a teacher at the south. The spectacle of slavery could not
fail to make a deep impression on his mind. He witnessed
scenes which aroused him to reflection on the subject, and
produced the hostility to every form of oppression, which
has since become ingrained in his character. One of the
many incidents which occurred to him may be related in
this place.

While travelling in the interior of the state, he approached
a stream spanned by a dilapidated bridge, that had become
almost impassable. He forded the river with no little dif-
ficulty, and met on the opposite side a negro woman with
an old blind and worn-out horse, bearing a bag of corn to
mill. The poor slave was in tears, and manifested great
distress of mind. She was afraid to venture on the bridge,
and the stream seemed too rapid and violent for the strength
of her horse. She was reluctant to return to her master,
without fulfilling her errand, being fearful of punishment.
The heart of the young northerner was moved. He went
to her assistance, and attempted to lead the horse across
the bridge. But the wretched beast was not equal to the
effort. He made a false step, and falling partly through,
became wedged in among the plank and timbers. Seward
tried in vain to extricate him. Despairing of success, he
mounted his own horse, rode to the master's residence, and
informed him of the accident, and attempted to excuse the
slave. In return for his kindness, he was met with a vol-
ley of imprecations on himself, the slave, the horse, the
bridge, and all parties and things concerned. His disgust
at this adventure taught him a lesson of wisdom, which he
never forgot. ^*

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