Narrative of the Life and Adventures of Henry Bibb, an American Slave, Written by Himself | Page 5

stupendous fraud
practised by his master. And its indulgence has far more logic in its
favor, than the ablest plea ever written for slave holding, under ever
such peculiar circumstances. The attempt to prove Mr. Bibb in the lie,
is a signal failure, as he never affirmed what Gatewood denies. With
this offset, the letter under notice is a triumphant vindication of one,
whom he thought there by to injure sadly. As Mr. Bibb has most
happily acknowledged the wheat, (see page 130,) I pass the charge of
stealing by referring to the logic there used, which will be deemed
convincing.
3. William Birney, Esq., attests the facts of Mr. Bibb's arrest in
Cincinnati, and the subsequent escape, as narrated by him, from the
declaration of eye witnesses.
4. W. Porter, Jailor, states that Bibb was in the work-house at
Louisville, held and sold afterwards to the persons and at the places
named in this volume.
5. W.H. Gatewood, with much Southern dignity, will answer no
questions, but shows his relation to these matters by naming
"King"--saying, "W.H. Bibb is acquainted with him," and promising "a
full history of the case."
6. Daniel S. Lane, with remarkable straight-forwardness and stupidity,
tells all he knows, and then wants to know what they ask him for. The
writer will answer that question. He wanted to prove by two or more
witnesses, the truth of his own statements; which has most surely been
accomplished.
Having thus presented an array of testimony sustaining the facts alleged
in this narrative, the introduction will be concluded by introducing a
letter signed by respectable men of Detroit, and endorsed by Judge
Wilkins, showing the high esteem in which Mr. Bibb is held by those
who know him well where he makes his home. Their testimony
expresses their present regard as well as an opinion of his past character.
It is introduced here with the greatest satisfaction, as the writer is
assured, from an intimate acquaintance with Henry Bibb, that all who
know him hereafter will entertain the same sentiments toward him:

* * * * *
DETROIT, _March 10, 1845_.
The undersigned have pleasure in recommending Henry Bibb to the
kindness and confidence of Anti-slavery friends in every State. He has
resided among us for some years. His deportment, his conduct, and his
Christian course have won our esteem and affection. The narrative of
his sufferings and more early life has been thoroughly investigated by a
Committee appointed for the purpose. They sought evidence respecting
it in every proper quarter, and their report attested its undoubted truth.
In this conclusion we all cordially unite.
H. Bibb has for some years publicly made this narrative to assemblies,
whose number cannot be told; it has commanded public attention in
this State, and provoked inquiry. Occasionally too we see persons from
the South, who knew him in early years, yet not a word or fact worthy
of impairing its truth has reached us; but on the contrary, every thing
tended to its corroboration.
Mr. Bibb's Anti-slavery efforts in this State have produced incalculable
benefit. The Lord has blessed him into an instrument of great power.
He has labored much, and for very inadequate compensation. Lucrative
offers for other quarters did not tempt him to a more profitable field.
His sincerity and disinterestedness are therefore beyond suspicion.
We bid him "God-speed," on his route. We bespeak for him every kind
consideration. * * * *
H. HALLOCK, President of the Detroit Lib. Association. CULLEN
BROWN, _VICE-PRESIDENT_. S.M. HOLMES, SECRETARY. J.D.
BALDWIN, CHARLES H. STEWART, MARTIN WILSON,
WILLIAM BARNUM.
DETROIT, Nov. 11, 1845.
The undersigned, cheerfully concurs with Mr. Hallock and others in
their friendly recommendation of Mr. Henry Bibb. The undersigned has
known him for many months in the Sabbath School in this City, partly
under his charge, and can certify to his correct deportment, and
commend him to the sympathies of Christian benevolence.
ROSS WILKINS.
* * * * *
The task now performed, in preparing for the press and introducing to
the public the narrative of Henry Bibb, has been one of the most

pleasant ever required at my hands. And I conclude it with an
expression of the hope that it may afford interest to the reader, support
to the author in his efforts against slavery, and be instrumental in
advancing the great work of emancipation in this country.
LUCIUS C. MATLACK.
NEW YORK CITY, _July 1st, 1849_.

AUTHOR'S PREFACE.
This work has been written during irregular intervals, while I have been
travelling and laboring for the emancipation of my enslaved
countrymen. The reader will remember that I make no pretension to
literature; for I can truly say, that I have been educated in the school of
adversity, whips, and chains. Experience and observation have been my
principal teachers,