Why does Simon Elkins believe that “if our slaves saw what awaits them in Northern factory life, they would never wish to set foot north of Maryland?” I have also looked into the working conditions of free laborers in the North. You will not be surprised when I say that our Negroes live better than most factory workers. Does anyone lookout for the poor worker whose arm is permanently damaged?. Does anyone see that workers are properly fed and housed? The answer is no. I think that if our slaves saw what awaits them in Northern factory life, they would never wish to set foot north of Maryland.