“I’m sorry it came to this. But I had seen my chance to provide a life which was better for my daughters and I took it! When do slaves get any opportunity to do that? I mean, having a say in our children’s’ future? Can you find fault with me for that? There is no defense to be made because there was no choice to be made.”
Turning to Fortune, Nathaniel continued. “I said what happened, and you can judge me on it. Remember I gave you sight through words and opened up the same wisdom for many others. So ask yourself one thing. How can a man who gave so much good do something so unjust unless forced to do so?”
After hearing Nathaniel’s pleading, neither Fletcher nor Fortune could see any forgiveness for the older man’s actions. Fletcher knew his options were narrowed to one. Accordingly, he
