In Frances E. W. Harper's Iola Leroy, the slave Robert speaks of the value of his own personal liberty as being greater to him than any fair treatment from his master.  "I ain't got nothing 'gainst my ole Miss, except she sold my mother from me...I forgive her, but I never forget her, and never expect to.  But is she were the best woman on earth I would rather have my freedom than belong to her" (238).