human
It's a bad business, Dexter, said the colonel, when the loss of the secret letter was alluded to.
gpt
I must say I am treed, as the bear said to Davy Crockett.
human
Don't you think the letter referred to the slaves, father? said the major.
gpt
I always thought it did.
human
I did think so, because I was particularly cautioned by Brother Duncan not to dispose of any of the slaves under any circumstances. They originally numbered fifty-one, but three have died, leaving forty-eight, as perhaps you know.
gpt
Perhaps they were to be given their freedom, said Artie.
human
If that is so, President Lincoln's proclamation has forestalled Uncle Duncan's design.
gpt
Almost true, Artie, but not quite, he said slowly.
human
If we lived in a rebellious State the proclamation would act as you say, but Kentucky, being still in the Union, is not affected by that proclamation, strange as the statement may seem.
gpt
Creation! but I reckon you're right, father! almost shouted Major Deck.
human
I never looked at it in that light before. We can hold slaves even if the folks living below the Mason and Dixon's line can't.