Freedom At Last

March 6, 1857

"Dash it all!" Elijah says angrily as we walk out of the court. "I think that was the worst decision the Supreme Court has made! Dred Scott was property, therefore he could not be taken away? Why, that means slavery is allowed in every state! This is outrageous!"

"You are right," I agreed. "Mark my words, at some point no slaves will be free! At this rate, slavery will never be abolished by the government!"

"Don't say that." Elijah warns me. "God does not like slavery, I just know it. Sooner or later, slavery will be abolished."

"I never said it wouldn't be," I reply. "I just said it would not be recognized by the government. The people need to speak. The citizens need to state their point of view. If that doesn't happen, then our argument will be very slim, very slim indeed."

"What motivational words!" Elijah says. "Although they won't turn this decision around. Dred Scott and his family are still slaves, and there is nothing we can do about it."

"That may be true," I say, "But can't we help them escape? Through the Underground Railroad?"

Elijah shakes his head sadly. "No. Once the decision by the Supreme Court is made, it is kept very strictly. You mark my words, Dred Scott and his family will be very closely watched from now on."

"If only slavery had not been created." I say. "If only we could just agree to disagree. Instead, an individual's freedom and fate depends on the jury."

"Unfortunately, Ruth, I am afraid that is how it's going to be for a very long time." Elijah says.