There's an old, word-of-mouth story, which is probably aprochryphal, about Abraham Lincoln visiting a slave auction. Observing the proceedings from the rear of the crowd, his attention was caught by a strong, defiant, young slave girl with sharp, angry eyes.

Something in her manner pierced him; the sheer intensity of her gaze spoke to him of the anguish of her captivity and her longing for freedom. When it was her turn to step to the auction block, he and several others bid. With each rise in price, her hostility grew. Finally, Lincoln won, paid the money, and had her brought to him.

She came, rigid with resistance, arms tied behind her back, leg chains dragging.

“Untie her,” Lincoln said.

“Oh no, sir!” her auctioneer responded, pulling her forward with a jerk. “She be a wild one! Ain’…