative as he has delivered it in
public for years past.
REPORT
OF THE UNDERSIGNED, COMMITTEE APPOINTED BY THE
DETROIT LIBERTY ASSOCIATION TO INVESTIGATE THE
TRUTH OF THE NARRATIVE OF HENRY BIBB, A FUGITIVE

FROM SLAVERY, AND REPORT THEREON:
Mr. Bibb has addressed several assemblies in Michigan, and his
narrative is generally known. Some of his hearers, among whom were
Liberty men, felt doubt as to the truth of his statements. Respect for
their scruples and the obligation of duty