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| author | Roger Frank <rfrank@pglaf.org> | 2025-10-15 05:23:58 -0700 |
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| committer | Roger Frank <rfrank@pglaf.org> | 2025-10-15 05:23:58 -0700 |
| commit | b32b049ce27f9e2219771011543660fbad39b145 (patch) | |
| tree | 30f197e749d91a6933266a0753a1be69745332d5 /4677-h | |
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diff --git a/4677-h/4677-h.htm b/4677-h/4677-h.htm new file mode 100644 index 0000000..dff5393 --- /dev/null +++ b/4677-h/4677-h.htm @@ -0,0 +1,23914 @@ +<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Strict//EN" +"http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-strict.dtd"> +<html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en"> +<head> +<meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html;charset=utf-8" /> +<meta http-equiv="Content-Style-Type" content="text/css" /> +<title>Our World | Project Gutenberg</title> + +<style type="text/css" xml:space="preserve"> + + body { margin:5%; background:#faebd0; text-align:justify} + P { text-indent: 1em; margin-top: .75em; margin-bottom: .75em; } + H1,H2,H3,H4,H5,H6 { text-align: center; margin-left: 15%; margin-right: 15%; } + hr { width: 50%; text-align: center;} + .foot { margin-left: 5%; margin-right: 5%; text-align: justify; font-size: 80%; font-style: italic;} + blockquote {font-size: 97%; font-style: italic; margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 10%;} + .mynote {background-color: #DDE; color: #000; padding: .5em; margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 10%; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 95%;} + .toc { margin-left: 10%; margin-bottom: .75em;} + .toc2 { margin-left: 20%;} + .xx-small {font-size: 60%;} + .x-small {font-size: 75%;} + .small {font-size: 85%;} + .large {font-size: 115%;} + .x-large {font-size: 130%;} + .indent5 { margin-left: 5%;} + .indent10 { margin-left: 10%;} + .indent15 { margin-left: 15%;} + .indent20 { margin-left: 20%;} + .indent25 { margin-left: 25%;} + .indent30 { margin-left: 30%;} + .indent35 { margin-left: 35%;} + .indent40 { margin-left: 40%;} + div.fig { display:block; margin:0 auto; text-align:center; } + div.middle { margin-left: 20%; margin-right: 20%; text-align: justify; } + .figleft {float: left; margin-left: 0%; margin-right: 1%;} + .figright {float: right; margin-right: 0%; margin-left: 1%;} + .pagenum {position: absolute; right: 1%; font-size: 0.6em; + font-variant: normal; font-style: normal; + text-align: right; background-color: #FFFACD; + border: 1px solid; padding: 0.3em;text-indent: 0em;} + .side { float: left; font-size: 75%; width: 15%; padding-left: 0.8em; + border-left: dashed thin; text-align: left; + text-indent: 0; font-weight: bold; font-style: italic; + font-weight: bold; color: black; background: #eeeeee; border: solid 1px;} + .head { float: left; font-size: 90%; width: 98%; padding-left: 0.8em; + border-left: dashed thin; text-align: center; + text-indent: 0; font-weight: bold; font-style: italic; + font-weight: bold; color: black; background: #eeeeee; border: solid 1px;} + p.pfirst, p.noindent {text-indent: 0} + span.dropcap { float: left; margin: 0 0.1em 0 0; line-height: 0.8 } + pre { font-style: italic; font-size: 90%; margin-left: 10%;} +</style> + </head> + <body> +<div>*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 4677 ***</div> + + <h1> + OUR WORLD: + </h1> + <h3> + OR, THE SLAVEHOLDER'S DAUGHTER. + </h3> + <h2> + By F. Colburn Adams + </h2> + <h4> + "An honest tale speeds best being plainly told." + </h4> + <h3> + NEW YORK AND AUBURN: + </h3> + <h3> + 1855. + </h3> + <hr /> + <p> + <b>CONTENTS</b> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_PREF"> PREFACE. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0001"> CHAPTER I. — MARSTON'S PLANTATION. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0002"> CHAPTER II. — HOW A NIGHT WAS SPENT ON + MARSTON'S PLANTATION. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0003"> CHAPTER III. — THINGS ARE NOT SO BRIGHT AS + THEY SEEM. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0004"> CHAPTER IV. — AN UNEXPECTED CONFESSION. + </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0005"> CHAPTER V. — THE MAROONING PARTY. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0006"> CHAPTER VI. — ANOTHER SCENE IN SOUTHERN + LIFE. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0007"> CHAPTER VII. — "BUCKRA-MAN VERY UNCERTAIN." + </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0008"> CHAPTER VIII. — A CLOUD OF MISFORTUNE HANGS + OVER THE PLANTATION. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0009"> CHAPTER IX. — WHO IS SAFE AGAINST THE + POWER? </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0010"> CHAPTER X. — ANOTHER SHADE OF THE PICTURE. + </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0011"> CHAPTER XI. — MRS. ROSEBROOK'S PROJECT. + </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0012"> CHAPTER XII. — ELDER PEMBERTON PRAISEWORTHY + CHANGES HIS BUSINESS. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0013"> CHAPTER XIII. — A FATHER TRIES TO BE A + FATHER. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0014"> CHAPTER XIV. — IN WHICH THE EXTREMES ARE + PRESENTED. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0015"> CHAPTER XV. — A SCENE OF MANY LIGHTS. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0016"> CHAPTER XVI. — ANOTHER PHASE OF THE + PICTURE. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0017"> CHAPTER XVII. — PLEASANT DEALINGS WITH + HUMAN PROPERTY. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0018"> CHAPTER XVIII. — A NOT UNCOMMON SCENE + SLIGHTLY CHANGED. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0019"> CHAPTER XIX. — THEY ARE ALL GOING TO BE + SOLD. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0020"> CHAPTER XX. — LET US FOLLOW POOR HUMAN + NATURE TO THE MAN SHAMBLES. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0021"> CHAPTER XX. — A FATHER'S TRIALS. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0022"> CHAPTER XXI. — WE CHANGE WITH FORTUNE. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0023"> CHAPTER XXII. — THE VICISSITUDES OF A + PREACHER. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0024"> CHAPTER XXIII. — HOW WE MANUFACTURE + POLITICAL FAITH. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0025"> CHAPTER XXIV. — MR. M'FADDEN SEES SHADOWS + IN THE FUTURE. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0026"> CHAPTER XXV. — HOW THEY STOLE THE PREACHER. + </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0027"> CHAPTER XXVI. — COMPETITION IN HUMAN + THINGS. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0028"> CHAPTER XXVII. — THE PRETTY CHILDREN ARE TO + BE SOLD. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0029"> CHAPTER XXVIII. — NATURE SHAMES ITSELF. + </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0030"> CHAPTER XXX. — THE VISION OF DEATH HAS + PAST. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0031"> CHAPTER XXXI. — A FRIEND IS WOMAN. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0032"> CHAPTER XXXII. — MARSTON IN PRISON. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0033"> CHAPTER XXXIII. — VENDERS OF HUMAN PROPERTY + ARE NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR ITS MENTAL CAPRICES. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0034"> CHAPTER XXXIV. — A COMMON INCIDENT SHORTLY + TOLD. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0035"> CHAPTER XXXV. — THE CHILDREN ARE IMPROVING. + </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0036"> CHAPTER XXXVI. — WORKINGS OF THE SLAVE + SYSTEM. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0037"> CHAPTER XXXVII. — AN ITEM IN THE COMMON + CALENDAR. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0038"> CHAPTER XXXVIII. — IN WHICH REGRETS ARE + SHOWN OF LITTLE WORTH. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0039"> CHAPTER XXXIX. — HOW WE SHOULD ALL BE + FORGIVING. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0040"> CHAPTER XL. — CONTAINING VARIOUS MATTERS. + </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0041"> CHAPTER XLI. — NICHOLAS'S SIMPLE STORY. + </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0042"> CHAPTER XLII. — HE WOULD DELIVER HER FROM + BONDAGE. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0043"> CHAPTER XLIII. — OTHER PHASES OF THE + SUBJECT. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0044"> CHAPTER XLIV. — HOW DADDY BOB DEPARTED. + </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0045"> CHAPTER XLV. — HOW SLAVEHOLDERS FEAR EACH + OTHER. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0046"> CHAPTER XLVI. — SOUTHERN ADMINISTRATION OF + JUSTICE. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0047"> CHAPTER XLVII. — PROSPERITY THE RESULT OF + JUSTICE. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0048"> CHAPTER XLVIII. — IN WHICH THE FATE OF + FRANCONIA IS SEEN. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0049"> CHAPTER XLIX. — IN WHICH IS A SAD + RECOGNITION. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0050"> CHAPTER L. — IN WHICH A DANGEROUS PRINCIPLE + IS ILLUSTRATED. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0051"> CHAPTER LI. — A CONTINUATION OF THE LAST + CHAPTER. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0052"> CHAPTER LII. — IN WHICH ARE PLEASURES AND + DISAPPOINTMENTS. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0053"> CHAPTER LIII. — A FAMILIAR SCENE, IN WHICH + PRINGLE BLOWERS HAS BUSINESS. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0054"> CHAPTER LIV. — IN WHICH ARE DISCOVERIES AND + PLEASANT SCENES. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0055"> CHAPTER LV. — IN WHICH IS A HAPPY MEETING, + SOME CURIOUS FACTS DEVELOPED, AND CLOTILDA'S HISTORY DISCLOSED. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0056"> CHAPTER LVI. — IN WHICH A PLOT IS + DISCLOSED, AND THE MAN-SELLER MADE TO PAY THE PENALTY OF HIS CRIMES. </a> + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2H_PREF" id="link2H_PREF"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + PREFACE. + </h2> + <p> + IN presenting this work to the public, we are fully conscious of the grave + charges of misrepresenting society, and misconstruing facts, which will be + made by our friends of the South, and its very peculiar institution; but + earnestly do we enjoin all such champions of "things as they are," to read + and well digest what is here set before them, believing that they will + find the TRUTH even "stranger than fiction." And, as an incentive to the + noble exertions of those, either North or South, who would rid our country + of its "darkest, foulest blot," we would say, that our attempt has been to + give a true picture of Southern society in its various aspects, and that, + in our judgment, the institution of Slavery is directly chargeable with + the various moral, social and political evils detailed in OUR WORLD. + </p> + <h3> + THE AUTHOR. + </h3> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <h1> + OUR WORLD + </h1> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0001" id="link2HCH0001"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER I. — MARSTON'S PLANTATION. + </h2> + <p> + ON the left bank of the Ashly River, in the State of South Carolina, and a + few miles from its principal city, is a plantation once the property of + Hugh Marston. It was near this spot, the brave Huguenots, fleeing + religious and political persecution, founded their first American + colony-invoked Heaven to guard their liberties-sought a refuge in a new + world! And it was here the pious Huguenot forgot his appeals to high + heaven-forgot what had driven him from his fatherland, and-unlike the + pilgrim fathers who planted their standard on "New England's happy + shore,"-became the first to oppress. It was here, against a fierce + tyranny, the gallant Yamassee, + </p> + <p> + A tribe of faithful and heroic Indians. loyal to his professed friend, + struggled and died for his liberty. It was here the last remnant of his + tribe fought the fierce battle of right over might! It was here, in this + domain, destined to be the great and powerful of nations-the asylum of an + old world's shelter seeking poor, and the proud embodiment of a people's + sovereignty,-liberty was first betrayed! It was here men deceived + themselves, and freedom proclaimers became freedom destroyers. And, too, + it was here Spanish cupidity, murderous in its search for gold, turned a + deaf ear to humanity's cries, slaughtered the friendly Indian, and + drenched the soil with his innocent blood. And it is here, at this moment, + slavery-fierce monster, threatening the peace of a happy people-runs riot + in all its savage vicissitudes, denying man his commonest birthright. + </p> + <p> + If history did but record the barbarous scenes yet enacted on the banks of + this lovely stream, the contrast with its calm surface sweeping gently + onward to mingle its waters with the great deep, would be strange indeed. + How mellowed by the calm beauty of a summer evening, the one!-how stained + with scenes of misery, torment, and death, the other! + </p> + <p> + Let us beg the reader to follow us back to the time when Marston is found + in possession of the plantation, and view it as it is when his friends + gather round him to enjoy his bounteous hospitality. + </p> + <p> + We have ascended the Ashly on a bright spring morning, and are at a jut + covered with dark jungle, where the river, about twenty rods wide, sweeps + slowly round ;-flowering brakes, waving their tops to and fro in the + breeze, bedeck the river banks, and far in the distance, on the left, + opens the broad area of the plantation. As we near it, a beautifully + undulating slope presents itself, bounded on its upper edge by a long line + of sombre-looking pines. Again we emerge beneath clustering foliage + overhanging the river; and from out this-sovereign of a southern clime-the + wild azalia and fair magnolia diffuse their fragrance to perfume the air. + From the pine ridge the slope recedes till it reaches a line of jungle, or + hedge, that separates it from the marshy bottom, extending to the river, + against which it is protected by a dyke. Most of the slope is under a high + state of cultivation, and on its upper edge is a newly cleared patch of + ground, which negroes are preparing for the cotton-seed. + </p> + <p> + Smoking piles burn here and there, burned stumps and trees point their + black peaks upward in the murky atmosphere, half-clad negroes in coarse + osnaburgs are busy among the smoke and fire: the scene presents a + smouldering volcano inhabited by semi-devils. Among the sombre denizens + are women, their only clothing being osnaburg frocks, made loose at the + neck and tied about the waist with a string: with hoes they work upon the + "top surface," gather charred wood into piles, and waddle along as if time + were a drug upon life. + </p> + <p> + Far away to the right the young corn shoots its green sprouts in a square + plat, where a few negroes are quietly engaged at the first hoeing. Being + tasked, they work with system, and expect, if they never receive, a share + of the fruits. All love and respect Marston, for he is generous and kind + to them; but system in business is at variance with his nature. His + overseer, however, is just the reverse: he is a sharp fellow, has an + unbending will, is proud of his office, and has long been reckoned among + the very best in the county. Full well he knows what sort of negro makes + the best driver; and where nature is ignorant of itself, the + accomplishment is valuable. That he watches Marston's welfare, no one + doubts; that he never forgets his own, is equally certain. From near + mid-distance of the slope we see him approaching on a bay-coloured horse. + The sun's rays are fiercely hot, and, though his features are browned and + haggard, he holds a huge umbrella in one hand and the inseparable whip in + the other. The former is his protector; the latter, his sceptre. John + Ryan, for such is his name, is a tall, athletic man, whose very look + excites terror. Some say he was born in Limerick, on the Emerald Isle, and + only left it because his proud spirit would not succumb to the unbending + rod England held over his poor bleeding country. + </p> + <p> + Running along the centre of the slope is a line of cotton-fields, in which + the young plants, sickly in spots, have reached a stage when they require + much nursing. Among them are men, women, and children, crouched on the + ground like so many sable spectres, picking and pulling at the roots to + give them strength. John Ryan has been keeping a sharp eye on them. He + will salute you with an air of independence, tell you how he hated + oppression and loved freedom, and how, at the present day, he is a great + democrat. Now, whether John left his country for his country's good, is a + question; but certain it is he dearly delights to ply the lash,-to whip + mankind merely for amusement's sake. In a word, John has a good Irish + heart within him, and he always lays particular emphasis on the good, when + he tells us of its qualities; but let us rather charge to the State that + spare use he makes of its gentler parts. + </p> + <p> + John Ryan, his face indicating tyranny stereotyped, has just been placing + drivers over each gang of workmen. How careful he was to select a + trustworthy negro, whose vanity he has excited, and who views his position + as dearly important. Our driver not unfrequently is the monster tyrant of + his circle; but whether from inclination to serve the interests of his + master, or a knowledge of the fierce system that holds him alike abject, + we know not. At times he is more than obedient to his master's will. + </p> + <p> + Excuse, reader, this distant view of the plantation at early spring, and + follow us back to the Ashly. Here we will still continue along the + river-bank, pass borders of thick jungle, flowering vines, and rows of + stately pines, their tops moaning in the wind,-and soon find we have + reached Marston's landing. This is situated at the termination of an + elevated plat extending from thence to the mansion, nearly a mile distant. + Three negroes lay basking on the bank; they were sent to wait our coming. + Tonio! Murel! Pompe!-they ejaculate, calling one another, as we surprise + them. They are cheerful and polite, are dressed in striped shirts and + trousers, receive us with great suavity of manner, present master's + compliments, tell us with an air of welcome that master will be "right + glad" to see us, and conclude by making sundry inquiries about our passage + and our "Missuses." Pompe, the "most important nigger" of the three, + expresses great solicitude lest we get our feet in the mud. Black as + Afric's purest, and with a face of great good nature, Pompe, in curious + jargon, apologises for the bad state of the landing, tells us he often + reminds Mas'r how necessary it is to have it look genteel. Pompe, more + than master, is deeply concerned lest the dignity of the plantation + suffer. + </p> + <p> + Planks and slabs are lain from the water's edge to the high ground on the + ridge, upon which we ascend to the crown, a piece of natural soil rising + into a beautiful convex of about six rods wide, extending to the garden + gate. We wend our way to the mansion, leaving Pompe and his assistants in + charge of our luggage, which they will see safely landed. The ridge forms + a level walk, sequestered by long lines of huge oaks, their massive + branches forming an arch of foliage, with long trailing moss hanging like + mourning drapery to enhance its rural beauty. At the extreme of this + festooned walk the mansion is seen dwindling into an almost imperceptible + perspective. There is something grand and impressive in the still arch + above us-something which revives our sense of the beauty of nature. + Through the trunks of the trees, on our right and left, extensive rice + fields are seen stretching far into the distance. The young blades are + shooting above the surface of the water, giving it the appearance of a + frozen sheet clothed with green, and protected from the river by a + serpentine embankment. How beautiful the expanse viewed from beneath these + hoary-headed oaks! + </p> + <p> + On the surface and along the banks of the river aligators are sporting; + moccason snakes twist their way along, and scouring kingfishers croak in + the balmy air. If a venerable rattlesnake warn us we need not fear-being + an honourable snake partaking of the old southerner's affected + chivalry;-he will not approach disguised;-no! he will politely give us + warning. But we have emerged from the mossy walk and reached a slab fence, + dilapidated and broken, which encloses an area of an acre of ground, in + the centre of which stands the mansion: the area seems to have been a + garden, which, in former days, may have been cultivated with great care. + At present it only presents a few beds rank with weeds. We are told the + gardener has been dismissed in consideration of his more lucrative + services in the corn-field. That the place is not entirely neglected, we + have only to add that Marston's hogs are exercising an independent right + to till the soil according to their own system. The mansion is a + quadrangular building, about sixty feet long by fifty wide, built of wood, + two stories high, having upper and lower verandas. + </p> + <p> + We pass the dilapidated gate, and reach it by a narrow passage through the + garden, on each side of which is a piece of antique statuary, broken and + defaced. Entering the lower veranda, we pace the quadrangle, viewing + innumerable cuttings and carvings upon the posts: they are initials and + full names, cut to please the vanity of those anxious to leave the Marston + family a memento. Again we arrive at the back of the mansion where the + quadrangle opens a courtyard filled with broken vines, blackened cedars, + and venerable-looking leaks;-they were once much valued by the ancient and + very respectable Marston family. A few yards from the left wing of the + mansion are the "yard houses"-little, comely cabins, about twelve feet by + twenty, and proportionately high. One is the kitchen: it has a dingy look, + the smoke issuing from its chinks regardless of the chimney; while from + its door, sable denizens, ragged and greasy, and straining their curious + faces, issue forth. The polished black cook, with her ample figure, is + foaming with excitement, lest the feast she is preparing for master's + guests may fail to sustain her celebrity. Conspicuous among these cabins + are two presenting a much neater appearance: they are brightly + whitewashed, and the little windows are decorated with flowering plants. + Within them there is an air of simple neatness and freshness we have + seldom seen surpassed; the meagre furniture seems to have been arranged by + some careful hand, and presents an air of cheerfulness in strange contrast + with the dingy cabins around. In each there is a neatly arranged bed, + spread over with a white cover, and by its side a piece of soft carpet. It + is from these we shall draw forth the principal characters of our story. + </p> + <p> + Upon a brick foundation, about twenty rods from the right wing of the + mansion, stands a wood cottage, occupied by the overseer. Mr. John Ryan + not being blessed with family, when Marston is not honoured with company + takes his meals at the mansion. In the distance, to the left, is seen a + long line of humble huts, standing upon piles, and occupied by promiscuous + negro families:—we say promiscuous, for the marriage-tie is of + little value to the master, nor does it give forth specific claim to + parentage. The sable occupants are beings of uncertainty; their toil is + for a life-time-a weary waste of hope and disappointment. Yes! their + dreary life is a heritage, the conditions of which no man would share + willingly. Victors of husbandry, they share not of the spoils; nor is the + sweat of their brows repaid with justice. + </p> + <p> + Near these cabins, mere specks in the distance, are two large sheds, under + which are primitive mills, wherein negroes grind corn for their humble + meal. Returning from the field at night, hungry and fatigued, he who gets + a turn at the mill first is the luckiest fellow. Now that the workpeople + are busily engaged on the plantation, the cabins are in charge of two + nurses, matronly-looking old bodies, who are vainly endeavouring to keep + in order numerous growing specimens of the race too young to destroy a + grub at the root of a cotton plant. The task is indeed a difficult one, + they being as unruly as an excited Congress. They gambol round the door, + make pert faces at old mamma, and seem as happy as snakes in the spring + sun. Some are in a nude state, others have bits of frocks covering hapless + portions of their bodies; they are imps of mischief personified, yet our + heart bounds with sympathy for them. Alive with comicality, they move us, + almost unconsciously, to fondle them. And yet we know not why we would + fondle the sable "rascals." One knot is larking on the grass, running, + toddling, yelling, and hooting; another, ankle-deep in mud, clench + together and roll among the ducks, work their clawy fingers through the + tufts of each other's crispy hair, and enjoy their childish sports with an + air of genial happiness; while a third sit in a circle beside an oak tree, + playing with "Dash," whose tail they pull without stint. "Dash" is the + faithful and favourite dog; he rather likes a saucy young "nigger," and, + while feeling himself equal to the very best in the clan, will permit the + small fry, without resenting the injury, to pull his tail. + </p> + <p> + It being "ration day," we must describe the serving, that being an + interesting phase of plantation life. Negroes have gathered into motley + groups around two weatherbeaten store-houses—the overseer has + retired to his apartment-when they wait the signal from the head driver, + who figures as master of ceremonies. One sings:—-"Jim Crack corn, + an' I don't care, Fo'h mas'r's gone away! way! way!" Another is croaking + over the time he saved on his task, a third is trying to play a trick with + the driver (come the possum over him), and a third unfolds the scheme by + which the extra for whiskey and molasses was raised. Presenting a sable + pot pourri, they jibber and croak among themselves, laugh and whistle, go + through the antics of the "break-down" dance, make the very air echo with + the music of their incomprehensible jargon. We are well nigh deafened by + it, and yet it excites our joy. We are amused and instructed; we laugh + because they laugh, our feelings vibrate with theirs, their quaint humour + forces itself into our very soul, and our sympathy glows with their happy + anticipations. The philosophy of their jargon is catching to our senses; + we listen that we may know their natures, and learn good from their + simplicity. He is a strange mortal who cannot learn something from a fool! + </p> + <p> + The happy moment has arrived: "Ho, boys!" is sounded,-the doors open, the + negroes stop their antics and their jargon; stores are exposed, and with + one dinning mutter all press into a half-circle at the doors, in one of + which stands the huge figure of Balam, the head driver. He gives a + scanning look at the circle of anxious faces; he would have us think the + importance of the plantation centred in his glowing black face. There he + stands-a measure in his hand-while another driver, with an air of less + dignity, cries out, with a stentorian voice, the names of the heads of + families, and the number of children belonging thereto. Thus, one by one, + the name being announced in muddled accents, they step forward, and + receive their corn, or rice, as may be. In pans and pails they receive it, + pass it to the younger members of the family; with running and scampering, + they carry the coarse allotment to their cabin with seeming cheerfulness. + Marston, esteemed a good master, always gives bacon, and to receive this + the negroes will gather round the store a second time. In this, the + all-fascinating bacon is concealed, for which the children evince more + concern; their eyes begin to shine brighter, their watchfulness becomes + more intent. Presently a negro begins to withdraw the meat, and as he + commences action the jargon gets louder, until we are deafened, and would + fain move beyond it. Just then, the important driver, with hand extended, + commands,-"Order!" at the very top of his loud voice. All is again still; + the man returns to his duty. The meat is somewhat oily and rancid, but + Balam cuts it as if it were choice and scarce. Another driver weighs it in + a pair of scales he holds in his hands; while still another, cutting the + same as before, throws it upon some chaff at the door, as if it were a + bone thrown to a hungry dog. How humbly the recipient picks it up and + carries it to his or her cabin! Not unfrequently the young "imps" will + scramble for it, string it upon skewers, and with great nonchalance throw + it over their shoulders, and walk off. If it bathe their backs with grease + so much more the comfort. Those little necessaries which add so much to + the negro's comfort, and of which he is so fond, must be purchased with + the result of his extra energy. Even this allowance may serve the boasted + hospitality; but the impression that there is a pennyworth of generosity + for every pound of parsimony, forces itself upon us. On his little spot, + by moonlight or starlight, the negro must cultivate for himself, that his + family may enjoy a few of those fruits of which master has many. How + miserable is the man without a spark of generosity in his soul; and how + much more miserable the man who will not return good for good's worth! To + the negro, kindness is a mite inspiring the impulses of a simple heart, + and bringing forth great good. + </p> + <p> + Let us again beg the reader to return with us to those conspicuous + cottages near the court-yard, and in which we will find several of our + characters. + </p> + <p> + We cross the threshold of one, and are accosted by a female who, speaking + in musical accents, invites us to sit down. She has none of Afric's blood + in her veins;-no! her features are beautifully olive, and the intonation + of her voice discovers a different origin. Her figure is tall and + well-formed; she has delicately-formed hands and feet, long, tapering + fingers, well-rounded limbs, and an oval face, shaded with melancholy. How + reserved she seems, and yet how quickly she moves her graceful figure! Now + she places her right hand upon her finely-arched forehead, parts the heavy + folds of glossy hair that hang carelessly over her brown shoulders, and + with a half-suppressed smile answers our salutation. We are welcome in her + humble cabin; but her dark, languishing eyes, so full of intensity, watch + us with irresistible suspicion. They are the symbols of her inward soul; + they speak through that melancholy pervading her countenance! The deep + purple of her cheek is softened by it, while it adds to her face that calm + beauty which moves the gentle of our nature. How like a woman born to fill + a loftier sphere than that to which a cruel law subjects her, she seems! + </p> + <p> + Neither a field nor a house servant, the uninitiated may be at a loss to + know what sphere on the plantation is her's? She is the mother of Annette, + a little girl of remarkable beauty, sitting at her side, playing with her + left hand. Annette is fair, has light auburn hair-not the first tinge of + her mother's olive invades her features. Her little cheerful face is lit + up with a smile, and while toying with the rings on her mother's fingers, + asks questions that person does not seem inclined to answer. Vivacious and + sprightly, she chatters and lisps until we become eager for her history. + "It's only a child's history," some would say. But the mother displays so + much fondness for it; and yet we become more and more excited by the + strange manner in which she tries to suppress an outward display of her + feelings. At times she pats it gently on the head, runs her hands through + its hair, and twists the ends into tiny ringlets. + </p> + <p> + In the next cabin we meet the shortish figure of a tawny female, whose + Indian features stand boldly out. Her high cheek bones, long glossy black + hair, and flashing eyes, are the indexes of her pedigree. "My master says + I am a slave:" in broken accents she answers our question. As she sits in + her chair near the fire-place of bricks, a male issue of the mixed blood + toddles round and round her, tossing her long coarse hair every time he + makes a circut. The little boy is much fairer than the brawny daughter who + seems his mother. Playful, and even mischievous, he delights in pulling + the hair which curls over his head; and when the woman calls him he + answers with a childish heedlessness, and runs for the door. Reader! this + woman's name is Ellen Juvarna; she has youth on her side, and though she + retains the name of her ancient sire, is proud of being master's mistress. + She tells us how comfortable she is; how Nicholas, for such is his name, + resembles his father, how he loves him, but how he fails to acknowledge + him. A feud, with its consequences, is kept up between the two cabins; and + while she makes many insinuations about her rival, tells us she knows her + features have few charms. Meanwhile, she assures us that neither good + looks nor sweet smiles make good mothers. "Nicholas!" she exclaims, "come + here; the gentlemen want to know all about papa." And, as she extends her + hand, the child answers the summons, runs across the room, fondles his + head in his mother's lap,-seems ashamed! + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0002" id="link2HCH0002"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER II. — HOW A NIGHT WAS SPENT ON MARSTON'S PLANTATION. + </h2> + <p> + EARTH is mantled with richest verdure; far away to the west and south of + the mansion the scene stretches out in calm grandeur. The sun sinks + beneath glowing clouds that crimson the horizon and spread refulgent + shadows on the distant hills, as darkness slowly steals its way on the + mellow landscape. + </p> + <p> + Motley groups of negroes are returned from the field, fires are lighted in + and about the cabins, and men mutter their curious jargon while moving to + prepare the coarse meal. Their anxious countenances form a picture wild + and deeply interesting. + </p> + <p> + Entering Marston's mansion, we find its interior neater than its + weather-stained and paintless sides portended. Through the centre runs a + broad passage, and on the left and right are large parlours, comfortably + furnished, divided by folding doors of carved walnut. We are ushered into + the one on the right by a yellow servant, who, neatly dressed in black, + has prepared his politeness for the occasion. With great suavity, + accompanied by a figurative grin, he informs us that master will pay his + respects presently. Pieces of singularly antique furniture are arranged + round the room, of which, he adds, master is proud indeed. Two plaster + figures, standing in dingy niches, he tells us are wonders of the white + man's genius. In his own random style he gives us an essay on the arts, + adding a word here and there to remind us of master's exquisite taste, and + anxiously waits our confirmation of what he says. + </p> + <p> + A large open fire-place, with fancifully carved framework and + mantel-pieces, in Italian marble of polished blackness, upon which stood + massive silver candlesticks, in chased work, denotes the ancient character + of the mansion. It has many years been the home of the ever-hospitable + Marston family. + </p> + <p> + In another part of the room is a mahogany side-board of antique pattern, + upon which stand sundry bottles and glasses, indicative of Marston having + entertained company in the morning. While we are contemplating the + furniture around us, and somewhat disappointed at the want of taste + displayed in its arrangement, the door opens, and Sam, the yellow servant, + bows Marston in with a gracious smile. It is in the south where the polite + part is played by the negro. Deacon Rosebrook and Elder Pemberton + Praiseworthy, a man of the world, follow Marston into the room. Marston is + rather tall of figure, robust, and frank of countenance. A florid face, + and an extremely large nose bordering on the red, at times give him an + aldermanic air. He rubs his fingers through the short, sandy-coloured hair + that bristles over a low forehead (Tom, the barber, has just fritted it) + smiles, and introduces us to his friends. He is vain-vanity belongs to the + slave world-is sorry his eyes are grey, but adds an assurance every now + and then that his blood is of the very best stock. Lest a doubt should + hang upon our mind, he asserts, with great confidence, that grey eyes + indicate pure Norman birth. As for phrenology! he never believed in a + single bump, and cites his own contracted forehead as the very strongest + proof against the theory. Indeed, there is nothing remarkable in our + host's countenance, if we except its floridness; but a blunt nose + protruding over a wide mouth and flat chin gives the contour of his face + an expression not the most prepossessing. He has been heard to say, "A man + who didn't love himself wasn't worth loving:" and, to show his belief in + this principle of nature, he adorns his face with thick red whiskers, not + the most pleasing to those unaccustomed to the hairy follies of a + fashionable southron. + </p> + <p> + Times are prosperous; the plantation puts forth its bounties, and Marston + withholds nothing that can make time pass pleasantly with those who honour + him with a visit. He is dressed in an elaborately cut black coat, with + sweeping skirts, a white vest, fancy-coloured pantaloons, and bright + boots. About his neck is an enormous shirt collar, turned carelessly over, + and secured with a plain black ribbon. Elder Praiseworthy is of lean + figure, with sharp, craven features. The people of the parish have a + doubtful opinion of him. Some say he will preach sermons setting forth the + divine right of slavery, or any other institution that has freedom for its + foe, provided always there is no lack of pay. As a divine, he is + particularly sensitive lest anything should be said disparagingly against + the institution he lends his aid to protect. That all institutions founded + in patriarchal usage are of God's creation, he holds to be indisputable; + and that working for their overthrow is a great crime, as well as an + unpardonable sin, he never had the slightest doubt. He is careful of his + clerical dress, which is of smoothest black; and remembering how essential + are gold-framed spectacles, arranges and re-arranges his with greatest + care. He is a great admirer of large books with gilt edges and very + expensive bindings. They show to best advantage in the southern parlour + library, where books are rarely opened. To say the Elder is not a man of + great parts, is to circulate a libel of the first magnitude. Indeed, he + liked big books for their solidity; they reminded him of great thoughts + well preserved, and sound principles more firmly established. At times he + had thought they were like modern democratic rights, linked to huge + comprehending faculties, such as was his good fortune to use when + expounding state rights and federal obligations. + </p> + <p> + Deacon Rosebrook is a comely, fair-faced man, a moderate thinker, a + charitable Christian, a very good man, who lets his deeds of kindness + speak of him. He is not a politician-no! he is a better quality of man, + has filled higher stations. Nor is he of the modernly pious-that is, as + piety professes itself in our democratic world, where men use it more as a + necessary appliance to subdue the mind than a means to improve + civilization. But he was always cautious in giving expression to his + sentiments, knowing the delicate sensibilities of those he had to deal + with, and fearing lest he might spring a democratic mine of very illiberal + indignation. + </p> + <p> + "Come, gentlemen guests, you are as welcome as the showers," says Marston, + in a stentorious voice: "Be seated; you are at home under my roof. Yes, + the hospitality of my plantation is at your service." The yellow man + removes a table that stood in the centre of the room, places chairs around + it, and each takes his seat. + </p> + <p> + "Pardon me, my dear Marston, you live with the comfort of a nabob. Wealth + seems to spring up on all sides," returns the Deacon, good-naturedly. + </p> + <p> + "And so I think," joins the Elder: "the pleasures of the plantation are + manifold, swimming along from day to day; but I fear there is one thing + our friend has not yet considered." + </p> + <p> + "Pray what is that? Let us hear it; let us hear it. Perhaps it is the very + piety of nonsense," rejoined Marston, quickly. "Dead men and devils are + always haunting us." The Elder draws his spectacles from his pocket, wipes + them with his silk handkerchief, adjusts them on his nose, and replies + with some effort, "The Future." + </p> + <p> + "Nothing more?" Marston inquires, quaintly: "Never contented; riches all + around us, favourable prospects for the next crop, prices stiff, markets + good, advices from abroad exciting. Let the future take care of itself; + you are like all preachers, Elder, borrowing darkness when you can't see + light." + </p> + <p> + "The Elder, so full of allegory!" whispers the Deacon. "He means a moral + condition, which we all esteem as a source of riches laid up in store for + the future." + </p> + <p> + "I discover; but it never troubles me while I take care of others. I pray + for my negro property-pray loudly and long. And then, their piety is a + charge of great magnitude; but when I need your assistance in looking + after it, be assured you will receive an extra fee." + </p> + <p> + "That's personal-personal, decidedly personal." + </p> + <p> + "Quite the reverse," returns Marston, suddenly smiling, and, placing his + elbows on the table, rests his face on his hands. "Religion is well in its + place, good on simple minds; just the thing to keep vassals in their + places: that's why I pay to have it talked to my property. Elder, I get + the worth of my money in seeing the excitement my fellows get into by + hearing you preach that old worn-out sermon. You've preached it to them so + long, they have got it by heart. Only impress the rascals that it's God's + will they should labour for a life, and they'll stick to it like Trojans: + they are just like pigs, sir." + </p> + <p> + "You don't comprehend me, my friend Marston: I mean that you should + prepare-it's a rule applicable to all-to meet the terrible that may come + upon us at any moment." The Elder is fearful that he is not quite explicit + enough. He continues: "Well, there is something to be considered;"-he is + not quite certain that we should curtail the pleasures of this life by + binding ourselves with the dread of what is to come. "Seems as if we owed + a common duty to ourselves," he ejaculates. + </p> + <p> + The conversation became more exciting, Marston facetiously attempting to + be humorous at the Elder's expense: "It isn't the pleasure, my dear + fellow, it's the contentment. We were all born to an end; and if that end + be to labour through life for others, it must be right. Everything is + right that custom has established right." + </p> + <p> + "Marston, give us your hand, my friend. 'Twould do to plead so if we had + no enemies, but enemies are upon us, watching our movements through + partizans' eyes, full of fierceness, and evil to misconstruct." + </p> + <p> + "I care not," interrupts Marston. "My slaves are my property-I shall do + with them as it pleases me; no insinuations about morality, or I shall + mark you on an old score. Do you sound? Good Elders should be good men; + but they, as well as planters, have their frailties; it would not do to + tell them all, lest high heaven should cry out." Marston points his + finger, and laughs heartily. "I wish we had seven lives to live, and they + were all as happy as most of our planters could desire to make them." + </p> + <p> + The Elder understood the delicate hint, but desiring to avoid placing + himself in an awkward position before the Deacon, began to change the + conversation, criticising the merits of several old pictures hung upon the + walls. They were much valued by Marston, as mementoes of his ancestry: of + this the Elder attempted in vain to make a point. During this + conversation, so disguised in meaning, the mulatto servant stood at the + door waiting Marston's commands. Soon, wine and refreshments were brought + in, and spread out in old plantation style. The company had scarcely + filled glasses, when a rap sounded at the hall door: a servant hastened to + announce a carriage; and in another minute was ushered into the room the + graceful figure of a young lady whose sweet and joyous countenance bespoke + the absence of care. She was followed by a genteelly-dressed young man of + straight person and placid features. + </p> + <p> + "Oh! Franconia," said Marston, rising from his seat, grasping her hand + affectionately, and bestowing a kiss on her fair cheek, for it was fair + indeed. + </p> + <p> + Taking her right hand in his left, he added, "My niece, gentlemen; my + brother's only daughter, and nearly spoiled with attentions." A pleasant + smile stole over her face, as gracefully she acknowledged the compliment. + In another minute three or four old negroes, moved by the exuberance of + their affection for her, gathered about her, contending with anxious faces + for the honour of seeing her comfortable. + </p> + <p> + "I love her!" continued Marston; "and, as well as she could a father, she + loves me, making time pass pleasantly with her cheerfulness." She was the + child of his affections; and as he spoke his face glowed with animation. + Scarce seventeen summers had bloomed upon his fair niece, who, though well + developed in form, was of a delicate constitution, and had inherited that + sensitiveness so peculiar to the child of the South, especially she who + has been cradled in the nursery of ease and refinement. As she spoke, + smiled, and raised her jewelled fingers, the grace accompanying the words + was expressive of love and tenderness. Turning to the gentleman who + accompanied her, "My friend!" she added, simply, with a frolicsome laugh. + A dozen anxious black faces were now watching in the hall, ready to + scamper round her ere she made her appearance to say, "How de'h!" to young + Missus, and get a glimpse at her stranger friend. After receiving a happy + salute from the old servants, she re-enters the room. "Uncle's always + drinking wine when I come;-but Uncle forgets me; he has not so much as + once asked me to join him!" She lays her hand on his arm playfully, smiles + cunningly, points reproachfully at the Elder, and takes a seat at her + uncle's side. The wine has seized the Elder's mind; he stares at her + through his spectacles, and holds his glass with his left hand. + </p> + <p> + "Come, Dandy," said Marston, addressing himself to the mulatto attendant, + "bring a glass; she shall join us." The glass is brought, Marston fills + it, she bows, they drink to her and to the buoyant spirits of the noble + southern lady. "I don't admire the habit; but I do like to please so," she + whispers, and, excusing herself, skips into the parlour on the right, + where she is again beset by the old servants, who rush to her, shake her + hand, cling playfully to her dress: some present various new-plucked + flowers others are become noisy with their chattering jargon. At length + she is so beset with the display of their affection as to be compelled to + break away from them, and call for Clotilda. "I must have Clotilda!" she + says: "Tell her to come soon, Dandy: she alone can arrange my dress." Thus + saying, she disappeared up a winding stair leading from the hall into the + second story. + </p> + <p> + We were anxious to know who Clotilda was, and why Franconia should summon + her with so much solicitude. Presently a door opened: Franconia appeared + at the top of the stairs, her face glowing with vivacity, her hair + dishevelled waving in beautiful confusion, giving a fascination to her + person. "I do wish she would come, I do!" she mutters, resting her hands + upon the banisters, and looking intently into the passage: "she thinks + more of fussing over Annette's hair, than she does about taking care of + mine. Well, I won't get cross-I won't! Poor Clotilda, I do like her; I + can't help it; it is no more than natural that she should evince so much + solicitude for her child: we would do the same." Scarcely had she uttered + these words, when the beautiful female we have described in the foregoing + chapter ran from her cabin, across the yard, into the mansion. "Where is + young Miss Franconia?" she inquires; looks hastily around, ascends the + stairs, greets Franconia with a fervent shake of the hand, commences + adjusting her hair. There is a marked similarity in their countenances: it + awakens our reflections. Had Clotilda exhibited that exactness of toilet + for which Franconia is become celebrated, she would excel in her + attractions. There was the same oval face, the same arched brows; there + was the same Grecian contour of features, the same sharply lined nose; + there was the same delicately cut mouth, disclosing white, pearly teeth; + the same eyes, now glowing with sentiment, and again pensive, indicating + thought and tenderness; there was the same classically moulded bust, a + shoulder slightly converging, of beautiful olive, enriched by a dark mole. + </p> + <p> + Clotilda would fain have kissed Franconia, but she dare not. "Clotilda, + you must take good care of me while I make my visit. Only do my hair + nicely, and I will see that Uncle gets a new dress for you when he goes to + the city. If Uncle would only get married, how much happier it would be," + says Franconia, looking at Clotilda the while. + </p> + <p> + "And me, too,-I would be happier!" Clotilda replies, resting her arms on + the back of Franconia's lolling chair, as her eyes assumed a melancholy + glare. She heaved a sigh. + </p> + <p> + "You could not be happier than you are; you are well cared for; Uncle will + never see you want; but you must be cheerful when I come, Clotilda,-you + must! To see you unhappy makes me feel unhappy." + </p> + <p> + "Cheerful!-its better said than felt. Can he or she be cheerful who is + forced to sin against God and himself? There is little to be cheerful + with, where the nature is not its own. Why should I be the despised wretch + at your Uncle's feet: did God, the great God, make me a slave to his + licentiousness?" + </p> + <p> + "Suppress such feelings, Clotilda; do not let them get the better of you. + God ordains all things: it is well to abide by His will, for it is sinful + to be discontented, especially where everything is so well provided. Why, + Uncle has learned you to read, and even to write." + </p> + <p> + "Ah! that's just what gave me light; through it I knew that I had a life, + and a soul beyond that, as valuable to me as yours is to you." + </p> + <p> + "Be careful, Clotilda," she interrupts; "remember there is a wide + difference between us. Do not cross Uncle; he is kind, but he may get a + freak into his head, and sell you." + </p> + <p> + Clotilda's cheeks brightened; she frowned at the word, and, giving her + black hair a toss from her shoulder, muttered, "To sell me!-Had you + measured the depth of pain in that word, Franconia, your lips had never + given it utterance. To sell me!-'tis that. The difference is wide indeed, + but the point is sharpest. Was it my mother who made that point so sharp? + It could not! a mother would not entail such misery on her offspring. That + name, so full of associations dear to me-so full of a mother's love and + tenderness,-could not reflect pain. Nay; her affections were bestowed upon + me,-I love to treasure them, I do. To tell me that a mother would entail + misery without an end, is to tell me that the spirit of love is without + good!" + </p> + <p> + "Do not make yourself unhappy, Clotilda. Perhaps you are as well with us + as you would be elsewhere. Even at the free north, in happy New England, + ladies would not take the notice of you we do: many of your class have + died there, poor and wretched, among the most miserable creatures ever + born to a sad end. And you are not black-" + </p> + <p> + "All is not truth that is told for such," Clotilda interrupts Franconia. + "If I were black, my life would have but one stream: now it is terrible + with uncertainty. As I am, my hopes and affections are blasted." + </p> + <p> + "Sit down, Clotilda," rejoins Franconia, quickly. + </p> + <p> + Clotilda, having lavished her skill on Franconia's hair, seats herself by + her side. Franconia affectionately takes her tapering hand and presses it + with her jewelled fingers. "Remember, Clotilda," she continues, "all the + negroes on the plantation become unhappy at seeing you fretful. It is well + to seem happy, for its influence on others. Uncle will always provide for + Annette and you; and he is kind. If he pays more attention to Ellen at + times, take no notice of it. Ellen Juvarna is Indian, moved to + peculiarities by the instincts of her race. Uncle is imprudent, I admit; + but society is not with us as it is elsewhere!" + </p> + <p> + "I care not so much for myself," speaks the woman, in a desponding voice; + "it is Annette; and when you spoke of her you touched the chord of all my + troubles. I can endure the sin forced upon myself; but, O heavens! how can + I butcher my very thoughts with the unhappy life that is before her? My + poor mother's words haunt me. I know her feelings now, because I can judge + them by my own-can see how her broken heart was crushed into the grave! + She kissed my hand, and said, 'Clotilda, my child, you are born to a cruel + death. Give me but a heart to meet my friends in judgment!'" + </p> + <p> + The child with the flaxen hair, humming a tune, came scampering up the + stairs into the room. It recognises Franconia, and, with a sportive laugh, + runs to her and fondles in her lap; then, turning to its mother, seems + anxious to divide its affections between them. Its features resembled + Franconia's-the similarity was unmistakeable; and although she fondled it, + talked with it, and smoothed its little locks, she resisted its attempts + to climb on her knee: she was cold. + </p> + <p> + "Mother says I look like you, and so does old Aunt Rachel, Miss + Franconia-they do," whispers the child, shyly, as it twisted its fingers + round the rings on Franconia's hand. Franconia blushed, and cast an + inquiring look at Clotilda. + </p> + <p> + "You must not be naughty," she says; "those black imps you play with + around Aunt Rachel's cabin teach you wrong. You must be careful with her, + Clotilda; never allow her to such things to white people: she may use such + expressions before strangers,-which would be extremely painful-" + </p> + <p> + "It seems too plain: if there be no social sin, why fear the degradation?" + she quietly interrupts. "You cannot keep it from the child. O, how I + should like to know my strange history, Franconia,-to know if it can be + that I was born to such cruel misfortunes, such bitter heart-achings, such + gloomy forebodings. If I were, then am I content with my lot." + </p> + <p> + Franconia listened attentively, saw the anguish that was bursting the + bounds of the unhappy woman's feelings, and interrupted by saying, "Speak + of it no more, Clotilda. Take your child; go to your cabin. I shall stay a + few days: to-morrow I will visit you there." As she spoke, she waved her + hand, bid Clotilda good night, kissing Annette as she was led down stairs. + Now alone, she begins to contemplate the subject more deeply. "It must be + wrong," she says to herself: "but few are brought to feel it who have the + power to remove it. The poor creature seems so unhappy; and my feelings + are pained when they tell me how much she looks like me—and it must + be so; for when she sat by my side, looking in the glass the portrait of + similarity touched my feelings deeply. 'Tis not the thing for Uncle to + live in this way. Here am I, loved and beloved, with the luxury of wealth, + and friends at my pleasure; I am caressed: she is but born a wretch to + serve my Uncle's vanity; and, too, were I to reproach him, he would laugh + at what he calls our folly, our sickly sensitiveness; he would tell me of + the pleasures of southern life, southern scenery, southern chivalry, + southern refinement;—yes, he would tell me how it were best to + credit the whole to southern liberality of custom:—so it continues! + There is a principle to be served after all: he says we are not sent into + the world to excommune ourselves from its pleasures. This may be good + logic, for I own I don't believe with those who want the world screwed up + into a religious vice; but pleasure is divided into so many different + qualities, one hardly knows which suits best now-a-days. Philosophers say + we should avoid making pleasure of that which can give pain to others; but + philosophers say so many things, and give so much advice that we never + think of following. Uncle has a standard of his own. I do, however, wish + southern society would be more circumspect, looking upon morality in its + proper light. Its all doubtful! doubtful! doubtful! There is Elder + Pemberton Praiseworthy; he preaches, preaches, preaches!—his + preaching is to live, not to die by. I do pity those poor negroes, who, + notwithstanding their impenetrable heads, are bored to death every Sunday + with that selfsame sermon. Such preaching, such strained effort, such + machinery to make men pious,—it's as soulless as a well. I don't + wonder the world has got to be so very wicked, when the wickedness of the + slavery church has become so sublime. And there's Uncle, too,—he's + been affected just in that way; hearing pious discourses to uphold that + which in his soul he knew to be the heaviest wickedness the world groaned + under, he has come to look upon religion as if it were a commodity too + stale for him. He sees the minister of God's Word a mere machine of task, + paid to do a certain amount of talking to negroes, endeavouring to impress + their simple minds with the belief that it is God's will they should be + slaves. And this is all for necessity's sake!" In this musing mood she + sits rocking in her chair, until at length, overcome with the heat, she + reclines her head against the cushion, resigning herself to the soothing + embrace of sweet sleep. + </p> + <p> + The moon's silver rays were playing on the calm surface of the river, the + foliage on its banks seemed bathed in quiet repose, the gentle breeze, + bearing its balmy odours, wafted through the arbour of oaks, as if to fan + her crimson cheeks; the azalia and magnolia combined their fragrance, + impregnating the dew falling over the scene, as if to mantle it with + beauty. She slept, a picture of southern beauty; her auburn tresses in + undulating richness playing to and fro upon her swelling bosom,-how + developed in all its delicacy!-her sensitive nature made more lovely by + the warmth and generosity of her heart. Still she slept, her youthful mind + overflowing with joy and buoyancy: about her there was a ravishing + simplicity more than earthly: a blush upon her cheek became deeper,-it was + the blush of love flashing in a dream, that tells its tale in nervous + vibrations, adding enchantment to sleeping voluptuousness;-and yet all was + sacred, an envied object no rude hand dare touch! + </p> + <p> + Franconia had been educated at the north, in a land where—God bless + the name—Puritanism is not quite extinct; and through the force of + principles there inculcated had outgrown much of that feeling which at the + south admits to be right what is basely wrong. She hesitated to reproach + Marston with the bad effect of his life, but resolved on endeavouring to + enlist Clotilda's confidence, and learn how far her degraded condition + affected her feelings. She saw her with the same proud spirit that burned + in her own bosom; the same tenderness, the same affection for her child, + the same hopes and expectations for the future, and its rewards. The + question was, what could be done for Clotilda? Was it better to reason + with her,-to, if possible, make her happy in her condition? Custom had + sanctioned many unrighteous inconsistencies: they were southern, nothing + more! She would intercede with her Uncle, she would have him sign free + papers for Clotilda and her child; she saw a relationship which the law + could not disguise, though it might crush out the natural affections. With + these thoughts passing in her mind, her imagination wandered until she + dropped into the sleep we have described. + </p> + <p> + There she slept, the blushes suffusing her cheeks, until old Aunt Rachel, + puffing and blowing like an exhausting engine, entered the room. Aunty is + the pink of a plantation mother: she is as black as the blackest, has a + face embodying all the good-nature of the plantation, boasts of her + dimensions, which she says are six feet, well as anybody proportioned. Her + head is done up in a flashy bandana, the points nicely crosslain, and + extending an elaborate distance beyond her ears, nearly covering the + immense circular rings that hang from them. Her gingham dress, starched + just so, her whitest white apron, never worn before missus come, sets her + off to great advantage. Aunty is a good piece of property-tells us how + many hundred dollars there is in her-feels that she has been promoted + because Mas'r told somebody he would not take a dollar less for her. She + can superintend the domestic affairs of the mansion just as well as + anybody. In one hand she bears a cup of orange-grove coffee, in the other + a fan, made of palmetto-leaves. + </p> + <p> + "Gi'h-e-you!" she exclaimed. "If young missus aint nappin' just so nice! I + likes to cotch 'em just so;" and setting her tray upon a stand, she views + Franconia intently, and in the exuberance of her feelings seats herself in + front of her chair, fanning her with the palmetto. The inquisitive and + affectionate nature of the good old slave was here presented in its + purity. Nothing can be stronger, nothing show the existence of happy + associations more forcibly. The old servant's attachment is + proverbial,-his enthusiasm knows no bounds,-Mas'r's comfort absorbs all + his thoughts. Here, Aunt Rachel's feelings rose beyond her power of + restraint: she gazed on her young missus with admiration, laughed, fanned + her more and more; then grasping her little jewelled hand, pressed it to + her spacious mouth and kissed it. "Young Missus! Franconia, I does lub ye + so!" she whispers. + </p> + <p> + "Why, Aunt Rachel!" ejaculated Franconia, starting suddenly: "I am glad + you wakened me, for I dreamed of trouble: it made me weak-nervous. Where + is Clotilda?" And she stared vacantly round the room, as if unconscious of + her position. "Guess 'e aint 'bout nowhere. Ye see, Miss, how she don't + take no care on ye,-takes dis child to stir up de old cook, when ye comes + to see us." And stepping to the stand she brings the salver; and in her + excitement to serve Missus, forgets that the coffee is cold. "Da'h he is; + just as nice as 'em get in de city. Rachel made 'em!" + </p> + <p> + "I want Clotilda, Rachel; you must bring her to me. I was dreaming of her + and Annette; and she can tell dreams-" + </p> + <p> + The old slave interrupts her. "If Miss Franconia hab had dream, 'e bad, + sartin. Old Mas'r spoil dat gal, Clotilda,-make her tink she lady, anyhow. + She mos' white, fo'h true; but aint no better den oder nigger on de + plantation," she returns. Franconia sips her coffee, takes a waf from the + plate as the old servant holds it before her, and orders Dandy to summon + Clotilda. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0003" id="link2HCH0003"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER III. — THINGS ARE NOT SO BRIGHT AS THEY SEEM. + </h2> + <p> + THE following morning broke forth bright and serene. Marston and his + guests, after passing a pleasant night, were early at breakfast. When + over, they joined him for a stroll over the plantation, to hear him + descant upon the prospects of the coming crop. Nothing could be more + certain, to his mind, than a bountiful harvest. The rice, cotton, and corn + grounds had been well prepared, the weather was most favourable, he had + plenty of help, a good overseer, and faithful drivers. "We have plenty,-we + live easy, you see, and our people are contented," he says, directing his + conversation to the young Englishman, who was suspected of being + Franconia's friend. "We do things different from what you do in your + country. Your countrymen will not learn to grow cotton: they manufacture + it, and hence we are connected in firm bonds. Cotton connects many things, + even men's minds and souls. You would like to be a planter, I know you + would: who would not, seeing how we live? Here is the Elder, as happy a + fellow as you'll find in forty. He can be as jolly as an Englishman over a + good dinner: he can think with anybody, preach with anybody!" Touching the + Elder on the shoulder, he smiles, and with an insinuating leer, smooths + his beard. "I am at your service," replies the Elder, folding his arms. + </p> + <p> + "I pay him to preach for my nigger property,-I pay him to teach them to be + good. He preaches just as I wants him to. My boys think him a little man, + but a great divine. You would like to hear the Elder on Sunday; he's funny + then, and has a very funny sermon, which you may get by heart without much + exertion." The young man seems indifferent to the conversation. He had not + been taught to realise how easy it was to bring religion into contempt. + </p> + <p> + "Make no grave charges against me, Marston; you carry your practical jokes + a little too far, Sir. I am a quiet man, but the feelings of quiet men may + be disturbed." The Elder speaks moodily, as if considering whether it were + best to resent Marston's trifling sarcasm. Deacon Rosebrook now interceded + by saying, with unruffled countenance, that the Elder had but one thing + funny about him,-his dignity on Sundays: that he was, at times, half + inclined to believe it the dignity of cogniac, instead of pious sentiment. + </p> + <p> + "I preach my sermon,-who can do more?" the Elder rejoins, with seeming + concern for his honour. "I thought we came to view the plantation?" + </p> + <p> + "Yes, true; but our little repartee cannot stop our sight. You preach your + sermon, Elder,—that is, you preach what there is left of it. It is + one of the best-used sermons ever manufactured. It would serve as a model + for the most stale Oxonian. Do you think you could write another like it? + It has lasted seven years, and served the means of propitiating the gospel + on seven manors. Can they beat that in your country?" says Marston, again + turning to the young Englishmam, and laughing at the Elder, who was + deliberately taking off his glasses to wipe the perspiration from his + forehead. + </p> + <p> + "Our ministers have a different way of patching up old sermons; but I'm + not quite sure about their mode of getting them," the young man replies, + takes Deacon Rosebrook's arm, and walks ahead. + </p> + <p> + "The Elder must conform to the doctrines of the South; but they say he + bets at the race-course, which is not an uncommon thing for our divines," + rejoins the Deacon, facetiously. + </p> + <p> + The Elder, becoming seriously inclined, thinks gentlemen had better avoid + personalities. Personalities are not tolerated in the South, where + gentlemen are removed far above common people, and protect themselves by + the code duello. He will expose Marston. + </p> + <p> + Marston's good capon sides are proof against jokes. He may crack on, that + individual says. + </p> + <p> + "My friend," interposed the Elder, "you desired me to preach to your + niggers in one style and for one purpose,-according to the rule of labour + and submission. Just such an one as your niggers would think the right + stripe, I preached, and it made your niggers wonder and gape. I'll pledge + you my religious faith I can preach a different-" + </p> + <p> + "Oh! oh! oh! Elder," interrupted Marston, "pledge something valuable." + </p> + <p> + "To me, my faith is the most sacred thing in the world. I will-as I was + going to say-preach to your moulding and necessities. Pay for it, and, on + my word, it shall be in the cause of the South! With the landmarks from my + planter customers, I will follow to their liking," continues Elder + Pemberton Praiseworthy, not a smile on his hard face. + </p> + <p> + Deacon Rosebrook thinks it is well said. Pay is the great desideratum in + everything. The Elder, though not an uncommon southern clergyman, is the + most versatile preacher to be met with in a day's walk. Having a wonderful + opinion of nigger knowledge, he preaches to it in accordance, receiving + good pay and having no objection to the wine. + </p> + <p> + "Well, Gentlemen," Marston remarks, coolly, "I think the Elder has borne + our jokes well; we will now go and moisten our lips. The elder likes my + old Madeira-always passes the highest compliments upon it." Having sallied + about the plantation, we return to the mansion, where Dandy, Enoch, and + Sam-three well-dressed mulattoes-their hair frizzed and their white aprons + looking so bright, meet us at the veranda, and bow us back into the + parlour, as we bear our willing testimony of the prospects of the crop. + With scraping of feet, grins, and bows, they welcome us back, smother us + with compliments, and seem overwilling to lavish their kindness. From the + parlour they bow us into a long room in the right wing, its walls being + plain boarded, and well ventilated with open seams. A table is spread with + substantial edibles,-such as ham, bacon, mutton, and fish. These represent + the southern planter's fare, to which he seldom adds those pastry + delicacies with which the New Englander is prone to decorate his table. + The party become seated as Franconia graces the festive board with her + presence, which, being an incentive of gallantry, preserves the nicest + decorum, smooths the conversation. The wine-cup flows freely; the Elder + dips deeply-as he declares it choice. Temperance being unpopular in the + south, it is little regarded at Marston's mansion. As for Marston himself, + he is merely preparing the way to play facetious jokes on the Elder, whose + arm he touches every few minutes, reminding him how backward he is in + replenishing his glass. + </p> + <p> + Not at all backward in such matters, the Elder fills up, asks the pleasure + of drinking his very good health, and empties the liquid into the safest + place nearest at hand. Repeated courses have their effect; Marston is + pleased, the Elder is mellow. With muddled sensibilities his eyes glare + wildly about the table, and at every fresh invitation to drink he begs + pardon for having neglected his duty, fingers the ends of his cravat, and + deposits another glass,-certainly the very last. Franconia, perceiving her + uncle's motive, begs to be excused, and is escorted out of the room. Mr. + Praiseworthy, attempting to get a last glass of wine to his lips without + spilling, is quite surprised that the lady should leave. He commences + descanting on his own fierce enmity to infidelity and catholicism. He + would that everybody rose up and trampled them into the dust; both are + ruinous to negro property. + </p> + <p> + Marston coolly suggests that the Elder is decidedly uncatholicised. + </p> + <p> + "Elder," interrupted Deacon Rosebrook, touching him on the shoulder, "you + are modestly undone-that is, very respectably sold to your wine." + </p> + <p> + "Yes," rejoined Marston; "I would give an extra ten dollars to hear him + preach a sermon to my niggers at this moment." + </p> + <p> + "Villainous inconsistency!" exclaimed the Elder, in an indistinct voice, + his eyes half closed, and the spectacles gradually falling from his nose. + "You are scandalising my excellent character, which can't be replaced with + gold." Making another attempt to raise a glass of wine to his lips, as he + concluded, he unconsciously let the contents flow into his bosom, instead + of his mouth. + </p> + <p> + "Well, my opinion is, Elder, that if you get my nigger property into + heaven with your preaching, there'll be a chance for the likes of me," + said Marston, watching the Elder intently. It was now evident the party + were all becoming pretty deeply tinctured. Rosebrook thought a minister of + the gospel, to get in such a condition, and then refer to religious + matters, must have a soul empty to the very core. There could be no better + proof of how easily true religion could be brought into contempt. The + Elder foreclosed with the spirit, considered himself unsafe in the chair, + and was about to relieve it, when Dandy caught him in his arms like a + lifeless mass, and carried him to a settee, upon which he spread him, like + a substance to be bleached in the sun. + </p> + <p> + "Gentlemen! the Elder is completely unreverenced,-he is the most versatile + individual that ever wore black cloth. I reverence him for his qualities," + says Marston: then, turning to Maxwell, he continued, "you must excuse + this little joviality; it occurs but seldom, and the southern people take + it for what it is worth, excusing, or forgetting its effects." + </p> + <p> + "Don't speak of it-it's not unlike our English do at times-nor do our + ministers form exceptions; but they do such things under a monster + protection, without reckoning the effect," the Englishman replied, looking + round as if he missed the presence of Franconia. + </p> + <p> + The Elder, soon in a profound sleep, was beset by swarms of mosquitoes + preying upon his haggard face, as if it were good food. "He's a pretty + picture," says Marston, looking upon the sleeping Elder with a frown, and + then working his fingers through his crispy red hair. "A hard subject for + the student's knife he'll make, won't he?" To add to the comical + appearance of the reverend gentleman, Marston, rising from his seat, + approached him, drew the spectacles from his pocket, and placed them on + the tip of his nose, adding piquancy to his already indescribable + physiognomy. + </p> + <p> + "Don't you think this is carrying the joke a point too far?" asked Deacon + Rosebrook, who had been some time silently watching the prostrate + condition of Elder Pemberton Praiseworthy. + </p> + <p> + Marston shrugs his shoulders, whispers a word or two in the ear of his + friend Maxwell, twirls his glass upon the table. He is somewhat cautious + how he gives an opinion on such matters, having previously read one or two + law books; but believes it does'nt portray all things just right. He has + studied ideal good-at least he tells us so-if he never practises it; + finally, he is constrained to admit that this 'ere's all very well once in + a while, but becomes tiresome—especially when kept up as strong as + the Elder does it. He is free to confess that southern mankind is + curiously constituted, too often giving license to revelries, but + condemning those who fall by them. He feels quite right about the Elder's + preaching being just the chime for his nigger property; but, were he a + professing Christian, it would'nt suit him by fifty per cent. There is + something between the mind of a "nigger" and the mind of a white man,—something + he can't exactly analyse, though he is certain it is wonderfully + different; and though such preaching can do niggers no harm, he would just + as soon think of listening to Infidelity. Painful as it was to acknowledge + the fact, he only appeared at the "Meet'n House" on Sundays for the looks + of the thing, and in the hope that it might have some influence with his + nigger property. Several times he had been heard to say it was mere + machine-preaching-made according to pattern, delivered according to price, + by persons whose heads and hearts had no sympathy with the downcast. + </p> + <p> + "There's my prime fellow Harry; a right good fellow, worth nine hundred, + nothing short, and he is a Christian in conscience. He has got a kind of a + notion into his head about being a divine. He thinks, in the consequence + of his black noddle, that he can preach just as well as anybody; and, + believe me, he can't read a letter in the book,—at least, I don't + see how he can. True, he has heard the Elder's sermon so often that he has + committed every word of it to memory,—can say it off like a + plantation song, and no mistake." Thus Marston discoursed. And yet he + declared that nobody could fool him with the idea of "niggers" having + souls: they were only mortal,—he would produce abundant proof, if + required. + </p> + <p> + Deacon Rosebrook listened attentively to this part of Marston's discourse. + "The task of proving your theory would be rendered difficult if you were + to transcend upon the scale of blood," he replied, getting up and + spreading his handkerchief over the Elder's face, to keep off the + mosquitoes. + </p> + <p> + "When our most learned divines and philosophers are the stringent + supporters of the principle, what should make the task difficult? + Nevertheless, I admit, if my fellow Harry could do the preaching for our + plantation, no objections would be interposed by me; on the contrary, I + could make a good speculation by it. Harry would be worth two common + niggers then. Nigger property, christianised, is the most valuable of + property. You may distinguish a christianised nigger in a moment; and + piety takes the stubborn out of their composition better than all the + cowhides you can employ; and, too, it's a saving of time, considering that + it subdues so much quicker," says Marston, stretching back in his chair, + as he orders Dandy to bring Harry into his presence. He will tell them + what he knows about preaching, the Elder's sermon, and the Bible! + </p> + <p> + Maxwell smiles at such singularly out of place remarks on religion. They + are not uncommon in the south, notwithstanding. + </p> + <p> + A few minutes elapsed, when Dandy opened the door, and entered the room, + followed by a creature-a piece of property!-in which the right of a soul + had been disputed, not alone by Marston, but by southern ministers and + southern philosophers. The thing was very good- looking, very black;-it + had straight features, differing from the common African, and stood very + erect. We have said he differed from the common African-we mean, as he is + recognised through our prejudices. His forehead was bold and + well-developed-his hair short, thick and crispy, eyes keen and piercing, + cheeks regularly declining into a well-shaped mouth and chin. Dejected and + forlorn, the wretch of chance stood before them, the fires of a burning + soul glaring forth from his quick, wandering eyes. "There!" exclaimed + Marston. "See that," pointing at his extremes; "he has foot enough for a + brick-maker, and a head equal to a deacon-no insinuation, my friend," + bowing to Deacon Rosebrook. "They say it takes a big head to get into + Congress; but I'm afraid, Harry, I'd never get there." + </p> + <p> + The door again opened, and another clever-looking old negro, anxious to + say "how de do" to mas'r and his visitors, made his appearance, bowing, + and keeping time with his foot. "Oh, here's my old daddy-old Daddy Bob, + one of the best old niggers on the plantation; Harry and Bob are my + deacons. There,—stand there, Harry; tell these gentlemen,—they + are right glad to see you,—what you know about Elder Praiseworthy's + sermon, and what you can do in the way of preaching," says Marston, + laughing good-naturedly. + </p> + <p> + "Rather a rough piece of property to make a preacher of," muttered + Maxwell. + </p> + <p> + The poor fellow's feet were encrusted as hard as an alligator's back; and + there he stood, a picture upon which the sympathies of Christendom were + enlisted-a human object without the rights of man, in a free republic. He + held a red cap in his left hand, a pair of coarse osnaburg trousers + reached a few inches below his knees, and, together with a ragged shirt of + the same material, constituted his covering. + </p> + <p> + "You might have dressed yourself before you appeared before gentlemen from + abroad-at least, put on your new jacket," said Marston. + </p> + <p> + "Why, mas'r, t'ant de clothes. God neber make Christian wid'e his clothes + on;-den, mas'r, I gin' my new jacket to Daddy Bob. But neber mind him, + mas'r-you wants I to tell you what I tinks ob de Lor. I tink great site ob + the Bible, mas'r, but me don' tink much ob Elder's sermon, mas'r." + </p> + <p> + "How is that, Harry?" interrupted the deacon. + </p> + <p> + "Why, Mas'r Deacon, ye sees how when ye preaches de good tings ob de Lor', + ye mus'nt 'dulge in 'e wicked tings on 'arth. A'h done want say Mas'r + Elder do dem tings-but 'e seem to me t' warn't right wen 'e join de + wickedness ob de world, and preach so ebery Sunday. He may know de varse, + and de chapter, but 'e done preach what de Lor' say, nohow." + </p> + <p> + "Then you don't believe in a one-sided sermon, Harry?" returned the + deacon, while Marston and Maxwell sat enjoying the negro's simple opinion + of the Elder's sermon. + </p> + <p> + "No, mas'r. What the Bible teach me is to lob de Lor'-be good myself, and + set example fo'h oders. I an't what big white Christian say must be good, + wen 'e neber practice him,—but I good in me heart when me tink what + de Lor' say be good. Why, mas'r, Elder preach dat sarmon so many Sundays, + dat a' forgot him three times, since me know 'im ebery word," said Harry; + and his face began to fill with animation and fervency. + </p> + <p> + "Well, now, Harry, I think you are a little too severe on the Elder's + sermon; but if you know so much about it, give these gentlemen a small + portion of it, just to amuse them while the Elder is taking a nap," said + Marston. + </p> + <p> + "Ay, mas'r, be nap dat way too often for pious man what say he lobe de + Lor'," replied Harry; and drawing himself into a tragic attitude, making + sundry gesticulations, and putting his hand to his forehead, commenced + with the opening portion of the Elder's sermon. "And it was said-Servants + obey your masters, for that is right in the sight of the Lord," and with a + style of native eloquence, and rich cantation, he continued for about ten + minutes, giving every word, seriatim, of the Elder's sermon; and would + have kept it up, in word and action, to the end, had he not been stopped + by Marston. All seemed astonished at his power of memory. Maxwell begged + that he might be allowed to proceed. + </p> + <p> + "He's a valuable fellow, that-eh?" said Marston. "He'll be worth + three-sixteenths of a rise on cotton to all the planters in the + neighbourhood, by-and-by. He's larned to read, somehow, on the sly-isn't + it so, Harry? come, talk up!" + </p> + <p> + "Yes, mas'r, I larn dat when you sleepin'; do Lor' tell me his spirit + warn't in dat sarmon what de Elder preach,—dat me must sarch de good + book, and make me own tinking valuable. Mas'r tink ignorant nigger lob him + best, but t'ant so, mas'r. Good book make heart good, and make nigger love + de Lor', and love mas'r too." + </p> + <p> + "I'll bet the rascal's got a Bible, or a Prayer-book, hid up somewhere. He + and old Daddy Bob are worse on religion than two old coons on a + fowl-yard," said Marston. Here old Aunt Rachel entered the room to fuss + around a little, and have a pleasant meeting with mas'r's guests. Harry + smiled at Marston's remark, and turned his eyes upward, as much as to say, + "a day will come when God's Word will not thus be turned into ridicule!" + </p> + <p> + "And he's made such a good old Christian of this dark sinner, Aunt Rachel, + that I wouldn't take two thousand dollars for her. I expect she'll be + turning preacher next, and going north to join the abolitionists." + </p> + <p> + "Mas'r," said Rachel, "'t wouldn't do to mind what you say. Neber mind, + you get old one ob dese days; den you don't make so much fun ob old + Rachel." + </p> + <p> + "Shut up your corn-trap," Marston says, smiling; and turning to his + guests, continues-"You hear that, gentlemen; she talks just as she + pleases, directs my household as if she were governor." Again, Aunt + Rachel, summoning her dignity, retorts, + </p> + <p> + "Not so, Mas'r Deacon, (turning to Deacon Rosebrook,) "'t won't square t' + believe all old Boss tell, dat it won't! Mas'r take care ob de two cabins + in de yard yonder, while I tends de big house." Rachel was more than a + match for Marston; she could beat him in quick retort. The party, + recognising Aunt Rachel's insinuation, joined in a hearty laugh. The + conversation was a little too pointed for Marston, who, changing the + subject, turned to Harry, saying, "now, my old boy, we'll have a little + more of your wisdom on religious matters." Harry had been standing the + while like a forlorn image, with a red cap in his hand. + </p> + <p> + "I can preach, mas'r; I can do dat, fo'h true," he replied quickly. "But + mas'r, nigger got to preach against his colour; Buckra tink nigger + preachin' ain't good, cus he black." + </p> + <p> + "Never mind that, Harry," interrupts Marston: "We'll forget the nigger, + and listen just as if it were all white. Give us the very best specimen of + it. Daddy Bob, my old patriarch, must help you; and after you get through, + he must lift out by telling us all about the time when General Washington + landed in the city; and how the people spread carpets, at the landing, for + him to walk upon." The entertainment was, in Marston's estimation, quite a + recherch‚ concern: that his guests should be the better pleased, the + venerable old Daddy Bob, his head white with goodly years of toil, and + full of genuine negro humour, steps forward to perform his part. He makes + his best bows, his best scrapes, his best laughs; and says, "Bob ready to + do anything to please mas'r." He pulls the sleeves of his jacket, looks + vacantly at Harry, is proud to be in the presence of mas'r's guests. He + tells them he is a better nigger "den" Harry, points to his extremes, + which are decorated with a pair of new russet broghans. + </p> + <p> + "Daddy's worth his weight in gold," continues Marston, "and can do as much + work as any nigger on the plantation, if he is old." + </p> + <p> + "No, no, mas'r; I ain't so good what I was. Bob can't tote so much wid de + hoe now. I work first-rate once, mas'r, but 'a done gone now!" + </p> + <p> + "Now, Bob, I want you to tell me the truth,—niggers will lie, but + you are an exception, Bob; and can tell the truth when there's no bacon in + the way." + </p> + <p> + "Gih! Mas'r, I do dat sartin," replied Bob, laughing heartily, and pulling + up the little piece of shirt that peeped out above the collar of his + jacket. + </p> + <p> + "How did Harry and you come by so much knowledge of the Bible? you got one + somewhere, hav'n't you?" enquired Marston, laconically. + </p> + <p> + This was rather a "poser" on Bob; and, after stammering and mumbling for + some time-looking at Harry slyly, then at Marston, and again dropping his + eyes on the floor, he ejaculated, + </p> + <p> + "Well, mas'r, 'spose I might as well own 'im. Harry and me got one, for + sartin!" + </p> + <p> + "Ah, you black rascals, I knew you had one somewhere. Where did you get + it? That's some of Miss Franconia's doings." + </p> + <p> + "Can't tell you, mas'r, whar I got him; but he don't stop my hoein' corn, + for' true." + </p> + <p> + Franconia had observed Harry's tractableness, and heard him wish for a + Bible, that he might learn to read from it,—and she had secretly + supplied him with one. Two years Harry and Daddy Bob had spent hours of + the night in communion over it; the latter had learned to read from it, + the former had imbibed its great truths. The artless girl had given it to + them in confidence, knowing its consolatory influences and that they, with + a peculiar firmness in such cases, would never betray her trust. Bob would + not have refused his master any other request; but he would never disclose + the secret of Miss Franconia giving it. + </p> + <p> + "Well, my old faithful," said Marston, "we want you to put the sprit into + Harry; we want to hear a sample of his preaching. Now, Harry, you can + begin; give it big eloquence, none of the new fashion preaching, give us + the old plantation break-down style." + </p> + <p> + The negro's countenance assumed a look indicative of more than his lips + dare speak. Looking upward pensively, he replied,—"Can't do dat, + mas'r; he ain't what do God justice; but there is something in de text,—where + shall I take 'em from?" + </p> + <p> + "Ministers should choose their own; I always do," interrupted Deacon + Rosebrook. + </p> + <p> + Daddy Bob, touching Harry on the arm, looks up innocently, interposes his + knowledge of Scripture. "D'ar, Harry, I tells you what text to gin 'em. + Gin 'em dat one from de fourt' chapter of Ephes: dat one whar de Lor' say:—'Great + mas'r led captivity captive, and gin gifts unto men.' And whar he say, + 'Till we come unto a unity of the faith of the knowledge of the son of God + unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of + Christ; that we be no more children tossed to and fro, and carried about + with every wind of doctrine, by the slight of men, and cunning craftiness, + whereby they lay in wait to deceive.'" + </p> + <p> + "And you tink dat 'll do,—eh, Daddy?" Harry replies, looking at the + old man, as if to say, were he anything but a slave he would follow the + advice. + </p> + <p> + "Den, dars t' oder one, away 'long yonder, where 'e say in Isaiah, + fifty-eight chapter—'Wherefore have we fasted, say they, and thou + seest not? Wherefore have we afflicted our soul, and thou takest no + knowledge? Behold ye fast for strife and debate, and to smite with the + fist of wickedness." The old man seemed perfectly at home on matters of + Scripture; he had studied it in stolen moments. + </p> + <p> + The young Englishman seemed surprised at such a show of talent. He saw the + humble position of the old man, his want of early instruction, and his + anxiety to be enlightened. "How singular!" he ejaculated, "to hear + property preach, and know so much of the Bible, too! People in my country + would open their eyes with surprise." The young man had been educated in + an atmosphere where religion was prized-where it was held as a sacred + element for the good of man. His feelings were tenderly susceptible; the + scene before him awakened his better nature, struck deep into his mind. He + viewed it as a cruel mockery of Christianity, a torture of innocent + nature, for which man had no shame. He saw the struggling spirit of the + old negro contending against wrong,—his yearnings for the teachings + of Christianity, his solicitude for Marston's good. And he saw how man had + cut down the unoffending image of himself-how Christian ministers had + become the tyrant's hand-fellow in the work of oppression. It incited him + to resolution; a project sprung up in his mind, which, from that day + forward, as if it had been a new discovery in the rights of man, he + determined to carry out in future, for the freedom of his fellows. + </p> + <p> + Harry, in accordance with Bob's advice, chose the latter text. For some + minutes he expounded the power of divine inspiration, in his simple but + impressive manner, being several times interrupted by the Deacon, who + assumed the right of correcting his philosophy. At length, Marston + interrupted, reminding him that he had lost the "plantation gauge." "You + must preach according to the Elder's rule," said he. + </p> + <p> + With a submissive stare, Harry replied: "Mas'r, a man what lives fo'h dis + world only is a slave to himself; but God says, he dat lives fo'h de world + to come, is the light of life coming forth to enjoy the pleasures of + eternity;" and again he burst into a rhapsody of eloquence, to the + astonishment and admiration of Maxwell, and even touching the feelings of + Marston, who was seldom moved by such displays. Seeing the man in the + thing of merchandise, he inclined to look upon him as a being worthy of + immortality; and yet it seemed next to impossible that he should bring his + natural feelings to realise the simple nobleness that stood before him,—the + man beyond the increase of dollars and cents in his person! The coloured + winter's hand leaned against the mantel-piece, watching the changes in + Marston's countenance, as Daddy stood at Harry's side, in patriarchal + muteness. A tear stealing down Maxwell's cheek told of the sensation + produced; while Marston, setting his elbow on the table, supported his + head in his hands, and listened. The Deacon, good man that he was, filled + his glass,—as if to say, "I don't stand nigger preaching." As for + the Elder, his pishes and painful gurglings, while he slept, were a source + of much annoyance. Awaking suddenly-raising himself to a half-bent + position-he rubs his little eyes, adjusts his spectacles on his nose, + stares at Harry with surprise, and then, with quizzical demeanour, leaves + us to infer what sort of a protest he is about to enter. He, however, + thinks it better to say nothing. + </p> + <p> + "Stop, Harry," says Marston, interrupting him in a point of his discourse: + then turning to his guests, he inquired, with a look of ridicule, + "Gentlemen, what have you got to say against such preaching? Elder, you + old snoring Christian, you have lost all the best of it. Why didn't you + wake up before?" + </p> + <p> + "Verri-ly, truly! ah, indeed: you have been giving us a monkey-show with + your nigger, I suppose. I thought I'd lost nothing; you should remember, + Marston, there's a future," said the Elder, winking and blinking + sardonically. + </p> + <p> + "Yes, old boosey," Marston replies, with an air of indifference, "and you + should remember there's a present, which you may lose your way in. That + venerable sermon won't keep you straight-" + </p> + <p> + The Elder is extremely sensitive on this particular point-anything but + speak disparagingly of that sermon. It has been his stock in trade for + numerous years. He begs they will listen to him for a minute, excuse this + little trifling variation, charge it to the susceptibility of his + constitution. He is willing to admit there is capital in his example which + may be used for bad purposes, and says, "Somehow, when I take a little, it + don't seem to go right." Again he gives a vacant look at his friends, gets + up, resting his hands on the table, endeavours to keep a perpendicular, + but declares himself so debilitated by his sleep that he must wait a + little longer. Sinking back upon the settee, he exclaims, "You had better + send that nigger to his cabin." This was carrying the amusement a little + beyond Marston's own "gauge," and it being declared time to adjourn, + preparations were made to take care of the Elder, who was soon placed + horizontally in a waggon and driven away for his home. "The Elder is gone + beyond himself, beyond everything," said Marston, as they carried him out + of the door. "You can go, Harry, I like your preaching; bring it down to + the right system for my property, and I'll make a dollar or two out of it + yet," he whispers, shaking his head, as Harry, bowing submissively, leaves + the door. + </p> + <p> + Just as they were making preparations to retire, a carriage drove to the + gate, and in the next minute a dashing young fellow came rushing into the + house, apparently in great anxiety. He was followed by a well-dressed man, + whose countenance and sharp features, full of sternness, indicated much + mechanical study. He hesitated as the young man advanced, took Marston by + the hand, nervously, led him aside, whispered something in his ear. Taking + a few steps towards a window, the intruder, for such he seemed, stood + almost motionless, with his eyes firmly and watchfully fixed upon them, a + paper in his right hand. "It is too often, Lorenzo; these things may prove + fatal," said Marston, giving an inquiring glance at the man, still + standing at the window. + </p> + <p> + "I pledge you my honour, uncle, it shall be the last time," said the young + stranger. "Uncle, I have not forgotten your advice." Marston, much + excited, exhibited changes of countenance peculiar to a man labouring + under the effect of sudden disappointment. Apologising to his guests, he + dismissed them-with the exception of Maxwell-ordered pen and ink, drew a + chair to the table, and without asking the stranger to be seated, signed + his name to a paper. While this was being done, the man who had waited in + silence stepped to the door and admitted two gentlemanly-looking men, who + approached Marston and authenticated the instrument. It was evident there + was something of deep importance associated with Marston's signature. No + sooner had his pen fulfilled the mission, than Lorenzo's face, which had + just before exhibited the most watchful anxiety, lighted up with joy, as + if it had dismantled its care for some new scene of worldly prosperity. