I have observed this in my experience of slavery, that whenever my condition was improved, instead of increasing my contentment; it only increased my desire to be free, and set me thinking of plans to gain my freedom.

I recognize the Republican Party as the sheet anchor of the colored man's political hopes and the ark of his safety.

I didn't know I was a slave until I found out I couldn't do the things I wanted.

Who would be free themselves must strike the blow. Better even to die free than to live slaves.

The thought of only being a creature of the present and the past was troubling. I longed for a future too, with hope in it. The desire to be free, awakened my determination to act, to think, and to SPEAK.

If we would reach a degree of civilization higher and grander than any yet attained, we should welcome to our ample continent all the nations, kindreds, tongues and peoples, and as fast as they learn our language and comprehend the duties of citizenship, we should incorporate them into the American body politic. The outspread wings of the American eagle are broad enough to shelter all who are likely to come.

Did John Brown fail? John Brown began the war that ended American slavery and made this a free Republic.