Page:The World's Famous Orations Volume 9.djvu/198

THE WORLD'S FAMOUS ORATIONS the ends of justice, and mingle my blood further with the blood of my children and with the blood of millions in this slave country whose rights are disregarded by wicked, cruel, and unjust enactments — I submit ; so let it be done ! Let me say one word further. I feel entirely satisfied with the treatment I have received on my trial. Considering all the circumstances it has been more generous than I expected. But I feel no consciousness of guilt. I have stated from the first what was my intention and what was not. I never had any design against the life of any person, nor any disposition to commit treason, or excite slaves to rebel, or make any general insurrection. I never encouraged any man to do so, but always dis- couraged any idea of that kind. Let me say also a word in regard to the state- ments made by some of those connected with me. I hear it has been stated by some of them that I have induced them to join me. But the con- trary is true. I do not say this to injure them, but as regretting their weakness. There is not one of them but joined me of his own accord, and the greater part of them at their own expense. A number of them I never saw, and never had a word of conversation with till the day they came to me; and that was for the pur- pose I have stated. Now I have done. 188