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0004" id="link2HCH0004"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER IV. — AN UNEXPECTED CONFESSION. + </h2> + <p> + HAVING executed the document, Marston ordered one of the servants to show + Maxwell his room. The persons who had acted the part of justices, + authenticating the instrument, withdrew without further conversation; + while the person who had followed Lorenzo, for such was the young man's + name, remained as if requiring some further negotiation with Marston. He + approached the table sullenly, and with one hand resting upon it, and the + other adjusted in his vest, deliberately waited the moment to interrupt + the conversation. This man, reader, is Marco Graspum, an immense dealer in + human flesh,—great in that dealing in the flesh and blood of mankind + which brings with it all the wickedness of the demon. It is almost + impossible to conceive the suddenness with which that species of trade + changes man into a craving creature, restless for the dross of the world. + There he was, the heartless dealer in human flesh, dressed in the garb of + a gentleman, and by many would have been taken as such. Care and anxiety + sat upon his countenance; he watched the chances of the flesh market, + stood ready to ensnare the careless youth, to take advantage of the + frailer portions of a Southerner's noble nature. "A word or two with you, + Mr. Marston," said he. + </p> + <p> + "Sit down, Graspum, sit down," Marston rejoined, ordering Dandy to give + him a chair; which being done he seats himself in front of Marston, and + commences dilating upon his leniency. "You may take me for an importune + feller, in coming this time o'night, but the fact is I've been-you know my + feelings for helpin' everybody-good-naturedly drawn into a very bad scrape + with this careless young nephew of yourn: he's a dashing devil, and you + don't know it, he is. But I've stood it so long that I was compelled to + make myself sure. This nephew of yourn," said he, turning to Lorenzo, + "thinks my money is made for his gambling propensities, and if he has used + your name improperly, you should have known of it before." At this + Lorenzo's fine open countenance assumed a glow of indignation, and turning + to his uncle, with a nervous tremor, he said, "Uncle, he has led me into + this trouble. You know not the snares of city life; and were I to tell you + him-this monster-yea, I say monster, for he has drawn me into a snare like + one who was seeking to devour my life-that document, uncle, which he now + holds in his hand saves me from a shame and disgrace which I never could + have withstood before the world." + </p> + <p> + "Ah! you are just like all gamblers: never consider yourself in the light + of bringing yourself into trouble. Take my advice, young man; there is a + step in a gambler's life to which it is dangerous to descend, and if you + have brought your father and uncle into trouble, blame neither me nor my + money," returned Graspum. + </p> + <p> + "You do not say that there is forgery connected with this affair, do you?" + inquired Marston, grasping Lorenzo by the arm. + </p> + <p> + "I wish it were otherwise, uncle," replied Lorenzo, leaning forward upon + the table and covering his face with his hands. "It was my folly, and the + flattery of this man, which have driven me to it," he continued. + </p> + <p> + "Oh! cursed inconsistency: and you have now fallen back upon the last + resource, to save a name that, once gone, cannot reinstate itself. Tell + me, Marco Graspum; are you not implicated in this affair? Your name stands + full of dark implications; are you not following up one of those avenues + through which you make so many victims? What is the amount?" returned + Marston. + </p> + <p> + "You will know that to-morrow. He has given paper in your name to an + uncertain extent. You should have known this before. Your nephew has been + leading a reckless gambler's life-spending whatsoever money came into his + possession, and at length giving bills purporting to be drawn by you and + his father. You must now honour them, or dishonour him. You see, I am + straightforward in business: all my transactions are conducted with + promptness; but I must have what is due to me. I have a purpose in all my + transactions, and I pursue them to the end. You know the purport of this + document, Marston; save yourself trouble, and do not allow me to call too + often." Thus saying, he took his hat and left the room. + </p> + <p> + Uncle," said Lorenzo, as soon as Graspum had left, "I have been led into + difficulty. First led away by fashionable associations, into the + allurements with which our city is filled, from small vices I have been + hurried onward, step by step, deeper and deeper, until now I have arrived + at the dark abyss. Those who have watched me through each sin, been my + supposed friends, and hurried me onwards to this sad climax, have proved + my worst enemies. I have but just learned the great virtue of human + nature,—mistrust him who would make pleasure of vice. I have ruined + my father, and have involved you by the very act which you have committed + for my relief to-night. In my vain struggle to relieve myself from the + odium which must attach to my transactions, I have only added to your + sorrows. I cannot ask you to forgive me, nor can I disclose all my + errors-they are manifold." + </p> + <p> + "This is an unexpected blow-one which I was not prepared to meet. I am + ready to save your honour, but there is something beyond this which the + voice of rumour will soon spread. You know our society, and the strange + manner in which it countenances certain things, yet shuts out those who + fall by them. But what is to be done? Although we may discharge the + obligation with Graspum, it does not follow that he retains the stigma in + his own breast. Tell me, Lorenzo, what is the amount?" inquired Marston, + anxiously. + </p> + <p> + "My father has already discharged a secret debt of fourteen thousand + dollars for me, and there cannot be less than thirty thousand remaining. + Uncle, do not let it worry you; I will leave the country, bear the stigma + with me, and you can repudiate the obligation," said he, pleading + nervously, as he grasped his uncle's hand firmer and firmer. + </p> + <p> + Among the many vices of the south, spreading their corrupting influence + through the social body, that of gambling stands first. Confined to no one + grade of society, it may be found working ruin among rich and poor, old + and young. Labour being disreputable, one class of men affect to consider + themselves born gentlemen, while the planter is ever ready to indulge his + sons with some profession they seldom practise, and which too often + results in idleness and its attendants. This, coupled to a want of proper + society with which the young may mix for social elevation, finds + gratification in drinking saloons, fashionable billiard rooms, and at the + card table. In the first, gentlemen of all professions meet and revel away + the night in suppers and wine. They must keep up appearances, or fall + doubtful visitors of these fashionable stepping-stones to ruin. Like a + furnace to devour its victims, the drinking saloon first opens its + gorgeous doors, and when the burning liquid has inflamed the mental and + physical man, soon hurries him onward into those fascinating habitations + where vice and voluptuousness mingle their degrading powers. Once in these + whirlpools of sin, the young man finds himself borne away by every species + of vicious allurement-his feelings become unrestrained, until at length + that last spark of filial advice which had hovered round his consciousness + dies out. When this is gone, vice becomes the great charmer, and with its + thousand snares and resplendent workers never fails to hold out a hope + with each temptation; but while the victim now and then asks hope to be + his guardian, he seldom thinks how surely he is sinking faster and faster + to an irretrievable depth. + </p> + <p> + Through this combination of snares-all having their life-springs in + slavery-Lorenzo brought ruin upon his father, and involved his uncle. With + an excellent education, a fine person, frank and gentle demeanour, he made + his way into the city, and soon attracted the attention of those who + affect to grace polished society. Had society laid its restraints upon + character and personal worth, it would have been well for Lorenzo; but the + neglect to found this moral conservator only serves to increase the + avenues to vice, and to bring men from high places into the lowest moral + scale. This is the lamentable fault of southern society; and through the + want of that moral bulwark, so protective of society in the New England + States-personal worth-estates are squandered, families brought to poverty, + young men degraded, and persons once happy driven from those homes they + can only look back upon with pain and regret. The associations of birth, + education, and polished society-so much valued by the southerner-all + become as nothing when poverty sets its seal upon the victim. + </p> + <p> + And yet, among some classes in the south there exists a religious + sentiment apparently grateful; but what credit for sincerity shall we + accord to it when the result proves that no part of the organisation + itself works for the elevation of a degraded class? How much this is to be + regretted we leave to the reader's discrimination. The want of a greater + effort to make religious influence predominant has been, and yet is, a + source of great evil. But let us continue our narrative, and beg the + reader's indulgence for having thus transgressed. + </p> + <p> + Flattered and caressed among gay assemblages, Lorenzo soon found himself + drawn beyond their social pleasantries into deeper and more alluring + excitements. His frequent visits at the saloon and gambling-tables did not + detract, for a time, from the social position society had conferred upon + him. + </p> + <p> + His parents, instead of restraining, fostered these associations, prided + themselves on his reception, providing means of maintaining him in this + style of living. Vanity and passion led him captive in their + gratifications; they were inseparable from the whirlpool of confused + society that triumphs at the south,—that leads the proud heart + writhing in the agony of its follies. He cast himself upon this, like a + frail thing upon a rapid stream, and—forgetting the voyage was short—found + his pleasures soon ended in the troubled waters of misery and disgrace. + </p> + <p> + There is no fundamental morality in the south, nor is education invested + with the material qualities of social good; in this it differs from the + north, against which it is fast building up a political and social + organisation totally at variance. Instead of maintaining those great + principles upon which the true foundation of the republic stands, the + south allows itself to run into a hyper- aristocratic vagueness, coupled + with an arbitrary determination to perpetuate its follies for the guidance + of the whole Union. And the effect of this becomes still more dangerous, + when it is attempted to carry it out under the name of democracy,—American + democracy! In this manner it serves the despotic ends of European despots: + they point to the freest government in the world for examples of their own + absolutism, shield their autocracy beneath its democracy, and with it + annihilate the rights of the commoner. + </p> + <p> + Heedlessly wending his way, the man of rank and station at one side, the + courtesan with his bland smiles at the other, Lorenzo had not seen the + black poniard that was to cut the cord of his downfall,—it had + remained gilded. He drank copious draughts at the house of licentiousness, + became infatuated with the soft music that leads the way of the unwary, + until at length, he, unconsciously at it were, found himself in the midst + of a clan who are forming a plot to put the black seal upon his dishonour. + Monto Graspum, his money playing through the hands of his minions in the + gambling rooms, had professed to be his friend. He had watched his pliable + nature, had studied the resources of his parents, knew their kindness, + felt sure of his prey while abetting the downfall. Causing him to + perpetrate the crime, from time to time, he would incite him with + prospects of retrieve, guide his hand to consummate the crime again, and + watch the moment when he might reap the harvest of his own infamy. Thus, + when he had brought the young man to that last pitiless issue, where the + proud heart quickens with a sense of its wrongs-when the mind recurs + painfully to the past, imploring that forgiveness which seems beyond the + power of mankind to grant, he left him a poor outcast, whose errors would + be first condemned by his professed friends. That which seemed worthy of + praise was forgotten, his errors were magnified; and the seducer made + himself secure by crushing his victim, compromising the respectability of + his parents, making the disgrace a forfeiture for life. + </p> + <p> + Unexpected as the shock was to Marston, he bore it with seeming coolness, + as if dreading the appearance of the man who had taken advantage of the + moment to bring him under obligations, more than he did the amount to be + discharged. Arising from the table, he took Lorenzo by the hand, saying:—"Veil + your trouble, Lorenzo! Let the past be forgotten, bury the stigma in your + own bosom; let it be an example to your feelings and your actions. Go not + upon the world to wrestle with its ingratitude; if you do, misfortune will + befall you-you will stumble through it the remainder of your life. With + me, I fear the very presence of the man who has found means of engrafting + his avarice upon our misfortunes; he deals with those in his grasp like + one who would cut the flesh and blood of mankind into fragments of gain. + Be firm, Lorenzo; be firm! Remember, it is not the province of youth to + despair; be manly-manliness even in crime lends its virtue to the + falling." At which he bid him good night, and retired to rest. + </p> + <p> + The young man, more pained at his uncle's kindness,—kindness + stronger in its effects than reproof,—still lingered, as if to watch + some change of expression on his uncle's countenance, as he left the door. + His face changed into pallid gloominess, and again, as if by magic + influence, filled with the impress of passion; it was despair holding + conflict with a bending spirit. He felt himself a criminal, marked by the + whispers of society; he might not hear the charges against him, nor be + within the sound of scandal's tongue, but he would see it outlined in + faces that once smiled at his seeming prosperity. He would feel it in the + cold hand that had welcomed him,—that had warmly embraced him; his + name would no longer be respected. The circle of refined society that had + kindly received him, had made him one of its attractions, would now shun + him as if he were contagion. Beyond this he saw the fate that hovered over + his father's and his uncle's estates;-all the filial affection they had + bestowed upon him, blasted; the caresses of his beloved and beautiful + sister; the shame the exposure would bring upon her; the knave who held + him in his grasp, while dragging the last remnants of their property away + to appease dishonest demands, haunted him to despair. And, yet, to sink + under them-to leave all behind him and be an outcast, homeless and + friendless upon the world, where he could only look back upon the familiar + scenes of his boyhood with regret, would be to carry a greater amount of + anguish to his destiny. The destroyer was upon him; his grasp was firm and + painful. He might live a life of rectitude; but his principles and + affections would be unfixed. It would be like an infectious robe + encircling him,—a disease which he never could eradicate, so that he + might feel he was not an empty vessel among honourable men. When men + depicted their villains, moving in the grateful spheres of life, he would + be one of their models; and though the thoughtlessness of youth had made + him the type haunting himself by day and night, the world never made a + distinction. Right and wrong were things that to him only murmured in + distrust; they would be blemishes exaggerated from simple error; but the + judgment of society would never overlook them. He must now choose between + a resolution to bear the consequences at home, or turn his back upon all + that had been near and dear to him,—be a wanderer struggling with + the eventful trials of life in a distant land! Turning pale, as if frantic + with the thought of what was before him, the struggle to choose between + the two extremes, and the only seeming alternative, he grasped the candle + that flickered before him, gave a glance round the room, as if taking a + last look at each familiar object that met his eyes, and retired. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0005" id="link2HCH0005"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER V. — THE MAROONING PARTY. + </h2> + <p> + A MAROONING pic-nic had been proposed and arranged by the young beaux and + belles of the neighbouring plantations. The day proposed for the festive + event was that following the disclosure of Lorenzo's difficulties. Every + negro on the plantation was agog long before daylight: the morning ushered + forth bright and balmy, with bustle and confusion reigning throughout the + plantation,—the rendezvous being Marston's mansion, from which the + gay party would be conveyed in a barge, overspread with an awning, to a + romantic spot, overshaded with luxuriant pines, some ten miles up the + stream. Here gay fˆtes, mirth and joy, the mingling of happy spirits, were + to make the time pass pleasantly. The night passed without producing any + decision in Lorenzo's mind; and when he made his appearance on the veranda + an unusual thoughtfulness pervaded his countenance; all his attempts to be + joyous failed to conceal his trouble. Marston, too, was moody and reserved + even to coldness; that frank, happy, and careless expression of a genial + nature, which had so long marked him in social gatherings, was departed. + When Maxwell, the young Englishman, with quiet demeanour, attempted to + draw him into conversation about the prospects of the day, his answers + were measured, cold, beyond his power of comprehending, yet inciting. + </p> + <p> + To appreciate those pleasant scenes-those scenes so apparently happy, at + times adding a charm to plantation life-those innocent merry-makings in + spring time-one must live among them, be born to the recreations of the + soil. Not a negro on the plantation, old or young, who does not think + himself part and parcel of the scene-that he is indispensably necessary to + make Mas'r's enjoyment complete! In this instance, the lawn, decked in + resplendent verdure, the foliage tinged by the mellow rays of the rising + sun, presented a pastoral loveliness that can only be appreciated by those + who have contemplated that soft beauty which pervades a southern landscape + at morning and evening. The arbour of old oaks, their branches twined into + a panoply of thick foliage, stretching from the mansion to the landing, + seemed like a sleeping battlement, its dark clusters soaring above + redolent brakes and spreading water-leaks. Beneath their fretted branches + hung the bedewed moss like a veil of sparkling crystals, moving gently to + and fro as if touched by some unseen power. The rice fields, stretching + far in the distance, present the appearance of a mirror decked with + shadows of fleecy clouds, transparent and sublime. Around the cabins of + the plantation people-the human property-the dark sons and daughters of + promiscuous families-are in "heyday glee:" they laughed, chattered, + contended, and sported over the presence of the party;-the overseer had + given them an hour or two to see the party "gwine so;" and they were + overjoyed. Even the dogs, as if incited by an instinctive sense of some + gay scene in which they were to take part, joined their barking with the + jargon of the negroes, while the mules claimed a right to do likewise. In + the cabins near the mansion another scene of fixing, fussing, toddling, + chattering, running here and there with sun-slouches, white aprons, fans, + shades, baskets, and tin pans, presented itself; any sort of vessel that + would hold provender for the day was being brought forth. Clotilda, her + face more cheerful, is dressed in a nice drab merino, a plain white + stomacher, a little collar neatly turned over: with her plain bodice, her + white ruffles round her wrists, she presents the embodiment of neatness. + She is pretty, very pretty; and yet her beauty has made her the worst + slave-a slave in the sight of Heaven and earth! Her large, meaning eyes, + glow beneath her arched brows, while her auburn hair, laid in smooth folds + over her ears and braided into a heavy circle at the back of her head, + gives her the fascinating beauty of a Norman peasant. Annette plays around + her, is dressed in her very best,—for Marston is proud of the + child's beauty, and nothing is withheld that can gratify the ambition of + the mother, so characteristic, to dress with fantastic colours: the child + gambols at her feet, views its many-coloured dress, keeps asking various + unanswerable questions about Daddy Bob, Harry, and the pic-nic. Again it + scrambles pettishly, sings snatches of some merry plantation song, pulls + its braided hat about the floor, climbs upon the table to see what is in + the basket. + </p> + <p> + Passing to the cabin of Ellen Juvarna, we see her in the same confusion + which seems to have beset the plantation: her dark, piercing eyes, display + more of that melancholy which marks Clotilda's; nor does thoughtfulness + pervade her countenance, and yet there is the restlessness of an Indian + about her,—she is Indian by blood and birth; her look calls up all + the sad associations of her forefathers; her black glossy hair, in heavy + folds, hangs carelessly about her olive shoulders, contrasting strangely + with the other. + </p> + <p> + "And you, Nicholas! remember what your father will say: but you must not + call him such," she says, taking by the hand a child we have described, + who is impatient to join the gay group. + </p> + <p> + "That ain't no harm, mother! Father always is fondling about me when + nobody's lookin'," the child answers, with a pertness indicating a + knowledge of his parentage rather in advance of his years. + </p> + <p> + We pass to the kitchen,—a little, dingy cabin, presenting the most + indescribable portion of the scene, the smoke issuing from every crevice. + Here old Peggy, the cook,—an enveloped representative of smoke and + grease,—as if emerging from the regions of Vulcan, moves her fat + sides with the independence of a sovereign. In this miniature smoke-pit + she sweats and frets, runs to the door every few minutes, adjusts the + points of her flashy bandana, and takes a wistful look at the movements + without. Sal, Suke, Rose, and Beck, young members of Peggy's family, are + working at the top of their energy among stew-pans, griddles, pots and + pails, baskets, bottles and jugs. Wafs, fritters, donjohns and hominy + flap-jacks, fine doused hams, savoury meats, ices, and fruit-cakes, are + being prepared and packed up for the occasion. Negro faces of every shade + seem full of interest and freshness, newly brightened for the pleasures of + the day. Now and then broke upon our ear that plaintive melody with the + words, "Down on the Old Plantation;" and again, "Jim crack corn, an' I + don't care, for Mas'r's gone away." Then came Aunt Rachel, always + persisting in her right to be master of ceremonies, dressed in her Sunday + bombazine, puffed and flounced, her gingham apron so clean, her head "did + up" with the flashiest bandana in her wardrobe; it's just the colour for + her taste-real yellow, red, and blue, tied with that knot which is the + height of plantation toilet: there is as little restraint in her + familiarity with the gentry of the mansion as there is in her control over + the denizens of the kitchen. Even Dandy and Enoch, dressed in their best + black coats, white pantaloons, ruffled shirts, with collars endangering + their ears, hair crisped with an extra nicety, stand aside at her bidding. + The height of her ambition is to direct the affairs of the mansion: + sometimes she extends it to the overseer. The trait is amiably exercised: + she is the best nigger on the plantation, and Marston allows her to + indulge her feelings, while his guests laugh at her native pomposity, so + generously carried out in all her commands. She is preparing an elegant + breakfast, which "her friends" must partake of before starting. Everything + must be in her nicest: she runs from the ante-room to the hall, and from + thence to the yard, gathering plates and dishes; she hurries Old Peggy the + cook, and again scolds the waiters. + </p> + <p> + Daddy Bob and Harry have come into the yard to ask Marston's permission to + join the party as boatmen. They are in Aunt Rachel's way, and she rushes + past them, pushing them aside, and calling Mas'r to come and attend to + their wants. Marston comes forward, greets them with a familiar shake of + the hand, granting their request without further ceremony. Breakfast is + ready; but, anxious for the amusement of the day, their appetites are + despoiled. Franconia, more lovely than ever, presenting that ease, + elegance, and reserve of the southern lady, makes her appearance in the + hall, is escorted to the table leaning on the arm of Maxwell. Delicacy, + sensitiveness, womanly character full of genial goodness, are traits with + which the true southern lady is blessed:—would she were blessed with + another, an energy to work for the good of the enslaved! Could she add + that to the poetry of her nature, how much greater would be her charm-how + much more fascinating that quiet current of thought with which she seems + blessed! There is a gentleness in her impulses—a pensiveness in her + smile—a softness in her emotions—a grace in her movements—an + ardent soul in her love! She is gay and lightsome in her youth; she values + her beauty, is capricious with her admirers, and yet becomes the most + affectionate mother; she can level her frowns, play with the feelings, + make her mercurial sympathy touching, knows the power of her smiles: but + once her feelings are enlisted, she is sincere and ardent in her + responses. If she cannot boast of the bright carnatic cheek, she can swell + the painter's ideal with her fine features, her classic face, the glow of + her impassioned eyes. But she seldom carries this fresh picture into the + ordinary years of womanhood: the bloom enlivening her face is but + transient; she loses the freshness of girlhood, and in riper years, fades + like a sensitive flower, withering, unhappy with herself, unadmired by + others. + </p> + <p> + Franconia sat at the table, a pensiveness pervading her countenance that + bespoke melancholy: as she glanced inquiringly round, her eyes rested upon + Lorenzo fixedly, as if she detected something in his manner at variance + with his natural deportment. She addressed him; but his cold reply only + excited her more: she resolved upon knowing the cause ere they embarked. + Breakfast was scarcely over before the guests of the party from the + neighbouring plantations began to assemble in the veranda, leaving their + servants in charge of the viands grouped together upon the grass, under a + clump of oaks a few rods from the mansion. Soon the merry-makers, about + forty in number, old and young, their servants following, repaired to the + landing, where a long barge, surrounded by brakes and water-lilies, + presented another picture. + </p> + <p> + "Him all straight, Mas'r-him all straight, jus so!" said Daddy Bob, as he + strode off ahead, singing "Dis is de way to de jim crack corn." + </p> + <p> + Servants of all ages and colour, mammies and daddies, young 'uns and prime + fellows,—"wenches" that had just become hand-maids,—brought up + the train, dancing, singing, hopping, laughing, and sporting: some discuss + the looks of their young mistresses, others are criticising their dress. + Arrived at the landing, Daddy Bob and Harry, full of cares, are hurrying + several prime fellows, giving orders to subordinate boatmen about getting + the substantial on board,—the baskets of champagne, the demijohns, + the sparkling nectar. The young beaux and belles, mingling with their dark + sons and daughters of servitude, present a motley group indeed-a scene + from which the different issues of southern life may be faithfully drawn. + </p> + <p> + A band of five musicians, engaged to enliven the sports of the day with + their music, announce, "All on board!" and give the signal for starting by + striking up "Life on the Ocean Wave." Away they speed, drawn by horses on + the bank, amidst the waving of handkerchiefs, the soft notes of the music + reverberating over the pine-clad hills. Smoothly and gently, onward they + speed upon the still bosom of the Ashly;-the deep, dark stream, its banks + bedecked with blossoms and richest verdure, is indeed enough to excite the + romantic of one's nature. Wild, yet serene with rural beauty, if ever + sensations of love steal upon us, it is while mingling in the simple + convivialities so expressive of southern life. On, on, the barge moved, as + lovers gathered together, the music dancing upon the waters. Another party + sing the waterman's merry song, still another trail for lilies, and a + third gather into the prow to test champagne and ice, or regale with + choice Havannas. Marston, and a few of the older members, seated at + midships, discuss the all-absorbing question of State-rights; while the + negroes are as merry as larks in May, their deep jargon sounding high + above the clarion notes of the music. Now it subsides into stillness, + broken only by the splashing of an alligator, whose sports call forth a + rapturous shout. + </p> + <p> + After some three hours' sailing the barge nears a jut of rising ground on + the left bank. Close by it is a grove of noble old pines, in the centre of + which stands a dilapidated brick building, deserted for some cause not set + forth on the door: it is a pretty, shaded retreat-a spot breathing of + romance. To the right are broad lagoons stretching far into the distance; + their dark waters, beneath thick cypress, presenting the appearance of an + inundated grove. The cypress-trees hang their tufted tops over the water's + surface, opening an area beneath studded with their trunks, like rude + columns supporting a panoply of foliage. + </p> + <p> + The barge stops, the party land; the shrill music, still dancing through + the thick forest, re-echoes in soft chimes as it steals back upon the + scene. Another minute, and we hear the voices of Daddy Bob and Harry, + Dandy and Enoch: they are exchanging merry laughs, shouting in great + good-nature, directing the smaller fry, who are fagging away at the + larder, sucking the ice, and pocketing the lemons. "Dat ain't just + straight, nohow: got de tings ashore, an' ye get 'e share whin de white + folk done! Don' make 'e nigger ob yourse'f, now, old Boss, doing the ting + up so nice," Daddy says, frowning on his minions. A vanguard have + proceeded in advance to take possession of the deserted house; while Aunt + Rachel, with her cortŠge of feminines, is fussing over "young missus." + Here, a group are adjusting their sun-shades; there, another are preparing + their fans and nets. Then they follow the train, Clotilda and Ellen + leading their young representatives by the hand, bringing up the rear + among a cluster of smaller fry. Taking peaceable possession of the house, + they commence to clear the rooms, the back ones being reserved for the + sumptuous collation which Rachel and her juniors are preparing. The + musicians are mustered,—the young belles and beaux, and not a few + old bachelors, gather into the front room, commence the fˆtes with country + dances, and conclude with the polka and schottische. + </p> + <p> + Rachel's department presents a bustling picture; she is master of + ceremonies, making her sombre minions move at her bidding, adjusting the + various dishes upon the table. None, not even the most favoured guests, + dare intrude themselves into her apartments until she announces the + completion of her tables, her readiness to receive friends. And yet, + amidst all this interest of character, this happy pleasantry, this seeming + contentment, there is one group pauses ere it arrives at the house,—dare + not enter. The distinction seems undefinable to us; but they, poor + wretches, feel it deeply. Shame rankles deep, to their very heart's core. + They doubt their position, hesitate at the door, and, after several + nervous attempts to enter, fall back,—gather round a pine-tree, + where they enjoy the day, separated from the rest. There is a simplicity-a + forlornness, about this little group, which attracts our attention, + excites our sympathies, unbends our curiosity: we would relieve the burden + it labours under. They are Ellen Juvarna, Clotilda, and their children. + Socially, they are disowned; they are not allowed to join the festivities + with those in the dance, and their feelings revolt at being compelled to + associate with the negroes. They are as white as many of the whitest, have + the same outlines of interest upon their faces; but their lives are sealed + with the black seal of slavery. Sensible of the injustice that has + stripped them of their rights, they value their whiteness; the blood of + birth tinges their face, and through it they find themselves mere dregs of + human kind,—objects of sensualism in its vilest associations. + </p> + <p> + Maxwell has taken a deep interest in Clotilda; and the solicitude she + manifests for her child has drawn him still further in her favour; he is + determined to solve the mystery that shrouds her history. Drawing near to + them, he seats himself upon the ground at their side, inquires why they + did not come into the house. "There's no place there for us,—none + for me," Clotilda modestly replies, holding down her head, placing her arm + around Annette's waist. + </p> + <p> + "You would enjoy it much better, and there is no restraint upon anyone." + </p> + <p> + "We know not why the day was not for us to enjoy as well as others; but it + is ordained so. Where life is a dreary pain, pleasure is no recompense for + disgrace enforced upon us. They tell us we are not what God made us to be; + but it is the worst torture to be told so. There is nothing in it-it is + the curse only that remains to enforce wrong. Those who have gifts to + enjoy life, and those who move to make others happy, can enjoy their + separate pleasures; our lives are between the two, hence there is little + pleasure for us," she answered, her eyes moistening with tears. + </p> + <p> + "If you will but come with me-" + </p> + <p> + "Oh, I will go anywhere," she rejoined, quickly; "anywhere from this; that + I may know who I am-may bear my child with me-may lead a virtuous life, + instead of suffering the pangs of shame through a life of unholy trouble." + </p> + <p> + "She never knows when she's well off. If Marston was to hear her talk in + that way, I wouldn't stand in her shoes," interrupted Ellen, with a + significant air. + </p> + <p> + Touched by this anxious reply, Maxwell determined to know more of her + feelings-to solve the anxiety that was hanging upon her mind, and, if + possible, to carry her beyond the power that held her and her child in + such an uncertain position. + </p> + <p> + "I meant into the house," said he, observing that Ellen was not inclined + to favour Clotilda's feelings; and just at that moment the shrill sounds + of a bugle summoned the party to the collation. Here another scene was + enacted, which is beyond the power of pen to describe. The tables, + decorated with wild flowers, were spread with meats of all descriptions,—fowl, + game, pastry, and fruit, wines, and cool drinks. Faces wearing the + blandest smiles, grave matrons, and cheerful planters,—all dressed + in rustic style and neatness-gathered around to partake of the feast, + while servants were running hither and thither to serve mas'r and missus + with the choicest bits. Toasts, compliments, and piquant squibs, follow + the wine-cup. Then came that picture of southern life which would be more + worthy of praise if it were carried out in the purity of motive:—as + soon as the party had finished, the older members, in their turn, set + about preparing a repast for the servants. This seemed to elate the + negroes, who sat down to their meal with great pomp, and were not + restrained in the free use of the choicest beverage. While this was going + on, Marston ordered Rachel to prepare fruit and pastry for Ellen and + Clotilda. "See to them; and they must have wine too," whispered Marston. + </p> + <p> + "I know's dat, old Boss," returned Rachel, with a knowing wink. + </p> + <p> + After the collation, the party divided into different sections. Some + enjoyed the dance, others strolled through the pine-grove, whispering + tales of love. Anglers repaired to the deep pond in quest of trout, but + more likely to find water-snakes and snapping turtles. Far in the + distance, on the right, moving like fairy gondolas through the + cypress-covered lagoon, little barks skim the dark surface. They move like + spectres, carrying their fair freight, fanned by the gentle breeze + pregnant with the magnolia' sweet perfume. The fair ones in those tiny + barks are fishing; they move from tree to tree trailing their lines to + tempt the finny tribe here, and there breaking the surface with their + gambols. + </p> + <p> + Lorenzo, as we have before informed the reader, exhibited signs of + melancholy during the day. So evident were they that Franconia's + sympathies became enlisted in his behalf, and even carried so far, that + Maxwell mistook her manner for indifference toward himself. And, as if to + confirm his apprehensions, no sooner had the collation ended than she took + Lorenzo's arm and retired to the remains of an old mill, a few rods above + the landing. It was a quiet, sequestered spot-just such an one as would + inspire the emotions of a sensitive heart, recall the associations of + childhood, and give life to our pent-up enthusiasm. There they seated + themselves, the one waiting for the other to speak. + </p> + <p> + "Tell me, Lorenzo," said Franconia, laying her hand on his arm, and + watching with nervous anxiety each change of his countenance, "why are you + not joyous? you are gloomy to-day. I speak as a sister-you are nervous, + faltering with trouble-" + </p> + <p> + "Trouble!" he interrupted, raising his eyes, and accompanying an affected + indifference with a sigh. It is something he hesitates to disclose. He has + erred! his heart speaks, it is high-handed crime! He looks upon her + affectionately, a forced smile spreads itself over his face. How forcibly + it tells its tale. "Speak out," she continues, tremulously: "I am a + sister; a sister cannot betray a brother's secrets." She removes her hand + and lays it gently upon his shoulder. + </p> + <p> + Looking imploringly in her face for a few minutes, he replies as if it + were an effort of great magnitude. "Something you must not know-nor must + the world! Many things are buried in the secrets of time that would make + great commotion if the world knew them. It were well they passed unknown, + for the world is like a great stream with a surface of busy life moving on + its way above a troubled current, lashing and foaming beneath, but only + breaking here and there as if to mark the smothered conflict. And yet with + me it is nothing, a moment of disappointment creeping into my + contemplations, transplanting them with melancholy-" + </p> + <p> + "Something more!" interrupted Franconia, "something more; it is a step + beyond melancholy, more than disappointment. Uncle feels it sensibly-it + pains him, it wears upon him. I have seen it foremost in his thoughts." + Her anxiety increases, her soft meaning eyes look upon him imploringly, + she fondles him with a sister's tenderness, the tears trickling down her + cheeks as she beholds him downcast and in sorrow. His reluctance to + disclose the secret becomes more painful to her. + </p> + <p> + "You may know it soon enough," he replies. "I have erred, and my errors + have brought me to a sad brink. My friends-those who have indulged my + follies-have quickened the canker that will destroy themselves. Indulgence + too often hastens the cup of sorrow, and when it poisons most, we are + least conscious. It is an alluring charmer, betraying in the gayest + livery-" + </p> + <p> + "Lorenzo," she interrupts, wiping the tears from her eyes. "Tell me all; + remember woman's influence-she can relieve others when she cannot relieve + herself. Make me your confidant—relieve your feelings." + </p> + <p> + "This night, Franconia, I shall bid a painful good-bye to those familiar + scenes which have surrounded my life,—to you, my sister, to those + faithful old friends of the plantation, Daddy Bob and Harry. They have + fondled me, protected me, played with me in my childhood, led me to my + boyish sports when all was bright and pleasant, when the plantation had + its merry scenes for slave and master. I must go upon the world, mingle + with strange life, make experience my guardian. I have committed a + crime-one which for ever disgraces the honourable-" + </p> + <p> + Crime, crime, crime! weighed itself in her mind. "And what of that?" she + rejoined, suddenly; "a sister can forgive a brother any crime; and even a + lover, if she love truly, can forget them in her affections. Do not go + upon the world; be a man above crime, above the bar of scandal. Have + confidence in yourself; do not let the injustice overcome you. Once on the + world a wanderer, remember the untold tale of misery, speeding its victims + to that death of conscience burning unseen." + </p> + <p> + "Nay, Franconia, you mean well; but you have not learned the world. Take + this as my advice, remember it when I am gone, and in years to come you + will acknowledge its truth—Fortune at the south rests on an unsound + foundation! We are lofty in feelings, but poor in principle, poor in + government,—poor in that which has built our great republic. + Uncertainty hangs over us at every step; but, whatever befall you, stand + firm through adversity. Never chide others for the evils that may befall + you; bear your burdens without casting reflections on others,—it is + nobler! Befriend those who have no power to befriend themselves; and when + the world forgets you, do not forget yourself. There is no step of return + for those who falter in poverty. To-night I shall leave for the city; in a + few days you will know all." Thus saying, he conducted Franconia back to + rejoin the party, already making preparations to return. + </p> + <p> + He gave her an insight of his troubles, in such a manner as to create deep + agitation; and, although satisfied that an event of more than ordinary + magnitude was at hand, she could not associate it with the commission of + crime. The day, spent with all the conviviality of southern life, ended + amidst the clang of merry voices, and soft music: a gay group assembled at + the bank, ready to return under the cheering influence of music and + moonlight. + </p> + <p> + The bugle sounded,—the soft notes of "Home, sweet Home!" followed: + the party, forming into double file, gay and grotesque, marched through + the grove to the barge. Servants, old and young, were in high glee; some + joining in chorus with the music; some preparing the barge, others + strewing branches and flowers in the pathway, to the delight of young + "mas'r" and "missus,"-all singing. Aunt Rachel, high above her minions in + authority, is poised on the bank, giving directions at the very top of her + voice. Daddy Bob, Harry, and Dandy-the latter named after "mas'r's" + fleetest horse-are freighting their young "missusses" in their arms to the + boat, shielding their feet from the damp. + </p> + <p> + "Now, mas'r, Old Boss," Bob says, directing himself to Marston, after + completing his charge with the young ladies, "Jus' lef' 'um tote, old + mas'r safe da'? So 'e don' mus e' foot." And forthwith he shoulders + Marston, lands him like a bale of cotton on one of the seats, much to the + amusement of those on board, sending forth shouts of applause. The party + are on board; all is quiet for a minute; again the music strikes up, the + barge is gliding over the still bosom of the fairy-like stream. + </p> + <p> + The sun has just sunk into a fiery cloud that hangs its crimson curtains + high in the heavens, shedding refulgent beauty over the dark jungle lining + the river's banks. And then, twilight, as if stealing its way across the + hills, follows, softening the scene. Soon it has gone, the landscape + sleeps, tranquilly arched by the serene vault of a southern sky. + Everything seems peaceful, reposing, and serene; the air breathes warm and + balmy, distributing its invigorating influence. The music has ceased, + nothing but the ripple of the water is heard; then the stars, like pearls + suspended over the dark surface, begin to glimmer and shine. Above all is + the moon, like a silver goddess, rising stealthily and shedding her pale + light upon the calm glow. + </p> + <p> + Onward, onward, onward, over the still stream, winding its way to the + great deep, they move; and again the music echoes and re-echoes through + the forest, over the lawn; dying away in chimes that faintly play around + us. The sudden changes in the heavens,—monitor of things divine,—call + up in Lorenzo's feelings the reverses of fortune that will soon take place + on the plantation. He had never before recognised the lesson conveyed by + heavenly bodies; and such was the effect at that moment that it proved a + guardian to him in his future career. + </p> + <p> + It was near midnight when the barge reached the plantation. Fires were + lighted on the bank, negroes were here and there stretched upon the + ground, sleeping with such superlative comfort that it landed ere they + awoke. One by one the parties returned for their homes; and, after shaking + hands with Marston, taking an affectionate adieu of Franconia (telling her + he would call on the morrow), lisping a kind word to the old negroes, + Lorenzo ordered a horse, and left for the city. He took leave of the + plantation, of its dearest associations, like one who had the conflict of + battle before him, and the light of friendship behind. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0006" id="link2HCH0006"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER VI. — ANOTHER SCENE IN SOUTHERN LIFE. + </h2> + <p> + IN the city, a few miles from the plantation, a scene which too often + affords those degrading pictures that disgrace a free and happy country, + was being enacted. A low brick building, standing in an area protected by + a high fence, surmounted with spikes and other dangerous projectiles, + formed the place. The upper and lower windows of this building were + strongly secured with iron gratings, and emitted the morbid air from cells + scarcely large enough to contain human beings of ordinary size. In the + rear, a sort of triangular area opened, along which was a line of low + buildings, displaying single and double cells. Some had iron rings in the + floor; some had rings in the walls; and, again, others had rings over + head. Some of these confines of misery-for here men's souls were goaded by + the avarice of our natures-were solitary; and at night, when the turmoil + of the day had ceased, human wailings and the clank of chains might be + heard breaking through the walls of this charnel-house. These narrow + confines were filled with living beings-beings with souls, souls sold + according to the privileges of a free and happy country,—a country + that fills us with admiration of its greatness. It is here, O man, the + tyrant sways his hand most! it is here the flesh and blood of the same + Maker, in chains of death, yearns for freedom. + </p> + <p> + We walk through the corridor, between narrow arches containing the abodes + of misery, while our ears drink the sad melancholy that sounds in agitated + throbs, made painful by the gloom and darkness. Touching an iron latch, + the door of a cell opens, cold and damp, as if death sat upon its walls; + but it discloses no part of the inmate's person, and excites our + sympathies still more. We know the unfortunate is there,—we hear the + murmuring, like a death-bell in our ears; it is mingled with a dismal + chaos of sound, piercing deep into our feelings. It tells us in terror how + gold blasts the very soul of man-what a dark monster of cruelty he can + become,—how he can forget the grave, and think only of his living + self,—how he can strip reason of its right, making himself an animal + with man for his food. See the monster seeking only for the things that + can serve him on earth-see him stripping man of his best birth-right, see + him the raving fiend, unconscious of his hell-born practices, dissevering + the hope that by a fibre hangs over the ruins of those beings who will + stand in judgment against him. His soul, like their faces, will be black, + when theirs has been whitened for judgment in the world to come! + </p> + <p> + Ascending a few steps, leading into a centre building-where the slave + merchant is polished into respectability-we enter a small room at the + right hand. Several men, some having the appearance of respectable + merchants, some dressed in a coarse, red-mixed homespun, others smoking + cigars very leisurely, are seated at a table, upon which are several + bottles and tumblers. They drank every few minutes, touched glasses, + uttered the vilest imprecations. Conspicuous among them is Marco Graspum: + it is enough that we have before introduced him to the reader at Marston's + mansion. His dark peering eyes glisten as he sits holding a glass of + liquor in one hand, and runs his fingers through his bristly hair with the + other. "The depths of trade are beyond some men," he says, striking his + hand on the table; then, catching up a paper, tears it into pieces. "Only + follow my directions; and there can be no missing your man," he continued, + addressing one who sat opposite to him; and who up to that time had been + puffing his cigar with great unconcern. His whole energies seemed roused + to action at the word. After keeping his eyes fixed upon Graspum for more + than a minute, he replied, at the same time replenishing his cigar with a + fresh one— + </p> + <p> + "Yee'h sees, Marco,—you'r just got to take that ar' say back, or + stand an all-fired chaffing. You don't scar' this 'un, on a point a' + business. If I hain't larned to put in the big pins, no fellow has. When + ye wants to 'sap' a tall 'un, like Marston, ye stands shy until ye thinks + he's right for pulling, and then ye'll make a muffin on him, quicker. But, + ye likes to have yer own way in gettin' round things, so that a fellow + can't stick a pinte to make a hundred or two unless he weaves his way + clean through the law-unless he understands Mr. Justice, and puts a double + blinder on his eye. There's nothing like getting on the right side of a + fellow what knows how to get on the wrong side of the law; and seeing how + I've studied Mr. Justice a little bit better than he's studied his books, + I knows just what can be done with him when a feller's got chink in his + pocket. You can't buy 'em, sir, they're so modest; but you can coax 'em at + a mighty cheaper rate-you can do that!" "And ye can make him feel as if + law and his business warn't two and two," rejoined Anthony Romescos, a + lean, wiry man, whose small indescribable face, very much sun-scorched, is + covered with bright sandy hair, matted and uncombed. His forehead is low, + the hair grows nearly to his eyebrows, profuse and red; his eyes wander + and glisten with desperation; he is a merciless character. Men fear him, + dread him; he sets the law at defiance, laughs when he is told he is the + cunningest rogue in the county. He owns to the fearful; says it has served + him through many a hard squeeze; but now that he finds law so necessary to + carry out villainy, he's taken to studying it himself. His dress is of + yellow cotton, of which he has a short roundabout and loose pantaloons. + His shirt bosom is open, the collar secured at the neck with a short black + ribbon; he is much bedaubed with tobacco-juice, which he has deposited + over his clothes for the want of a more convenient place. A gray, slouch + hat usually adorns his head, which, in consequence of the thinking it + does, needs a deal of scratching. Reminding us how careful he is of his + feet, he shows them ensconced in a pair of Indian moccasins ornamented + with bead-work; and, as if we had not become fully conscious of his power, + he draws aside his roundabout, and there, beneath the waist of his + pantaloons, is a girdle, to which a large hunting-knife is attached, some + five inches of the handle protruding above the belt. "Now, fellers, I tell + ye what's what, ye'r point-up at bragin'; but ye don't come square up to + the line when there's anything to put through what wants pluck. 'Tain't + what a knowin' 'un like I can do; it's just what he can larn to be with a + little training in things requiring spunk. I'm a going to have a square + horse, or no horse; if I don't, by the great Davy, I'll back out and do + business on my own account,—Anthony Romescos always makes his mark + and then masters it. If ye don't give Anthony a fair showin', he'll set up + business on his own account, and pocket the comins in. Now! thar's Dan + Bengal and his dogs; they can do a thing or two in the way of trade now + and then; but it requires the cunnin as well as the plucky part of a + feller. It makes a great go when they're combined, though,—they + ala's makes sure game and slap-up profit." + </p> + <p> + "Hold a stave, Anthony," interrupted a grim-visaged individual who had + just filled his glass with whiskey, which he declared was only to + counteract the effect of what he had already taken. He begs they will not + think him half so stupid as he seems, says he is always well behaved in + genteel society, and is fully convinced from the appearance of things that + they are all gentlemen. He wears a semi-bandittical garb, which, with his + craven features, presents his character in all its repulsiveness. "You + needn't reckon on that courage o' yourn, old fellow; this citizen can go + two pins above it. If you wants a showin', just name the mark. I've seed + ye times enough,—how ye would not stand ramrod when a nigger looked + lightning at ye. Twice I seed a nigger make ye show flum; and ye darn't + make the cussed critter toe the line trim up, nohow," he mumbles out, + dropping his tumbler on the table, spilling his liquor. They are Graspum's + "men;" they move as he directs-carry out his plans of trade in human + flesh. Through these promulgators of his plans, his plots, his desperate + games, he has become a mighty man of trade. They are all his good + fellows-they are worth their weight in gold; but he can purchase their + souls for any purpose, at any price! "Ah, yes, I see-the best I can do + don't satisfy. My good fellows, you are plum up on business, do the square + thing; but you're becomin' a little too familiar. Doing the nigger + business is one thing, and choosing company's another. Remember, + gentlemen, I hold a position in society, I do," says Graspum, all the + dignity of his dear self glowing in his countenance. + </p> + <p> + "I see! There's no spoilin' a gentleman what's got to be one by his merits + in trade. Thar's whar ye takes the shine out of us. Y'er gentleman gives + ye a right smart chance to walk into them ar' big bugs what's careless,—don't + think yer comin' it over 'em with a sort o' dignity what don't 'tract no + s'picion." rejoined Romescos, taking up his hat, and placing it carelessly + on his head, as if to assure Graspum that he is no better than the rest. + </p> + <p> + "Comprehend me, comprehend me, gentlemen! There can, and must be, dignity + in nigger trading; it can be made as honourable as any other branch of + business. For there is an intricacy about our business requiring more + dignity and ability than general folks know. You fellers couldn't carry + out the schemes, run the law down, keep your finger on people's opinion, + and them sort o' things, if I didn't take a position in society what 'ud + ensure puttin' ye straight through. South's the place where position's + worth somethin'; and then, when we acts independent, and don't look as if + we cared two toss-ups, ah!" + </p> + <p> + "I wonder you don't set up a dignity shop, and go to selling the + article;-might have it manufactured to sell down south." + </p> + <p> + "Ah, Romescos," continued Graspum, "you may play the fool; but you must + play it wisely to make it profitable. Here, position puts law at + defiance!-here it puts croakers over humanity to rest-here, when it has + money, it makes lawyers talk round the points, get fat among themselves, + fills the old judge's head with anything; so that he laughs and thinks he + don't know nothin'. Listen to what I'm goin' to say, because you'll all + make somethin' out on't. I've just got the dignity to do all; and with the + coin to back her up, can safe every chance. When you fellers get into a + snarl running off a white 'un, or a free nigger, I has to bring out the + big talk to make it seem how you didn't understand the thing. 'Tain't the + putting the big on, but it's the keepin' on it on. You'd laugh to see how + I does it; it's the way I keeps you out of limbo, though." + </p> + <p> + We have said these men were Graspum's "men;" they are more-they are a band + of outlaws, who boast of living in a free country, where its institutions + may be turned into despotism. They carry on a system of trade in human + bodies; they stain the fairest spots of earth with their crimes. They set + law at defiance-they scoff at the depths of hell that yawn for them,—the + blackness of their villainy is known only in heaven. Earth cares little + for it; and those familiar with the devices of dealers in human bodies + shrink from the shame of making them known to the world. There was a + discontent in the party, a clashing of interests, occasioned by the meagre + manner in which Graspum had divided the spoils of their degradation. He + had set his dignity and position in society at a much higher value than + they were willing to recognise,—especially when it was to share the + spoils in proportion. Dan Bengal, so called from his ferocity of + character, was a celebrated dog-trainer and negro-hunter, "was great in + doing the savager portion of negro business." This, Romescos contended, + did not require so much cunning as his branch of the business-which was to + find "loose places," where doubtful whites see out remnants of the Indian + race, and free negroes could be found easy objects of prey; to lay plots, + do the "sharp," carry out plans for running all free rubbish down south, + where they would sell for something. + </p> + <p> + "True! it's all true as sunshine," says Romescos; "we understand Mr. + Graspum inside and out. But ye ain't paid a dime to get me out of any + scrape. I was larned to nigger business afore I got into the 'tarnal + thing; and when I just gits me eye on a nigger what nobody don't own, I + comes the sly over him-puts him through a course of nigger diplomacy. The + way he goes down to the Mississippi is a caution to nigger property!" + </p> + <p> + He has enlisted their attention, all eyes are set upon him, every voice + calls out to know his process. He begs they will drink round; they fill + their glasses, and demand that he will continue the interest of his story. + </p> + <p> + "My plans are worth a fortune to those who follow the business," he says, + giving his glass a twirl as he sets it upon the table, and commences— + </p> + <p> + "Born 'cute, you see; trade comes natural. Afore a free 'un don't know it, + I has him bonded and tucked off for eight or nine hundred dollars, + slap-up, cash and all. And then, ye sees, it's worth somethin' in knowin' + who to sell such criturs too-so that the brute don't git a chance to talk + about it without getting his back troubled. And then, it requires as much + knowin' as a senator's got just to fix things as smooth so nobody won't + know it; and just like ye can jingle the coin in yer pocket, for the + nigger, what everybody's wonderin' where he can be gone to. I tell ye + what, it takes some stameny to keep the price of a prime feller in your + pocket, and wonder along with the rest where the rascal can be. If you'd + just see Bob Osmand doe it up, you'd think his face was made for a + methodist deacon in camp meeting-time. The way he comes it when he wants + to prove a free nigger's a runaway, would beat all the disciples of + Blackstone between here and old Kentuck. And then, Bob's any sort of a + gentleman, what you don't get in town every day, and wouldn't make a bad + senator, if he'd bin in Congress when the compromise was settled upon,—'cos + he can reason right into just nothin' at all. Ye see it ain't the feelings + that makes a feller a gentleman in our business, it's knowing the human + natur o' things; how to be a statesman, when ye meets the like, how to be + a gentleman, and talk polite things, and sich like; how to be a jolly + fellow, an' put the tall sayings into the things of life; and when ye gets + among the lawyers, to know all about the pintes of the law, and how to cut + off the corners, so they'll think ye're bin a parish judge. And then, when + ye comes before the squire, just to talk dignity to him-tell him where the + law is what he don't seem to comprehend. You've got to make a right good + feller of the squire by sticking a fee under his vest-pocket when he don't + obsarve it. And then, ye know, when ye make the squire a right good + feller, you must keep him to the point; and when there's any swarin' to be + done, he's just as easily satisfied as the law. It's all business, you + see; and thar's just the same kind a thing in it; because profit rules + principle, and puts a right smart chance o' business into their hands + without troubling their consciences. But then, Bob ain't got the cunnin' + in him like I-nor he can't "rope-in on the sly,"-knock down and drag out, + and just tell a whole possee to come on, as I do. And that's what ye don't + seem to come at, Graspum," said Romescos, again filling his glass, and + drawing a long black pipe from his pocket prepares it for a smoke. + </p> + <p> + "Now, the trouble is, you all think you can carry out these matters on + your own hook; but it's no go, and you'll find it so. It's a scheme that + must have larger means at the head of it; and each man's rights must be + stipulated, and paid according to his own enterprise. But this discontent + is monstrous and injurious, and if continued will prove unprofitable. You + see, fellers, you've no responsibility, and my position is your + protection, and if you don't get rich you must not charge the blame to me; + and then just see how you live now to what you did when ranging the piny + woods and catching a stray nigger here and there, what didn't hardly pay + dog money. There's a good deal in the sport of the thing, too; and ye know + it amounts to a good deal to do the gentleman and associate with big + folks, who puts the business into one's hands, by finding out who's got + lean purses and prime niggers," rejoined Graspum, very coolly. + </p> + <p> + "Ah, yes; that's the way ye comes it over these haristocrats, by doin' the + modest. Now, Graspum, 'tain't no trouble to leak a sap like that Lorenzo, + and make his friends stand the blunt after we've roped him into your + fixings," replied Romescos. + </p> + <p> + "No, no; not a bit of it," resounded several voices. "We do all the + dragwork with the niggers, and Graspum gets the tin." + </p> + <p> + "But he pays for the drink. Come, none of this bickering; we must agree + upon business, and do the thing up brown under the old system," + interrupted another. + </p> + <p> + "Hold! close that bread trap o' yourn," Romescos shouts at the top of his + voice. "You're only a green croaker from the piny woods, where gophers + crawl independent; you ain't seen life on the borders of Texas. Fellers, I + can whip any man in the crowd,—can maker the best stump speech, can + bring up the best logic; and can prove that the best frightenin' man is + the best man in the nigger business. Now, if you wants a brief sketch of + this child's history, ye can have it." Here Romescos entered into an + interesting account of himself. He was the descendant of a good family, + living in the city of Charleston; his parents, when a youth, had + encouraged his propensities for bravery. Without protecting them with that + medium of education which assimilates courage with gentlemanly conduct, + carrying out the nobler impulses of our nature, they allowed him to roam + in that sphere which produces its ruffians. At the age of fifteen he + entered a counting-room, when his quick mercurial temperament soon + rendered him expert at its minor functions. Three years had hardly elapsed + when, in a moment of passion, he drew his dirk, (a weapon he always + carried) and, in making a plunge at his antagonist, inflicted a wound in + the breast of a near friend. The wound was deep, and proved fatal. For + this he was arraigned before a jury, tried for his life. He proved the + accident by an existing friendship-he was honourably acquitted. His + employer, after reproaching him for his proceedings, again admitted him + into his employment. Such, however, was his inclination to display the + desperado, that before the expiration of another year he killed a negro, + shot two balls at one of his fellows, one of which was well nigh proving + fatal, and left the state. His recklessness, his previous acts of + malignity, his want of position, all left him little hope of escaping the + confines of a prison. Fleeing to parts unknown, his absence relieved the + neighbourhood of a responsibility. For a time, he roamed among farmers and + drovers in the mountains of Tennessee; again he did menial labour, often + forced to the direst necessity to live. One day, when nearly famished, he + met a slave-driver, conducting his coffle towards the Mississippi, to whom + he proffered his services. The coarse driver readily accepted them; they + proceeded on together, and it was not long before they found themselves + fitting companions. The one was desperate-the other traded in desperation. + An ardent nature, full of courage and adventure, was a valuable + acquisition to the dealer, who found that he had enlisted a youngster + capable of relieving him of inflicting that cruelty so necessary to his + profession. With a passion for inflicting torture, this youth could now + gratify it upon those unfortunate beings of merchandise who were being + driven to the shambles: he could gloat in the exercise of those natural + propensities which made the infliction of pain a pleasant recreation. In + the trade of human flesh all these cruel traits became valuable; they + enabled him to demand a good price for his services. Initiated in all the + mysteries of the trade, he was soon entrusted with gangs of very + considerable extent; then he made purchases, laid plans to entrap free + negroes, performed the various intricacies of procuring affidavits with + which to make slave property out of free flesh. Nature was nature, and + what was hard in him soon became harder; he could crib "doubtful white + stuff" that was a nuisance among folks, and sell it for something he could + put in his pocket. In this way Romescos accumulated several hundred + dollars; but avarice increased, and with it his ferocity. It belonged to + the trade, a trade of wanton depravity. He became the terror of those who + assumed to look upon a negro's sufferings with sympathy, scoffing at the + finer feelings of mankind. Twice had his rapacity been let loose-twice had + it nearly brought him to the gallows, or to the tribunal of Judge Lynch. + And now, when completely inured in the traffic of human flesh,—that + traffic which transposes man into a demon, his progress is checked for a + while by a false step. + </p> + <p> + It was this; and this only to the deep disgrace of the freest and happiest + country on earth. A poor orphan girl, like many of her class in our + hospitable slave world, had been a mere cast-off upon the community. She + knew nothing of the world, was ignorant, could neither read nor write,—something + quite common in the south, but seldom known in New England. Thus she + became the associate of depraved negroes, and again, served Romescos as a + victim. Not content with this, after becoming tired of her, he secured her + in the slave-pen of one of his fellow traders. Here he kept her for + several weeks, closely confined, feeding her with grits. Eventually + "running" her to Vicksburg, he found an accomplice to sign a bill of sale, + by which he sold her to a notorious planter, who carried her into the + interior. The wretched girl had qualities which the planter saw might, + with a little care, be made extremely valuable in the New Orleans market,—one + was natural beauty. She was not suitable property for the agricultural + department of either a cotton or sugar plantation, nor was she "the + stripe" to increase prime stock; hence she must be prepared for the + general market. When qualified according to what the planter knew would + suit the fancy market, she was conveyed to New Orleans, a piece of + property bright as the very brightest, very handsome, not very + intelligent,—just suited to the wants of bidders. + </p> + <p> + Here, at the shambles in the crescent city, she remained guarded, and for + several weeks was not allowed to go beyond the door-sill; after which a + sale was effected of her with the keeper of a brothel, for the good price + of thirteen hundred dollars. In this sink of iniquity she remained nearly + two years. Fearing the ulterior consequences, she dared not assert her + rights to freedom, she dared not say she was born free in a free country. + Her disappearance from the village in which she had been reared caused + some excitement; but it soon reduced itself to a very trifling affair. + Indeed, white trash like this was considered little else than rubbish, not + worth bringing up respectably. And while suspicion pointed to Romescos, as + the person who could account for her mysterious disappearance, such was + the fear of his revenge that no one dared be the accuser. Quietly matters + rested, poor virtue was mean merchandise, had its value, could be bought + and sold-could be turned to various uses, except enlisting the sympathies + of those who study it as a market commodity. A few days passed and all was + hushed; no one enquired about the poor orphan, Martha Johnson. In the + hands of her creole owner, who held her as a price for licentious + purposes, she associated with gentlemen of polite manners-of wealth and + position. Even this, though profane, had advantages, which she employed + for the best of purposes; she learned to read and to write,—to + assimilate her feelings with those of a higher class. Society had degraded + her, she had not degraded herself. One night, as the promiscuous company + gathered into the drawing-room, she recognised a young man from her native + village; the familiar face inspired her with joy, her heart leaped with + gladness; he had befriended her poor mother-she knew he had kind feelings, + and would be her friend once her story was told. The moments passed + painfully; she watched him restlessly through the dance,—sat at his + side. Still he did not recognise her,—toilet had changed her for + another being; but she had courted self-respect rather than yielded to + degradation. Again she made signs to attract his attention; she passed and + repassed him, and failed. Have I thus changed, she thought to herself. + </p> + <p> + At length she succeeded in attracting his attention; she drew him aside, + then to her chamber. In it she disclosed her touching narrative, unfolded + her sorrows, appealed to him with tears in her eyes to procure her freedom + and restore her to her rights. Her story enlisted the better feelings of a + man, while her self-respect, the earnestness with which she pleaded her + deliverance, and the heartlessness of the act, strongly rebuked the levity + of those who had made her an orphan outcast in her own village. She was + then in the theatre of vice, surrounded by its allurements, consigned to + its degradation, a prey to libertinism-yet respecting herself. The object + of his visit among the denizens was changed to a higher mission, a duty + which he owed to his moral life,—to his own manliness. He promised + his mediation to better her eventful and mysterious life, to be a friend + to her; and nobly did he keep his promise. On the following day he took + measures for her rescue, and though several attempts were made to wrest + her from him, and the mendacity of slave-dealers summoned to effect it, he + had the satisfaction of seeing her restored to her native village,—to + freedom, to respectability. + </p> + <p> + We withhold the details of this too true transaction, lest we should be + classed among those who are endeavouring to create undue excitement. The + orphan girl we here refer to was married to a respectable mechanic, who + afterwards removed to Cincinnati, and with his wife became much respected + citizens. + </p> + <p> + Proceedings were after some delay commenced against Romescos, but,—we + trust it was not through collusion with officials-he escaped the merited + punishment that would have been inflicted upon him by a New England + tribunal. Again he left the state, and during his absence it is supposed + he was engaged in nefarious practices with the notorious Murrel, who + carried rapine and death into the unoffending villages of the far west. + However, be this as it may, little was known of him for several years, + except in some desperate encounter. The next step in his career of + desperation known, was joining a band of guerillos led by one of the most + intrepid captains that infested the borders of Mexico, during the internal + warfare by which her Texan provinces struggled for independence. + Freebooters, they espoused the Texan cause because it offered food for + their rapacity, and through it they became formidable and desperate foes + to the enemy. They were the terror of the ranchoes, the inhabitants fled + at their approach; their pillage, rapine, and slaughtering, would stain + the annals of barbarous Africa. They are buried, let us hope for the name + of a great nation, that they may remain beneath the pale of oblivion. + </p> + <p> + In their incursions, as mounted riflemen, they besieged villages, + slaughtered the inhabitants, plundered churches, and burned dwellings; + they carried off captive females, drove herds of cattle to distant + markets. Through the auspices of this band, as is now well known, many + young females were carried off and sold into slavery, where they and their + offspring yet remain. While pursuing this nefarious course of life, + Romescos accumulated more than twenty thousand dollars; and yet,—though + ferocity increased with the daring of his profession,—there was one + impulse of his nature, deeply buried, directing his ambition. Amid the + dangers of war, the tumult of conflict, the passion for daring-this + impulse kept alive the associations of home,—it was love! In early + life he had formed an attachment for a beautiful young lady of his native + town; it had ripened with his years; the thoughts of her, and the hope of + regaining her love if he gained wealth, so worked upon his mind that he + resolved to abandon the life of a guerillo, and return home. After an + absence of fourteen years he found the object of his early love,—that + woman who had refused to requite his affection,—a widow, having + buried her husband, a gentleman of position, some months previous. + </p> + <p> + Romescos had money,—the man was not considered; he is not considered + where slavery spreads its vices to corrupt social life. He had been + careful to keep his business a profound secret, and pressing his + affections, soon found the object of his ambition keenly sensitive to his + advances. Rumour recounted his character with mystery and suspicion; + friends remonstrated, but in vain; they were united despite all + opposition, all appeals. For a time he seemed a better man, the business + he had followed harassed his mind, seeming to haunt him, and poison his + progress. He purchased a plantation on the banks of the Santee; for once + resolved to pursue an honest course, to be a respectable citizen, and + enjoy the quiet of home. + </p> + <p> + A year passed: he might have enjoyed the felicity of domestic life, the + affections of a beautiful bride; but the change was too sudden for his + restless spirit. He was not made to enjoy the quiet of life, the task + stood before him like a mountain without a pass, he could not wean himself + from the vices of a marauder. He had abused the free offerings of a free + country, had set law at defiance; he had dealt in human flesh, and the + task of resistance was more than the moral element in his nature could + effect. Violations of human laws were mere speculations to him; they had + beguiled him, body and soul. He had no apology for violating personal + feeling; what cared he for that small consideration, when the bodies of + men, women, and children could be sacrificed for that gold which would + give him position among the men of the south. If he carried off poor + whites, and sold them into slavery, he saw no enormity in the performance; + the law invested him with power he made absolute. Society was chargeable + with all his wrongs, with all his crimes, all his enormities. He had + repeatedly told it so, pointing for proof to that literal observance of + the rule by which man is made mere merchandise. Society had continued in + its pedantic folly, disregarding legal rights, imposing no restraints on + the holder of human property, violating its spirit and pride by neglecting + to enforce the great principles of justice whereby we are bound to protect + the lives of those unjustly considered inferior beings. Thus ends a sketch + of what Romescos gave of his own career. + </p> + <p> + We now find him associated with the desperadoes of slave-dealing, in the + scene we have presented. After Romescos had related what he called the + romance of his life,—intended, no doubt, to impress the party with + his power and intrepidity, and enable him to set a higher value upon his + services,—he lighted a pipe, threw his hat upon the floor, commenced + pacing up and down the room, as if labouring under deep excitement. And + while each one seemed watching him intently, a loud knocking was heard at + the door,—then the baying of blood-hounds, the yelps of curs, + mingling with the murmurs of those poor wretches confined in the cells + beneath. Then followed the clanking of chains, cries, and wailings, + startling and fearful. + </p> + <p> + Dan Bengal sprang to the door, as if conscious of its import. A voice + demanded admittance; and as the door opened Bengal exclaimed, + "Halloo!-here's Nath Nimrod: what's the tune of the adventure?" + </p> + <p> + A short, stout man entered, dressed in a coarse homespun hunting dress, a + profuse black beard and moustache nearly covering his face. "I is'nt so + bad a feller a'ter all-is I?" he says, rushing forward into the centre of + the room, followed by four huge hounds. They were noble animals, had more + instinctive gentleness than their masters, displayed a knowledge of the + importance of the prize they had just gained. + </p> + <p> + "Hurrah for Nath! hurrah! hurrah! hurrah, for Nath! You got him, + Nath-did'nt ye?" resounded from several tongues, and was followed by a + variety of expressions highly complimentary to his efficiency. + </p> + <p> + Romescos, however, remained silent, pacing the floor unconcerned, except + in his own anxiety-as if nothing had occurred to disturb him. Advancing to + the table, the new visitor, his face glowing with exultation, held forth, + by the crispy hair, the blanched and bloody head of an unfortunate negro + who had paid the penalty of the State's allowance for outlaws. "There: + beat that, who can? Four hundred dollars made since breakfast;" he cries + out at the top of his voice. They cast a measured look at the ghastly + object, as if it were a precious ornament, much valued for the price it + would bring, according to law. The demon expresses his joy, descants on + his expertness and skill, holds up his prize again, turns it round, smiles + upon it as his offering, then throws it into the fire place, carelessly, + like a piece of fuel. The dogs spring upon it, as if the trophy was for + their feast; but he repulses them; dogs are not so bad after all-the + canine is often the better of the two-the morsel is too precious for + canine dogs,—human dogs must devour it. "There is nothing like a + free country, nothing; and good business, when it's well protected by + law," says Nimrod, seating himself at the table, filling a glass, bowing + to his companions, drinking to the health of his friends. He imagines + himself the best fellow of the lot. Taking Graspum by the hand, he says, + "there is a clear hundred for you, old patron!" pulls an Executive + proclamation from his pocket, and points to where it sets forth the amount + of reward for the outlaw-dead or alive. "I know'd whar the brute had his + hole in the swamp," he continues: "and I summed up the resolution to bring + him out. And then the gal o' Ginral Brinkle's, if I could pin her, would + be a clear fifty more, provided I could catch her without damage, and + twenty-five if the dogs havocked her shins. There was no trouble in + getting the fifty, seeing how my dogs were trained to the point and call. + Taste or no taste, they come square off at the word. To see the critters + trace a nigger, you'd think they had human in them; they understands it + so! But, I tell you what, it's one thing to hunt a gal nigger, and another + to run down an outlaw what has had two or three years in the swamp. The + catching him's not much, but when ye have to slide the head off, all the + pious in yer natur comes right up to make yer feelings feel kind a' + softish. However, the law protects ye, and the game being only a nigger, + different rules and things govern one's feelings." + </p> + <p> + Bengal interrupts by laconically insinuating-raising his moody face, and + winking at Graspum-that it was all moonshine to talk about trouble in that + kind of business; "It's the very highest of exhilarating sport!" he + concludes emphatically. + </p> + <p> + "Dan!" returns the other, with a fierce stare, as he seizes the bottle and + is about to enjoy a glass of whisky uninvited; "let your liquor stop your + mouth. I set the whole pack upon the trail at daylight, and in less than + two hours they came upon him, bolted him, and put him to the river. The + leader nabbed him about half way across, but the chap, instead of giving + in, turned and fought like a hero. Twice I thought he would whip the whole + pack, but the way they made the rags fly warn't nobody's business. Well, I + just come up with him as he plunged into the stream, lifts old sure mark, + as gives him about a dozen plugs; and then the old feller begged just so, + you'd thought he was a Christian pleadin' forgiveness at the last moment. + But, when I seizes him and gives him three or four levellers with the butt + of the rifle, ye never saw a sarpent plunge, and struggle, and warp so. + Says I, 'It's no use, old feller,—yer might as well give her up;' + and the way his eyes popped, just as if he expected I war'nt goin to + finish him. I tell ye, boys, it required some spunk about then, for the + critter got his claws upon me with a death grip, and the dogs ripped him + like an old corn stalk, and would'nt keep off. And then there was no + fracturin his skull; and seeing how he was overpowering me, I just seizes + him by the throat and pops his head off quicker than a Chinese + executioner." + </p> + <p> + The author has given the language of the slave-hunter who related the case + personally. + </p> + <p> + "Now, thar' war'nt so much in takin' the gal, cos jist when she seed the + dogs comin', the critter took to tree and gin right up: but when I went to + muzlin' on her, so she could'nt scream, then she gets saucy; and I + promised to gin her bricks,—which, fellers, I reckon yer must take a + hand in so the brute won't wake the neighbours; and I'll do'e it afore I + sleeps," said Nimrod, getting up from the table and playfully touching + Romescos upon the arm. "I see ye ain't brightened to-day—Graspum's + share don't seem to suit yer, old feller; ah! ah!!" he continued. + </p> + <p> + "Just put another ten per cent. upon the out-lining, and running free + 'uns, and I'll stand flint," said Romescos, seeming to be acted upon by a + sudden change of feelings, as he turned to Graspum, with a look of + anxiety. + </p> + <p> + "Very well," returned Graspum. "Yer see, there's that Marston affair to be + brought to a point; and his affairs are just in such a fix that he don't + know what's what, nor who's who. Ther'll have to be some tall swearing + done in that case afore it's brought to the hammer. That cunning of yours, + Romescos, will just come into play in this case. It'll be just the thing + to do the crooked and get round the legal points." Thus Graspum, with the + dignity and assurance of a gentleman, gave his opinion, drank with his + companions, and withdrew for the night. + </p> + <p> + Romescos, Bengal, and Nimrod, soon after descended into the vaults below, + followed by a negro bearing a lantern. Here they unbolted one of the + cells, dragged forth a dejected-looking mulatto woman, her rags scarcely + covering her nakedness. The poor wretch, a child born to degradation and + torture, whose cries were heard in heaven, heaved a deep sigh, then gave + vent to a flood of tears. They told how deep was her anguish, how she + struggled against injustice, how sorrow was burning her very soul. The + outpourings of her feelings might have aroused the sympathies of savage + hearts; but the slave monsters were unmoved. Humbleness, despair, and even + death, sat upon her very countenance; hope had fled her, left her a wreck + for whom man had no pity. And though her prayers ascended to heaven, the + God of mercy seemed to have abandoned her to her tormentors. She came + forward trembling and reluctantly, her countenance changed; she gave a + frowning look at her tormentors, wild and gloomy, shrank back into the + cell, the folds of straight, black hair hanging about her shoulders. + </p> + <p> + "Come out here!" Nimrod commands in an angry tone; then, seizing her by + the arm, dragged her forth, and jerked her prostrate on the ground. Here, + like as many fiends in human form, the rest fell upon her, held her flat + to the floor by the hands and feet, her face downwards, while Nimrod, with + a raw hide, inflicted thirty lashes on her bare back. Her cries and + groans, as she lay writhing, the flesh hanging in quivering shreds, and + lifting with the lash,—her appeals for mercy, her prayers to heaven, + her fainting moans as the agony of her torture stung into her very soul, + would have touched a heart of stone. But, though her skin had not defiled + her in the eyes of the righteous, there was none to take pity on her, nor + to break the galling chains; no! the punishment was inflicted with the + measured coolness of men engaged in an every-day vocation. It was simply + the right which a democratic law gave men to become lawless, fierce in the + conspiracy of wrong, and where the legal excitement of trafficking in the + flesh and blood of one another sinks them unconsciously into demons. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0007" id="link2HCH0007"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER VII. — "BUCKRA-MAN VERY UNCERTAIN." + </h2> + <p> + THE caption, a common saying among negroes at the south, had its origin in + a consciousness, on the part of the negro, of the many liabilities to + which his master's affairs are subject, and his own dependence on the + ulterior consequences. It carries with it a deep significance, opens a + field for reflection, comprehends the negro's knowledge of his own + uncertain state, his being a piece of property the good or evil of which + is effected by his master's caprices, the binding force of the law that + makes him merchandise. Nevertheless, while the negro feels them in all + their force, the master values them only in an abstract light. Ask the + negro whose master is kind to him, if he would prefer his freedom and go + north?-At first he will hesitate, dilate upon his master's goodness, his + affection for him, the kindly feeling evinced for him by the family-they + often look upon him with a patriarchal tenderness-and, finally, he will + conclude by telling you he wishes master and missus would live for ever. + He tells you, in the very simplicity of his nature, that "Eve' ting so + unsartin! and mas'r don't know if he die when he gwine to." That when he + is dying he does not realise it; and though his intention be good, death + may blot out his desires, and he, the dependent, being only a chattel, + must sink into the uncertain stream of slave-life. Marston's plantation + might have been taken as an illustration of the truth of this saying. Long + had it been considered one of eminent profit; his field slaves were well + cared for; his favourite house servants had every reasonable indulgence + granted them. And, too, Marston's mansion was the pleasant retreat of many + a neighbour, whose visits were welcomed by the kindly attention he had + taught his domestics to bestow. Marston's fault lay in his belonging to + that class of planters who repose too much confidence in others. + </p> + <p> + The morning following Lorenzo's departure ushered forth bright and balmy. + A quiet aspect reigned in and about the plantation, servants moved + sluggishly about, the incidents of the preceding night oppressed Marston's + mind; his feelings broke beyond his power of restraint. Like contagion, + the effect seized each member of his household,—forcibly it spoke in + word and action! Marston had bestowed much care upon Lorenzo and + Franconia; he had indulged and idolised the latter, and given the former + some good advice. But advice without example seldom produces lasting good; + in truth, precept had the very worst effect upon Lorenzo,—it had + proved his ruin! His singular and mysterious departure might for a time be + excused,—even accounted for in some plausible manner, but suspicion + was a stealing monster that would play upon the deeply tinctured surface, + and soar above in disgrace. That the Rovero family were among the first of + the State would not be received as a palliation; they had suffered + reverses of fortune, and, with the addition of Lorenzo's profligacy, which + had been secretly drawing upon their resources, were themselves well nigh + in discredit. And now that this sudden and unexpected reverse had befallen + Marston, he could do nothing for their relief. Involved, perplexed, and + distrusted-with ever-slaying suspicion staring him in the face-he was a + victim pursued by one who never failed to lay low his object. That man + moved with unerring method, could look around him upon the destitution + made by his avarice, without evincing a shadow of sympathy. Yes! he was in + the grasp of a living Shylock, whose soul, worn out in the love of gold, + had forgotten that there existed a distinction between right and wrong. + </p> + <p> + Surrounded by all these dark forebodings, Marston begins to reflect on his + past life. He sees that mercy which overlooks the sins of man when + repentance is pure; but his life is full of moral blemishes; he has sinned + against the innocent, against the God of forgiveness. The inert of his + nature is unfolding itself,—he has lived according to the tolerated + vices of society-he has done no more than the law gave him a right to do! + And yet, that very society, overlooking its own wrongs, would now strip + him of its associations. He lives in a State where it is difficult to tell + what society will approve or reprobate; where a rich man may do with + impunity what would consign a poor man to the gallows. + </p> + <p> + If we examine the many rencontres that take place in the south, especially + those proving fatal, we will find that the perpetrator, if he be a rich + man, invariably receives an "honourable acquittal." Again, when the man of + position shoots down his victim in the streets of a city, he is esteemed + brave; but a singular reversion takes place if the rencontre be between + poor men. It is then a diabolical act, a murder, which nothing short of + the gallows can serve for punishment. The creatures whom he had made mere + objects to serve his sensuality were before him; he traced the gloomy + history of their unfortunate sires; he knew that Ellen and Clotilda were + born free. The cordon that had bound his feelings to the system of slavery + relaxed. For the first time, he saw that which he could not recognise in + his better nature-himself the medium of keeping human beings in slavery + who were the rightful heirs of freedom. The blackness of the crime-its + cruelty, its injustice-haunted him; they were at that very moment held by + Graspum's caprice. He might doom the poor wretches to irretrievable + slavery, to torture and death! Then his mind wandered to Annette and + Nicholas; he saw them of his own flesh and blood; his natural affections + bounded forth; how could he disown them? The creations of love and right + were upon him, misfortune had unbound his sensations; his own offspring + stood before him clothed in trouble thick and dangerous. His follies have + entailed a life-rent of misery upon others; the fathomless depth of the + future opens its yawning jaws to swallow up those upon whom the fondness + of a father should have been bestowed for their moral and physical good. + </p> + <p> + As he sits contemplating this painful picture, Aunt Rachel enters the room + to inquire if Lorenzo breakfasts with them. "Why! old mas'r, what ail ye + dis mornin'? Ye don't seems nohow. Not a stripe like what ye was + yesterday; somethin' gi 'h de wrong way, and mas'r done know what i' is," + she mutters to herself, looking seriously at Marston. + </p> + <p> + "Nothing! old bustler; nothing that concerns you. Do not mention Lorenzo's + name again; he has gone on a journey. Send my old faithful Daddy Bob to + me." Rachel hastened to fulfil the command; soon brought the old servant + to the door. His countenance lighted up with smiles as he stood at the + doorway, bowing and scraping, working his red cap in his hand. There stood + the old man, a picture of attachment. + </p> + <p> + "Come in, Bob, come in!" Marston says, motioning his hand, "I wish the + world was as faithful as you are. You are worthy the indulgence I have + bestowed upon you; let me hope there is something better in prospect for + you. My life reproves me; and when I turn and review its crooked path-when + I behold each inconsistency chiding me-I lament what I cannot recall." + Taking the old man by the hand, the tears glistening in his eyes, he looks + upon him as a father would his child. + </p> + <p> + "In a short time, Bob, you shall be free to go where you please, on the + plantation or off it. But remember, Bob, you are old-you have grown grey + in faithfulness,—the good southerner is the true friend of the + negro! I mean he is the true friend of the negro, because he has + associated with him from childhood, assimilated with his feelings, made + his nature a study. He welcomes him without reserve, approaches him + without that sensitiveness and prejudice which the northerner too often + manifests towards him. You shall be free, Bob! you shall be free!-free to + go where you please; but you must remain among southerners, southerners + are your friends." + </p> + <p> + "Yes, mas'r, 'im all just so good, if t'warn't dat I so old. Free nigger, + when 'e old, don't gwane to get along much. Old Bob tink on dat mighty + much, he do dat! Lef Bob free win 'e young, den 'e get tru' de world like + Buckra, only lef 'im de chance what Buckra hab. Freedom ain't wof much ven + old Bob worn out, mas'r; and Buckra what sell nigger,—what make 'e + trade on him, run 'im off sartin. He sell old nigger what got five dollar + wof' a work in 'e old bones. Mas'r set 'um free, bad Buckra catch 'um, old + Bob get used up afo' he know nofin," quaintly replied the old man, seeming + to have an instinctive knowledge of the "nigger trade," but with so much + attachment for his master that he could not be induced to accept his + freedom. + </p> + <p> + "It's not the leaving me, Bob; you may be taken from me. You are worth but + little, 'tis true, and yet you may be sold from me to a bad master. If the + slave-dealers run you off, you can let me know, and I will prosecute + them," returned Marston. + </p> + <p> + "Ah! mas'r; dat's just whar de blunt is-in de unsartainty! How I gwane to + let mas'r know, when mas'r no larn nigger to read," he quickly responded. + There is something in his simple remark that Marston has never before + condescended to contemplate,—something the simple nature of the + negro has just disclosed; it lies deeply rooted at the foundation of all + the wrongs of slavery. Education would be valuable to the negro, + especially in his old age; it would soften his impulses rather than impair + his attachment, unless the master be a tyrant fearing the results of his + own oppression. Marston, a good master, had deprived the old man of the + means of protecting himself against the avarice of those who would snatch + him from freedom, and while his flesh and blood contained dollars and + cents, sell him into slavery. Freedom, under the best circumstances, could + do him little good in his old age; and yet, a knowledge of the wrong + rankled deep in Marston's feelings: he could relieve it only by giving + Daddy Bob and Harry their freedom if they would accept it. + </p> + <p> + Relinquishing Daddy's hand, he commanded him to go and bring him Annette + and Nicholas. "Bring them," he says, "without the knowledge of their + mothers." Bob withdrew, hastened to the cabins in the yard to fulfil the + mission. Poor things, thought Marston; they are mine, how can I disown + them? Ah, there's the point to conquer-I cannot! It is like the mad + torrents of hell, stretched out before me to consume my very soul, to bid + me defiance. Misfortune is truly a great purifier, a great regenerator of + our moral being; but how can I make the wrong right?-how can I live to + hope for something beyond the caprice of this alluring world? My frailties + have stamped their future with shame. + </p> + <p> + Thus he mused as the children came scampering into the room. Annette, her + flaxen curls dangling about her neck, looking as tidy and bright as the + skill of Clotilda could make her, runs to Marston, throws herself on his + knee, fondles about his bosom, kisses his hand again and again. She loves + him,—she knows no other father. Nicholas, more shy, moves slowly + behind a chair, his fingers in his mouth the while. Looking through its + rounds wistfully, he shakes his head enviously, moves the chair backwards + and forwards, and is too bashful to approach Annette's position. + </p> + <p> + Marston has taken Annette in his arms, he caresses her; she twirls her + tiny fingers through his whiskers, as if to play with him in the toying + recognition of a father. He is deeply immersed in thought, smooths her + hair, walks to the glass with her in his arms, holds her before it as if + to detect his own features in the countenance of the child. Resuming his + seat, he sets her on one knee, calls Nicholas to him, takes him on the + other, and fondles them with an air of kindness it had never before been + their good fortune to receive at his hands. He looked upon them again, and + again caressed them, parted their hair with his fingers. And as Annette + would open her eyes and gaze in his, with an air of sweetest + acknowledgment, his thoughts seemed contending with something fearful. He + was in trouble; he saw the enemy brooding over the future; he heaved a + sigh, a convulsive motion followed, a tear stealing down his cheek told + the tale of his reflections. + </p> + <p> + "Now, Daddy;" he speaks, directing himself to old Bob, who stands at the + door surprised at Marston's singular movements, "you are my confidant, + what do you think the world-I mean the people about the district, about + the city-would say if they knew these were mine? You know, Bob,—you + must tell me straight out, do they look like me?-have they features like + mine?" he inquires with rapid utterance. + </p> + <p> + "Mas'r, Bob don' like to say all he feels," meekly muttered the old man. + </p> + <p> + "There is the spot on which we lay the most unholy blot; and yet, it + recoils upon us when we least think. Unfortunate wretches bear them unto + us; yet we dare not make them our own; we blast their lives for selfish + ends, yield them to others, shield ourselves by a misnomer called right! + We sell the most interesting beings for a price,—beings that should + be nearest and dearest to our hearts." + </p> + <p> + The old slave's eyes glistened with excitement; he looked on astonished, + as if some extraordinary scene had surprised him. As his agitation + subsided, he continued, "Mas'r, I bin watch 'im dis long time. Reckon how + nobody wouldn't take 'em fo'h nobody else's-fo'h true! Dar ain't no + spozin' bout 'em, 'e so right smart twarn't no use to guise 'em: da'h just + like old Boss. Mas'r, nigger watch dem tings mighty close; more close den + Buckra, cos' Buckra tink 'e all right when nigger tink 'e all wrong." + </p> + <p> + Marston is not quite content with this: he must needs put another question + to the old man. "You are sure there can be no mistaking them for mine?" he + rejoins, fixing his eyes upon the children with an almost death-like + stare, as Daddy leads them out of the room. The door closes after them, he + paces the room for a time, seats himself in his chair again, and is soon + absorbed in contemplation. "I must do something for them-I must snatch + them from the jaws of danger. They are full of interest-they are mine; + there is not a drop of negro blood in their veins, and yet the world asks + who are their mothers, what is their history? Ah! yes; in that history + lies the canker that has eaten out the living springs of many lives. It is + that which cuts deepest. Had I known myself, done what I might have done + before it was too late, kindness would have its rewards; but I am + fettered, and the more I move the worse for them. Custom has laid the + foundation of wrong, the law protects it, and a free government tolerates + a law that shields iniquities blackening earth." In this train of thought + his mind wandered. He would send the children into a free state, there to + be educated; that they may live in the enjoyment of those rights with + which nature had blest them. The obstacles of the law again stared him in + the face; the wrong by which they were first enslaved, now forgotten, had + brought its climax. + </p> + <p> + Suddenly arousing from his reverie, he started to his feet, and walking + across the floor, exclaimed in an audible voice, "I will surmount all + difficulties,—I will recognise them as my children; I will send them + where they may become ornaments of society, instead of living in shame and + licentiousness. This is my resolve, and I will carry it out, or die!" + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0008" id="link2HCH0008"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER VIII. — A CLOUD OF MISFORTUNE HANGS OVER THE PLANTATION. + </h2> + <p> + THE document Marston signed for Lorenzo-to release him from the + difficulties into which he had been drawn by Graspum-guaranteed the holder + against all loss. This, in the absence of Lorenzo, and under such stranger + circumstances, implied an amount which might be increased according to the + will of the man into whose hands he had so unfortunately fallen. + </p> + <p> + Nearly twelve months had now elapsed since the disclosure of the crime. + Maxwell, our young Englishman, had spent the time among the neighbouring + plantations; and failing to enlist more than friendly considerations from + Franconia, resolved to return to Bermuda and join his family. He had, + however, taken a deep interest in Clotilda and Annette,—had gone to + their apartment unobserved, and in secret interviews listened to + Clotilda's tale of trouble. Its recital enlisted his sympathies; and being + of an ardent and impressible temper, he determined to carry out a design + for her relief. He realised her silent suffering,—saw how her + degraded condition wrangled with her noble feelings,—how the true + character of a woman loathed at being the slave of one who claimed her as + his property. And this, too, without the hope of redeeming herself, except + by some desperate effort. And, too, he saw but little difference between + the blood of Franconia and the blood of Clotilda; the same outline of + person was there,—her delicate countenance, finely moulded bust, + smoothly converging shoulders. There was the same Grecian cast of face, + the same soft, reflective eyes,—filling a smile with sweetness, and + again with deep-felt sorrow. The same sensitive nature, ready to yield + forth love and tenderness, or to press onward the more impassioned + affections, was visible in both. And yet, what art had done for Franconia + nature had replenished for Clotilda. But, the servile hand was upon her, + she crouched beneath its grasp; it branded her life, and that of her + child, with ignominy and death. + </p> + <p> + During these interviews he would watch her emotions as she looked upon her + child; when she would clasp it to her bosom, weeping, until from the + slightest emotion her feelings would become frantic with anguish. + </p> + <p> + "And you, my child, a mother's hope when all other pleasures are gone! Are + you some day to be torn from me, and, like myself, sent to writhe under + the coarse hand of a slave-dealer, to be stung with shame enforced while + asking God's forgiveness? Sometimes I think it cannot be so; I think it + must all be a dream. But it is so, and we might as well submit, say as + little of the hardship as possible, and think it's all as they tell + us-according to God's will," she would say, pressing the child closer and + closer to her bosom, the agitation of her feelings rising into convulsions + as the tears coursed down her cheeks. Then she would roll her soft eyes + upwards, her countenance filling with despair. The preservation of her + child was pictured in the depth of her imploring look. For a time her + emotions would recede into quiet,—she would smile placidly upon + Annette, forget the realities that had just swept her mind into such a + train of trouble. + </p> + <p> + One night, as Maxwell entered her apartment, he found her kneeling at her + bed-side, supplicating in prayer. The word, "Oh, God; not me, but my + child-guide her through the perils that are before her, and receive her + into heaven at last," fell upon his ear. He paused, gazed upon her as if + some angel spirit had touched the tenderest chord of his feelings-listened + unmoved. A lovely woman, an affectionate mother, the offspring of a noble + race,—herself forced by relentless injustice to become an instrument + of licentiousness-stood before him in all that can make woman an ornament + to her sex. What to Ellen Juvarna seemed the happiness of her lot, was + pain and remorse to Clotilda; and when she arose there was a nervousness, + a shrinking in her manner, betokening apprehension. "It is not now; it is + hereafter. And yet there is no glimmer of hope!" she whispers, as she + seats herself in a chair, pulls the little curtain around the bed, and + prepares to retire. + </p> + <p> + The scene so worked upon Maxwell's feelings that he could withstand the + effect no longer; he approached her, held out his hand, greeted her with a + smile: "Clotilda, I am your friend," he whispers, "come, sit down and tell + me what troubles you!" + </p> + <p> + "If what I say be told in confidence?" she replied, as if questioning his + advance. + </p> + <p> + "You may trust me with any secret; I am ready to serve you, if it be with + my life!" + </p> + <p> + Clasping her arms round her child, again she wept in silence. The moment + was propitious—the summer sun had just set beneath dark foliage in + the west, its refulgent curtains now fading into mellow tints; night was + closing rapidly over the scene, the serene moon shone softly through the + arbour into the little window at her bedside. Again she took him by the + hand, invited him to sit down at her side, and, looking imploringly in his + face, continued,—"If you are a friend, you can be a friend in + confidence, in purpose. I am a slave! yes, a slave; there is much in the + word, more than most men are disposed to analyse. It may seem simple to + you, but follow it to its degraded depths-follow it to where it sows the + seeds of sorrow, and there you will find it spreading poison and death, + uprooting all that is good in nature. Worse than that, my child is a slave + too. It is that which makes the wrong more cruel, that mantles the + polished vice, that holds us in that fearful grasp by which we dare not + seek our rights. + </p> + <p> + "My mother, ah! yes, my mother"-Clotilda shakes her head in sorrow. "How + strange that, by her misfortune, all, all, is misfortune for ever! from + one generation to another, sinking each life down, down, down, into misery + and woe. How oft she clasped my hand and whispered in my ear: 'If we could + but have our rights.' And she, my mother,—as by that sacred name I + called her-was fair; fairer than those who held her for a hideous purpose, + made her existence loathsome to herself, who knew the right but forced the + wrong. She once had rights, but was stripped of them; and once in slavery + who can ask that right be done?" + </p> + <p> + "What rights have you beyond these?" he interrupted, suddenly. "There is + mystery in what you have said, in what I have seen; something I want to + solve. The same ardent devotion, tenderness, affection,—the same + touching chasteness, that characterises Franconia, assimilates in you. You + are a slave, a menial-she is courted and caressed by persons of rank and + station. Heavens! here is the curse confounding the flesh and blood of + those in high places, making slaves of their own kinsmen, crushing out the + spirit of life, rearing up those broken flowers whose heads droop with + shame. And you want your freedom?" + </p> + <p> + "For my child first," she replied, quickly: "I rest my hopes of her in the + future." + </p> + <p> + Maxwell hesitated for a moment, as if contemplating some plan for her + escape, ran his fingers through his hair again and again, then rested his + forehead in his hand, as the perspiration stood in heavy drops upon it. + "My child!" There was something inexpressibly touching in the words of a + mother ready to sacrifice her own happiness for the freedom of her child. + And yet an awful responsibility hung over him; should he attempt to gain + their freedom, and fail in carrying out the project, notwithstanding he + was in a free country, the act might cost him his life. But there was the + mother, her pride beaming forth in every action, a wounded spirit stung + with the knowledge of being a slave, the remorse of her suffering soul-the + vicissitudes of that sin thus forced upon her. The temptation became + irresistible. + </p> + <p> + "You are English!"