Though Cartwright's concern and opposition to slavery was evident in his "Autobiography," an important observation that must be noted in studying his text was that his opposition was not mainly based on the detriments that slavery had on the slaves themselves, but only for the white American society. Slavery was a 'moral evil' because it made white Americans more vulnerable to moral degeneration, thereby putting into peril their belief in predestination, where the white American society, particularly the Christians, would be included in God's salvation and grace. Focus, in fact, was addressed towards the white American society, and not so much about the plight of the black slaves. Thus, Cartwright's position reflected the belief that slavery was...

(1856). Autobiography of Peter Cartwright, Backwoods Preacher. NY: Carlton & Porter.
Jacobs, H. (1861). Incidents in the life of a slave girl. Boston: University of North Carolina Press.