The tree is inscribed: 

TREE OF LIBERTY

"Give me your hand master now that I have got a good hold of this tree I can help you out of your trouble." -

"You go to thunder! Do you think I'll let an infernal Nigger take Me by the hand? no sir..ree this is a white man's government"-

"My friend I think you had better use all means to get ashore; even if it is a black man that saves you. "-