-northerners and Englishmen know what liberty is. + </p> + <p> + Negroes at the South have a very high opinion of Northern cleverness in + devising means of procuring their liberty. The Author here uses the + language employed by a slave girl who frequently implored aid to devise + some plan by which she would be enabled to make her escape. Northerners + could do great things for us, if they would but know us as we are, study + our feelings, cast aside selfish motives, and sustain our rights!" + Clotilda now commenced giving Maxwell a history of her mother,—which, + however, we must reserve for another chapter. "And my mother gave me + this!" she said, drawing from her pocket a paper written over in Greek + characters, but so defaced as to be almost unintelligible. "Some day you + will find a friend who will secure your freedom through that," she would + say. "But freedom-that which is such a boon to us-is so much feared by + others that you must mark that friend cautiously, know him well, and be + sure he will not betray the liberty you attempt to gain." And she handed + him the defaced paper, telling him to put it in his pocket. + </p> + <p> + "And where is your mother?" + </p> + <p> + "There would be a store of balm in that, if I did but know. Her beauty + doomed her to a creature life, which, when she had worn out, she was sold, + as I may be, God knows how soon. Though far away from me, she is my mother + still, in all that recollection can make her; her countenance seems like a + wreath decorating our past associations. Shrink not when I tell it, for + few shrink at such things now,—I saw her chained; I didn't think + much of it then, for I was too young. And she took me in her arms and + kissed me, the tears rolled down her cheeks; and she said-'Clotilda, + Clotilda, farewell! There is a world beyond this, a God who knows our + hearts, who records our sorrows;' and her image impressed me with feelings + I cannot banish. To look back upon it seems like a rough pilgrimage; and + then when I think of seeing her again my mind gets lost in hopeless + expectations"— + </p> + <p> + "You saw her chained?" interrupted Maxwell. + </p> + <p> + "Yes, even chained with strong irons. It need not surprise you. Slavery is + a crime; and they chain the innocent lest the wrong should break forth + upon themselves." And she raised her hands to her face, shook her head, + and laid Annette in the little bed at the foot of her own. + </p> + <p> + What is it that in chaining a woman, whether she be black as ebony or + white as snow, degrades all the traits of the southerner's character, + which he would have the world think noble? It is fear! The monster which + the southerner sees by day, tolerates in his silence, protects as part and + parcel of a legal trade, only clothes him with the disgrace that menials + who make themselves mere fiends are guilty of, Maxwell thought to himself. + </p> + <p> + "I will set you free, if it cost my life!" he exclaimed. + </p> + <p> + "Hush, hush!" rejoined Clotilda: "remember those wretches on the + plantation. They, through their ignorance, have learned to wield the + tyranny of petty power; they look upon us with suspicious eyes. They know + we are negroes (white negroes, who are despicable in their eyes), and + feeling that we are more favoured, their envy is excited. They, with the + hope of gaining favour, are first to disclose a secret. Save my child + first, and then save me"— + </p> + <p> + "I will save you first; rest assured, I will save you;" he responded, + shaking her hand, bidding her good night. On returning to the mansion he + found Marston seated at the table in the drawing-room, in a meditative + mood. Good night, my friend!" he accosted him. + </p> + <p> + "Ah, good night!" was the sudden response. + </p> + <p> + "You seem cast down?" + </p> + <p> + "No!-all's not as it seems with a man in trouble. How misfortune quickens + our sense of right! O! how it unfolds political and moral wrongs! how it + purges the understanding, and turns the good of our natures to thoughts of + justice. But when the power to correct is beyond our reach we feel the + wrong most painfully," Marston coldly replied. + </p> + <p> + "It never is too late to do good; my word for it, friend Marston, good is + always worth its services. I am young and may serve you yet; rise above + trouble, never let trifles trouble a man like you. The world seems wagging + pleasantly for you; everybody on the plantation is happy; Lorenzo has gone + into the world to distinguish himself; grief should never lay its scalpel + in your feelings. Remember the motto-peace, pleasantry, and plenty; they + are things which should always dispel the foreshadowing of unhappiness," + says Maxwell, jocularly, taking a chair at Marston's request, and seating + himself by the table. + </p> + <p> + Marston declares such consolation to be refreshing, but too easily + conceived to effect his purpose. The ripest fruits of vice often produce + the best moral reflections: he feels convinced of this truth; but here the + consequences are entailed upon others. The degradation is sunk too deep + for recovery by him,—his reflections are only a burden to him. The + principle that moves him to atone is crushed by the very perplexity of the + law that compels him to do wrong. "There's what goads me," he says: "it is + the system, the forced condition making one man merchandise, and giving + another power to continue him as such." He arises from the table, his face + flushed with excitement, and in silence paces the room to and fro for + several minutes. Every now and then he watches at the window,—looks + out towards the river, and again at the pine-woods forming a belt in the + background, as if he expected some one from that direction. The serene + scene without, calm and beautiful, contrasting with the perplexity that + surrounded him within, brought the reality of the change which must soon + take place in his affairs more vividly to his mind. + </p> + <p> + "Your feelings have been stimulated and modified by education; they are + keenly sensitive to right,—to justice between man and man. Those are + the beautiful results of early instruction. New England education! It + founds a principle for doing good; it needs no contingencies to rouse it + to action. You can view slavery with the unprejudiced eye of a + philosopher. Listen to what I am about to say: but a few months have + passed since I thought myself a man of affluence, and now nothing but the + inroads of penury are upon me. The cholera (that scourge of a southern + plantation) is again sweeping the district: I cannot expect to escape it, + and I am in the hands of a greater scourge than the cholera,—a slow + death-broker. He will take from you that which the cholera would not deign + to touch: he has no more conscience than a cotton-press," says Marston, + reclining back in his chair, and calling the negro waiter. + </p> + <p> + The word conscience fell upon Maxwell's ear with strange effect. He had + esteemed Marston according to his habits-not a good test when society is + so remiss of its duties: he could not reconcile the touch of conscience in + such a person, nor could he realise the impulse through which some sudden + event was working a moral regeneration in his mind. There was something he + struggled to keep from notice. The season had been unpropitious, bad crops + had resulted; the cholera made its appearance, swept off many of the best + negroes, spread consternation, nearly suspended discipline and labour. One + by one his negroes fell victims to its ravages, until it became + imperatively necessary to remove the remainder to the pine-woods. + </p> + <p> + Families might be seen here and there making their little preparations to + leave for the hills: the direful scourge to them was an evil spirit, sent + as a visitation upon their bad deeds. This they sincerely believe, + coupling it with all the superstition their ignorance gives rise to. A few + miles from the mansion, among the pines, rude camps are spread out, fires + burn to absorb the malaria, to war against mosquitoes, to cook the evening + meal; while, up lonely paths, ragged and forlorn-looking negroes are + quietly wending their way to take possession. The stranger might view this + forest bivouac as a picture of humble life pleasantly domiciled; but it is + one of those unfortunate scenes, fruitful of evil, which beset the planter + when he is least able to contend against them. Such events develope the + sin of an unrighteous institution, bring its supporters to the portals of + poverty, consign harmless hundreds to the slave-marts. + </p> + <p> + In this instance, however, we must give Marston credit for all that was + good in his intentions, and separate him from the system. Repentance, + however produced, is valuable for its example, and if too late for present + utility, seldom fails to have an ultimate influence. Thus it was with + Marston; and now that all these inevitable disasters were upon him, he + resolved to be a father to Annette and Nicholas,—those unfortunates + whom law and custom had hitherto compelled him to disown. + </p> + <p> + Drawing his chair close to Maxwell, he lighted a cigar, and resumed the + disclosure his feelings had apparently interrupted a few minutes before. + "Now, my good friend, all these things are upon me; there is no escaping + the issue. My people will soon be separated from me; my old, faithful + servants, Bob and Harry, will regret me, and if they fall into the hands + of a knave, will die thinking of the old plantation. As for Harry, I have + made him a preacher,—his knowledge is wonderfully up on Scripture; + he has demonstrated to me that niggers are more than mortal, or transitory + things. My conscience was touched while listening to one of his sermons; + and then, to think how I had leased him to preach upon a neighbouring + plantation, just as a man would an ox to do a day's work! Planters paid me + so much per sermon, as if the gospel were merchandise, and he a mere thing + falsifying all my arguments against his knowledge of the Word of God. + Well, it makes me feel as if I were half buried in my own degradation and + blindness. And then, again, they are our property, and are bestowed upon + us by a legal-" + </p> + <p> + "If that be wrong," interrupted Maxwell, "you have no excuse for + continuing it." + </p> + <p> + "True! That's just what I was coming at. The evil in its broadest expanse + is there. We look calmly on the external objects of the system without + solving its internal grievances,—we build a right upon the ruins of + ancient wrongs, and we swathe our thoughts with inconsistency that we may + make the curse of a system invulnerable. It is not that we cannot do good + under a bad system, but that we cannot ameliorate it, lest we weaken the + foundation. And yet all this seems as nothing when I recall a sin of + greater magnitude-a sin that is upon me-a hideous blot, goading my very + soul, rising up against me like a mountain, over which I can see no pass. + Again the impelling force of conscience incites me to make a desperate + effort; but conscience rebukes me for not preparing the way in time. I + could translate my feelings further, but, in doing so, the remedy seems + still further from me-" + </p> + <p> + "Is it ever too late to try a remedy-to make an effort to surmount great + impediments-to render justice to those who have suffered from such acts?" + inquired Maxwell, interrupting Marston as he proceeded. + </p> + <p> + "If I could do it without sacrificing my honour, without exposing myself + to the vengeance of the law. We are great sticklers for constitutional + law, while we care little for constitutional justice. There is Clotilda; + you see her, but you don't know her history: if it were told it would + resound through the broad expanse of our land. Yes, it would disclose a + wrong, perpetrated under the smiles of liberty, against which the + vengeance of high Heaven would be invoked. I know the secret, and yet I + dare not disclose it; the curse handed down from her forefathers has been + perpetuated by me. She seems happy, and yet she is unhappy; the secret + recesses of her soul are poisoned. And what more natural? for, by some + unlucky incident, she has got an inkling of the foul means by which she + was made a slave. To him who knows the right, the wrong is most painful; + but I bought her of him whose trade it was to sell such flesh and blood! + And yet that does not relieve me from the curse: there's the stain; it + hangs upon me, it involves my inclinations, it gloats over my downfall-" + </p> + <p> + "You bought her!" again interrupts Maxwell. + </p> + <p> + "True," rejoins the other, quickly, "'tis a trade well protected by our + democracy. Once bought, we cannot relieve ourselves by giving them rights + in conflict with the claims of creditors. Our will may be good, but the + will without the means falls hopeless. My heart breaks under the knowledge + that those children are mine. It is a sad revelation to make,—sad in + the eyes of heaven and earth. My participation in wrong has proved sorrow + to them: how can I look to the pains and struggles they must endure in + life, when stung with the knowledge that I am the cause of it? I shall + wither under the torture of my own conscience. And there is even an + interest about them that makes my feelings bound joyfully when I recur + them. Can it be aught but the fruit of natural affection? I think not; and + yet I am compelled to disown them, and even to smother with falsehood the + rancour that might find a place in Franconia's bosom. Clotilda loves + Annette with a mother's fondness; but with all her fondness for her child + she dare not love me, nor I the child." + </p> + <p> + Maxwell suggests that his not having bought the child would certainly give + him the right to control his own flesh and blood: but he knows little of + slave law, and less of its customs. He, however, was anxious to draw from + Marston full particulars of the secret that would disclose Clotilda's + history, over which the partial exposition had thrown the charm of + mystery. Several times he was on the eve of proffering his services to + relieve the burden working upon Marston's mind; but his sympathies were + enlisted toward the two unfortunate women, for whom he was ready to render + good service, to relieve them and their children. Again, he remembered how + singularly sensitive Southerners were on matters concerning the peculiar + institution, especially when approached by persons from abroad. Perhaps it + was a plot laid by Marston to ascertain his feelings on the subject, or, + under that peculiar jealousy of Southerners who live in this manner, he + might have discovered his interview with Clotilda, and, in forming a plan + to thwart his project, adopted this singular course for disarming + apprehensions. + </p> + <p> + At this stage of the proceedings a whispering noise was heard, as if + coming from another part of the room. They stopped at the moment, looked + round with surprise, but not seeing anything, resumed the conversation. + </p> + <p> + "Of whom did you purchase?" inquired Maxwell, anxiously. + </p> + <p> + "One Silenus; a trader who trades in this quality of property only, and + has become rich by the traffic. He is associated with Anthony Romescos, + once a desperado on the Texan frontier. These two coveys would sell their + mossmates without a scruple, and think it no harm so long as they turned a + dime. They know every justice of the peace from Texas to Fort M'Henry. + Romescos is turned the desperado again, shoots, kills, and otherwise + commits fell deeds upon his neighbour's negroes; he even threatens them + with death when they approach him for reparation. He snaps his fingers at + law, lawyers, and judges: slave law is moonshine to those who have no + rights in common law-" + </p> + <p> + "And he escapes? Then you institute laws, and substitute custom to make + them null. It is a poor apology for a namesake. But do you assert that in + the freest and happiest country-a country that boasts the observance of + its statute laws-a man is privileged to shoot, maim, and torture a + fellow-being, and that public opinion fails to bring him to justice?" + ejaculated Maxwell. + </p> + <p> + "Yes," returns Marston, seriously; "it is no less shameful than true. + Three of my negroes has he killed very good-naturedly, and yet I have no + proof to convict him. Even were I to seek redress, it would be against + that prejudice which makes the rights of the enslaved unpopular." + </p> + <p> + The trouble exists in making the man merchandise, reducing him to an + abject being, without the protection of common law. Presently the tears + began to flow down Marston's cheeks, as he unbuttoned his shirt-collar + with an air of restlessness, approached a desk that stood in one corner of + the room, and drew from it a somewhat defaced bill of sale. There was + something connected with that bit of paper, which, apart from anything + else, seemed to harass him most. "But a minute before you entered I looked + upon that paper," he spoke, throwing it upon the table, "and thought how + much trouble it had brought me, how through it I had left a curse upon + innocent life. I paid fifteen hundred dollars for the souls and bodies of + those two women, creatures of sense, delicacy, and tenderness. But I am + not a bad man, after all. No, there are worse men than me in the world." + </p> + <p> + "Gather, gather, ye incubus of misfortune, bearing to me the light of + heaven, with which to see my sins. May it come to turn my heart in the + right way, to seek its retribution on the wrong!" Thus concluding, Marston + covers his face in his hands, and for several minutes weeps like a child. + Again rising from his seat, he throws the paper on a table near an open + window, and himself upon a couch near by. + </p> + <p> + Maxwell attempts to quiet him by drawing his attention from the subject. + There is little use, however,—it is a terrible conflict,—the + conflict of conscience awakening to a sense of its errors; the fate of + regrets when it is too late to make amends. + </p> + <p> + While this was going on, a brawny hand reached into the window, and + quickly withdrew the paper from the table. Neither observed it. + </p> + <p> + And at the moment, Marston ejaculated, "I will! I will! let it cost what + it may. I will do justice to Clotilda and her child,—to Ellen and + her child; I will free them, send them into a free country to be + educated." In his excitement he forgot the bill of sale. + </p> + <p> + "Like enough you will!" responds a gruff voice; and a loud rap at the + hall-door followed. Dandy was summoned, opened the door, bowed Romescos + into the room. He pretends to be under the influence of liquor, which he + hopes will excuse his extraordinary familiarity at such a late hour. + Touching the hilt of his knife, he swaggers into the presence of Marston, + looks at him fixedly, impertinently demands something to drink. He cares + not what it be, waits for no ceremony, tips the decanter, gulps his glass, + and deliberately takes a seat. + </p> + <p> + The reader will perhaps detect the object of his presence; but, beyond + that, there is something deep and desperate in the appearance of the man, + rendering his familiarity exceedingly disagreeable. That he should present + himself at such an untimely hour was strange, beyond Marston's + comprehension. It was, indeed, most inopportune; but knowing him, he + feared him. He could not treat him with indifference,—there was his + connection with Graspum, his power over the poor servile whites; he must + be courteous-so, summoning his suavity, he orders Dandy to wait upon him. + </p> + <p> + Romescos amuses himself with sundry rude expressions about the etiquette + of gentlemen,—their rights and associations,—the glorious + freedom of a glorious land. Not heeding Dandy's attention, he fills + another glass copiously, twirls it upon the table, eyes Marston, and then + Maxwell, playfully-drinks his beverage with the air of one quite at home. + </p> + <p> + "Marston, old feller," he says, winking at Maxwell, "things don't jibe so + straight as they use't-do they? I wants a stave o' conversation on matters + o' business with ye to-morrow. It's a smart little property arrangement; + but I ain't in the right fix just now; I can't make the marks straight so + we can understand two and two. Ye take, don't ye? Somethin' touching a + genteel business with your fast young nephew, Lorenzo. Caution to the + wise." Romescos, making several vain attempts, rises, laughing with a + half-independent air, puts his slouch hat on his head, staggers to the + door, makes passes at Dandy, who waits his egress, and bidding them good + night, disappears. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0009" id="link2HCH0009"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER IX. — WHO IS SAFE AGAINST THE POWER? + </h2> + <p> + THE cholera raging on Marston's plantation, had excited Graspum's fears. + His pecuniary interests were above every other consideration-he knew no + higher object than the accumulation of wealth; and to ascertain the + precise nature and extent of the malady he had sent Romescos to + reconnoitre. + </p> + <p> + Returning to the long-room at Graspum's slave-pen, we must introduce the + reader to scenes which take place on the night following that upon which + Romescos secured the bill of sale at Marston's mansion. + </p> + <p> + Around the table we have before described sit Graspum and some dozen of + his clan. Conspicuous among them is Dan Bengal, and Nath Nimrod, whom we + described as running into the room unceremoniously, holding by the hair + the head of a negro, and exulting over it as a prize of much value. They + are relating their adventures, speculating over the prospects of trade, + comparing notes on the result of making free trash human property worth + something! They all manifest the happiest of feelings, have a language of + their own, converse freely; at times sprinkle their conversation with + pointed oaths. They are conversant with the business affairs of every + planter in the State, know his liabilities, the condition of his negroes, + his hard cases, his bad cases, his runaways, and his prime property. Their + dilations on the development of wenches, shades of colour, qualities of + stock suited to the various markets-from Richmond to New Orleans-disclose + a singular foresight into the article of poor human nature. + </p> + <p> + "There's nothing like pushing our kind of business, specially whin ye gits + it where ye can push profitably," speaks Bengal, his fiery red eyes + glaring over the table as he droops his head sluggishly, and, sipping his + whiskey, lets it drip over his beard upon his bosom; "if 't warn't for + Anthony's cunnin' we'd have a pesky deal of crooked law to stumble through + afore we'd get them rich uns upset." + </p> + <p> + My reader must know that southern law and justice for the poor succumb to + popular feeling in all slave atmospheres; and happy is the fellow who can + work his way through slavedom without being dependent upon the one or + brought under the influence of the other. + </p> + <p> + Graspum, in reply to Bengal, feels that gentlemen in the "nigger business" + should respect themselves. He well knows there exists not the best feeling + in the world between them and the more exclusive aristocracy, whose + feelings must inevitably be modified to suit the democratic spirit of the + age. He himself enjoys that most refined society, which he asserts to be + strong proof of the manner in which democracy is working its way to + distinction. Our business, he says, hath so many avenues that it has + become positively necessary that some of them should be guarded by men of + honour, dignity, and irreproachable conduct. Now, he has sent Anthony + Romescos to do some watching on the sly, at Marston's plantation; but + there is nothing dishonourable in that, inasmuch as the victim is safe in + his claws. Contented with these considerations, Graspum puffs his cigar + very composedly. From slave nature, slave-seeking adventures, and the + intricacies of the human-property-market, they turn to the discussion of + state rights, of freedom in its broadest and most practical sense. And, + upon the principle of the greatest despot being foremost to discuss what + really constitutes freedom, which, however, he always argues in an + abstract sense, Nimrod was loudest and most lavish in his praises of a + protective government—a government that would grant great good + justice to the white man only. It matters little to Nimrod which is the + greater nigger; he believes in the straight principles of right in the + white man. It is not so much how justice is carried out when menial beings + form a glorious merchandise; but it is the true essence of liberty, giving + men power to keep society all straight, to practice liberty very + liberally. "Ye see, now, Graspum," he quaintly remarks, as he takes up the + candle to light his cigar, "whatever ye do is right, so long as the law + gives a feller a right to do it. 'Tisn't a bit o' use to think how a man + can be too nice in his feelings when a hundred or two's to be made on + nigger property what's delicate, t'aint! A feller feels sore once in a + while, a' cos his conscience is a little touchy now and then; but it won't + do to give way to it-conscience don't bring cash. When ye launches out in + the nigger-trading business ye must feel vengeance agin the brutes, and + think how it's only trade; how it's perfectly legal-and how it's + encouraged by the Governor's proclamations. Human natur's human natur'; + and when ye can turn a penny at it, sink all the in'ard inclinations. Just + let the shiners slide in, it don't matter a tenpence where ye got 'em. + Trade's everything! you might as well talk about patriotism among crowned + heads,—about the chivalry of commerce: cash makes consequence, and + them's what makes gentlemen, south." + </p> + <p> + They welcome the spirits, although it has already made them soulless. The + negro listens to a dialogue of singular import to himself; his eyes + glistened with interest, as one by one they sported over the ignorance + enforced upon the weak. One by one they threw their slouch hats upon the + floor, drew closer in conclave, forming a grotesque picture of fiendish + faces. "Now, gentlemen," Graspum deigns to say, after a moment's pause, + motioning to the decanter, "pass it along round when ye gets a turn + about." He fills his glass and drinks, as if drink were a necessary + accompaniment of the project before them. "This case of Marston's is a + regular plumper; there's a spec to be made in that stock of stuff; and + them bright bits of his own-they look like him-'ll make right smart fancy. + Ther' developing just in the right sort of way to be valuable for market." + </p> + <p> + "There's movin' o' the shrewdest kind to be done there, Graspum! Where's + the dockerment what 'll make 'um property, eh?" interrupted Nimrod, + twisting the hair with which his face is covered into fantastic points. + </p> + <p> + "Oh, my good fellows, public opinion's the dockerment; with the bright + side of public opinion! Public opinion whispers about Clotilda: it says + she looks so much like that niece of Marston's, that you couldn't tell + them apart. And they are like two pins, gentlemen; but then one's property + and t'other's anything but property. One will bring something substantial + in the market: I wouldn't say much about the other. But there's pride in + the whole family, and where it's got into the niggers it's worth a few + extra dollars. The Marstons and Roveros don't think much of we dealers + when they don't want our money; but when they do we are cousins of the + right stripe. However, these ere little aristocratic notions don't mount + to much; they are bin generous blood-mixers, and now they may wince over + it-" + </p> + <p> + Graspum is interrupted again. Bengal has been analysing his logic, and + rises to dispute the logic of his arguments. He is ready to stake his + political faith, and all his common sense-of which he never fails to + boast-that mixing the blood of the two races destroys the purity of the + nigger, spiles the gauge of the market, detracts from real plantation + property, and will just upset the growin' of young niggers. He is sure he + knows just as much about the thing as anybody else, has never missed his + guess, although folks say he aint no way clever at selection; and, rubbing + his eyes after adjusting the long black hair that hangs down over his + shoulders, he folds his arms with an independent air, and waits the + rejoinder. + </p> + <p> + The dingy room breathes thick of deleterious fumes; a gloom hangs over + their meditations, deep and treacherous: it excites fear, not of the men, + but of the horrors of their trade. A dim light hangs suspended from the + ceiling: even the sickly shade contrasts strangely with their black + purpose. + </p> + <p> + "Variety of shade, my dear Bengal, is none of our business. If you make a + division you destroy the property and the principle. We don't represent + the South: if we did, my stars! how the abolitionists would start up,—eh! + Now, there's a right smart chance of big aristocrat folks in the district, + and they think something of their niggers, and some are fools enough to + think niggers have souls just as white as we. That's where the thing don't + strike our morals alike. It's all right to let such folks represent + us-that it is! It tells down north." + </p> + <p> + "I goes in for that! It puts a polished face on the brown side of things. + That's the way I puts it on when I gets among the big 'uns on 'Change. I + talks to one, shakes hands with another, touches my hat to the president + of the bank; and then them what don't know thinks how I do a little in the + taking a corner of notes line!" "In the same sly way that directors of + banks do," interrupts a voice, sullenly and slow. It was long Joe Morphet, + the constable's sponge, who did a little in the line of nigger trailing, + and now and then acted as a contingent of Graspum. Joe had, silently and + with great attention, listened to their consultations, expecting to get a + hook on at some point where his services would play at a profit; but it + all seemed beyond his comprehension-amounted to nothing. + </p> + <p> + "There's something in Joe, gentlemen! But our genteelest folks don't alway + do the genteelest things, arter all. Right-right! Joe's right!" Graspum + has suddenly comprehended Joe's logic, and brightens up with the + possession of a new idea, that at first was inclined to get crosswise in + his mind, which he has drilled in the minor details of human nature rather + than the political dignity of the state. Joe's ideas are ranging over the + necessity of keeping up a good outside for the state; Graspum thinks only + of keeping up the dignity of himself. "Well, give in, fellers; Joe's right + clever. He's got head enough to get into Congress, and if polished up + wouldn't make the worst feller that ever was sent: he wouldn't, to my + certain knowledge. Joe's clever! What great men do with impunity little + men have no scruples in following; what the state tolerates, knaves may + play upon to their own advantage. To keep up the dignity of a slave state, + slave dealers must keep up dignity among themselves: the one cannot live + without the other. They must affect, and the state must put on, the + dignity; and northerners what aint gentlemen must be taught to know that + they aint gentlemen." This is the conclusion to which Graspum has arrived + on the maturest reflection of a few minutes: it conforms with the opinion + and dignity of slaveocracy-must be right, else the glorious Union, with + the free-thinking north unfortunately attached, could never be preserved. + It's the nut of a glorious compact which the south only must crack, and + will crack. Graspum apologised for the thing having escaped his memory so + long. He remembered that southerners left no stone unturned that could + serve the policy of concentrating slave power; and he remembered that it + was equally necessary to keep an eye to the feeling abroad. There were in + America none but southern nobles,—no affable gentlemen who could do + the grace of polite circles except themselves,—none who, through + their bland manners, could do more to repel the awful descriptions given + of southern society, nor who could not make strangers believe slaves were + happy mortals, happily created to live in all the happiness of slave life. + "There's nothing like putting our learned folks ahead-they're polished + down for the purpose, you see-and letting them represent us when abroad; + they puts a different sort of shine on things what our institution makes + profitable. They don't always set good examples at home, but we can't + control their tastes on small matters of that kind: and then, what a + valuable offset it is, just to have the power of doing the free and easy + gentleman, to be the brilliant companion, to put on the smooth when you go + among nobility what don't understand the thing!" Graspum adds, with a + cunning wink. + </p> + <p> + "Pooh! pooh! such talk don't jingle. You can't separate our aristocracy + from mistress-keeping. It's a matter of romance with them,—a matter + of romance, gentlemen, that's all. The south couldn't live without + romance, she couldn't!" adds Nimrod, stretching back in his chair. + </p> + <p> + "And where did you get that broad idea from, Jakey? I kind o' likes that + sort of philosophy," adds another. + </p> + <p> + "Philosophy! I reckon how there is deep and strong philosophy in that ar; + but ye can't calc'late much on't when ye haint talents to bring it out. + That point where the soul comes in is a puzzler on Yankees; but it takes + our editors and parsons to put the arguments where the Yankees can't + demolish them. Read the Richmond—, my grandmother of the day, if ye + want to see the philosophy of niggers, and their souls. That editor is a + philosopher; the world's got to learn his philosophy. Just take that + preacher from New Jersey, what preaches in All Saints; if he don't prove + niggers aint no souls I'm a Dutchman, and dead at that! He gives 'em + broadside logic, gentlemen; and if he hadn't been raised north he wouldn't + bin so up on niggers when he cum south," was the quick rejoinder of our + knowing expounder, who, looking Graspum in the face, demanded to know if + he was not correct. Graspum thinks it better to waste no more time in + words, but to get at the particular piece of business for which they have + been called together. He is a man of money,—a man of trade, ever + willing to admit the philosophy of the man-market, but don't see the + difference of honour between the aristocrat who sells his bits in the + market, and the honourable dealer who gets but a commission for selling + them. And there's something about the parson who, forgetting the sanctity + of his calling, sanctifies everything pertaining to slavery. Conscience, + he admits, is a wonderful thing fixed somewhere about the heart, and, in + spite of all he can do, will trouble it once in a while. Marston-poor + Marston!-he declares to be foolishly troubled with it, and it makes him + commit grievous errors. And then, there's no understandin' it, because + Marston has a funny way of keeping it under such a knotty-looking + exterior. Graspum declares he had nothing to do with the breaking out of + the cholera, is very sorry for it,—only wants his own, just like any + other honest man. He kind o' likes Marston, admits he is a sort of good + fellow in his way; mighty careless though, wouldn't cheat anybody if he + knew it, and never gave half a minute's thinking about how uncertain the + world was. But the cholera-a dire disease among niggers-has broke out in + all the fury of its ravages; and it makes him think of his sick niggers + and paying his debts. "You see, gentlemen-we are all gentlemen here," + Graspum continues,—"a man must pay the penalty of his folly once in + a while. It's the fate of great men as well as smaller ones; all are + liable to it. That isn't the thing, though; it don't do to be + chicken-hearted afore niggers, nor when yer dealing in niggers, nor in any + kind o' business what ye want to make coin at. Marston 'll stick on that + point, he will; see if he don't. His feelins' are troubling him: he knows + I've got the assignment; and if he don't put them ar' white 'uns of his in + the schedule, I'll snap him up for fraud,—I will-" + </p> + <p> + The conversation is here interrupted by a loud rap at the door, which is + opened by the negro, who stands with his finger on the latch. Romescos, in + his slovenly garb, presents himself with an air of self-assurance that + marks the result of his enterprise. He is a prominent feature in all + Graspum's great operations; he is desperate in serving his interests. + Drawing a handkerchief from his pocket-it is printed with the stars and + stripes of freedom-he calls it a New England rag, disdainfully denounces + that area of unbelievers in slaveocracy, wipes his blistered face with it, + advances to the table-every eye intently watching him-and pauses for + breath. + </p> + <p> + "What success, Anthony? Tell us quickly," Graspum demands, extending his + hand nervously. "Anthony never fails! It's a fool who fails in our + business," was the reply, delivered with great unconcern, and responded to + with unanimous applause. A warrior returned from victory was Anthony,—a + victory of villainy recorded in heaven, where the rewards will, at some + day, be measured out with a just but awful retribution. + </p> + <p> + The bosom of his shirt lays broadly open: one by one they shake his hand, + as he hastily unties the chequered cloth about his neck, pours out his + drink of whiskey, seats himself in a chair, and deliberately places his + feet upon the table. "Ther's nothin' like making a triangle of oneself + when ye wants to feel so ye can blow comfortable," he says. "I done + nothin' shorter than put all straight at Marston's last night. It was + science, ye see, gents; and I done it up strictly according to science. A + feller what aint cunnin', and don't know the nice work o' the law, can't + do nothin' in the way o' science. It's just as you said"-addressing his + remarks to Graspum,— "Marston's slackin' out his conscience because + he sees how things are goin' down hill with him. If that old hoss cholera + don't clar off the nigger property, I'm no prophet. It'll carry 'em into + glory; and glory, I reckon, isn't what you calls good pay, eh, Graspum? I + overheard his intentions: he sees the black page before him; it troubles + the chicken part of his heart. Feels mighty meek and gentle all at once; + and, it's no lie, he begins to see sin in what he has done; and to make + repentance good he's goin' to shove off that nabob stock of his, so the + creditors can't lay paws upon it. Ye got to spring; Marston 'll get ahead + of ye if he don't, old feller. This child 'll show him how he can't cum + some o' them things while Squire Hobble and I'm on hand." Thus quaintly he + speaks, pulling the bill of sale from a side-pocket, throwing it upon the + table with an air of satisfaction amounting to exultation. "Take that ar; + put it where ye can put yer finger on't when the 'mergency comes." And he + smiles to see how gratefully and anxiously Graspum receives it, reviews + it, re-reviews it,—how it excites the joy of his nature. He has no + soul beyond the love of gold, and the system of his bloody trade. It was + that fatal instrument, great in the atmosphere of ungrateful law, bending + some of nature's noblest beneath its seal of crimes. "It's from Silenus to + Marston; rather old, but just the thing! Ah, you're a valuable fellow, + Anthony." Mr. Graspum manifests his approbation by certain smiles, + grimaces, and shakes of the hand, while word by word he reads it, as if + eagerly relishing its worth. "It's a little thing for a great purpose; + it'll tell a tale in its time;" and he puts the precious scrip safely in + his pocket, and rubbing his hands together, declares "that deserves a + bumper!" They fill up at Graspum's request, drink with social cheers, + followed by a song from Nimrod, who pitches his tune to the words, "Come, + landlord, fill the flowing bowl." + </p> + <p> + Nimrod finishes his song: Romescos takes the floor to tell a story about + the old judge what hung the nigger a'cos he didn't want to spend his + patience listening to the testimony, and adjourned the court to go and + take a drink at Sal Stiles's grocery. His description of the court, its + high jurisdiction, the dignity of the squire what sits as judge, how he + drinks the three jurymen-freeholders-what are going to try a nigger, how + they goes out and takes three drinks when the case gets about half way + through, how the nigger winks and blinks when he sees the jury drunk, and + hears the judge say there's only two things he likes to hang,—niggers + and schoolmasters. But as it's no harm to kill schoolmasters-speaking in a + southern sense-so Romescos thinks the squire who got the jury inebriated + afore he sent the "nigger" to be hung doesn't mean the least harm when he + evinces an abhorrence to the whole clan of schoolmaster trash. He turns to + the old story of doing everything by system; ends by describing his method + of drinking a whole jury. He has surprised Marston, got him on the hip, + where he can feather him or sciver him, and where things must be done sly. + Public opinion, he whispers, may set folks moving, and then they'll all be + down upon him like hawks after chickens. In his mind, the feller what + pulls first comes off first best-if the law hounds are not too soon let + loose! If they are, there will be a long drag, a small cage for the flock, + and very few birds with feathers on. Romescos cares for nobody but the + judge: he tells us how the judge and he are right good cronies, and how + it's telling a good many dollars at the end of the year to keep on the + best of terms with him, always taking him to drink when they meet. The + judge is a wonderfully clever fellow, in Romescos' opinion; ranks among + first-class drinkers; can do most anything, from hanging a nigger to + clearing the fellow that killed the schoolmaster, and said he'd clear a + dozen in two two's, if they'd kill off ever so many of the rubbish. It is + well to make his favour a point of interest. The company are become tired + of this sort of cantation; they have heard enough of high functionaries, + know quite enough of judges:—such things are in their line of + business. Romescos must needs turn the conversation. "Well, taking it how + I can entertain ye to most anything, I'll give ye a story on the secrets + of how I used to run off Ingin remnants of the old tribes. 'Taint but a + few years ago, ye know, when ther was a lot of Ingin and white, mixed + stuff-some called it beautiful-down in Beaufort district. It was temptin' + though, I reckon, and made a feller feel just as if he was runnin' it off + to sell, every time it come in his way. Ye see, most on't was gal + property, and that kind, ollers keeps the whole district in a hubbub; + everybody's offended, and there's so much delicacy about the ladies what + come in contact with it. Yes, gentlemen! the ladies-I means the + aristocracy's ladies-hate these copper-coloured Ingins as they would + female devils. It didn't do to offend the delicacy of our ladies, ye see; + so something must be done, but it was all for charity's sake. Squire + Hornblower and me fixes a plan a'tween us: it was just the plan to do good + for the town-we must always be kind, ye know, and try to do good-and save + the dear good ladies a great deal of unnecessary pain. + </p> + <p> + "Now, the squire had law larnin', and I had cunnin'; and both put together + made the thing work to a point. The scheme worked so nicely that we put + twelve out of fifteen of 'em right into pocket-money in less than three + years-" + </p> + <p> + "Hold a second, Romescos; how did you play the game so adroitly, when they + were all members of families living in the town? You're a remarkable + fellow," Graspum interposes, stretching his arms, and twisting his sturdy + figure over the side of his chair. + </p> + <p> + "That's what I was coming at. Ye see, whenever ye makes white trash what + ain't slaved a nuisance, you makes it mightily unpopular; and when folks + is unpopular the nuisance is easily removed, especially when ye can get + pay for removing it. The law will be as tame as a mouse-nobody 'll say + nothin'? Ingin and white rubbish is just alike-one's worth as little as + t'other. Both's only fit to sell, sir!-worthless for any other purpose. Ye + see, gentlemen, I'm something of a philosopher, and has strong faith in + the doctrine of our popular governor, who believes it better to sell all + poor whites into slavery. 'Tain't a free country where ye don't have the + right to sell folks what don't provide for number one. I likes to hear our + big folks talk so"-Anthony's face brightens-"'cause it gives a feller a + chance for a free speculation in them lank, lean rascals; and, too, it + would stop their rifle-shooting and corn-stealing-" + </p> + <p> + "You never try your hand at such hits-do you, Nathe?" Bengal interrupts, + his fore-finger poised on his nose. + </p> + <p> + "Now, Dan," Anthony quaintly replies, "none o' yer pointed insinuations. + 'Twouldn't be much harm if the varmin would only keep its mouth shut along + the road. But when the critturs ar' got schoolmaster gumption it's mighty + apt to get a feller into a tarnation snarl. Schoolmaster gumption makes + d-d bad niggers; and there's why I say it's best to hang schoolmasters. + It's dangerous, 'cos it larns the critturs to writin' a scrawl now and + then; and, unless ye knows just how much talent he's got, and can + whitewash him yaller, it's plaguy ticklish. When the brutes have larnin', + and can write a little, they won't stay sold when ye sell 'em-that is, I + mean, white riff-raff stuff; they ain't a bit like niggers and Ingins. And + there's just as much difference a'tween the human natur of a white nigger + and a poverty-bloated white as there is a'twixt philosophy and + water-melons." + </p> + <p> + "You're drawing a long bow, Anthony," interrupts Graspum, with a + suggestion that it were better to come to the point; and concludes by + saying: "We don't care sevenpence about the worthless whites all over the + State. They can't read nor write-except a few on 'em-and everybody knows + it wouldn't do to give them learning-that wouldn't do! We want the way you + cleared that nuisance out of Beaufort district so quick-that's what we + want to hear." + </p> + <p> + "Well, ye'h sees, it took some keen play, some sly play, some dignity, and + some talent; but the best thing of the whole was the squire's honour. He + and me, ye see, joined partners—that is, he gets places for 'em away + out o' town—you understand—places where I keeps a couple of + the very best nags that ever stepped turf. And then he puts on the soft + sauder, an' is so friendly to the critturs—gets 'em to come out with + him to where he will make 'um nice house servants, and such things. He is + good at planin', as all justices is, and would time it to arrive at + midnight. I, havin' got a start, has all ready to meet him; so when he + gives me the papers, I makes a bolt at full speed, and has 'um nowhere + afore they knows it. And then, when they sees who it is, it don't do to + make a fuss about it—don't! And then, they're so handsome, it ain't + no trouble finding a market for 'em down Memphis way. It only takes + forty-eight hours—the way things is done up by steam—from the + time I clears the line until Timothy Portman signs the bond-that's five + per cent. for him-and Ned Sturm does the swearin', and they're sold for a + slap-up price—sent to where there's no muttering about it. That's + one way we does it; and then, there's another. But, all in all, there's a + right smart lot of other ways that will work their way into a talented + mind. And when a feller gets the hang on it, and knows lawyer gumption, he + can do it up smooth. You must strap 'em down, chain 'em, look vengeance at + 'em; and now and then, when the varmin will squeal, spite of all the + thrashin' ye can give 'em, box 'em up like rats, and put yer horses like + Jehu until ye cl'ar the State. The more ye scars 'em the better-make 'em + as whist as mice, and ye can run 'em through the rail-road, and sell 'um + just as easy. + </p> + <p> + "There was another way I used to do the thing-it was a sort of an + honourable way; but it used to take the talents of a senator to do it up + square, so the dignity didn't suffer. Then the gals got shy of squire, + 'cos them he got places for never cum back; and I know'd how 'twas best to + leave two or three for a nest-egg. It was the way to do, in case some + green should raise a fuss. But connected with these Ingin gals was one of + the likleest yaller fellers that ever shined on a stand. Thar' was about + twelve hundred dollars in him, I saw it just as straight, and felt it just + as safe in my pocket; and then it made a feller's eyes glisten afore it + was got out of him. I tell you what, boys, it's rather hard when ye comes + to think on't." Anthony pauses for a moment, sharpens his eloquence with + another drop of whiskey, and resumes his discourse. "The feller shined all + outside, but he hadn't head talents-though he was as cunnin' as a fox-and + every time the squire tried an experiment to get him out o'town, the + nigger would dodge like a wounded raccoon. 'Twarn't a bit of use for the + squire-so he just gin it up. Then I trys a hand, ye see, comes the soft + soap over him, in a Sam Slick kind of a way. I'se a private gentleman, and + gets the fellers round to call me a sort of an aristocrat. Doing this 'ere + makes me a nabob in the town-another time I'm from New York, and has + monstrous letters of introduction to the squire. Then I goes among the + niggers and comes it over their stupid; tells 'em how I'm an abolitionist + in a kind of secret way-gets their confidence. And then I larns a right + smart deal of sayings from the Bible-a nigger's curious on Christianity, + ye see-and it makes him think ye belong to that school, sartin! All the + deviltry in his black natur' 'll cum out then; and he'll do just what ye + tells him. So, ye see, I just draws the pious over him, and then-like all + niggers-I gets him to jine in what he calculates to be a nice little bit + of roguery-running off." + </p> + <p> + Graspum becomes interested in the fine qualities of the prospective + property, and must needs ask if he is bright and trim. + </p> + <p> + "Bright! I reckon he warn't nothin' else in a money sense-brighter nor + most niggers, but mighty Inginy. Had the fierce of one and the cunnin' of + t'other. Tom Pridgeon and me has an understandin' about the thing; and + Tom's such a ripper for tradin' in nigger property-he is about the only + devil niggers can imagine; and they delight to play tricks on Tom. Well, + the nigger and me's good friends, right to the point; a good trick is to + be played off on Tom, who buys the nigger in confidence; the nigger is to + run off when he gets to Savannah, and Tom is to be indicted for running + off 'free niggers.' I'se a great Christian, and joins heart and hand with + the darkey; we takes our walks together, reads together, prays together. + And then 'tain't long afore I becomes just the best white man in his + estimation. Knowing when Tom makes up his gang, I proposes a walk in the + grove to the nigger. 'Thank ye, sir,' says he, in an Ingin kind of way, + and out we goes, sits down, talks pious, sings hymns, and waits to see the + rascally nigger-trader come along. Presently Tom makes his appearance, + with a right smart lot of extra prime property. The nigger and me marches + down the road just like master and servant, and stops just when we meets + Tom. You'd laughed to see Tom and me do the stranger, 'Well, mister,' says + I, 'how's trade in your line?-there's mighty good prices for cotton just + now; an' I 'spose 't keeps the market stiff up in your line!'" + </p> + <p> + 'Well, no,' says Tom: 'a feller can turn a good penny in the way o' fancy + articles, just now; but 'tain't the time for prime plantation-stock. + Planters are all buying, and breeders down Virginia way won't give a + feller a chance to make a shaving. It drives a feller hard up, ye see, and + forces more business in running the free 'uns.' + </p> + <p> + 'Why, stranger! what on 'arth do you mean by that 'ar;-wouldn't ye get + straightened if you'd git catched at that business?' + </p> + <p> + 'Oh, nothing, nothing! I forgot what I was saying,' says Tom, just as if + he was scared at what he had let slip. + </p> + <p> + 'I say, trader, ye got the brightest assortment of property thar' I seen + for many a day: you don't call them gals slaves, do you? Down where I cum + from, our folks wouldn't know 'em from white folks.' I tell you, boys, he + had some bits that would o' made yer heart cum straight up. + </p> + <p> + 'But I say, mister, I kind 'a like yer horse property-somehow he's full + blood,' says I. — 'Yes,' says Tom; 'he's one o' the best critturs to + drive niggers with that ye ever did see; and he's beat the best horse on + the Columbia course, twice.' + </p> + <p> + 'Well, now; seein' how I likes the animal, about how much do ye'h set him + at?' says I. — 'Well! can't part with the nag nohow; seems as if he + knowed a nigger, and understands the business right up.' + </p> + <p> + 'But, you see, I'se got a bit of nigger property here what ye'h don't pick + up every day for the Memphis trade,' says I, looking at the feller, who + played his part right up to the hilt. + </p> + <p> + 'Well, I don't mind strikin' a trade,' says Tom: 'but you see my nag's + worth a little risin' a thousand dollars.' + </p> + <p> + 'I don't doubt that, stranger,' says I: 'but ye'h sees this 'ar piece of + property o' mine is worth more 'an twelve hundred. You don't come across + such a looking chap every day. There's a spec. in him, in any market down + south,' says I; and I puts my hands on the nigger and makes him show out, + just as if Tom and me was striking for a trade. So Tom examines him, as if + he was green in nigger business, and he and me strangers just come from + t'other side of moon shadows. + </p> + <p> + 'Well, now,' says Tom, 'it's mighty likely property, and seeing it's you, + jist name a trade.' + </p> + <p> + 'Put down the nag and two hundred dollars, and I'll sign the bill of sale, + for a swap.' And Tom plants down the dimes, and takes the nigger. When Tom + gets him to Savannah, he plunks him into jail, and keeps him locked up in + a cell until he is ready to start south. I promises the nigger half of the + spiles; but I slips an X + </p> + <p> + Ten dollars. into his hand, and promises him the rest when he gets + back-when he does! And ye see how Tom just tryced him up to the cross and + put thirty-nine to his bare skin when he talked about being free, in + Savannah; and gagged him when he got his Ingin up. Warn't that doing the + thing up slick, fellers?" exclaimed Romescos, chuckling over the sport. + </p> + <p> + "It warn't nothing else. That's what I calls catching a nigger in his own + trap," said one. "That's sarvin' him right; I go for sellin' all niggers + and Ingins," said another. "Free niggers have no souls, and are + impediments to personal rights in a free country," said a third. + </p> + <p> + "Ye'h see, there's such an infernal lot of loose corners about our + business, that it takes a feller what has got a big head to do all the + things smooth, in a legal way; and it's so profitable all round that it + kind o' tempts a feller, once in a while, to do things he don't feel just + right in; but then a glass of old monongahela brings ye'h all straight in + yer feelins again, a'ter a few minutes," said Romescos. + </p> + <p> + "It's an amusing business; a man's got to have nerve and maxim, if he + wants to make a fortune at it. But-now, gentlemen, we'll take another + round," said Graspum, stopping short. "Anthony, tell us how you work it + when you want to run a free nigger down Maryland way." + </p> + <p> + "There ain't no trouble about that," replied Romescos, quickly. "You see," + he continued, squinting his eye, and holding his glass between his face + and the light. "Shut out all hope first, and then prime legal gentlemen + along the road, and yer sartin to make safe business. I has chaps what + keeps their eye on all the free bits, and makes good fellers with 'em; + niggers think they'r the right stripe friends; and then they gives 'em + jobs once in a while, and tobacco, and whiskey. So when I gets all fixed + for a run, some on 'm gets the nigger into a sly spot, and then we pounces + upon him like a hawk on a chicken-gags him, and screws him up in the + chains, head and feet,—boxes him up, too, and drives him like + lightning until I meets Tilman at the cross-roads; and then I just has a + document + </p> + <p> + "A forged bill of sale, all ready, which I gives to Till, and he puts his + nags in-a pair what can take the road from anything about-and the way he + drives, just to make the nigger forget where he's going, and think he's + riding in a balloon on his way to glory. Just afore Til. gets to the boat, + ye see, he takes the headchains off-so the delicate-hearted passengers + won't let their feelins get kind-a out o' sorts. Once in a while the + nigger makes a blubber about being free, to the captain,—and if he's + fool enough t' take any notice on't then there's a fuss; but that's just + the easiest thing to get over, if ye only know the squire, and how to + manage him. You must know the pintes of the law, and ye must do the clean + thing in the 'tin' way with the squire; and then ye can cut 'em right off + by makin' t'other pintes make 'em mean nothing. Once in a while t'll do to + make the nigger a criminal, and then there's no trouble in't, 'cos ye can + ollers git the swearin' done cheap. Old Captain Smith used to get himself + into a scrape a heap o' times by listenin' to free nigger stories, till he + gets sick and would kick every nigger what came to him about being free. + He takes the law in his hands with a nigger o' mine once, and hands him + over to a city policeman as soon as we lands. He didn't understand the + thing, ye see, and I jist puts an Ten dollars into the pole's hand, what + he takes the hint at. 'Now, ye'll take good care on the feller," says I, + giving him a wink. "And he just keeps broad off from the old hard-faced + mayor, and runs up to the squire's, who commits him on his own + committimus. Then I gets Bob Blanker to stand 'all right' with the squire, + who's got all the say in the matter, when it's done so. I cuts like + lightenin' on to far down Mississippi, and there gets Sam Slang, just one + o' the keenest fellers in that line, about. Sam's a hotel-keeper all at + once, and I gets him up afore the Mississippi squire; and as Sam don't + think much about the swearin' and the squire ain't particular, so he makes + a five: we proves straight off how the crittur's Sam's runaway, gets the + dockerment and sends to Bob Blanker, who puts a blinder on the squire's + eye, and gets an order to the old jailor, who must give him up, when he + sees the squire's order. You see, it's larnin' the secret, that's the + thing, and the difference between common law and nigger law; and the way + to work the matter so the squire will have it all in his own fingers, and + don't let the old judge get a pick. Squire makes it square, hands the + nigger over to Bob, Bob puts fifty cuts on his hide, makes him as clever + as a kitten, and ships him off down south afore he has time to wink. Then, + ye sees, I goes back as independent as a senator from Arkansas, and sues + Captain Smith for damages in detainin' the property, and I makes him pay a + right round sum, what larns him never to try that agin." + </p> + <p> + Thus Romescos concludes the details of his nefarious trade, amid cheers + and bravos. The party are in ecstasies, evincing a singular merriment at + the issue. There is nothing like liberty—liberty to do what you + please, to turn freedom into barbarity! They gloat over the privileges of + a free country; and, as Romescos recounts each proceeding,—tracing + it into the lowest depths of human villainy, they sing songs to right, + justice, freedom-they praise the bounties of a great country. How + different is the picture below! Beneath this plotting conclave, devising + schemes to defraud human nature of its rights, to bring poverty and + disgrace upon happy families-all in accordance with the law-are chained in + narrow cells poor mortals, hoping for an end to their dreary existence, + pining under the weight of pinions dashing their very souls into endless + despair. A tale of freedom is being told above, but their chains of death + clank in solemn music as the midnight revelry sports with the very agony + of their sorrows. Oh! who has made their lives a wanton jest?-can it be + the will of heaven, or is it the birthright of a downtrodden race? They + look for to-morrow, hope reverberates one happy thought, it may bring some + tidings of joy; but again they sink, as that endless gloom rises before + them. Hope fades from their feelings, from the bleeding heart for which + compassion is dead. The tyrant's heart is of stone; what cares he for + their supplications, their cries, their pleadings to heaven; such things + have no dollars for him! + </p> + <p> + Arranging the preliminaries necessary for proceeding with Marston's + affairs, they agreed to the plans, received orders from Graspum in + reference to their proceedings on the following day, and retired to their + homes, singing praises to great good laws, and the freedom of a free + country. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0010" id="link2HCH0010"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER X. — ANOTHER SHADE OF THE PICTURE. + </h2> + <p> + WHILE the proceedings we have detailed in the foregoing chapter were + progressing at Graspum's slave-pen, a different phase of the system was + being discussed by several persons who had assembled at the house of + Deacon Rosebrook. Rumour had been busy spreading its many-sided tales + about Marston-his difficulties, his connection with Graspum, his sudden + downfall. All agreed that Marston was a noble-minded fellow, generous to a + fault-generous in his worst errors; and, like many other southerners, who + meant well, though personally kind to his slaves, never set a good example + in his own person. Religion was indispensably necessary to preserve + submission; and, with a view to that end, he had made the Church a means + of producing it. + </p> + <p> + Now, if the southerner resorted to the Church in the purity of Christian + motives, he would merit that praise which many are so willing to bestow. + Or, if Christianity were embraced by the southerner with heartfelt purity + and faith, it would undoubtedly have a beneficial influence, elevate the + character of the slave, promote kindly feelings between him and his + master, and ultimately prove profitable to both. But where Christianity, + used by irreligious persons, whose very acts destroy the vitality of the + means, is made the medium of enforcing superstition, and of debasing the + mind of the person it degrades into submission, its application becomes + nothing less than criminal. It is criminal because it brings true religion + into contempt, perverts Christianity-makes it a mockery, and gives to the + degraded whites of the South a plea for discarding its precepts. + Religion-were it not used as a mechanical agency-would elevate the + degraded white population of the South; they would, through its influence, + become valuable citizens. + </p> + <p> + These remarks have been forced upon us by observation. Frequently have we + lamented its application, and grieved that its holy mission were made to + serve the vilest purposes in a land of liberty, of Christian love. + Religion a means of degrading the masses-a subservient agent! It is so, + nevertheless; and men use it whose only desire it is to make it serve a + property interest-the interest of making men, women, and children, more + valuable in the market. God ordained it for a higher purpose,—man + applies it for his benefit in the man-market. Hence, where the means for + exercising the mind upon the right is forbidden-where ignorance becomes + the necessary part of the maintenance of a system, and religion is applied + to that end, it becomes farcical; and while it must combine all the + imperfections of the performer, necessarily tends to confine the ignorance + of those it seeks to degrade, within the narrowest boundary. There are + different ways of destroying the rights of different classes; and as many + different ways, after they are destroyed, of wiping out the knowledge of + their ever having had rights. But, we regret to say, that most resorted to + by the South, in the face of civilisation, is the Holy Scriptures, which + are made the medium of blotting out all knowledge of the rights a people + once possessed. The wrong-doer thus fears the result of natural laws; if + they be allowed to produce results through the cultivation of a slave's + mind, such may prove fatal to his immediate interests. And to maintain a + system which is based on force, the southern minister of the gospel is + doubly culpable in the sight of heaven; for while he stimulates ignorance + by degrading the man, he mystifies the Word of God, that he may remain for + ever and ever degraded. + </p> + <p> + What a deplorable process of stealing-nay, gently taking away the + knowledge which an all-wise Providence has given to man as his + inheritance; how it reduces his natural immunities to sensual misery! And, + too, it forbids all legitimate influences that could possibly give the + menial a link to elevation, to the formation of a society of his own. We + would fain shrink from such a system of debasing mankind-even more, from + the hideous crimes of those who would make Scripture the means to such an + end. And yet, the Church defender of slavery-the Christian little one-his + neck-cloth as white as the crimes he defends are black-must distinguish + his arguments; and that the world may not suspect his devotion, his + honesty, his serious intention, he points us to the many blessings of the + plantation-service. + </p> + <p> + Heavenly divinity! Let us have faith in the little ones sent to teach it; + they tell us slavery enforces Christianity! The management of ignorance + under the direction of ministers of the gospel is certainly becoming + well-defined; while statesmen more energetically legalise it. The one + devises, the other carries out a law to make man ignorant of everything + but labour. But while the statesman moulds the theory, the preacher + manufactures Scripture texts, that the menial may believe God has ordained + him the pliable victim. + </p> + <p> + Under the apparent necessity of the slave world, Marston had regularly + paid Elder Pemberton Praiseworthy for preaching to his property on + Sundays; and to the requisite end the good Elder felt himself in duty + bound to inculcate humility in all things that would promote obedience to + a master's will. Of course, one sermon was quite sufficient; and this the + credulous property had listened to for more than three years. The effect + was entirely satisfactory, the result being that the honest property were + really impressed with a belief, that to evince Christian fortitude under + suffering and punishment was the best means of cleansing themselves of the + sins they were born to. This formality was misnamed Christianity—it + was! And through the force of this one sermon the Elder became indolent; + and indolence led him to its natural yoke-fellow-intemperance. His + indulgent mood, such as we have described him enjoying in a previous + chapter, became too frequent, leading to serious annoyances. They had been + especially serious for Marston, whom they placed in an awkward situation + before his property, and he resolved to tolerate them no longer. Probably + this resolution was hastened by the sudden discovery of Harry's singular + knowledge of Scripture; be that as it may, the only difficulty in the way + was to know if Harry could be so trained, that he would preach the "right + stripe" doctrine. This, however, was soon settled, and Marston not only + suspended his engagement with the Elder, but entered into a contract with + the neighbouring planters, by the terms of which Harry will fill their + pulpit, and preach extempore—the Elder has brought written sermons + into contempt with Harry—at a stipulated price per Sunday. In this + new avocation-this leap from the plantation to the pulpit, Harry, as a + piece of property, became extremely valuable; while, through the charm of + his new black coat, he rose a great man in the estimation of the common + property. Here was a valuable incentive of submission, a lesson for all + bad niggers, a chance for them to improve under the peculiar institution. + It proved to niggerdom what a good nigger could be if he only fear God and + obey his master in all things. + </p> + <p> + Here was proof that a nigger could be something more than a nigger, in + spite of southern philosophy. The Elder-good, pious man that he was-found + himself out of pocket and out of preaching. Thrown upon the resources of + his ingenuity, he had, in order to save the dictates of his conscience, + while taking advantage of the many opportunities of making money afforded + by the peculiar institution, entered upon another branch of business, + having for its object the advancement of humanity. He resolved to go forth + purchasing the sick and the dying; to reclaim sinking humanity and make it + marketable. + </p> + <p> + But, before describing the vicissitudes through which Elder Pemberton + Praiseworthy passes in his new mission of humanity, we must introduce the + reader to the precincts of a neat little villa, situated at the outskirts + of the city of C—. It is a small cottage surrounded with verandas + and trellis-work, over which are creeping numerous woodbines and + multafloras, spreading their fragrant blossoms, giving it an air of + sequestered beauty. An arbour of grapevines extends from a little portico + at the front to a wicker fence that separates the embankment of a + well-arranged garden, in which are pots of rare plants, beds and walks + decorated with flowers, presenting great care and taste. A few paces in + the rear of the cottage are several "negro cabins" nicely white-washed + without, and an air of cheerfulness and comfort reigning within. The + house- servants are trimly dressed; they look and act as if their thoughts + and affections were with "mas'r and missus." Their white aprons and clean + bright frocks-some bombazine, and some gingham-give them an appearance of + exactness, which, whether it be voluntary or force of discipline, bears + evidence of attention in the slave, and encouragement on the part of the + master. This is the Villa of Deacon Rosebrook; they call him deacon, by + courtesy; in the same sense that Georgia majors and South Carolina + generals are honoured with those far-famed titles which so distinguish + them when abroad. Perhaps we should be doing the deacon no more than + justice if we were to admit that he had preached in very respectable + spheres; but, feeling that he was wanting in the purity of divine + love-that he could not do justice to his conscience while setting forth + teachings he did not follow, he laid the profession aside for the more + genial associations of plantation life. Indeed, he was what many called a + very easy backslider; and at times was recognised by the somewhat singular + soubriquet of Deacon Pious-proof. But he was kind to his slaves, and had + projected a system singularly at variance with that of his neighbours-a + system of mildness, amelioration, freedom. + </p> + <p> + His plantation, a small one, some few miles from the Villa, presented the + same neatness and comfort, the same cheerfulness among the negroes, and + the same kindly feeling between master and slave, which characterised the + Villa. + </p> + <p> + We enter a neatly-furnished parlour, where the deacon and a friend are + seated on a sofa; various pictures are suspended from the wall,—everything + betokens New England neatness. The old-fashioned dog-irons and fender are + polished to exquisite brightness, a Brussels carpet spreads the floor, a + bright surbase encircles the room; upon the flossy hearth-rug lies + crouched the little canine pet, which Aunt Dolly has washed to snowy + whiteness. Aunt Dolly enters the room with a low curtsy, gently raises the + poodle, then lays him down as carefully as if he were an heir to the + estate. Master is happy, "missus" is happy, and Aunt Dolly is happy; and + the large bookcase, filled with well-selected volumes, adds to the air of + contentment everywhere apparent. In a niche stands a large pier-table, + upon which are sundry volumes with gilt edges, nets of cross-work, + porcelain ornaments, and card-cases inlaid with mosaic. Antique tables + with massive carved feet, in imitation of lions' paws, chairs of curious + patterns, reclines and ottomans of softest material, and covered with + satin damask, are arranged round the room in harmony and good taste. + </p> + <p> + "Now, Mr. Scranton," the deacon says to his friend, who is a tall, prim, + sedate-looking man, apparently about forty, "I pity Marston; I pity him + because he is a noble-hearted fellow. But, after all, this whispering + about the city may be only mother Rumour distributing her false tales. Let + us hope it is all rumour and scandal. Come, tell me-what do you think of + our negroes?" + </p> + <p> + "Nigger character has not changed a bit in my mind, since I came south. + Inferior race of mortals, sir!-without principles, and fit only for + service and submission. A southern man knows their composition, but it + takes a northern to study the philosophy-it does," replies Mr. Scranton, + running his left hand over his forehead, and then his right over the crown + of his head, as if to cover a bald spot with the scanty remnant of hair + that projected from the sides. + </p> + <p> + The deacon smiles at the quaint reply. He knows Mr. Scranton's northern + tenacity, and begs to differ with him. "You are ultra, a little ultra, in + all things, Mr. Scranton. I fear it is that, carried out in morals as well + as politics, that is fast reducing our system to degradation and tyranny. + You northern gentlemen have a sort of pedantic solicitude for our rights, + but you underrate our feelings upon the slavery question. I'm one among + the few southerners who hold what are considered strange views: we are + subjected to ridicule for our views; but it is only by those who see + nothing but servitude in the negro,—nothing but dollars and cents in + the institution of slavery." + </p> + <p> + Mr. Scranton is struck with astonishment, interrupts the argument by + insisting upon the great superiority of the gentlemen whites, and the + Bible philosophy which he can bring to sustain his argument. + </p> + <p> + "Stop one moment, my philosophic friend," the deacon interposes, + earnestly. "Upon that you northerners who come out here to sustain the + cause of slavery for the south, all make fools of yourselves. This + continual reasoning upon Bible philosophy has lost its life, funeral + dirges have been played over it, the instruments are worn out. And yet, + the subject of the philosophy lives,—he belies it with his physical + vigour and moral action. We doubt the sincerity of northerners; we have + reasons for so doing; they know little of the negro, and care less. + Instead of assisting southerners who are inclined to do justice to the + wretch-to be his friend-to improve his condition-to protect him against a + tyrant's wrong, you bring us into contempt by your proclaiming virtue over + the vice we acknowledge belongs to the institution. We know its defects-we + fear them; but, in the name of heaven, do not defend them at the cost of + virtue, truth, honesty. Do not debase us by proclaiming its glories over + our heads;-do not take advantage of us by attempting to make wrong right." + The deacon's feelings have become earnest; his face glows with animation. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Scranton seems discomfited. "That's just like all you southerners: you + never appreciate anything we do for you. What is the good of our love, if + you always doubt it?" + </p> + <p> + "Such love!" says the deacon, with a sarcastic curl on his lip. "It's + cotton-bag love, as full of self as a pressed bale-" + </p> + <p> + "But, deacon; you're getting up on the question." + </p> + <p> + "Up as high as northern sincerity is low. Nothing personal," is the cool + rejoinder. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Scranton inquires very seriously-wishing it particularly to be + understood that he is not a fighting-man-if Deacon Rosebrook considers all + northerners white-washed, ready to deceive through the dim shadows of + self. The deacon's frank and manly opinion of northern editors and + preachers disturbs Scranton's serious philosophy. "Cotton-bag love!" + there's something in it, and contempt at the bottom, he declares within + himself. And he gives a serious look, as much as to say-"go on." + </p> + <p> + "I do! He who maketh right, what those most interested in know to be + wrong, cherishes a bad motive. When a philosopher teaches doctrines that + become doubtful in their ultraness, the weakness carries the insincerity,—the + effort becomes stagnant. Never sell yourself to any class of evils for + popularity's sake. If you attempt it you mistake the end, and sell + yourself to the obscurity of a political trickster, flatttered by a few, + believed by none." + </p> + <p> + "Deacon! a little more moderate. Give us credit for the good we do. Don't + get excited, don't. These are ticklish times, and we northerners are quick + to observe-" + </p> + <p> + "Yes, when it will turn a penny on a nigger or a bale of cotton." + </p> + <p> + "Allow me; one minute if you please!" returned Scranton, with a nasal + twang peculiar to his class, as he began to work himself up into a + declamatory attitude. "You southerners don't understand what a force them + northern abolitionists are bringing against you; and you know how slow you + are to do things, and to let your property all go to waste while you might + make a good speculation on it. There's just the difference of things: we + study political economy so as to apply it to trade and such like; you let + things go to waste, just thinking over it. And, you see, it's our nature + to be restless and searching out the best avenues for developing trade. + Why, deacon, your political philosophy would die out if the New Englander + didn't edit your papers and keep your nigger principles straight." + </p> + <p> + "Nigger principles straight! Ah, indeed! Only another evidence of that + cotton bag love that has caused the banns of matrimony to be published + between tyrants who disgrace us and northern speculators. The + book-publisher-poor servile tool-fears to publish Mrs. Johnson's book, + lest it should contain something to offend Mrs. Colonel Sportington, at + the south. Mr. Stevens, the grocer, dare not put his vote into the + ballot-box for somebody, because he fears one of his customers at the + south will hear of it. Parson Munson dare not speak what he thinks in a + New England village, because Mrs. Bruce and Deacon Donaldson have yearly + interests in slaves at the south; and old Mattock, the boot-maker, thinks + it aint right for niggers to be in church with white folks, and declares, + if they do go, they should sit away back in one corner, up stairs. He + thinks about the combination that brings wealth, old age, and the grave, + into one vortex,—feels little misgiving upon humanity, but loves the + union, and wants nothing said about niggers. We understand what it all + means, Mr. Scranton; and we can credit it for what it's worth, without + making any account for its sincerity and independence. I am one among the + few who go for educating the negroes, and in that education to cultivate + affections between slave and master, to make encouragement perform the + part of discipline, and inspire energy through proper rewards." + </p> + <p> + "What!-educate a nigger! These are pretty principles for a southerner to + maintain! Why, sir, if such doctrines were advocated in the body politic + they would be incendiary to southern institutions. Just educate the + niggers, and I wouldn't be an editor in the south two days. You'd see me + tramping, bag and baggage, for the north, much as I dislike it! It would + never do to educate such a miserable set of wretches as they are. You may + depend what I say is true, sir. Their condition is perfectly hopeless at + the north, and the more you try to teach them, the greater nuisance they + become." + </p> + <p> + "Now, my good northern friend, not so fast, if you please; I can see the + evil of all this, and so can you, if you will but study the negro's + character a little deeper. The menial man who has passed through + generations of oppression, and whose life and soul are blotted from the + right of manhood, is sensitive of the power that crushes him. He has been + robbed of the means of elevating himself by those who now accuse him of + the crime of degradation: and, wherever the chance is afforded him of + elevation, as that increases so does a tenacious knowledge of his rights; + yet, he feels the prejudice that cuts and slights him in his progress, + that charges him with the impudence of a negro, that calls his attempts to + be a man mere pompous foolery." + </p> + <p> + "And it is so! To see a nigger setting himself up among white folks-it's + perfectly ridiculous!" + </p> + <p> + "Mark me, Mr. Scranton: there's where you northerners mistake yourselves. + The negro seldom desires to mix with whites, and I hold it better they + should keep together; but that two races cannot live together without the + one enslaving the other is a fallacy popular only with those who will not + see the future, and obstinately refuse to review the past. You must lessen + your delicate sensibilities; and when you make them less painful to the + man of colour at the north, believe me, the south will respond to the + feeling. Experience has changed my feelings,—experience has been my + teacher. I have based my new system upon experience; and its working + justifies me in all I have said. Let us set about extracting the poison + from our institutions, instead of losing ourselves in contemplating an + abstract theory for its government." + </p> + <p> + "Remember, deacon, men are not all born to see alike. There are rights and + privileges belonging to the southerner: he holds the trade in men right, + and he would see the Union sundered to atoms before he would permit the + intervention of the federal government on that subject," Mr. Scranton + seriously remarks, placing his two thumbs in the armpits of his vest, and + assuming an air of confidence, as if to say, "I shall outsouthern the + southerner yet, I shall." + </p> + <p> + "That's just the point upon which all the villainy of our institution + rests: the simple word man!-man a progressive being; man a chattel,—a + thing upon which the sordid appetite of every wretch may feed. Why cannot + Africa give up men? She has been the victim of Christendom-her flesh and + blood have served its traffic, have enriched its coffers, and even built + its churches; but like a ferocious wolf that preys upon the fold in spite + of watchers, she yet steals Afric's bleeding victims, and frowns upon them + because they are not white, nor live as white men live." + </p> + <p> + "Mercy on me!" says Mr. Scranton, with a sigh, "you can't ameliorate the + system as it stands: that's out of the question. Begin to loosen the + props, and the whole fabric will tumble down. And then, niggers won't be + encouraged to work at a price for their labour; and how are you going to + get along in this climate, and with such an enormous population of + vagabonds?" + </p> + <p> + "Remember, Mr. Scranton," ejaculated the deacon, "there's where you + mistake the man in the negro; and through these arguments, set forth in + your journal, we suffer. You must have contracted them by association with + bad slave-owners. Mark ye! the negro has been sunk to the depths where we + yet curse him; and is it right that we should keep him cursed?-to say + nothing of the semi-barbarous position in which it finds our poor whites. + He feels that his curse is for life-time; his hopes vibrate with its + knowledge, and through it he falls from that holy inspiration that could + make him a man, enjoying manhood's rights. Would not our energy yield + itself a sacrifice to the same sacrificer? Had we been loaded with chains + of tyranny, what would have been our condition? Would not that passion + which has led the Saxon on to conquest, and spread his energy through the + western world, have yielded when he saw the last shadow of hope die out, + and realised that his degradation was for life-time? Would not the + yearnings of such a consummation have recoiled to blast every action of + the being who found himself a chattel? And yet this very chattel, thus + yoked in death, toils on in doubts and fears, in humbleness and + submission, with unrequited fortitude and affection. And still all is + doubted that he does, even crushed in the prejudice against his colour!" + </p> + <p> + "Well, deacon, you perfectly startle me, to hear a southerner talk that + way at the south. If you keep on, you'll soon have an abolition society + without sending north for it." + </p> + <p> + "That's just what I want. I want our southerners to look upon the matter + properly, and to take such steps as will set us right in the eyes of the + world. Humanity is progressing with rapid strides-slavery cannot exist + before it! It must fall; and we should prepare to meet it, and not be so + ungrateful, at least, that we cannot reflect upon its worth, and give + merit to whom merit is due." Thus were presented the north and south; the + former loses her interests in humanity by seeking to serve the political + ends of the latter. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0011" id="link2HCH0011"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XI. — MRS. ROSEBROOK'S PROJECT. + </h2> + <p> + AT this juncture of the conversation, a sprightly, well-dressed servant + opens the parlour-door, announces missus! The deacon's good lady enters. + She is a perfect pattern of neatness,—a finely-developed woman of + more than ordinary height, with blonde features, and a countenance as full + of cheerfulness as a bright May morning. She bows gracefully; her soft + eyes kindle with intelligence as she approaches Mr. Scranton, who rises + with the coldness of an iceberg. + </p> + <p> + "Be seated, Mr. Scranton," she says, with a voice so full of gentleness,—"be + seated." Her form is well-rounded, her features exquisite. Mr. Scranton + views her seriously, as if he found something of great interest in that + marble forehead, those fine features moulding a countenance full of soul, + love, and sweetness. Her dress is of plain black brocade, made high at the + neck, where it is secured with a small diamond pin, the front opening and + disclosing a lace stomacher set with undressed pearls. Rufflets and + diamond bracelets, of chaste workmanship, clasp her wrists; while her + light auburn hair, neatly laid in plain folds, and gathered into a plait + on the back of her head, where it is delicately secured with gold and + silver cord, forms a soft contrast. There is chasteness and simplicity + combined to represent character, sense, and refinement. She is the mother + of the plantation: old negroes call her mother, young ones clamour with + joy when she visits their abodes: her very soul is in their wants; they + look to her for guidance. Their happiness is her pleasure, and by sharing + the good fortune that has followed them she has fostered the energy of + their negroes, formed them into families, encouraged their morality, + impressed them with the necessity of preserving family relations. Against + the stern mandates of the law, she has taught them to read the Bible, + reading and explaining it to them herself. Indeed, she has risen above the + law: she has taught the more tractable ones to write; she has supplied the + younger with little story-books, attractive and containing good moral + lessons. She rejoices over her system: it is honest, kind, generous,—it + will serve the future, and is not unprofitable at present. It is different + from that pursued by those who would, through the instrumentality of bad + laws, enforce ignorance. Nay, to her there is something abhorrent in using + the Word of God as an excuse for the existence of slavery. Her system is + practicable, enlightening first, and then enforcing that which gives + encouragement to the inert faculties of our nature. Punishments were + scarcely known upon her plantation; the lash never used. Old and young + were made to feel themselves part and parcel of a family compact, to know + they had an interest in the crop, to gather hopes for the future, to make + home on the old plantation pleasant. There was something refreshing in the + pride and protection evinced in the solicitation of this gentle creature + for her negroes. In early life she had listened to their fables, had mixed + with them as children, had enjoyed their hours of play, had studied their + sympathies, and entered with delight into the very soul of their jargon + merriment. She felt their wants, and knew their grievances; she had come + forward to be their protector, their mother! "Why, Mr. Scranton," she + exclaims, laughingly, in reply to that gentleman's remarks, as she + interrupted the conversation between him and the deacon, "we would sooner + suffer than sell one of our boys or girls-even if the worst came to the + worst. I know the value of family ties; I know how to manage negroes. I + would just as soon think of selling our Matilda, I would! If some of you + good northern folks could only see how comfortable my negroes are!-" + </p> + <p> + "Oh, yes!" interrupts the deacon, "she takes it all out of my hands; I'm + going to give her the reins altogether one of these days. She has got a + nice way of touching a negro's feelings so that anything can be done with + him: it tells largely at times." Mr. Scranton's face becomes more serious; + he doesn't seem to understand this new "nigger philosophy." "Poor + creatures!" the deacon continues, "how wonderful is the power of + encouragement;-how much may be done if proper means are applied-" + </p> + <p> + "The trouble is in the means," Mr. Scranton interposes, scratching his + head, as if ideas were scarce, and valuable for the distance they had to + be transported. + </p> + <p> + Our good lady smiles. "I cannot help smiling, Mr. Scranton." She speaks + softly. "There are two things I want done-done quickly: I want southern + philosophers to consider, and I want southern ladies to act-to put on + energy-to take less care of themselves and more of the poor negro!" She + lays her hand gently upon Mr. Scranton's arm, her soft blue eyes staring + him in the face. "When they do this," she continues, "all will be well. We + can soon show the north how much can be done without their assistance. I + don't believe in women's rights meetings,—not I; but I hold there + should be some combination of southern ladies, to take the moral elevation + of the slave into consideration,—to set about the work in good + earnest, to see what can be done. It's a monster work; but monster evils + can be removed if females will give their hands and hearts to the task. + This separating families to serve the interests of traders in human beings + must be stopped: females know the pains it inflicts on suffering wretches; + they are best suited to stop that heinous offence in the sight of God and + man. They must rise to the work; they must devise means to stay the waste + of fortune now progressing through dissipation; and, above all other + things, they must rise up and drive these frightful slave-dealers from + their doors." + </p> + <p> + Mr. Scranton admits there is something in all this, but suggests that it + were better to let the future take care of itself; there's no knowing what + the future may do; and to let those who come in it enjoy our labours "aint + just the policy." He contends-willing to admit how much the ladies could + do if they would-it would not be consistent with the times to put forth + such experiments, especially when there is so much opposition. "It + wouldn't do!" he whispers. + </p> + <p> + The deacon here interrupts Mr. Scranton, by stepping to the door and + ordering one of the servants to prepare refreshments. + </p> + <p> + "'It must do! It won't do!' keeps us where we are, and where we are always + complaining that we never have done. You know I speak frankly, Mr. + Scranton-women may say what they please;-and let me tell you, that when + you do your duty it will do. Hard times never were harder than when + everybody thought them hard. We must infuse principle into our poor + people; we must make them earnest in agricultural pursuits; we must + elevate the character of labour; we must encourage the mechanic, and give + tone to his pursuits; and, more than all, we must arrest the spread of + conventional nonsense, and develope our natural resources by establishing + a system of paid labour, and removing the odium which attaches itself to + those who pursue such avocations as the slave may be engaged in. My word + for it, Mr. Scranton, there's where the trouble lies. Nature has been + lavish in her good gifts to the south; but we must lend Nature a helping + hand,—we must be the women of the south for the south's good; and we + must break down those social barriers clogging our progress. Nature wants + good government to go along with her, to be her handfellow in + regeneration; but good government must give Nature her rights. This done, + slavery will cease to spread its loathsome diseases through the body + politic, virtue will be protected and receive its rewards, and the buds of + prosperity will be nourished with energy and ripen into greatness." + </p> + <p> + Mr. Scranton suggests that the nigger question was forced upon him, and + thinks it better to change the conversation. Mr. Scranton was once in + Congress, thinks a deal of his Congressional experience, and declares, + with great seriousness, that the nigger question will come to something + one of these days. "Ah! bless me, madam," he says, adjusting his arms, + "you talk-very-like-a-statesman. Southerners better leave all this + regenerating of slaves to you. But let me say, whatever you may see in + perspective, it's mighty dangerous when you move such principles to + practice. Mark me! you'll have to pull down the iron walls of the south, + make planters of different minds, drive self out of mankind, and overthrow + the northern speculator's cotton-bag love. You've got a great work before + you, my dear madam,—a work that'll want an extended lease of your + life-time. Remember how hard it is to convince man of the wrong of + anything that's profitable. A paid system, even emancipation, would have + been a small affair in 1824 or 1827. Old niggers and prime fellows were + then of little value; now it is different. You may see the obstacle to + your project in the Nashville Convention or Georgia platform-" + </p> + <p> + "Nashville Convention, indeed!" exclaims Mrs. Rosebrook, her face infused + with animation, and a curl of disdain on her lip. "Such things! Mere happy + illustrations of the folly of our political affairs. The one was an exotic + do-nothing got up by Mister Wanting-to-say-something, who soon gets + ashamed of his mission; the other was a mixture of political log-rolling, + got up by those who wanted to tell the Union not to mind the Nashville + Convention. What a pity they did not tell the Union to be patient with us! + We must have no more Nashville Conventions; we must change Georgia + platforms for individual enterprise,—southern conventions for moral + regeneration. Give us these changes, and we shall show you what can be + done without the aid of the north." Several servants in tidy dresses, + their white aprons looking so clean, come bustling into the room and + invite missus and her guest into an airy ante-room, where a table is + bountifully spread with cake, fruit, fine old Madeira, and lemonade. Mr. + Scranton bows and asks "the pleasure;" Mrs. Rosebrook acknowledgingly + takes his arm, while the negroes bow and scrape as they enter the room. + Mr. Scranton stands a few moments gazing at the set-out. "I hope Mr. + Scranton will make himself quite at home," the good lady interposes. + Everything was so exquisitely arranged, so set off with fresh-plucked + flowers, as if some magic hand had just touched the whole. + </p> + <p> + "Now!" continued Mrs. Rosebrook, motioning her head as she points to the + table: "you'll admit my negroes can do something? Poor helpless wretches, + we say continually: perhaps they are worse when bad owners can make the + world look upon them through northern prejudice. They are just like + children; nobody gives them credit for being anything else; and yet they + can do much for our good. It would trouble some persons to arrange a table + so neatly; my boys did it all, you see!" And she exults over the + efficiency of her negroes, who stand at her side acknowledging the + compliment with broad grins. The deacon helps Mr. Scranton, who commences + stowing away the sweetmeats with great gusto. "It is truly surprising what + charming nigger property you have got. They don't seem a bit like niggers" + he concludes deliberately taking a mouthful. Mrs. Rosebrook, pleased at + the honest remark, reminds him that the deacon carries out her views most + charmingly, that she studies negro character, and knows that by + stimulating it with little things she promotes good. She studies character + while the deacon studies politics. At the same time, she rather ironically + reminds Mr. Scranton that the deacon is not guilty of reading any + long-winded articles on "state rights and secession." "Not he!" she says, + laughingly; "you don't catch him with such cast-iron material in his head. + They call him pious-proof now and then, but he's progress all over." + </p> + <p> + Mr. Scranton, attentive to his appetite, draws a serious face, gives a + side glance, begs a negro to supply his plate anew, and reckons he may + soon make a new discovery in southern political economy. But he fears Mrs. + Rosebrook's plan will make a mongrel, the specific nature of which it + would be difficult to define in philosophy. Perhaps it will not be + acceptable to the north as a thinking people, nor will it please the + generosity of southern ladies. + </p> + <p> + "There is where the trouble lies!" exclaimed the deacon, who had until + then yielded up the discussion to his good lady. "They look upon our + system with distrust, as if it were something they could not understand." + </p> + <p> + "I move we don't say another word about it, but take our part quietly," + says Mrs. Rosebrook, insinuating that Mr. Scranton had better be left to + take his refreshment comfortably; that he is a little misanthropic; that + he must be cheered up. "Come, my boys"-directing her conversation to the + negroes-"see that Mr. Scranton is cared for. And you must summon Daddy; + tell him to get the carriage ready, to put on his best blue coat,—that + we are going to take Mr. Scranton over the plantation, to show him how + things can prosper when we ladies take a hand in the management." The + negro leaves to execute the order: Mr. Scranton remains mute, now and then + sipping his wine. He imagines himself in a small paradise, but "hadn't the + least idea how it was made such a place by niggers." Why, they are just + the smartest things in the shape of property that could be started up. + Regular dandy niggers, dressed up to "shine so," they set him thinking + there was something in his politics not just straight. And then, there was + so much intelligence, so much politeness about the critters! Why, if it + had not been for the doctrines he had so long held, he would have felt + bashful at his want of ease and suavity,—things seldom taught in the + New England village where our pro-slavery advocate was born and educated. + </p> + <p> + Presently servants are seen outside, running here and there, their eyes + glistening with anxiety, as if preparing for a May-day festival. Old + Dolly, the cook, shining with the importance of her profession, stands her + greasy portions in the kitchen door, scolds away at old Dad, whose face + smiles with good-nature as he fusses over the carriage, wipes it, rubs it, + and brushes it, every now and then stopping to see if it will reflect his + full black face. Little woolly-headed urchins are toddling round old Maum + Dolly, pulling the folds of her frock, teasing for cakes and fritters. + One, more expert in mischief, has perched himself in an aperture over the + door, substituting himself for the old black hat with which it is usually + filled. Here, his face like a full moon in a cloud, he twists his moving + fingers into the ingeniously-tied knot of Dolly's bandana, which he + cunningly draws from her head. Ben and Loblolly, two minor sprats of the + race, are seated in the centre of the yard, contending for the leaves of a + picture-book, which, to appease their characteristic inquisitiveness, they + have dissected. Daddy has the horses ready and the carriage waiting; and + Uncle Bradshaw, the coachman, and C‘sar, the likely fellow, wait at the + door with as much satisfaction expressed in their faces as if it were all + for them. Missus is not to be outdone in expertness: a few minutes ago she + was "snaring" Mr. Scranton with his own philosophy; now she is ready to + take her seat. + </p> + <p> + "Missus! I wants t' go down yander wid ye, I doe," says Daddy, approaching + her with hand extended, and working his black face up into a broad grin as + he detects Mr. Scranton's awkwardness in getting into the carriage. + </p> + <p> + "Certainly, Daddy, certainly: you shall go. Daddy knows how to get + alongside of Aunt Rachel when he gets down on the plantation. He knows + where to get a good cup of coffee and a waff." And she pats the old negro + on the head as he clambers up on the box. "No, him aint dat. Daddy want t' + go wid missus-ya'h, ya! dat him, tis. Missus want somebody down da'h what + spry, so'e take care on 'em round de old plantation. Takes my missus to + know what nigger is," says Daddy, taking off his cap, and bowing missus + into the carriage. + </p> + <p> + "Not one word for mas'r, eh, Daddy?" rejoins the deacon, looking playfully + at Daddy. "Why, Boss, you aint nofin whin missus about," returns Daddy, + tauntingly, as he buttons his grey coat, and tells Bradshaw to "go ahead!" + Away they go, galloping over the plain, through the swamp, for the + plantation,—that model experiment doubted by so many. Major Sprag, + the politician, and Judge Snow, the statesman, had declared publicly it + never would do any good. With them it was not practical,—it gave + negroes too much liberty; and they declared the system must be kept within + the narrowest sphere of law, or it would be destroyed for ever. + </p> + <p> + Onward the carriage bounded, and long before it reached the plantation + gate was espied by the negroes, who came sallying forth from their white + cabins, crying out at the top of their voices-"Missus comin'! Missus + comin! Da'h missus-dat she! I know'd missus wa' comin' t' day!" and the + music of their voices re-echoed through the arbour of oaks that lined the + road. Their tongues seemed to have taken new impulse for the occasion. The + dogs, at full run, came barking to the gate; old daddies and mammas, with + faces "all over smiles," followed in the train. And they were dressed so + tidily, looked so cheerful, and gave such expressions of their exuberant + feelings, that Mr. Scranton seemed quite at a loss how to account for it. + He had never before witnessed such a mingling of fondness for owners,—the + welcome sounds of "God bless good missus!" They were at variance with the + misanthropic ideas he had imbibed at the north. And then there was a + regular retinue of the "small-fry property" bringing up the rear, with + curious faces, and making the jargon more confounding with the music of + their voices. They toddled, screamed, and shouted, clustered around the + gate, and before Daddy had time to dismount, had it wide open, and were + contending for the palm of shaking missus by the hand "fust." + </p> + <p> + The carriage drives to the plantation house, followed by the train of + moving darkness, flocking around it like as many devotees before an object + of superstitious worship. Mas'r is only a secondary consideration, Missus + is the angel of their thoughts; her kindness and perseverance in their + behalf has softened their feelings—stimulated their energy. How + touching is the fondness and tenderness of these degraded mortals! They + love their benefactor. And, too, there is a lesson in it worthy the + statesman's consideration,—it shows a knowledge of right, and a deep + sense of gratitude for kindness bestowed. Mrs. Rosebrook alights from the + carriage, receives their warm congratulations, and, turning to Mr. + Scranton, touches him on the arm, and remarks:—"Now, here they are. + Poor old bodies,"—taking them by the hand in rotation-just like as + many children. "What do you think of them, Mr. Scranton? do you not find a + softening sympathy creeping upon you? I forgot, though, your political + responsibility! Ah! that is the point with statesmen. You feel a touch of + conscience once in a while, but cannot speak for fear of the + consequences." And she laughs heartily at Mr. Scranton, who draws his face + into a very serious length. "Pest the niggers!" he says, as they gather at + his feet, asking all sorts of importune questions. + </p> + <p> + "My good lady is a regular reformer, you see, Mr. Scranton," rejoins the + deacon, as he follows that gentleman into the hall. