"Should a slave, when assaulted, but raise his hand in self defense, the white assaulting party is fully justified by southern, or Maryland, public opinion, in shooting the slave down."

"I was sometimes prompted to take my life, and that of Covey, but was prevented by a combination of hope and fear."

"I am not included within the pale of this glorious anniversary! Your high independence only reveals the immeasurable distance between us. The blessings in which you, this day, rejoice, are not enjoyed…"

"I have no accurate knowledge of my age, never having seen any record containing it."

"I did not hesitate to let it be known of me, that the white man who expected to succeed in whipping, must also succeed in killing me."