In the first place I deny everything but what I have all along admitted: of a design on my part to free slaves.⁠ ⁠…

Had I interfered in the matter which I admit, and which I admit has been fairly proved⁠ ⁠… had I so interfered in behalf of the rich, the powerful, the intelligent, or the so-called great⁠ ⁠… and suffered and sacrificed, what I have in this interference, it would have been all right. Every man in this Court would have deemed it an act worthy of reward rather than punishment.