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Scranton remarks, in reply, that such does not become caste, and two + pompous-looking servants set upon him brushing the dirt from his clothes + with great earnestness. The negroes understand Mr. Scranton at a glance; + he is an amiable stoic! + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Rosebrook disappears for a few minutes, and returns minus her bonnet + and mantle. She delights to have the old and the young around her,—to + study their characters, to hear their stories, their grievances, and to + relieve their wants. "These little black imps," she says, patting them on + the head as they toddle around her, "They're just as full of interest as + their shiny black skins are full of mischief;" and one after another, with + hand extended, they seek a recognition; and she takes them in her arms, + fondling them with the affection of a nurse. + </p> + <p> + "Here's Toby, too; the little cunning rascal! He is as sleek as a mole, a + young coon," she ejaculates, stooping down and playfully working her + fingers over Toby's crispy hair, as he sits upon the grass in front of the + house, feasting on a huge sweet potato, with which he has so bedaubed his + face that it looks like a mask with the terrific portrayed in the rolling + of two immense white eyes. "And here is Nichol Garvio!" and she turns to + another, pats him on the head, and shakes his hand. "We mean to make a + great man of him, you see,—he has head enough to make a Congress + man; who knows but that he'll get there when he grows up?" + </p> + <p> + "Congress, happily, is beyond niggers," replies Mr. Scranton, approving + the lady: "Congress is pure yet!" Turning round, she recommends Mr. + Scranton to put his northern prejudices in his pocket, where they will be + safe when required for the purposes of the south. "A nigger 's a nigger + all over the world," rejoins Mr. Scranton, significantly shrugging his + shoulders and casting a doubtful glance at the young type. + </p> + <p> + "True! true!" she returns, giving Mr. Scranton a look of pity. "God give + us sight to see! We praise our forefathers-honest praise!-but we forget + what they did. They brought them here, poor wretches; decoyed them, + deceived them,—and now we wish them back at the very time it would + be impossible to live without them. How happy is the mind that believes a + 'nigger' must be a nigger for ever and ever; and that we must do all in + our power to keep him from being anything else!" And her soft blue eyes + glowed with sympathy; it was the soul of a noble woman intent on doing + good. She had stepped from the darkness of a political error into the airy + height of light and love. + </p> + <p> + Daddy and Bradshaw had taken care of the horses; the deacon greeted his + negroes as one by one they came to welcome him; and for each he had a kind + word, a joke, a shake of the hand, or an enquiry about some missing member + of a family. The scene presented an interesting picture-the interest, + policy, and good faith between master and slave. No sooner were the horses + cared for, than Daddy and Bradshaw started for the "cabins," to say + welcome to the old folks, "a heap a' how de" to the gals, and tell de + boys, down yander, in de tater patch, dat Missus come. They must have + their touching congratulations, interchange the news of the city for the + gossip of the plantation, and drink the cup of tea Mamma makes for the + occasion. Soon the plantation is all agog; and the homely, but neat + cabins, swarm with negroes of all ages, bustling here and there, and + making preparations for the evening supper, which Aunt Peggy, the cook, + has been instructed to prepare in her very best style. + </p> + <p> + The deacon joins his good lady, and, with Mr. Scranton, they prepare to + walk over and view the plantation. They are followed by a retinue of old + and young property, giving vent to their thoughts in expressions of + gratitude to Missus and Mas'r. A broad expanse of rural beauty stretches + towards the west, soft and enchanting. The sun is sinking into the + curtains of a refulgent cloud; its crimson light casts a mellow shade over + the broad landscape; the evening breeze is wafting coolly over the + foliage, a welcome relief to the scorching heat of mid-day; the balmy + atmosphere breathes sweetness over the whole. To the north stands a clump + of fine old oaks, high above the distant "bottom," reflecting in all their + richness the warm tints of the setting sun. The leaves rustle as they pass + along; long lines of cotton plants, with their healthy blossoms, brighten + in the evening shade; the corn bends under its fruit; the potato field + looks fresh and luxuriant, and negroes are gathering from the slip-beds + supplies of market gardening. There is but one appearance among the + workers-cheerfulness! They welcome Mas'r as he passes along; and again + busily employ themselves, hoeing, weeding, and working at the roots of + vines in search of destructive insects. + </p> + <p> + "My overseers are all black, every one! I would'nt have a white one; they + are mostly tyrants," says the deacon, looking at his fields, exultingly. + "And my overseers plan out the very best mode of planting. They get + through a heap of work, with a little kindness and a little management. + Those two things do a deal, Sir! Five years ago, I projected this new + system of managing negroes-or, rather my lady planned it,—she is a + great manager, you see,—and I adopted it. You see how it has worked, + Mr. Scranton." The deacon takes Mr. Scranton by the arm, pointing over the + broad expanse of cultivated land, bending under the harvest. I make all my + negroes marry when they have arrived at a specific age; I assure them I + never will sell one unless he or she commits a heinous crime; and I never + have. There is a great deal in keeping faith with a negro; he is of + mankind, and moved by natural laws mentally and physically, and feels + deeply the want of what we rarely regard of much consequence-confidence in + his master's word. Wife encourages their moral energy; I encourage their + physical by filling their bellies with as much corn and bacon as they can + eat; and then I give them five cents per day (the heads of families) to + get those little necessaries which are so essential to their comfort and + encouragement. I call it our paid-labour system; and I give them tasks, + too, and when they have finished them I allow a small stipend for extra + work. It's a small mite for a great end; and it's such an encouragement + with them that I get about thirty per cent. more work done. And then I + allow them to read just as much as they please-what do I care about law? I + don't want to live where learning to read is dangerous to the State, I + don't. Their learning to read never can destroy their affections for me + and wife; and kindness to them will make them less dangerous in case of + insurrection. It's not the education we've got to fear; our fears increase + with the knowledge of our oppression. They know these things-they feel + them; and if by educating them one can cultivate their confidence, had we + not better do it with a view to contingencies? Now, as the result of our + system, we have promised to give all our negroes their freedom at the + expiration of ten years, and send such as wish to go, to Liberia; but, I + hold that they can do as much for us at home, work for us if properly + encouraged, and be good free citizens, obedient to the laws of the State, + serving the general good of a great country." + </p> + <p> + "Yes!" the good lady interposes; "I want to see those things carried out; + they will yet work for the regeneration of their own race. Heaven will + some day reward the hand that drags the cursed mantle from off poor + Africa; and Africa herself will breathe a prayer to Heaven in grateful + acknowledgment of the act that frees her from the stain of being the + world's bonded warehouse for human flesh and blood." + </p> + <p> + The deacon interrupts,—suggests "that it were better to move + practically; and that small streams may yet direct how a mountain may be + removed. Our Union is a great monument of what a Republic may be,—a + happy combination of life, freshness, and greatness, upon which the Old + World looks with distrust. The people have founded its happiness-its + greatness! God alone knows its destiny; crowned heads would not weep over + its downfall! It were better each citizen felt his heart beating to the + words-It is my country; cursed be the hand raised to sever its members!" + The lady tells Mr. Scranton that their produce has increased every year; + that last year they planted one hundred and twenty acres with cotton, + ninety with corn, forty with sweet potatoes, as many more with slips and + roots; and three acres of water-melons for the boys, which they may eat or + sell. She assures him that by encouraging the pay system they get a double + profit, besides preparing the way for something that must come. + </p> + <p> + "Come!" Mr. Scranton interrupts: "let the south be true to herself, and + there's no fear of that. But I confess, deacon, there is something good as + well as curious about your way of treating niggers." And Mr. Scranton + shakes his head, as if the practicability yet remained the great obstacle + in his mind. "Your niggers ain't every body's," he concludes. + </p> + <p> + "Try it, try it!" Mrs. Rosebrook rejoins: "Go home and propound something + that will relieve us from fear-something that will prepare us for any + crisis that may occur!" + </p> + <p> + It was six o'clock, the plantation bell struck, and the cry sounded "All + hands quit work, and repair to supper!" Scarcely had the echoes resounded + over the woods when the labourers were seen scampering for their cabins, + in great glee. They jumped, danced, jostled one another, and sang the + cheering melodies, "Sally put da' hoe cake down!" and "Down in Old + Tennessee." + </p> + <p> + Reaching their cabins they gathered into a conclave around Daddy and + Bradshaw, making the very air resound with their merry jargon. Such a + happy meeting-such social congratulations, pouring forth of the heart's + affections, warm and true,—it had never been before Mr. Scranton's + fortune to witness. Indeed, when he listened to the ready flashes of + dialogue accompanying their animation, and saw the strange contortions of + their fresh, shining faces, he began to "reckon" there was something about + niggers that might, by a process not yet discovered, be turned into + something. + </p> + <p> + Old "Mammies" strive for the honour of having Daddy and Bradshaw sup at + their cabins, taunting each other on the spareness of their meal. Fires + are soon lit, the stew-pans brought into requisition, and the smoke, + curling upward among a myriad of mosquitoes, is dispersing them like a + band of unwelcome intruders; while the corn-mills rattle and rumble, + making the din and clatter more confounding. Daddy and Bradshaw being + "aristocratic darkies from the city"-caste being tenaciously kept up among + negroes-were, of course, recipients of the choicest delicacies the + plantation afforded, not excepting fresh eggs poached, and possum. + Bradshaw is particularly fond of ghost stories; and as old Maum Nancy + deals largely in this article, as well as being the best believer in + spectres on the plantation, he concludes to sup with her, in her + hospitable cabin, when she will relate all that she has seen since she + last saw him. Maum Nancy is as black as a crow, has a rich store of tales + on hand; she will please the old man, more particularly when she tells him + about the very bad ghost seen about the mansion for more than "three weeks + of nights." He has got two sarpents' heads; Maum Nancy declares the + statement true, for uncle Enoch "seen him,"-he is a grey ghost-and might + a' knocked him over with his wattle, only he darn't lest he should reek + his vengeance at some unexpected moment. And then he was the very worst + kind of a ghost, for he stole all the chickens, not even leaving the + feathers. They said he had a tail like the thing Mas'r Sluck whipped his + "niggers" with. Bradshaw sups of Maum Nancy's best, listening to her + stories with great concern. The story of the ghost with two heads startles + him; his black picture, frame fills with excitement; he has never before + heard that ghosts were guilty of predatory crimes. So enchained and + excited is he with her story, that the party at the house having finished + supper, have made preparations to leave for the city. A finger touches him + on the shoulder; he startles, recognises Daddy, who is in search of him, + and suddenly becomes conscious that his absence has caused great anxiety. + Daddy has found him quietly eating Maum Nancy's cakes, while intently + listening to the story about the ghost "what" steals all her chickens. He + is quite unconcerned about Mas'r, Missus-anything but the ghost! He + catches his cap, gives Nancy's hand a warm shake, says God bless 'em, + hastens for the mansion, finds the carriage waiting at the door, for Mas'r + and Missus, who take their seats as he arrives. Bradshaw mounts the box + again, and away it rolls down the oak avenue. The happy party leave for + home; the plantation people are turned out en masse to say good bye to + Missus, and "hope Mas'r get safe home." Their greetings sound forth as the + carriage disappears in the distance; fainter and fainter the good wish + falls upon their ears. They are well on the road; Mr. Scranton, who sits + at the side of the good lady, on the back seat, has not deigned to say a + word: the evening grows dark, and his mind seems correspondingly gloomy. + "I tell you, I feel so pleased, so overjoyed, and so happy when I visit + the plantation, to see those poor creatures so happy and so full of + fondness! It's worth all the riches to know that one is loved by the poor. + Did you ever see such happiness, Mr. Scranton?" Mrs. Rosebrook enquires, + coolly. + </p> + <p> + "It requires a great deal of thinking, a great deal of caution, a great + deal of political foresight, before answering such questions. You'll + pardon me, my dear madam, I know you will; I always speak square on + questions, you know. It's hard to reconcile oneself to niggers being + free." + </p> + <p> + "Ah! yes-it's very amiable to think; but how much more praiseworthy to + act! If we southern ladies set ourselves about it we can do a great deal; + we can save the poor creatures being sold, like cows and calves, in this + free country. We must save ourselves from the moral degradation that is + upon us. What a pity Marston's friends did not make an effort to change + his course! If they had he would not now be in the hands of that Graspum. + We are surrounded by a world of temptation; and yet our planters yield to + them; they think everything a certainty, forgetting that the moment they + fall into Graspum's hands they are gone." + </p> + <p> + Mr. Scranton acknowledges he likes the look of things on the plantation, + but suggests that it will be considered an innovation,—an innovation + too dangerous to be considered. Innovations are dangerous with him,—unpopular, + cannot amount to much practical good. He gives these insinuations merely + as happy expressions of his own profound opinion. The carriage approaches + the villa, which, seen from the distance, seems sleeping in the calm of + night. Mr. Scranton is like those among us who are always fearing, but + never make an effort to remove the cause; they, too, are doggedly attached + to political inconsistency, and, though at times led to see the evil, + never can be made to acknowledge the wrong. They reach the garden gate; + Mr. Scranton begs to be excused from entering the Villa,—takes a + formal leave of his friend, and wends his way home, thinking. "There's + something in it!" he says to himself, as he passes the old bridge that + separates the city from the suburb. "It's not so much for the present as + it is for the hereafter. Nobody thinks of repairing this old bridge, and + yet it has been decaying under our eyes for years. Some day it will + suddenly fall,—a dozen people will be precipitated into the water + below, some killed; the city will then resound with lamentations; every + body knows it must take place one of these days, everybody is to blame, + but no special criminal can be found. There's something in the + comparison!" he says, looking over the old railing into the water. And + then his thoughts wandered to the plantation. There the germs of an + enlightened policy were growing up; the purity of a noble woman's heart + was spreading blessings among a downcast race, cultivating their minds, + raising them up to do good for themselves, to reward the efforts of the + benefactor. Her motto was:—Let us through simple means seek the + elevation of a class of beings whose degradation has distracted the + political wisdom of our happy country, from its conquest to the present + day. "There's something in it," again mutters Mr. Scranton, as he enters + his room, lights his taper, and with his elbow resting on the table, his + head supported in his hand, sits musing over the subject. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0012" id="link2HCH0012"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XII. — ELDER PEMBERTON PRAISEWORTHY CHANGES HIS BUSINESS. + </h2> + <p> + LET us beg the reader's indulgence for a few moments, while we say that + Mr. Scranton belonged to that large class of servile flatterers who too + often come from the New England States-men, who, having no direct interest + in slaves, make no scruple of sacrificing their independence that they may + appear true to the south and slavery. Such men not unfrequently do the + political vampirism of the south without receiving its thanks, but look + for the respect of political factions for being loudest supporters of + inconsistency. They never receive the thanks of the southerner; frequently + and deservedly do they sink into contempt! + </p> + <p> + A few days after the visit to the plantation we have described in the + foregoing chapter, Elder Pemberton Praiseworthy, divested of his pastoral + occupation, and seriously anxious to keep up his friendly associations + with those who had taken a part in furthering the cause of humanity, calls + on his old acquaintance, Mrs. Rosebrook. He has always found a welcome + under her hospitable roof,—a good meal, over which he could + discourse the benefits he bestowed, through his spiritual mission, upon a + fallen race; never leaving without kindly asking permission to offer up a + prayer, in which he invoked the mercy of the Supreme Ruler over all + things. In this instance he seems somewhat downcast, forlorn; he has + changed his business; his brown, lean face, small peering eyes, and low + forehead, with bristly black hair standing erect, give his features a + careworn air. He apologises for the unceremonious call, and says he always + forgets etiquette in his fervour to do good; to serve his + fellow-creatures, to be a Christian among the living, and serve the dying + and the dead-if such have wants—is his motto. And that his motives + may not be misconstrued he has come to report the peculiar phases of the + business he found it actually necessary to turn his hand to. That he will + gain a complete mastery over the devil he has not the fraction of a doubt; + and as he has always—deeming him less harmless than many citizens of + the south—had strong prejudices against that gentleman, he now has + strong expectations of carrying his point against him. Elder Praiseworthy + once heard a great statesman—who said singular things as well in as + out of Congress—say that he did'nt believe the devil was a bad + fellow after all; and that with a little more schooling he might make a + very useful gentleman to prevent duelling—in a word, that there was + no knowing how we'd get along at the south without such an all-important + personage. He has had several spells of deep thinking on this point, + which, though he cannot exactly agree with it, he holds firmly to the + belief that, so far as it affects duelling, the devil should be one of the + principals, and he, being specially ordained, the great antagonist to + demolish him with his chosen weapon—humanity. + </p> + <p> + "They tell me you have gone back into the world," says Mrs. Rosebrook, as + the waiter hands Elder Pemberton Praiseworthy a chair. "It's only the duty + of love, of Christian goodness, he humbly replies, and takes his seat as + Mrs. Rosebrook says-"pray be seated!" + </p> + <p> + "I'm somewhat fatigued; but it's the fatigue of loving to do good," he + says, rubbing his hands very piously, and giving a look of great + ministerial seriousness at the good lady. We will omit several minor + portions of the Elder's cautious introduction of his humane occupation, + commencing where he sets forth the kind reasons for such a virtuous + policy. "You honestly think you are serving the Lord, do you?" enquires + the lady, as she takes her seat. + </p> + <p> + The Elder evinces surprise at such a question. Hath he moved among + Christians so many years, ministering to spiritual wants, and yet the + purity of his motives be questioned? "Good madam! we must have faith to + believe. All that is meant well should be accepted in the greatness of the + intention. You will observe, I am neither a lawyer nor a politician; I + would'nt be for the world! We must always be doing something for the good + of others; and we must not forget, whilst we are doing it, to serve the + Allwise one; and while we are effecting the good of one we are serving the + designs of the other." Thus emphatically spoke the Elder, fingering a book + that lay on the table. "I buy sick people, I save the dying, and I + instruct them in the ways of the Lord as soon as they are cured, and-" And + here the Elder suddenly stops. + </p> + <p> + "Add, Mr. Praiseworthy, that when you have cured them, and instructed them + in the way of the Lord, you sell them!" interrupts the lady, watching the + sudden changes that pass over his craven features. + </p> + <p> + "I always get them good masters; I never fail in that. Nor do I stand upon + the profit-it's the humanity I takes into the balance." He conceives good + under the motley garb of his new mission. + </p> + <p> + "Humanity-strange humanity, with self coiled beneath. Why, Mr. + Praiseworthy!" the lady starts from her seat, and speaks with emphasis, + "do you tell me that you have become a resurrection man, standing at the + platform of death, interposing with it for a speculation?" + </p> + <p> + "It's no uncommon business, Madam; hundreds follow it; some have got rich + at it." + </p> + <p> + "Got rich at it!" Mrs. Rosebrook interrupts, as a sagacious looking cat + bounds on the table, much to the discomfiture of the Elder, who jumps up + in a great fright,—"What irresistible natures we have; may heaven + save us from the cravings of avarice!" + </p> + <p> + The Elder very methodically puts the interrupting cat upon the floor, and + resumes his seat. "Why, bless us, good madam, we must have something to + keep our consciences clear; there's nothing like living a straightforward + life." + </p> + <p> + "What a horrible inconsistency! Buying the sick and the dying. May the + dead not come in for a portion of your singular generosity? If you can + speculate in the dying why exclude the dead? the principle would serve the + same faith in Christianity. The heart that can purchase the dying must be + full of sad coldness, dragging the woes and pains of mortality down to a + tortuous death. Save us from the feelings of speculation,—call them + Christian, if you will,—that makes man look upon a dying mortal, + valuing but the dollars and cents that are passing away with his life," + she interrupts, giving vent to her pent-up feelings. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Praiseworthy suggests that the good lady does not comprehend the + virtue lying beneath his motives; that it takes a philosophical mind to + analyse the good that can be done to human nature, especially poor black + human nature. And he asserts, with great sincerity, that saving the lives + of those about to die miserable deaths is a wonderful thing for the cause + of humanity. Buying them saves their hopeless lives; and if that isn't + praiseworthy nothing can be, and when the act is good the motive should + not be questioned. + </p> + <p> + "Do you save their lives for a Christian purpose, or is it lucre you seek, + Mr. Praiseworthy?" she enquires, giving the Elder a significant look, and + waiting for a reply. + </p> + <p> + The Elder rises sedately, and walks across the room, considering his + reply. "The question's so kind of round about," he mutters, as she + continues:— + </p> + <p> + "Sick when you purchase, your Christianity consists in the art of healing; + but you sell them, and consequently save their lives for a profit. There + is no cholera in our plantation, thank God! you cannot speculate on our + sick. You outshine the London street Jews; they deal in old clothes, you + deal in human oddities, tottering infirmity, sick negroes." Mrs. Rosebrook + suggests that such a business in a great and happy country should be + consigned to its grave-digger and executioner, or made to pay a killing + income tax. + </p> + <p> + The humane Elder views his clothes; they have become somewhat threadbare + since he entered upon his new profession. He, as may be supposed, feels + the force of the lady's remarks, and yet cannot bring his mind to believe + himself actuated by anything but a love to do good. Kindness, he contends, + was always the most inherent thing in his nature: it is an insult to + insinuate anything degrading connected with his calling. And, too, there + is another consolation which soars above all,—it is legal, and there + is a respectability connected with all legal callings. + </p> + <p> + "To be upright is my motto, madam," the Elder says, drawing his hand + modestly over his mouth, and again adjusting the tie of his white + neck-cloth. "I'm trying to save them, and a penny with them. You see-the + Lord forgive him!-my dear madam, Marston didn't do the clean thing with + me; and, the worst of all was, he made a preacher of that nigger of his. + The principle is a very bad one for nigger property to contend for; and + when their masters permit it, our profession is upset; for, whenever a + nigger becomes a preacher, he's sure to be a profitable investment for his + owner. There is where it injures us; and we have no redress, because the + nigger preacher is his master's property, and his master can make him + preach, or do what he pleases with him," says Mr. Praiseworthy, becoming + extremely serious. + </p> + <p> + "Ah! yes,—self pinches the principles; I see where it is, Elder," + says the lady. "But you were indiscreet, given to taking at times; and the + boy Harry, proving himself quite as good at preaching, destroyed your + practice. I wish every negro knew as much of the Bible as that boy Harry. + There would be no fear of insurrections; it would be the greatest blessing + that ever befell the South. It would make some of your Christians blush,—perhaps + ashamed." + </p> + <p> + "Ashamed! ashamed! a thing little used the way times are," he mutters, + fretting his fingers through his bristly hair, until it stands erect like + quills on a porcupine's back. This done, he measuredly adjusts his glasses + on the tip of his nose, giving his tawny visage an appearance at once + strange and indicative of all the peculiarities of his peculiar character. + "It wasn't that," he says, "Marston did'nt get dissatisfied with my + spiritual conditions; it was the saving made by the negro's preaching. + But, to my new business, which so touches your sensitive feelings. If you + will honour me, my dear madam, with a visit at my hospital, I am certain + your impressions will change, and you will do justice to my motives." + </p> + <p> + "Indeed!" interrupts the lady, quickly, "nothing would give me more + gratification,—I esteem any person engaged in a laudable pursuit; + but if philanthropy be expressed through the frailties of speculation,—especially + where it is carried out in the buying and selling of afflicted men and + women,—I am willing to admit the age of progress to have got ahead + of me. However, Elder, I suppose you go upon the principle of what is not + lost to sin being gained to the Lord: and if your sick property die pious, + the knowledge of it is a sufficient recompense for the loss." Thus saying, + she readily accepted the Elder's kind invitation, and, ordering a basket + of prepared nourishment, which, together with the carriage, was soon + ready, she accompanied him to his infirmary. They drove through narrow + lanes and streets lined with small dilapidated cottages, and reached a + wooden tenement near the suburb of the city of C—. It was surrounded + by a lattice fence, the approach being through a gate, on which was + inscribed, "Mr. Praiseworthy's Infirmary;" and immediately below this, in + small letters, was the significant notice, "Planters having the cholera + and other prevailing diseases upon their plantations will please take + notice that I am prepared to pay the highest price for the infirm and + other negroes attacked with the disease. Offers will be made for the most + doubtful cases!" + </p> + <p> + "Elder Praiseworthy!" ejaculates the lady, starting back, and stopping to + read the strange sign. "'Offers will be made for the most doubtful + cases!'" she mutters, turning towards him with a look of melancholy. "What + thoughts, feelings, sentiments! That means, that unto death you have a + pecuniary interest in their bodies; and, for a price, you will interpose + between their owners and death. The mind so grotesque as to conceive such + a purpose should be restrained, lest it trifle with life unconsciously." + </p> + <p> + "You see," interrupts Mr. Praiseworthy, looking more serious than ever, + "It's the life saved to the nigger; he's grateful for it; and if they + ain't pious just then, it gives them time to consider, to prepare + themselves. My little per centage is small-it's a mean commission; and if + it were not for the satisfaction of knowing how much good I do, it + wouldn't begin to pay a professional gentleman." As the Elder concludes + his remarks, melancholy sounds are breaking forth in frightful discord. + From strange murmurings it rises into loud wailings and implorings. "Take + me, good Lord, to a world of peace!" sounds in her ears, as they approach + through a garden and enter a door that opens into a long room, a + store-house of human infirmity, where moans, cries, and groans are made a + medium of traffic. The room, about thirty feet long and twenty wide, is + rough-boarded, contains three tiers of narrow berths, one above the other, + encircling its walls. Here and there on the floor are cots, which Mr. + Praiseworthy informs us are for those whose cases he would not give much + for. Black nurses are busily attending the sick property; some are + carrying bowls of gruel, others rubbing limbs and quieting the cries of + the frantic, and again supplying water to quench thirst. On a round table + that stands in the centre of the room is a large medicine-chest, + disclosing papers, pills, powders, phials, and plasters, strewn about in + great disorder. A bedlam of ghastly faces presents itself,—dark, + haggard, and frantic with the pains of the malady preying upon the + victims. One poor wretch springs from his couch, crying, "Oh, death! + death! come soon!" and his features glare with terror. Again he utters a + wild shriek, and bounds round the room, looking madly at one and another, + as if chased by some furious animal. The figure of a female, whose + elongated body seems ready to sink under its disease, sits on a little box + in the corner, humming a dolorous air, and looking with glassy eyes + pensively around the room at those stretched in their berths. For a few + seconds she is quiet; then, contorting her face into a deep scowl, she + gives vent to the most violent bursts of passion,—holds her long + black hair above her head, assumes a tragic attitude, threatens to distort + it from the scalp. "That one's lost her mind-she's fitty; but I think the + devil has something to do with her fits. And, though you wouldn't think + it, she's just as harmless as can be," Mr. Praiseworthy coolly remarks, + looking at Mrs. Rosebrook, hoping she will say something encouraging in + reply. The lady only replies by asking him if he purchased her from her + owner? + </p> + <p> + Mr. Praiseworthy responds in the affirmative, adding that she doesn't seem + to like it much. He, however, has strong hopes of curing her mind, getting + it "in fix" again, and making a good penny on her. "She's a'most white, + and, unfortunately, took a liking to a young man down town. Marston owned + her then, and, being a friend of hers, wouldn't allow it, and it took away + her senses; he thought her malady incurable, and sold her to me for a + little or nothing," he continues, with great complacency. + </p> + <p> + This poor broken flower of misfortune holds down her head as the lady + approaches, gives a look of melancholy expressive of shame and remorse. + "She's sensitive for a nigger, and the only one that has said anything + about being put among men," Mr. Praiseworthy remarks, advancing a few + steps, and then going from berth to berth, descanting on the prospects of + his sick, explaining their various diseases, their improvements, and his + doubts of the dying. The lady watches all his movements, as if more + intently interested in Mr. Praiseworthy's strange character. "And here's + one," he says, "I fear I shall lose; and if I do, there's fifty dollars + gone, slap!" and he points to an emaciated yellow man, whose body is + literally a crust of sores, and whose painful implorings for water and + nourishment are deep and touching. + </p> + <p> + "Poor wretch!" Mr. Praiseworthy exclaims, "I wish I'd never bought + him-it's pained my feelings so; but I did it to save his life when he was + most dead with the rheumatics, and was drawn up as crooked as branch + cord-wood. And then, after I had got the cinques out of him- after nearly + getting him straight for a 'prime fellow' (good care did the thing), he + took the water on the chest, and is grown out like that." He points coolly + to the sufferer's breast, which is fearfully distended with disease; + saying that, "as if that wasn't enough, he took the lepors, and it's a + squeak if they don't end him." He pities the "crittur," but has done all + he can for him, which he would have done if he hadn't expected a copper + for selling him when cured. "So you see, madam," he reiterates, "it isn't + all profit. I paid a good price for the poor skeleton, have had all ny + trouble, and shall have no gain-except the recompense of feeling. There + was a time when I might have shared one hundred and fifty dollars by him, + but I felt humane towards him; didn't want him to slide until he was a No. + 1." Thus the Elder sets forth his own goodness of heart. + </p> + <p> + "Pray, what do you pay a head for them, Mr. Praiseworthy?" enquires the + lady, smoothing her hand over the feverish head of the poor victim, as the + carnatic of her cheek changed to pallid languor. Pursuing her object with + calmness, she determined not to display her emotions until fully satisfied + how far the Elder would go. + </p> + <p> + "That, madam, depends on cases; cripples are not worth much. But, now and + then, we get a legless fellow what's sound in body, can get round + sprightly, and such like; and, seeing how we can make him answer a sight + of purposes, he'll bring something," he sedately replies, with muscles + unmoved. "Cases what doctors give up as 'done gone,' we gets for ten and + twenty dollars; cases not hanging under other diseases, we give from + thirty to fifty-and so on! Remember, however, you must deduct thirty per + cent. for death. At times, where you would make two or three hundred + dollars by curing one, and saving his life, you lose three, sometimes + half-a-dozen head." The Elder consoles his feelings with the fact that it + is not all profit, looks highly gratified, puts a large cut of tobacco in + his mouth, thanks God that the common school-bill didn't pass in the + legislature, and that his business is more humane than people generally + admit. + </p> + <p> + "How many have you in all?" + </p> + <p> + "The number of head, I suppose? Well, there's about thirty sick, and ten + well ones what I sent to market last week. Did-n-'t-make-a-good market, + though," he drawls out. + </p> + <p> + "You are alone in the business?" + </p> + <p> + "Well, no; I've a partner-Jones; there's a good many phases in the + business, you see, and one can't get along. Jones was a nigger-broker, and + Jones and me went into partnership to do the thing smooth up, on joint + account. I does the curing, and he does the selling, and we both turns a + dollar or two-" + </p> + <p> + "Oh, horrors!" interrupts the lady, looking at Mr. Praiseworthy + sarcastically. "Murder will out, men's sentiments will betray them, + selfishness will get above them all; ornament them as you will, their + ornaments will drop,—naked self will uncover herself and be the + deceiver." + </p> + <p> + "Not at all!" the Elder exclaims, in his confidence. "The Lord's will is + in everything; without it we could not battle with the devil; we relieve + suffering humanity, and the end justifies the means." + </p> + <p> + "You should have left out the means: it is only the end you aim at." + </p> + <p> + "That's like accusing Deacon Seabury of impious motives, because he shaves + notes at an illegal interest. It's worse-because what the law makes legal + the church should not make sinful." This is Praiseworthy's philosophy, + which he proclaims while forgetting the existence of a law of conscience + having higher claims than the technicalities of statutes. We must look to + that to modify our selfishness, to strengthen our love for human laws when + founded in justice. + </p> + <p> + "And who is this poor girl?" enquires Mrs. Rosebrook, stepping softly + forward, and taking her by the hand. + </p> + <p> + "Marston's once; some Indian in her, they say. She's right fair looks when + she's herself. Marston's in trouble now, and the cholera has made sad + havoc of his niggers," Mr. Praiseworthy replies, placing a chair, and + motioning his hand for the lady to be seated. The lady seats herself + beside the girl,—takes her hand. + </p> + <p> + "Yes, missus; God bless good missus. Ye don't know me now," mutters the + poor girl, raising her wild glassy eyes, as she parts the long black hair + from her forehead: "you don't know me; I'm changed so!" + </p> + <p> + "My child, who has made you this wretch?" says the good lady, pressing her + tawny hand. + </p> + <p> + My child!" she exclaims, with emphasis: "My child Nicholas,—my + child! Missus, save Nicholas; he is my child. Oh! do save him!" and, as if + terrified, she grasps tighter the lady's hand, while her emotions swell + into a frantic outburst of grief. "Nicholas, my child!" she shrieks. + </p> + <p> + "She will come to, soon: it's only one of her strange fits of aberration. + Sometimes I fling cold water over her; and, if it's very cold, she soon + comes to," Mr. Praiseworthy remarks, as he stands unmoved, probably + contemplating the goodness of a forgiving God. What magic simplicity lies + concealed in his nature; and yet it is his trade, sanctioned by the law of + a generous state. Let us bless the land that has given us power to + discover the depths to which human nature can reduce itself, and what man + can make himself when human flesh and blood become mere things of traffic. + </p> + <p> + "That gal's name is Ellen. I wish I knew all that has turned up at + Marston's," remarks the Elder. + </p> + <p> + "Ellen!" ejaculates the lady, looking at her more intently, placing her + left hand under her chin. "Not Ellen Juvarna?" + </p> + <p> + "Yes, good missus-the lady has distributed her nourishment among the + sick-that's my name," she says, raising her eyes with a look of melancholy + that tells the tale of her troubles. Again her feelings subside into + quiet; she seems in meditation. "I knowed you once, good missus, but you + don't know me now, I'm changed so!" she whispers, the good lady holding + her hand, as a tear courses down her cheek-"I'm changed so!" she whispers, + shaking her head. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0013" id="link2HCH0013"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XIII. — A FATHER TRIES TO BE A FATHER. + </h2> + <p> + WE have conducted the reader through scenes perhaps unnecessary to our + narration, nevertheless associated with and appertaining to the object of + our work. And, in this sense, the reader cannot fail to draw from them + lessons developing the corrupting influences of a body politic that gives + one man power to sell another. They go to prove how soon a man may forget + himself,—how soon he may become a demon in the practice of + abominations, how soon he can reconcile himself to things that outrage the + most sacred ties of our social being. And, too, consoling himself with the + usages of society, making it right, gives himself up to the most barbarous + practices. + </p> + <p> + When we left Marston in a former chapter, he had become sensible of the + wrong he so long assisted to inflict upon innocent and defenceless + persons; and, stung with remorse made painful by the weight of misfortune, + had avowed his object of saving his children. Yet, strange as it may seem, + so inured were his feelings to those arbitrary customs which slave-owners + are educated to view as privileges guaranteed in the rights of a peculiar + institution-the rights of property in the being slave-that, although + conscious of his duty toward the children, no sooner had the mother of + Nicholas been attacked with cholera, than he sold her to the Elder + Pemberton Praiseworthy, in whose infirmary we have just left her. The + Elder, since his discharge from parochial life,—from ministering the + gospel, has transferred his mission to that of being the partner in a + firm, the ostensible business of which is purchasing the sick, the living, + and the dying. + </p> + <p> + Do not blush, reader; you know not how elastic dealing in human kind makes + man's feelings. Gold is the beacon-light of avarice; for it man will climb + over a catacomb of the dead. In this instance the very man-Marston-who, + touched by misfortune, began to cherish a father's natural feelings, could + see nothing but property in the mother, though he knew that mother to be + born free. Perhaps it was not without some compunction of feelings-perhaps + it was done to soften the separation at that moment so necessary to the + preservation of the children. But we must leave this phase of the picture, + and turn to another. + </p> + <p> + Graspum had diligently watched Marston's affairs, and through the cunning + and perseverance of Romescos, carefully noted every movement on the + plantation. Each death from cholera was reported,—the change in + Marston's feelings observed and provided against,—every stage of the + crop carefully watched. Graspum, however, had secured himself in the real + estate, and gave little heed to the epidemic that was carrying off the + negro property. Finally, to pass over several stages in the decline of + Marston's affairs, the ravages of the disease continued until but + forty-three negroes, old and young, were left on the old homestead. The + culminating point had arrived. He was in the grasp of Graspum, and nothing + could save him from utter ruin. It had lately been proved that the Rovero + family, instead of being rich, were extremely poor, their plantation + having long been under a mortgage, the holder of which was threatening + foreclosure. + </p> + <p> + With Marston, an amount of promiscuous debts had accumulated so far beyond + his expectation that he was without means of discharging them. His affairs + became more and more confused, while the amount of his liabilities + remained a perfect obscurity to the community. Rumour began to disseminate + his troubles, suspicion summoned her charges, and town-talk left little + unadded; while those of his creditors who had been least suspicious of his + wealth and honour became the most importunate applicants for their claims. + At length, driven by the pressure of the times, he calls Clotilda to him, + and tells her that he is resolved to send Annette and Nicholas into the + city, where they will remain in the care of a coloured woman, until an + opportunity offers of sending them to the north. He is fond of Clotilda,—tells + her of the excitement concerning his business affairs, and impresses her + with the necessity of preserving calmness; it is requisite to the evasion + of any ulterior consequence that may be brought upon him. Every-thing + hangs upon a thread-a political thread, a lawful thread-a thread that + holds the fate of thirty, forty, or fifty human beings-that separates them + from that verge of uncertainty upon which a straw may turn the weal or woe + of their lives. "When I get them comfortably cared for, Clotilda, I will + send for you. Nicholas's mother has gone, but you shall be a mother to + them both," he says, looking upon her seriously, as if contemplating the + trouble before him in the attempt to rescue his children. + </p> + <p> + "You will not send Annette away without me?" she inquires, quickly, + falling on her knees at his side, and reiterating, "Don't send Annette + away without me,—don't, mas'r!" + </p> + <p> + "The separation will only be for a few days. Annette shall be educated-I + care not for the laws of our free land against it-and together you shall + go where your parentage will not shame you,—where you may ornament + society," he replies, as Clotilda's face lights up with satisfaction. With + such an assurance-she does not comprehend the tenour of his troubles-her + freedom seems at hand: it excites her to joy. Marston retires and she + takes his seat, writes a note to Maxwell, who is then in the city, + relating what has transpired, and concluding with a request that he will + call and see her. + </p> + <p> + A few days passed, and the two children were sent into the city and placed + in the charge of a free woman, with instructions to keep them secreted for + several weeks. This movement being discovered by Romescos, was the first + signal for an onset of creditors. Graspum, always first to secure himself, + in this instance compelled Marston to succumb to his demands by + threatening to disclose the crime Lorenzo had committed. Forcing him to + fulfil the obligation in the bond, he took formal possession of the + plantation. This increased the suspicion of fraud; there was a mystery + somewhere,—nobody could solve it. Marston, even his former friends + declared, was a swindler. He could not be honestly indebted in so large an + amount to Graspum; nor could he be so connected with such persons without + something being wrong somewhere. Friends began to insinuate that they had + been misled; and not a few among those who had enjoyed his hospitality + were first inclined to scandalise his integrity. Graspum had foreseen all + this, and, with Romescos, who had purloined the bill of sale, was prepared + to do any amount of swearing. Marston is a victim of circumstances; his + proud spirit prompts him to preserve from disgrace the name of his family, + and thus he the more easily yielded to the demands of the betrayer. Hence, + Graspum, secure in his ill-gotten booty, leaves his victim to struggle + with those who come after him. + </p> + <p> + A few weeks pass over, and the equity of Graspum's claim is questioned: + his character for honour being doubted, gives rise to much comment. The + whole thing is denounced-proclaimed a concerted movement to defraud the + rightful creditors. And yet, knowing the supremacy of money over law in a + slave state, Graspum's power, the revenge his followers inflict, and their + desperate character, not one dare come forward to test the validity of the + debt. They know and fear the fierce penalty: they are forced to fall back,—to + seize his person, his property, his personal effects. + </p> + <p> + In this dilemma, Marston repairs to the city, attempts to make an + arrangement with his creditors, singularly fails; he can effect nothing. + Wherever he goes his salutation meets a cold, measured response; whisper + marks him a swindler. The knife stabs deep into the already festered + wound. Misfortune bears heavily upon a sensitive mind; but accusation of + wrong, when struggling under trials, stabs deepest into the heart, and + bears its victim suffering to the very depths of despair. + </p> + <p> + To add to this combination of misfortunes, on his return to the plantation + he found it deserted,—a sheriff's keeper guarding his personal + effects, his few remaining negroes seized upon and marched into the city + for the satisfaction of his debts. Clotilda has been seized upon, + manacled, driven to the city, committed to prison. Another creditor has + found out the hiding-place of the children; directs the sheriff, who + seizes upon them, like property of their kind, and drags them to prison. + Oh, that prison walls were made for torturing the innocent! + </p> + <p> + Marston is left poor upon the world; Ellen Juvarna is in the hands of a + resurrectionist; Nicholas-a bright boy he has grown-is within the dark + confines of a prison cell, along with Clotilda and Annette. Melancholy + broods over the plantation now. The act of justice,—the right which + Marston saw through wrong, and which he had intended to carry out,—is + now beyond his power. Stripped of those comforts he had enjoyed, his + offspring carried off as trophies of avarice,—perhaps for sale to + some ruffian who would set a price upon their beauty,—he sits down, + sick at heart, and weeps a child's tears. The mansion, so long the scene + of pleasure and hospitality, is like a deserted barrack;-still, gloomy, + cold, in the absence of familiar faces. No servant comes to call him + master,—Dandy and Enoch are gone; and those familiar words, so + significant of affection between master and slave, "Glad to see ye home, + mas'r," no longer sounded in his ears. Even his overseer has become + alarmed, and like the rest levied for arrears of wages. + </p> + <p> + There is nothing for Marston but to give up all,—to leave the home + of his childhood, his manhood, his happier days. He is suddenly reminded + that there is virtue in fortitude; and, as he gazes round the room, the + relics of happier days redouble his conviction of the evil he has brought + upon himself by straying from the paths of rectitude. Indeed, so sudden + was his fall from distinction, that the scene around him seemed like a + dream, from which he had just awoke to question its precipitancy. "A + sheriff is here now, and I am a mere being of sufferance," he says, + casting a moody glance around the room, as if contemplating the dark + prospect before him. A few moments' pause, and he rises, walks to the + window, looks out upon the serene scene spread out before the mansion. + There is the river, on which he has spent so many pleasant hours, calmly + winding its way through deep green foliage mellowed by the moonlight. Its + beauties only remind him of the past. He walks away,—struggles to + forget, to look above his trials. He goes to the old side-board that has + so long given forth its cheer; that, too, is locked! "Locked to me!" he + says, attempting to open its doors. A sheriff's lock hangs upon them. + Accustomed to every indulgence, each check indicated a doubt of his + honour, wounding his feelings. The smaller the restraint the deeper did it + pierce his heart. While in this desponding mood, vainly endeavouring to + gain resolution to carry him through, a gentle rap is heard at the door. + Who can it be at this hour? he questions to himself. No servant is near + him; servants have all been led into captivity for the satisfaction of + debts. He approaches the door and opens it himself, looking cautiously + into the corridor. There, crouched in a niche, alternately presenting fear + and joy,—fear lest he be seen by the enemy, and joy to see his + master,—is a dark figure with the familiar face of Daddy Bob,—Bob + of the old plantation. The old, faithful servant puts out his wrinkled + hand nervously, saying, "Oh, good mas'r!" He has looked up to Marston with + the same love that an affectionate child does to a kind parent; he has + enjoyed mas'r's warm welcome, nurtured his confidence, had his say in + directing the affairs of the plantation, and watched the frailties that + threatened it. + </p> + <p> + "Why, Daddy Bob! Can it be you?" Marston says, modulating his voice, as a + change comes over his feelings. + </p> + <p> + "Dis is me, mas'r; it is me," again says the old man. He is wet with the + night dew, but his heart is warm and affectionate. Marston seizes his hand + as if to return the old man's gratitude, and leads him into the room, + smiling. "Sit down, Bob, sit down!" he says, handing him a chair. The old + servant stands at the chair hesitatingly, doubting his position. "Fear + nothing, Bob; sit down. You are my best friend," Marston continues. Bob + takes a seat, lays his cap quietly upon the floor, smiles to see old + mas'r, but don't feel just right because there's something wrong: he draws + the laps of his jacket together, covers the remnant of a shirt. "Mas'r, + what be da' gwine to do wid de old plantation? Tings, Bob reckon, b'nt + gwine straight," he speaks, looking at Marston shyly. The old slave knew + his master's heart, and had waited for him to unfold its beatings; but the + kind heart of the master yielded to the burden that was upon it, and never + more so than when moved by the strong attachment evinced by the old man. + There was mutual sympathy pourtrayed in the tenderest emotions. The one + was full of grief, and, if touched by the word of a friend, would + overflow; the other was susceptible of kindness, knew something had + befallen his master, and was ready to present the best proofs of his + attachment. + </p> + <p> + "And how did you get here, my old faithful?" inquires Marston, drawing + nearer to him. + </p> + <p> + "Well, mas'r, ye see, t'ant just so wid nigger what don' know how tings + is! But, Bob up t' dese tings. I sees Buckra, what look as if he hab no + rights on dis plantation, grab'n up all de folks. And Lor,' mas'r, old Bob + could'nt leave mas'r no how. An, den, when da' begins to chain de folks + up-da' chain up old Rachel, mas'r!-Old Bob feel so de plantation war'nt + no-whare; and him time t'be gwine. Da'h an't gwine t' cotch old Bob, and + carry 'm way from mas'r, so I jist cum possum ober dem-stows away yander, + down close in de old corn crib,—" + </p> + <p> + "And you eluded the sheriff to take care of me, did you, Daddy?" + interrupts Marston, and again takes the old man's hand. + </p> + <p> + "Oh, mas'r, Bob ain't white, but 'is feeling get so fo' h mas'r, he can't + speak 'em," the old slave replies, pearls glistening in his eyes. "My + feelings feel so, I can't speak 'em!" And with a brother's fondness he + shakes his master's hand. + </p> + <p> + We must beg the reader's indulgence here for the purpose of making a few + remarks upon the negro's power of observation. From the many strange + disquisitions that have been put forward on the mental qualities of the + man of colour-more particularly the African-few can be selected which have + not had for their object his disqualification. His power of observation + has been much undervalued; but it has been chiefly by those who judge him + by a superficial scale, or from a selfish motive. In the position of mere + property, he is, of necessity, compelled to yield all claims to mental + elevation. And yet, forced to degradation, there are few negroes on the + plantation, or in the spheres of labour, who do not note the rise and fall + of their master's fortunes, study the nature and prospects of the crop, + make enquiries about the market, concoct the best economy in managing + lands, and consult among themselves as to what would promote the interests + of the whole. So far is this carried out, that in many districts a rivalry + for the largest amount of crop on a given space is carried on among the + slaves, who not unfrequently "chafe" each other upon the superior wealth + and talent of their masters. It is a well-known fact, that John C. + Calhoun's slaves, in addition to being extremely fond of him, were proud + and boastful of his talent. + </p> + <p> + Daddy Bob is an exemplification. The faithful old slave had become + sensible of something wrong on the plantation: he saw the sheriff seizing + upon the families, secreted himself in the corn crib, and fled to the + woods when they were out of sight. Here, sheltered by the myrtle, he + remained until midnight, intently watching the mansion for signs of old + mas'r. Suddenly a light glimmers from the window; the old slave's feelings + bound with joy; he feels it an invitation for him to return, and, leaving + his hiding-place, approaches the house stealthily, and descries his master + at the window. Confidence returns, his joy is complete, his hopes have not + misled him. Hungry and wet, he has found his way back to master, whose + face at the window gladdens his heart,—carries him beyond the bounds + of caution. Hence the cordial greeting between the old slave and his + indulgent master. We hear the oft-expressed words-"Master! I love ye, I + do!" Marston gets a candle, lights the old man to a bed in the attic, bids + him good night, and retires. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0014" id="link2HCH0014"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XIV. — IN WHICH THE EXTREMES ARE PRESENTED. + </h2> + <p> + WHILE the gloomy prospect we have just presented hovered over Marston's + plantation, proceedings of no minor importance, and having reference to + this particular case, are going on in and about the city. Maxwell, moved + by Clotilda's implorings, had promised to gain her freedom for her; but he + knew the penalty, feared the result of a failure, and had hesitated to + make the attempt. The consequences were upon him, he saw the want of + prompt action, and regretted that the time for carrying his resolution + into effect had passed. The result harassed him; he saw this daughter of + misfortune, on her bended knees, breathing a prayer to Omnipotence for the + deliverance of her child; he remembered her appeal to him, imploring him + to deliver her from the grasp of slavery, from that licentiousness which + the female slave is compelled to bear. He saw her confiding in him as a + deliverer,—the sight haunted him unto madness! Her child! her child! + Yes, that offspring in which her hopes were centered! For it she pleaded + and pleaded; for it she offered to sacrifice her own happiness; for it she + invoked the all-protecting hand. That child, doomed to a life of chattel + misery; to serve the lusts of modern barbarism in a country where freedom + and civilization sound praises from ocean to ocean; to be obscured in the + darkness and cruelty of an institution in which justice is scoffed, where + distress has no listeners, and the trap-keepers of men's souls scorn to + make honest recompense while human flesh and blood are weighed in the + scale of dollars and cents! He trembles before the sad picture; + remonstrances and entreaties from him will be in vain; nor can he seize + them and carry them off. His life might be forfeited in the attempt, even + were they without prison walls. No! it is almost hopeless. In the narrow + confines of a securely grated cell, where thoughts and anxieties waste the + soul in disappointment, and where hopes only come and go to spread time + with grief, he could only see her and her child as they suffered. The + spectacle had no charm; and those who carried them into captivity for the + satisfaction of paltry debts could not be made to divest themselves of the + self in nature. Cries and sobs were nothing,—such were poor stock + for "niggers" to have; pains and anxieties were at a discount, chivalry + proclaimed its rule, and nothing was thought well of that lessened the + market value of body and soul. Among great, generous, hospitable, and + chivalrous men, such things could only be weighed in the common scale of + trade. + </p> + <p> + Again, Maxwell remembered that Marston had unfolded his troubles to him, + and being a mere stranger the confidence warranted mutual reciprocity. If + it were merely an act dictated by the impulse of his feelings at that + moment, the secret was now laid broadly open. He was father of the + children, and, sensible of their critical situation, the sting was goading + him to their rescue. The question was-would he interpose and declare them + as such? Ah, he forgot it was not the father's assertion,—it was the + law. The crime of being property was inherited from the mother. + Acknowledging them his children would neither satisfy law nor the + creditors. What honourable-we except the modernly chivalrous-man would see + his children jostled by the ruffian trader? What man, with feelings less + sensitive than iron, would see his child sold to the man-vender for + purposes so impious that heaven and earth frowned upon them? And yet the + scene was no uncommon one; slavery affords the medium, and men, laying + their hearts aside, make it serve their pockets. Those whom it would + insult to call less than gentlemen have covered their scruples with the + law, while consigning their own offspring to the hand of an auctioneer. + Man property is subvervient material,—woman is even more; for where + her virtue forms its tissues, and can be sold, the issue is indeed + deplorable. Again, where vice is made a pleasure, and the offspring of it + become a burden on our hands, slavery affords the most convenient medium + of getting rid of the incumbrance. They sell it, perhaps profitably, and + console themselves with the happy recollection of what a great thing it is + to live in a free country, where one may get rid of such things + profitably. It may save our shame in the eyes of man, but God sees all,—records + the wrong! + </p> + <p> + Thus Maxwell contemplated the prospects before him. At length he resolved + to visit Marston upon his plantation, impress him with the necessity of + asserting their freedom, in order to save them from being sold with the + effects of the estate. + </p> + <p> + He visits Marston's mansion,—finds the picture sadly changed; his + generous friend, who has entertained him so hospitably, sits in a little + ante-chamber, pensively, as if something of importance has absorbed his + attention. No well-dressed servants welcome him with their smiles and + grimaces; no Franconia greets him with her vivacity, her pleasing + conversation, her frankness and fondness for the old servants. No table is + decked out with the viands of the season-Marston's viands have turned into + troubles,—loneliness reigns throughout. It is night, and nothing but + the dull sound of the keeper's tread breaks the silence. His (Maxwell's) + mission is a delicate one. It may be construed as intrusive, he thinks. + But its importance outweighs the doubt, and, though he approaches with + caution, is received with that embrace of friendship which a gentleman can + claim as his own when he feels the justice of the mission of him who + approaches, even though its tenor be painful. Maxwell hesitated for a few + moments, looked silently upon the scene. Trouble had already left its + prints of sadness upon Marston's countenance; the past, full of happy + associations, floated in his mind; the future—ah! that was—. + Happily, at that moment, he had been contemplating the means by which he + could save Clotilda and the children. He rises, approaches Maxwell, hands + him a chair, listens to his proposal. "If I can assist you, we will save + them," concludes Maxwell. + </p> + <p> + "That," he replies, doubtingly, "my good friend, has engaged my thoughts + by night and day—has made me most uneasy. Misfortune likes sympathy; + your words are as soothing as praiseworthy. I will defend my children if + every creditor call me swindler. I will destroy the infernal bill of sale,—I + will crush the hell-born paper that gives life to deeds so bloody,—I + will free them from the shame!" Thus, his feelings excited to the + uttermost, he rises from his seat, approaches a cupboard, draws forth the + small trunk we have before described, unlocks it. "That fatal document is + here, I put it here, I will destroy it now; I will save them through its + destruction. There shall be no evidence of Clotilda's mother being a + slave, oh no!" he mutters rapidly, running his fingers over packages, + papers, and documents. Again he glances vacantly over the whole file, + examining paper after paper, carefully. He looks in vain. It is not there; + there is no document so fatal. Sharper men have taken better care of it. + "It is not here!" he whispers, his countenance becoming pallid and + death-like. "Not here!"-and they will swear to suit their purposes. Oaths + are only worth what they bring in the market, among slave dealers. But, + who can have taken it?" he continues, looking wildly at Maxwell. + Consternation is pictured on his countenance; he feels there is intrigue + at work, and that the want of that paper will prove fatal to his + resolution. A man in trouble always confides in others, sometimes those + whom he would scarce have trusted before. He throws the paper aside, takes + a seat at Maxwell's side, grasps him by the hand, saying, "My friend! save + them! save them! save them! Use what stratagem you please; make it the + experiment of your life. Consummate it, and a penitent's prayer will bless + you! I see the impending catastrophe-" + </p> + <p> + "We may do without it; be quiet. Let your feelings calm. I have consulted + Franconia on the same subject. Woman can do much if she will; and she has + promised me she will. My knowledge of her womanly nature tells me she will + be true to Clotilda!" Maxwell speaks assuringly, and his words seem as + balm to a wounded spirit. + </p> + <p> + The bill of sale was among the things intended for a more profitable use. + Marston has satisfied Graspum's claim; but he knew that slavery deadened + the sensibilities of men. Yet, could it have so deadened Graspum's feeling + that he would have been found in a plot against him? No! he could not + believe it. He would not look for foul play from that quarter. It might + have been mislaid-if lost, all the better. A second thought, and he begins + to quiet himself with the belief that it had become extinct; that, there + not being evidence to prove them property, his word would be sufficient to + procure their release. Somewhat relieved of the force of parental + anxiety-we can call it by no other name-the troubled planter, with his + troubles inherited, promises Maxwell, who has postponed his departure that + he may aid in saving Clotilda and her child, that he will proceed direct + to the sheriff's office, give notice of their freedom to that functionary, + and forbid the sale. Upon this resolution they part for the night, and on + the following morning, Marston, sick at heart, leaves for the city, hoping + to make arrangements with his attorney, who will serve notice of freedom + with all the expense and legality of form. + </p> + <p> + The reader will excuse us for passing over many things of minor importance + which take place during the progress of arrangements between Marston and + the attorney, Mr. Dyson—commonly called Thomas Dyson, Esq., + wonderfully clever in the practice of slave law—and proceeding to + where we find the notice formally served. The document forbids the sale of + certain persons, physically and mentally described, according to the + nicest rules of law and tenour of trade; and is, with the dignity of legal + proceedings, served on the honourable sheriff. We give a portion of it, + for those who are not informed on such curious matters: it runs thus:—"'The + girl Clotilda-aged 27 years; her child Annette-aged 7 years, and a + remarkable boy, Nicholas, 6 years old, all negroes, levied upon at the + suit of—, to satisfy a fi fa issued from the—, and set forth + to be the property of Hugh Marston of—, &c. &c.;'" as set + forth in the writ of attachment. Thus runs the curious law, based on + privilege, not principle. + </p> + <p> + The document served on the sheriff, Marston resolved to remain a few days + in the city and watch its effect. The sheriff, who is seldom supposed to + evince sympathy in his duties, conforms with the ordinary routine of law + in nigger cases; and, in his turn, gives notice to the plaintiff, who is + required to enter security for the purpose of testing the point of + freedom. Freedom here is a slender commodity; it can be sworn away for a + small compensation. Mr. Anthony Romescos has peculiar talent that way, and + his services are always in the market. The point, however, has not + resolved itself into that peculiar position where it must be either a + matter of compromise, or a question for the court and jury to decide. + </p> + <p> + If Marston, now sensible of his position as father of the children, will + yield them a sacrifice to the man trader, it is in his power; the + creditors will make it their profit. Who, then, can solve the perplexity + for him? The custom of society, pointing the finger of shame, denies him + the right to acknowledge them his children. Society has established the + licentious wrong,—the law protects it, custom enforces it. He can + only proceed by declaring the mother to be a free woman, and leaving the + producing proof to convict her of being slave property to the plaintiff. + In doing this, his judgment wars with his softer feelings. Custom—though + it has nothing to give him-is goading him with its advice; it tells him to + abandon the unfashionable, unpolite scheme. Natural laws have given birth + to natural feelings—natural affections are stronger than bad laws. + They burn with our nature,—they warm the gentle, inspire the noble, + and awake the daring that lies unmoved until it be called into action for + the rescue of those for whom our affections have taken life. + </p> + <p> + Things had arrived at that particular point where law-lovers-we mean + lawyers-look on with happy consciences and pleasing expectations; that is, + they had arrived at that certain hinge of slave law the turn of which + sends men, women, and children, into the vortex of slavery, where their + hopes are for ever crushed. One day Marston had strong hopes of saving + them; but his hopes vanished on the next. The fair creature, by him made a + wretch, seemed before him, on her bended knees, clasping his hand while + imploring him to save her child. The very thought would have doubly nerved + him to action; and yet, what mattered such action against the force of + slavery injustice? All his exertions, all his pleadings, all his + protestations, in a land where liberty boasts its greatness, would sink to + nothing under the power he had placed in their possession for his + overthrow. + </p> + <p> + With this fatal scene before him, this indecision, he walked the streets, + resolving and re-resolving, weighing and re-weighing the consequences, + hoping without a chance for hope. He would be a father as he has been a + kind master; but the law says, no! no! Society forbids right, the law + crushes justice,—the justice of heaven! Marston is like one driven + from his home, from the scene of his happy childhood, upon which he can + now only look back to make the present more painful. He has fallen from + the full flow of pleasure and wealth to the low ebb of poverty clothed in + suspicion; he is homeless, and fast becoming friendless. A few days after, + as he takes his morning walk, he is pointed to the painful fact, made + known through certain legal documents, posted at certain corners of + streets, that his "negro property" is advertised for sale by the sheriff. + He fears his legal notice has done little legal good, except to the legal + gentlemen who receive the costs. He retires to a saloon, finds the morning + paper, commences glancing over its legal columns. The waiter is surprised + to see him at that hour, is ignorant of the war of trouble that is waging + within him, knows him only as a great man, a rice planter of wealth in + negroes, treats him with becoming civility, and enquires, with a polite + bow, what he will be served with. He wants nothing that will supply the + physical man. He has supped on trouble,—the following, painful as it + is, will serve him for breakfast; it meets his eye as he traces down the + column:—"SHERIFF'S SALE. + </p> + <p> + "According to former notice, will be sold on the first Tuesday in + September next, between the usual hours of sale, before the Court House + door, in this city, the following property-to wit! + </p> + <p> + "Three yoke of prime oxen, and four carts. + </p> + <p> + "Seven horses; two of celebrated breed. + </p> + <p> + "Twenty-two mules, together with sundry other effects as per previous + schedule, which will be produced at the sale, when the property will be + pointed out. The said being levied on as the property of Hugh Marston, of—District, + and sold to satisfy a fi fa issued from the Superior Court, W. W. C—. + </p> + <p> + "Also the following gang of negroes, many of whom have been accustomed to + the cultivation of cotton and rice. Said negroes are very prime and + orderly, having been well trained and fed, in addition to enjoying the + benefit of Christian teaching through a Sunday-school worship on the + plantation. + </p> + <p> + "Dandy, and Enock (yellow), prime house servants. + </p> + <p> + "Choate, and Cato, aged 29 and 32, coachman and blacksmith. + </p> + <p> + "Harry, a prime fellow of remarkable sagacity, said to be very pious, and + has been very valuable as a preacher. + </p> + <p> + "Seventeen prime field hands, ranging from 17 to 63 years old, together + with sundry children, set forth in the schedule. + </p> + <p> + "Peggy, aged 23 years, an excellent cook, house servant-can do almost any + work, is faithful and strictly honest. + </p> + <p> + "Rachel, one of the very best wenches in the County; has had charge of the + Manor for several years, is very motherly and well disposed, and fully + capable of taking charge of a plantation." + </p> + <p> + The description of the negro property continues until it reaches the last + and most touching point, which Marston reads with tears coursing down his + cheeks. But, it is only trade, and it is refreshing to see how much talent + the auctionee-himself a distinguished politician,—exhibits in + displaying his bill. It is that which has worked itself so deep into + Marston's feelings. + </p> + <p> + "Clotilda, a white negro, and her child Annette; together with Nicholas—a + bright boy," remarkably intelligent-six years old. "These last," adds the + list, "have been well brought up, with great care, and are extremely + promising and pleasant when speaking. The woman has superior looks, is + sometimes called beautiful, has finely developed features, and is + considered to be the handsomest bright woman in the county." + </p> + <p> + We acknowledge the italics to be ours. The list, displaying great + competency in the trade of human beings, concludes with warranting them + sound and healthy, informing all those in want of such property of the + wonderful opportunity of purchasing, and offering to guarantee its + qualities. The above being "levied on to satisfy three fi fas," &c. + &c. + </p> + <p> + Poor Clotilda! her beauty has betrayed her: her mother was made a slave, + and she has inherited the sin which the enlightened of the western world + say shall be handed down from generation to generation until time itself + has an end. She is within the damp walls of a narrow cell; the cold stones + give forth their moisture to chill her bleeding heart; the rust of + oppression cuts into her very soul. The warm sunlight of heaven, once so + cheering, has now turned black and cold to her. She sits in that cold + confine, filled with sorrow, hope, and expectation, awaiting her doom, + like a culprit who measures the chances of escape between him and the + gallows. She thinks of Marston. "He was a kind friend to me-he was a good + master," she says, little thinking that at that very moment he sits in the + saloon reading that southern death-warrant which dooms so many to a life + of woe. In it fathers were not mentioned-Marston's feelings were spared + that pain; mothers' tears, too, were omitted, lest the sensitiveness of + the fashionable world should be touched. Pained, and sick at heart-stung + by remorse at finding himself without power to relieve Clotilda-he rises + from his seat, and makes arrangement to return to his plantation. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0015" id="link2HCH0015"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XV. — A SCENE OF MANY LIGHTS. + </h2> + <p> + WE must leave Marston wending his way for the old plantation, and pass to + another phase of this complicated affair. In doing this, we must leave the + reader to draw from his own imagination much that must have transpired + previous to the present incidents. + </p> + <p> + The Rovero family-old and distinguished-had struggled against the + misfortunes brought upon them by their son Lorenzo. Deeply involved, they + had allowed their difficulties to go on till they had found themselves + living by the favour of courtesy and indulgence. Lorenzo and Franconia + were only children; and since the departure of the former the latter had + been the idol of their indulgence. She was, as we have before said, + delicate, sensitive, endowed with generous impulses, and admired for her + gentleness, grace, and vivacity. To these she added firmness, and, when + once resolved upon any object, could not be moved from her purpose. Nor + was she-as is the popular fallacy of the South-susceptible to the + influence of wealth. Her love and tenderness soared above it; she prized + wealth less than moral worth. But she could not appease the pride of her + parents with her feelings. They, labouring under the influence of their + reduced fortunes, had favoured and insisted upon the advances of the very + wealthy Colonel M'Carstrow, a rice-planter, who had a few years before + inherited a large estate. The colonel is a sturdy specimen of the Southern + gentleman, which combines a singular mixture of qualities, some of which + are represented by a love of good living, good drinking, good + horse-racing, good gambling, and fast company. He lives on the fat of the + land, because the fat of the land was made for him to enjoy. He has no + particular objection to anybody in the world, providing they believe in + slavery, and live according to his notions of a gentleman. His soul's + delight is faro, which he would not exchange for all the religion in the + world; he has strong doubts about the good of religion, which, he says, + should be boxed up with modern morality. + </p> + <p> + Laying these things aside, however, he is anything but what would have + been properly selected as a partner for Franconia; and, while she is only + eighteen, he has turned the corner of his forty-third year. In a word, his + manners are unmodelled, his feelings coarse, his associations of the worst + kind; nor is he adapted to make the happiness of domestic life lasting. He + is one of those persons so often met with, whose affections-if they may be + supposed to have any-are held in a sort of compromise between an + incitement to love, and their natural inclination to revel in voluptuous + pleasures. The two being antagonistic at times, the latter is sure to be + the stronger, and not unfrequently carries its victim into dissolute + extremes. Riches, however, will always weigh heavy in the scale; their + possession sways,—the charm of gold is precious and powerful. And, + too, the colonel had another attraction-very much esteemed among + slave-dealers and owners—he had a military title, though no one knew + how he came by it. + </p> + <p> + Franconia must be the affianced bride of the supposed wealthy Colonel + M'Carstrow; so say her parents, who feel they are being crushed out by + misfortune. It is their desire; and, however repulsive it may be to + Franconia's feelings, she must accept the man: she must forget his years, + his habits, his associations, for the wealth he can bring to the relief of + the family. + </p> + <p> + To add ‚clat to the event, it is arranged that the nuptial ceremony shall + take place in the spacious old mansion of General P—, in the city. + General P—is a distant relation of the Rovero family. His mansion is + one of those noble old edifices, met here and there in the South—especially + in South Carolina-which strongly mark the grandeur of their ancient + occupants. It is a massive pile of marble, of mixed style of Grecian and + Doric architecture, with three stories divided by projecting trellised + arbours, and ornamented with fluted columns surmounted with + ingeniously-worked and sculptured capitals, set off with grotesque + figures. The front is ornamented with tablets of bas-relief, variegated + and chaste. These are bordered with scroll-work, chases of flowers, + graces, and historical designs. Around the lower story, palisades and + curvatures project here and there between the divisions, forming bowers + shaded by vines and sweet-scented blossoms. These are diffusing their + fragrance through the spacious halls and corridors beneath. The stately + old pile wears a romantic appearance; but it has grown brown with decay, + and stands in dumb testimony of that taste and feeling which prevailed + among its British founders. The garden in which it stands, once rich with + the choicest flowers of every clime, now presents an area overgrown with + rank weeds, decaying hedges, dilapidated walks, and sickly shrubbery. The + hand that once nurtured this pretty scene of buds and blossoms with so + much care has passed away. Dull inertness now hangs its lifeless festoons + over the whole, from the vaulted hall to the iron railing enclosing the + whole. + </p> + <p> + The day for consummating the nuptial ceremony has arrived; many years have + passed since the old mansion witnessed such a scene. The gay, wealthy, and + intelligent of the little fashionable world will be here. The spell of + loneliness in which the old walls have so long slept will be broken. + Sparkling jewels, bland smiles, the rich decorations of former years, are + to again enhance the scene. Exhausted nature is to shake off its monotony, + to be enlivened with the happiness of a seemingly happy assemblage. A + lovely bride is to be showered with smiles, congratulations, tokens of + love. Southern gallantry will doff its cares, put on its smiling face. + Whatever may smoulder beneath, pleasure and gaiety will adorn the surface. + </p> + <p> + Franconia sits in her spacious chamber. She is arrayed in flowing n‚glig‚; + a pensive smile invades her countenance; she supports her head on her left + hand, the jewels on her tiny fingers sparkling though her hair. Everything + round her bears evidence of comfort and luxury; the gentle breeze, as it + sweeps through the window to fan her blushing cheek, is impregnated with + sweetest odours. She contemplates the meeting of him who is to be the + partner of her life; can she reconcile it? Nay, there is something forcing + itself against her will. Her bridesmaids,—young, gay, and + accomplished,—gather around her. The fierce conflict raging in her + bosom discloses itself; the attempt to cheer her up, under the impression + that it arises from want of vigour to buoy up her sensitive system, fails. + Again she seems labouring under excitement. + </p> + <p> + "Franconia!" exclaims one, taking her by the hand, "is not the time + approaching?" + </p> + <p> + "Time always approaches," she speaks: her mind has been wandering, + picturing the gloomy spectacle that presents itself in Clotilda's cell. + She moves her right hand slowly across her brow, casts an enquiring glance + around the room, then at those beside her, and changes her position in the + chair. "The time to have your toilet prepared-the servants await you," is + the reply. Franconia gathers strength, sits erect in her chair, seems to + have just resolved upon something. A servant hastens into her presence + bearing a delicately-enveloped note. She breaks the seal, reads it and + re-reads it, holds it carelessly in her hand for a minute, then puts it in + her bosom. There is something important in the contents, something she + must keep secret. It is from Maxwell. Her friend evinced some surprise, + while waiting a reply as she read the letter. + </p> + <p> + "No! not yet," she says, rising from her chair and sallying across the + room. "That which is forced upon me-ah! I cannot love him. To me there is + no loving wealth. Money may shelter; but it never moves hearts to love + truly. How I have struggled against it!" Again she resumes her chair, + weeps. Her tears gush from the parent fountain-woman's heart. "My noble + uncle in trouble, my dear brother gone; yes! to where, and for what, I + dare not think; and yet it has preyed upon me through the struggle of + pride against love. My father may soon follow; but I am to be consigned to + the arms of one whom it would be folly to say I respect." + </p> + <p> + Her friend, Miss Alice Latel, reminds her that it were well not to let + such melancholy wanderings trouble her. She suggests that the colonel, + being rich, will fill the place of father as well as husband; that she + will be surrounded by the pleasures which wealth only can bring, and in + this world what more can be desired? + </p> + <p> + "Such fathers seldom make affectionate husbands; nor do I want the father + without the husband; his wealth would not make me respect him." Franconia + becomes excited, giving rapid utterance to her language. "Can I suppress + my melancholy-can I enjoy such pleasure, and my dear Clotilda in a prison, + looking through those galling gratings? Can I be happy when the anguish of + despair pierces deep into her heart? No! oh, no! Never, while I think of + her, can I summon resolution to put on a bridal robe. Nay! I will not put + them on without her. I will not dissemble joy while she sinks in her + prison solitude!" + </p> + <p> + "Can you mean that-at this hour?" enquires Miss Alice, looking upon her + with anxiety pictured in her face. One gives the other a look of surprise. + Miss Alice must needs call older counsel. + </p> + <p> + "Yes!" replies Franconia, more calm; "even at this hour! It is never too + late to serve our sisters. Could I smile-could I seem happy, and so many + things to contemplate? We cannot disguise them now; we cannot smother + scandal with a silken mantle. Clotilda must be with me. Negro as she is by + law, she is no less dear to me. Nor can I yield to those feelings so + prominent in southern breasts,—I cannot disclaim her rights, leave + her the mere chattel subject of brute force, and then ask forgiveness of + heaven!" This declaration, made in a positive tone, at once disclosed her + resolution. We need not tell the reader with what surprise it took the + household; nor, when she as suddenly went into a violent paroxysm of + hysterics, the alarm it spread. + </p> + <p> + The quiet of the mansion has changed for uproar and confusion. Servants + are running here and there, getting in each other's way, blocking the + passages, and making the confusion more intense. Colonel M'Carstrow is + sent for, reaches the mansion in great consternation, expects to find + Franconia a corpse, for the negro messenger told him such a crooked story, + and seemed so frightened, that he can't make anything straight of + it-except that there is something very alarming. + </p> + <p> + She has been carried to one of the ante-chambers, reclines on a couch of + softest tapestry, a physician at one side, and Alice, bathing her temples + with aromatic liquid, on the other. She presents a ravishing picture of + delicacy, modesty, and simplicity,—of all that is calmly beautiful + in woman. "I can scarcely account for it; but, she's coming to," says the + man of medicine, looking on mechanically. Her white bosom swells gently, + like a newly-waked zephyr playing among virgin leaves; while her eyes, + like melancholy stars, glimmer with the lustre of her soul. "Ah me!" she + sighs, raising her hand over her head and resting it upon the cushion, as + her auburn hair floats, calm and beautiful, down her pearly shoulder. + </p> + <p> + The colonel touches her hand; and, as if it had been too rudely, she draws + it to her side, then places it upon her bosom. Again raising her eyes till + they meet his, she blushes. It is the blush of innocence, that brightens + beneath the spirit of calm resolution. She extends her hand again, slowly, + and accepts his. "You will gratify me-will you not?" she mutters, + attempting to gain a recumbent position. They raise her as she intimates a + desire; she seems herself again. + </p> + <p> + "Whatever your wish may be, you have but to intimate it," replies the + colonel, kissing her hand. + </p> + <p> + "Then, I want Clotilda. Go, bring her to me; she only can wait on me; and + I am fond of her. With her I shall be well soon; she will dress me. Uncle + will be happy, and we shall all be happy." + </p> + <p> + "But," the colonel interrupts, suddenly, "where is she to be found?" + </p> + <p> + "In the prison. You'll find her there!" There is little time to lose,—a + carriage is ordered, the colonel drives to the prison, and there finds the + object of Franconia's trouble. She, the two children at her side, sits in + a cell seven by five feet; the strong grasp of slave power fears itself, + its tyranny glares forth in the emaciated appearance of its female victim. + The cell is lighted through a small aperture in the door, which hangs with + heavy bolts and bars, as if torturing the innocent served the power of + injustice. The prison-keeper led the way through a narrow passage between + stone walls. His tap on the door startles her; she moves from her + position, where she had been seated on a coarse blanket. It is all they + (the hospitable southern world, with its generous laws) can afford her; + she makes it a bed for three. A people less boastful of hospitality may + give her more. She holds a prayer-book in her hand, and motions to the + children as they crouch at her feet. + </p> + <p> + "Come, girl! somebody's here to see you," says the keeper, looking in at + the aperture, as the sickly stench escapes from the dark cavern-like + place. + </p> + <p> + Nervously, the poor victim approaches, lays her trembling hand on the + grating, gives a doubting glance at the stranger, seems surprised, anxious + to know the purport of his mission. + </p> + <p> + "Am I wanted?" she enquires eagerly, as if fearing some rude dealer has + come-perhaps to examine her person, that he may be the better able to + judge of her market value. + </p> + <p> + Notwithstanding the coldness of M'Carstrow's nature, his feelings are + moved by the womanly appearance of the wench, as he calls her, when + addressing the warden. There is something in the means by which so fair a + creature is reduced to merchandise he cannot altogether reconcile. Were it + not for what habit and education can do, it would be repulsive to nature + in its crudest state. But it is according to law, that inhuman law which + is tolerated in a free country. + </p> + <p> + "I want you to go with me, and you will see your young missis," says + M'Carstrow, shrugging his shoulders. He is half inclined to let his better + feelings give way to sympathy. But custom and commerce forbid it; they + carry off the spoil, just as the sagacious pumpkin philosopher of England + admits slavery a great evil, while delivering an essay for the purpose of + ridiculing emancipation. + </p> + <p> + M'Carstrow soon changes his feelings,—addresses himself to business. + "Are you in here for sale?" he enquires, attempting to whistle an air, and + preserve an unaffected appearance. + </p> + <p> + The question touches a tender chord of her feelings; her bosom swells with + emotions of grief; he has wounded that sensitive chord upon which the + knowledge of her degradation hangs. She draws a handkerchief from her + pocket, wipes the tear that glistens in her eye, clasps Annette in her + arms-while Nicholas, frightened, hangs by the skirts of her dress,—buries + her face in her bosom, retires a few steps, and again seats herself on the + blanket. + </p> + <p> + "The question is pending. If I'm right about it-and I believe I'm + generally so on such cases-it comes on before the next session, fall + term," says the gaoler, turning to M'Carstrow with a look of wonderful + importance. The gaoler, who, with his keys, lets loose the anxieties of + men, continues his learned remarks. "Notice has been served how she's + free. But that kind o' twisting things to make slave property free never + amounts to much, especially when a man gets where they say Marston is! + Anthony Romescos has been quizzing about, and it don't take much to make + such things property when he's round." The man of keys again looks very + wise, runs his hand deep into the pocket of his coat, and says something + about this being a great country. + </p> + <p> + "How much do you reckon her worth, my friend?" enquires M'Carstrow, + exchanging a significant glance. + </p> + <p> + "Well, now you've got me. It's a point of judgment, you see. The article's + rather questionable-been spoiled. There's a doubt about such property when + you put it up, except a gentleman wants it; and then, I reckon, it'll + bring a smart price. There's this to be considered, I reckon, though they + haven't set a price on her yet, she's excellent good looking; and the + young un's a perfect cherry. It'll bring a big heap one of these days." + </p> + <p> + "We won't mind that, just now, gaoler," M'Carstrow says, very + complacently; "you'll let me have her tonight, and I'll return her safe in + the morning." + </p> + <p> + "No, no," interposes Clotilda, mistaking M'Carstrow's object. She crouches + down on the blanket, as if shrinking from a deadly assault: "let me + remain, even in my cell." She draws the children to her side. + </p> + <p> + "Don't mistake me, my girl: I am a friend. I want you for Franconia + Rovero. She is fond of you, you know." + </p> + <p> + "Franconia!" she exclaims with joy, starting to her feet at the sound of + the name. "I do know her, dear Franconia! I know her, I love her, she + loves me-I wish she was my mother. But she is to be the angel of my + freedom-" Here she suddenly stopped, as if she had betrayed something. + </p> + <p> + "We must lose no time," M'Carstrow says, informing her that Franconia is + that night to be his bride, and cannot be happy without seeing her. + </p> + <p> + "Bride! and cannot prepare without me," mutters the woman, seeming to + doubt the reality of his statement. A thought flashes in her mind: + "Franconia has not forgotten me; I will go and be Franconia's friend." And + with a child-like simplicity she takes Annette by the hand, as if they + were inseparable. "Can't Nicholas go, too?" she inquires. + </p> + <p> + "You must leave the child," is the cool reply. M'Carstrow attempts to draw + the heavy bolt that fastens the door. + </p> + <p> + "Not so fast, if you please," the warden speaks. "I cannot permit her to + leave without an order from the sheriff." He puts his hand against the + door. + </p> + <p> + "She will surely be returned in the morning; I'm good for a hundred such + pieces of property." + </p> + <p> + "Can't help that," interrupts the gaoler, coolly. + </p> + <p> + "But, there's my honour!" + </p> + <p> + "An article gaolers better not deal in. It may be very good commodity in + some kinds of business-don't pay in ours; and then, when this kind of + property is in question, it won't do to show a favour beyond the rule." + </p> + <p> + M'Carstrow is in a sad dilemma. He must relieve himself through a problem + of law, which, at this late hour, brings matters to a singular point. He + believes Franconia suffers from a nervous affection, as the doctors call + it, and has fixed her mind upon the only object of relief. He had made no + preparation for such a critical event; but there is no postponing the + ceremony,—no depriving her of the indulgence. Not a moment is to be + lost: he sets off, post-haste, for the sheriff's office. That functionary + is well known for his crude method of executing business; to ask a favour + of him would be like asking the sea to give up its dead. He is cold, + methodical, unmoveable; very much opposed to anything having the + appearance of an innovation upon his square rules of business. + </p> + <p> + M'Carstrow finds him in just the mood to interpose all the frigid + peculiarities of his incomprehensible nature. The colonel has known him by + reputation; he knows him now through a different medium. After listening + to M'Carstrow's request, and comporting himself with all imaginable + dignity, he runs his fingers through his hair, looks at M'Carstrow + vacantly, and well nigh rouses his temper. M'Carstrow feels, as southern + gentlemen are wont to feel, that his position and title are enough to + ensure courtesy and a quick response. The man of writs and summonses feels + quite sure that the pomp of his office is sufficient to offset all other + distinctions. + </p> + <p> + "Whar' d'ye say the gal was,—in my gaol?" the sheriff inquires, with + solemn earnestness, and drawling his words measuredly, as if the whole + affair was quite within his line of business. The sheriff has the + opportunity of making a nice little thing of it; the object to be released + will serve the profits of the profession. "Gittin' that gal out yander + ain't an easy thing now, 'taint! It'll cost ye 'bout twenty dollars, + sartin," he adds, turning over the leaves of his big book, and running his + finger down a scale of names. + </p> + <p> + "I don't care if it costs a hundred! Give me an order for her release!" + M'Carstrow begins to understand Mr. Sheriff's composition, and putting his + hand into his pocket, draws forth a dwenty-dollar gold piece, throws it + upon the table. The effect is electric: it smooths down the surface of Mr. + Sheriff's nature,—brings out the disposition to accommodate. The + Sheriff's politeness now taxes M'Carstrow's power to reciprocate. + </p> + <p> + "Now, ye see, my friend," says Mr. Sheriff, in a quaint tone, "there's + three fi fas on that critter. Hold a minute!" He must needs take a better + glance; he runs his fingers over the page again, mutters to himself, and + then breaks out into a half-musical, half-undefinable humming. "It's a + snarled-up affair, the whole on't. T'll take a plaguy cunnin' lawyer to + take the shine out." The sheriff pushes the piece of coin nearer the + inkstand, into the centre of the table. "I feel all over like + accommodatin' ye," he deigns to say; "but then t'll be so pestky crooked + gettin' the thing straight." He hesitates before the wonderful difficulty,—he + can't see his way straight through it. "Three fi fas! I believe I'm + correct; there's one principal one, however." + </p> + <p> + "I pledge my honour for her return in the morning; and she shall be all + shined up with a new dress. Her presence is imperatively necessary + to-night," M'Carstrow remarks, becoming impatient. + </p> + <p> + "Two fi fas!