There would be no reason to doubt that Sam Clemens was exposed to the
Philemon letter repeatedly throughout his childhood.  It was part and parcel
of the theology of slavery.  It was, as you are surely aware, most often
aimed at the slaves themselves and read to them with mind-numbing
regularity.  More than one slave narrative contains reference as to how sick
slaves got of hearing it. However, it was also frequently included in the
political speeches and sermons of the day in Hannibal by speakers arguing
that both the Old Testament and New Testament supported the U.S. institution
of slavery.
    Bottom line is Sam certainly did not have to wait to meet Northeast
abolitionists to be introduced to the theology of slavery -- including
Paul's views.

Terrell Dempsey