Which excerpt is a counterclaim in "what to the slave is the fourth of july? ” what is this but the acknowledgment that the slave is a moral, intellectual, and responsible being? the manhood of the slave is conceded. there are seventy-two crimes in the state of virginia which, if committed by a black man (no matter how ignorant he be), subject him to the punishment of death; while only two of the same crimes will subject a white man to the like punishment. it is admitted in the fact that southern statute books are covered with enactments forbidding, under severe fines and penalties, the teaching of the slave to read or to write. would you have me argue that man is entitled to liberty? that he is the rightful owner of his own body? you have already declared it.