-well, the first look looked like three. But, the principal + one out of the way,—no matter." Mr. Sheriff becomes more and more + enlightened on the unenlightened difficulties of the law. He remarks, + touching M'Carstrow on the arm, with great seriousness of countenance, "I + sees how the knot's tied. Ye know, my functions are turned t' most + everything; and it makes a body see through a thing just as straight as—. + Pest on't! Ye see, it's mighty likely property,—don't strike such + every day. That gal 'll bring a big tick in the market-" + </p> + <p> + "Excuse me, my dear sir," M'Carstrow suddenly interrupts. "Understand me, + if you please. I want her for nothing that you contemplate,—nothing, + I pledge you my honour as a southern gentleman!" + </p> + <p> + "'Ah,—bless me! Well, but there's nothin' in that. I see! I see! I + see!" Mr. Sheriff brightens up, his very soul seems to expand with legal + tenacity. "Well, ye see, there's a question of property raised about the + gal, and her young 'un, too-nice young 'un 'tis; but it's mighty easy + tellin' whose it is. About the law matter, though, you must get the + consent of all the plaintiff's attorneys,—that's no small job. + Lawyers are devilish slippery, rough a feller amazingly, once in a while; + chance if ye don't have to get the critter valued by a survey. Graspum, + though's ollers on hand, is first best good at that: can say her top price + while ye'd say seven," says Mr. Sheriff, maintaining his wise dignity, as + he reminds M'Carstrow that his name is Cur, commonly called Mr. Cur, + sheriff of the county. It must not be inferred that Mr. Cur has any of the + canine qualities about him. The hour for the ceremony is close at hand. + M'Carstrow, satisfied that rules of law are very arbitrary things in the + hands of officials-that such property is difficult to get out of the + meshes of legal technicality-that honour is neither marketable or + pledgeable in such cases, must move quickly: he seeks the very + conscientious attorneys, gets them together, pleads the necessity of the + case: a convention is arranged, Graspum will value the property-as a + weigher and gauger of human flesh. This done, M'Carstrow signs a bond in + the sum of fifteen hundred dollars, making himself responsible for the + property. The instrument contains a provision, that should any unforeseen + disaster befall it, the question of property will remain subject to the + decision of Court. Upon these conditions, M'Carstrow procures an order for + her release. He is careful, however, that nothing herein set forth shall + affect the suit already instituted. + </p> + <p> + Love is an exhilarating medicine, moving and quickening the hearts of old + and young. M'Carstrow felt its influence sensibly, as he hurried back to + the prison-excited by the near approach of the ceremony-with the + all-important order. Bolts, bars, and malarious walls, yield to it the + pining captive whose presence will soothe Franconia's feelings. + </p> + <p> + Clotilda was no less elated at the hope of changing her prison for the + presence of her young mistress; and yet, the previous summons had nearly + unnerved her. She lingers at the grating, waiting M'Carstrow's return. + Time seems to linger, until her feelings are nearly overwhelmed in + suspense. Again, there is a mystery in the mission of the stranger; she + almost doubts his sincerity. It may be one of those plots, so often laid + by slave-traders, to separate her from her child,—perhaps to run her + where all hope of regaining freedom will be for ever lost. One after + another did these things recur to her mind, only to make the burden of her + troubles more painful. + </p> + <p> + Her child has eaten its crust, fallen into a deep sleep, and, its little + hands resting clasped on its bosom, lies calmly upon the coarse blanket. + She gazes upon it, as a mother only can gaze. There is beauty in that + sweet face; it is not valued for its loveliness, its tenderness, its + purity. How cursed that it is to be the prime object of her disgrace! Thus + contemplating, M'Carstrow appears at the outer gate, is admitted into the + prison, reaches the inner grating, is received by the warden, who smiles + generously. "I'm as glad as anything! Hope you had a good time with his + honour, Mr. Cur?" he says, holding the big key in his hand, and leading + the way into the office. He takes his seat at a table, commences preparing + the big book. "Here is the entry," he says, with a smile of satisfaction. + "We'll soon straighten the thing now." Puts out his hand for the order + which M'Carstrow has been holding. "That's just the little thing," he + says, reading it word by word carefully, and concluding with the remark + that he has had a deal of trouble with it. M'Carstrow places some pieces + of silver in his hand; they turn the man of keys into a subservient + creature. He hastens to the cell, M'Carstrow following,—draws the + heavy bolts,—bids the prisoner come forth. "Yes, come, girl; I've + had a tough time to get you out of that place: it holds its prey like + lawyers' seals," rejoins M'Carstrow. + </p> + <p> + "Not without my child?" she inquires quickly. She stoops down and kisses + it. "My daughter,—my sweet child!" she mutters. + </p> + <p> + "Till to-morrow. You must leave her for to-night." + </p> + <p> + "If I must!" Again she kisses the child, adding, as she smoothed her hand + over Annette, and parted her hair, "Mother will return soon." There was + something so touching in the word mother, spoken while leaning over a + sleeping babe. Clotilda reaches the door, having kept her eyes upon the + child as she left her behind. A tremor comes over her,—she + reluctantly passes the threshold of the narrow arch; but she breathes the + fresh air of heaven,—feels as if her life had been renewed. A + mother's thoughts, a mother's anxieties, a mother's love, veil her + countenance. She turns to take a last look as the cold door closes upon + the dearest object of her life. How it grates upon its hinges! her hopes + seem for ever extinguished. + </p> + <p> + The law is thus far satisfied-the legal gentlemen are satisfied, the + warden is not the least generous; and Mr. Cur feels that, while the job + was a very nice one, he has not transcended one jot of his importance. + Such is highly gratifying to all parties. Clotilda is hurried into a + carriage, driven at a rapid rate, and soon arrives at the mansion. Here + she is ushered into a chamber, arrayed in a new dress, and conducted into + the presence of Franconia. The meeting may be more easily imagined than + described. Their congratulations were warm, affectionate, touching. + Clotilda kisses Franconia's hand again and again; Franconia, in turn, lays + her hand upon Clotilda's shoulder, and, with a look of commiseration, sets + her eyes intently upon her, as if she detects in her countenance those + features she cannot disown. She requests to be left alone with Clotilda + for a short time. Her friends withdraw. She discloses the difficulties + into which the family have suddenly fallen, the plan of escape she has + arranged, the hopes she entertains of her regaining her freedom. "Public + opinion and the state of our difficulties prompted this course,—I + prefer it to any other: follow my directions,—Maxwell has everything + prepared, and to-night will carry you off upon the broad blue ocean of + liberty. Enjoy that liberty, Clotilda,—be a woman,—follow the + path God has strewn for your happiness; above all, let freedom be rewarded + with your virtue, your example," says Franconia, as she again places her + arm round Clotilda's neck. + </p> + <p> + "And leave my child, Franconia?" the other inquires, looking up + imploringly in Franconia's face. + </p> + <p> + "To me," is the quick response. "I will be her guardian, her mother. Get + you beyond the grasp of slavery-get beyond its contaminating breath, and I + will be Annette's mother. When you are safely there, when you can breathe + the free air of liberty, write me, and she shall meet you. Leave her to + me; think of her only in my care, and in my trust she will be happy. Meet + Maxwell-he is your friend-at the centre corridor; he will be there as soon + as the ceremony commences; he will have a pass from me; he will be your + guide!" She overcomes Clotilda's doubts, reasons away her pleadings for + her child, gives her a letter and small miniature (they are to be kept + until she reaches her destination of freedom), and commences preparing for + the ceremony. + </p> + <p> + Night arrives, the old mansion brightens and resounds with the bustle of + preparation. Servants are moving about in great confusion. Everything is + in full dress; "yellow fellows," immersed in trim black coats, nicely-cut + pantaloons, white vests and gloves, shirt-collars of extraordinary + dimensions, and hair curiously crimped, are standing at their places along + the halls, ready for reception. Another class, equally well dressed, are + running to and fro through the corridors in the despatch of business. Old + mammas have a new shine on their faces, their best "go to church" fixings + on their backs. Younger members of the same property species are gaudily + attired-some in silk, some in missus's slightly worn cashmere. The colour + of their faces grades from the purest ebony to the palest olive. A curious + philosophy may be drawn from the mixture: it contrasts strangely with the + flash and dazzle of their fantastic dresses, their large circular + ear-rings, their curiously-tied bandanas, the large bow points of which + lay crossed on the tufts of their crimpy hair. The whole scene has an air + of bewitching strangeness. In another part of the mansion we find the + small figures of the estate, all agog, toddling and doddling, with faces + polished like black-balled shoes; they are as piquant and interesting as + their own admiration of the dress master has provided them for the + occasion. + </p> + <p> + The darkness increases as the night advances. The arbour leading from the + great gate to the vaulted hall in the base of the mansion is hung with + lanterns of grotesque patterns, emitting light and shade as variegated as + the hues of the rainbow. The trees and shrubbery in the arena, hung with + fantastic lanterns, enliven the picture-make it grand and imposing. It + presents a fairy-like perspective, with spectre lights hung here and + there, their mellow glows reflecting softly upon the luxuriant foliage. + </p> + <p> + Entering the vaulted hall, its floor of antique tiles; frescoed walls with + well-executed mythological designs, jetting lights flickering and dazzling + through its arches, we find ourselves amidst splendour unsurpassed in our + land. At the termination of the great hall a massive flight of spiral + steps, of Egyptian marble, ascends to the fourth story, forming a balcony + at each, where ottomans are placed, and from which a fine view of the + curvature presents itself, from whence those who have ascended may descry + those ascending. On the second story is a corridor, with moulded juttings + and fretwork overhead; these are hung with festoons of jasmines and other + delicate flowers, extending its whole length, and lighted by globular + lamps, the prismatic ornaments of which shed their soft glows on the + fixtures beneath. They invest it with the appearance of a bower decorated + with buds and blossoms. From this, on the right, a spacious arched door, + surmounted by a semi-circle of stained glass containing devices of the + Muses and other allegorical figures, leads into an immense parlour, having + a centre arch hung with heavy folds of maroon coloured velvet overspread + with lace. Look where you will, the picture of former wealth and taste + presents itself. Around the walls hang costly paintings, by celebrated + Italian masters; some are portraits of the sovereigns of England, from + that of Elizabeth to George the Third. Brilliant lights jet forth from + massive chandeliers and girandoles, lighting up the long line of chaste + furniture beneath. The floor is spread with softest Turkey carpet; groups + of figures in marble, skilfully executed, form a curiously arranged + fire-place; Britannia's crest surmounting the whole. At each end of the + room stand chastely designed pieces of statuary of heroes and heroines of + past ages. Lounges, ottomans, reclines, and couches, elaborately carved + and upholstered, stand here and there in all their antiqueness and + grandeur. Pier-glasses, massive tables inlaid with mosaic and pearl, are + arranged along the sides, and overhung with flowing tapestry that falls + carelessly from the large Doric windows. Over these windows are massive + cornices, richly designed and gilded. Quiet grandeur pervades the whole; + even the fairy-like dais that has been raised for the nuptial ceremony + rests upon four pieces of statuary, and is covered with crimson velvet set + with sparkling crystals. And while this spectacle presents but the vanity + of our nature, grand but not lasting, the sweet breath of summer is + wafting its balmy odours to refresh and give life to its lifeless luxury. + </p> + <p> + The gay cortŠge begins to assemble; the halls fill with guests; the + beauty, grace, and intelligence of this little fashionable world, arrayed + in its very best, will be here with its best face. Sparkling diamonds and + other precious stones, dazzling, will enhance the gorgeous display. And + yet, how much of folly's littleness does it all present! All this costly + drapery-all this show of worldly voluptuousness-all this tempest of + gaiety, is but the product of pain and sorrow. The cheek that blushes in + the gay circle, that fair form born to revel in luxury, would not blush + nor shrink to see a naked wretch driven with the lash. Yea! we have said + it was the product of pain and sorrow; it is the force of oppression + wringing from ignorance and degradation the very dregs of its life. Men + say, what of that?-do we not live in a great good land of liberty? + </p> + <p> + The young affianced,—dressed in a flowing skirt of white satin, with + richly embroidered train; a neat bodice of the same material, with + incisions of lace tipped with brilliants; sleeves tapering into neat + rufflets of lace clasped upon the wrist with diamond bracelets, a + stomacher of chastely worked lace with brilliants in the centre, relieved + by two rows of small unpolished pearls,—is ushered into the parlour, + followed by groomsmen and bridesmaids as chastely dressed. + </p> + <p> + There is a striking contrast between the youth and delicacy of Franconia, + blushing modestly and in her calmness suppressing that inert repugnance + working in her mind, and the brusqueness of M'Carstrow, who assumes the + free and easy dash, hoping thereby to lessen his years in the picture of + himself. Clotilda, for the last time, has arranged Franconia's hair, which + lies in simple braids across her polished brows, and folds upon the back, + where it is secured and set off with a garland of wild flowers. The hand + that laid it there, that arranged it so neatly, will never arrange it + again. As a last token of affection for her young mistress, Clotilda has + plucked a new-blown chiponique, white with crystal dew, and surrounded it + with tiny buds and orange blossoms: this, Franconia holds in her left + hand, the lace to which it is attached falling like mist to the ground. + </p> + <p> + Thus arrayed, they appear at the altar: the good man of modest cloth takes + his place, the ceremony commences; and as it proceeds, and the solemn + words fall upon her ear, "Those whom God hath joined together let no man + put asunder," she raises her eyes upwards, with a look of melancholy, as + tears, like pearls, glisten in her soft expressive eyes. Her heart is + moved with deeper emotion than this display of southern galaxy can + produce. The combination of circumstances that has brought her to the + altar, the decline of fortune, perhaps disgrace, worked upon her mind. It + is that which has consigned her to the arms of one she cannot love, whose + feelings and associations she never can respect. Was she to be the + ransom?-was she to atone for the loss of family fortune, family pride, + family inconsistency? kept forcing itself upon her. There was no gladness + in it-no happiness. And there was the captive, the victim of foul + slavery-so foul that hell yearns for its abettors-whose deliverance she + prayed for with her earnest soul. She knew the oppressor's grasp-she had, + with womanly pride, come forward to relieve the wronged, and she had + become sensible of the ties binding her to Clotilda. Unlike too many of + her sex, she did not suppress her natural affections; she could not see + only the slave in a disowned sister; she acknowledged the relationship, + and hastened to free her, to send her beyond slavery's grasp, into the + glad embrace of freedom. + </p> + <p> + The ceremony ends; the smiles and congratulations of friends, as they + gather round Franconia, shower upon her; she receives them coldly, her + heart has no love for them, it throbs with anxiety for that slave whose + liberty she has planned, and for whose safety she invokes the + all-protecting hand of heaven. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0016" id="link2HCH0016"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XVI. — ANOTHER PHASE OF THE PICTURE. + </h2> + <p> + WHILE the ceremony we have described in the foregoing chapter was + proceeding, Clotilda, yielding to the earnest request of Franconia, + dresses herself in garments she has provided, and awaits the commencement + of the scene. A little schooner from one of the Bahama Islands lies moored + in the harbour awaiting a fair wind to return. + </p> + <p> + We need scarcely tell the reader that a plan of escape had been previously + arranged between Franconia and Maxwell; but why she took so earnest a part + in carrying it out, we must reserve for another chapter. + </p> + <p> + Maxwell had sought the captain of this schooner, found him of a generous + disposition, ready to act in behalf of freedom. Having soon gained his + confidence, and enlisted his good services, it took no great amount of + persuasion to do this, his feelings having already been aroused against + slavery, the giant arms of which, stretched out between fear and + injustice, had interfered with his rights. He had seen it grasp the bones + and sinews of those who were born in freedom-he had seen men laugh at his + appeals for justice-he had seen one of his free-born British seamen + manacled and dragged to prison at noonday, merely because his skin was + slightly coloured; he had been compelled to pay tribute to keep alive the + oppressor's power, to compensate the villainy rogues practise upon honest + men. + </p> + <p> + "Yes!" says the captain, a sturdy son of the sea, in answer to Maxwell; + "bring her on board; and with a heart's best wishes, if I don't land her + free and safe in Old Bahama I'll never cross the gulf stream again." And + the mode of getting the boats ready was at once arranged. + </p> + <p> + The night was still and dark; picturesque illuminations in and around the + mansion glittered in contrast with the starry arch of heaven; the soft + south breeze fans to life the dark foliage that clusters around-nature has + clothed the scene with her beauties. Clotilda-she has eagerly awaited the + coming time-descends to the balustrade in the rear of the mansion. Here + she meets a band of musicians; they have assembled to serenade, and wait + the benediction, a signal for which will be made from one of the + balconies. She fears they may recognise her, hesitates at the entrance, + paces backward and forward in the colonnade, and professes to be awaiting + some message from her mistress. Again scanning the scene, she watches + intently, keeping her eyes fixed in the direction Franconia has suggested. + "I was to meet Maxwell there!" works upon her mind until she becomes + nervous and agitated. "I was, and must meet him there;" and she walks + slowly back to the entrance, turns and returns, watches until her soul has + nearly sickened, at length espies the joyous signal. Franconia did not + deceive her. Oh, no! he stands there in the glare of a lamp that hangs + from a willow-tree. She vaults over the path, grasps his hand with a + sister's affection, and simultaneously the soft swelling music of "Still + so gently o'er me stealing!" floats in the air, as dulcet and + soul-stirring as ever touched the fancy, or clothed with holy inspiration + the still repose of a southern landscape at midnight. But she is with + Maxwell; they have passed the serenaders,—liberty is the haven of + her joy, it gives her new hopes of the future. Those hopes dispel the + regrets that hover over her mind as she thinks of her child. + </p> + <p> + For several minutes they stand together, listening to the music, and + watching the familiar faces of old friends as they come upon the balcony + in the second story. Southern life had its pleasant associations-none + would attempt to deny them; but the evil brooded in the uncertainty that + hung over the fate of millions, now yielding indulgence to make life + pleasant, then sinking them for ever in the cruelties of a tyrant's power. + It is the crushing out of the mind's force,—the subduing the mental + and physical man to make the chattel complete,—the shutting out of + all the succinct virtues that nurture freedom, that incite us to improve + the endowments of nature, that proves the rankling poison. And this poison + spreads its baneful influence in and around good men's better desires. + </p> + <p> + After watching in silence for a few moments, Clotilda gives vent to her + feelings. "I should like to see old Daddy Bob once more, I should! And my + poor Annette; she is celled to be sold, I'm afraid; but I must yield to + the kindness of Franconia. I have seen some good times among the old folks + on the plantation. And there's Aunt Rachel,—a good creature after + all,—and Harry. Well; I mustn't think of these things; freedom is + sweetest," she says. Maxwell suggests that they move onward. The music + dies away in the stillness, as they turn from the scene to flee beyond the + grasp of men who traffic in human things called property,—not by a + great constitution, but under a constitution's freedom giving power. Would + that a great and glorious nation had not sold its freedom to the damning + stain of avarice! would that it had not perverted that holy word, for the + blessings of which generations have struggled in vain! would that it had + not substituted a freedom that mystifies a jurisprudence,—that + brings forth the strangest fruit of human passions,—that makes + prison walls and dreary cells death-beds of the innocent;-that permits + human beings to be born for the market, and judged by the ripest wisdom! + "Has God ordained such freedom lasting?" will force itself upon us.-We + must return to our humble adventurers. + </p> + <p> + The fugitives reached the back gate, leading into a narrow lane, from + whence they cross into the main street. Clotilda has none of the African + about her; the most observing guardsman would not stop her for a slave. + They pass along unmolested; the guardsmen, some mounted and some walking + at a slow pace, bow politely. No one demands a pass. They arrive in safety + at a point about two miles from the city, where the captain and his boat + await them. No time is lost in embarking: the little bark rides at anchor + in the stream; the boat quietly glides to her; they are safely on board. A + few minutes more, and the little craft moves seaward under the pressure of + a gentle breeze. There is no tragic pursuit of slave-hunters, no tramp of + horses to terrify the bleeding victim, no howlings of ravenous + bloodhounds,—nothing that would seem to make the issue freedom or + death. No! all is as still as a midsummer night in the same clime. The + woman—this daughter of slavery's vices—cherishes a love for + freedom; the hope of gaining it, and improving those endowments nature has + bestowed upon her, freshens her spirits and gives her life to look forward + without desponding. Maxwell is her friend; he has witnessed the blighting + power of slavery-not alone in its workings upon the black man, but upon + the lineal offspring of freemen-and has resolved to work against its + mighty arm. With him it is the spontaneous action of a generous heart + sympathising for the wrongs inflicted upon the weak, and loving to see + right respected. + </p> + <p> + The fair Franconia, who has just been forced to accept the hand of a mere + charlatan, disclosed the secrets of her mind to him; it was she who + incited him to an act which might have sacrificed his freedom, perhaps his + life. But mankind is possessed of an innate feeling to do good; and there + is a charm added when the object to be served is a fair creature about to + be dragged into the miseries of slavery. Even the rougher of our kind + cannot resist it; and at times-we except the servile opinion which slavery + inflicts upon a people through its profitable issues-prompts the ruffian + to generous acts. + </p> + <p> + The little bark, bound for the haven of freedom, sailed onward over the + blue waters, and when daylight dawned had crossed the bar separating the + harbour from the ocean. Clotilda ascends to the deck, sits on the + companion-seat, and in a pensive mood watches the fading hills where + slavery stains the fair name of freedom,—where oppression rears its + dark monuments to for ever torture and disgrace a harmless race. She looks + intently upon them, as one by one they fade in the obscure horizon, + seeming to recall the many associations, pleasant and painful, through + which she has passed. She turns from the contemplation to the deep blue + sea, and the unclouded arch of heaven, as they spread out before her: they + are God's own, man cannot pollute them; they are like a picture of glory + inspiring her with emotions she cannot suppress. As the last dim sight of + land is lost in the distance, she waves a handkerchief, as if to bid it + adieu for ever; then looking at Maxwell, who sits by her side, she says, + with a sigh, "I am beyond it! Free,—yes, free! But, have I not left + a sufferer behind? There is my poor Annette, my child; I will clasp her to + my bosom,—I will love her more when I meet her again. Good-bye, + Franconia-dear Franconia! She will be a mother to my little one; she will + keep her word." Thus saying, she casts a look upward, invokes heaven to be + merciful to her persecutors,—to protect her child,—to guard + Franconia through life. Tears stream down her cheeks as she waves her hand + and retires to the cabin. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0017" id="link2HCH0017"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XVII. — PLEASANT DEALINGS WITH HUMAN PROPERTY. + </h2> + <p> + WE must deal gently with our scenes; we must describe them without + exaggeration, and in rotation. While the scenes we have just described + were proceeding, another, of deeper import, and more expressive of + slavery's complicated combinations, was being enacted in another part of + the city. + </p> + <p> + A raffle of ordinary character had been announced in the morning papers,—we + say ordinary, because it came within the ordinary specification of trade, + and violated neither statute law nor municipal ordinance,—and the + raffler, esteemed a great character in the city, was no less celebrated + for his taste in catering for the amusement of his patrons. On this + occasion, purporting to be a very great one, the inducements held out were + no less an incentive of gambling propensities than an aim to serve + licentious purposes. In a word, it offered "all young connoisseurs of + beauty a chance to procure one of the finest-developed young wenches,—fair, + bright, perfectly brought up, young, chaste, and of most amiable + disposition, for a trifling sum." This was all straight in the way of + trade, in a free country; nobody should blush at it (some maidens, reading + the notice, might feel modestly inclined to), because nobody could gainsay + it. This is prize No. 1, prime-as set down in the schedule-and the amount + per toss being only a trifle, persons in want of such prizes are + respectfully informed of the fact that only a few chances remain, which + will command a premium before candle-light. Prize No. 2 is a superior + pony, of well-known breed-here the pedigree is set forth; which advantage + had not been accorded to the human animal, lest certain members of the + same stock should blush-raised with great care and attention, and exactly + suited for a gentleman's jant or a lady's saddle-nag. Prize No. 3 is a + superior setter dog, who has also been well brought up, is from good + stock, is kind to children, who play with him when they please. He knows + niggers, is good to watch them, has been known to catch runaways, to tear + their shins wonderfully. Indeed, according to the setting forth of the + sagacious animal, he would seem to understand slave-law quite well, and to + be ready and willing to lend his aid with dogs of a different species to + enforce its provisions. The only fault the brute has, if fault it may be + called, is that he does not understand the constitutionality of the + fugitive slave law,—a law destined to be exceedingly troublesome + among a free people. Did the sagacity of the animal thus extend to the + sovereign law of the land of the brave and free, he would bring a large + price at the north, where men are made to do what dogs most delight in at + the south. + </p> + <p> + The first prize, as set forth, is valued at seven hundred dollars: the + magnanimous gentleman who caters thus generously for his patrons states + the delicate prize to be worth fifty or a hundred dollars more, and will, + with a little more developing, be worth a great deal more money. Hence, he + hopes his patrons will duly appreciate enterprising liberality. + </p> + <p> + The second prize he considers generously low at two hundred dollars; and + the dog-the sagacious animal constituting the third prize-would be a great + bargain to anybody wanting such an animal, especially in consideration of + his propensity to catch negroes, at sixty dollars. The trio of human and + animal prizes produce no distinctive effect upon the feelings of those who + speculate in such property; with them it is only a matter of gradation + between dollars and cents. + </p> + <p> + But, to be more off-handed in this generous undertaking, and in + consideration of the deep-felt sensibility and hospitality which must + always protect southern character, the chances will be restricted to two + hundred, at five dollars per chance. Money must be paid in before friends + can consider themselves stock-holders. It is to be a happy time, in a + happy country, where all are boasted happy. The first lucky dog will get + the human prize; the next lucky dog will get the pony; the third will make + a dog of himself by only winning a dog. The fun of the thing, however, + will be the great attraction; men of steady habits are reminded of this. + Older gentlemen, having very nice taste for colour, but no particular + scruples about religion, and who seldom think morals worth much to + niggers, "because they aint got sense to appreciate such things," are + expected to be on hand. Those who know bright and fair niggers were never + made for anything under the sun but to gratify their own desires, are + expected to spread the good news, to set the young aristocracy of the city + all agog,—to start up a first-best crowd,—have some tall + drinking and first-rate amusement. Everybody is expected to tell his + friend, and his friend is expected to help the generous man out with his + generous scheme, and all are expected to join in the "bender." Nobody must + forget that the whole thing is to come off at "Your House,"-an eating and + drinking saloon, of great capacity, kept by the very distinguished man, + Mr. O'Brodereque. + </p> + <p> + Mr. O'Brodereque, who always pledges his word upon the honour of a + southern gentleman-frequently asserting his greatness in the political + world, and wondering who could account for his not finding his way into + Congress, where talent like his would be brought out for the protection of + our south-has made no end of money by selling a monstrous deal of very bad + liquor to customers of all grades,—niggers excepted. And, although + his hair is well mixed with the grey of many years, he declares the guilt + of selling liquor to niggers is not on his shoulders. It is owing to this + clean state of his character, that he has been able to maintain his + aristocratic position. "Yes, indeed," said one of his patrons, who, having + fallen in arrears, found himself undergoing the very disagreeable process + of being politely kicked into the street, "money makes a man big in the + south: big in niggers, big in politics, big with everything but the way + I'm big,—with an empty pocket. I don't care, though; he's going up + by the process that I'm coming down. There's philosophy in that." It could + not be denied that Mr. O'Brodereque-commonly called General + O'Brodereque-was very much looked up to by great people and Bacchanalians,—men + who pay court to appease the wondrous discontent of the belly, to the + total neglect of the back. Not a few swore, by all their importance, a + greater man never lived. He is, indeed, all that can be desired to please + the simple pretensions of a free-thinking and free-acting southern people, + who, having elevated him to the office of alderman, declare him exactly + the man to develope its functions. A few of the old school aristocracy, + who still retain the bad left them by their English ancestry, having long + since forgotten the good, do sneer now and then at Mr. Brodereque's + pretensions. But, like all great men who have a great object to carry out, + he affects to frown such things down,—to remind the perpetrators of + such aristocratic sneers what a spare few they are. He asserts, and with + more truth than poetry, that any gentleman having the capacity to deluge + the old aristocracy with doubtful wine, line his pockets while draining + theirs-all the time making them feel satisfied he imports the choicest-and + who can keep on a cheerful face the while, can fill an alderman's chair to + a nicety. + </p> + <p> + In addition to the above, Mr. O'Brodereque is one of those very + accommodating individuals who never fail to please their customers, while + inciting their vanity; and, at the same time, always secure a good opinion + for themselves. And, too, he was liberally inclined, never refused tick, + but always made it tell; by which well-devised process, his patrons were + continually becoming his humble servants, ready to serve him at call. + </p> + <p> + Always civil, and even obsequious at first, ready to condescend and + accommodate, he is equally prompt when matters require that peculiar turn + which southerners frequently find themselves turned into,—no more + tick and a turn out of doors. At times, Mr. O'Brodereque's customers have + the very unenviable consolation of knowing that a small document called a + mortgage of their real and personal property remains in his hands, which + he will very soon find it necessary to foreclose. + </p> + <p> + It is dark,—night has stolen upon us again,—the hour for the + raffle is at hand. The saloon, about a hundred and forty feet long by + forty wide, is brilliantly lighted for the occasion. The gas-lights throw + strange shadows upon the distemper painting with which the walls are + decorated. Hanging carelessly here and there are badly-daubed paintings of + battle scenes and heroic devices, alternated with lithographic and + badly-executed engravings of lustfully-exposed females. Soon the saloon + fills with a throng of variously-mixed gentlemen. The gay, the grave, the + old, and the young men of the fashionable world, are present. Some affect + the fast young man; others seem mere speculators, attracted to the place + for the purpose of enjoying an hour, seeing the sight, and, it may be, + taking a throw for the "gal." The crowd presents a singular contrast of + beings. Some are dressed to the very extreme of fantastic fashion, and + would seem to have wasted their brains in devising colours for their + backs; others, aspiring to the seriously genteel, are fashioned in very + extravagant broadcloth; while a third group is dressed in most niggardly + attire, which sets very loosely. In addition to this they wear very large + black, white, and grey-coloured felt hats, slouched over their heads; + while their nether garments, of red and brown linsey-woolsey, fit like + Falstaff's doublet on a whip stock. They seem proud of the grim tufts of + hair that, like the moss-grown clumps upon an old oak, spread over their + faces; and they move about in the grotesque crowd, making their + physiognomies increase its piquancy. + </p> + <p> + The saloon is one of those places at the south where great men, small men, + men of different spheres and occupations, men in prominently defined + positions, men in doubtful calls of life, and men most disreputably + employed, most do congregate. At one end of the saloon is a large oyster + counter, behind which stand two coloured men, with sauces, savories, and + other mixtures at hand, ready to serve customers who prefer the delicacy + in its raw state. Men are partaking without noting numbers. Mr. + O'Brodereque has boys serving who take very good care of the numbers. + Extending along one side of the saloon is an elaborately carved mahogany + counter, with panels of French white and gilt mouldings. This is + surmounted with a marble slab, upon which stand well-filled decanters, + vases, and salvers. Behind this counter, genteelly-dressed and polite + attendants are serving customers who stand along its side in a line, + treating in true southern style. The calling for drinks is a problem for + nice ears to solve, so varied are the sounds, so strange the names: style, + quantity, and mixture seemed without limit, set on in various colours to + flow and flood the spirits of the jovial. On the opposite side of the + saloon are rows of seats and arm-chairs, interspersed with small tables, + from which the beverage can be imbibed more at ease. On the second story + is the great "eating saloon," with its various apartments, its curtained + boxes, its prim-looking waiters, its pier-glass walls. There is every + accommodation for belly theologians, who may discuss the choicest viands + of the season. + </p> + <p> + The company are assembled,—the lower saloon is crowded; Mr. + O'Brodereque, with great dignity, mounts the stand,—a little table + standing at one end of the room. His face reddens, he gives several + delinquent coughs, looks round and smiles upon his motley patrons, points + a finger recognisingly at a wag in the corner, who has addressed some + remarks to him, puts his thumbs in the sleeve-holes of his vest, throws + back his coat-collar, puts himself in a defiant attitude, and is ready to + deliver himself of his speech. + </p> + <p> + "A political speech from the General! Gentlemen, hats off, and give your + attention to Mr. General O'Brodereque's remarks!" resounds from several + voices. Mr. O'Brodereque is somewhat overcome, his friends compliment him + so: he stands, hesitating, as if he had lost the opening part of his + speech, like a statue on a molasses-cask. At length he speaks. "If it was + a great political question, gentlemen, I'd get the twist of the thing,—I'd + pitch into it, big! These little things always trouble public men more + than the important intricacies of government do. You see, they are not + comesurate,—that's it!" says Mr. Brodereque, looking wondrously wise + the while. After bowing, smiling, and acknowledging the compliments of his + generous customers with prodigious grace, he merely announces to his + friends—with eloquence that defies imitation, and turns rhetoric + into a discordant exposition of his own important self—that, not + having examined the constitution for more nor three Sundays, they must, + upon the honour of a gentleman, excuse his political speech. "But, gents," + he says, "you all know how I trys to please ye in the way of raffles and + such things, and how I throws in the belly and stomach fixins. Now, + brighten up, ye men of taste"—Mr. Brodereque laughs satisfactorily + as he surveys his crowd—"I'm going to do the thing up brown for ye,—to + give ye a chance for a bit of bright property what ye don't get every day; + can't scare up such property only once in a while. It'll make ye old + fellers wink, some"—Mr. O'Brodereque winks at several aged + gentlemen, whose grey hair is figurative in the crowd—"think about + being young again. And, my friends below thirty-my young friends—ah, + ye rascals! I thought I'd play the tune on the right string!"—he + laughs, and puts his finger to his mouth quizzically—"I likes to + suit ye, and please ye: own her up, now,— don't I?" + </p> + <p> + "Hurrah! for Brod,—Brod's a trump!" again resounds from a dozen + voices. + </p> + <p> + They all agree to the remark that nobody can touch the great Mr. + O'Brodereque in getting up a nice bit of fun, amusing young men with more + money than mind, and being in the favour of aristocratic gentlemen who + think nothing of staking a couple of prime niggers on a point of faro. + </p> + <p> + Mr. O'Brodereque has been interrupted; he begs his friends will, for a + moment, cease their compliments and allow him to proceed. "Gentlemen!" he + continues, "the gal's what ye don't get every day; and she's as choice as + she's young; and she's as handsome as she's young; and for this delicious + young crittur throws are only five dollars a piece." The sentimental + southern gentleman has no reference to the throes of anguish that are + piercing the wounded soul of the woman. + </p> + <p> + "A gentleman what ain't got a five-dollar bill in his pocket better not + show his winkers in this crowd. After that, gentlemen, there's a slap-up + pony, and one of the knowinest dogs outside of a court-house. Now,—gents! + if this ain't some tall doings,—some of a raffle, just take my boots + and I'll put it for Texas. A chance for a nigger gal-a pony-a dog; who on + 'arth wants more, gentlemen?" Mr. O'Brodereque again throws back his coat, + shrugs his shoulders, wipes the perspiration from his brow, and is about + to descend from the table. No, he won't come down just yet. He has struck + a vein; his friends are getting up a favourable excitement. + </p> + <p> + "Bravo! bravo!-long may General Brodereque keep the hospitable Your House! + Who wouldn't give a vote for Brodereque at the next election?" re-echoes + through the room. + </p> + <p> + "One more remark, gentlemen." Mr. Brodereque again wipes the perspiration + from his forehead, and orders a glass of water, to loosen his oratorical + organs. He drinks the water, seems to increase in his own greatness; his + red face glows redder, he makes a theatrical gesticulation with his right + hand, crumples his hair into curious points, and proceeds:—"The + lucky man what gets the gal prize is to treat the crowd!" This is seconded + and carried by acclamation, without a dissenting voice. + </p> + <p> + A murmuring noise, as of some one in trouble, is now heard at the door: + the crowd gives way: a beautiful mulatto girl, in a black silk dress, with + low waist and short sleeves, and morocco slippers on her feet, is led in + and placed upon the stand Mr. O'Brodereque has just vacated. Her + complexion is that of a swarthy Greek; her countenance is moody and + reflective; her feelings are stung with the poison of her degraded + position. This last step of her disgrace broods in the melancholy of her + face. Shame, pain, hope, and fear, combine to goad her very soul. But it's + all for a bit of fun, clearly legal; it's all in accordance with society; + misfortune is turned into a plaything, that generous, good, and + noble-hearted men may be amused. Those who stand around her are + extravagant with joy. After remaining a few moments in silence, a mute + victim of generous freedom, she turns her head bashfully, covers her face + with her hands. Her feelings gush forth in a stream of tears; she cannot + suppress them longer. + </p> + <p> + There is a touching beauty in her face, made more effective by the + deplorable condition to which she is reduced. Again she looks upward, and + covers her face with her hands; her soul seems merged in supplication to + the God who rules all things aright. He is a forgiving God! Can he thus + direct man's injustice to man, while this poor broken flower thus withers + under the bane? Sad, melancholy, doomed! there is no hope, no joy for her. + She weeps over her degradation. + </p> + <p> + "Stop that whimperin!" says a ruffianly bystander, who orders a coloured + boy to let down her hair. He obeys the summons; it falls in thick, black, + undulating tresses over her neck and shoulders. A few moments more, and + she resumes a calm appearance, looks resolutely upon her auditors, with + indignation and contempt pictured in her countenance. + </p> + <p> + "She'll soon get over that!" ejaculates another bystander, as he smooths + the long beard on his haggard face. "Strip her down!" The request is no + sooner made, than Mr. O'Brodereque mounts the stand to perform the feat. + "Great country this, gentlemen!" he speaks, taking her by the shoulders. + </p> + <p> + "All off! all off, general!" is the popular demand. + </p> + <p> + The sensitive nature of the innocent girl recoils; she cringes from his + touch; she shudders, and vainly attempts to resist. She must yield; the + demand is imperative. Her dress falls at Mr. O'Brodereque's touch. She + stands before the gazing crowd, exposed to the very thighs, holding the + loose folds of her dress in her hands. There is no sympathy for those + moistened eyes; oh, no! it is a luscious feast-puritans have no part in + the sin-for those who, in our land of love and liberty, buy and sell poor + human nature, and make it food for serving hell. + </p> + <p> + Naked she stands for minutes; the assembled gentlemen have feasted their + eyes,—good men have played the part of their good natures. General + O'Brodereque, conscious of his dignity, orders her to be taken down. The + waiter performs the duty, and she is led out midst the acclamations and + plaudits of the crowd, who call for the raffle. + </p> + <p> + Mr. O'Brodereque hopes gentlemen are satisfied with what they have seen, + and will pledge his honour that the pony and dog are quite as sound and + healthy as the wench whose portions they have had a chance to shy; and for + which-the extra sight-they should pay an extra treat. This, however, his + generosity will not allow him to stand upon; and, seeing how time is + precious, and the weather warm, he hopes his friends will excuse the + presence of the animals, take his word of honour in consideration of the + sight of the wench. + </p> + <p> + "Now, gentlemen," he says, "the throws are soon to commence, and all what + ain't put down the tin better attend that ar' needful arrangement, + quicker!" + </p> + <p> + As the general concludes this very significant invitation, Dan Bengal, + Anthony Romescos, and Nath Nimrod, enter together. Their presence creates + some little commotion, for Romescos is known to be turbulent, and very + uncertain when liquor flows freely, which is the case at present. + </p> + <p> + "I say, general!-old hoss! I takes all the chances what's left," Romescos + shouts at the top of his voice. His eyes glare with anxiety,—his + red, savage face, doubly sun-scorched, glows out as he elbows his way + through the crowd up to the desk, where sits a corpulent clerk. "Beg your + pardon, gentlemen: not so fast, if you please!" he says, entering names in + his ledger, receiving money, "doing the polite of the establishment." + </p> + <p> + Romescos's coat and nether clothing are torn in several places, a + hunting-belt girdles his waist; a bowie-knife (Sheffield make) protrudes + from his breast-pocket, his hair hangs in jagged tufts over the collar of + his coat, which, with the rough moccasons on his feet, give him an air of + fierce desperaton and recklessness. His presence is evidently viewed with + suspicion; he is a curious object which the crowd are willing to give + ample space to. + </p> + <p> + "No, you don't take 'em all, neither!" says another, in a defiant tone. + The remaining "chances" are at once put up for sale; they bring premiums, + as one by one they are knocked down to the highest bidders, some as much + as fifty per cent. advance. Gentlemen are not to know it, because Mr. + O'Brodereque thinks his honour above everything else; but the fact is, + there is a collusion between Romescos and the honourable Mr. O'Brodereque. + The former is playing his part to create a rivalry that will put dollars + and cents into the pocket of the latter. + </p> + <p> + "Well!" exclaims Romescos, with great indifference, as soon as the sale + had concluded, "I've got seven throws, all lucky ones. I'll take any man's + bet for two hundred dollars that I gets the gal prize." Nobody seems + inclined to accept the challenge. A table is set in the centre of the + saloon, the dice are brought on, amidst a jargon of noise and confusion; + to this is added drinking, smoking, swearing, and all kinds of small + betting. + </p> + <p> + The raffle commences; one by one the numbers are called. Romescos' turn + has come; all eyes are intently set upon him. He is celebrated for tricks + of his trade; he seldom repudiates the character, and oftener prides in + the name of a shrewd one, who can command a prize for his sharp dealing. + In a word, he has a peculiar faculty of shielding the doubtful + transactions of a class of men no less dishonest, but more modest in point + of reputation. + </p> + <p> + Romescos spreads himself wonderfully, throws his dice, and exults over the + result. He has turned up three sixes at the first and second throws, and + two sixes and five at the third. + </p> + <p> + "Beat that! who can?" he says. No one discovers that he has, by a very + dexterous movement, slipped a set of false dice into the box, while + O'Brodereque diverted attention at the moment by introducing the pony into + the saloon. + </p> + <p> + We will pass over many things that occurred, and inform the reader that + Romescos won the first prize-the woman. The dog and pony prizes were + carried off by legitimate winners. This specific part of the scene over, a + band of negro minstrels are introduced, who strike up their happy glees, + the music giving new life to the revelry. Such a medley of drinking, + gambling, and carousing followed, as defies description. What a happy + thing it is to be free; they feel this,—it it is a happy feeling! + The sport lasts till the small hours of morning advance. Romescos is seen + leaving the saloon very quietly. + </p> + <p> + "There!" says Mr. O'Brodereque exultingly, "he hasn't got so much of a + showing. That nigger gal ain't what she's cracked up to be!" and he shakes + his head knowingly, thrusts his hands deep into his breeches pockets, + smiles with an air of great consequence. + </p> + <p> + "Where did ye raise the critter? devil of a feller ye be, Brodereque!" + says a young sprig, giving his hat a particular set on the side of his + head, and adjusting his eye-glass anew. "Ye ain't gin her a name, in all + the showin'," he continues, drawlingly. + </p> + <p> + "That gal! She ain't worth so much, a'ter all. She's of Marston's stock; + Ellen Juvarna, I think they call her. She's only good for her looks, in + the animal way,—that's all!" + </p> + <p> + "Hav'n't told where ye got her, yet," interrupts the sprig; "none of yer + crossin' corners, general." + </p> + <p> + "Well, I started up that gal of Elder Pemberton Praiseworthy. She takes it + into her mind to get crazed now and then, and Marston had to sell her; and + the Elder bought her for a trifle, cured up her thinkin'-trap, got her + sound up for market, and I makes a strike with the Elder, and gets her at + a tall bargain." Mr. O'Brodereque has lost none of his dignity, none of + his honour, none of his hopes of getting into Congress by the speculation. + </p> + <p> + It is poor Ellen Juvarna; she has been cured for the market. She might + have said, and with truth,—"You don't know me now, so wonderful are + they who deal with my rights in this our world of liberty!" + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0018" id="link2HCH0018"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XVIII. — A NOT UNCOMMON SCENE SLIGHTLY CHANGED. + </h2> + <p> + ROMESCOS, having withdrawn from the saloon while the excitement raged + highest, may be seen, with several others, seated at a table in the upper + room. They are in earnest consultation,—evidently devising some plan + for carrying out a deep-laid plot. + </p> + <p> + "I have just called my friend, who will give us the particulars about the + constitutionality of the thing. Here he is. Mr. Scranton, ye see, knows + all about such intricacies; he is an editor! formerly from the North," one + of the party is particular to explain, as he directs his conversation to + Romescos. That gentleman of slave-cloth only knows the part they call the + rascality; he pays the gentlemen of the learned law profession to shuffle + him out of all the legal intricacies that hang around his murderous deeds. + He seems revolving the thing over in his mind at the moment, makes no + reply. The gentleman turns to Mr. Scranton—the same methodical + gentleman we have described with the good Mrs. Rosebrook—hopes he + will be good enough to advise on the point in question. Mr. Scranton sits + in all the dignity of his serious philosophy, quite unmoved; his mind is + nearly distracted about all that is constitutionally right or + constitutionally wrong. He is bound to his own ways of thinking, and would + suffer martyrdom before his own conscientious scruples would allow him to + acknowledge a right superior to that constitution. As for the humanity! + that has nothing to do with the constitution, nothing to do with the laws + of the land, nothing to do with popular government,—nothing to do + with anything, and never should be taken into consideration when the point + at issue involved negro property. The schedule of humanity would be a poor + account at one's banker's. Mr. Scranton begins to smooth his face, which + seems to elongate like a wet moon. "The question is, as I understand it, + gentlemen, how far the law will give you a right to convict and sell the + woman in the absence of papers and against the assertions of her owner, + that she is free? Now, gentlemen, in the absence of my law books, and + without the least scruple that I am legally right, for I'm seldom legally + wrong, having been many years secretary to a senator in Congress who made + it my particular duty to keep him posted on all points of the constitution—he + drawls out with the serious complacency of a London beggar—I will + just say that, whatever is legal must be just. Laws are always founded in + justice—that's logical, you see,—and I always maintained it + long 'afore I come south, long 'afore I knowed a thing about 'nigger law.' + The point, thus far, you see, gentlemen, I've settled. Now then!" Mr. + Scranton rests his elbow on the table, makes many legal gesticulations + with his finger; he, however, disclaims all and every connection with the + legal body, inasmuch as its members have sunk very much in the scale of + character, and will require a deal of purifying ere he can call them + brothers; but he knows a thing or two of constitutional law, and thus + proceeds: "'Tain't a whit of matter about the woman, barring the + dockerment's all right. You only want to prove that Marston bought her, + that's all! As for the young scraps, why—supposing they are his-that + won't make a bit of difference; they are property for all that, subject to + legal restraints. Your claim will be valid against it. You may have to + play nicely over some intricate legal points. But, remember, nigger law is + wonderfully elastic; it requires superhuman wisdom to unravel its social + and political intricacies, and when I view it through the horoscope of an + indefinite future it makes my very head ache. You may, however, let your + claim revert to another, and traverse the case until such time as you can + procure reliable proof to convict." Mr. Scranton asserts this as the force + of his legal and constitutional acumen. He addresses himself to a + mercantile-looking gentleman who sits at the opposite side of the table, + attentively listening. He is one of several of Marston's creditors, who + sit at the table; they have attached certain property, and having some + doubts of overthrowing Marston's plea of freedom, which he has intimated + his intention to enter, have called in the valuable aid of Romescos. That + indomitable individual, however, has more interests than one to serve, and + is playing his cards with great "diplomatic skill." Indeed, he often + remarks that his wonderful diplomatic skill would have been a great + acquisition to the federal government, inasmuch as it would have + facilitated all its Southern American projects. + </p> + <p> + The point in question at present, and which they must get over, in order + to prove the property, is made more difficult by the doubt in which the + origin of Clotilda has always been involved. Many are the surmises about + her parentage-many are the assertions that she is not of negro extraction—she + has no one feature indicating it—but no one can positively assert + where she came from; in a word, no one dare! Hence is constituted the + ground for fearing the issue of Marston's notice of freedom. + </p> + <p> + "Well! I'll own it puzzles my cunnin'; there's a way to get round it-there + is-but deuced if 'tain't too much for my noddle," Romescos interposes, + taking a little more whiskey, and seeming quite indifferent about the + whole affair. "Suppose-Marston-comes-forward! yes, and brings somebody to + swear as a kind a' sideways? That'll be a poser in asserting their + freedom; it'll saddle you creditors with the burden of proof. There'll be + the rub; and ye can't plead a right to enjoin the schedule he files in + bankruptcy unless ye show how they were purchased by him. Perchance on + some legal uncertainty it might be done,—by your producing proof + that he had made an admission, anterior to the levy, of their being + purchased by him," Romescos continues, very wisely appealing to his + learned and constitutional friend, Mr. Scranton, who yields his assent by + adding that the remarks are very legal, and contain truths worth + considering, inasmuch as they involve great principles of popular + government. "I think our worthy friend has a clear idea of the points," + Mr. Scranton concludes. + </p> + <p> + "One word more, gentlemen: a bit of advice what's worth a right smart + price to ye all"—here he parenthesises by saying he has great + sympathy for creditors in distress—"and ye must profit by it, for + yer own interests. As the case now stands, it's a game for lawyers to play + and get fat at. And, seein' how Marston's feelins are up in a sort of + tender way, he feels strong about savin' them young 'uns; and ye, nor all + the gentlemen of the lower place, can't make 'em property, if he plays his + game right;—he knows how to! ye'll only make a fuss over the brutes, + while the lawyers bag all the game worth a dollar. Never see'd a nigger + yet what raised a legal squall, that didn't get used up in law leakins; + lawyers are sainted pocket masters! But—that kind a' stuff!—it + takes a mighty deal of cross-cornered swearing to turn it into property. + The only way ye can drive the peg in so the lawyers won't get hold on't, + is by sellin' out to old Graspum-Norman, I mean—he does up such + business as fine as a fiddle. Make the best strike with him ye can—he's + as tough as a knot on nigger trade!—and, if there's any making + property out on 'em, he's just the tinker to do it." + </p> + <p> + They shake their heads doubtingly, as if questioning the policy of the + advice. Mr. Scranton, however, to whom all looked with great solicitation, + speaks up, and affirms the advice to be the wiser course, as a bird in the + hand is worth two in the bush. + </p> + <p> + "Oh, yes!" says Romescos, significantly, "you'll be safe then, and free + from responsibility; Graspum's a great fellow to buy risks; but, seeing + how he's not popular with juries, he may want to play behind the scenes, + continue to prosecute the case in the name of the creditors,—that's + all! Curious work, this making property out of doubtful women. Sell out to + them what understands the curious of the things, clear yerselfs of the + perplexin' risks—ye won't bag a bit of the game, you won't. Saddle + it on Norman; he knows the philosophy of nigger trade, and can swim + through a sea of legal perplexities in nigger cases." Mr. Romescos never + gave more serious advice in his life; he finishes his whiskey, adjusts his + hat slouchingly on his head, bids them good night; and, in return for + their thanks, assures them that they are welcome. He withdraws; Mr. + Scranton, after a time, gets very muddled; so much so, that, when daylight + appears, he finds, to his utter astonishment, he has enjoyed a sweet sleep + on the floor, some of his quizzical friends having disfigured his face + very much after the fashion of a clown's. He modestly, and mechanically, + picks up his lethargic body, views his constitutional self in the glass, + and is much horrified, much disgusted with those who perpetrated the + freak. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0019" id="link2HCH0019"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XIX. — THEY ARE ALL GOING TO BE SOLD. + </h2> + <p> + SLOWLY we pass through the precious scenes, hoping our readers will + indulge us with their patience. + </p> + <p> + Five days have passed since Clotilda's departure; her absence is creating + alarm. No one knows anything of her! a general search is instituted, but + the searchers search in vain. Maxwell has eluded suspicion-Franconia no + one for a moment suspects. Colonel M'Carstrow-his mind, for the time, + absorbed in the charms of his young bride-gives little attention to the + matter. He only knows that he has signed a bond for fifteen hundred + dollars, to indemnify the sheriff, or creditors, in the event of loss; he + reconciles himself with the belief that she has been enticed into some of + the neighbouring bright houses, from which he can regain her in the course + of time. M'Carstrow knows little of Clotilda's real character; and thus + the matter rests a time. + </p> + <p> + The sheriff,—important gentleman of an important office,—will + give himself no concern about the matter: the plaintiff's attorney + acknowledged the deed of release, which is quite enough for him. Graspum, + a perfect savan where human property was to be judged, had decided that + her square inches of human vitality were worth strong fifteen hundred; + that was all desirable for the sheriff-it would leave margin enough to + cover the cost. But M'Carstrow, when given the bond, knew enough of nigger + law to demand the insertion of a clause leaving it subject to the question + of property, which is to be decided by the court. A high court this, where + freemen sit assembled to administer curious justice. What constitutional + inconsistencies hover over the monstrous judicial dignity of this court,—this + court having jurisdiction over the monetary value of beings moulded after + God's own image! It forms a happy jurisprudence for those who view it for + their selfish ends; it gains freedom tyranny's license, gives birth to + strange incongruities, clashing between the right of property in man and + all the viler passions of our nature. It holds forth a jurisprudence that + turns men into hounds of hell, devouring one another, and dragging human + nature down into the very filth of earth. + </p> + <p> + Marston's troubles keep increasing. All the preliminaries of law necessary + to a sale of the undisputed property have been gone through; the day of + its disposal has arrived. The children, Annette and Nicholas, have + remained in a cell, suffering under its malarious atmosphere, anxiously + awaiting their fate. Marston has had them taught to read,—contrary + to a generous law of a generous land,—and at intervals they sit + together pondering over little books he has sent them. + </p> + <p> + What are such little books to them? the unbending avarice of human nature, + fostered by slavery's power, is grappling at their existence. There is no + sympathy for them; it is crushed out by the law which makes them chattels. + Oh, no! sympathy, generosity, human affections, have little to do with the + transactions of slave dealing; that belongs to commerce,—commerce + has an unbending rule to maintain while money is to be made by a legalised + traffic. + </p> + <p> + We must invite the reader to accompany us to the county gaol, on the + morning of sale. + </p> + <p> + The "gang"-Marston's slaves-have been ordered to prepare themselves for + the market; the yard resounds with their jargon. Some are arranging their + little clothing, washing, "brightening up" their faces to make the + property show off in the market. Others are preparing homony for + breakfast; children, in ragged garments, are toddling, running, playing, + and sporting about the brick pavement; the smallest are crouched at the + feet of their mothers, as if sharing the gloom or nonchalance of their + feeling. Men are gathering together the remnants of some cherished memento + of the old plantation; they had many a happy day upon it. Women view as + things of great worth the little trinkets with which good master, in + former days, rewarded their energy. They recall each happy association of + the cabin. Husbands, or such as should be husbands, look upon their wives + with solicitude; they feel it is to be the last day they will meet + together on earth. They may meet in heaven; there is no slavery there. + Mothers look upon their children only to feel the pangs of sorrow more + keenly; they know and feel that their offspring are born for the market, + not for the enjoyment of their affections. They may be torn from them, and + sold like sheep in the shambles. Happy, free country! How fair, how + beautiful the picture of constitutional rights! how in keeping with + every-day scenes of southern life! + </p> + <p> + "I'ze gwine to be sold; you're gwint to be sold; we're all gwine to be + sold. Wonder what mas'r's gwine t'buy dis child," says Aunt Rachel, + arranging her best dress, making her face "shine just so." Aunt Rachel + endeavours to suit her feelings to the occasion, trims her bandana about + her head with exquisite taste, and lets the bright-coloured points hang + about her ears in great profusion. + </p> + <p> + "Da'h 's a right smart heap o' dollar in dis old nigger, yet!-if mas'r + what gwine t'buy 'em know how't fotch um out; Mas'r must do da'h clean + ting wid dis child," Rachel says, as if exulting over the value of her own + person. She brushes and brushes, views and reviews herself in a piece of + mirror-several are waiting to borrow it-thinks she is just right for + market, asks herself what's the use of fretting? It's a free country, with + boundless hospitality-of the southern stamp,—and why not submit to + all freedom's dealings? Aunt Rachel is something of a philosopher. + </p> + <p> + "Aunte! da' would'nt gin much fo'h yer old pack a' bones if mas'r what + gwine to buy ye know'd ye like I. Ye' h'ant da property what bring long + price wid Buckra," replies Dandy, who views Aunt Rachel rather + suspiciously, seems inclined to relieve her conceit, and has taken very + good care that his own dimensions are trimmed up to the highest point. + </p> + <p> + "Dis nigger would'nt swop h'r carcas fo'h yourn. Dat she don't," Rachel + retorts. + </p> + <p> + "Reckon how ye wouldn't, ah!" Dandy's face fills with indignation. "Buckra + what sting ye back wid de lash 'll buy ye old bag a' bones fo'h down + south; and when 'e get ye down da' he make ye fo'h a corn grinder." Dandy + is somewhat inflated with his rank among the domestics; he is none of yer + common niggers, has never associated with black, field niggers, which he + views as quite too common for his aristocratic notions, has on his very + best looks, his hair combed with extraordinary care, his shirt collar + dangerously standing above his ears. He feels something better than nigger + blood in his composition, knows the ins and outs of nigger philosophy; he + knows it to be the very best kind of philosophy for a "nigger" to put on a + good appearance at the shambles. A dandy nigger is not plantation stock,—hence + he has "trimmed up," and hopes to find a purchaser in want of his specific + kind of property; it will save him from that field-life so much dreaded. + </p> + <p> + The property, in all its varied shades, comes rolling out from all manner + of places in and about the gaol, filling the yard. It is a momentous + occasion, the most momentous of their life-time. And yet many seem + indifferent about its consequences. They speak of the old plantation, jeer + each other about the value of themselves, offer bets on the price they + will bring, assert a superiority over each other, and boast of belonging + to some particular grade of the property. Harry—we mean Harry the + preacher—is busy getting his wife and children ready for market. He + evinces great affection for his little ones, has helped his wife to + arrange their apparel with so much care. The uninitiated might imagine + them going to church instead of the man shambles. Indeed, so earnest are + many good divines in the promotion of slavery, that it would not be + unbecoming to form a connection between the southern church and the + southern man shambles. The material aid they now give each other for the + purpose of keeping up the man trade would be much facilitated. + </p> + <p> + However, there is a chance of Harry being sold to a brother divine, who by + way of serving his good Lord and righteous master, may let him out to + preach, after the old way. Harry will then be serving his brother in + brotherly faith; that is, he will be his brother's property, very + profitable, strong in the faith with his dear divine brother, to whom he + will pay large tribute for the right to serve the same God. + </p> + <p> + Harry's emotions-he has been struggling to suppress them-have got beyond + his control; tears will now and then show themselves and course down his + cheeks. "Never mind, my good folks! it is something to know that Jesus + still guards us; still watches over us." He speaks encouragingly to them. + "The scourge of earth is man's wrongs, the deathspring of injustice. We + are made bearers of the burden; but that very burden will be our passport + into a brighter, a juster world. Let us meekly bear it. Cheer up! arm + yourselves with the spirit of the Lord; it will give you fortitude to live + out the long journey of slave life. How we shall feel when, in heaven, we + are brought face to face with master, before the Lord Judge. Our rights + and his wrongs will then weigh in the balance of heavenly justice." With + these remarks, Harry counsels them to join him in prayer. He kneels on the + brick pavement of the yard, clasps his hands together as they gather + around him kneeling devotedly. Fervently he offers up a prayer,—he + invokes the God of heaven to look down upon them, to bestow his mercy upon + master, to incline his ways in the paths of good; and to protect these, + his unfortunate children, and guide them through their separate wayfaring. + The ardour, grotesqueness, and devotion of this poor forlorn group, are + painfully touching. How it presents the portrait of an oppressed race! how + sunk is the nature that has thus degraded it! Under the painful burden of + their sorrow they yet manifest the purity of simple goodness. "Oh! Father + in heaven, hast thou thus ordained it to be so?" breaks forth from Harry's + lips, as the criminals, moved by the affecting picture, gather upon the + veranda, and stand attentive listeners. Their attention seems rivetted to + his words; the more vicious, as he looks through grated bars upon them, + whispers words of respect. + </p> + <p> + Harry has scarcely concluded his prayer when the sheriff, accompanied by + several brokers (slave-dealers), comes rushing through the transept into + the yard. The sheriff is not rude; he approaches Harry, tells him he is a + good boy, has no objection to his praying, and hopes a good master will + buy him. He will do all he can to further his interests, having heard a + deal about his talents. He says this with good-natured measure, and + proceeds to take a cursory view of the felons. While he is thus + proceeding, the gentlemen of trade who accompanied him are putting "the + property" through a series of examinations. + </p> + <p> + "Property like this ye don't start up every day," says one. "Best I'ze + seen come from that ar' district. Give ye plenty corn, down there, don't + they, boys?" enjoins another, walking among them, and every moment + bringing the end of a small whip which he holds in his right hand about + their legs. This, the gentleman remarks, is merely for the purpose-one of + the phrases of the very honourable trade-of testing their nimbleness. + </p> + <p> + "Well!" replies a tall, lithe dealer, whose figure would seem to have been + moulded for chasing hogs through the swamp, "There's some good bits among + it; but it won't stand prime, as a lot!" The gentleman, who seems to have + a nicely balanced mind for judging the human nature value of such things, + is not quite sure that they have been bacon fed. He continues his learned + remarks. "Ye'h han't had full tuck out, I reckon, boys?" he inquires of + them, deliberately examining the mouths and nostrils of several. The + gentleman is very cool in this little matter of trade; it is an essential + element of southern democracy; some say, nothing more! + </p> + <p> + "Yes, Boss!" replies Enoch, one of the negroes; "Mas'r ollers good t' e + niggers, gin him bacon free times a week-sometimes mo' den dat." Several + voices chime in to affirm what Enoch says. + </p> + <p> + "Ah, very good. Few planters in that district give their negroes bacon; + and an all corn-fed nigger won't last two years on a sugar plantation," + remarks one of the gentlemen dealers, as he smokes his cigar with great + nonchalance. + </p> + <p> + While these quaint appendancies of the trade are proceeding, Romescos and + Graspum make their appearance. They have come to forestall opinion, to + make a few side-winded remarks. They are ready to enter upon the + disgusting business of examining property more carefully, more + scrupulously, more in private. The honourable sheriff again joins the + party. He orders that every accommodation be afforded the gentlemen in + their examinations of the property. Men, women, and children-sorrowing + property-are made to stand erect; to gesticulate their arms; to expand + their chests, to jump about like jackals, and to perform sundry antics + pleasing to the gentlemen lookers-on. This is all very free, very + democratic, very gentlemanly in the way of trade,—very necessary to + test the ingredient of the valuable square inches of the property. What + matters all this! the honourable sheriff holds it no dishonour; modest + gentlemen never blush at it; the coarse dealer makes it his study,—he + trades in human nature; the happy democrat thinks it should have a + co-fellowship with southern hospitality-so long and loudly boasted. + </p> + <p> + Those little necessary displays over, the honourable sheriff invites his + distinguished friends to "have a cigar round;" having satisfied their + taste in gymnastarising the property. Romescos, however, thinks he has not + quite satisfied his feelings; he is very dogged on nigger flesh. The other + gentlemen may smoke their cigars; Mr. Romescos thinks he will enjoy the + exercise of his skill in testing the tenacity of negroes' chests; which he + does by administering heavy blows, which make them groan out now and then. + Groans, however, don't amount to much; they are only nigger groans. Again + Mr. Romescos applies the full force of his hands upon their ears; then he + will just pull them systematically. "Nice property!" he says, telling the + forbearing creatures not to mind the pain. + </p> + <p> + Messrs. Graspum and Romescos will make a close inspection of a few pieces. + Here, several men and women are led into a basement cell, under the + veranda, and stript most rudely. No discrimination is permitted. Happy + freedom! What a boon is liberty! Mr. Romescos views their nice firm + bodies, and their ebony black skins, with great skill and precaution; his + object is to prove the disposition of the articles,—strong evidence + being absence of scars. He lays his bony fingers on their left + shoulders-they being compelled to stand in a recumbent position-tracing + their bodies to the hips and thighs. Here the process ends. Mr. Romescos + has satisfied his very nice judgment on the solidity of the + human-flesh-property-he has put their bodies through other disgusting + inspections-they belong to the trade-which cannot be told here; but he + finds clean skins, very smooth, without scars or cuts, or dangerous + diseases. He laughs exultingly, orders the people to stow themselves in + their clothes again, and relights his cigar. "If it 'ant a tall lot!" he + whispers to Graspum, and gives him a significant touch with his elbow. + "Bright-smooth as a leather ninepence; han't had a lash-Marston was a + fool, or his niggers are angels, rather black, though-couldn't start up a + scar on their flesh. A little trimmin' down-it wants it, you see!-to make + it show off; must have it-eh! Graspum, old feller? It only wants a little, + though, and them dandy niggers, and that slap-up preacher, will bring a + smart price fixed up. Great institution! The preacher's got knowin'; can + discourse like a college-made deacon, and can convert a whole plantation + with his nigger eloquence. A nigger preacher with Bible knowin, when it's + smart, is right valuable when ye want to keep the pious of a plantation + straight. And then! when the preacher 'ant got a notion a' runnin away in + him." Romescos crooks his finger upon Graspum's arm, whispers cautiously + in his ear. + </p> + <p> + "There 'll be a sharp bidding for some of it; they 'll run up some on the + preacher. He 'll be a capital investment,—pay more than thirty per + cent. insinuates another gentleman-a small inquisitive looking dealer in + articles of the nigger line. When a planter's got a big gang a' niggers, + and is just fool enough to keep such a thing for the special purpose of + making pious valuable in 'um," Mr. Romescos rejoins, shrugging his + shoulders, rubbing his little hawk's eyes, and looking seriously + indifferent. Romescos gives wonderful evidence of his "first best cunning + propensities;" and here he fancies he has pronounced an opinion that will + be taken as profound. He affects heedlessness of everything, is quite + disinterested, and, thrusting his hands deep into his pockets, assumes an + air of dignity that would not unbecome my Lord Chief Justice. + </p> + <p> + "Let us see them two bits of disputed property,—where are they?" + inquires Graspum, turning half round, and addressing himself to the + gaoler. + </p> + <p> + "In the close cells," is the quick reply,—"through the narrow vault, + up the stone passage, and on the right, in the arched cell." + </p> + <p> + The gaoler-good, honest-hearted man-leads the way, through a chilly vault, + up the narrow passage, to the left wing of the building. The air is + pestiferous; warm and diseased, it fans us as we approach. The gaoler puts + his face to the grating, and in a guttural voice, says, "You're wanted, + young uns." They understand the summons; they come forward as if released + from torture to enjoy the pure air of heaven. Confinement, dreary and + damp, has worn deep into their systems. + </p> + <p> + Annette speaks feebly, looks pale and sickly. Her flaxen curls still + dangle prettily upon her shoulders. She expected her mother; that mother + has not come. The picture seems strange; she looks childishly and vacantly + round,—at the dealers, at Graspum, at the sheriff, at the familiar + faces of the old plantation people. She recognizes Harry, and would fain + leap into his arms. Nicholas, less moved by what is going on around him, + hangs reluctantly behind, holding by the skirt of Annette's frock. He has + lost that vivacity and pertness so characteristic on the plantation. Happy + picture of freedom's love! Happy picture of immortalised injustice! Happy + picture of everything that is unhappy! How modest is the boast that we + live to be free; and that in our virtuous freedom a child's mother has + been sold for losing her mind: a faithful divine, strong with love for his + fellow divines, is to be sold for his faith; the child-the daughter of the + democrat-they say, will be sold from her democratic father. The + death-stinging enemy Washington and Jefferson sought to slaughter-to lay + ever dead at their feet, has risen to life again. Annette's mother has + fled to escape its poison. We must pause! we must not discourse thus in + our day, when the sordid web of trade is being drawn over the land by King + Cotton. + </p> + <p> + The children, like all such doubtful stock, are considered very fancy, + very choice of their kind. It must be dressed in style to suit nice eyes + at the shambles. + </p> + <p> + "Well! ye'r right interesting looking," says the sheriff—Messrs. + Graspum and Co. look upon them with great concern, now and then + interrupting with some observations upon their pedigree,—taking them + by the arms, and again rumpling their hair by rubbing his hands over their + heads. "Fix it up, trim; we must put them up along with the rest to-day. + It 'll make Marston—I pity the poor fellow—show his hand on + the question of their freedom. Mr. sheriff, being sufficiently secured + against harm, is quite indifferent about the latent phases of the suit. He + remarks, with great legal logic—we mean legal slave logic—that + Marston must object to the sale when the children are on the stand. It is + very pretty kind a' property, very like Marston—will be as handsome + as pictures when they grow up," he says, ordering it put back to be got + ready. + </p> + <p> + "Why didn't my mother come?" the child whimpers, dewy tears decorating her + eyes. "Why won't she come back and take me to the plantation again? I want + her to come back; I've waited so long." As she turns to follow the gaoler—Nicholas + still holds her by the skirt of her frock—her flaxen curls again + wave to and fro upon her shoulders, adding beauty to her childlike + simplicity. "You'll grow to be something, one of these days, won't ye, + little dear?" says the gaoler, taking her by the hand. She replies in + those silent and touching arguments of the soul; she raises her soft blue + eyes, and heaven fills them with tears, which she lifts her tiny hands to + wipe away. + </p> + <p> + Nicholas tremblingly-he cannot understand the strange movement-follows + them through the vault; he looks up submissively, and with instinctive + sympathy commences a loud blubbering. "You're going to be sold, little + uns! but, don't roar about it; there's no use in that," says the gaoler, + inclining to sympathy. + </p> + <p> + Nicholas does'nt comprehend it; he looks up to Annette, plaintively, and, + forgetting his own tears, says, in a whisper, "Don't cry, Annette; they + 'll let us go and see mother, and mother will be so kind to us-." + </p> + <p> + "It does seem a pity to sell ye, young 'uns; ye'r such nice 'uns,—have + so much interestin' in yer little skins!" interrupts the gaoler, suddenly. + The man of keys could unfold a strange history of misery, suffering, and + death, if fear of popular opinion, illustrated in popular liberty, did not + seal his lips. He admits the present to be + </p> + <p> + We are narrating a scene related to us by the very gaoler we here + describe, and as nearly as possible in his own language. rather an + uncommon case, says it makes a body feel kind a' unhinged about the heart, + which heart, however rocky at times, will have its own way when little + children are sorrowing. "And then, to know their parents! that's what + tells deeper on a body's feeling,—it makes a body look into the + hereafter." The man of keys and shackles would be a father, if the law did + but let him. There is a monster power over him, a power he dreads-it is + the power of unbending democracy, moved alone by fretful painstakers of + their own freedom. + </p> + <p> + "Poor little things! ye 'r most white, yes!-suddenly changing-just as + white as white need be. Property's property, though, all over the world. + What's sanctioned by the constitution, and protected by the spirit and + wisdom of Congress, must be right, and maintained," the gaoler concludes. + His heart is at war with his head; but the head has the power, and he must + protect the rights of an unrighteous system. They have arrived at a flight + of steps, up which they ascend, and are soon lost in its windings. They + are going to be dressed for the market. + </p> + <p> + The sheriff is in the yard, awaiting the preparation of the property. Even + he-iron-hearted, they say-gives them a look of generous solicitude, as + they pass out. He really feels there is a point, no less in the scale of + slave dealing, beyond which there is something so repugnant that hell + itself might frown upon it. "It's a phase too hard, touches a body's + conscience," he says, not observing Romescos at his elbow. + </p> + <p> + "Conscience!" interrupts Romescos, his eyes flashing like meteors of red + fire, "the article don't belong to the philosophy of our business. + Establish conscience-let us, gentlemen, give way to our feelins, and trade + in nigger property 'd be deader than Chatham's statue, what was pulled + through our streets by the neck. The great obstacle, however, is only + this-it is profitable in its way!" Romescos cautiously attempts to shield + this, but it will not do. + </p> + <p> + The gaoler, protruding his head from a second-story window, like a mop in + a rain storm, enquires if it is requisite to dress the children in their + very best shine. It is evident he merely views them as two bales of + merchandise. + </p> + <p> + The sheriff, angrily, says, "Yes! I told you that already. Make them look + as bright as two new pins." His honour has been contemplating how they + will be mere pins in the market,—pins to bolt the doors of justice, + pins to play men into Congress, pins to play men out of Congress, pins to + play a President into the White House. + </p> + <p> + An old negress, one of the plantation nurses, is called into service. She + commences the process of preparing them for market. They are nicely + washed, dressed in clean clothes; they shine out as bright and white as + anybody's children. Their heads look so sleek, their hair is so nicely + combed, so nicely parted, so nicely curled. The old slave loves them,—she + loved their father. Her skill has been lavished upon them,—they look + as choice and interesting as the human property of any democratic + gentleman can be expected to do. Let us be patriotic, let us be + law-loving, patient law-abiding citizens, loving that law of our free + country which puts them under the man-vender's hammer,—say our + peace-abiding neighbours. + </p> + <p> + The gaoler has not been long in getting Annette and Nicholas ready. He + brings them forward, so neatly and prettily dressed: he places them among + the "gang." But they are disputed property: hence all that ingenuity which + the system engenders for the advancement of dealers is brought into use to + defeat the attempt to assert their freedom. Romescos declares it no + difficult matter to do this: he has the deadly weapon in his possession; + he can work (shuffle) the debt into Graspum's hands, and he can supply the + proof to convict. By this very desirable arrangement the thing may be made + nicely profitable. + </p> + <p> + No sooner has Aunt Rachel seen the children in their neat and familiar + attire, than her feelings bound with joy,—she cannot longer restrain + them. She has watched Marston's moral delinquencies with suspicion; but + she loves the children none the less. And with honest negro nature she + runs to them, clasps them to her bosom, fondles them, and kisses them like + a fond mother. The happy associations of the past, contrasted with their + present unhappy condition, unbind the fountain of her solicitude,—she + pours it upon them, warm and fervent. "Gwine t' sell ye, too! Mas'r, poor + old Mas'r, would'nt sell ye, no how! that he don't. But poor old Boss hab + 'e trouble now, God bless 'em," she says, again pressing Annette to her + bosom, nearer and nearer, with fondest, simplest, holiest affection. + Looking intently in the child's face, she laughs with the bounding joy of + her soul; then she smooths its hair with her brawny black hands: they + contrast strangely with the pure carnatic of the child's cheek. + </p> + <p> + "Lor! good Lor, Mas'r Buckra," aunt Rachel exclaims, "if eber de Lor' + smote 'e vengence on yeh, 't'll be fo' sellin' de likes o' dese. Old Mas'r + tinks much on 'em, fo' true. Gwine t' sell dem what Mas'r be so fond on? + Hard tellin' what Buckra don't sell win i' makes money on him. Neber mind, + children; de Lor' aint so unsartin as white man. He,—da'h good Mas'r + yonder in the clouds,—save ye yet; he'll make white man gin ye back + when de day o' judgment come." Aunt Rachel has an instinctive knowledge of + the errors, accidents, and delays which have brought about this sad event,—she + becomes absorbed in their cares, as she loses sight of her own trouble. + </p> + <p> + All ready for the market, they are chained together in pairs, men and + women, as if the wrongs they bore had made them untrustworthy. + </p> + <p> + Romescos, ever employed in his favourite trade, is busily engaged chaining + up-assorting the pairs! One by one they quietly submit to the proceeding, + until he reaches Harry. That minister-of-the-gospel piece of property + thinks,—that is, is foolish enough to think,—his nigger + religion a sufficient guarantee against any inert propensity to run away. + "Now, good master, save my hands from irons, and my heart from pain. Trust + me, let me go unbound; my old Master trust me wid 'is life-" + </p> + <p> + "Halloo!" says Romescos, quickly interrupting, and beginning to bristle + with rage; "preach about old Master here you'll get the tinglers, I + reckon. Put 'em on-not a grunt-or you'll get thirty more-yes, a collar on + yer neck." Holding a heavy stick over the poor victim's head, for several + minutes with one hand, he rubs the other, clenched, several times across + his nose. Graspum interposes by reminding the minister that it is for his + interest to be very careful how he makes any reply to white gentlemen. + </p> + <p> + "Why, massa, I'ze the minister on de plantation. My old master wouldn't + sell-wouldn't do so wid me. Master knows I love God, am honest and + peaceable. Why chain the honest? why chain the peaceable? why chain the + innocent? They need no fetters, no poisoning shackles. The guilty only + fear the hand of retribution," says Harry, a curl of contempt on his lip. + He takes a step backwards as Romescos holds the heavy irons before him. + </p> + <p> + "You don't come nigger preacher over this ar' child; 't'ant what's crack'd + up to be. I larns niggers to preach different tunes. Don't spoil prime + stock for such nonsense-" + </p> + <p> + "Master Sheriff will stand answerable for me," interrupts Harry, turning + to that honourable functionary, and claiming his protection. That + gentleman says it is rather out of his line to interfere. + </p> + <p> + "Not a preacher trick, I say again-Romescos evinces signs of increasing + temper-ya' black theologin. Preachers can't put on such dignity when + they'r property." Preachers of colour must be doubly humbled: they must be + humble before God, humbled before King Cotton, humbled before the king + dealer, who will sell them for their dollars' worth. Harry must do the + bidding of his king master; his monkey tricks won't shine with such a + philosopher as Romescos. The man of bones, blood, and flesh, can tell him + to sell a nigger preacher to his brother of the ministry, and make it very + profitable. He assures Harry, while holding the shackles in his hands, + that he may put on just as much of the preacher as he can get, when he + gets to the shambles, and hears the fives and tens bidding on his black + hide. + </p> + <p> + Harry must submit; he does it with pain and reluctance. He is chained to + his wife-a favour suggested by the sheriff-with whom he can walk the + streets of a free country,—but they must be bound in freedom's iron + fellowship. The iron shackle clasps his wrist; the lock ticks as Romescos + turns the key: it vibrates to his very heart. With a sigh he says, "Ours + is a life of sorrow, streaming its dark way along a dangerous path. It + will ebb into the bright and beautiful of heaven; that heaven wherein we + put our trust-where our hopes are strengthened. O! come the day when we + shall be borne to the realms of joy-joy celestial! There no unholy shade + of birth-unholy only to man-shall doom us; the colour of our skin will not + there be our misfortune-" + </p> + <p> + "What!" quickly interrupts Romescos, "what's that?" The property minister, + thus circumstanced, must not show belligerent feelings. Romescos simply, + but very skilfully, draws his club; measures him an unamiable blow on the + head, fells him to the ground. The poor wretch struggles a few moments, + raises his manacled hands to his face as his wife falls weeping upon his + shuddering body. She supplicates mercy at the hands of the ruffian-the + ruffian torturer. "Quietly, mas'r; my man 'ill go wid me," says the woman, + interposing her hand to prevent a second blow. + </p> + <p> + Harry opens his eyes imploringly, casts a look of pity upon the man + standing over him. Romescos is in the attitude of dealing him another + blow. The wretch stays his hand. "Do with me as you please, master; you + are over me. My hope will be my protector when your pleasure will have its + reward." + </p> + <p> + A second thought has struck Romescos; the nigger isn't so bad, after all. + "Well, reckon how nobody won't have no objection to ya'r thinking just as + ya'v mind to; but ya' can't talk ya'r own way, nor ya' can't have ya'r own + way with this child. A nigger what puts on parson airs-if it is a + progressive age nigger-musn't put on fast notions to a white gentleman of + my standing! If he does, we just take 'em out on him by the process of a + small quantity of first- rate knockin down," says Romescos, amiably + lending him a hand to get up. Graspum and the honourable sheriff are + measuredly pacing up and down the yard, talking over affairs of state, and + the singular purity of their own southern democracy-that democracy which + will surely elect the next President. Stepping aside in one of his + sallies, Graspum, in a half whisper, reminds Romescos that, now the nigger + has shown symptoms of disobedience, he had better prove the safety of the + shackles. "Right! right! all right!" the man of chains responds; he had + forgot this very necessary piece of amusement. He places both hands upon + the shackles; grasps them firmly; places his left foot against Harry's + stomach; and then, uttering a fierce imprecation, makes his victim pull + with might and main while he braces against him with full power. The + victim, groaning under the pain, begs for mercy. Mercy was not made for + him. Freedom and mercy, in this our land of greatness, have been betrayed. + </p> + <p> + Harry, made willing property, is now placed by the side of his wife, as + four small children—the youngest not more than two years old—cling + at the skirts of her gown. The children are scarcely old enough to chain; + their strong affections for poor chained mother and father are quite + enough to guarantee against their running away. Romescos, in his ample + kindness, will allow them to toddle their way to market. They are not + dangerous property;—they have their feelings, and will go to market + to be sold, without running away. + </p> + <p> + The gang is ready. The gaoler, nearly out of breath, congratulates himself + upon the manner of dispatching business at his establishment. Romescos + will put them through a few evolutions before marching in the street; so, + placing himself at their right, and the gaoler at their left flank, they + are made to march and counter-march several times round the yard. This + done, the generous gaoler invites the gentlemen into his office: he has a + good glass of whiskey waiting their superior tastes. + </p> + <p> + The ward gates are opened; the great gate is withdrawn; the property, + linked in iron fellowship,—the gentlemen having taken their whiskey,—are + all ready for the word, march! This significant admonition the sheriff + gives, and the property sets off in solemn procession, like wanderers + bound on a pilgrimage. Tramp, tramp, tramp, their footsteps fall in dull + tones as they sally forth, in broken file, through the long aisles. + Romescos is in high glee,—his feelings bound with exultation, he + marches along, twirling a stick over his head. They are soon in the + street, where he invites them to strike up a lively song—"Jim crack + corn, and I don't care, fo'h Mas'r's gone away!" he shouts; and several + strike up, the rest joining in the old plantation chorus—"Away! + away! away! Mas'r's gone away." Thus, with jingling chorus and seemingly + joyous hearts, they march down to the man-market. The two children, + Annette and Nicholas, trail behind, in charge of the sheriff, whose better + feelings seem to be troubling him very much. Every now and then, as they + walk by his side, he casts a serious look at Annette, as if conscience, + speaking in deep pulsations, said it wasn't just right to sell such an + interesting little creature. Onward they marched, his head and heart + warring the while. "There's something about it that does'nt seem to come + just right in a fellow's feelins," keeps working itself in his mind, until + at length he mutters the words. It is the natural will to do good, + struggling against the privileges which a government gives ungovernable + men to do wrong. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0020" id="link2HCH0020"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XX. — LET US FOLLOW POOR HUMAN NATURE TO THE MAN SHAMBLES. + </h2> + <p> + GENTLEMEN dealers in want of human property,—planters in want of a + few prime people,—brokers who have large transactions in such + articles,—and factors who, being rather sensitive of their dignity, + give to others the negotiation of their business,—are assembled in + and around the mart, a covered shed, somewhat resembling those used by + railroad companies for the storing of coarse merchandise. Marston's + negroes are to be sold. Suspicious circumstances are connected with his + sudden decline: rumour has sounded her seven-tongued symbols upon it, and + loud are the speculations. The cholera has made mighty ravages; but the + cholera could not have done all. Graspum has grasped the plantation, + quietly and adroitly, but he has not raised the veil of mystery that hangs + over the process. There must be long explanations before the obdurate + creditors are satisfied. + </p> + <p> + The irons have been removed from the property, who are crouched round the + stand-an elevated platform-in a forlorn group, where sundry customers can + scrutinize their proportions. Being little or no fancy among it, the fast + young gentlemen of the town, finding nothing worthy their attention and + taste, make a few cursory observations, and slowly swagger out of the + ring. The children are wonderfully attractive and promising; they are + generally admired by the customers, who view them with suspicious glances. + Annette's clean white skin and fine features are remarkably promising,—much + valued as articles of merchandise,—and will, in time, pay good + interest. Her youth, however, saves her from present sacrifice,—it + thwarts that spirited competition which older property of the same quality + produces when about to be knocked down under the hammer of freedom. + </p> + <p> + It is a great day, a day of tribulation, with the once happy people of + Marston's plantation. No prayer is offered up for them, their souls being + only embodied in their market value. Prayers are not known at the man + shambles, though the hammer of the vender seals with death the lives of + many. No gentleman in modest black cares aught for such death. The dealer + will not pay the service fee! Good master is no longer their protector; + his familiar face, so buoyant with joy and affection, has passed from + them. No more will that strong attachment manifest itself in their + greetings. Fathers will be fathers no longer-it is unlawful. Mothers + cannot longer clasp their children in their arms with warm affections. + Children will no longer cling around their mothers,—no longer fondle + in that bosom where once they toyed and joyed. + </p> + <p> + The articles murmur among themselves, cast longing glances at each other, + meet the gaze of their purchasers, with pain and distrust brooding over + their countenances. They would seem to trace the character-cruel or + gentle-of each in his look. + </p> + <p> + Was it that God ordained one man thus to doom another? No! the very + thought repulsed the plea. He never made one man's life to be sorrow and + fear-to be the basest object, upon which blighting strife for gold fills + the passions of tyrants. He never made man to be a dealer in his own kind. + He never made man after his own image to imprecate the wrath of heaven by + blackening earth with his foul deeds. He never made man to blacken this + fair portion of earth with storms of contention, nor to overthrow the + principles that gave it greatness. He never made man to fill the cup that + makes the grim oppressor fierce in his triumphs over right. + </p> + <p> + Come reader-come with us: let us look around the pale of these common man + shambles. Here a venerable father sits, a bale of merchandise, moved with + the quick pulsation of human senses. He looks around him as the storm of + resentment seems ready to burst forth: his wrinkled brow and haggard face + in vain ask for sympathy. A little further on, and a mother leans over her + child,—tremblingly draws it to her side; presses it nearer and + nearer to her bosom. Near her, feeding a child with crumbs of bread, is a + coarse negro, whose rough exterior covers a good heart. He gives a glance + of hate and scorn at those who are soon to tear from him his nearest and + dearest. A gloomy ring of sullen faces encircle us: hope, fear, and + contempt are pictured in each countenance. Anxious to know its doom, the + pent-up soul burns madly within their breasts; no tears can quench the + fire-freedom only can extinguish it. But, what are such things? mere + trifles when the soul loves only gold. What are they to men who buy such + human trifles? who buy and sell mankind, with feelings as unmoved as the + virgin heart that knows no guilt? + </p> + <p> + Various are the remarks made by those who are taking a cursory view of the + people; very learned in nigger nature are many; their sayings evince great + profoundness. A question seems to be the separating of wenches from their + young 'uns. This is soon settled. Graspum, who has made his appearance, + and is very quaintly and slowly making his apprehensions known, informs + the doubting spectators that Romescos, being well skilled, will do that + little affair right up for a mere trifle. It takes him to bring the + nonsense out of nigger wenches. This statement being quite satisfactory, + the gentlemen purchasers are at rest on that point. + </p> + <p> + The hour of sale has arrived,—the crier rings his bell, the + purchasers crowd up to the stand, the motley group of negroes take the + alarm, and seem inclined to close in towards a centre as the vender mounts + the stand. The bell, with the sharp clanking sound, rings their funeral + knell; they startle, as with terror; they listen with subdued anxiety; + they wait the result in painful suspense. How little we would recognise + the picture from abroad. The vender, an amiable gentleman dressed in + modest black, and whose cheerful countenance, graced with the blandest + smile, betokens the antipodes of his inhuman traffic, holding his hat in + his left hand, and a long paper in his right, makes an obsequious bow to + those who have honoured him with their company. He views them for a few + moments, smiles, casts his eye over the paper again,—it sets forth + age and quality—and then at his marketable people. The invoice is + complete; the goods correspond exactly. The texture and quality have been + appraised by good judges. Being specified, he commences reading the + summons and writs, and concludes with other preliminaries of the sale. + </p> + <p> + "Now, gentlemen," says Mr. Forshou—for such is his name—as he + adjusts his hat, lays the document on the desk at his right hand, pulls up + the point of his shirt-collar, sets his neatly-trimmed whiskers a point + forward, and smooths his well-oiled hair: + "We-will-proceed-with-the-sale-of this lot of negroes, according to the + directions of the sheriff of the county. And if no restrictions are + imposed, gentlemen can make their selection of old or young to suit their + choice or necessities! Gentlemen, however, will be expected to pay for + separating." Mr. Forshou, by way of interpolation, reminds his friends + that, seeing many of his very best customers present, he expects sharp and + healthy bids. He will further remind them (smiling and fretting his hands, + as if to show the number of diamond rings he can afford to wear), that the + property has been well raised, is well known, and ranges from the + brightest and most interesting, to the commonest black field hand. "Yes, + gentlemen," he adds, "by the fortune of this unfortunate sale we can + accommodate you with anything in the line of negro property. We can sell + you a Church and a preacher-a dance-house and a fiddler-a cook and an + oyster-shop. Anything! All sold for no fault; and warranted as sound as a + roach. The honourable sheriff will gives titles-that functionary being + present signifies his willingness-and every man purchasing is expected to + have his shiners ready, so that he can plunk down cash in ten days. I need + not recount the circumstances under which this property is offered for + sale; it is enough to say that it is offered; but, let me say, gentlemen, + to enlarge upon it would be painful to my feelings. I will merely read the + schedule, and, after selling the people, put up the oxen, mules, and + farming utensils." Mr. Forshou, with easy contentment, takes up the list + and reads at the top of his voice. The names of heads of families are + announced one by one; they answer the call promptly. He continues till he + reaches Annette and Nicholas, and here he pauses for a few moments, + turning from the paper to them, as if he one minute saw them on the paper + and the next on the floor. "Here, gentlemen," he ejaculates, in a half + guttural voice-something he could not account for touched his conscience + at the moment-holding the paper nearer his eye-glass, "there is two bits + of property bordering on the sublime. It dazzles-seems almost too + interesting to sell. It makes a feller's heart feel as if it warn't stuck + in the right place." Mr. Forshou casts another irresistible look at the + children; his countenance changes; he says he is very sensitive, and shows + it in his blushes. He might have saved his blushes for the benefit of the + State. The State is careful of its blushes; it has none to sell-none to + bestow on a child's sorrow! + </p> + <p> + Annette returns his somewhat touching manifestation of remorse with a + childlike smile. + </p> + <p> + "Well! I reckon how folks is gettin' tenderish, now a' days. Who'd thought + the major had such touchy kind a' feelins? Anything wrong just about yer + goggler?" interrupts Romescos, giving the vender a quizzical look, and a + "half-way wink." Then, setting his slouch hat on an extra poise, he + contorts his face into a dozen grimaces. "Keep conscience down, and strike + up trade," he says, very coolly, drawing a large piece of tobacco from his + breast-pocket and filling his mouth to its utmost capacity. + </p> + <p> + "Feelings are over all things," responds the sheriff, who stands by, and + will speak for the vender, who is less accustomed to speaking for himself. + "Feelings bring up recollections of things one never thought of before,—of + the happiest days of our happiest home. 'Tain't much, no, nothing at all, + to sell regular black and coloured property; but there's a sort of + cross-grained mythology about the business when it comes to selling such + clear grain as this." + </p> + <p> + The vender relieves the honourable sheriff from all further display of + sympathy, by saying that he feels the truth of all the honourable and + learned gentleman has said, "which has 'most made the inward virtue of his + heart come right up." He leans over the desk, extends his hand, helps + himself to a generous piece of Romescos' tobacco. + </p> + <p> + Romescos rejoins in a subdued voice-"He thinks a man what loves dimes like + the major cannot be modest in nigger business, because modesty ain't trade + commodity. It cannot be; the man who thinks of such nonsense should sell + out-should go north and join the humane society. Folks are all saints, he + feels sure, down north yander; wouldn't sell nigger property;—they + only send south right smart preachers to keep up the dignity of the + institution; to do the peculiar religion of the very peculiar institution. + No objection to that; nor hain't no objection to their feelin' bad about + the poor niggers, so long as they like our cash and take our cotton. + That's where the pin's drove in; while it hangs they wouldn't be bad + friends with us for the world." + </p> + <p> + "You may, Mr. Romescos, suspend your remarks," says the vender, looking + indignant, as he thrusts his right hand into his bosom, and attempts a + word of introduction. + </p> + <p> + Romescos must have his last word; he never says die while he has a word at + hand. "The major's love must be credited, gentlemen; he's a modest + auctioneer,—a gentleman what don't feel just right when white + property's for sale," he whispers, sarcastically. + </p> + <p> + Another pause, then a hearty laughing, and the man commences to sell his + people. He has uttered but a few words, when Marston's attorney, stepping + into the centre of the ring, and near the vender, draws a paper from his + pocket, and commences reading in a loud tone. It is a copy of the notice + he had previously served on the sheriff, setting forth in legal + phraseology the freedom of the children, "And therfo'h this is t' stay + proceedings until further orders from the honourable Court of Common + Pleas," is audible at the conclusion. The company are not much surprised. + There is not much to be surprised at, when slave law and common law come + in contact. With Marston's sudden decline and unfathomable connection with + Graspum, there is nothing left to make the reading of the notice + interesting. + </p> + <p> + "You hear this, gentlemen?" says the vender, biting his lips: "the sale of + this very interesting portion of this very interesting property is + objected to by the attorney for the defendant at law. They must, + therefore, be remanded to the custody of the sheriff, to await the + decision of court." That court of strange judgments! The sheriff, that + wonderful medium of slaveocratic power, comes forward, muttering a word of + consolation; he will take them away. He passes them over to an attendant, + who conducts them to their dark chilly cells. + </p> + <p> + "All right!" says Graspum, moving aside to let the children pass out. "No + more than might have been expected; it's no use, though. Marston will + settle that little affair in a very quiet way." He gives the man-vender a + look of approval; the very celebrated Mr. Graspum has self-confidence + enough for "six folks what don't deal in niggers." A bystander touching + him on the arm, he gives his head a cunning shake, crooks his finger on + his red nose. "Just a thing of that kind," he whispers, making some very + delicate legal gesticulations with the fore-finger of his right hand in + the palm of his left; then, with great gravity, he discusses some very + nice points of nigger law. He is heard to say it will only be a waste of + time, and make some profitable rascality for the lawyers. He could have + settled the whole on't in seven minutes. "Better give them up honourably, + and let them be sold with the rest. Property's property all over the + world; and we must abide by the laws, or what's the good of the + constitution? To feel bad about one's own folly! The idea of taking + advantage of it at this late hour won't hold good in law. How contemptibly + silly! men feeling fatherly after they have made property of their own + children! Poor, conscientious fools, how they whine at times, never + thinking how they would let their womanish feelings cheat their creditors. + There's no honour in that." + </p> + <p> + "Gentlemen!" interrupts the vender, "we have had enough discussion, moral, + legal, and otherwise. We will now have some selling." + </p> + <p> + The honourable sheriff desires to say a word or two upon points not yet + advanced. "The sheriff! the sheriff!" is exclaimed by several voices. He + speaks, having first adjusted his spectacles, and relieved himself of + three troublesome coughs. "The institution-I mean, gentlemen, the peculiar + institution-must be preserved; we cannot, must not, violate statutes to + accommodate good-feeling people. My friend Graspum is right, bob and + sinker; we'd get ourselves into an everlasting snarl, if we did. I am + done!" The sheriff withdraws his spectacles, places them very carefully in + a little case, wipes his mouth modestly, and walks away humming an air. + </p> + <p> + "Now, gentlemen," says the vender, bristling with renewed animation + "seeing how you've all recovered from a small shock of conscience, we will + commence the sale." + </p> + <p> + Aunt Rachel is now placed upon the stand. Her huge person, cleanly + appearance-Auntie has got her bandana tied with exquisite knot-and very + motherly countenance excite general admiration, as on an elevated stand + she looms up before her audience. Mr. Forshou, the very gentlemanly + vender, taking up the paper, proceeds to describe Aunt Rachel's qualities, + according to the style and manner of a celebrated race-horse. Auntie + doesn't like this,—her dignity is touched; she honours him with an + angry frown. Then she appeals to the amiable gentleman; "come, mas'r, sell + 'um quick; don' hab no nonsense wid dis child! Sell 'um to some mas'r what + make I housekeeper. Old mas'r,—good old Boss,—know I fus' rate + at dat. Let 'um done gone, mas'r, fo'h soon." Rachel is decidedly opposed + to long drawn-out humbuggery. + </p> + <p> + The bids now commence; Rachel, in mute anxiety, tremblingly watches the + lips they fall from. + </p> + <p> + "Give you a first best title to this ar' old critter, gentlemen!" says the + vender, affecting much dignity, as he holds up his baton of the trade in + flesh. "Anybody wanting a good old mother on a plantation where little + niggers are raised will find the thing in the old institution before you. + The value is not so much in the size of her, as in her glorious + disposition." Aunt Rachel makes three or four turns, like a peacock on a + pedestal, to amuse her admirers. Again, Mr. Wormlock intimates, in a tone + that the vender may hear, that she has some grit, for he sees it in her + demeanour, which is assuming the tragic. Her eyes, as she turns, rest upon + the crispy face of Romescos. She views him for a few moments-she fears he + will become her purchaser. Her lip curls with contempt, as she turns from + his gaze and recognises an old acquaintance, whom she at once singles out, + accosts and invites beseechingly to be her purchaser, "to save her from + dat man!" She points to Romescos. + </p> + <p> + Her friend shakes his head unwillingly. Fearing he may become an object of + derision, he will not come forward. Poor old slave! faithful from her + childhood up, she has reached an age where few find it profitable to + listen to her supplications. The black veil of slavery has shut out the + past good of her life,—all her faithfulness has gone for nothing; + she has passed into that channel where only the man-dealer seeks her for + the few dollars worth of labour left in a once powerful body. Oh! valuable + remnant of a life, how soon it may be exhausted-forgotten! + </p> + <p> + Bidders have some doubts about the amount of labour she can yet perform; + and, after much manifest hesitancy, she is knocked down to Romescos for + the sum of two hundred and seventy dollars. "There! 'tain't a bad price + for ye, nohow!" says the vender, laconically. "Get down, old woman." + Rachel moves to the steps, and is received by Romescos, who, taking his + purchase by the arm, very mechanically sets it on one side. "Come, Auntie, + we'll make a corn-cracker a' you, until such time as we can put yer old + bones in trim to send south. Generousness, ye see, made me gin more nor ye + war' worth-not much work in ye when ye take it on the square;—but a + feller what understands the trimmin' a' niggers like I can do ye up young, + and put an honest face on while he's cheatin' some green chap with yer old + bones." Romescos, very clever in his profession, is not quite sure that + his newly-purchased property will "stay put." He turns about suddenly, + approaches Rachel-crouched in a corner-mumbling over some incomprehensible + jargon, evidently very much disturbed in her feelings, saying, "I kind a' + think I see devil in yer eye, old woman." Rachel turns her head aside, but + makes no answer. Mr. Romescos will make everything certain; so, drawing a + cord, similar to a small sized clothes line, from his pocket, she holds up + her hands at his bidding: he winds it several times round her wrists, then + ties it securely. "The property's all safe now," he whispers, and returns + to attend the bidding arrangements. + </p> + <p> + One by one-mothers, fathers, and single property, old and young, as may + be-are put upon the stand; sold for the various uses of manifest + democracy. Harry,—the thinking property, whose sense-keeping has + betrayed the philosophy of profound democracy,—is a preacher, and, + by the value of his theological capacity, attracts more than ordinary + attention. But his life has been a failure,—a mere experiment in + divinity struggling with the sensitive power of model democracy. He now + seems impatient to know that doom to which the freedom of an enlightened + age has consigned him. One minute some cheering hope of his getting a good + master presents itself in a familiar face; then it turns away, and with it + vanishes his hope. Another comes forward, but it is merely to view his + fine proportions. + </p> + <p> + Harry has feelings, and is strongly inclined to cling to the opinion that + those who know his character and talents, will be inclined to purchase. + Will they save him from the cruelties of ordinary plantation life? + </p> + <p> + "Now for the preacher!"-Mr. Forshou touches his hat, politely. "Gentlemen + purchasing, and wanting a church can be accommodated with that article + to-morrow. Come, boy, mount up here!" The preaching article draws his + steps reluctantly, gets up, and there stands,—a black divine: + anybody may look at him, anybody may examine him, anybody may kick him; + anybody may buy him, body, soul, and theology. How pleasing, how + charmingly liberal, is the democracy that grants the sweet privilege of + doing all these things! Harry has a few simple requests to make, which his + black sense might have told him the democracy could not grant. He requests + (referring to his position as a minister of the gospel) that good + master-the vender-will sell him with his poor old woman, and that he do + not separate him from his dear children. In support of his appeal he sets + forth, in language that would be impressive were it from white lips, that + he wants to teach his little ones in the ways of the Lord. "Do, mas'r! try + sell us so we live together, where my heart can feel and my eyes see my + children," he concludes, pointing to his children (living emblems of an + oppressed race), who, with his hapless wife, are brought forward and + placed on the stand at his feet. Harry (the vender pausing a moment) + reaches out his hand (that hand so feared and yet so harmless), and + affectionately places it on the head of his youngest child; then, taking + it up, he places it in the arms of his wife,—perhaps not long to be + so,—who stands trembling and sobbing at his side. Behold how + picturesque is the fruit of democracy! Three small children, clinging + round the skirts of a mother's garment, casting sly peeps at purchasers as + if they had an instinctive knowledge of their fate. They must be sold for + the satisfaction of sundry debts held by sundry democratic creditors. How + we affect to scorn the tyranny of Russia, because of her serfdom! Would to + God there were truth and virtue in the scorn! + </p> + <p> + Mr. Forshou, the very sensitive and gentlemanly vender-he has dropped the + title of honourable, which was given him on account of his having been a + member of the State Senate-takes Harry by the right hand, and leads him + round, where, at the front of the tribune, customers may have a much + better opportunity of seeing for themselves. + </p> + <p> + "Yes! he's a swell-a right good fellow." Mr. Forshou turns to his + schedule, glancing his eye up and down. "I see; it's put down here in the + invoice: a minister-warranted sound in every respect. It does seem to me, + gentlemen, that here 's a right smart chance for a planter who 'tends to + the pious of his niggers, giving them a little preaching once in a while. + Now, let the generous move; shake your dimes; let us turn a point, and see + what can be done in the way of selling the lot,—preacher, wife, and + family. The boy, Harry, is a preacher by nature; has by some unknown + process tumbled into the profession. He's a methodist, I reckon! But + there's choice field property in him; and his wife, one of the primest + wenches in the gang, never says die when there's plenty of cotton to pick. + As for the young uns, they are pure stock. You must remember, gentlemen, + preachers are not in the market every day; and when one's to be got + that'll preach the right stripe, there's no knowing the value of him-" + </p> + <p> + "We don't want so much of this," interrupts a voice in the crowd. + </p> + <p> + "Rather anxious to buy the feller," Mr. Forshou replies, affecting much + indifference. He will say a few words more. "Think the matter over, upon + strict principles of political economy, and you'll find, gentlemen, he's + just the article for big planters. I am happy to see the calm and serene + faces of three of my friends of the clergy present; will they not take an + interest for a fellow-worker in a righteous cause?" The vender smiles, + seems inclined to jocularity, to which the gentlemen in black are + unwilling to submit. They have not been moving among dealers, and + examining a piece of property here and there, with any sinecure motive. + They view the vender's remarks as exceedingly offensive, return a look of + indignation, and slowly, as if with wounded piety, walk away. The + gentlemen in black are most sensitive when any comparison is made between + them and a black brother. How horible shocked they seem, as, with white + neckerchiefs so modest, they look back as they merge from the mart into + the street! + </p> + <p> + It is a question whether these sensitive divines were shocked at the + affectation and cold indifference manifested by legitimate dealers, or at + the vender's very impertinent remarks. We will not charge aught against + our brethren of the clergy: no, we will leave the question open to the + reader. We love them as good men who might labour for a better cause; we + will leave them valiant defenders of southern chivalry, southern + generosity, southern affability, and southern injustice. To be offended at + so small an affair as selling a brother clergyman,—to make the + insinuation that they are not humane, cause of insult,—is, indeed, + the very essence of absurdity. + </p> + <p> + The vender makes a few side-motions with his thumbs, winks to several of + his customers, and gives a significant nod, as the gentlemen in black pass + out of the insulting establishment. "Well, gentlemen, I'm sorry if I've + offended anybody; but there's a deep-rooted principle in what I've said, + nor do I think it christian for the clergy to clear out in that shape. + However, God bless 'em; let 'em go on their way rejoicing. Here's the + boy-he turns and puts his hand kindly on Harry's shoulder-and his wench, + and his young uns,—a minister and family, put down in the invoice as + genuine prime. Our worthy sheriff's a good judge of deacons-the + sheriff-high functionary-acknowledges the compliment by respectfully + nodding-and my opinion is that the boy'll make a good bishop yet: he only + wants an apron and a fair showing." He touches Harry under the chin, + laughing heartily the while. + </p> + <p> + "Yes, master," replies Harry-he has little of the negro accent-quieting + his feelings; "what I larn is all from the Bible, while master slept. Sell + my old woman and little ones with me; my heart is in their welfare-" + </p> + <p> + "Don't trifle with the poor fellow's feelings; put him up and sell him to + the best advantage. There's nobody here that wants a preacher and family. + It's only depreciating the value of the property to sell it in the lot," + says Graspum, in a firm voice. He has been standing as unmoved as a stoic, + seeing nothing but property in the wretch of a clergyman, whose natural + affections, pictured in his imploring looks, might have touched some + tender chord of his feelings. + </p> + <p> + After several attempts, it is found impossible to sell the minister and + his family in one lot. Hence, by the force of necessity, his agonising + beseechings pouring forth, he is put up like other single bales of + merchandise, and sold to Mr. M'Fadden, of A—district. The minister + brought eleven hundred dollars, ready money down! The purchaser is a + well-known planter; he has worked his way up in the world, is a rigid + disciplinarian, measuring the square inches of labour in his property, and + adapting the best process of bringing it all out. + </p> + <p> + "He's all I want," says M'Fadden, making a move outward, and edging his + way through the crowd. + </p> + <p> + "A moment with my poor old woman, master, if you please?" says Harry, + turning round to his wife. + </p> + <p> + "None of your black humbugging; there's wives enough on my place, and a + parson can have his choice out of fifty," returns M'Fadden, dragging him + along by the arm. The scene that here ensues is harrowing in the extreme. + The cries and sobs of children,—the solicitude and affection of his + poor wife, as she throws her arms about her husband's neck,—his + falling tears of sorrow, as one by one he snatches up his children and + kisses them,—are painfully touching. It is the purest, simplest, + holiest of love, gushing forth from nature's fountain. It were well if we + could but cherish its heavenly worth. That woman, the degraded of a + despised race, her arms round a fond husband's neck, struggling with + death-like grasp, and imploring them not to take him from her. The men who + have made him merchandise,—who have trodden his race in the dust,—look + on unmoved as the unfeeling purchaser drags him from the embrace of all + that is near and dear to him on earth. Here, in this boasted freest + country the sun shines on-where freedom was bequeathed by our brave + forefathers,—where the complex tyranny of an old world was + overthrown,—such scenes violate no law. When will the glorious, the + happy day of their death come? When shall the land be free? + </p> + <p> + M'Fadden, having paid the price of his clergyman, drags him to the door. + "Once more, master," mutters the victim, looking back with fear and hope + pictured on his imploring face. M'Fadden has no patience with such useless + implorings, and orders him to move along. "I will see them once more!" the + man exclaims, "I will! Good bye! may Heaven bless you on earth, my little + ones!-God will protect us when we meet again!" The tears course down his + cheeks. + </p> + <p> + "None of that ar' kind of nonsense! Shut down yer tear-trap," says + M'Fadden, calling an attendant, and, drawing a pair of irons from his + pocket, placing them about Harry's hands. Mr. M'Fadden's property shows + signs of being somewhat belligerent: to obviate any further nonsense, and + to make short work of the thing, Mr. M'Fadden calls in aid, throws his + property on the ground, ties its legs with a piece of rope, places it upon + a drag, and orders it to be conveyed to the depot, from whence it will be + despatched by rail for a new home. + </p> + <p> + This little ceremony over, the wife and children (Romescos and M'Fadden, + not very good friends, were competitors for the preacher property) are put + up and sold to Romescos. That skilful and very adroit gentleman is engaged + to do the exciting business of separating, which he is progressing with + very coolly and cleverly. The whole scene closes with selling the animal + property and farming utensils. Happy Christian brothers are they who would + spread the wings of their Christianity over such scenes! + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0021" id="link2HCH0021"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XX. — A FATHER'S TRIALS. + </h2> + <p> + IF modern Christianity, as improved in our southern world-we mean our + world of slavery-had blushes, it might improve the use of them were we to + recount in detail the many painful incidents which the improved and very + christianly process of separating husbands from wives, parents from + children, brothers from sisters, and friends from all the ties and + associations the heart, gives birth to. Negroes have tender sympathies, + strong loves. Reader, we will save your feelings,—we will not + recount them; our aim is not to excite undue feeling, but to relate + every-day scenes. + </p> + <p> + Days and weeks pass on drearily with Marston. Unhappy, forlorn, driven to + the last extremity by obdurate creditors, he waits the tardy process of + the law. He seldom appears in public; for those who professed to be his + best friends have become his coldest acquaintances. But he has two friends + left,—friends whose pure friendship is like sweetest dew-drops: they + are Franconia and Daddy Bob. The rusty old servant is faithful, full of + benevolence, gratitude, and unshaken fidelity; the other is the generous + woman, in whose bosom beat the tender impulses of a noble soul. Those + impulses have been moved to action in defence of the innocent; they never + can be defeated. Bob is poor, abject, and old with toil. He cares not to + be free,—he wants mas'r free. But there yet remains some value in + Bob; and he has secreted himself, in hopes of escaping the man-dealer, and + sharing his earnings in the support of old mas'r. Franconia is differently + situated; yet she can only take advantage of circumstances which yet + depend upon the caprice of a subtle-minded husband. Over both these + friends of the unfortunate, slavery has stretched its giant arms, + confusing the social system, uprooting the integrity of men, weakening + respect for law, violating the best precepts of nature, substituting + passion for principle, confounding reason, and enslaving public opinion. + </p> + <p> + Under the above disorganising state of the social compact, the children, + known to be Marston's, are pursued as property belonging to the bankrupt + estate. When the law has made it such, it must be sold in satisfaction of + Marston's debts. + </p> + <p> + Seven months have passed since they were shut up in a felon's cell. They + have been visited by Marston; he has been kind to them,—kind as a + father could be under such circumstances. Franconia has not forgotten + them: she sends many little things to lighten the gloom of their + confinement; but society closes her lips, and will frown upon any + disclosure she may make of their parentage. Were she to disclose it to + Colonel M'Carstrow, the effect would be doubtful: it might add to the + suspicious circumstances already excited against her unfortunate uncle. + The paramount question-whether they are hereafter to be chattel slaves, or + human beings with inalienable rights-must be submitted to the decision of + a judicial tribunal. It is by no means an uncommon case, but very full of + interest. It will merely be interesting-not as involving any new question + of law, nor presenting new phases of southern jurisprudence-in showing + what very notorious dealers in human kind, and lawyers of great legal + ability, can morally and legally perform. It will show how great men + figure in the arena of legal degradation, how they unravel the mystery of + slave power. + </p> + <p> + Graspum, professedly uninterested, has purchased the claims, and will + pursue the payment in the name of the original plaintiffs. With Romescos's + cunning aid, of course the trial will be a perfect farce, the only + exception being that the very profound Mr. Graspum will exhibit a degree + of great sincerity on his part. + </p> + <p> + The sessions are sitting; the day for the trial of this important case has + arrived; the little dingy court-room is early crowded to excess, but there + is not much expression of anxiety. Men speak lightly of the issue, as if + some simple game were to be played. The judge, a grave-looking gentleman + of no ordinary mien, in whose full countenance sternness is predominant in + the well-displayed estimation in which he holds his important self, walks + measuredly into court-the lacqueys of the law crying "Court! court!" to + which he bows-and takes his seat upon an elevated tribune. There is great + solemnity preserved at the opening: the sheriff, with well-ordained + costume and sword, sits at his honour's left, his deputy on the right, and + the very honourable clerk of the court just below, where there can be no + impediment during the process of feeding "the Court" on very legal points + of "nigger law." In truth, the solemnity of this court, to those + unacquainted with the tenor of legal proceedings at the south, might have + been misconstrued for something more in keeping with justice. + </p> + <p> + The legal gentlemen, most modest of face, are seated round the bar-a + semicircular railing dividing their dignity from the common + spectator-waiting the reading of the docket. The clerk takes his time + about that, and seems a great favourite with the spectators, who applaud + his rising. He reads, the sheriff crying "order! order!" while the judge + learnedly examines his notes. Some consultation takes place between + several of the attorneys, which is interlarded with remarks from the + judge, who, with seeming satisfaction to all parties, orders the case of + B. C. R. K. Marston's writ of replevin to be called and proceeded with. + "As there are three fi fas," says the junior attorney for the defendants, + a very lean strippling of the law, just working his way up in the world, + "I object to the manner of procedure; the case only involves a question of + law, and should be submitted to the special decision of the Court. It is + not a matter for a jury to decide upon," he concludes. The judge has + listened to his remarks, objections, and disclaimers, with marked + attention; nevertheless, he is compelled to overrule them, and order the + case to proceed. Upon this it is agreed among the attorneys-happy fellows, + always ready to agree or disagree-that a decision taken upon one fi fa + shall be held as establishing a decision for all the cases at issue. + </p> + <p> + The children are now brought into Court, and seated near one of the + attorneys. Marston stands, almost motionless, a few steps back, gazing + upon them as intently and solicitously as if the issue were life or death. + Deacon Rosebrook, his good lady, and Franconia, have been summoned as + witnesses, and sit by the side of each other on a bench within the bar. We + hear a voice here and there among the crowd of spectators expressing + sympathy for the children; others say they are only "niggers," and can't + be aught else, if it be proved that Marston bought the mother. And there + is Mr. Scranton! He is well seated among the gentlemen of the legal + profession, for whom he has a strong fellow feeling. He sits, unmoved, in + his wonted moodiness; now and then he gives the children a sly look of + commiseration, as if the screws of his feelings were unloosing. They-the + little property-look so interesting, so innocent, so worthy of being + something more than merchandise in a land of liberty, that Mr. Scranton's + heart has become irresistibly softened. It gets a few degrees above Mr. + Scranton's constitutional scruples. "Painful affair this! What do you + think of it, Mr. Scranton?" enquires a member of the profession, touching + his arm. + </p> + <p> + "It is the fruit of Marston's weakness, you see!-don't feel just straight, + I reckon. Didn't understand the philosophy of the law, neither; and finds + himself pinched up by a sort of humanity that won't pass for a legal + tender in business-" + </p> + <p> + "Ah! we cannot always look into the future," interrupts the attorney. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Scranton holds that whatever is constitutional must be right and + abidable; that one's feelings never should joggle our better understanding + when these little curiosities come in the way. He admits, however, that + they are strange attendants coming up once in a while, like the + fluctuations of an occult science. With him, the constitution gives an + indisputable right to overlook every outrage upon natural law; and, while + it exists in full force, though it may strip one half the human race of + rights, he has no right to complain so long as it does not interfere with + him. It strikes Mr. Scranton that people who differ with him in opinion + must have been educated under the teaching of a bad philosophy. Great + governments, he holds, often nurture the greatest errors. It matters not + how much they feel their magnitude; often, the more they do, the least + inclined are they to correct them. Others fear the constitutional + structure so much, that they stand trembling lest the slightest correction + totter it to the ground. Great governments, too, are most likely to stand + on small points when these errors are pointed out. Mr. Scranton declares, + with great emphasis, that all these things are most legally true, + perfectly natural: they follow in man as well as governments. + </p> + <p> + With all due deference to Mr. Scranton's opinion, so much demanded among + his admiring neighbours, it must be said that he never could bring his + mind to understand the difference between natural philosophy and his own + constitutional scruples, and was very apt to commit himself in argument, + forgetting that the evil was in the fruits of a bad system, bringing + disgrace upon his countrymen, corrupting the moral foundation of society, + spreading vice around the domestic fireside, and giving to base-minded men + power to speculate in the foulness of their own crimes. + </p> + <p> + The case is opened by the attorney for the plaintiff, who makes a great + many direct and indirect remarks, and then calls witnesses. "Marco + Graspum!" the clerk exclaims. That gentleman comes forward, takes his + place, calmly, upon the witnesses' stand. At first he affects to know but + little; then suddenly remembers that he has heard Marston call their + mothers property. Further, he has heard him, while extolling their + qualities, state the purchase to have been made of one Silenus, a trader. + </p> + <p> + "He stated-be sure now!-to you, that he purchased them of one Silenus, a + trader?" interpolates the judge, raising his glasses, and advancing his + ear, with his hand raised at its side. + </p> + <p> + Yes, yer honour!" "Please observe this testimony," rejoins the attorney, + quickly. He bows; says that is enough. The opposing attorney has no + question to put on cross-examination: he knows Graspum too well. Being + quite at home with the gentlemen of the legal profession, they know his + cool nonchalance never can be shaken upon a point of testimony. + </p> + <p> + "Any questions to put?" asks the legal opponent, with an air of + indifference. + </p> + <p> + "No, nothing," is the reply. + </p> + <p> + His brother of special pleas smiles, gives a cunning glance at Graspum, + and wipes his face with a very white handkerchief. He is conscious of the + character of his man; it saves all further trouble. "When we know who we + have to deal with, we know how to deal," he mutters, as he sits down. + </p> + <p> + Graspum retires from the stand, and takes his seat among the witnesses. + "We will now call Anthony Romescos," says the attorney. A few minutes' + pause, and that individual rolls out in all his independence, takes his + place on the stand. He goes through a long series of questioning and + cross-questioning, answers for which he seems to have well studied. + </p> + <p> + The whole amounts to nothing more than a corroboration of Graspum's + testimony. He has heard Marston call their mothers property: once, he + thinks, but would hesitate before pledging his honour, that Marston + offered to him the woman Clotilda. Yes; it was her! + </p> + <p> + Considerable excitement is now apparent; the auditory whisper among + themselves, attorneys put their heads together, turn and turn over the + leaves of their statutes. His honour, the Court, looks wiser still. + Marston trembles and turns pale; his soul is pinioned between hope and + fear. Romescos has told something more than he knows, and continues, at + random, recounting a dozen or more irrelevant things. The court, at + length, deems it necessary to stop his voluntary testimony, orders that he + only answer such questions as are put to him. + </p> + <p> + "There's no harm in a feller tellin' what he knows, eh! judge?" returns + Romescos, dropping a quid of tobacco at his side, bowing sarcastically to + the judge, and drawing his face into a comical picture. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Romescos is told that he can stand aside. At this seemingly acceptable + announcement, he bristles his crispy red hair with his fingers, shrugs his + shoulders, winks at two or three of the jurymen, pats Graspum on the + shoulder as he passes him, and takes his seat. + </p> + <p> + "We will close the case here, but reserve the right of introducing further + testimony, if necessary," says the learned and very honourable counsel. + </p> + <p> + The defence here rises, and states the means by which his client intends + to prove the freedom of the children; and concludes by calling over the + names of the witnesses. Franconia! Franconia! we hear that name called; it + sounds high above the others, and falls upon our ear most mournfully. + Franconia, that sweet creature of grace and delicacy, brought into a court + where the scales of injustice are made to serve iniquity! + </p> + <p> + Franconia's reserve and modesty put legal gentlemen's gallantry to the + test. One looks over the pages of his reports, another casts a sly look as + she sweeps by to take that place the basest of men has just left. The + interested spectators stretch their persons anxiously, to get a look at + the two pretty children, honourable and legal gentlemen are straining + their ability to reduce to property. There stands the blushing woman, calm + and beautiful, a virtuous rebuke to curious spectators, mercenary slave + dealers, the very learned gentlemen of the bar, and his enthroned honour, + the Court! She will give testimony that makes nature frown at its own + degradation. Not far from Franconia sits the very constitutional Mr. + Scranton, casting side glances now and then. Our philosopher certainly + thinks, though he will not admit it, the chivalry is overtaxing itself; + there was no occasion for compelling so fair a creature to come into + court, and hear base testimony before a base crowd,—to aid a base + law in securing base ends. And then, just think and blush, ye who have + blushes to spare. + </p> + <p> + "Will the learned gentleman proceed with the examination of this witness?" + says his honour, who, pen in hand, has been waiting several minutes to + take down her testimony. Court and audience, without knowing why, have + come to an unconscious pause. + </p> + <p> + "Will the witness state to the court in what relation she stands to the + gentleman who defends title freedom of the children,—Mr. Hugh + Marston?" says the attorney, addressing his bland words to Franconia, + somewhat nervously. + </p> + <p> + "He—he—he—is my—," she mutters, and stops. Her + face turns pale; then suddenly changes to glowing crimson. She rests her + left hand on the rail, while the judge, as if suddenly moved by a generous + impulse, suggests that the attorney pause a moment, until the deputy + provides a chair for the lady. She is quiet again. Calmly and modestly, as + her soft, meaning eyes wander over the scene before her, compelled to + encounter its piercing gaze, the crystal tears leave their wet courses on + her blushing cheeks. Her feelings are too delicate, too sensitive, to + withstand the sharp and deadly poison of liberty's framework of black + laws. She sees her uncle, so kind, so fond of her and her absent brother; + her eye meets his in kindred sympathy, imagination wings its way through + recollections of the past, draws forth its pleasures with touching + sensations, and fills the cup too full. That cup is the fountain of the + soul, from which trouble draws its draughts. She watches her uncle as he + turns toward the children; she knows they are his; she feels how much he + loves them. + </p> + <p> + The attorney—the man of duty—is somewhat affected. "I have a + duty to perform," he says, looking at the court, at the witness, at the + children, at the very red-faced clerk, at the opposing counsel, and + anything within the precincts of the court-room. We see his lips move; he + hesitates, makes slight gesticulations, turns and turns a volume of + Blackstone with his hands, and mutters something we cannot understand. The + devil is doing battle with his heart-a heart bound with the iron strings + of the black law. At length, in broken accents, we catch the following + remarks, which the learned gentleman thinks it necessary to make in order + to save his gallantry:—"I am sorry—extremely sorry, to see the + witness, a lady so touchingly sensitive, somewhat affected; but, + nevertheless" (the gentleman bows to the judge, and says the Court will + understand his position!) "it is one of those cases which the demands of + the profession at times find us engaged in. As such we are bound, morally, + let me say, as well as legally, to protect the interests of our clients. + In doing so, we are often compelled to encounter those delicate + irregularities to which the laws governing our peculiar institutions are + liable. I may say that they are so interwoven with our peculiar + institution, that to act in accordance with our duty makes it a painful + task to our feelings. We—I may appeal to the court for corroboration—can + scarcely pursue an analysation of these cases without pain; I may say, + remorse of conscience." Mr. Petterwester, for such is his name, is + evidently touched with that sense of shame which the disclosures of the + black system bring upon his profession. This is aided by the fascinating + appearance of the witness on the stand. It is irresistible because it is + at variance with those legal proceedings, those horrors of southern + jurisprudence, which he is pressing for the benefit of his clients. Again + he attempts to put another question, but is seized with a tremor; he + blushes, is nervous and confused, casts a doubting look at the judge. That + functionary is indeed very grave—unmoved. The responsibility of the + peculiar institution sorely hardened the war of heart against head that + was waging among the learned gentlemen; but the institution must be + preserved, for its political power works wonders, and its legal power is + wondrously curious. "Please tell the court and jury what you know about + the relation in which these children stand to the gentleman who asserts + their freedom, dear madam? We will not trouble you with questions; make a + statement," says Mr. Petterwester, with great sincerity of manner. Indeed, + Mr. Petterwester has been highly spoken of among the very oldest, most + respectable, and best kind of female society, for his gallantry. + </p> + <p> + The brother opposite, a small gentleman, with an exceedingly studious + countenance, dressed in shining black, and a profusion of glossy hair + falling upon his shoulders, rises with great legal calmness, and objects + to the manner of procedure, describing it as contrary to the + well-established rules of the bar. The court interpolates a few remarks, + and then intimates that it very seriously thinks gentlemen better waive + the points,—better come to an understanding to let the lady make her + statements! Courtesy entitles her, as a lady, to every respect and + consideration. The gentlemen, having whispered a few words together, bow + assent to the high functionary's intimation. + </p> + <p> + Franconia proceeds. She asserts that Hugh Marston (pointing to him) is her + uncle; that she knows little or nothing of his business affairs, cannot + tell why her brother left the country so suddenly; she knew Clotilda and + Ellen Juvarna, mothers of the children. They never were considered among + the property of the plantation. Her short story is told in touching tones. + The learned and gallant attorney, esteeming it indispensable, puts a + question or two as to whether anything was ever said about selling them in + consequence of certain jealousies. Before the brother can object, she + answers them evasively, and the testimony amounts to just no testimony at + all. The court, bowing respectfully, informs the lady she can get down + from the stand. + </p> + <p> + The next witness called is Mrs. Rosebrook. This good and benevolent lady + is more resolute and determined. The gentlemen of the bar find her quite + clever enough for them. Approaching the stand with a firm step, she takes + her place as if determined upon rescuing the children. Her answers come + rather faster than is compatible with the dignity of the learned gentlemen + of the bar. She knows Marston, knows Franconia, knows the old plantation, + has spent many happy hours upon it, is sorry to see the old proprietor + reduced to this state of things. She knows the two children,—dear + creatures,—has always had a kindly feeling for them; knew their poor + mothers, has befriended them since Marston's troubles began. She + always-her large, loving eyes glowing with the kindness of her soul-heard + Marston say they were just as free as people could be, and they should be + free, too! Some people did'nt look at the moral obligation of the thing. + Here, the good lady, blushing, draws the veil over her face. There is + something more she would like to disclose if modesty did not forbid. + </p> + <p> + "Nothing direct in such testimony, your honour will perceive!" says Mr. + Petterwester, directing himself to the judge. + </p> + <p> + "Is there any question with regard to the father of the children?" + enquires his honour, again placing his hand to his ear and leaning forward + inquisitively. His honour suddenly forgot himself. + </p> + <p> + "Ah, ha'h, he-em! The question, so buried under a mountain of complexity, + requires very nice legal discrimination to define it properly. However, we + must be governed by distinct pleadings, and I think that, in this case, + this specific question is not material; nor do my brother colleagues of + the Bench think it would be advisable to establish such questions, lest + they affect the moral purity of the atmosphere we live in." + </p> + <p> + "If your honour will permit it, I may say it will only be necessary in + this case to establish the fact of property existing in the mothers. That + will settle the whole question; fathers, as you are aware, not being + embraced in the law regulating this species of property;" the learned + gentleman instructs the court. + </p> + <p> + His honour, rejoining with a few very grave and very legal remarks, says + they look very much alike, and are of one mother. He is a little + undecided, however, takes another good stare at them, and then adds his + glasses, that the affinity may be more clear. Turning again to his book, + he examines his pages, vacantly. A legal wag, who has been watching the + trial for mere amusement, whispering in the ear of his brother, insinuates + that the presiding functionary is meditating some problem of speculation, + and has forgotten the point at issue. + </p> + <p> + "No!" interrupts Mr. Petterwester, "your honour is curiously labouring + under an error; they have two mothers, both of the same tenour in life—that + is"—Mr. Petterwester corrects himself—"embodying the same + questions of property. The issue of the case now on is taken as final over + the rest." + </p> + <p> + "Ah! bless me, now-I-rather-see-into it. The clerk will hand me Cobb's + Georgia Reports. A late case, curiously serious, there recorded, may lead + me to gather a parallel. Believe me, gentlemen, my feelings are not so + dead-his honour addresses himself to the bar in general—that I + cannot perceive it to be one of those very delicate necessities of our law + which so embarrasses the gallantry of the profession at times—" + </p> + <p> + "Yes! yer honour," the attorney for the defence suddenly interrupts, "and + which renders it no less a disgrace to drag ladies of high rank into a + court of this kind—." + </p> + <p> + His honour can assure the learned gentleman that this court has very high + functions, and can administer justice equal to anything this side of + divine power,—his honour interrupts, indignantly. + </p> + <p> + "The court misunderstood the counsel,—he had no reference to the + unquestioned high authority of the tribunal; it was only the character of + the trials brought before it. When, notwithstanding our boasts of + chivalry, delicate ladies are dragged before it in this manner, they must + not only endure the painful tenour of the evidence, but submit to the + insolence of men who would plunder nature of its right—" + </p> + <p> + "I shall claim the protection of the court against such unprofessional + imputations," his brother of the opposite interrupts, rising and affecting + an air of indignation. The court, quite bewildered, turns a listening ear + to his remarks—"Hopes the learned gentlemen will not disgrace + themselves." + </p> + <p> + Order! order! order! demands the sheriff, making a flourish with his + sword. The spectators, rising on tip-toe, express their anxiety to have + the case proceed. They whisper, shake their heads, and are heard to say + that it will be utterly useless to attempt anything against the testimony + of Graspum and Romescos. Mr. Graspum, in the fulness of his slavish and + impudent pedantry, feeling secure in the possession of his victims, sits + within the bar, seeming to feel his position elevated a few degrees above + his highness the judge. + </p> + <p> + "I do hope the interposition of this Court will not be necessary in this + case. Gentlemen of the learned profession should settle those differences + more like gentlemen," says his honour, looking down upon his minions with + a frown of contempt. + </p> + <p> + "The matter is one entirely of a professional nature, yer honour!" + responds the scion of the law, quickly, first addressing himself to the + judge, and then to the jury. "If the testimony we have already adduced—direct + as it is—be not sufficient to establish the existence of property in + these children" (Romescos has just whispered something in his ear) "we + will produce other testimony of the most conclusive character. However, we + will yield all further cross-questioning the ladies; and I now suggest + that they be relieved from the painful position of appearing before this + court again." + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Rosebrook descends from the stand amidst murmurs and applause. Some + amount of legal tact now ensues; the attorney for the prosecution displays + an earnestness amounting to personal interest. + </p> + <p> + Here the counsel for the defence steps forward, whispers to the clerk, and + gives notice that he shall call witnesses to impeach the characters of + Graspum and Romescos. These two high dignitaries, sitting together, + express the utmost surprise at such an insinuation. The character of + neither is sacred material, nor will it stand even in a southern + atmosphere. They have been pronounced legally impure many years ago. + </p> + <p> + Just at this juncture there is quite an excitement in the court-room. + Romescos, like a disfigured statue, rises from among his legal friends and + addresses the court on the independent principle. "Well now, Squire, if + ya'r goin' to play that ar' lawyer game on a feller what don't understand + the dodge, I'll just put a settler on't; I'll put a settler on't what ya' + won't get over. My word's my honour; didn't come into this establishment + to do swarin' cos I wanted to; seein' how, when a feller's summoned by the + Boss Squire, he's got to walk up and tell the truth and nothin' shorter. I + knows ya' don't feel right about it; and it kind a hurts a feller's + feelins to make property of such nice young uns, especially when one knows + how nice they've been brought up. This aint the thing, though; 'taint the + way to get along in the world; and seein' I'm a man of honour, and + wouldn't do a crooked thing nohow-" + </p> + <p> + His honour the Sheriff, being somewhat impressed with the fact that Mr. + Romescos is rather transgressing the rules of the court, interposes. His + defence of his honour cannot longer be tolerated; and yet, very much after + the fashion of great outlaws, who, when arraigned for their crimes, think + themselves very badly used men, Romescos has the most exalted opinion of + himself; never for a moment entertains a doubt of his own integrity. + </p> + <p> + He reaches over the bar; places his lips to the attorney's ear; is about + to whisper something. That gentleman quickly draws back, as if his + presence were repulsive. Not the least offended, Romescos winks + significantly, crooks the fore-finger of his right hand, and + says-"something that'll put the stopper on." The legal gentleman seems + reconciled; listens attentively to the important information. "All right! + nothing more is needed," he says, rising from his seat, and asking + permission to introduce proof which will render it quite unnecessary to + proceed with anything that may have for its object the impeachment of the + witnesses. + </p> + <p> + The attorney for the defence objects to this mode of procedure; and the + judge, having sustained the objections, orders the counsel to proceed with + his witnesses. Several persons, said to be of very high standing, are now + called. They successively depose that they would not believe Romescos nor + Graspum upon oath; notwithstanding, both may be very honourable and + respectable gentlemen. Thus invalidating the testimony of these high + functionaries of the peculiar institution, the gentleman of the + prosecution has an opportunity of producing his conclusive proof. Romescos + has been seen passing him a very suspicious-looking document. + </p> + <p> + All attention is now directed to the children; they sit pensively, + unconscious of the dread fate hanging over them. "What can this testimony + be?" rings in whispers about the court-room. Some deep intrigue is going + on; it is some unforeseen movement of the slave-dealers, not comprehended + by the spectators. Can the bone-fide creditors be implicated? Even Mr. + Scranton feels that his knowledge of the philosophy of slave power is + completely at fault. + </p> + <p> + "Now, your honour, and gentlemen of the jury," says the gentleman of the + prosecution, "I am fully aware of the painful suspense in which this case + has kept the court, the jury, and the very respectable persons I see + assembled; but, notwithstanding the respectability and well-known position + of my clients and witnesses, the defence in this case has succeeded in + expunging the testimony, and compelling us to bring forward such proof as + cannot be impeached." Here the legal gentleman draws from his pocket a + stained and coloured paper, saying, "Will the gentlemen of the jury be + kind enough to minutely examine that instrument." He passes it to the + foreman. + </p> + <p> + "What is the purport of the instrument?" his honour enquires. + </p> + <p> + "The bill of sale, your honour." + </p> + <p> + Foreman has examined it satisfactorily; passes it to several of his + fellows. All are satisfied. He returns it to the learned gentleman. That + very important and chivalrous individual throws it upon the table with + great self-confidence. + </p> + <p> + His honour would like to scan over its details. It is passed to the little + fat clerk, and by that gentleman to his honour. "Very, singularly strong!" + his honour says, giving his head a very wise shake. + </p> + <p> + "When the court gets through," says the advocate for the defence, rising + and placing his hand on the clerk's desk. + </p> + <p> + "The gentleman can examine," replies the court, passing it coldly to the + Sheriff, who politely forwards it. + </p> + <p> + He turns it and turns it; reads it slowly; examines the dates minutely. + "How did the prosecution come in possession of this document?" + </p> + <p> + His brother of the law objects, "That's not an admissible question. If the + defence will institute an action against the parties for unlawfully + procuring it, we will take great pleasure in showing our hands. It may be, + however, well to say, that Mr. Marston and Mr. Graspum have always been on + the most friendly terms; but the former gentleman forgot to take care of + this very essential document," he continues, taking it from the hand of + his professional brother, and turning toward the spectators, his + countenance glowing with exultation. The pride of his ambition is served. + The profession has honourably sustained itself through the wonderful + abilities of this learned brother, who, holding the paper in his hand, + awaits the gracious applause of the assembled spectators. There is some + applause, some murmuring, much whispering. + </p> + <p> + The court, in coldly measured words, hopes the audience will evince no + excitement pro or con. + </p> + <p> + Some persons declare the bill of sale a forgery,—that Romescos has + tried that very same trick twice before. Others say it matters but little + on that score,—that all the law in the country won't restrain + Graspum; if he sets at it in good earnest he can turn any sort of people + into property. A third whispers that the present order of things must be + changed, or nobody's children will be safe. Legal gentlemen, not + interested in the suit, shake their heads, and successively whisper, "The + prosecution never came by that bill of sale honestly." Creditors, not + parties to this suit, and brokers who now and then do something in the + trade of human beings, say, "If this be the way Marston's going to play + the dodge with his property, we will see if there be not some more under + the same shaded protection." + </p> + <p> + "Will the counsel for the defence permit his client to inspect this + instrument?" says the learned gentleman, passing it across the table. + </p> + <p> + Marston's face flushes with shame; he is overcome; he extends his + trembling hand and takes the fatal document. It is, to him, his children's + death-warrant. A cloud of darkness overshadows his hopes; he would + question the signature, but the signer, Silenus, is dead,—as dead as + the justice of the law by which the children are being tried. And there is + the bond attached to it! Again the thought flashed through his mind, that + he had sold Ellen Juvarna to Elder Pemberton Praiseworthy. However much he + might struggle to save his children-however much a father's obligations + might force themselves upon him-however much he might acknowledge them the + offspring of his own body, they were property in the law-property in the + hands of Graspum; and, with the forethought of that honourable gentleman + opposed to him—as it evidently was—his efforts and pleadings + would not only prove futile, but tend to expose Lorenzo's crime. + </p> + <p> + "The philosophy of the thing is coming out, just as I said-precisely," + ejaculates Mr. Scranton, raising his methodical eyes, and whispering to a + legal gentleman who sits at his right. + </p> + <p> + "Serious philosophy, that embraces and sanctions the sale of such lovely + children,—making property of one's children against his wishes! I'm + a great Southern rights man, but this is shaving the intermixture a little + too close," rejoins the other, casting a solicitous look at Marston, who + has been intently and nervously examining the bill of sale. + </p> + <p> + "Any objections to make to it?" says the learned gentleman, bowing + politely and extending his hand, as he concludes by inquiring how it + happened, in the face of such an array of evidence, that he sold the girl, + Ellen Juvarna? + </p> + <p> + "No objection, none!" is Marston's quick response. His head droops; he + wipes the tears from his eyes; he leaves the court in silence, amid + murmurs from the crowd. The female witnesses left before him; it was well + they did so. + </p> + <p> + That this is the original bill of sale, from one Silenus to Hugh Marston, + has been fully established. However painful the issue, nothing remained + but to give the case to the jury. All is silent for several minutes. The + judge has rarely sat upon a case of this kind. He sits unnerved, the pen + in his hand refusing to write as his thoughts wander into the wondrous + vortex of the future of slavery. But the spell has passed; his face shades + with pallor as slowly he rises to address the jury. He has but few words + to say; they fall like death-knells on the ears of his listeners. Some + touching words escape his hesitating lips; but duty, enforced by the iron + rod of slave power, demands him to sustain the laws of the land. He sets + forth the undisputed evidence contained in the bill of sale, the + unmistakeable bond, the singular and very high-handed attempt to conceal + it from the honest creditors, and the necessity of jurymen restraining + their sympathies for the children while performing a duty to the laws of + the land. Having thus made his brief address, he sits down; the sheriff + shoulders his tip-staff, and the august twelve, with papers provided, are + marched into the jury-room, as the court orders that the case of Dunton v. + Higgins be called. + </p> + <p> + Five minutes have intervened; the clerk calling the case s interrupted by + a knocking at the jury-room door; he stops his reading, the door is + opened, and the sheriff conducts his twelve gentlemen back to their seats. + Not a whisper is heard; the stillness of the tomb reigns over this high + judicial scene. The sheriff receives a packet of papers from the foreman's + hands, and passes them to the clerk. + </p> + <p> + "Gentlemen of the jury will please stand up," says that very amiable + functionary. "Have you agreed on your verdict?" The foreman bows assent. + </p> + <p> + "Guilty or not guilty, gentlemen?" + </p> + <p> + "Guilty," says the former, in tones like church-yard wailings: "Guilty. I + suppose that's the style we must render the verdict in?" The foreman is at + a loss to know what style of verdict is necessary. + </p> + <p> + "Yes," returns the clerk, bowing; and the gentlemen of the jury well + complimented by the judge, are discharged until to-morrow. The attorney + for the defence made a noble, generous, and touching appeal to the + fatherly twelve; but his appeal fell like dull mist before the majesty of + slavery. Guilty! O heavens, that ever the innocent should be made guilty + of being born of a mother! That a mother-that name so holy-should be + stained with the crime of bearing her child to criminal life! + </p> + <p> + Two children, fair and beautiful, are judged by a jury of twelve-perhaps + all good and kind fathers, free and enlightened citizens of a free and + happy republic-guilty of the crime of being born of a slave mother. Can + this inquiring jury, this thinking twelve, feel as fathers only can feel + when their children are on the precipice of danger? Could they but break + over that seeming invulnerable power of slavery which crushes humanity, + freezes up the souls of men, and makes the lives of millions but a blight + of misery, and behold with the honesty of the heart what a picture of + misery their voice "Guilty!" spreads before these unfortunate children, + how changed would be the result! + </p> + <p> + A judge, endeared to his own children by the kindest affections, feels no + compunction of conscience while administering the law which denies a + father his own children-which commands those children to be sold with the + beasts of the field! Mark the slender cord upon which the fate of these + unfortunates turns; mark the suffering through which they must pass. + </p> + <p> + The hand on the clock's pale face marks four. His honour reminds gentlemen + of the bar that it is time to adjourn court. Court is accordingly + adjourned. The crowd disperse in silence. Gentlemen of the legal + profession are satisfied the majesty of the law has been sustained. + </p> + <p> + Hence the guilty children, scions of rights-loving democracy, like two + pieces of valuable merchandise judicially decreed upon, are led back to + prison, where they will await sale. Annette has caught the sound of + "Guilty!"-she mutters it while being taken home from the court, in the + arms of an old slave. May heaven forgive the guilt we inherit from a + mother, in this our land of freedom! + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0022" id="link2HCH0022"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXI. — WE CHANGE WITH FORTUNE. + </h2> + <p> + BUT a few months have passed since the popularly called gallant M'Carstrow + led the fair Franconia to the hymeneal altar; and, now that he has taken + up his residence in the city, the excitement of the honeymoon is waning, + and he has betaken himself to his more congenial associations. The + beautiful Franconia for him had but transient charms, which he now views + as he would objects necessary to the gratifications of his coarse + passions. His feelings have not been softened with those finer + associations which make man the kind patron of domestic life; nor is his + mind capable of appreciating that respect for a wife which makes her an + ornament of her circle. Saloons, race-courses, and nameless places, have + superior attractions for him: home is become but endurable. + </p> + <p> + In truth, Franconia, compelled to marry in deference to fortune, finds she + is ensnared into misfortunes. M'Carstrow (Colonel by courtesy) had fifteen + hundred dollars, cash down, to pay for Clotilda: this sad grievance + excites his feelings, inasmuch as it was all owing to his wife's whims, + and the poverty of her relations. The verdict of the jury, recently + rendered, was to his mind a strictly correct one; but he cannot forget the + insane manner in which the responsibility was fastened upon him, and the + hard cash-which might have made two handsome stakes on the turf-drawn from + his pocket. His wife's poverty-stricken relations he now detests, and can + tolerate them best when farthest away from him. But Franconia does not + forget that he is her husband; no, night after night she sits at the + window until midnight, waiting his return. Feeble and weary with anxiety, + she will despatch a negro on a hopeless errand of search; he, true to his + charge, returns with the confidential intelligence of finding Mas'r in a + place less reputable than it is proper to mention. Such is our southern + society,—very hospitable in language, chivalrous in memory,—base + in morals! Some- times the gallant colonel deems it necessary to remain + until daylight, lest, in returning by night, the pavement may annoy his + understanding. Of this, however, he felt the world knew but little. Now + and then, merely to keep up the luxury of southern life, the colonel finds + it gratifying to his feelings, on returning home at night, to order a bed + to be made for him in one of the yard-houses, in such manner as to give + the deepest pain to his Franconia. Coarse and dissolute, indifference + follows, cold and cutting; she finds herself a mere instrument of baser + purpose in the hands of one she knows only as a ruffian-she loathes! Thus + driven under the burden of trouble, she begins to express her unhappiness, + to remonstrate against his associations, to plead with him against his + course of life. He jeers at this, scouts such prudery, proclaims it far + beneath the dignity of his standing as a southern gentleman. + </p> + <p> + The generous woman could have endured his dissipation-she might have + tolerated his licentiousness, but his arbitrary and very uncalled-for + remarks upon the misfortunes of her family are more than she can bear. She + has tried to respect him-love him she cannot-and yet her sensitive nature + recoils at the thought of being attached to one whose feelings and + associations are so at variance with her own. Her impulsive spirit quails + under the bitterness of her lot; she sees the dreary waste of trouble + before her only to envy the happiness of those days of rural life spent on + the old plantation. That she should become fretful and unhappy is a + natural consequence. + </p> + <p> + We must invite the reader to go with us to M'Carstrow's residence, an + old-fashioned wooden building, three stories high, with large basement + windows and doors, on the south side of King Street. It is a wet, gloomy + night, in the month of November,—the wind, fierce and chilling, has + just set in from the north-east; a drenching rain begins to fall, the + ships in the harbour ride ill at ease; the sudden gusts of wind, sweeping + through the narrow streets of the city, lighted here and there by the + sickly light of an old-fashioned lamp, bespread the scene with drear. At a + second-story window, lighted by a taper burning on the sill, sits + Franconia, alone, waiting the return of M'Carstrow. M'Carstrow is enjoying + his night orgies! He cares neither for the pelting storm, the anxiety of + his wife, nor the sweets of home. + </p> + <p> + A gust of wind shakes the house; the windows rattle their stormy music; + the cricket answers to the wailings of the gale as it gushes through the + crevices; Franconia's cares are borne to her husband. Now the wind + subsides,—a slow rap is heard at the hall door, in the basement: a + female servant, expecting her master, hastens to open it. Her master is + not there; the wind has extinguished the flaring light; and the storm, + sweeping through the sombre arch, spreads noise and confusion. She runs to + the kitchen, seizes the globular lamp, and soon returns, frightened at the + sight presented in the door. Master is not there-it is the lean figure of + a strange old "nigger," whose weather-worn face, snowy with beard and + wrinkled with age, is lit up with gladness. He has a warm soul within him,—a + soul not unacceptable to heaven! The servant shrinks back,—she is + frightened at the strange sight of the strange old man. "Don' be feared, + good child; Bob ain't bad nigger," says the figure, in a guttural whisper. + </p> + <p> + "An't da'h fo'h notin good; who is ye'?" returns the girl, holding the + globular lamp before her shining black face. Cautiously she makes a step + or two forward, squinting at the sombre figure of the old negro, as he + stands trembling in the doorway. "Is my good young Miss wid'n?" he + enquires, in the same whispering voice, holding his cap in his right hand. + </p> + <p> + "Reckon how ye bes be gwine out a dat afo'h Miss come. Yer miss don' lib + in dis ouse." So saying, the girl is about to close the door in the old + man's face, for he is ragged and dejected, and has the appearance of a + "suspicious nigger without a master." + </p> + <p> + "Don' talk so, good gal; ye don' know dis old man,—so hungry,—most + starved. I lub Miss Franconia. Tell she I'ze here," he says, in a + supplicating tone, as the girl, regaining confidence, scrutinises him from + head to foot with the aid of her lamp. + </p> + <p> + The servant is about to request he will come inside that she may shut out + the storm. "Frankone knows old Daddy Bob,—dat she do!" he + reiterates, working his cap in his fingers. The familiar words have caught + Franconia's ear; she recognises the sound of the old man's voice; she + springs to her feet, as her heart gladdens with joy. She bounds down the + stairs, and to the door, grasps the old man's hand, as a fond child warmly + grasps the hand of a parent, and welcomes him with the tenderness of a + sister. "Poor-my poor old Daddy!" she says, looking in his face so + sweetly, so earnestly, "where have you come from? who bought you? how did + you escape?" she asks, in rapid succession. Holding his hand, she leads + him along the passage, as he tells her. "Ah, missus, I sees hard times + since old mas'r lef' de plantation. Him an't how he was ven you dah." He + views her, curiously, from head to foot; kisses her hand; laughs with joy, + as he was wont to laugh on the old plantation. + </p> + <p> + "Faithful as ever, Daddy? You found me out, and came to see me, didn't + you?" says Franconia, so kindly, leading him into a small room on the left + hand of the hall, where, after ordering some supper for him, she begs he + will tell her all about his wayfaring. It is some minutes before Bob can + get an opportunity to tell Franconia that he is a fugitive, having escaped + the iron grasp of the law to stand true to old mas'r. At length he, in the + enthusiastic boundings of his heart, commences his story. + </p> + <p> + "Nigger true, Miss Franconia"-he mumbles out-"on'e gib 'im chance to be. + Ye sees, Bob warn't gwine t' lef' old mas'r, nohow; so I gin 'ein da slip + when'e come t' takes 'em fo'h sell-" + </p> + <p> + "Then they didn't sell you, old Dad? That's good! that's good! And Daddy's + cold and wet?" she interrupts, anxiously, telling the servant to get some + dry clothes for him. + </p> + <p> + "I is dat, Miss Frankone. Han't ad nofin t' eat dis most two days," he + returns, looking at her affectionately, with one of those simple smiles, + so true, so expressive. + </p> + <p> + A supper is soon ready for Daddy, to which he sits down as if he were + about to renew all his former fondness and familiarity. "Seems like old + times, don 'un, Miss Frankone? Wish old mas'r war here, too," says the old + man, putting the bowl of coffee to his lips, and casting a side-look at + the servant. + </p> + <p> + Franconia sits watching him intently, as if he were a child just rescued + from some impending danger. "Don't mention my poor uncle, Daddy. He feels + as much interest in you as I do; but the world don't look upon him now as + it once did-" + </p> + <p> + "Neber mind: I gwine to work fo' old mas'r. It'll take dis old child to + see old mas'r all right," replies the old man, forgetting that he is too + old to take care of himself, properly. Bob finishes his supper, rests his + elbow on the table and his head in his hand, and commences disclosing his + troubles to Franconia. He tells her how he secreted himself in the + pine-woods,—how he wandered through swamps, waded creeks, slept on + trunks of trees, crept stealthily to the old mansion at night, listened + for mas'r's footsteps, and watched beneath the veranda; and when he found + he was not there, how he turned and left the spot, his poor heart + regretting. How his heart beat as he passed the old familiar cabin, + retracing his steps to seek a shelter in the swamp; how, when he learned + her residence, famished with hunger, he wended his way into the city to + seek her out, knowing she would relieve his wants. + </p> + <p> + "What vil da do wid me, spose da cotch me, Miss Frankone?" enquires the + old man, simply, looking down at his encrusted feet, and again at his + nether wardrobe, which he feels is not just the thing to appear in before + young missus. + </p> + <p> + "They won't do anything cruel to you, Daddy. You are too old; your grey + hairs will protect you. Why, Daddy, you would not fetch a bid if they + found out who owned you, and put you up at auction to-morrow," she says, + with seeming unconsciousness. She little knew how much the old man prided + in his value,—how much he esteemed the amount of good work he could + do for master. He shakes his head, looks doubtingly at her, as if + questioning the sincerity of her remark. + </p> + <p> + "Just get Daddy Bob-he mutters-a badge, den 'e show missus how much work + in 'um." + </p> + <p> + Franconia promises to comply with his request, and, with the aid of a + friend, will intercede for him, and procure for him a badge, that he may + display his energies for the benefit of old mas'r. This done, she orders + the servant to show him his bed in one of the "yard houses;" bids the old + man an affectionate good night, retires to her room, and watches the + return of her truant swain. + </p> + <p> + There, seated in an arm-chair, she waits, and waits, and waits, hope and + anxiety recording time as it passes. The servant has seen Daddy safe in + his room, and joins her missus, where, by the force of habit, she coils + herself at her feet, and sleeps. She has not long remained in this + position when loud singing breaks upon her ear; louder and louder it + vibrates through the music of the storm, and approaches. Now she + distinctly recognises the sharp voice of M'Carstrow, which is followed by + loud rappings at the door of the basement hall. M'Carstrow, impatiently, + demands entrance. The half-sleeping servant, startled at the noise, + springs to her feet, rubs her eyes, bounds down the stairs, seizes the + globular lamp, and proceeds to open the door. Franconia, a candle in her + hand, waits at the top of the stairs. She swings back the door, and there, + bespattered with mud, face bleeding and distorted, and eyes glassy, stands + the chivalrous M'Carstrow. He presents a sorry picture; mutters, or half + growls, some sharp imprecations; makes a grasp at the girl, falls + prostrate on the floor. Attempting to gain his perpendicular, he staggers + a few yards-the girl screaming with fright-and groans as his face again + confronts the tiles. To make the matter still worse, three of his boon + companions follow him, and, almost in succession, pay their penance to the + floor, in an indescribable catacomb. + </p> + <p> + "I tell you what, Colonel! if that nigger gal a' yourn don't stand close + with her blazer we'll get into an all-fired snarl," says one, endeavouring + to extricate himself and regain his upright. After sundry ineffectual + attempts, surging round the room in search of his hat, which is being very + unceremoniously transformed into a muff beneath their entangled extremes, + he turns over quietly, saying, "There's something very strange about the + floor of this establishment,—it don't seem solid; 'pears how there's + ups and downs in it." They wriggle and twist in a curious pile; endeavour + to bring their knees out of "a fix"—to free themselves from the + angles which they are most unmathematically working on the floor. Working + and twisting,—now staggering, and again giving utterance to the + coarsest language,—one of the gentry—they belong to the + sporting world-calls loudly for the colonel's little 'oman. Regaining his + feet, he makes indelicate advances towards the female servant, who, nearly + pale with fright—a negro can look pale—runs to her mistress at + the top of the stairs. + </p> + <p> + He misses the frightened maid, and seats himself on the lowest step of the + stairs. Here he delivers a sort of half-musical soliloquy, like the + following: "Gentlemen! this kind a' thing only happens at times, and isn't + just the square thing when yer straight; but—seein' how southern + life will be so—when a body get's crooked what's got a wife what + don't look to matters and things, and never comes to take care on a body + when he's done gone, he better shut up shop. Better be lookin' round to + see what he can scare up!" + </p> + <p> + Franconia holds the flaring light over the stairs: pale and death-like, + she trembles with fear, every moment expecting to see them ascend. + </p> + <p> + "I see the colonel's 'oman! yander she is; she what was imposed on him to + save the poverty of her folks. The M'Carstrows know a thing or two: her + folks may crawl under the dignity of the name, but they don't shell under + the dignity of the money-they don't!" says a stalwart companion, + attempting to gain a position by the side of his fellow on the steps. He + gives a leering wink, contorts his face into a dozen grimaces, stares + vacantly round the hall (sliding himself along on his hands and knees), + his glassy eyes inflamed like balls of fire. "It'll be all square soon," + he growls out. + </p> + <p> + The poor affrighted servant again attempts-having descended the stairs-to + relieve her master; but the crawling creature has regained his feet. He + springs upon her like a fiend, utters a fierce yell, and, snatching the + lamp from her hand, dashes it upon the tiles, spreading the fractured + pieces about the hall. Wringing herself from his grasp, she leaves a + portion of her dress in his bony hand, and seeks shelter in a distant part + of the hall. Holding up the fragment as a trophy, he staggers from place + to place, making hieroglyphics on the wall with his fingers. His misty + mind searches for some point of egress. Confronting (rather uncomfortably) + hat stands, tables, porcelains, and other hall appurtenances, he at length + shuffles his way back to the stairs, where, as if doubting his bleered + optics, he stands some moments, swaying to and fro. His hat again falls + from his head, and his body, following, lays its lumbering length on the + stairs. Happy fraternity! how useful is that body! His companion, laying + his muddled head upon it, says it will serve for a pillow. "E'ke-hum-spose + 'tis so? I reckon how I'm some-ec! eke!-somewhere or nowhere; aint we, + Joe? It's a funny house, fellers," he continues to soliloquise, laying his + arm affectionately over his companion's neck, and again yielding to the + caprice of his nether limbs. + </p> + <p> + The gentlemen will now enjoy a little refreshing sleep; to further which + enjoyment, they very coolly and unceremoniously commence a pot-pourri of + discordant snoring. This seems of grateful concord for their boon + companions, who-forming an equanimity of good feeling on the floor-join + in. + </p> + <p> + The servant is but a slave, subject to her owner's will; she dare not + approach him while in such an uncertain condition. Franconia cannot + intercede, lest his companions, strangers to her, and having the + appearance of low-bred men, taking advantage of M'Carstrow's besotted + condition, make rude advances. M'Carstrow, snoring high above his cares, + will take his comfort upon the tiles. + </p> + <p> + The servant is supplied with another candle, which, at Franconia's + bidding, she places in a niche of the hall. It will supply light to the + grotesque sleepers, whose lamp has gone out. + </p> + <p> + Franconia has not forgotten that M'Carstrow is her husband; she has not + forgotten that she owes him a wife's debt of kindness. She descends the + stairs gently, leans over his besotted body, smooths his feverish brow + with her hand, and orders the servant to bring a soft cushion; which done, + she raises his head and places it beneath-so gently, so carefully. Her + loving heart seems swelling with grief, as compassionately she gazes upon + him; then, drawing a cambric handkerchief from her bosom, spreads it so + kindly over his face. Woman! there is worth in that last little act. She + leaves him to enjoy his follies, but regrets their existence. Retiring to + the drawing-room, agitated and sleepless, she reclines on a lounge to + await the light of morning. Again the faithful servant, endeavouring to + appease her mistress's agitation, crouches upon the carpet, resting her + head on the ottoman at Franconia's feet. + </p> + <p> + The morning dawns bright and sunny: Franconia has not slept. She has + passed the hours in watchfulness; has watched the negro sleeping, while + her thoughts were rivetted to the scene in the hall. She gets up, paces + the room from the couch to the window, and sits down again undecided, + unresolved. Taking Diana-such is the servant's name-by the hand, she wakes + her, and sends her into the hall to ascertain the condition of the + sleepers. The metamorphosed group, poisoning the air with their reeking + breath, are still enjoying the morbid fruits of their bacchanalianism. + Quietly, coolly, and promiscuously, they lay as lovingly as fellows of the + animal world could desire. + </p> + <p> + The servant returns, shaking her head. "Missus, da'h lays yander, so in + all fixins dat no tellin' which most done gone. Mas'r seems done gone, + sartin!" says the servant, her face glowing with apprehension. + </p> + <p> + The significant phrase alarms Franconia. She repairs to the hall, and + commences restoring the sleepers to consciousness. The gentlemen are + doggedly obstinate; they refuse to be disturbed. She recognises the face + of one whose business it is to reduce men to the last stage of poverty. + Her sensitive nature shudders at the sight, as she views him with a curl + of contempt on her lip. "Oh, M'Carstrow,—M'Carstrow!" she whispers, + and taking him by the hand, shakes it violently. M'Carstrow, with + countenance ghastly and inflamed, begins to raise his sluggish head. He + sees Franconia pensively gazing in his face; and yet he enquires who it is + that disturbs the progress of his comforts. "Only me!" says the good + woman, soliciting him to leave his companions and accompany her. + </p> + <p> + Oh, you, is it?" he replies, grumblingly, rising on his right elbow, and + rubbing his eyes with his left hand. Wildly and vacantly he stares round + the hall, as if aroused from a trance, and made sensible of his condition. + </p> + <p> + "Yes, me-simply me, who, lost to your affections, is made most unhappy-" + Franconia would proceed, but is interrupted by her muddling swain. + </p> + <p> + "Unhappy! unhappy!" says the man of southern chivalry, making sundry + irresistible nods. "Propagator of mischief, of evil contentions, of peace + annihilators. Ah! ah! ah! Thinking about the lustre of them beggared + relations. It always takes fools to make a fuss over small things: an + angel wouldn't make a discontented woman happy." Franconia breaks out into + a paroxysm of grief, so unfeeling is the tone in which he addresses her. + He is a southern gentleman,—happily not of New England in his + manners, not of New England in his affections, not of New England in his + domestic associations. He thinks Franconia very silly, and scouts with + derision the idea of marrying a southern gentleman who likes enjoyment, + and then making a fuss about it. He thinks she had better shut up her + whimpering,—learn to be a good wife upon southern principles. + </p> + <p> + "Husbands should be husbands, to claim a wife's respect; and they should + never forget that kindness makes good wives. Take away the life springs of + woman's love, and what is she? What is she with her happiness gone, her + pride touched, her prospects blasted? What respect or love can she have + for the man who degrades her to the level of his own loathsome + companions?" Franconia points to those who lie upon the floor, repulsive, + and reeking with the fumes of dissipation. "There are your companions," + she says. + </p> + <p> + "Companions?" he returns, enquiringly. He looks round upon them with + surprise. "Who are those fellows you have got here?" he enquires, angrily. + </p> + <p> + "You brought them to your own home; that home you might make happy-" + </p> + <p> + "Not a bit of it! They are some of your d-d disreputable relations." + </p> + <p> + "My relations never violate the conduct of gentlemen." "No; but they + sponge on me. These my companions!" looking at them inquisitively. "Oh, + no! Don't let us talk about such things; I'ze got fifteen hundred dollars + and costs to pay for that nigger gal you were fool enough to get into a + fit about when we were married. That's what I'ze got for my + good-heartedness." M'Carstrow permits his very gentlemanly southern self + to get into a rage. He springs to his feet suddenly, crosses and recrosses + the hall like one frenzied with excitement. Franconia is frightened, runs + up the stairs, and into her chamber, where, secreting herself, she fastens + the door. He looks wistfully after her, stamping his foot, but he will not + follow. Too much of a polished gentleman, he will merely amuse himself by + running over the gamut of his strongest imprecations. The noise creates + general alarm among his companions, who, gaining their uprights, commence + remonstrating with him on his rude conduct, as if they were much superior + beings. + </p> + <p> + "Now, colonel, major,—or whatever they dubbed ye, in the way of a + title," says one, putting his hand to his hat with a swaggering bow; "just + stop that ar' sort a' nonsense, and pay over this 'ere little affair afore + we gets into polite etiquette and such things. When, to make the expenses, + ye comes into a place like ours, and runs up a credit score,—when ye + gets so lofty that ye can't tell fifty from five, we puts a sealer on, so + customers don't forget in the morning." The modest gentleman presents to + M'Carstrow's astonished eyes a note for twenty-seven hundred dollars, with + the genuine signature. M'Carstrow takes it in his hand, stares at it, + turns it over and over. The signature is his; but he is undecided about + the manner of its getting there, and begins to give expression to some + doubt. + </p> + <p> + The gentleman watches M'Carstrow very cautiously. "Straight! colonel-he + says-just turn out the shiners, or, to 'commodate, we'll let ye off with a + sprinkling of niggers." + </p> + <p> + The colonel puts the fore-finger of his left hand to his lips, and, with + serious countenance, walks twice or thrice across the hall, as if + consulting his dignity: "Shell out the niggers first; we'll take the + dignity part a'ter," he concludes. + </p> + <p> + "I demand to know how you came in my house," interrupts the colonel, + impatiently. He finds himself in very bad company; company southern + gentlemen never acknowledge by daylight. + </p> + <p> + "We brought you here! Anything else you'd like to know?" is the cool, + sneering response. The gentleman will take a pinch of snuff; he draws his + fancy box from his pocket, gives the cover a polite rap with his finger, + invites the enraged M'Carstrow to "take." That gentleman shakes his head,—declines. + He is turning the whole affair over in his head, seems taking it into + serious consideration. Seriously, he accepted their accommodation, and now + finds himself compelled to endure their painful presence. + </p> + <p> + "I, I, I-m, rather in doubt," stammers M'Carstrow, fingering the little + obligation again, turning it over and over, rubbing his eyes, applying his + glass. He sees nothing in the signature to dispute. "I must stop this kind + of fishing," he says; "don't do. It 's just what friend Scranton would + call very bad philosophy. Gentlemen, suppose you sit down; we'd better + consider this matter a little. Han't got a dime in the bank, just now." + M'Carstrow is becoming more quiet, takes a philosophical view of the + matter, affects more suavity. Calling loudly for the negro servant, that + personage presents herself, and is ordered to bring chairs to provide + accommodation for the gentlemen, in the hall. + </p> + <p> + "Might just as well settle the matter in the parlour, colonel; t'wont put + you out a mite," the gambler suggests, with a laconic air. He will not + trouble M'Carstrow by waiting for his reply. No; he leads the way, very + coolly, asking no odds of etiquette; and, having entered the apartment, + invites his comrades to take seats. The dignity and coolness with which + the manouvre is executed takes "Boss" M'Carstrow by surprise; makes him + feel that he is merely a dependent individual, whose presence there is not + much need of. "I tell you what it is, gents, I'ze shaved my accounts at + the bank down to the smallest figure, have! but there's an honourable + consideration about this matter; and, honour's honour, and I want to + discharge it somehow—niggers or cash!" The gentlemen's feelings have + smoothed down amazingly. M'Carstrow is entirely serious, and willing to + comply. + </p> + <p> + The gentlemen have seated themselves in a triangle, with the "done over" + colonel in the centre. + </p> + <p> + "Well, niggers will do just as well, provided they are sound, prime, and + put at prices so a feller can turn 'em into tin, quick," says the + gentleman, who elects himself spokesman of the party. + </p> + <p> + "Keeps my property in tall condition, but won't shove it off under market + quotations, no how!" M'Carstrow interrupts, as the spokesman, affecting + the nonchalance of a newly-elected alderman, places his feet upon the rich + upholstery of a sofa close by. He would enjoy the extremes of southern + comfort. "Colonel, I wish you had a more convenient place to spit," + rejoins the gentleman. He will not trouble the maid, however-he let's fly + the noxious mixture, promiscuously; it falls from his lips upon the soft + hearth-rug. "It will add another flower to the expensive thing," he says, + very coolly, elongating his figure a little more. He has relieved himself, + wondrously. M'Carstrow calls the servant, points to the additional wreath + on the hearth-rug! + </p> + <p> + "All your nigger property as good-conditioned as that gal?" enquires the + gentleman, the others laughing at the nicety of his humour. Rising from + his seat very deliberately, he approaches the servant, lays his hand upon + her neck and shoulders. + </p> + <p> + "Not quite so fast, my friend: d-n it, gentlemen, don't be rude. That's + coming the thing a little too familiar. There is a medium: please direct + your moist appropriations and your improper remarks in their proper + places." The girl, cringing beneath the ruffian's hand, places the + necessary receptacle at his feet. + </p> + <p> + The gentleman is offended,—very much offended. He thinks it beneath + the expansion of his mind-to be standing on aristocratic nonsense! "Spit + boxes and nigger property ain't the thing to stand on about haristocrats; + just put down the dimes. Three bright niggers 'll do: turn 'em out." + </p> + <p> + "Three of my best niggers!" ejaculates the Colonel. + </p> + <p> + "Nothin' shorter, Colonel." + </p> + <p> + "Remember, gentlemen, the market price of such property. The demand for + cotton has made niggers worth their weight in gold, for any purpose. Take + the prosperity of our country into consideration, gentlemen; remember the + worth of prime men. The tip men of the market are worth 1200 dollars." + </p> + <p> + "Might as well lay that kind a' financerin aside, Colonel. What's the use + of living in a free country, where every man has a right to make a penny + when he can, and talk so? Now, 'pears to me t'aint no use a' mincing the + matter; we might a' leaked ye in for as many thousands as hundreds. Seein' + how ye was a good customer, we saved ye on a small shot. Better put the + niggers out: ownin' such a lot, ye won't feel it! Give us three prime + chaps; none a' yer old sawbones what ye puts up at auction when ther' + worked down to nothin'." + </p> + <p> + M'Carstrow's powers of reasoning are quite limited; and, finding himself + in one of those strange situations southern gentlemen so often get into, + and which not unfrequently prove as perplexing as the workings of the + peculiar institution itself, he seeks relief by giving an order for three + prime fellows. They will be delivered up, at the plantation, on the + following day, when the merchandise will be duly made over, as per + invoice. Everything is according to style and honour; the gentlemen pledge + their faith to be gentlemen, to leave no dishonourable loop-hole for + creeping out. And now, having settled the little matter, they make + M'Carstrow the very best of bows, desire to be remembered to his woman, + bid him good morning, and leave. They will claim their property-three + prime men-by the justice of a "free-born democracy." + </p> + <p> + M'Carstrow watches them from the house, moralising over his folly. They + have gone! He turns from the sight, ascends the stairs, and repairs to + meet his Franconia. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0023" id="link2HCH0023"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXII. — THE VICISSITUDES OF A PREACHER. + </h2> + <p> + WE left Harry, the faithful servant, whose ministerial functions had been + employed in elevating the souls of Marston's property, being separated + from his wife and sold to Mr. M'Fadden. M'Fadden is a gentleman—we + do not impugn the name, in a southern sense—of that class—very + large class—who, finding the laws of their own country too + oppressive for their liberal thoughts, seek a republican's home in ours. + It is to such men, unhappily, the vices of slavery are open. They grasp + them, apply them to purposes most mercenary, most vile. The most hardened + of foreigners-that essence of degraded outcasts,—may, under the + privileges of slavery, turn human misery into the means of making money. + He has no true affiliations with the people of the south, nor can he feel + aught beyond a selfish interest in the prosperity of the State; but he can + be active in the work of evil. With the foreigner—we speak from + observation—affecting love of liberty at home, it would seem, only + makes him the greater tyrant when slavery gives him power to execute its + inhuman trusts. Mr. Lawrence M'Fadden is one of this description of + persons; he will make a fortune in the South, and live a gentleman in the + North— perhaps, at home on his own native Isle. Education he has + none; moral principle he never enjoyed,—never expects to. He is a + tall, athletic man, nearly six feet two inches in height, with extremely + broad, stooping shoulders, and always walks as if he were meditating some + speculation. His dress is usually of southern red-mixed homespun,—a + dress which he takes much pride in wearing, in connection with a black + brigand hat, which gives his broad face, projecting cheek-bones, and blunt + chin, a look of unmistakeable sullenness. Add to this a low, narrow + forehead, generally covered with thick tufts of matted black hair, beneath + which two savage eyes incessantly glare, and, reader, you have the + repulsive personification of the man. Mr. M'Fadden has bought a preacher,—an + article with the very best kind of a soul,—which he would send to + his place in the country. Having just sent the article to the rail-road, + he stands in a neighbouring bar-room, surrounded by his cronies, who are + joining him in a social glass, discussing the qualities of the article + preacher. We are not favoured with the point at issue; but we hear Mr. + Lawrence M'Fadden say, with great force,—"Preachers are only good + property under certain circumstances; and if them circumstances ain't just + so, it won't do to buy 'em. Old aristocrat rice planters may make a good + thing or two on 'em, because they can make 'em regulate the cummin' o' + their property, and make it understand what the Lord says about minding + their masters." For his-Mr. Lawrence M'Fadden's-own part, he wouldn't give + seven coppers for the thinking part of any property, having no belief in + that fashionable way of improving its value. "My preacher has been nicely + packed up and sent off in advance," he says, wiping his mouth with his + coat sleeve, and smacking his lips, as he twirls his glass upon the zinc + counter, shakes hands with his friends-they congratulate him upon the good + bargain in his divine-and proceeds to the railroad dep“t. Harry has + arrived nearly two hours in advance,—delivered in good condition, as + stated in a receipt which he holds in his hand, and which purports to be + from the baggage-master. "Ah! here you are," says M'Fadden, taking the + paper from Harry's hand, as he enters the luggage-room. "Take good care on + ye,—I reckon I will!" He looks down upon him with an air of + satisfaction. The poor preacher-the soul-glowing property-is yet chained, + hand and foot. He sits upon the cold floor, those imploring eyes swelling + at the thought that freedom only awaits him in another world. M'Fadden + takes a little flask from his breast pocket, and, with a motion of + kindness, draws the cork, passes it to him. "It's whiskey!" he says; "take + a drop-do ye good, old feller." Quietly the man passes it to his lips, and + moistens his mouth. "No winking and blinking-it's tip-top stuff," enjoins + M'Fadden; "don't get it every day." + </p> + <p> + Mr. M'Fadden will take a little himself. "Glad to find ye here, all + straight!" he mutters, taking the flask from his mouth. He had returned + the receipt to his property; and, having gratified his appetite a little, + he begins to take a more perspective view of his theological purchase. + </p> + <p> + "Yes, master; I am here!" He again holds up his chained hands, drops his + face upon his knees; as much as to say, be sure I am all safe and sound. + </p> + <p> + Looking at the receipt again, and then at his preacher, "Guess 'hain't + made a bad rap on ye' to-day!" he ejaculates, taking out his pocket-book + and laying away the precious paper as carefully as if it were a hundred + dollar note. "Should like to have bought your old woman and young 'uns, + but hadn't tin enough. And the way stock's up now, ain't slow! Look up + here, my old buck! just put on a face as bright and smooth as a full + moon-no sulkin'. Come along here." + </p> + <p> + The manacled preacher turns upon his hands, gets up as best he + can-M'Fadden kindly assists by taking hold of his shoulder-and follows his + purchaser to the platform,—like a submissive animal goaded to the + very flesh, but chained, lest it make some show of resentment. "Good heap + o' work in ye', old chuck; had a master what didn't understand bringing + on't out, though!" mutters M'Fadden, as he introduces Harry to the negro + car, at the same time casting a look of satisfaction at the brakeman + standing at his left hand ready to receive the freight. + </p> + <p> + In the car-a dungeon-like box about ten feet square, the only aperture for + admitting light being a lattice of about eight inches square, in the + door-are three rough negro men and one woman, the latter apparently about + twenty years of age. + </p> + <p> + "Got a tall chap here, boys! Make ye stand round some, in pickin' time; + and can preach, too." M'Fadden shakes his head exultingly! "Can put in the + big licks preachin'; and I'ze goin' t' let 'im, once in a while. Goin' t' + have good times on my place, boys—ha'h! Got a jug of whiskey to have + a fandango when ye gits home. Got it somewhere, I knows." Mr. M'Fadden + exults over the happy times his boys have at home. He shakes himself all + over, like a polar bear just out of the water, and laughs heartily. He has + delivered himself of something that makes everybody else laugh; the mania + has caught upon his own subtle self. The negroes laugh in expressive + cadences, and shrug their shoulders as Mr. M'Fadden continues to address + them so sportively, so familiarly. Less initiated persons might have + formed very satisfactory opinions of his character. He takes a peep under + one of the seats, and with a rhapsody of laughter draws forth a small jug. + "You can't come the smuggle over me, boys! I knew ye had a shot + somewhere," he exclaims. At his bidding, the woman hands him a gourd, from + which he very deliberately helps himself to a stout draught. + </p> + <p> + "Sit down here!-Isaac, Abraham, Daniel, or whatever yer name is-Mr. + M'Fadden addresses himself to his preacher. Ye'll get yer share on't when + ye gits to my place." He sets the jug down, and passes the gourd back, + saying: "What a saucy hussy ye are!" slapping the woman's black shoulder + playfully. "Give him some-won't ye', boys?" he concludes. + </p> + <p> + Mr. M'Fadden (the cars are not yet ready to start, but the dep“t is + thronging with travellers, and the engine is puffing and snorting, as the + driver holds his hand on the throttle, and the stoker crams with pitch + pine knots the iron steed of fiery swiftness) will step out and take the + comfort of his cigar. He pats his preacher on the shoulder, takes off his + shackles, rubs his head with his hand, tells the boys to keep an eye on + him. "Yes, mas'r," they answer, in tones of happy ignorance. The preacher + must be jolly, keep on a bright face, never mind the old gal and her young + 'uns, and remember what a chance he will have to get another. He can have + two or more, if he pleases; so says his very generous owner. + </p> + <p> + Mr. M'Fadden shakes hands with his friends on the platform, smokes his + cigar leisurely, mingles with the crowd importantly, thinking the while + what an unalloyed paragon of amiability he is. Presently the time-bell + strikes its warning; the crowd of passengers rush for the cars; the + whistle shrieks; the exhaust gives forth its gruff snorts, the connections + clank, a jerk is felt, and onward bounds-mighty in power, but controlled + by a finger's slightest touch-the iron steed, dragging its curious train + of living merchandise. + </p> + <p> + M'Fadden again finds his way to the negroes' car, where, sitting down in + front of his property, he will take a bird's-eye view of it. It is very + fascinating to a man who loves the quality of such articles as preachers. + He will draw his seat somewhat closer to the minister; his heart bounds + with joy at the prime appearance of his purchase. Reaching out his hand, + he takes the cap from Harry's head, throws it into the woman's lap; again + rubs his hair into a friz. Thus relieved of his pleasing emotions, he will + pass into one of the fashionable cars, and take his place among the + aristocrats. + </p> + <p> + "Boss mighty funny when 'e come t' town, and git just so 'e don't see + straight: wish 'e so good wen 'e out da'h on de plantation yander," + ejaculates one of the negroes, who answers to the name-Joe! Joe seems to + have charge of the rest; but he watches M'Fadden's departure with a look + of sullen hatred. + </p> + <p> + "Hard old Boss on time-an't he, boys?" enquires Harry, as an introduction + to the conversation. + </p> + <p> + "Won't take ye long t' find 'um out, I reckon! Git nigger on de plantation + 'e don't spa' him, nohow," rejoins another. + </p> + <p> + "Lor', man, if ye ain't tough ye'll git used up in no time, wid him!" the + woman speaks up, sharply. Then, pulling her ragged skirts around her, she + casts a sympathising look at Harry, and, raising her hand in a threatening + attitude, and shaking it spitefully in the direction M'Fadden has gone, + says:—"If only had dat man, old Boss, where 'um could revenge 'um, + how a' would make 'um suffer! He don' treat 'e nigger like 'e do 'e dog. + If 'twarn't fo'h Buckra I'd cut 'e troat, sartin." This ominous + expression, delivered with such emphasis, satisfies Harry that he has got + into the hands of a master very unlike the kind and careless Marston. + </p> + <p> + Onward the cars speed, with clanking music making din as they go. One of + the negroes will add something to change the monotony. Fumbling beneath + the seats for some minutes, he draws forth a little bag, carefully unties + it, and presents his favourite violin. Its appearance gladdens the hearts + of his comrades, who welcome it with smiling faces and loud applause. The + instrument is of the most antique and original description. It has only + two strings; but Simon thinks wonders of it, and would not swap it for a + world of modern fiddles, what don't touch the heart with their music. He + can bring out tremendous wailings with these two strings; such as will set + the whole plantation dancing. He puts it through the process of tuning, + adding all the scientific motions and twists of an Italian first-fiddling + artiste. Simon will moisten its ears by spitting on them, which he does, + turning and twisting himself into the attitudes of a pompous maestro. But + now he has got it in what he considers the very nick of tune; it makes his + face glow with satisfaction. "Jest-lef'-'um cum, Simon;—big and + strong!" says Joe, beginning to keep time by slapping his hands on his + knees. And such a sawing, such a scraping, as he inflicts, never machine + of its kind, ancient or modern, got before. Simon and his companions are + in ecstasies; but such cross-grained, such painful jingling of sounds! Its + charm is irresistible with the negro; he mustn't lose a note of the tune; + every creak is exhausted in a break-down dance, which the motion of the + "Jim Crow" car makes more grotesque by every now and then jolting them + into a huddle in one corner. + </p> + <p> + Mr. M'Fadden has been told that his property are having a lively time, and + thinks he will leave his aristocratic friends, and go to see it; here he + is followed by several young gentlemen, anxious to enjoy the hilarity of + the scene. + </p> + <p> + "All my property,—right prime, isn't it?" says M'Fadden, exultingly, + nudging one of the young men on the shoulder, as he, returning, enters the + car. The gentleman nods assent, sits down, and coolly lights his cigar. + "Good thing to have a fiddler on a plantation! I'd rather have it than a + preacher; keeps the boys together, and makes 'um a deal better contented," + he adds, beginning to exhale the fumes from his weed. + </p> + <p> + "Yes!-and ye sees, fellers, how I'ze bought a parson, too. Can do the + thing up brown now, boys, I reckon," remarks the happy politician, + slapping his professional gentleman on the knee, and laughing right + heartily. + </p> + <p> + Turning to Harry with a firm look, he informs the gentlemen that "this + critter's kind o got the sulks, a'cos Romescos-he hates Romescos-has + bought his wench and young 'uns. Take that out on him, at my place," he + adds. + </p> + <p> + The dancing continues right merrily. One of the young gentlemen would like + to have the fiddler strike up "Down in Old Tennessee." The tune is sounded + forth with all that warmth of feeling the negro only can add to the + comical action of his body. + </p> + <p> + "Clar' the way; let the boys have a good time," says Mr. Lawrence + M'Fadden, taking Harry by the arm and giving him a violent shake. He + commands him to join in, and have a jolly good tune with the rest on 'em. + </p> + <p> + "Have no call for that, master. Let me act but the part of servant to + you." + </p> + <p> + "Do you mean to come nigger sulks over this child?" interrupts M'Fadden, + impatiently, scowling his heavy eyebrows, and casting a ferocious look at + Harry. After ordering him to stow himself in a corner, he gets the others + upon the floor, and compels them to shuffle what he calls a plantation + "rip-her-up." The effect of this, added to the singular positions into + which they are frequently thrown by the motion of the cars, affords + infinite amusement. + </p> + <p> + "You see, gentlemen, there's nothing like putting the springs of life into + property. Makes it worth fifty per cent. more; and then ye'll get the hard + knocks out to a better profit. Old southerners spoil niggers, makin' so + much on 'em; and soft-soapin' on 'em. That bit o' property's bin spiled + just so-he points to Harry, crouched in the corner-And the critter thinks + he can preach! Take that out on him with a round turn, when I git to my + place," he continues. + </p> + <p> + Harry cares very little for M'Fadden's conversation; he sits as quietly + and peaceably as if it had been addressed to some other negro. M'Fadden, + that he may not be found wanting in his efforts to amuse the young + gentlemen, reaches out his hand to one of them, takes his cigar from a + case, lights it, and proceeds to keep time by beating his hands on his + knees. + </p> + <p> + The train is approaching the crossing where Mr. M'Fadden will discharge + his property,—his human merchandise, and proceed with it some eleven + miles on the high road. The noise created by the exuberance of feeling on + the part of Mr. M'Fadden has attracted a numerous assemblage of passengers + to the "Jim Crow" car. The conductor views this as violating the rules of + the corporation; he demands it shall be stopped. All is quiet for a time; + they reach the "crossing" about five o'clock P.M., where, to Mr. Lawrence + M'Fadden's great delight, he finds himself surrounded by a promiscuous + assembly of sovereign citizens, met to partake of the hospitalities + offered by the candidate for the Assembly, who, having offered himself, + expects the distinguished honour of being elected. The assembled citizens + will hear what the learned man's going to talk about when he gets into the + Assembly. + </p> + <p> + As Mr. M'Fadden is a great politician, and a greater democrat-we speak + according to the southern acceptation-his presence is welcomed with an + enthusiastic burst of applause. Shout after shout makes the very welkin + ring, as his numerous friends gather round him, smile solicitously, shake + him warmly by the hand, honour him as the peasantry honour the Lord of the + Manor. + </p> + <p> + The crossing-one of those points so well known in the south-is a flat, + wooded lawn, interspersed here and there with clumps of tall pine-trees. + It is generally dignified with a grocery, a justice's office, and a + tavern, where entertainment for man and beast may always be had. An + immense deal of judicial and political business "is put through a process" + at these strange places. The squire's law-book is the oracle; all + settlements must be made by it; all important sayings drawn from it. The + squire himself is scarcely less an individual of mysterious importance; he + draws settled facts from his copious volume, and thus saves himself the + trouble of analysing them. Open it where he will, the whys and wherefores + for every case are never wanting. + </p> + <p> + Our present crossing is a place of much importance, being where the + political effervescence of the state often concentrates. It will not do, + however, to analyse that concentration, lest the fungi that give it life + and power may seem to conflict with the safety of law and order. On other + occasions it might be taken for a place of rural quiet, instead of those + indescribable gatherings of the rotten membranes of a bad political power. + </p> + <p> + Here the justice's office is attached to the grocery, a little shop in + which all men may drink very deleterious liquor; and, in addition to the + tavern, which is the chief building-a quadrangular structure raised a few + feet from the ground on piles of the palmetto tree-there is a small + church, shingled and clapboarded, and having a belfry with lattice-work + sides. An upper and lower veranda surround the tavern, affording gentlemen + an opportunity to enjoy the shade. + </p> + <p> + Several of Mr. Lawrence M'Fadden's friends meet him at the station, and, + as he receives his property, assist him in securing it with irons + preparatory to lodging it in a place of safe keeping. + </p> + <p> + "Goin' t' make this chap a deacon on my place; can preach like sixty. + It'll save the trouble sendin' north for such trash as they send us. Can + make this feller truer on southern principles," says M'Fadden, exultingly, + addressing himself to his companions, looking Harry smilingly in the face, + and patting him on the shoulder. The gentlemen view Harry with particular + admiration, and remark upon his fine points with the usual satisfaction of + connoisseurs. Mr. M'Fadden will secure his preacher, in iron fellowship, + to the left hand of the woman slave. + </p> + <p> + "All right!" he says, as the irons are locked, and he marches his property + up to the tavern, where he meets mine host-a short, fat man, with a very + red and good-natured face, who always dresses in brown clothes, smiles, + and has an extra laugh for 'lection days-who stands his consequential + proportions in the entrance to the lower veranda, and is receiving his + customers with the blandest smiles. "I thinks a right smart heap on ye, or + I would'nt a' 'gin ye that gal for a mate," continues M'Fadden, walking + along, looking at Harry earnestly, and, with an air of + self-congratulation, ejecting a quantity of tobacco-juice from his + capacious mouth. "Mr. M'Fadden is very, very welcome;" so says mine host, + who would have him take a social glass with his own dear self. + </p> + <p> + Mr. M'Fadden must be excused until he has seen the place in which to + deposit his preacher and other property. + </p> + <p> + "Ah, ha!"-mine host cants his ear, enquiringly;—"want grits for 'em, + I s'pose?" he returns, and his round fat face glows with satisfaction. + "Can suit you to a shavin'." + </p> + <p> + "That's right, Colonel; I know'd ye could," ejaculates the other. Mine + host is much elated at hearing his title appended. Colonel Frank + Jones-such is mine host's name—never fought but one duel, and that + was the time when, being a delegate to the southern blowing-up convention, + lately holden in the secession city of Charleston, he entered his name on + the register of the Charleston Hotel—"Colonel Frank Jones, Esq., of + the South Carolina Dragoons;" beneath which an impertinent wag + scrawled-"Corporal James Henry Williamson M'Donal Cudgo, Esq. of the same + regiment." Colonel Frank Jones, Esq. took this very gross insult in the + highest kind of dudgeon, and forthwith challenged the impertinent wag to + settle the matter as became gentlemen. The duel, however, ended quite as + harmlessly as the blowing-up convention of which Mr. Colonel Frank Jones + was a delegate, the seconds-thoughtless wretches-having forgot to put + bullets in the weapons. + </p> + <p> + Our readers must excuse us for digressing a little. Mine host rubs his + hands, draws his mouth into a dozen different puckers, and then cries out + at the top of his voice, "Ho, boys, ho!" + </p> + <p> + Three or four half-clad negroes come scampering into the room, ready to + answer the summons. "Take charge o' this property o' my friend's here. Get + 'em a good tuck out o' grits." + </p> + <p> + "Can grind 'em themselves," interrupts M'Fadden, quickly. "About the + price, Colonel?" + </p> + <p> + "That's all straight," spreading his hands with an accompanying nod of + satisfaction: "'commodate ye with a first-rate lock-up and the grits at + seven-pence a day." + </p> + <p> + "No objection." Mr. M'Fadden is entirely satisfied. The waiters take the + gentleman's property in charge, and conduct it to a small building, an + appropriate habitation of hens and pigs. It was of logs, rough hewn, + without chinking; without floor to keep Mr. M'Fadden's property from the + ground, damp and cold. Unsuited as it is to the reception of human beings, + many planters of great opulence have none better for their plantation + people. It is about ten feet high, seven broad, and eleven long. + </p> + <p> + "Have a dandy time on't in here to-night," says Mr. M'Fadden, addressing + himself to Harry, as one of the waiters unlocks the door and ushers the + human property into its dreary abode. Mr. M'Fadden will step inside, to + take a bird's-eye view of the security of the place. He entertains some + doubts about the faith of his preacher, however, and has half an + inclination to turn round as he is about making his exit. He will. + Approaches Harry a second time; he feels his pockets carefully, and + suggests that he has some mischievous weapon of liberty stowed away + somewhere. He presses and presses his hands to his skirts and bosom. And + now he knew he was not mistaken, for he feels something solid in the bosom + of his shirt, which is not his heart, although that thing makes a deuce of + a fluttering. Mr. M'Fadden's anxiety increases as he squeezes his hands + over its shapes, and watches the changes of Harry's countenance. "Book, + ha'h!" he exclaims, drawing the osnaburg tight over the square with his + left hand, while, with his right, he suddenly grasps Harry firmly by the + hair of the head, as if he has discovered an infernal machine. "Book, + ha'h!" + </p> + <p> + "Pull it out, old buck. That's the worst o' learned niggers; puts the very + seven devils in their black heads, and makes 'em carry their conceit right + into nigger stubbornness, so ye have t' bring it out by lashin' and + botherin'. Can't stand such nigger nonsense nohow." + </p> + <p> + Harry has borne all very peaceably; but there is a time when even the worm + will turn. He draws forth the book,—it is the Bible, his hope and + comforter; he has treasured it near his heart-that heart that beats loudly + against the rocks of oppression. "What man can he be who feareth the word + of God, and says he is of his chosen? Master, that's my Bible: can it do + evil against righteousness? It is the light my burdened spirit loves, my + guide—" + </p> + <p> + "Your spirit?" inquires M'Fadden, sullenly, interrupting Harry. "A black + spirit, ye' mean, ye' nigger of a preacher. I didn't buy that, nor don't + want it. 'Taint worth seven coppers in picking time. But I tell ye, cuff, + wouldn't mind lettin' on ye preach, if a feller can make a spec good + profit on't." The gentleman concludes, contracting his eyebrows, and + scowling at his property forbiddingly. + </p> + <p> + "You'll let me have it again when I gets on the plantation, won't ye, + master?" inquires Harry, calmly. + </p> + <p> + "Let you have it on the plantation?"-Mr. M'Fadden gives his preacher a + piercingly fierce look-"that's just where ye won't have 't. Have any kind + o' song-book ye' wants; only larn 'em to other niggers, so they can put in + the chorus once in a while. Now, old buck (I'm a man o' genius, ye know), + when niggers get larnin' the Bible out o' ther' own heads, 't makes 'em + sassy'r than ther's any calculatin' on. It just puts the very d-l into + property. Why, deacon," he addresses himself to Harry with more + complacency, "my old father-he was as good a father as ever came from + Dublin-said it was just the spilin' on his children to larn 'em to read. + See me, now! what larnin' I'ze got; got it all don't know how: cum as + nat'ral as daylight. I've got the allfired'st sense ye ever did see; and + it's common sense what makes money. Yer don't think a feller what's got + sense like me would bother his head with larnin' in this ar' down south?" + Mr. M'Fadden exhibits great confidence in himself, and seems quite playful + with his preacher, whom he pats on the shoulder and shakes by the hand. "I + never read three chapters in that ar' book in my whole life-wouldn't + neither. Really, deacon, two-thirds of the people of our State can't read + a word out o' that book. As for larnin', I just put me mind on the thing, + and got the meanin' out on't sudden." + </p> + <p> + Mr. M'Fadden's soothing consolation, that, as he has become such a + wonderful specimen of mankind without learning, Harry must be a very + dangerous implement of progress if allowed to go about the plantation with + a Bible in his pocket, seems strange in this our Christian land. "Can + fiddle just as much as yer mind t'," concludes Mr. Lawrence M'Fadden, as + he again shakes the hand of his preacher, and proceeds to mingle with the + political gathering, the Bible in his pocket. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0024" id="link2HCH0024"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXIII. — HOW WE MANUFACTURE POLITICAL FAITH. + </h2> + <p> + MR. M'FADDEN enters the tavern, which presents one of those grotesque + scenes so peculiarly southern, almost impossible for the reader to + imagine, and scarcely less for pen to describe. In and around the verandas + are numerous armchairs, occupied by the fashionable portion of the + political material, who, dressed in extreme profuseness, are displaying + their extraordinary distinctions in jewellery of heavy seals and long + dangling chains. Some are young men who have enjoyed the advantage of a + liberal education, which they now turn into the more genial duty of + ornamenting themselves. They have spent much time and many valuable + cosmetics on their heads, all of which is very satisfactorily repaid by + the smoothness of their hair. Their pleasure never penetrated beyond this; + they ask no more. + </p> + <p> + They ask but little of the world, and are discussing the all-important + question, whether Colonel Mophany or General Vandart will get the more + votes at the polls. So they smoke and harangue, and drink and swear, and + with inimitable provincialisms fill up the clattering music. There is a + fascinating piquancy in the strange slang and conversational intermixture. + It is a great day at the crossing; the political sediment has reduced all + men to one grade, one harmonious whole, niggers excepted. Spirits that + cannot flow one way must flow another. + </p> + <p> + In an adjoining room sit the two candidates-gentlemen of high + distinction-for the votes of the sovereign people. Through those sovereign + rights they will satisfy their yearning desire to reach the very high + position of member of the general assembly. Anxiety is pictured on their + very countenances; it is the fruit of care when men travel the road to + distinction without finding it. They are well dressed, and would be + modest, if modesty were worth its having in such an atmosphere. Indeed, + they might have been taken for men with other motives than those of + gaining office by wallowing in a political quagmire reeking with + democratic filth. Courteous to each other, they sit at a large table + containing long slips of paper, each candidate's sentiments printed + thereon. As each voter—good fellow that he is—enters the room, + one or the other candidate reaches out his hand to welcome him, and, as a + sequel, hands him his slip, making the politest bow. Much is said about + the prospects of the South, and much more that is very acceptable to those + about to do the drinking part of the scene. + </p> + <p> + Both candidates are very ambitious men; both profess to be the people's + champion-the sovereign people-the dear people-the noble-hearted people-the + iron-handed, unbribable, unterrified democracy-the people from whom all + power springs. The never-flinching, unterrified, irresistible democracy + are smothered with encomiums of praise, sounding from all parts of the + room. Mr. Lawrence M'Fadden is ushered into the room to the great joy of + his friends: being a very great man among the loyal voters, his appearance + produces great excitement. + </p> + <p> + Several friends of the candidates, working for their favourites, are + making themselves very humble in their behalf. Although there is little + care for maintaining any fundamental principle of government that does not + serve his own pocket, Mr. M'Fadden can and will control a large number of + votes, do a deal of knocking down at the polls, and bring up first-rate + fighting men to do the keeping away the opposite's constituents. Thus our + man, who has lately been bought as preacher, is most useful in this our + little democratic world. + </p> + <p> + Some two or three hundred persons have collected near a clump of trees on + the lawn, and are divided into knots intermixed with ruffian-looking + desperadoes, dressed most coarsely and fantastically. They are pitting + their men, after the fashion of good horses; then they boldly draw forth + and expose the minor delinquencies of opposing candidates. Among them are + the "Saw- piters," who affect an air of dignity, and scout the planter's + offer of work so long as a herring runs the river; the "piny woods-man," + of great independence while rabbits are found in the woods, and he can + wander over the barren unrestrained; and the "Wire-Grass-Men;" and the + Crackers, + </p> + <p> + Singular species of gypsies, found throughout the State. who live anywhere + and everywhere, and whom the government delights to keep in ignorance, + while declaring it much better they were enslaved. The State possesses + many thousands of these people; but few of them can read, while never + having written a stroke in their lives is a boast. Continually armed with + double-barrel guns, to hunt the panting buck is one of their sports; to + torture a runaway negro is another; to make free with a planter's corn + field is the very best. The reader may imagine this picture of lean, + craven faces-unshaven and made fiercely repulsive by their small, + treacherous eyes, if he can. It can only be seen in these our happy slave + states of our happy Union. + </p> + <p> + The time draws near when the candidates will come forward, address the + sovereign constituency, and declare their free and open principles-their + love of liberal governments, and their undying affection for the great + truths of democracy. The scene, as the time approaches, becomes more and + more animated. All are armed to the teeth, with the symbol of honour—something + so called—beneath their coarse doublets, or in the waistbands of + their pantaloons. The group evinces so much excitement that belligerents + are well nigh coming to blows; in fact, peace is only preserved by the + timely appearance of the landlord, who proclaims that unless order be + preserved until after the candidates have addressed them, the next barrel + of whiskey will positively "not be tapped." He could not use a more + effectual argument. Mr. M'Fadden, who exercises great authority over the + minions under him, at this announcement mounts the top of an empty whiskey + barrel, and declares he will whip the "whole crowd," if they do not cease + to wage their political arguments. + </p> + <p> + While the above cursory remarks and party sparrings are going on, some + forty negroes are seen busily employed preparing the indispensable + adjuncts of the occasion-the meats. Here, beneath the clump of trees, a + few yards from the grocery and justices' office, the candidates' tables + are being spread with cold meats, crackers, bread and cheese, cigars, + &c., &c. As soon as the gentlemen candidates have delivered + themselves of their sentiments, two barrels of real "straight-back" + whiskey will be added. + </p> + <p> + "This is the way we puts our candidate through, down south, ye see, + fellers, voters: it's we what's the bone and siners o' the rights o' the + south. It's we what's got t' take the slow-coach politics out o' the hands + o' them ar' old harristocrats what don't think them ar' northern + abolitionists han't goin to do nothin. It's we, fellow citizens, what puts + southern-rights principles clean through; it's we what puts them ar' old + Union haristocrats, what spiles all the nigger property, into the straight + up way o' doing things! Now, feller voters, free and independent + citizens-freemen who have fought for freedom,—you, whose old, + grey-headed fathers died for freedom! it takes you t' know what sort a + thing freedom is; and how to enjoy it so niggers can't take it away from + you! I'ze lived north way, know how it is! Yer jist the chaps to put + niggers straight,—to vote for my man, Colonel Mohpany," Mr. M'Fadden + cries out at the very top of his voice, as he comes rushing out of the + tavern, edging his way through the crowd, followed by the two candidates. + The gentlemen look anxiously good-natured; they walk together to the + rostrum, followed by a crowd, measuring their way to the assembly through + the darling affections of our free and independent voters. Gossamer + citizenship, this! + </p> + <p> + As they reach the rostrum, a carriage is seen in the distance, approaching + in great haste. All attention being directed to it, the first candidate, + Colonel Mohpany, mounts the stump, places his right hand in his bosom, and + pauses as if to learn who it brings. To the happy consolation of Mr. + M'Fadden and his friends, it bears Mr. Scranton the philosopher. Poor Mr. + Scranton looks quite worn out with anxiety; he has come all the way from + the city, prepared with the very best kind of a southern-rights speech, to + relieve his friend, General Vardant, who is not accustomed to public + declamation. The General is a cunning fellow, fears the stump + accomplishments of his antagonist, and has secured the valuable services + of philosopher Scranton. Mr. S. will tell the constituency, in very + logical phraseology,—making the language suit the sentiments of his + friends,—what principles must be maintained; how the General depends + upon the soundness of their judgment to sustain him; how they are the bone + and sinews of the great political power of the South; how their hard, + uncontrastable appearance, and their garments of similar primitiveness, + are emblematic of the iron firmness of their democracy. Mr. Scranton will + further assure them that their democracy is founded on that very + accommodating sort of freedom which will be sure to keep all persons of + doubtful colour in slavery. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Scranton arrives, receives the congratulations of his friends, gets + the negroes to brush him down,—for it is difficult to distinguish + him from a pillar of dust, save that we have his modest eyes for + assurances-takes a few glasses of moderate mixture, and coolly collects + his ideas. The mixture will bring out Mr. Scranton's philosophical facts: + and, now that he has got his face and beard cleanly washed, he will + proceed to the stand. Here he is received with loud cheering; the + gentleman is a great man, all the way from the city. Sitting on a chair he + is sorry was made at the north, he exhibits a deal of method in taking + from his pocket a long cedar pencil, with which he will make notes of all + Colonel Mohpany's loose points. + </p> + <p> + The reader, we feel assured, will excuse us for not following Colonel + Mohpany through his speech, so laudatory of the patriotism of his friends, + so much interrupted by applause. The warm manner in which his conclusion + is received assures him that he now is the most popular man in the State. + Mr. Scranton, armed with his usually melancholy countenance, rises to the + stump, makes his modestly political bow, offers many impressive apologies + for the unprepared state in which he finds himself, informs his hearers + that he appears before them only as a substitute for his very intimate and + particular friend, General Vardant. He, too, has a wonderful prolixity of + compliments to bestow upon the free, the patriotic, the independent voters + of the very independent district. He tries to be facetious; but his + temperament will not admit of any inconsistencies, not even in a political + contest. No! he must be serious; because the election of a candidate to so + high an office is a serious affair. So he will tell the "Saw-pit men" a + great deal about their noble sires; how they lived and died for liberty; + how the tombstones of immortality are emblazoned with the fame of their + glorious deeds. And he will tell these glorious squatters what inalienable + rights they possess; how they must be maintained; and how they have always + been first to maintain the principle of keeping "niggers" in their places, + and resisting those mischievous propagators of northern + villainy-abolitionists. He will tell the deep-thinking saw-pit voters how + it has been charged against them that they were only independent once a + year, and that was when herrings run up the Santee river. Such a gross + slander Mr. Scranton declares to be the most impious. They were always + independent; and, if they were poor, and preferred to habit themselves in + primitive garbs, it was only because they preferred to be honest! This, + Mr. Scranton, the northern philosopher, asserts with great emphasis. Yes! + they are honest; and honest patriots are always better than rich traitors. + From the san-pit men, Mr. Scranton, his face distended with eloquence, + turns to his cracker and "wire-grass" friends, upon whom he bestows most + piercing compliments. Their lean mules-the speaker laughs at his own + wit-and pioneer waggons always remind him of the good old times, when he + was a boy, and everybody was so honest it was unnecessary even to have + such useless finery as people put on at the present day. A word or two, + very derogatory of the anti-slavery people, is received with deafening + applause. Of the descendants of the Huguenots he says but little; they are + few, rich, and very unpopular in this part of the little sovereign state. + And he quite forgot to tell this unlettered mass of a sovereign + constituency the true cause of their poverty and degradation. Mr. + Scranton, however, in one particular point, which is a vital one to the + slave-ocracy, differs with the ungovernable Romescos,—he would not + burn all common schools, nor scout all such trash as schoolmasters. + </p> + <p> + In another part of Mr. Scranton's speech he enjoins them to be staunch + supporters of men known to be firm to the south, and who would blow up + every yankee who came south, and refused to declare his sentiments to be + for concession. "You!"-he points round him to the grotesque crowd-"were + first to take a stand and keep niggers down; to keep them where they can't + turn round and enslave you! Great Britain, fell ercitizens,"-Mr. Scranton + begins to wax warm; he adjusts his coat sleeves, and draws himself into a + tragic attitude as he takes his tobacco from his mouth, seemingly + unconscious of his own enthusiasm-I say Great Britain-" A sudden + interruption is caused. Mr. Scranton's muddled quid, thrown with such + violence, has bedaubed the cheek of an admiring saw-pitter, whose mind was + completely absorbed in his eloquence. He was listening with breathless + suspense, and only saved its admission in his capacious mouth by closing + it a few seconds before. + </p> + <p> + "Sarved him just right; keep on, Colonel!" exclaims Mr. M'Fadden. He takes + the man by the arm, pushes him aside, and makes a slight bow to Mr. + Scranton. He would have him go on. + </p> + <p> + "Great Britain-feller citizens, I say-was first to commence the warfare + against nigger slavery; and now she is joining the north to seek its + permanent overthrow. She is a monster tyrant wherever she sets her foot-I + say! (Three cheers for that.) She contributed to fasten the curse upon us; + and now she wants to destroy us by taking it away according to the + measures of the northern abolitionists-fanaticism! Whatever the old school + southerner neglects to do for the preservation of the peculiar + institution, we must do for him! And we, who have lived at the north, can, + with your independent support, put the whole thing through a course of + political crooks." Again Mr. Scranton pauses; surveys his assembly of free + and independent citizens. + </p> + <p> + "That we can: I knows what fanatics down east be!" rejoins Mr. M'Fadden, + shaking his head very knowingly. He laughs with an air of great + satisfaction, as much as to say that, with such northern philosophers to + do the championism of slavery in the south, all the commercial relations + for which northern merchants are under so many obligations to + slave-labour, will be perfectly safe. But Mr. Scranton has drawn out his + speech to such an uncommon length, that the loquacious M'Fadden is + becoming decidedly wearied. His eyes begin to glow languid, and the lids + to close,—and now he nods assent to all Mr. Scranton's sayings, + which singularly attracts the attention of that orator's hearers. The + orator becomes very much annoyed at this, suddenly stops-begs Mr. M'Fadden + will postpone his repose. This, from so great a man as Mr. Scranton, is + accepted as provokingly witty. Mr. M'Fadden laughs; and they all laugh. + The gentleman will continue his speech. + </p> + <p> + "The South must come out; must establish free trade, direct trade,—trade + that will free her from her disreputable association with the North. She + can do it!" Mr. Scranton wipes his forehead with his white + pocket-handkerchief. + </p> + <p> + "Ain't we deeply indebted to the North?" a voice in the crowd cries out. + </p> + <p> + "Well! what if we are? Can't we offset the debts on the principles of war? + Let it go against the injury of abolition excitements!" Mr. Scranton makes + a theatrical flourish with his right hand, and runs the fingers of his + left through his crispy hair, setting it on end like quills on a + porcupine's back. Three long and loud cheers follow, and the gentleman is + involuntarily compelled to laugh at his own singular sayings. "The South + must hold conventions; she must enforce constitutional guarantees; she + must plant herself in the federal capital, and plead her cause at the bar + of the world. She will get a hearing there! And she must supplant that + dangerous engine of abolition, now waging war against our property, our + rights, our social system." Thus concluding, Mr. Scranton sits down, very + much fatigued from his mental effervescence, yet much lighter from having + relieved himself of his speech, amidst a storm of applause. Such a + throwing up of hats and slouches, such jostling, abetting, and haranguing + upon the merits of the candidates, their speeches and their sentiments, + never was heard or seen before. + </p> + <p> + Mine host now mounts the stand to make the welcome announcement, that, the + speeches being over, the eating entertainments are ready. He hopes the + friends of the candidates will repair to the tables, and help themselves + without stint or restraint. As they are on the point of rushing upon the + tables, Colonel Mohpany suddenly jumps up, and arrests the progress of the + group by intimating that he has one word more to say. That word is, his + desire to inform the bone and sinew of the constituency that his opponent + belongs to a party which once declared in the Assembly that they-the very + men who stand before him now-were a dangerous class unless reduced to + slavery! The Colonel has scarcely delivered himself of this very clever + charge, when the tables, a few yards distant, are surrounded by + promiscuous friends and foes, who help themselves after the fashion most + advantageous. All rules of etiquette are unceremoniously dispensed with,—he + who can secure most is the best diplomatist. Many find their mouths so + inadequate to the temptation of the feast, that they improve on Mr. + Scranton's philosophy by making good use of their ample pockets. Believe + us, reader, the entertainment is the essential part of the candidate's + political virtue, which must be measured according to the extent of his + cold meats and very bad whiskey. + </p> + <p> + To carry out the strength of General Vardant's principles, several of his + opponent's friends are busily employed in circulating a report that his + barrel of whiskey has been "brought on" only half full. A grosser slander + could not have been invented. But the report gains circulation so fast, + that his meats and drinks are mischievously absorbed, and the + demonstration of his unpopular position begins to be manifest. The + candidates, unflinching in their efforts, mix with the medley, have the + benefit of the full exercise of free thought and action, hear various + opinions upon "the Squire's chances," and listen to the chiming of + high-sounding compliments. While this clanging of merry jargon is at its + highest, as if by some magic influence Romescos makes his appearance, and + immediately commences to pit sides with Mr. M'Fadden. With all Romescos' + outlawry, he is tenacious of his southern origin; and he will assert its + rights against Mr. M'Fadden, whom he declares to be no better than a + northern humbug, taking advantage of southern institutions. To him all + northerners are great vagabonds, having neither principles nor humanity in + their composition; he makes the assertion emphatically, without fear or + trembling; and he calls upon his friends to sustain him, that he may + maintain the rights of the South. Those rights Romescos asserts, and + re-asserts, can only be preserved by southern men-not by sneaking + northerners, who, with their trade, pocket their souls. Northerners are + great men for whitewashing their faces with pretence! Romescos is received + with considerable ‚clat. He declares, independently, that Mr. Scranton too + is no less a sheer humbug of the same stripe, and whose humbugging + propensities make him the humble servant of the south so long as he can + make a dollar by the bemeaning operation. His full and unmeasured + appreciation of all this northern-southern independence is here given to + the world for the world's good. And he wants the world to particularly + understand, that the old southerner is the only independent man, the only + true protector of humanity! + </p> + <p> + Romescos' sudden appearance, and the bold stand he takes against Mr. + M'Fadden and his candidate, produce the utmost confusion; he being + unpopular with the saw-pit men, with whom he once exhibited considerable + dexterity in carrying off one of their number and putting the seal of + slavery on him, they take sides against him. It is the Saw-pitters against + Romescos and the Crackers. The spirits have flowed, and now the gods of + our political power sway to and fro under most violent shocks. Many, being + unable to keep a perpendicular, are accusing each other of all sorts of + misdeeds-of the misdeeds of their ancestors-of the specific crimes they + committed-the punishments they suffered. From personalities of their own + time they descend forth into jeering each other on matters of family + frailty, setting what their just deserts would have entitled them to + receive. They continue in this strain of jargon for some time, until at + length it becomes evident the storm of war is fast approaching a crisis. + Mr. M'Fadden is mentally unprepared to meet this crisis, which Romescos + will make to suit himself; and to this end the comical and somewhat + tragical finale seems pretty well understood by the candidates and a few + of the "swell-ocracy," who have assembled more to see the grand + representation of physical power on the part of these free and enlightened + citizens, than to partake of the feast or listen to the rhetoric of the + speeches. In order to get a good view of the scene they have ascended + trees, where, perched among their branches like so many jackals, they + cheer and urge on the sport, as the nobility of Spain applaud a favourite + champion of the ring. At length the opposing parties doff their hats and + coats, draw knives, make threatening grimaces, and twirl their steel in + the air: their desperation is earnest; they make an onset, charging with + the bravado of men determined to sacrifice life. The very air resounds + with their shouts of blasphemy; blood flows from deep incisions of + bowie-knives, garments are rent into shreds; and men seem to have betaken + themselves to personating the demons. + </p> + <p> + Would that they were rational beings! would that they were men capable of + constituting a power to protect the liberty of principle and the justice + of law! Shout after shout goes up; tumult is triumphant. Two fatal + rencontres are announced, and Mr. Lawrence M'Fadden is dangerously + wounded; he has a cut in the abdomen. The poor victims attract but little + attention; such little trifling affairs are very common, scarcely worth a + word of commiseration. One gentleman insinuates that the affair has been a + desperately amusing one; another very coolly adds, that this political + feed has had much more interest in it than any preceding one. + </p> + <p> + The victims are rolled in blankets, and laid away in the corn-shed; they + will await the arrival of the coroner, who, the landlord says, it will be + no more than right to send for. They are only two dead Crackers, however, + and nobody doubts what the verdict will be. In truth-and it must be told + once in a while, even in our atmosphere-the only loss is the two votes, + which the candidate had already secured with his meat and drink, and which + have now, he regrets, been returned to the box of death instead of his + ballot. Poor voters, now only fit to serve the vilest purpose! how + degraded in the scale of human nature is the being, only worth a suffrance + at elections, where votes cast from impulse control the balance of power. + Such beings are worth just nothing; they would not sell in the market. The + negro waiters say, "It don't make a bit of matter how much white rubbish + like this is killed, it won't fetch a bid in the market; and when you sell + it, it won't stay sold." + </p> + <p> + "Lose I dat way, Cato, might jist as well take tousand dollar straight out + o' mas'r's pocket; but dese critters b'nt notin' nohow," says old Daniel, + one of the servants, who knows the value of his own body quite well. + Daniel exults as he looks upon the dead bodies he is assisting to deposit + in the corn-shed. + </p> + <p> + Mr. M'Fadden is carefully borne into the tavern, where, after much + difficulty, he is got up stairs and laid on a very nice bed, spread with + snowy white linen. A physician is called, and his wound dressed with all + possible skill and attention. He is in great pain, however; begs his + friends to bestow all care upon him, and save no expense. + </p> + <p> + Thus ends our political day. The process of making power to shape the + social and political weal of our State, closes. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0025" id="link2HCH0025"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXIV. — MR. M'FADDEN SEES SHADOWS IN THE FUTURE. + </h2> + <p> + NIGHT has quickly drawn its curtain over the scene. Mr. M'Fadden lies on + his bed, writhing under the pain of the poisoned wound. He left his + preacher locked up for the night in a cold hovel, and he has secured the + dangerous Bible, lest it lessen his value. Mr. M'Fadden, however, feels + that now his earthly career is fast closing he must seek redemption. Hie + has called in the aid of a physician, who tells him there is great danger, + and little hope unless his case takes a favourable turn about midnight. + The professional gentleman merely suggests this, but the suggestion + conveys an awful warning. All the misdeeds of the past cloud before his + eyes; they summon him to make his peace with his Maker. He remembers what + has been told him about the quality of mercy,—the duration of hope + in redemption,—which he may secure by rendering justice to those he + has wronged. But now conscience wars with him; he sees the fierce elements + of retribution gathering their poisoned shafts about him; he quails lest + their points pierce his heart; and he sees the God of right arraigning him + at the bar of justice. There, that Dispenser of all Good sits in his glory + and omnipotence, listening while the oppressed recites his sufferings: the + oppressed there meets him face to face, robed in that same garb of + submission which he has inflicted upon him on earth. His fevered brain + gives out strange warnings,—warnings in which he sees the angel of + light unfolding the long list of his injustice to his fellow man, and an + angry God passing the awful sentence. Writhing, turning, and contorting + his face, his very soul burns with the agony of despair. He grasps the + hand of his physician, who leans over his wounded body, and with eyes + distorted and glassy, stares wildly and frantically round the room. Again, + as if suffering inward torture, he springs from his pillow, utters fierce + imprecations against the visions that surround him, grasps at them with + his out-stretched fingers, motions his hand backward and forward, and + breaks out into violent paroxysms of passion, as if struggling in the + unyielding grasp of death. + </p> + <p> + That physical power which has so long borne him up in his daily pursuits + yields to the wanderings of his haunted mind. He lays his hand upon the + physician's shoulder as his struggles now subside, looks mournfully in his + face, and rather mutters than speaks: "Bring-bring-bring him here: I'll + see him,—I must see him! I-I-I took away the book; there's what + makes the sting worse! And when I close my eyes I see it burning + fiercely-" + </p> + <p> + "Who shall I bring?" interrupts the physician, mildly, endeavouring to + soothe his feelings by assuring him there is no danger, if he will but + remain calm. + </p> + <p> + "Heaven is casting its thick vengeance round me; heaven is consuming me + with the fire of my own heart! How can I be calm, and my past life vaulted + with a glow of fire? The finger of Almighty God points to that deed I did + today. I deprived a wretch of his only hope: that wretch can forgive me + before heaven. Y-e-s, he can,—can speak for me,—can intercede + for me; he can sign my repentance, and save me from the just vengeance of + heaven. His-his-his-" + </p> + <p> + "What?" the physician whispers, putting his ear to his mouth. "Be calm." + </p> + <p> + "Calm!" he mutters in return. + </p> + <p> + "Neither fear death nor be frightened at its shadows-" + </p> + <p> + "It's life, life, life I fear—not death!" he gurgles out. "Bring him + to me; there is the Bible. Oh! how could I have robbed him of it! 'Twas + our folly—all folly—my folly!" Mr. M'Fadden had forgotten that + the bustle of current life was no excuse for his folly; that it would be + summed up against him in the day of trouble. He never for once thought + that the Bible and its teachings were as dear to slave as master, and that + its truths were equally consoling in the hour of death. In life it + strengthens man's hopes; could it have been thus with M'Fadden before + death placed its troubled sea before his eyes, how happy he would have + died in the Lord! + </p> + <p> + The emphatic language, uttered in such supplicating tones, and so at + variance with his habits of life, naturally excited the feelings of his + physician, whose only solicitude had been evinced in his efforts to save + life,—to heal the wound. Never had he watched at a patient's + bed-side who had exhibited such convulsions of passion,—such fears + of death. + </p> + <p> + Now struggling against a storm of convulsions, then subsiding into + sluggish writhings, accompanied with low moans, indicating more mental + disquietude than bodily pain. Again he is quiet; points to his coat. + </p> + <p> + The physician brings it forward and lays it upon the bed, where Mr. + M'Fadden can put his hand upon it. "It is there—in there!" he says, + turning on his left side, and with a solicitous look pointing to the + pockets of his coat. The professional gentleman does not understand him. + </p> + <p> + He half raises himself on his pillow, but sinks back fatigued, and faintly + whispers, "Oh, take it to him—to him! Give him the comforter: bring + him, poor fellow, to me, that his spirit may be my comforter!" + </p> + <p> + The physician understands, puts his hand into the pocket; draws forth the + little boon companion. It is the Bible, book of books; its great truths + have borne Harry through many trials,—he hopes it will be his shield + and buckler to carry him through many more. Its associations are as dear + to him as its teachings are consoling in the days of tribulation. It is + dear to him, because the promptings of a noble-hearted woman secretly + entrusted it to his care, in violation of slavery's statutes. Its + well-worn pages bear testimony of the good service it has done. It was + Franconia's gift-Franconia, whose tender emotions made her the friend of + the slave-made in the kindness of woman's generous nature. The good + example, when contrasted with the fierce tenor of slavery's fears, is + worthy many followers. + </p> + <p> + But men seldom profit by small examples, especially when great fears are + paramount. + </p> + <p> + The physician, holding the good book in his hand, enquires if Mr. M'Fadden + would have him read from it? He has no answer to make, turns his feverish + face from it, closes his eyes, and compressing his forehead with his + hands, mutely shakes his head. A minute or two passes in silence; he has + re-considered the point,—answers, no! He wants Harry brought to him, + that he may acknowledge his crimes; that he may quench the fire of + unhappiness burning within him. "How seldom we think of death while in + life,—and how painful to see death while gathering together the + dross of this worldly chaos! Great, great, great is the reward of the + good, and mighty is the hand of Omnipotence that, holding the record of + our sins, warns us to prepare." As Mr. M'Fadden utters these words, a + coloured woman enters the room to enquire if the patient wants + nourishment. She will wait at the door. + </p> + <p> + The physician looks at the patient; the patient shakes his head and + whispers, "Only the boy. The boy I bought to-day." The Bible lays at his + side on the sheet. He points to it, again whispering, "The boy I took it + from!" + </p> + <p> + The boy, the preacher, Mr. M'Fadden's purchase, can read; she will know + him by that; she must bring him from the shed, from his cold bed of earth. + That crime of slavery man wastes his energies to make right, is wrong in + the sight of heaven; our patient reads the glaring testimony as the demons + of his morbid fancy haunt him with their damning terrors, their ghastly + visages. + </p> + <p> + "Go, woman, bring him!" he whispers again. + </p> + <p> + Almost motionless the woman stands. She has seen the little book-she knows + it, and her eyes wander over the inscription on the cover. A deep blush + shadows her countenance; she fixes her piercing black eyes upon it until + they seem melting into sadness; with a delicacy and reserve at variance + with her menial condition, she approaches the bed, lays her hand upon the + book, and, while the physician's attention is attracted in another + direction, closes its pages, and is about to depart. + </p> + <p> + "Can you tell which one he wants, girl?" enquires the physician, in a + stern voice. + </p> + <p> + "His name, I think, is Harry; and they say the poor thing can preach; + forgive me what I have done to him, oh Lord! It is the weakness of man + grasping the things of this world, to leave behind for the world's + nothingness," says Mr. M'Fadden, as the woman leaves the room giving an + affirmative reply. + </p> + <p> + The presence of the Bible surprised the woman; she knew it as the one much + used by Harry, on Marston's plantation. It was Franconia's gift! The + associations of the name touched the chord upon which hung the happiest + incidents of her life. Retracing her steps down the stairs, she seeks mine + host of the tavern, makes known the demand, and receives the keys of this + man-pen of our land of liberty. Lantern in hand, she soon reaches the + door, unlocks it gently, as if she expects the approach of some strange + object, and fears a sudden surprise. + </p> + <p> + There the poor dejected wretches lay; nothing but earth's surface for a + bed,—no blanket to cover them. They have eaten their measure of + corn, and are sleeping; they sleep while chivalry revels! Harry has drawn + his hat partly over his face, and made a pillow of the little bundle he + carried under his arm. + </p> + <p> + Passing from one to the other, the woman approaches him, as if to see if + she can recognise any familiar feature. She stoops over him, passes the + light along his body, from head to foot, and from foot to head. "Can it be + our Harry?" she mutters. "It can't be; master wouldn't sell him." Her eyes + glare with anxiety as they wander up and down his sleeping figure. + </p> + <p> + "Harry,—Harry,—Harry! which is Harry?" she demands. + </p> + <p> + Scarcely has she lisped the words, when the sleeper starts to his feet, + and sets his eyes on the woman with a stare of wonderment. His mind + wanders-bewildered; is he back on the old plantation? That cannot be; they + would not thus provide for him there. "Back at the old home! Oh, how glad + I am: yes, my home is there, with good old master. My poor old woman; I've + nothing for her, nothing," he says, extending his hand to the woman, and + again, as his mind regains itself, their glances become mutual; the + sympathy of two old associates gushes forth from the purest of fountains,—the + oppressed heart. + </p> + <p> + "Harry-oh, Harry! is it you?" + </p> + <p> + "Ellen! my good Ellen, my friend, and old master's friend!" is the + simultaneous salutation. + </p> + <p> + "Sold you, too?" enquires Harry, embracing her with all the fervour of a + father who has regained his long-lost child. She throws her arms about his + neck, and clings to him, as he kisses, and kisses, and kisses her olive + brow. + </p> + <p> + "My sale, Harry, was of little consequence; but why did they sell you? + (Her emotions have swollen into tears). You must tell me all, to-night! + You must tell me of my child, my Nicholas,—if master cares for him, + and how he looks, grows, and acts. Oh, how my heart beats to have him at + my side;—when, when will that day come! I would have him with me, + even if sold for the purpose." Tears gush down her cheeks, as Harry, + encircling her with his arm, whispers words of consolation in her ear. + </p> + <p> + "If we were always for this world, Ellen, our lot could not be borne. But + heaven has a recompense, which awaits us in the world to come. Ellen!"-he + holds her from him and looks intently in her face-"masters are not to + blame for our sufferings,—the law is the sinner! Hope not, seek not + for common justice, rights, privileges, or anything else while we are + merchandise among men who, to please themselves, gamble with our souls and + bodies. Take away that injustice, Ellen, and men who now plead our + unprofitableness would hide their heads with shame. Make us men, and we + will plead our own cause; we will show to the world that we are men; black + men, who can be made men when they are not made merchandise." Ellen must + tell him what has brought her here, first! He notices sad changes in her + countenance, and feels anxious to listen to the recital of her troubles. + </p> + <p> + She cannot tell him now, and begs that he will not ask her, as the + recollection of them fills her heart with sorrow. She discloses the object + of her mission, will guide him to his new master, who, they say, is going + to die, and feels very bad about it. He was a desperate man on his + plantation, and has become the more contrite at death's call. "I hope God + will forgive him!" + </p> + <p> + "He will!-He will! He is forgiving," interrupts Harry, hurriedly. + </p> + <p> + Ellen reconnoitres the wearied bodies of the others as they lie around. + "Poor wretches! what can I do for them?" she says, holding the lamp over + them. She can do but little for them, poor girl. The will is good, but the + wherewith she hath not. Necessity is a hard master; none know it better + than the slave woman. She will take Harry by the hand, and, retracing her + steps, usher him into the presence of the wounded man. Pressing his hand + as she opens the door, she bids him good night, and retires to her cabin. + "Poor Harry!" she says, with a sigh. + </p> + <p> + The kind woman is Ellen Juvarna. She has passed another eventful stage of + her eventful life. Mine host, good fellow, bought her of Mr. O'Brodereque, + that's all! + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0026" id="link2HCH0026"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXV. — HOW THEY STOLE THE PREACHER. + </h2> + <p> + THE scenes we have described in the foregoing chapter have not yet been + brought to a close. In and about the tavern may be seen groups of men, in + the last stage of muddled mellowness, the rank fumes of bad liquor making + the very air morbid. Conclaves of grotesque figures are seated in the + veranda and drinking-room, breaking the midnight stillness with their + stifled songs, their frenzied congratulations, their political jargon; + nothing of fatal consequence would seem to have happened. + </p> + <p> + "Did master send for me? You've risen from a rag shop, my man!" interrupts + the physician. + </p> + <p> + "Master there-sorry to see him sick-owns me." Harry cast a subdued look on + the bed where lay his late purchaser. + </p> + <p> + Harry's appearance is not the most prepossessing,—he might have been + taken for anything else but a minister of the gospel; though the quick eye + of the southerner readily detected those frank and manly features which + belong to a class of very dark men who exhibit uncommon natural genius. + </p> + <p> + At the sound of Harry's voice, M'Fadden makes an effort to raise himself + on his elbow. The loss of blood has so reduced his physical power that his + effort is unsuccessful. He sinks back, prostrate,—requests the + physician to assist him in turning over. He will face his preacher. + Putting out his hand, he embraces him cordially,—motions him to be + seated. + </p> + <p> + The black preacher, that article of men merchandise, takes a seat at the + bed-side, while the man of medicine withdraws to the table. The summons is + as acceptable to Harry as it is strange to the physician, who has never + before witnessed so strange a scene of familiarity between slave and + master. All is silent for several minutes. Harry looks at his master, as + if questioning the motive for which he is summoned into his presence; and + still he can read the deep anxiety playing upon M'Fadden's distorted + countenance. At length, Harry, feeling that his presence may be intrusive, + breaks the silence by enquiring if there is anything he can do for master. + Mr. M'Fadden whispers something, lays his trembling hand on Harry's, casts + a meaning glance at the physician, and seems to swoon. Returning to his + bed-side, the physician lays his hand upon the sick man's brow; he will + ascertain the state of his system. + </p> + <p> + "Give-him-his-Bible," mutters the wounded man, pointing languidly to the + table. "Give it to him that he may ask God's blessing for me-for me-for + me,—" + </p> + <p> + The doctor obeys his commands, and the wretch, heart bounding with joy, + receives back his inspiring companion. It is dear to him, and with a smile + of gratitude invading his countenance he returns thanks. There is pleasure + in that little book. "And now, Harry, my boy," says M'Fadden, raising his + hand to Harry's shoulder, and looking imploringly in his face as he + regains strength; "forgive what I have done. I took from you that which + was most dear to your feelings; I took it from you when the wounds of your + heart were gushing with grief-" He makes an effort to say more, but his + voice fails; he will wait a few moments. + </p> + <p> + The kind words touch Harry's feelings; tears glistening in his eyes tell + how he struggles to suppress the emotions of his heart. "Did you mean my + wife and children, master?" he enquires. + </p> + <p> + M'Fadden, somewhat regaining strength, replies in the affirmative. He + acknowledges to have seen that the thing "warn't just right." His + imagination has been wandering through the regions of heaven, where, he is + fully satisfied, there is no objection to a black face. God has made a + great opening in his eyes and heart just now. He sees and believes such + things as he neither saw nor believed before; they pass like clouds before + his eyes, never, never to be erased from his memory. Never before has he + thought much about repentance; but now that he sees heaven on one side and + hell on the other, all that once seemed right in bartering and selling the + bodies and souls of men, vanishes. There, high above all, is the vengeance + of heaven written in letters of blood, execrating such acts, and pointing + to the retribution. It is a burning consciousness of all the suffering he + has inflicted upon his negroes. Death, awful monitor! stares him in the + face; it holds the stern realities of truth and justice before him; it + tells him of the wrong,—points him to the right. The unbending + mandates of slave law, giving to man power to debase himself with crimes + the judicious dare not punish, are being consumed before Omnipotence, the + warning voice of which is calling him to his last account. + </p> + <p> + And now the wounded man is all condescension, hoping forgiveness! His + spirit has yielded to Almighty power; he no longer craves for property in + man; no, his coarse voice is subdued into softest accents. He whispers + "coloured man," as if the merchandise changed as his thoughts are brought + in contact with revelations of the future. + </p> + <p> + "Take the Bible, my good boy-take it, read it to me, before I die. Read + it, that it may convert my soul. If I have neglected myself on earth, + forgive me; receive my repentance, and let me be saved from eternal + misery. Read, my dear good boy,"-M'Fadden grasps his hand tighter and + tighter-"and let your voice be a warning to those who never look beyond + earth and earth's enjoyments." The physician thinks his patient will get + along until morning, and giving directions to the attendants, leaves him. + </p> + <p> + Harry has recovered from the surprise which so sudden a change of + circumstances produced, and has drawn from the patient the cause of his + suffering. He opens the restored Bible, and reads from it, to Mr. + M'Fadden's satisfaction. He reads from Job; the words producing a deep + effect upon the patient's mind. + </p> + <p> + The wretched preacher, whose white soul is concealed beneath black skin, + has finished his reading. He will now address himself to his master, in + the following simple manner. + </p> + <p> + "Master, it is one thing to die, and another to die happy. It is one thing + to be prepared to die, another to forget that we have to die, to leave the + world and its nothingness behind us. But you are not going to die, not + now. Master, the Lord will forgive you if you, make your repentance + durable. 'Tis only the fear of death that has produced the change on your + mind. Do, master! learn the Lord; be just to we poor creatures, for the + Lord now tells you it is not right to buy and sell us." + </p> + <p> + "Buy and sell you!" interrupts the frightened man, making an effort to + rise from his pillow; "that I never will, man nor woman. If God spares my + life, my people shall be liberated; I feel different on that subject, now! + The difference between the commerce of this world and the glory of heaven + brightens before me. I was an ignorant man on all religious matters; I + only wanted to be set right in the way of the Lord,—that's all." + Again he draws his face under the sheet, writhing with the pain of his + wound. + </p> + <p> + "I wish everybody could see us as master does, about this time; for surely + God can touch the heart of the most hardened. But master ain't going to + die so soon as he thinks," mutters Harry, wiping the sweat from his face, + as he lays his left hand softly upon master's arm. "God guide us in all + coming time, and make us forget the retribution that awaits our sins!" he + concludes, with a smile glowing on his countenance. + </p> + <p> + The half spoken words catch upon the patient's ear. He starts suddenly + from his pillow, as if eager to receive some favourable intelligence. + "Don't you think my case dangerous, my boy? Do you know how deep is the + wound?" he enquires, his glassy eyes staring intently at Harry. + </p> + <p> + "It is all the same, master!" is the reply. + </p> + <p> + "Give me your hand again"-M'Fadden grasps his hand and seems to + revive-"pray for me now; your prayers will be received into heaven, they + will serve me there!" + </p> + <p> + "Ah, master," says Harry, kindly, interrupting him at this juncture, "I + feel more than ever like a christian. It does my heart good to hear you + talk so true, so kind. How different from yesterday! then I was a poor + slave, forced from my children, with nobody to speak a kind word for me; + everybody to reckon me as a good piece of property only. I forgive you, + master-I forgive you; God is a loving God, and will forgive you also." The + sick man is consoled; and, while his preacher kneels at his bed-side, + offering up a prayer imploring forgiveness, he listens to the words as + they fall like cooling drops on his burning soul. The earnestness—the + fervency and pathos of the words, as they gush forth from the lips of a + wretch, produce a still deeper effect upon the wounded man. Nay, there is + even a chord loosened in his heart; he sobs audibly. "Live on earth so as + to be prepared for heaven; that when death knocks at the door you may + receive him as a welcome guest. But, master! you cannot meet our Father in + heaven while the sin of selling men clings to your garments. Let your hair + grow grey with justice, and God will reward you," he concludes. + </p> + <p> + "True, Harry; true!"—he lays his hand on the black man's shoulder, + is about to rise—"it is the truth plainly told, and nothing more." + He will have a glass of water to quench his thirst; Harry must bring it to + him, for there is consolation in his touch. Seized with another pain, he + grasps with his left hand the arm of his consoler, works his fingers + through his matted hair, breathes violently, contorts his face haggardly, + as if suffering acutely. Harry waits till the spasm has subsided, then + calls an attendant to watch the patient while he goes to the well. This + done he proceeds into the kitchen to enquire for a vessel. Having entered + that department as the clock strikes two, he finds Ellen busily engaged + preparing food for Mr. M'Fadden's property, which is yet fast secured in + the pen. Feeling himself a little more at liberty to move about + unrestrained, he procures a vessel, fills it at the well, carries it to + his master's bed-side, sees him comfortably cared for, and returns to the + kitchen, where he will assist Ellen in her mission of goodness. + </p> + <p> + The little pen is situated a few yards from the tavern, on the edge of a + clump of tall pines. + </p> + <p> + Ellen has got ready the corn and bacon, and with Harry she proceeds to the + pen, where the property are still enjoying that inestimable boon,—a + deep sleep. + </p> + <p> + "Always sleeping," he says, waking them one by one at the announcement of + corn and bacon. "Start up and get something good my girl has prepared for + you." He shakes them, while Ellen holds the lantern. There is something + piercing in the summons-meats are strong arguments with the slave-they + start from their slumbers, seize upon the food, and swallow it with great + relish. Harry and Ellen stand smiling over the gusto with which they + swallow their coarse meal. + </p> + <p> + "You must be good boys to-night. Old master's sick; flat down on e' back, + and 'spects he's going to die, he does." Harry shakes his head as he tells + it to the astonished merchandise. "Had a great time at the crossing + to-day; killed two or three certain, and almost put master on the plank." + </p> + <p> + "'Twarn't no matter, nohow: nobody lose nofin if old Boss do die: nigger + on e' plantation don' put e' hat in mournin'," mutters the negro woman, + with an air of hatred. She has eaten her share of the meal, shrugs her + shoulders, and again stretches her valuable body on the ground. + </p> + <p> + "Uncle Sparton know'd old Boss warn't gwine t' be whar de debil couldn't + cotch 'em, so long as 'e tink. If dat old mas'r debil, what white man talk + 'bout so much, don' gib 'em big roasting win 'e git 'e dah, better hab no + place wid fireins fo' such folks," speaks up old Uncle Sparton, one of the + negroes, whose face shines like a black-balled boot. + </p> + <p> + "Neber mind dat, Uncle Sparton; 'taint what ye say 'bout he. Ven mas'r + debil cotch old Boss 'e don't cotch no fool. Mas'r debil down yander find + old Boss too tuf fo' he business; he jus' like old hoss what neber die," + rejoins another. + </p> + <p> + In a word, M'Fadden had told his negroes what a great democrat he was-how + he loved freedom and a free country-until their ideas of freedom became + strangely mystified; and they ventured to assert that he would not find so + free a country when the devil became his keeper. "Mas'r tink 'e carry 'e + plantation t' t'oder world wid him, reckon," Uncle Sparton grumblingly + concludes, joining the motley conclave of property about to resume its + repose. + </p> + <p> + Ellen returns to the house. Harry will remain, and have a few words more + with the boys. A few minutes pass, and Ellen returns with an armful of + blankets, with which she covers the people carefully and kindly. How full + of goodness-how touching is the act! She has done her part, and she + returns to the house in advance of Harry, who stops to take a parting + good-night, and whisper a word of consolation in their ears. He looks upon + them as dear brothers in distress, objects for whom he has a fellow + sympathy. He leaves them for the night; closes the door after him; locks + it. He will return to Ellen, and enjoy a mutual exchange of feeling. + </p> + <p> + Scarcely has he left the door, when three persons, disguised, rush upon + him, muffle his head with a blanket, bind his hands and feet, throw him + bodily into a waggon, and drive away at a rapid speed. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0027" id="link2HCH0027"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXVI. — COMPETITION IN HUMAN THINGS. + </h2> + <p> + IT is enough to inform the reader that Romescos and Mr. M'Fadden were not + only rival bidders for this very desirable piece of preaching property, + but, being near neighbours, had become inveterate enemies and fierce + political opponents. The former, a reckless trader in men, women, and + children, was a daring, unprincipled, and revengeful man, whose occupation + seldom called him to his plantation; while the latter was notorious as a + hard master and a cruel tyrant, who exacted a larger amount of labour from + his negroes than his fellow planters, and gave them less to eat. His + opinion was, that a peck of corn a week was quite enough for a negro; and + this was his systematic allowance;—but he otherwise tempted the + appetites of his property, by driving them, famished, to the utmost verge + of necessity. Thus driven to predatory acts in order to sustain life, the + advantages offered by Romescos' swamp-generally well sprinkled with + swine-were readily appropriated to a very good use. + </p> + <p> + Under covert of Romescos' absence, Mr. M'Fadden had no very scrupulous + objection to his negroes foraging the amply provided swamp,—provided, + however, they did the thing on the sly, were careful whose porker they + dispatched, and said nothing to him about the eating. In fact, it was + simply a matter of economy with Mr. M'Fadden; and as Romescos had a great + number of the obstinate brutes, it saved the trouble of raising such + undignified stock. Finding, however, that neighbour M'Fadden, or his + predatory negroes-such they were called-were laying claim to more than a + generous share of their porkships, Romescos thought it high time to put + the thing down by a summary process. But what particularly "riled" + Romescos in this affair of the hogs was, that M'Fadden's negroes were not + content with catching them in an honourable way, but would do it through + the agency of nasty cur-dogs, which he always had despised, and held as + unfit even to hunt niggers with. Several times had he expressed his + willingness to permit a small number of his grunters to be captured for + the benefit of his neighbour's half-starved negroes, provided, always, + they were hunted with honourable hound-dogs. He held such animals in high + esteem, while curs he looked upon with utter contempt; he likened the one + to the chivalrous old rice-planter, the other to a pettifogging + schoolmaster fit for nothing but to be despised and shot. With these + feelings he (Romescos) declared his intention to kill the very first negro + he caught in his swamp with cur-dogs; and he kept his word. Lying in + ambush, he would await their approach, and, when most engaged in + appropriating the porkers, rush from his hiding-place, shoot the dogs, and + then take a turn at the more exhilarating business of shooting the + negroes. He would, with all possible calmness, command the frightened + property to approach and partake of his peculiar mixture, administered + from his double-barrel gun. + </p> + <p> + That the reader may better understand Romescos' process of curing this + malady of his neighbour's negroes, we will give it as related by himself. + It is a curious mode of dispatching negro property; the reader, however, + cannot fail to comprehend it. "Plantin' didn't suit my notions o' gittin' + rich, ye see, so I spec'lates in nigger property, and makes a better thing + on't. But there's philosophy about the thing, and a body's got t' know the + hang on't afore he can twist it out profitably; so I keeps a sort of a + plantation just to make a swell; cos ye got to make a splash to be anybody + down south. Can't be a gentleman, ye see, 'cept ye plants cotton and rice; + and then a feller what's got a plantation in this kind of a way can be a + gentleman, and do so many other bits of trade to advantage. The thing + works like the handle of a pump; and then it makes a right good place for + raising young niggers, and gettin' old uns trimmed up. With me, the worst + thing is that old screwdriver, M'Fadden, what don't care no more for the + wear and tear of a nigger than nothin', and drives 'em like as many + steam-engines he thinks he can keep going by feeding on saw-dust. He han't + no conception o' nigger constitution, and is just the worst sort of a chap + that ever cum south to get a fortune. Why, look right at his niggers: they + look like crows after corn-shuckin. Don't give 'em no meat, and the + critters must steal somethin' t' keep out o' the bone-yard. Well, I argers + the case with Mack, tells him how t'll be atween he and me on this thing, + and warns him that if he don't chunk more corn and grease into his + niggers, there 'll be a ruptous fuss. But he don't stand on honour, as I + does, especially when his property makes a haul on my swamp of shoats. I + an't home often; so the hogs suffer; and Mack's niggers get the pork. This + 'ere kind o' business"—Romescos maintains the serious dignity of + himself the while—"don't go down nohow with me; so Mack and me just + has a bit of a good-natured quarrel; and from that we gets at daggers' + points, and I swears how I'll kill the first nigger o' his'n what steals + hogs o' mine. Wouldn't a cared a sous, mark ye, but it cum crossways on a + feller's feelins to think how the 'tarnal niggers had no more sense than + t' hunt hogs o' mine with cur-dogs: bin hounds, honourable dogs, or + respectable dogs what 'll do to hunt niggers with, wouldn't a cared a toss + about it; but-when-I-hears-a cur-dog yelp, oh! hang me if it don't set my + sensations all on pins, just as somethin' was crucifyin' a feller. I warns + and talks, and then pleads like a lawyer what's got a bad case; but all to + no end o' reformin' Mack's morals,—feller han't got no sense o' + reform in him. So I sets my niggers on the scent-it gives 'em some fun-and + swears I'll kill a nigger for every hog he steals. This I concludes on; + and I never backs out when once I fixes a conclusion. + </p> + <p> + "Hears the infernal cur-dog's yelp, yelp, yelp, down in the swamp; then I + creeps through the jungle so sly, lays low till the fellers cum up, all + jumpin'-pig ahead, then dogs, niggers follerin', puffin' and blowin', eyes + poppin' out, 'most out o' breath, just as if they tasted the sparerib + afore they'd got the critter. + </p> + <p> + "Well, ye see, I know'd all the ins and outs of the law,—keeps + mighty shy about all the judicial quibbles on't,—never takes nobody + with me whose swearin' would stand muster in a court of law. All right on + that score (Romescos exults in his law proficiency). I makes sure o' the + dogs fust, ollers keepin' the double-barrel on the right eye for the best + nigger in the lot. It would make the longest-faced deacon in the district + laugh to see the fire flash out o' the nigger's big black eyes, when he + sees the cur drop, knowin' how he'll get the next plugs souced into him. + It's only natural, cos it would frighten a feller what warn't used to it + just to see what a thunder-cloud of agitation the nigger screws his black + face into. And then he starts to run, and puts it like streaks o' + cannon-balls chased by express lightnin'. + </p> + <p> + "'Stand still, ye thievin' varmint! hold up,—bring to a mooring: + take the mixture according to Gunter!' I shouts. The way the nigger pulls + up, begs, pleads, and says things what'll touch a feller's tender feelins, + aint no small kind of an institution. 'Twould just make a man what had + stretchy conscience think there was somethin' crooked somewhere. 'Well, + boys,' says I, feeling a little soft about the stomach, 'seeing how it's + yer Boss what don't feed ye, I'll be kind o' good, and give ye a dose of + the mixture in an honourable way.' Then I loads t'other barrel, the + feller's eyes flashin' streaks of blue lightnin' all the time, lookin' at + how I rams it down, chunk! 'Now, boys,' says I, when the plugs shot is all + ready, 'there's system 'bout this ere thing a' mine—t'aint killin' + ye I wants,—don't care a copper about that (there an't no music in + that), but must make it bring the finances out a' yer master's pocket. + That's the place where he keeps all his morals. Now, run twenty paces and + I'll gin ye a fair chance! The nigger understands me, ye see, and moves + off, as if he expected a thunderbolt at his heel, lookin' back and whining + like a puppy what's lost his mother. Just when he gets to an honourable + distance,—say twenty paces, according to fighting rule,—I + draws up, takes aim, and plumps the plugs into him. The way the critter + jumps reminds me of a circus rider vaultin' and turnin' sumersets. You'd + think he was inginrubber 'lectrified. A'ter all, I finds these playin' + doses don't do; they don't settle things on the square. So I tries a + little stronger mixture, which ends in killin' three o' Mack's niggers + right up smooth. But the best on't is that Mack finds he han't no proof, + goes right into it and kills three o' my prime fat niggers: that makes us + bad friends on every score. But he got a nigger ahead o' me a'ter awhile, + and I ware detarmined to straighten accounts, if it was by stealin' the + odds. Them ar's my principles, and that's just the way I settles accounts + with folks what don't do the square thing in the way o' nigger property." + </p> + <p> + Thus the two gentlemen lived in the terror of internal war; and Romescos, + seeing such a fine piece of property pass into the hands of his + antagonist, resolved on squaring accounts by stealing the preacher,—an + act Mr. M'Fadden least expected. + </p> + <p> + The candidates' festival offered every facility for carrying this singular + coup-d'‚tat into effect. Hence, with the skilful assistance of Nath. + Nimrod, and Dan Bengal, Harry was very precipitately and dexterously + passed over to the chances of a new phase of slave life. + </p> + <p> + Ellen waited patiently for Harry's return until it became evident some + ill-luck had befallen him. Lantern in hand, she proceeds to the pen in + search. No Harry is to be found there; Mr. M'Fadden's common negroes only + are there, and they sleep sweetly and soundly. What can have befallen him? + She conjectures many things, none of which are the right. The lock is upon + the door; all is still outside; no traces of kidnapping can be found. She + knows his faithfulness,— knows he would not desert his master unless + some foul means had been used to decoy him into trouble. She returns to + the house and acquaints her master. + </p> + <p> + Straggling members, who had met to enjoy the generous political banquet, + and who still remain to see the night "through" with appropriate honour, + are apprised of the sudden disappearance of this very valuable piece of + property. They are ready for any turn of excitement,—anything for + "topping off" with a little amusement; and to this end they immediately + gather round mine host in a party of pursuit. Romescos-he must make his + innocence more imposing-has been conspicuous during the night, at times + expressing sympathy for Mr. M'Fadden, and again assuring the company that + he has known fifty worse cases cured. In order to make this better + understood, he will pay the doctor's bill if M'Fadden dies. Mine host has + no sooner given the alarm than Romescos expresses superlative surprise. He + was standing in the centre of a conclave of men, whom he harangues on the + particular political points necessary for the candidates to support in + order to maintain the honour of the State; now he listens to mine host as + he recounts the strange absence of the preacher, pauses and combs his long + red beard with his fingers, looks distrustfully, and then says, with a + quaintness that disarmed suspicion, "Nigger-like!-preacher or angel, + nigger will be nigger! The idea o' makin' the black rascals preachers, + thinkin' they won't run away! Now, fellers, that ar' chap's skulkin' + about, not far off, out among the pines; and here's my two dogs"-he points + to his dogs, stretched on the floor-"what'll scent him and bring him out + afore ten minutes! Don't say a word to Mack about it; don't let it 'scape + yer fly-trap, cos they say he's got a notion o' dying, and suddenly + changed his feelins 'bout nigger tradin'. There's no tellin' how it would + affect the old democrat if he felt he warnt goin' to slip his breeze. This + child"-Romescos refers to himself-"felt just as Mack does more nor a dozen + times, when Davy Jones looked as if he was making slight advances: a + feller soon gets straight again, nevertheless. It's only the difference + atween one's feelings about makin' money when he's well, and thinkin' how + he made it when he's about to bid his friends good morning and leave town + for awhile. Anyhow, there aint no dodging now, fellers! We got to hunt up + the nigger afore daylight, so let us take a drop more and be moving." He + orders the landlord to set on the decanters,—they join in a social + glass, touch glasses to the recovery of the nigger, and then rush out to + the pursuit. Romescos heads the party. With dogs, horses, guns, and all + sorts of negro-hunting apparatus, they scour the pinegrove, the swamp, and + the heather. They make the pursuit of man full of interest to those who + are fond of the chase; they allow their enthusiasm to bound in unison with + the sharp baying of the dogs. + </p> + <p> + For more than two hours is this exhilarating sport kept up. It is sweet + music to their ears; they have been trained (educated) to the fascination + of a man-hunt, and dogs and men become wearied with the useless search. + </p> + <p> + Romescos declares the nigger is near at hand: he sees the dogs curl down + their noses; he must be somewhere in a hole or jungle of the swamp, and, + with more daylight and another dog or two, his apprehension is certain. He + makes a halt on the brow of a hill, and addresses his fellow-hunters from + the saddle. In his wisdom on nigger nature he will advise a return to the + tavern-for it is now daylight-where they will spend another hour merrily, + and then return brightened to the pursuit. Acting on this advice, friends + and foes-both join as good fellows in the chase for a nigger-followed his + retreat as they had his advance. + </p> + <p> + "No nigger preacher just about this circle, Major!" exclaims Romescos, + addressing mine host, as he puts his head into the bar-room, on his + return. "Feller's burrowed somewhere, like a coon: catch him on the broad + end of morning, or I'll hang up my old double-barrel," he concludes, + shaking his head, and ordering drink for the party at his expense. + </p> + <p> + The morning advanced, however, and nothing was to be seen of Romescos: he + vanished as suddenly from among them as Harry had from the pen. Some + little surprise is expressed by the knowing ones; they whisper among + themselves, while mine host reaches over the counter, cants his head + solicitously, and says:—"What's that, gentlemen?" + </p> + <p> + In this dilemma they cannot inform mine host; they must continue the + useless chase without Romescos' valuable services. And here we must leave + mine host preparing further necessaries for capturing the lost property, + that he may restore it to its owner so soon as he shall become + convalescent, and turn to Harry. + </p> + <p> + Like a well-stowed bale of merchandise, to be delivered at a stated place + within a specified time, he was rolled in bagging, and not permitted to + see the direction in which he was being driven. When the pursuing party + started from the crossing, Romescos took the lead in order to draw it in + an opposite direction, and keep the dogs from the trail. This would allow + the stolen clergyman to get beyond their reach. When daylight broke upon + the capturers they were nearly twenty miles beyond the reach of the + pursuers, approaching an inn by the road side. The waggon suddenly + stopped, and Harry found himself being unrolled from his winding sheet by + the hands of two strangers. Lifting him to his feet, they took him from + the waggon, loosed the chains from his legs, led him into the house, and + placed him in a dark back room. Here, his head being uncovered, he looks + upon his captors with an air of confusion and distrust. "Ye know me too, I + reckon, old feller, don't ye?" enquires one of the men, with a sardonic + grin, as he lifts his hat with his left hand, and scratches his head with + his right. + </p> + <p> + "Yes, mas'r; there's no mistakin on ye!" returns Harry, shaking his head, + as they release the chains from his hands. He at length recognises the + familiar faces of Dan Bengal and Nath. Nimrod. Both have figured about + Marston's plantation, in the purchase and sale of negroes. + </p> + <p> + "Ye had a jolly good ride, old feller, had'nt ye?" says Bengal, + exultingly, looking Harry in the face, shrugging his shoulders, and + putting out his hand to make his friendship. + </p> + <p> + Harry has no reply to make; but rubs his face as if he is not quite + satisfied with his new apartment, and wants to know a little more of the + motive of the expedition. "Mas'r! I don't seem to know myself, nor + nothin'. Please tell me where I am going to, and who is to be my master? + It will relieve my double troubles," he says, casting an enquiring look at + Nimrod. + </p> + <p> + "Shook up yer parson-thinkin' some, I reckon, did'nt it, old chap?" + returns Nimrod, laughing heartily, but making no further reply. He thinks + it was very much like riding in a railroad backwards. + </p> + <p> + "Did my sick mas'r sell me to you?" again he enquires. + </p> + <p> + "No business o' yourn, that ain't; yer nigger-knowin ought to tell you how + ye'd got into safe hands. We'll push along down south as soon as ye gets + some feed. Put on a straight face, and face the music like a clever + deacon, and we'll do the square in selling ye to a Boss what 'll let ye + preach now and then. (Nimrod becomes very affectionate). Do the thing up + righteous, and when yer sold there 'll be a five-dollar shiner for + yerself. (He pats him on the head, and puts his arm over his shoulder.) + Best t' have a little shot in a body's own pocket; now, shut up yer black + bread-trap, and don't go makin a fuss about where yer goin' to: that's my + business!" + </p> + <p> + Harry pauses as if in contemplation; he is struggling against his + indignation excited by such remarks. He knew his old master's weaknesses, + enjoyed his indulgences; but he had never been made to feel so acutely how + degraded he could be as a mere article of trade. It would have been some + consolation to know which way he was proceeding, and why he had been so + suddenly snatched from his new owner. Fate had not ordained this for him; + oh no! He must resign himself without making any further enquiries; he + must be nothing more than a nigger—happy nigger happily subdued! + Seating himself upon the floor, in a recumbent position, he drops his face + on his knees,—is humbled among the humblest. He is left alone for + some time, while his captors, retiring into an adjoining room, hold a + consultation. + </p> + <p> + Breakfast is being prepared, and much conversation is kept up in an + inaudible tone of voice. Harry has an instinctive knowledge that it is + about him, for he hears the words, "Peter! Peter!" his name must be + transmogrified into "Peter!" In another minute he hears dishes rattling on + the table, and Bengal distinctly complimenting the adjuncts, as he orders + some for the nigger preacher. This excites his anxiety; he feels like + placing his ear at the keyhole,—doing a little evesdropping. He is + happily disappointed, however, for the door opens, and a black boy bearing + a dish of homony enters, and, placing it before him, begs that he will + help himself. Harry takes the plate and sets it beside him, as the strange + boy watches him with an air of commiseration that enlists his confidence. + "Ain't da'h somefin mo' dat I can bring ye?" enquires the boy, pausing for + an answer. + </p> + <p> + "Nothing,—nothing more!" + </p> + <p> + Harry will venture to make some enquiries about the locality. "Do you + belong to master what live here?" He puts out his hand, takes the other by + the arm. + </p> + <p> + "Hard tellin who I belongs to. Buckra man own 'em to-day; ain't sartin if + he own 'em to-morrow, dough. What country-born nigger is you?" + </p> + <p> + "Down country! My poor old master's gone, and now I'm goin'; but God only + knows where to. White man sell all old Boss's folks in a string,—my + old woman and children among the rest. My heart is with them, God bless + them!" + </p> + <p> + "Reckon how ya' had a right good old Boss what larn ye somethin." The boy + listens to Harry with surprise. "Don't talk like dat down dis a way; no + country-born nigger put in larn'd wods so, nohow," returns the boy, with a + look of curious admiration. + </p> + <p> + "But you harn't told me what place this is?" + </p> + <p> + "Dis 'ouse! e' ant nowhare when Buckra bring nigger what he want to sell, + and don' want nobody to know whar e' bring him from. Dat man what bring ye + here be great Buckra. De 'h way he lash nigger whin e' don do jist so!" + The boy shakes his head with a warning air. + </p> + <p> + "How did you get here? There must be roads leading in some directions?" + </p> + <p> + "Roads runnin' every which way, yand'r; and trou de woods anyway, but + mighty hard tellin whar he going to, he is. Mas'r Boss don lef 'e nigger + know how 'e bring'um, nor how he takes 'um way. Guess da 'h gwine to run + ye down country, so God bless you," says the boy, shaking him by the hand, + and taking leave. + </p> + <p> + "Well! if I only knew which way I was going I should feel happy; because I + could then write to my old master, somewhere or somehow. And I know my + good friend Missus Rosebrook will buy me for her plantation,—I know + she will. She knows my feelings, and in her heart wouldn't see me abused, + she wouldn't! I wish I knew who my master is, where I am, and to whom I'm + going to be sold next. I think new master has stolen me, thinking old + master was going to die," Harry mutters to himself, commencing his + breakfast, but still applying his listening faculties to the conversation + in the next room. At length, after a long pause, they seem to have + finished breakfast and taken up the further consideration of his sale. + </p> + <p> + "I don't fear anything of the kind! Romescos is just the keenest fellow + that can be scared up this side of Baltimore. He never takes a thing o' + this stamp in hand but what he puts it through," says Bengal, in a + whispering tone. + </p> + <p> + "True! the trouble's in his infernal preaching; that's the devil of + niggers having intelligence. Can do anything in our way with common + niggers what don't know nothin'; but when the critters can do clergy, and + preach, they'll be sending notes to somebody they know as acquaintances. + An intelligent nigger's a bad article when ye want to play off in this + way," replies the other, curtly. + </p> + <p> + "Never mind," returns Bengal, "can't ollers transpose a nigger, as easy as + turnin' over a sixpence, specially when he don't have his ideas + brightened. Can't steer clar on't. Larnin's mighty dangerous to our + business, Nath.-better knock him on the head at once; better end him and + save a sight of trouble. It'll put a stopper on his preaching, this pesks + exercisin' his ideas." + </p> + <p> + A third interrupts. "Thinks such a set of chicken-hearted fellows won't do + when it comes to cases of 'mergency like this. He will just make clergyman + Peter Somebody the deacon; and with this honorary title he'll put him + through to Major Wiley's plantation, when he'll be all right down in old + Mississippi. The Colonel and he, understanding the thing, can settle it + just as smooth as sunrise. The curate is what we call a right clever + fellow, would make the tallest kind of a preacher, and pay first-rate per + centage on himself." Bengal refers to Harry. His remarks are, indeed, + quite applicable. "I've got the dockerment, ye see, all prepared; and + we'll put him through without a wink," he concludes, in a measured tone of + voice. + </p> + <p> + The door of Harry's room opens, and the three enter together. "Had a good + breakfast, old feller, hain't ye?" says Nimrod, approaching with hand + extended, and patting him on the head with a child's playfulness. "I kind + o' likes the looks on ye" (a congratulatory smile curls over his + countenance), "old feller; and means to do the square thing in the way o' + gettin' on ye a good Boss. Put on the Lazarus, and no nigger tricks on the + road. I'm sorry to leave ye on the excursion, but here's the gentleman + what'll see ye through,—will put ye through to old Mississip just as + safe as if ye were a nugget of gold." Nimrod introduces Harry to a short + gentleman with a bald head, and very smooth, red face. His dress is of + brown homespun, a garb which would seem peculiar to those who do the + villainy of the peculiar institution. The gentleman has a pair of + handcuffs in his left hand, with which he will make his pious merchandise + safe. Stepping forward, he places the forefinger of his right hand on the + preacher's forehead, and reads him a lesson which he must get firm into + his thinking shell. It is this. "Now, at this very time, yer any kind of a + nigger; but a'ter this ar' ye got to be a Tennessee nigger, raised in a + pious Tennessee family. And yer name is Peter-Peter-Peter!-don't forget + the Peter: yer a parson, and ought t' keep the old apostle what preached + in the marketplace in yer noddle. Peter, ye see, is a pious name, and + Harry isn't; so ye must think Peter and sink Harry." + </p> + <p> + "What do I want to change my name for? Old master give me that name long + time ago!" + </p> + <p> + "None o' yer business; niggers ain't t' know the philosophy of such + things. No nigger tricks, now!" interrupts Bengal, quickly, drawing his + face into savage contortions. At this the gentleman in whose charge he + will proceed steps forward and places the manacles on Harry's hands with + the coolness and indifference of one executing the commonest branch of his + profession. Thus packed and baled for export, he is hurried from the house + into a two-horse waggon, and driven off at full speed. Bengal watches the + waggon as it rolls down the highway and is lost in the distance. He laughs + heartily, thinks how safe he has got the preacher, and how much hard cash + he will bring. God speed the slave on his journey downward, we might add. + </p> + <p> + It will be needless for us to trace them through the many incidents of + their journey; our purpose will be served when we state that his new + guardian landed him safely at the plantation of Major Wiley, on the + Tallahatchee River, Mississippi, on the evening of the fourth day after + their departure, having made a portion of their passage on the steamer + Ohio. By some process unknown to Harry he finds himself duly ingratiated + among the major's field hands, as nothing more than plain Peter. He is far + from the high-road, far from his friends, without any prospect of + communicating with his old master. The major, in his way, seems a + well-disposed sort of man, inclined to "do right" by his negroes, and + willing to afford them an opportunity of employing their time after task, + for their own benefit. And yet it is evident that he must in some way be + connected with Graspum and his party, for there is a continual interchange + of negroes to and from his plantation. This, however, we must not analyse + too closely, but leave to the reader's own conjectures, inasmuch as Major + Wiley is a very distinguished gentleman, and confidently expects a very + prominent diplomatic appointment under the next administration. + </p> + <p> + Harry, in a very quiet way, sets himself about gaining a knowledge of his + master's opinions on religion, as well as obtaining his confidence by + strict fidelity to his interests. So far does he succeed, that in a short + time he finds himself holding the respectable and confidential office of + master of stores. Then he succeeds in inducing his master to hear him + preach a sermon to his negroes. The major is perfectly willing to allow + him the full exercise of his talents, and is moved to admiration at his + fervency, his aptitude, his knowledge of the Bible, and the worth there + must be in such a piece of clergy property. Master Wiley makes his man the + offer of purchasing his time, which Harry, under the alias of Peter, + accepts, and commences his mission of preaching on the neighbouring + plantations. + </p> + <p> + Ardently and devoutedly does he pursue his mission of Christianity among + his fellow-bondmen; but he has reaped little of the harvest to himself, + his master having so increased the demand for his time that he can + scarcely save money enough to purchase clothes. At first he was only + required to pay six dollars a week; now, nothing less than ten is + received. It is a happy premium on profitable human nature; and through it + swings the strongest hinge of that cursed institution which blasts alike + master and slave. Major Wiley is very chivalrous, very hospitable, and + very eminent for his many distinguished qualifications; but his very pious + piece of property must pay forty-seven per cent. annual tribute for the + very hospitable privilege of administering the Word of God to his brother + bondmen. Speak not of robed bishops robbing Christianity in a foreign + land, ye men who deal in men, and would rob nature of its tombstone! Ye + would rob the angels did their garments give forth gold. + </p> + <p> + The poor fellow's income, depending, in some measure, upon small presents + bestowed by the negroes to whom he preached, was scarcely enough to bring + him out at the end of the week, and to be thus deprived of it seemed more + than his spirits could bear. Again and again had he appealed to his master + for justice; but there was no justice for him,—his appeals proved as + fruitless as the wind, on his master's callous sensibilities. Instead of + exciting compassion, he only drew upon him his master's prejudices; he was + threatened with being sold, if he resisted for a day the payment of wages + for his own body. Hence he saw but one alternative left-one hope, one + smile from a good woman, who might, and he felt would, deliver him; that + was in writing to his good friend, Mrs. Rosebrook, whose generous heart he + might touch through his appeals for mercy. And yet there was another + obstacle; the post-office might be ten miles off, and his master having + compelled him to take the name of Peter Wiley, how was he to get a letter + to her without the knowledge of his master? Should his letter be + intercepted, his master, a strict disciplinarian, would not only sell him + farther south, but inflict the severest punishment. Nevertheless, there + was one consolation left; his exertions on behalf of the slaves, and his + earnestness in promoting the interests of their masters, had not passed + unnoticed with the daughter of a neighbouring planter (this lady has since + distinguished herself for sympathy with the slave), who became much + interested in his welfare. She had listened to his exhortations with + admiration; she had listened to his advice on religion, and become his + friend and confidant. She would invite him to her father's house, sit for + hours at his side, and listen with breathless attention to his pathos, his + display of natural genius. To her he unfolded his deep and painful + troubles; to her he looked for consolation; she was the angel of light + guiding him on his weary way, cheering his drooping soul on its journey to + heaven. To her he disclosed how he had been called to the bedside of his + dying master; how, previously, he had been sold from his good old master, + Marston, his wife, his children; how he was mysteriously carried off and + left in the charge of his present master, who exacts all he can earn. + </p> + <p> + The simple recital of his story excites the genial feelings of the young + lady; she knows some foul transaction is associated with his transition, + and at once tenders her services to release him. But she must move + cautiously, for even Harry's preaching is in direct violation of the + statutes; and were she found aiding in that which would unfavourably + affect the interests of his master she would be subjected to serious + consequences-perhaps be invited to spend a short season at the sheriff's + hotel, commonly called the county gaol. However, there was virtue in the + object to be served, and feeling that whatever else she could do to + relieve him would be conferring a lasting benefit on a suffering mortal, + she will brave the attempt. + </p> + <p> + "Tell me he is not a man, but a slave! tell me a being with such faculties + should be thus sunken beneath the amenities of freedom! that man may + barter almighty gifts for gold! trample his religion into dust, and turn + it into dollars and cents! What a mockery is this against the justice of + heaven! When this is done in this our happy land of happy freedom, + scoffers may make it their foot-ball, and kings in their tyranny may point + the finger of scorn at us, and ask us for our honest men, our cherished + freedom! + </p> + <p> + "Woman can do something, if she will; let me see what I can do to relieve + this poor oppressed," she exclaims one day, after he has consulted her on + the best means of relief. "I will try." + </p> + <p> + Woman knows the beatings of the heart; she can respond more quickly to its + pains and sorrows. Our youthful missionary will sit down and write a + letter to Mrs. Rosebrook-she will do something, the atmosphere of slavery + will hear of her yet-it will! + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0028" id="link2HCH0028"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXVII. — THE PRETTY CHILDREN ARE TO BE SOLD. + </h2> + <p> + HOW varied are the sources of human nature-how changing its tints and + glows-how immeasurable its uncertainties, and how obdurate the will that + can turn its tenderest threads into profitable degradation! But what + democrat can know himself a freeman when the whitest blood makes good + merchandise in the market? When the only lineal stain on a mother's name + for ever binds the chains, let no man boast of liberty. The very voice + re-echoes, oh, man, why be a hypocrite! cans't thou not see the scorner + looking from above? But the oligarchy asks in tones so modest, so full of + chivalrous fascination, what hast thou to do with that? be no longer a + fanatic. So we will bear the warning-pass from it for the present. + </p> + <p> + More than two years have passed; writs of error have been filed and + argued; the children have dragged out time in a prison-house. Is it in + freedom's land a prison was made for the innocent to waste in? So it is, + and may Heaven one day change the tenour! Excuse, reader, this digression, + and let us proceed with our narrative. + </p> + <p> + The morning is clear and bright; Mrs. Rosebrook sits at the window of her + cheerful villa, watching the approach of the post-rider seen in the + distance, near a cluster of oaks that surround the entrance of the arbour, + at the north side of the garden. The scene spread out before her is full + of rural beauty, softened by the dew-decked foliage, clothing the + landscape with its clumps. As if some fairy hand had spread a crystal mist + about the calm of morning, and angels were bedecking it with the richest + tints of a rising sun at morn, the picture sparkles with silvery life. + There she sits, her soft glowing eyes scanning the reposing scene, as her + graceful form seems infusing spirit into its silent loveliness. And then + she speaks, as if whispering a secret to the wafting air: "our happy + union!" It falls upon the ear like some angel voice speaking of things too + pure, too holy for the caprices of earth. She would be a type of that + calmness pervading the scene-that sweetness and repose which seem mingling + to work out some holy purpose; and yet there is a touching sadness + depicted in her face. + </p> + <p> + "Two years have passed; how changed!" she exclaims, as if rousing from a + reverie: "I would not be surprised if he brought bad tidings." + </p> + <p> + The postman has reached the gate and delivered a letter, which the servant + quickly bears to her hand. She grasps it anxiously, as if recognising the + superscription; opens it nervously; reads the contents. It is from + Franconia, interceding with her in behalf of her uncle and the two + children, in the following manner:—"My dearest Friend, + </p> + <p> + "Can I appeal to one whose feelings are more ready to be enlisted in a + good cause? I think not. I wish now to enlist your feelings in something + that concerns myself. It is to save two interesting children-who, though + our eyes may at times be blinded to facts, I cannot forget are nearly + allied to me by birth and association-from the grasp of slavery. + Misfortune never comes alone; nor, in this instance, need I recount ours + to you. Of my own I will say but little; the least is best. Into wedlock I + have been sold to one it were impossible for me to love; he cannot cherish + the respect due to my feelings. His associations are of the coarsest, and + his heartless treatment beyond my endurance. He subjects me to the meanest + grievances; makes my position more degraded than that of the slave upon + whom he gratifies his lusts. Had my parents saved me from such a monster-I + cannot call him less-they would have saved me many a painful reflection. + As for his riches-I know not whether they really exist-they are destined + only to serve his lowest passions. With him misfortune is a crime; and I + am made to suffer under his taunts about the disappearance of my brother, + the poverty of my parents. + </p> + <p> + "You are well aware of the verdict of the jury, and the affirmation of the + Court of Appeal, upon those dear children. The decree orders them to be + sold in the market, for the benefit of my uncle's creditors: this is the + day, the fatal day, the sale takes place. Let me beseech of you, as you + have it in your power, to induce the deacon to purchase them. O, save them + from the fate that awaits them! You know my uncle's errors; you know also + his goodness of heart; you can sympathise with him in his sudden downfall. + Then the affection he has for Annette is unbounded. No father could be + more dotingly fond of his legitimate child. But you know what our laws + are-what they force us to do against our better inclinations. Annette's + mother, poor wretch, has fled, and M'Carstrow charges me with being + accessory to her escape: I cannot, nor will I, deny it, while my most + ardent prayer invokes her future happiness. That she has saved herself + from a life of shame I cannot doubt; and if I have failed to carry out a + promise I made her before her departure-that of rescuing her child-the + satisfaction of knowing that she at least is enjoying the reward of + freedom partially repays my feelings. Let me entreat you to repair to the + city, and, at least, rescue Annette from that life of shame and disgrace + now pending over her-a shame and disgrace no less black in the sight of + heaven because society tolerates it as among the common things of social + life. + </p> + <p> + "I am now almost heart-broken, and fear it will soon be my lot to be + driven from under the roof of Colonel M'Carstrow, which is no longer a + home, but a mere place of durance to me. It would be needless for me here + to recount his conduct. Were I differently constituted I might tolerate + his abuse, and accept a ruffian's recompense in consideration of his + wealth. + </p> + <p> + "Go, my dear friend, save that child, + </p> + <p> + "Is the prayer of your affectionate + </p> + <h3> + "FRANCONIA." + </h3> + <p> + Mrs. Rosebrook reads and re-reads the letter; then heaves a sigh as she + lays it upon the table at her side. As if discussing the matter in her + mind, her face resumes a contemplative seriousness. + </p> + <p> + "And those children are to be sold in the market! Who won't they sell, and + sanctify the act? How can I relieve them? how can I be their friend, for + Franconia's sake? My husband is away on the plantation, and I cannot brave + the coarse slang of a slave mart; I cannot mingle with those who there + congregate. + </p> + <p> + "And, too, there are so many such cases-bearing on their front the fallacy + of this our democracy-that however much one may have claims over another, + it were impossible to take one into consideration without inciting a + hundred to press their demands. In this sense, then, the whole accursed + system would have to be uprooted before the remedy could be applied + effectually. Notwithstanding, I will go; I will go: I'll see what can be + done in the city," says Mrs. Rosebrook, bristling with animation. "Our + ladies must have something to arouse their energies; they all have a deep + interest to serve, and can do much:" she will summon resolution and brave + all. Rising from her seat, she paces the room several times, and then + orders a servant to command Uncle Bradshaw to get the carriage ready, and + be prepared for a drive into the city. + </p> + <p> + Soon Bradshaw has got the carriage ready, and our good lady is on the + road, rolling away toward the city. As they approach a curvature that + winds round a wooded hill, Bradshaw intimates to "missus" that he sees + signs of a camp a short distance ahead. He sees smoke curling upwards + among the trees, and very soon the notes of a long-metre tune fall softly + on the ear, like the tinkling of distant bells in the desert. Louder and + louder, as they approach, the sounds become more and more distinct. Then + our good lady recognises the familiar voice of Elder Pemberton + Praiseworthy. This worthy christian of the Southern Church is straining + his musical organ to its utmost capacity, in the hope there will be no + doubt left on the minds of those congregated around him as to his very + sound piety. The carriage rounds the curvature, and there, encamped in a + grove of pines by the road side, is our pious Elder, administering + consolation to his infirm property. Such people! they present one of the + most grotesque and indiscriminate spectacles ever eyes beheld. The cholera + has subsided; the Elder's greatest harvest time is gone; few victims are + to be found for the Elder's present purposes. Now he is constrained to + resort to the refuse of human property (those afflicted with what are + called ordinary diseases), to keep alive the Christian motive of his + unctuous business. To speak plainly, he must content himself with the + purchase of such infirmity as can be picked up here and there about the + country. + </p> + <p> + A fire of pine knots blazes in the centre of a mound, and over it hangs an + iron kettle, on a straddle, filled with corn-grits. Around this, and + anxiously watching its boiling, are the lean figures of negroes, with + haggard and sickly faces, telling but too forcibly the tale of their + troubles. They watch and watch, mutter in grumbling accents, stir the + homony, and sit down again. Two large mule carts stand in the shade of a + pine tree, a few yards from the fire. A few paces further on are the mules + tethered, quietly grazing; while, seated on a whiskey-keg, is the Elder, + book in hand, giving out the hymn to some ten or a dozen infirm negroes + seated round him on the ground. They have enjoyed much consolation by + listening with wondrous astonishment to the Elder's exhortations, and are + now ready to join their musical jargon to the words of a Watts's hymn. + </p> + <p> + On arriving opposite the spot, our good lady requests Bradshaw to stop; + which done, the Elder recognises her, and suddenly adjourning his + spiritual exercises, advances to meet her, his emotions expanding with + enthusiastic joy. In his eagerness, with outstretched hand, he comes + sailing along, trips his toe in a vine, and plunges head foremost into a + broad ditch that separates the road from the rising ground. + </p> + <p> + The accident is very unfortunate at this moment; the Elder's enthusiasm is + somewhat cooled, nevertheless; but, as there is seldom a large loss + without a small gain, he finds himself strangely bespattered from head to + foot with the ingredients of a quagmire. + </p> + <p> + "U'h! u'h! u'h! my dear madam, pardon me, I pray;—strange moment to + meet with a misfortune of this kind. But I was so glad to see you!" he + ejaculates, sensitively, making the best of his way out, brushing his + sleeves, and wiping his face with his never-failing India handkerchief. He + approaches the carriage, apologising for his appearance. + </p> + <p> + He hopes our lady will excuse him, having so far lost himself in his + enthusiasm, which, together with the fervency and devotion of the + spiritual exercises he was enjoying with his poor, helpless property, made + him quite careless of himself. Begging a thousand pardons for presenting + himself in such a predicament (his gallantry is proverbially southern), he + forgets that his hat and spectacles have been dislodged by his + precipitation into the ditch. + </p> + <p> + The good lady reaches out her hand, as a smile curls over her face; but + Bradshaw must grin; and grin he does, in right good earnest. + </p> + <p> + "Bless me, my dear Elder! what trade are you now engaged in?" she + enquires. + </p> + <p> + "A little devotional exercises, my dear madam! We were enjoying them with + so much christian feeling that I was quite carried away, indeed I was!" He + rubs his fingers through his bristly hair, and then downwards to his nasal + organ, feeling for his devoted glasses. He is surprised at their + absence-makes another apology. He affirms, adding his sacred honour, as + all real southerners do, that he had begun to feel justified in the belief + that there never was a religion like that preached by the good apostles, + when such rural spots as this (he points to his encampment) were chosen + for its administration. Everything round him made him feel so good, so + much like the purest christian of the olden time. He tells her, with great + seriousness, that we must serve God, and not forget poor human nature, + never! To the world he would seem labouring under the influence of those + inert convictions by which we strive to conceal our natural inclinations, + while drawing the flimsy curtain of "to do good" over the real object. + </p> + <p> + He winks and blinks, rubs his eyes, works his face into all the angles and + contortions it is capable of, and commences searching for his hat and + spectacles. Both are necessary adjuncts to his pious appearance; without + them there is that in the expression of his countenance from which none + can fail to draw an unfavourable opinion of his real character. The + haggard, care-worn face, browned to the darkest tropical tints; the + ceaseless leer of that small, piercing eye, anxiety and agitation + pervading the tout ensemble of the man, will not be dissembled. Nay; those + acute promontories of the face, narrow and sharp, and that low, reclining + forehead, and head covered with bristly iron-grey hair, standing erect in + rugged tufts, are too strong an index of character for all the disguises + Elder Pemberton Praiseworthy can invent. + </p> + <p> + "One minute, my dear madam," he exclaims, in his eagerness for the lost + ornaments of his face. + </p> + <p> + "Never mind them, Elder; never mind them! In my eyes you are just as well + without them," she rejoins, an ironical smile invading her countenance, + and a curl of contempt on her lip. "But,—tell me what are you doing + here?" + </p> + <p> + "Here! my dear madam? Doing good for mankind and the truth of religion. I + claim merit of the parish, for my pursuit is laudable, and saves the + parish much trouble," says the Elder, beginning to wax warm in the + goodness of his pursuit, before anyone has undertaken to dispute him, or + question the purity of his purpose. + </p> + <p> + "Still speculating in infirmity; making a resurrection man of yourself! + You are death's strongest opponent; you fight the great slayer for small + dollars and cents." + </p> + <p> + "Well, now," interrupts the Elder, with a serious smile, "I'd rather face + a Mexican army than a woman's insinuating questions,—in matters of + this kind! But it's business, ye see! according to law; and ye can't get + over that. There's no getting over the law; and he that serveth the Lord, + no matter how, deserveth recompense; my recompense is in the amount of + life I saves for the nigger." + </p> + <p> + "That is not what I asked; you evade my questions, Elder! better + acknowledge honestly, for the sake of the country, where did you pick up + these poor wretches?" + </p> + <p> + "I goes round the district, madam, and picks up a cripple here, and a + cancer case there, and a dropsy doubtful yonder; and then, some on em's + got diseases what don't get out until one comes to apply medical skill. + Shan't make much on these sort o' cases,—" + </p> + <p> + The lady interrupts him, by bidding him good morning, and advising him, + whenever he affects to serve the Lord, to serve him honestly, without a + selfish motive. She leaves the Elder to his own reflections, to carry his + victim property to his charnel-house, where, if he save life for the + enjoyment of liberty, he may serve the Lord to a good purpose. She leaves + him to the care of the christian church of the South,—the church of + christian slavery, the rules of which he so strictly follows. + </p> + <p> + As our good lady moves quickly away toward the city, the Elder looks up, + imploringly, as if invoking the praise of heaven on his good deeds. He is, + indeed, astonished, that his dear friend, the lady, should have made such + a declaration so closely applied, so insinuating. That such should have + escaped her lips when she must know that his very soul and intention are + purity! "I never felt like making a wish before now; and now I wishes I + was, or that my father had made me, a lawyer. I would defend my position + in a legal sense then! I don't like lawyers generally, I confess; the + profession's not as honourable as ours, and its members are a set of + sharpers, who would upset gospel and everything else for a small fee, they + would!" He concludes, as his eyes regrettingly wander after the carriage. + The words have moved him; there is something he wishes to say, but can't + just get the point he would arrive at. He turns away, sad at heart, to his + sadder scenes. "I know that my Redeemer liveth," he sings. + </p> + <p> + In the city a different piece is in progress of performance. Papers, and + all necessary preparations for procuring the smooth transfer of the + youthful property, are completed; customers have begun to gather round the + mart. Some are searching among the negroes sent to the warehouse; others + are inquiring where this property, advertised in the morning journals, and + so strongly commented upon, may be found. They have been incited to + examine, in consequence of the many attractions set forth in the + conditions of sale. + </p> + <p> + There the two children sit, on a little seat near the vender's tribune. + Old Aunt Dina, at the prison, has dressed Annette so neatly! Her white + pinafore shines so brightly, is so neatly arranged, and her silky auburn + locks curl so prettily, in tiny ringlets, over her shoulders; and then her + round fair face looks so sweetly, glows with such innocent curiosity, as + her soft blue eyes, deep with sparkling vivacity, wander over the strange + scene. She instinctively feels that she is the special object of some + important event. Laying her little hand gently upon the arm of an old + slave that sits by her side, she casts shy glances at those admirers who + stand round her and view her as a marketable article only. + </p> + <p> + "Auntie, where are they going to take me?" the child inquires, with a + solicitous look, as she straightens the folds of her dress with her little + hands. + </p> + <p> + "Gwine t' sell 'um," mumbles the old slave. "Lor', child, a'h wishes ye + wa'h mine; reckon da'h wouldn't sell ye. T'ant much to sell nigger like I, + nohow; but e' hurt my feelins just so 'twarnt right t' sell de likes o' + ye." The old slave, in return, lays her hand upon Annette's head, and + smooths her hair, as if solicitous of her fate. "Sell ye, child-sell ye?" + she concludes, shaking her head. + </p> + <p> + "And what will they do with me and Nicholas when they get us sold?" + continues the child, turning to Nicholas and taking him by the arm. + </p> + <p> + "Don' kno': perhaps save ye fo'h sinnin' agin de Lor'," is the old slave's + quick reply. She shakes her head doubtingly, and bursts into tears, as she + takes Annette in her arms, presses her to her bosom, kisses and kisses her + pure cheek. How heavenly is the affection of that old slave—how it + rebukes our Christian mockery! + </p> + <p> + "Will they sell us where we can't see mother, auntie? I do want to see + mother so," says the child, looking up in the old slave's face. There + seemed something too pure, too holy, in the child's simplicity, as it + prattled about its mother, for such purposes as it is about to be + consigned to. "They do not sell white folks, auntie, do they? My face is + as white as anybody's; and Nicholas's aint black. I do want to see mother + so! when will she come back and take care of me, auntie?" + </p> + <p> + "Lor', child," interrupts the old negro, suppressing her emotions, "no use + to ax dem questions ven ye gwine t' market. Buckra right smart at makin' + nigger what bring cash." + </p> + <p> + The child expresses a wish that auntie would take her back to the old + plantation, where master, as mother used to call him, wouldn't let them + sell her away off. And she shakes her head with an air of unconscious + pertness; tells the old negro not to cry for her. + </p> + <p> + The cryer's bell sounds forth its muddling peals to summon the customers; + a grotesque mixture of men close round the stand. The old slave, as if + from instinct, again takes Annette in her arms, presses and presses her to + her bosom, looks compassionately in her face, and smiles while a tear + glistens in her eyes. She is inspired by the beauty of the child; her + heart bounds with affection for her tender years; she loves her because + she is lovely; and she smiles upon her as a beautiful image of God's + creation. But the old slave grieves over her fate; her grief flows from + the purity of the heart; she knows not the rules of the slave church. + </p> + <p> + Annette is born a child of sorrow in this our land of love and liberty; + she is a democrat's daughter, cursed by the inconsistencies of that + ever-praised democratic goodness. A child! nothing more than an item of + common trade. It is even so; but let not happy democracy blush, for the + child, being merchandise, has no claims to that law of the soul which + looks above the frigidity of slave statutes. What generosity is there in + this generous land? what impulses of nature not quenched by force of + public opinion, when the associations of a child like this (we are + picturing a true story), her birth and blood, her clear complexion, the + bright carnatic of her cheek, will not save her from the mercenary grasp + of dollars and cents? It was the law; the law had made men demons, craving + the bodies and souls of their fellow men. It was the white man's charge to + protect the law and the constitution; and any manifestation of sympathy + for this child would be in violation of a system which cannot be + ameliorated without endangering the whole structure: hence the comments + escaping from purchasers are only such as might have been expressed by the + sporting man in his admiration of a finely proportioned animal. + </p> + <p> + "What a sweet child!" says one, as they close round. + </p> + <p> + "Make a woman when she grows up!" rejoins another, twirling his cane, and + giving his hat an extra set on the side of his head. + </p> + <p> + "Take too long to keep it afore its valuable is developed; but it's a + picture of beauty. Face would do to take drawings from, it's so full of + delicate outlines," interposes a third. + </p> + <p> + An old gentleman, with something of the ministerial in his countenance, + and who has been very earnestly watching them for some time, thinks a + great deal about the subject of slavery, and the strange laws by which it + is governed just at this moment. He says, "One is inspired with a sort of + admiration that unlocks the heart, while gazing at such delicacy and + child-like sweetness as is expressed in the face of that child." He points + his cane coldly at Annette. "It causes a sort of reaction in one's sense + of right, socially and politically, when we see it mixed up with niggers + and black ruffians to be sold." + </p> + <p> + "Must abide the laws, though," says a gentleman in black, on his left. + </p> + <p> + "Yes," returns our friend, quickly, "if such property could be saved the + hands of speculators"— + </p> + <p> + "Speculators! speculators!" rejoins the gentleman in black, knitting his + brows. + </p> + <p> + "Yes; it's always the case in our society. The beauty of such property + makes it dangerous about a well-ordained man's house. Our ladies, + generally, have no sympathy with, and rather dislike its ill-gotten + tendencies. The piety of the south amounts to but little in its influence + on the slave population. The slave population generates its own piety. + There is black piety and white piety; but the white piety effects little + when it can dispose of poor black piety just as it pleases; and there's no + use in clipping the branches off the tree while the root is diseased," + concludes our ministerial-looking gentleman, who might have been persuaded + himself to advance a bid, were he not so well versed in the tenour of + society that surrounded him. + </p> + <p> + During the above ad interim at the shambles, our good lady, Mrs. + Rosebrook, is straining every nerve to induce a gentleman of her + acquaintance to repair to the mart, and purchase the children on her + account. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0029" id="link2HCH0029"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXVIII. — NATURE SHAMES ITSELF. + </h2> + <p> + MRS. ROSEBROOK sits in Mrs. Pringle's parlour. Mrs. Pringle is thought + well of in the city of Charleston, where she resides, and has done + something towards establishing a church union for the protection of orphan + females. They must, however, be purely white, and without slave or base + blood in their veins, to entitle them to admittance into its charitable + precincts. This is upon the principle that slave blood is not acceptable + in the sight of Heaven; and that allowing its admittance into this + charitable earthly union would only be a sad waste of time and Christian + love. Mrs. Pringle, however, feels a little softened to the good cause, + and does hope Mrs. Rosebrook may succeed at least in rescuing the little + girl. She has counselled Mr. Seabrook, commonly called Colonel Seabrook, a + very distinguished gentleman, who has a very distinguished opinion of + himself, having studied law to distinguish himself, and now and then + merely practises it for his own amusement. Mr. Seabrook never gives an + opinion, nor acts for his friends, unless every thing he does be + considered distinguished, and gratuitously rendered. + </p> + <p> + "What will you do with such property, madam?" inquires the gentleman, + having listened profoundly to her request. + </p> + <p> + "To save them from being sold into the hands of such men as Graspum and + Romescos; it's the only motive I have" she speaks, gently: "I love the + child; and her mother still loves her: I am a mother." + </p> + <p> + "Remember, my dear lady, they are adjudged property by law; and all that + you can do for them won't save them, nor change the odour of negro with + which it has stamped them." + </p> + <p> + "Of that I am already too well aware, Mr. Seabrook; and I know, too, when + once enslaved, how hard it is to unslave. Public sentiment is the worst + slave we have; unslave that, and the righteousness of heaven will give us + hearts to save ourselves from the unrighteousness of our laws. + </p> + <p> + "Go, Mr. Seabrook, purchase the children for me, and you will soon see + what ornaments of society I will make them!" + </p> + <p> + "Ornaments to our society!" interrupts Mr. Seabrook, pausing for a moment, + as he places the fore-finger of his right hand upon his upper lip. "That + would be a pretty consummation-at the south! Make ornaments of our + society!" Mr. Seabrook turns the matter over and over and over in his + mind. "Of such things as have been pronounced property by law! A pretty + fix it would get our society into!" he rejoins, with emphasis. Mr. + Seabrook shakes his head doubtingly, and then, taking three or four + strides across the room, his hands well down in his nether pockets, + relieves himself of his positive opinion. "Ah! ah! hem! my dear madam," he + says, "if you undertake the purchase of all that delicate kind of + property-I mean the amount total, as it is mixed up-your head'll grow grey + afore you get all the bills of sale paid up,—my word for it! That's + my undisguised opinion, backed up by all the pale-faced property about the + city." + </p> + <p> + "We will omit the opinion, Mr. Seabrook; such have kept our society where + it now is. I am resolved to have those children. If you hesitate to act + for me, I'll brave-" + </p> + <p> + "Don't say that, my dear lady. Let me remind you that it ill becomes a + lady of the south to be seen at a slave-mart; more especially when such + delicate property is for sale. Persons might be present who did not + understand your motive, and would not only make rude advances, but + question the propriety of your proceedings. You would lose caste, most + surely." + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Rosebrook cares little for Mr. Seabrook's very learned opinion, + knowing that learned opinions are not always the most sensible ones, and + is seen arranging her bonnet hastily in a manner betokening her intention + to make a bold front of it at the slave-mart. This is rather too much for + Mr. Seabrook, who sets great value on his chivalrous virtues, and fearing + they may suffer in the esteem of the softer sex, suddenly proffers his + kind interposition, becomes extremely courteous, begs she will remain + quiet, assuring her that no stone that can further her wishes shall be + left unturned. Mr. Seabrook (frequently called the gallant colonel) makes + one of his very best bows, adjusts his hat with exquisite grace, and + leaves to exercise the wisest judgment and strictest faith at the + man-market. + </p> + <p> + "Such matters are exceedingly annoying to gentlemen of my standing," says + Mr. Seabrook, as deliberately he proceeds to the fulfilment of his + promise. He is a methodical gentleman, and having weighed the matter well + over in his legal mind, is deeply indebted to it for the conclusion that + Mrs. Rosebrook has got a very unsystematised crotchet into her brain. "The + exhibition of sympathy for 'niggers'-they're nothing else" says Mr. + Seabrook-"much adds to that popular prejudice which is already placing her + in an extremely delicate position." He will call to his aid some very nice + legal tact, and by that never-failing unction satisfy the good lady. + </p> + <p> + When Mr. Seabrook enters the mart (our readers will remember that we have + already described it) he finds the children undergoing a very minute + examination at the hands of several slave-dealers. As Mr. Forshou, the + very polite man-seller, is despatching the rougher quality of human + merchandise, our hero advances to the children, about whose father he asks + them unanswerable questions. How interesting the children look!-how like a + picture of beauty Annette's cherub face glows forth! Being seriously + concerned about the child, his countenance wears an air of deep thought. + "Colonel, what's your legal opinion of such pretty property?" enquires + Romescos, who advances to Mr. Seabrook, and, after a minute's hesitation, + takes the little girl in his arms, rudely kissing her as she presses his + face from her with her left hand, and poutingly wipes her mouth with her + right. + </p> + <p> + "Pretty as a picture"-Romescos has set the child down-"but I wouldn't give + seven coppers for both; for, by my faith, such property never does well." + The gentleman shakes his head in return. "It's a pity they're made it out + nigger, though,—it's so handsome. Sweet little creature, that child, + I declare: her beauty would be worth a fortune on the stage, when she + grows up." + </p> + <p> + Romescos touches Mr. Seabrook on the arm; remarks that such things are + only good for certain purposes; although one can make them pay if they + know how to trade in them. But it wants a man with a capable conscience to + do the business up profitably. "No chance o' your biddin' on 'um, is + there, colonel?" he enquires, with a significant leer, folding his arms + with the indifference of a field-marshal. After a few minutes' pause, + during which Mr. Seabrook seems manufacturing an answer, he shrugs his + shoulders, and takes a few pleasing steps, as if moved to a waltzing + humour. "Don't scare up the like o' that gal-nigger every day," he adds. + Again, as if moved by some sudden idea, he approaches Annette, and placing + his hand on her head, continues: "If this ain't tumbling down a man's + affairs by the run! Why, colonel, 'taint more nor three years since old + Hugh Marston war looked on as the tallest planter on the Ashley; and he + thought just as much o' these young 'uns as if their mother had belonged + to one of the first families. Now-I pity the poor fellow!-because he tried + to save 'em from being sold as slaves, they-his creditors-think he has got + more property stowed away somewhere. They're going to cell him, just to + try his talent at putting away things." + </p> + <p> + The "prime fellows" and wenches of the darker and coarser quality have all + been disposed of; and the vender (the same gentlemanly man we have + described selling Marston's undisputed property) now orders the children + to be brought forward. Romescos, eagerly seizing them by the arms, brings + them forward through the crowd, places them upon the stand, before the + eager gaze of those assembled. Strangely placed upon the strange block, + the spectators close in again, anxious to gain the best position for + inspection: but little children cannot stand the gaze of such an + assemblage: no; Annette turns toward Nicholas, and with a childish embrace + throws her tiny arms about his neck, buries her face on his bosom. The + child of misfortune seeks shelter from that shame of her condition, the + evidence of which is strengthened by the eager glances of those who stand + round the shambles, ready to purchase her fate. Even the vender,—distinguished + gentleman that he is, and very respectably allied by marriage to one of + the "first families,"-is moved with a strange sense of wrong at finding + himself in a position somewhat repugnant to his feelings. He cannot + suppress a blush that indicates an innate sense of shame. + </p> + <p> + "Here they are, gentlemen! let no man say I have not done my duty. You + have, surely, all seen the pedigree of these children set forth in the + morning papers; and, now that you have them before you, the living + specimen of their beauty will fully authenticate anything therein set + forth," the vender exclaims, affecting an appearance in keeping with his + trade. Notwithstanding this, there is a faltering nervousness in his + manner, betraying all his efforts at dissimulation. He reads the invoice + of human property to the listening crowd, dilates on its specific + qualities with powers of elucidation that would do credit to any member of + the learned profession. This opinion is confirmed by Romescos, the + associations of whose trade have gained for him a very intimate + acquaintance with numerous gentlemen of that very honourable profession. + </p> + <p> + "Now, gentlemen," continues the vender, "the honourable high sheriff is + anxious, and so am I-and it's no more than a feelin' of deserving + humanity, which every southern gentleman is proud to exercise-that these + children be sold to good, kind, and respectable owners; and that they do + not fall into the hands, as is generally the case, of men who raise them + up for infamous purposes. Gentlemen, I am decidedly opposed to making + licentiousness a means of profit." + </p> + <p> + "That neither means you nor me," mutters Romescos, touching Mr. Seabrook + on the arm, shaking his head knowingly, and stepping aside to Graspum, in + whose ear he whispers a word. The very distinguished Mr. Graspum has been + intently listening to the outpouring of the vender's simplicity. What + sublime nonsense it seems to him! He suggests that it would be much more + effectual if it came from the pulpit,—the southern pulpit! + </p> + <p> + "Better sell 'um to some deacon's family," mutters a voice in the crowd. + </p> + <p> + "That's precisely what we should like, gentlemen; any bidder of that + description would get them on more favourable terms than a trader, he + would," he returns, quickly. The man of feeling, now wealthy from the sale + of human beings, hopes gentlemen will pardon his nervousness on this + occasion. He never felt the delicacy of his profession so forcibly-never, + until now! His countenance changes with the emotions of his heart; he + blushes as he looks upon the human invoice, glances slily over the corner + at the children, and again at his customers. The culminating point of his + profession has arrived; its unholy character is making war upon his better + feelings. "I am not speaking ironically, gentlemen: any bidder of the + description I have named will get these children at a satisfactory figure. + Remember that, and that I am only acting in my office for the honourable + sheriff and the creditors," he concludes. + </p> + <p> + "If that be the case," Mr. Seabrook thinks to himself, "it's quite as + well. Our good lady friend will be fully satisfied. She only wants to see + them in good hands: deacons are just the fellows." He very politely steps + aside, lights his choice habanero, and sends forth its curling fumes as + the bidding goes on. + </p> + <p> + A person having the appearance of a country gentleman, who has been some + time watching the proceedings, is seen to approach Graspum: this dignitary + whispers something in his ear, and he leaves the mart. + </p> + <p> + "I say, squire!" exclaims Romescos, addressing himself to the auctioneer, + "do you assume the responsibility of making special purchasers? perhaps + you had better keep an eye to the law and the creditors, you had!" + (Romescos's little red face fires with excitement.) "No objection t' yer + sellin' the gal to deacons and elders,—even to old Elder Pemberton + Praiseworthy, who's always singing, 'I know that my Redeemer cometh!' But + the statutes give me just as good a right to buy her, as any first-class + deacon. I knows law, and got lots o' lawyer friends." + </p> + <p> + "The issue is painful enough, without any interposition from you, my + friend," rejoins the vender, interrupting Romescos in his conversation. + After a few minutes pause, during which time he has been watching the + faces of his customers, he adds: "Perhaps, seeing how well mated they are, + gentlemen will not let them be separated. They have been raised together." + </p> + <p> + "Certainly!" again interrupts Romescos, "it would be a pity to separate + them, 'cos it might touch somebody's heart." + </p> + <p> + "Ah, that comes from Romescos; we may judge of its motive as we please," + rejoins the man of feeling, taking Annette by the arm and leading her to + the extreme edge of the stand. "Make us a bid, gentlemen, for the pair. I + can see in the looks of my customers that nobody will be so hard-hearted + as to separate them. What do you offer? say it! Start them; don't be + bashful, gentlemen!" + </p> + <p> + "Rather cool for a hard-faced nigger-seller! Well, squire, say four + hundred dollars and the treats,—that is, sposin' ye don't double my + bid cos I isn't a deacon. Wants the boy t' make a general on when he grows + up; don't want the gal at all. Let the deacon here (he points to the man + who was seen whispering to Graspum) have her, if he wants." The deacon, as + Romescos calls him, edges his way through the crowd up to the stand, and + looks first at the vender and then at the children. Turning his head + aside, as if it may catch the ears of several bystanders, Romescos + whispers, "That's deacon Staggers, from Pineville." + </p> + <p> + "Like your bid; but I'm frank enough to say I don't want you to have them, + Romescos," interposes the auctioneer, with a smile. + </p> + <p> + "Four hundred and fifty dollars!" is sounded by a second bidder. The + vender enquires, "For the two?" + </p> + <p> + "Yes! the pair on 'em," is the quick reply. + </p> + <p> + "Four hundred and fifty dollars!" re-echoes the man of feeling. "What good + democrats you are! Why, gentlemen, it's not half the value of them. You + must look upon this property in a social light; then you will see its + immense value. It's intelligent, civil, and promisingly handsome; sold for + no fault, and here you are hesitating on a small bid. + </p> + <p> + "Only four hundred and fifty dollars for such property, in this + enlightened nineteenth century!" + </p> + <p> + "Trade will out, like murder. Squire wouldn't sell 'em to nobody but a + deacon a few minutes ago!" is heard coming from a voice in the crowd. The + vender again pauses, blushes, and contorts his face: he cannot suppress + the zest of his profession; it is uppermost in his feelings. + </p> + <p> + Romescos says it is one of the squire's unconscious mistakes. There is no + use of humbugging; why not let them run off to the highest bidder? + </p> + <p> + "The deacon has bid upon them; why not continue his advance?" says Mr. + Seabrook, who has been smoking his cigar the while. + </p> + <p> + "Oh, well! seein' how it's the deacon, I won't stand agin his bid. It's + Deacon Staggers of Pineville; nobody doubts his generosity," ejaculates + Romescos, in a growling tone. The bids quicken,—soon reach six + hundred dollars. + </p> + <p> + "Getting up pretty well, gentlemen! You must not estimate this property + upon their age: it's the likeliness and the promise." + </p> + <p> + "Six hundred and twenty-five!" mutters the strange gentleman they call + Deacon Staggers from Pineville. + </p> + <p> + "All right," rejoins Romescos; "just the man what ought to have 'em. I + motion every other bidder withdraw in deference to the deacon's claim," + rejoins Romescos, laughing. + </p> + <p> + The clever vender gets down from the stand, views the young property from + every advantageous angle, dwells upon the bid, makes further comments on + its choiceness, and after considerable bantering, knocks them down + to-"What name, sir?" he enquires, staring at the stranger vacantly. + </p> + <p> + "Deacon Staggers," replies the man, with a broad grin. Romescos motions + him aside,—slips a piece of gold into his hand; it is the price of + his pretensions. + </p> + <p> + The clerk enters his name in the sales book: "Deacon Staggers, of + Pineville, bought May 18th, 18-. + </p> + <p> + "Two children, very likely: boy, prime child, darkish hair, round figure, + intelligent face, not downcast, and well outlined in limb. Girl, very + pretty, bluish eyes, flaxen hair, very fair and very delicate. Price 625 + dollars. Property of Hugh Marston, and sold per order of the sheriff of + the county, to satisfy two fi fas issued from the Court of Common Pleas, + &c. &c. &c." + </p> + <p> + An attendant now steps forward, takes the children into his charge, and + leads them away. To where? The reader may surmise to the gaol. No, reader, + not to the gaol; to Marco Graspum's slave-pen,—to that pent-up hell + where the living are tortured unto death, and where yearning souls are + sold to sink! + </p> + <p> + Thus are the beauties of this our democratic system illustrated in two + innocent children being consigned to the miseries of slave life because a + mother is supposed a slave: a father has acknowledged them, and yet they + are sold before his eyes. It is the majesty of slave law, before which + good men prostrate their love of independence. Democracy says the majesty + of that law must be carried out; creditors must be satisfied, even though + all that is generous and noble in man should be crushed out, and the + rights of free men consigned to oblivion. A stout arm may yet rise up in a + good cause; democrats may stand ashamed of the inhuman traffic, and seek + to cover its poisoning head with artifices and pretences; but they write + only an obituary for the curse. + </p> + <p> + "A quaint-faced, good-looking country deacon has bought them. Very good; I + can now go home, and relieve Mrs. Rosebrook's very generous feelings," + says the very distinguished Mr. Seabrook, shrugging his shoulders, + lighting a fresh cigar, and turning toward home with a deliberate step, + full of good tidings. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0030" id="link2HCH0030"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXX. — THE VISION OF DEATH HAS PAST. + </h2> + <p> + MR. SEABROOK returns to the mansion, and consoles the anxious lady by + assuring her the children have been saved from the hands of obnoxious + traders-sold to a good, country deacon. He was so delighted with their + appearance that he could not keep from admiring them, and does not wonder + the good lady took so great an interest in their welfare. He knows the + ministerial-looking gentleman who bought them is a kind master; he has an + acute knowledge of human nature, and judges from his looks. And he will + further assure the good lady that the auctioneer proved himself a + gentleman-every inch of him! He wouldn't take a single bid from a trader, + not even from old Graspum (he dreads to come in contact with such a brute + as he is, when he gets his eye on a good piece o' nigger property), with + all his money. As soon as he heard the name of a deacon among the bidders, + something in his heart forbade his bidding against him. + </p> + <p> + "You were not as good as your word, Mr. Seabrook," says the good lady, + still holding Mr. Seabrook by the hand. "But, are you sure there was no + disguise about the sale?" + </p> + <p> + "Not the least, madam!" interrupts Mr. Seabrook, emphatically. "Bless me, + madam, our people are too sensitive not to detect anything of that kind; + and too generous to allow it if they did discover it. The children-my + heart feels for them-are in the very best hands; will be brought up just + as pious and morally. Can't go astray in the hands of a deacon-that's + certain!" Mr. Seabrook rubs his hands, twists his fingers in various ways, + and gives utterance to words of consolation, most blandly. The anxious + lady seems disappointed, but is forced to accept the assurance. + </p> + <p> + We need scarcely tell the reader how intentionally Mr. Seabrook contented + himself with the deception practised at the mart, nor with what freedom he + made use of that blandest essence of southern assurance,—extreme + politeness, to deceive the lady. She, however, had long been laudably + engaged in behalf of a down-trodden race; and her knowledge of the secret + workings of an institution which could only cover its monstrosity with + sophistry and fraud impressed her with the idea of some deception having + been practised. She well knew that Mr. Seabrook was one of those very + contented gentlemen who have strong faith in the present, and are willing + to sacrifice the future, if peace and plenty be secured to their hands. He + had many times been known to listen to the advice of his confidential + slaves, and even to yield to their caprices. And, too, he had been known + to decry the ill-treatment of slaves by brutal and inconsiderate masters; + but he never thinks it worth while to go beyond expressing a sort of + rain-water sympathy for the maltreated. With those traits most prominent + in his character, Annette and Nicholas were to him mere merchandise; and + whatever claims to freedom they might have, through the acknowledgments of + a father, he could give them no consideration, inasmuch as the law was + paramount, and the great conservator of the south. + </p> + <p> + Our worthy benefactress felt the force of the above, in his reluctance to + execute her commands, and the manner in which he faltered when questioned + about the purchase. Returning to her home, weighing the circumstances, she + resolves to devise some method of ascertaining the true position of the + children. "Women are not to be outdone," she says to herself. + </p> + <p> + We must again beg the reader's indulgence while accompanying us in a + retrograde necessary to the connection of our narrative. When we left Mr. + M'Fadden at the crossing, more than two years ago, he was labouring under + the excitement of a wound he greatly feared would close the account of his + mortal speculations. + </p> + <p> + On the morning following that great political gathering, and during the + night Harry had so singularly disappeared, the tavern was rife with + conjectures. On the piazza and about the "bar-room" were a few stupefied + and half-insensible figures stretched upon benches, or reclining in + chairs, their coarse garments rent into tatters, and their besotted faces + resembling as many florid masks grouped together to represent some + demoniacal scene among the infernals; others were sleeping soundly beside + the tables, or on the lawn. With filthy limbs bared, they snored with + painful discord, in superlative contempt of everything around. Another + party, reeking with the fumes of that poisonous drug upon which candidates + for a people's favours had built their high expectations, were leaning + carelessly against the rude counter of the "bar-room," casting wistful + glances at the fascinating bottles so securely locked within the + lattice-work in the corner. Oaths of touching horror are mingling with + loud calls for slave attendants, whose presence they wait to quench their + burning thirst. Reader! digest the moral. In this human menagerie-in this + sink of besotted degradation-lay the nucleus of a power by which the + greatest interests of state are controlled. + </p> + <p> + A bedusted party of mounted men have returned from a second ineffectual + attempt to recover the lost preacher: the appearance of responsibility + haunts mine host. He assured Mr. Lawrence M'Fadden that his property would + be perfectly secure under the lock of the corn-shed. And now his anxiety + exhibits itself in the readiness with which he supplies dogs, horses, + guns, and such implements as are necessary to hunt down an unfortunate + minister of the gospel. What makes the whole thing worse, was the report + of M'Fadden having had a good sleep and awaking much more comfortable; + that there was little chance of the fortunate issue of his death. In this, + mine host saw the liability increasing two-fold. + </p> + <p> + He stands his important person, (hat off, face red with expectancy, and + hands thrust well down into his breeches pocket), on the top step of the + stairs leading to the veranda, and hears the unfavourable report with sad + discomfiture. "That's what comes of making a preacher of a slave! Well! + I've done all I can. It puts all kinds of deviltry about runnin' away into + their heads," he ventures to assert, as he turns away, re-enters the + "bar-room," and invites all his friends to drink at his expense. + </p> + <p> + "Mark what I say, now, Squire Jones. The quickest way to catch that ar' + nigger 's just to lay low and keep whist. He's a pious nigger; and a + nigger can't keep his pious a'tween his teeth, no more nor a blackbird can + his chattering. The feller 'll feel as if he wants to redeem somebody; and + seeing how 'tis so, if ye just watch close some Sunday ye'll nab the + fellow with his own pious bait. Can catch a pious runaway nigger 'most any + time; the brute never knows enough to keep it to himself," says a flashily + dressed gentleman, as he leaned against the counter, squinted his eye with + an air of ponderous satisfaction, and twirled his tumbler round and round + on the counter. "'Pears to me," he continues, quizzically, "Squire, you've + got a lot o' mixed cracker material here, what it'll be hard to manufactor + to make dependable voters on, 'lection day:" he casts a look at the medley + of sleepers. + </p> + <p> + "I wish the whole pack on 'em was sold into slavery, I do! They form + six-tenths of the voters in our state, and are more ignorant, and a great + deal worse citizens, than our slaves. Bl-'em, there is'nt one in fifty can + read or write, and they're impudenter than the Governor." + </p> + <p> + "Hush! hush! squire. 'Twon't do to talk so. There ain't men nowhere stand + on dignity like them fellers; they are the very bone-and-siners of the + unwashed, hard-fisted democracy. The way they'd pull this old tavern down, + if they heard reflections on their honour, would be a caution to storms. + But how's old iron-sided M'Fadden this morning? Begins to think of his + niggers, I reckon," interrupts the gentleman; to which mine host shakes + his head, despondingly. Mine host wishes M'Fadden, nigger, candidates and + all, a very long distance from his place. + </p> + <p> + "I s'pose he thinks old Death, with his grim visage, ain't going to call + for him just now. That's ollers the way with northerners, who lives atween + the hope of something above, and the love of makin' money below: they + never feel bad about the conscience, until old Davy Jones, Esq., the + gentleman with the horns and tail, takes them by the nose, and + says-'come!'" + </p> + <p> + "I have struck an idea," says our worthy host, suddenly striking his hand + on the counter. "I will put up a poster. I will offer a big reward. + T'other property's all safe; there's only the preacher missing." + </p> + <p> + "Just the strike! Give us yer hand, squire!" The gentleman reaches his + hand across the counter, and smiles, while cordially embracing mine host. + "Make the reward about two hundred, so I can make a good week's work for + the dogs and me. Got the best pack in the parish; one on 'em knows as much + as most clergymen, he does!" he very deliberately concludes, displaying a + wonderful opinion of his own nigger-catching philosophy. + </p> + <p> + And Mr. Jones, such is mine host's name, immediately commenced exercising + his skill in composition on a large, poster, which with a good hour's + labour he completes, and posts upon the ceiling of the "bar-room," just + below an enormously illustrated Circus bill. + </p> + <p> + "There! now's a chance of some enterprise and some sense. There's a deuced + nice sum to be made at that!" says Mr. Jones, emphatically, as he stands a + few steps back, and reads aloud the following sublime outline of his + genius:— + </p> + <p> + "GREAT INDUCEMENT FOR SPORTSMEN. Two Hundred Dollars Reward. + </p> + <p> + "The above reward will be given anybody for the apprehension of the + nigger-boy, Harry, the property of Mr. M'Fadden. Said Harry suddenly + disappeared from these premises last night, while his master was supposed + to be dying. The boy's a well-developed nigger, 'ant sassy, got fine bold + head and round face, and intelligent eye, and 's about five feet eleven + inches high, and equally proportionate elsewhere. He's much giv'n to + preachin', and most likely is secreted in some of the surrounding swamps, + where he will remain until tempted to make his appearance on some + plantation for the purpose of exortin his feller niggers. He is well + disposed, and is said to have a good disposition, so that no person need + fear to approach him for capture. The above reward will be paid upon his + delivery at any gaol in the State, and a hundred and fifty dollars if + delivered at any gaol out of the State. + </p> + <h3> + "JETHRO JONES." + </h3> + <p> + "Just the instrument to bring him, Jethro!" intimates our fashionable + gent, quizzically, as he stands a few feet behind Mr. Jones, making + grimaces. Then, gazing intently at the bill for some minutes, he runs his + hands deep into his pockets, affects an air of greatest satisfaction, and + commences whistling a tune to aid in suppressing a smile that is invading + his countenance. "Wouldn't be in that nigger's skin for a thousand or more + dollars, I wouldn't!" he continues, screeching in the loudest manner, and + then shaking, kicking, and rousing the half-animate occupants of the floor + and benches. "Come! get up here! Prize money ahead! Fine fun for a week. + Prize money ahead! wake up, ye jolly sleepers, loyal citizens, independent + voters-wake up, I say. Here's fun and frolic, plenty of whiskey, and two + hundred dollars reward for every mother's son of ye what wants to hunt a + nigger; and he's a preachin nigger at that! Come; whose in for the frolic, + ye hard-faced democracy that love to vote for your country's good and a + good cause?" After exerting himself for some time, they begin to scramble + up like so many bewildered spectres of blackness, troubled to get light + through the means of their blurred faculties. + </p> + <p> + "Who's dragging the life out o' me?" exclaims one, straining his mottled + eyes, extending his wearied limbs, gasping as if for breath; then + staggering to the counter. Finally, after much struggling, staggering, + expressing consternation, obscene jeering, blasphemous oaths and filthy + slang, they stand upright, and huddle around the notice. The picture + presented by their ragged garments, their woebegone faces, and their + drenched faculties, would, indeed, be difficult to transfer to canvas. + </p> + <p> + "Now, stare! stare! with all yer fire-stained eyes, ye clan of motley + vagrants-ye sovereign citizens of a sovereign state. Two hundred dollars! + aye, two hundred dollars for ye. Make plenty o' work for yer dogs; knowin + brutes they are. And ye'll get whiskey enough to last the whole district + more nor a year," says our worthy Jones, standing before them, and + pointing his finger at the notice. They, as if doubting their own + perceptibilities, draw nearer and nearer, straining their eyes, while + their bodies oscillate against each other. + </p> + <p> + Mine host tells them to consider the matter, and be prepared for action, + while he will proceed to M'Fadden's chamber and learn the state of his + health. + </p> + <p> + He opens the sick man's chamber, and there, to his surprise, is the + invalid gentleman, deliberately taking his tea and toast. Mine host + congratulates him upon his appearance, extends his hand, takes a seat by + his bed-side. "I had fearful apprehensions about you, my friend," he says. + </p> + <p> + "So had I about myself. I thought I was going to slip it in right earnest. + My thoughts and feelins-how they wandered!" M'Fadden raises his hand to + his forehead, and slowly shakes his head. "I would'nt a' given much for + the chances, at one time; but the wound isn't so bad, after all. My nigger + property gets along all straight, I suppose?" he enquires, coolly, rolling + his eyes upwards with a look of serious reflection. "Boy preacher never + returned last night. It's all right, though, I suppose?" again he + enquired, looking mine host right in the eye, as if he discovered some + misgiving. His seriousness soon begins to give place to anxiety. + </p> + <p> + "That boy was a bad nigger," says mine host, in a half-whisper; "but you + must not let your property worry you, my friend." + </p> + <p> + "Bad nigger!" interrupts the invalid. Mine host pauses for a moment, while + M'Fadden sets his eyes upon him with a piercing stare. + </p> + <p> + "Not been cutting up nigger tricks?" he ejaculates, enquiringly, about to + spring from his couch with his usual nimbleness. Mine host places his left + hand upon his shoulder, and assures him there is no cause of alarm. + </p> + <p> + "Tell me if any thing's wrong about my property. Now do,—be candid:" + his eyes roll, anxiously. + </p> + <p> + "All right-except the preacher; he's run away," mine host answers, + suggesting how much better it will be to take the matter cool, as he is + sure to be captured. + </p> + <p> + "What! who-how? you don't say! My very choicest piece of property. + Well-well! who will believe in religion, after that? He came to my sick + chamber, the black vagabond did, and prayed as piously as a white man. And + it went right to my heart; and I felt that if I died it would a' been the + means o' savin my soul from all sorts of things infernal," says the + recovering M'Fadden. He, the black preacher, is only a nigger after all; + and his owner will have him back, or he'll have his black hide-that he + will! The sick man makes another effort to rise, but is calmed into + resignation through mine host's further assurance that the property will + be "all right" by the time he gets well. + </p> + <p> + "How cunning it was in the black vagrant! I shouldn't be a bit surprised + if he cleared straight for Massachusetts-Massachusetts hates our State. + Her abolitionists will ruin us yet, sure as the world. We men of the South + must do something on a grand scale to protect our rights and our property. + The merchants of the North will help us; they are all interested in slave + labour. Cotton is king; and cotton can rule, if it will. Cotton can make + friendship strong, and political power great. + </p> + <p> + "There's my cousin John, ye see; he lives north, but is married to a woman + south. He got her with seventeen mules and twenty-three niggers. And + there's brother Jake's daughter was married to a planter out south what + owns lots o' niggers. And there's good old uncle Richard; he traded a long + time with down south folks, made heaps a money tradin niggers in a sly + way, and never heard a word said about slavery not being right, that he + did'nt get into a deuce of a fuss, and feel like fightin? Two of Simon + Wattler's gals were married down south, and all the family connections + became down-south in principle. And here's Judge Brooks out here, the very + best down-south Judge on the bench; he come from cousin Ephraim's + neighbourhood, down east. It's just this way things is snarled up a'tween + us and them ar' fellers down New England way. It keeps up the strength of + our peculiar institution, though. And southern Editors! just look at them; + why, Lord love yer soul! two thirds on' em are imported from down-north + way; and they make the very best southern-principled men. I thought of + that last night, when Mr. Jones with the horns looked as if he would go + with him. But, I'll have that preachin vagrant, I'll have him!" says Mr. + M'Fadden, emphatically, seeming much more at rest about his departing + affairs. As the shadows of death fade from his sight into their proper + distance, worldly figures and property justice resume their wonted + possession of his thoughts. + </p> + <p> + Again, as if suddenly seized with pain, he contorts his face, and enquires + in a half-whisper—"What if this wound should mortify? would death + follow quickly? I'm dubious yet!" + </p> + <p> + Mine host approaches nearer his bed-side, takes his hand. M'Fadden, with + much apparent meekness, would know what he thought of his case? + </p> + <p> + He is assured by the kind gentleman that he is entirely out of + danger-worth a whole parish of dead men. At the same time, mine host + insinuates that he will never do to fight duels until he learns to die + fashionably. + </p> + <p> + M'Fadden smiles,—remembers how many men have been nearly killed and + yet escaped the undertaker,—seems to have regained strength, and + calls for a glass of whiskey and water. Not too strong! but, reminding + mine host of the excellent quality of his bitters, he suggests that a + little may better his case. + </p> + <p> + "I didn't mean the wound," resuming his anxiety for the lost preacher: "I + meant the case of the runaway?" + </p> + <p> + "Oh! oh! bless me! he will forget he is a runaway piece of property in his + anxiousness to put forth his spiritual inclinations. That's what'll betray + the scamp;—nigger will be nigger, you know! They can't play the + lawyer, nohow," mine host replies, with an assurance of his ability to + judge negro character. This is a new idea, coming like the dew-drops of + heaven to relieve his anxiety. The consoling intelligence makes him feel + more comfortable. + </p> + <p> + The whiskey-and-bitters-most unpoetic drink-is brought to his bed-side. He + tremblingly carries it to his lips, sips and sips; then, with one gulp, + empties the glass. At this moment the pedantic physician makes his + appearance, scents the whiskey, gives a favourable opinion of its + application as a remedy in certain cases. The prescription is not a bad + one. Climate, and such a rusty constitution as Mr. M'Fadden is blest with, + renders a little stimulant very necessary to keep up the one thing + needful-courage! The patient complains bitterly to the man of pills and + powders; tells a great many things about pains and fears. What a dreadful + thing if the consequence had proved fatal! He further thinks that it was + by the merest act of Providence, in such a desperate affray, he had not + been killed outright. A great many bad visions have haunted him in his + dreams, and he is very desirous of knowing what the man of salts and senna + thinks about the true interpretation of such. About the time he was + dreaming such dreams he was extremely anxious to know how the spiritual + character of slave-holders stood on the records of heaven, and whether the + fact of slave-owning would cause the insertion of an item in the mortal + warrant forming the exception to a peaceful conclusion with the Father's + forgiveness. He felt as if he would surely die during the night past, and + his mind became so abstracted about what he had done in his life,—what + was to come, how negro property had been treated, how it should be + treated,—that, although he had opinions now and then + widely-different, it had left a problem which would take him all his + life-time to solve,—if he should live ever so long. And, too, there + were these poor wretches accidentally shot down at his side; his feelings + couldn't withstand the ghostly appearance of their corpses as he was + carried past them, perhaps to be buried n the same forlorn grave, the very + next day. All these things reflected their results through the morbidity + of Mr. M'Fadden's mind; but his last observation, showing how slender is + the cord between life and death, proved what was uppermost in his mind. + "You'll allow I'm an honest man? I have great faith in your opinion, + Doctor! And if I have been rather go-ahead with my niggers, my virtue in + business matters can't be sprung," he mutters. The physician endeavours to + calm his anxiety, by telling him he is a perfect model of goodness,—a + just, honest, fearless, and enterprising planter; and that these + attributes of our better nature constitute such a balance in the scale as + will give any gentleman slaveholder very large claims to that spiritual + proficiency necessary for the world to come. + </p> + <p> + Mr. M'Fadden acquiesces in the correctness of this remark, but desires to + inform the practitioner what a sad loss he has met with. He is sure the + gentleman will scarcely believe his word when he tells him what it is. "I + saw how ye felt downright affected when that nigger o' mine prayed with so + much that seemed like honesty and christianity, last night," he says. + </p> + <p> + "Yes," interrupts the man of medicine, "he was a wonderful nigger that. I + never heard such natural eloquence nor such pathos; he is a wonder among + niggers, he is! Extraordinary fellow for one raised up on a plantation. + Pity, almost, that such a clergyman should be a slave." + </p> + <p> + "You don't say so, Doctor, do you? Well! I've lost him just when I wanted + him most." + </p> + <p> + "He is not dead?" enquires the physician, suddenly interrupting. He had + seen Mr. M'Fadden's courage fail at the approach of death, and again + recover quickly when the distance widened between that monitor and + himself, and could not suppress the smile stealing over his countenance. + </p> + <p> + "Dead! no indeed. Worse-he has run away!" Mr. M'Fadden quickly retorted, + clenching his right hand, and scowling. In another minute he turns back + the sheets, and, with returned strength, makes a successful attempt to sit + up in bed. "I don't know whether I'm better or worse; but I think it would + be all right if I warn't worried so much about the loss of that preacher. + I paid a tremendous sum for him. And the worst of it is, my cousin deacon + Stoner, of a down-east church, holds a mortgage on my nigger stock, and he + may feel streaked when he hears of the loss;" Mr. M'Fadden concludes, + holding his side to the physician, who commences examining the wound, + which the enfeebled man says is very sore and must be dressed cautiously, + so that he may be enabled to get out and see to his property. + </p> + <p> + To the great surprise of all, the wound turns out to be merely a slight + cut, with no appearance of inflammation, and every prospect of being cured + through a further application of a very small bit of dressing plaster. + </p> + <p> + The physician smiled, mine host smiled; it was impossible to suppress the + risible faculties. The poor invalid is overpowered with disappointment. + His imagination had betrayed him into one of those desperate, fearful, and + indubitable brinks of death, upon which it seems the first law of nature + reminds us what is necessary to die by. They laughed, and laughed, and + laughed, till Mr. M'Fadden suddenly changed countenance, and said it was + no laughing affair,—such things were not to be trifled with; men + should be thinking of more important matters. And he looked at the wound, + run his fingers over it gently, and rubbed it as if doubting the depth. + </p> + <p> + "A little more whiskey would'nt hurt me, Doctor?" he enquires, + complacently, looking round the room distrustfully at those who were + enjoying the joke, more at his expense than he held to be in accordance + with strict rules of etiquette. + </p> + <p> + "I'll admit, my worthy citizen, your case seemed to baffle my skill, last + night," the physician replies, jocosely. "Had I taken your political + enthusiasm into consideration,—and your readiness to instruct an + assemblage in the holy democracy of our south,—and your hopes of + making strong draughts do strong political work, I might have saved my + opiate, and administered to your case more in accordance with the + skilfully administered prescriptions of our politicians. Notwithstanding, + I am glad you are all right, and trust that whenever you get your + enthusiasm fired with bad brandy, or the candidates' bad whiskey, you will + not tax other people's feelings with your own dying affairs; nor send for + a 'nigger' preacher to redeem your soul, who will run away when he thinks + the job completed." + </p> + <p> + Mr. M'Fadden seemed not to comprehend the nature of his physician's + language, and after a few minutes pause he must needs enquire about the + weather? if a coroner's inquest has been held over the dead men? what was + its decision? was there any decision at all? and have they been buried? + Satisfied on all these points, he gets up, himself again, complaining only + of a little muddled giddiness about the head, and a hip so sore that he + scarcely could reconcile his mind to place confidence in it. + </p> + <p> + "Good by! good by!" says the physician, shaking him by the hand. "Measure + the stimulant carefully; and take good care of dumplin dep“t No. 1, and + you'll be all right very soon. You're a good democrat, and you'll make as + good a stump orator as ever took the field." + </p> + <p> + The man of medicine, laughing heartily within himself, descends the stairs + and reaches the bar-room, where are concentrated sundry of the party we + have before described. They make anxious enquiries about Mr. M'Fadden,—how + he seemed to "take it;" did he evince want of pluck? had he courage enough + to fight a duel? and could his vote be taken afore he died? These, and + many other questions of a like nature, were put to the physician so fast, + and with so many invitations to drink "somethin'," that he gave a sweeping + answer by saying Mac had been more frightened than hurt; that the fear of + death having passed from before his eyes his mind had now centered on the + loss of his nigger preacher-a valuable piece of property that had cost him + no less than fifteen hundred dollars. And the worst of it was, that the + nigger had aggravatingly prayed for him when he thought he was going to + sink out into the arms of father death. + </p> + <p> + So pressing were the invitations to drink, that our man of medicine + advanced to the counter, like a true gentleman of the south, and with his + glass filled with an aristocratic mixture, made one of his politest bows, + toasted the health of all free citizens, adding his hope for the success + of the favourite candidate. + </p> + <p> + "Drink it with three cheers, standin'!" shouted a formidably mustached + figure, leaning against the counter with his left hand, while his right + was grasping the jug from which he was attempting in vain to water his + whiskey. To this the physic gentleman bows assent; and they are given to + the very echo. Taking his departure for the city, as the sounds of + cheering die away, he emerged from the front door, as Mr. M'Fadden, + unexpectedly as a ghost rising from the tomb, made his entrance from the + old staircase in the back. The citizens-for of such is our assembly + composed-are astonished and perplexed. "Such a set of scapegoats as you + are!" grumbles out the debutant, as he stands before them like a + disentombed spectre. With open arms they approach him, congratulate him on + his recovery, and shower upon him many good wishes, and long and strong + drinks. + </p> + <p> + A few drinks more, and our hero is quite satisfied with his welcome. His + desire being intimated, mine host conducts himself to the corn-shed, where + he satisfies himself that his faithful property (the preacher excepted) is + all snugly safe. Happy property in the hands of a prodigious democrat! + happy republicanism that makes freedom but a privilege! that makes a + mockery of itself, and enslaves the noblest blood of noble freemen! They + were happy, the victims of ignorance, contented with the freedom their + country had given them, bowing beneath the enslaving yoke of + justice-boasting democracy, and ready to be sold and shipped, with an + invoice of freight, at the beckon of an owner. + </p> + <p> + Mr. M'Fadden questions the people concerning Harry's departure; but they + are as ignorant of his whereabouts as himself. They only remember that he + came to the shed at midnight, whispered some words of consolation, and of + his plain fare gave them to eat;—nothing more. + </p> + <p> + "Poor recompense for my goodness!" says Mr. M'Fadden, muttering some + indistinct words as he returns to the tavern, followed by a humorous + negro, making grimaces in satisfaction of "mas'r's" disappointment. Now + friends are gathered together, chuckling in great glee over the large + reward offered for the lost parson, for the capture of which absconding + article they have numerous horses, dogs, confidential negroes, and a large + supply of whiskey, with which very necessary liquid they will themselves + become dogs of one kine. The game to be played is purely a democratic one; + hence the clansmen are ready to loosen their souls' love for the service. + M'Fadden never before witnessed such satisfactory proofs of his + popularity; his tenderest emotions are excited; he cannot express the + fullness of his heart; he bows, puts his hand to his heart, orders the + balance of his invoice sent to his plantation, mounts his horse, and rides + off at full gallop, followed by his friends. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0031" id="link2HCH0031"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXXI. — A FRIEND IS WOMAN. + </h2> + <p> + THE reader will again accompany us to the time when we find Annette and + Nicholas in the hands of Graspum, who will nurture them for their + increasing value. + </p> + <p> + Merciless creditors have driven Marston from that home of so many happy + and hospitable associations, to seek shelter in the obscure and humble + chamber of a wretched building in the outskirts of the city. Fortune can + afford him but a small cot, two or three broken chairs, an ordinary deal + table, a large chest, which stands near the fire-place, and a + dressing-stand, for furniture. Here, obscured from the society he had so + long mingled with, he spends most of his time, seldom venturing in public + lest he may encounter those indomitable gentlemen who would seem to love + the following misfortune into its last stage of distress. His worst enemy, + however, is that source of his misfortunes he cannot disclose; over it + hangs the mystery he must not solve! It enshrines him with guilt before + public opinion; by it his integrity lies dead; it is that which gives to + mother rumour the weapons with which to wield her keenest slanders. + </p> + <p> + Having seized Marston's real estate, Graspum had no scruples about + swearing to the equity of his claim; nor were any of the creditors willing + to challenge an investigation; and thus, through fear of such a formidable + abettor, Marston laboured under the strongest, and perhaps the most unjust + imputations. But there was no limit to Graspum's mercenary proceedings; + for beyond involving Marston through Lorenzo, he had secretly purchased + many claims of the creditors, and secured his money by a dexterous + movement, with which he reduced the innocent children to slavery. + </p> + <p> + Reports have spread among the professedly knowing that Marston can never + have made away with all his property in so few years. And the manner being + so invisible, the charge becomes stronger. Thus, labouring between the + pain of misfortune and the want of means to resent suspicion, his + cheerless chamber is all he can now call his home. But he has two good + friends left-Franconia, and the old negro Bob. Franconia has procured a + municipal badge for Daddy; and, through it (disguised) he seeks and + obtains work at stowing cotton on the wharfs. His earnings are small, but + his soul is large, and embued with attachment for his old master, with + whom he will share them. Day by day the old slave seems to share the + feelings of his master,—to exhibit a solicitous concern for his + comfort. Earning his dollars and twenty-five cents a day, he will return + when the week has ended, full of exultation, spread out his earnings with + childlike simplicity, take thirty cents a day for himself, and slip the + remainder into Marston's pocket. How happy he seems, as he watches the + changes of Marston's countenance, and restrains the gushing forth of his + feelings! + </p> + <p> + It was on one of those nights upon which Daddy had received his earnings, + that Marston sat in his cheerless chamber, crouched over the faint blaze + of a few pieces of wood burning on the bricks of his narrow fire-place, + contemplating the eventful scenes of the few years just passed. The more + he contemplated the more it seemed like a dream; his very head wearied + with the interminable maze of his difficulties. Further and further, as he + contemplated, did it open to his thoughts the strange social and political + mystery of that more strange institution for reducing mankind to the level + of brutes. And yet, democracy, apparently honest, held such inviolable and + just to its creed; which creed it would defend with a cordon of steel. The + dejected gentleman sighs, rests his head on his left hand, and his elbow + on the little table at his side. Without, the weather is cold and damp; an + incessant rain had pattered upon the roof throughout the day, wild and + murky clouds hang their dreary festoons along the heavens, and swift + scudding fleeces, driven by fierce, murmuring winds, bespread the prospect + with gloom that finds its way into the recesses of the heart. + </p> + <p> + "Who is worse than a slave!" sighs the rejected man, getting up and + looking out of his window into the dreary recesses of the narrow lane. "If + it be not a ruined planter I mistake the policy by which we govern our + institution! As the slave is born a subject being, so is the planter a + dependent being. We planters live in disappointment, in fear, in unhappy + uncertainty; and yet we make no preparations for the result. Nay, we even + content ourselves with pleasantly contemplating what may come through the + eventful issue of political discord; and when it comes in earnest, we find + ourselves the most hapless of unfortunates. For myself, bereft of all I + had once,—even friends, I am but a forlorn object in the scale of + weak mankind! No man will trust me with his confidence,—scarce one + knows me but to harass me; I can give them no more, and yet I am suspected + of having more. It is so, and ever will be so. Such are the phases of + man's downfall, that few follow them to the facts, while rumour rules + supreme over misfortune. There may be a fountain of human pain concealed + beneath it; but few extend the hand to stay its quickening. Nay, when all + is gone, mammon cries, more! until body and soul are crushed beneath the + "more" of relentless self. + </p> + <p> + "Few know the intricacies of our system; perhaps 'twere well, lest our + souls should not be safe within us. But, ah! my conscience chides me here. + And betwixt those feelings which once saw all things right, but now + through necessity beholds their grossest wrongs, comes the pain of + self-condemnation. It is a condemnation haunting me unto death. Had I been + ignorant of Clotilda's history, the fiendish deed of those who wronged her + in her childhood had not now hung like a loathsome pestilence around my + very garments. That which the heart rebukes cannot be concealed; but we + must be obedient to the will that directs all things;—and if it be + that we remain blind in despotism until misfortune opens our eyes, let the + cause of the calamity be charged to those it belongs to," he concludes; + and then, after a few minutes' silence, he lights his taper, and sets it + upon the table. His care-worn countenance pales with melancholy; his hair + has whitened with tribulation; his demeanour denotes a man of tender + sensibility fast sinking into a physical wreck. A well-soiled book lies on + the table, beside which he takes his seat; he turns its pages over and + over carelessly, as if it were an indifferent amusement to wile away the + time. "They cannot enslave affection, nor can they confine it within + prison walls," he mutters. He has proof in the faithfulness of Daddy, his + old slave. And as he contemplates, the words "she will be more than + welcome to-night," escape his lips. Simultaneously a gentle tapping is + heard at the door. Slowly it opens, and the figure of an old negro, + bearing a basket on his arm, enters. He is followed by the slender and + graceful form of Franconia, who approaches her uncle, hand extended, + salutes him with a kiss, seats herself at his side, says he must not be + sad. Then she silently gazes upon him for a few moments, as if touched by + his troubles, while the negro, having spread the contents of the basket + upon the chest, makes a humble bow, wishes mas'r and missus good night, + and withdraws. "There, uncle," she says, laying her hand gently on his + arm, "I didn't forget you, did I?" She couples the word with a smile-a + smile so sweet, so expressive of her soul's goodness. "You are dear to me, + uncle; yes, as dear as a father. How could I forget that you have been a + father to me? I have brought these little things to make you + comfortable,"-she points to the edibles on the chest-"and I wish I were + not tied to a slave, uncle, for then I could do more. Twice, since my + marriage to M'Carstrow, have I had to protect myself from his ruffianism." + </p> + <p> + "From his ruffianism!" interrupts Marston, quickly: "Can it be, my child, + that even a ruffian would dare exhibit his vileness toward you?" + </p> + <p> + "Even toward me, uncle. With reluctance I married him, and my only regret + is, that a slave's fate had not been mine ere the fruits of that day fell + upon me. Women like me make a feeble defence in the world; and bad + husbands are the shame of their sex," she returns, her eyes brightening + with animation, as she endeavours to calm the excitement her remarks have + given rise to: "Don't, pray don't mind it, uncle," she concludes. + </p> + <p> + "Such news had been anticipated; but I was cautious not to"— + </p> + <p> + "Never mind," she interrupts, suddenly coiling her delicate arm round his + neck, and impressing a kiss on his care-worn cheek. "Let us forget these + things; they are but the fruits of weak nature. It were better to bear up + under trouble than yield to trouble's burdens: better far. Who knows but + that it is all for the best?" She rises, and, with seeming cheerfulness, + proceeds to spread the little table with the refreshing tokens of her + friendship. Yielding to necessity, the table is spread, and they sit down, + with an appearance of domestic quietness touchingly humble. + </p> + <p> + "There is some pleasure, after all, in having a quiet spot where we can + sit down and forget our cares. Perhaps (all said and done) a man may call + himself prince of his own garret, when he can forget all beyond it," says + Marston affected to tears by Franconia's womanly resignation. + </p> + <p> + "Yes," returns Franconia, joyously, "it's a consolation to know that we + have people among us much worse off than we are. I confess, though, I feel + uneasy about our old slaves. Slavery's wrong, uncle; and it's when one's + reduced to such extremes as are presented in this uninviting garret that + we realise it the more forcibly. It gives the poor wretches no chance of + bettering their condition; and if one exhibits ever so much talent over + the other, there is no chance left him to improve it. It is no recompense + to the slave that his talent only increases the price of the article to be + sold. Look what Harry would have been had he enjoyed freedom. Uncle, we + forget our best interests while pondering over the security of a bad + system. Would it not be better to cultivate the slave's affections, rather + than oppress his feelings?" Franconia has their cause at heart-forgets her + own. She is far removed from the cold speculations of the south; she is + free from mercenary motives; unstained by that principle of logic which + recognises only the man merchandise. No will hath she to contrive + ingenious apologies for the wrongs inflicted upon a fallen race. Her words + spring from the purest sentiment of the soul; they contain a smarting + rebuke of Marston's former misdoings: but he cannot resent it, nor can he + turn the tide of his troubles against her noble generosity. + </p> + <p> + They had eaten their humble supper of meats and bread, and coffee, when + Franconia hears a rap at the lower entrance, leading into the street. + Bearing the taper in her hand, she descends the stairs quickly, and, + opening the door, recognises the smiling face of Daddy Bob. Daddy greets + her as if he were surcharged with the very best news for old mas'r and + missus. He laughs in the exuberance of his simplicity, and, with an air of + fondness that would better become a child, says, "Lor', young missus, how + glad old Bob is to see ye! Seems like long time since old man see'd Miss + Frankone look so spry. Got dat badge." The old man shows her his badge, + exultingly. "Missus, nobody know whose nigger I'm's, and old Bob arns a + right smart heap o' money to make mas'r comfortable." The old slave never + for once thinks of his own infirmities; no, his attachment for master + soars above every thing else; he thinks only in what way he can relieve + his necessities. Honest, faithful, and affectionate, the associations of + the past are uppermost in his mind; he forgets his slavery in his love for + master and the old plantation. Readily would he lay down his life, could + he, by so doing, lighten the troubles he instinctively sees in the changes + of master's position. The old plantation and its people have been sold; + and he, being among the separated from earth's chosen, must save his + infirm body lest some man sell him for the worth thereof. Bob's face is + white with beard, and his coarse garments are much worn and ragged; but + there is something pleasing in the familiarity with which Franconia + accepts his brawny hand. How free from that cold advance, that measured + welcome, and that religious indifference, with which the would-be friend + of the slave, at the north, too often accepts the black man's hand! There + is something in the fervency with which she shakes his wrinkled hand that + speaks of the goodness of the heart; something that touches the old + slave's childlike nature. He smiles bashfully, and says, "Glad t' see ye, + missus; dat I is: 'spishilly ven ye takes care on old mas'r." After + receiving her salutation he follows her to the chamber, across which he + hastens to receive a welcome from old mas'r. Marston warmly receives his + hand, and motions him to be seated on the chest near the fire-place. Bob + takes his seat, keeping his eye on mas'r the while. "Neber mind, mas'r," + he says, "Big Mas'r above be better dan Buckra. Da'h is somefin' what + Buckra no sell from ye, dat's a good heart. If old mas'r on'y keeps up he + spirit, de Lor' 'll carry un throu' 'e triblation," he continues; and, + after watching his master a few minutes, returns to Franconia, and resumes + his jargon. + </p> + <p> + Franconia is the same fair creature Bob watched over when she visited the + plantation: her countenance wears the same air of freshness and frankness; + her words are of the same gentleness; she seems as solicitous of his + comfort as before. And yet a shadow of sadness shrouds that vivacity which + had made her the welcome guest of the old slaves. He cannot resist those + expressions which are ever ready to lisp forth from the negro when his + feelings are excited. "Lor, missus, how old Bob's heart feels! Hah, ah! + yah, yah! Looks so good, and reminds old Bob how e' look down on dah + Astley, yander. But, dah somefin in dat ar face what make old nigger like + I know missus don't feel just right," he exclaims. + </p> + <p> + The kind woman reads his thoughts in the glowing simplicity of his + wrinkled face. "It has been said that a dog was our last friend, Bob: I + now think a slave should have been added. Don't you think so, uncle?" she + enquires, looking at Marston, and, again taking the old slave by the hand, + awaits the reply. + </p> + <p> + "We rarely appreciate their friendship until it be too late to reward it," + he replies, with an attempt to smile. + </p> + <p> + "True, true! but the world is full of ingratitude,—very amiable + ingratitude. Never mind, Daddy; you must now tell me all about your + affairs, and what has happened since the night you surprised me at our + house; and you must tell me how you escaped M'Carstrow on the morning of + the disturbance," she enjoins. And while Bob relates his story Franconia + prepares his supper. Some cold ham, bread, and coffee, are soon spread out + before him. He will remove them to the chest, near the fire-place. "Why, + Missus Frankone," he says, "ye sees how I'se so old now dat nobody tink + I'se werf ownin; and so nobody axes old Bob whose nigger he is. An't prime + nigger, now; but den a' good fo' work some, and get cash, so t' help old + mas'r yander (Bob points to old master). Likes t' make old master feel not + so bad." + </p> + <p> + "Yes," rejoins Marston, "Bob's good to me. He makes his sleeping + apartments, when he comes, at the foot of my bed, and shares his earnings + with me every Saturday night. He's like an old clock that can keep time as + well as a new one, only wind it up with care." + </p> + <p> + "Dat I is!" says Daddy, with an exulting nod of the head, as he, to his + own surprise, lets fall his cup. It was only the negro's forgetfulness in + the moment of excitement. Giving a wistful look at Franconia, he commences + picking up the pieces, and drawing his week's earnings from a side pocket + of his jacket. + </p> + <p> + "Eat your supper, Daddy; never mind your money now" says Franconia, + laughing heartily: at which Bob regains confidence and resumes his supper, + keeping a watchful eye upon his old master the while. Every now and then + he will pause, cant his ear, and shake his head, as if drinking in the + tenour of the conversation between Franconia and her uncle. Having + concluded, he pulls out his money and spreads it upon the chest. "Old Bob + work hard fo' dat!" he says, with emphasis, spreading a five-dollar bill + and two dollars and fifty cents in silver into divisions. "Dah!" he + ejaculates, "dat old mas'r share, and dis is dis child's." The old man + looks proudly upon the coin, and feels he is not so worthless, after all. + "Now! who say old Bob aint werf nofin?" he concludes, getting up, putting + his share into his pocket, and then, as if unobserved, slipping the + balance into Marston's. This done, he goes to the window, affects to be + looking out, and then resuming his seat upon the chest, commences humming + a familiar plantation tune, as if his pious feelings had been superseded + by the recollection of past scenes. + </p> + <p> + "What, Daddy,—singing songs?" interrupts Franconia, looking at him + enquiringly. He stops as suddenly as he commenced, exchanges an expressive + look, and fain would question her sincerity. + </p> + <p> + "Didn't mean 'um, missus," he returns, after a moment's hesitation, + "didn't mean 'um. Was thinkin 'bout somefin back'ards; down old plantation + times." + </p> + <p> + "You had better forget them times, Bob." + </p> + <p> + "Buckra won't sell dis old nigger,—will he, Miss Frankone?" he + enquires, resuming his wonted simplicity. + </p> + <p> + "Sell you, Bob? You're a funny old man. Don't think your old half-worn-out + bones are going to save you. Money's the word: they'll sell anything that + will produce it,—dried up of age are no exceptions. Keep out of + Elder Pemberton Praiseworthy's way: whenever you hear him singing, 'I know + that my Redeemer liveth, and that he shall come,' as he always does,—run! + He lives on the sale of infirmity, and your old age would be a capital + thing for the exercise of his genius. He will put you through a course of + regeneration, take the wrinkles smooth out of your face, dye those old + grey whiskers, and get a profit for his magic power of transposing the age + of negro property," she replied, gravely, while Bob stares at her as if + doubting his own security. + </p> + <p> + "Why, missus!" he interposes, his face glowing with astonishment; "Buckra + don't be so smart dat he make old nigger young, be he?" + </p> + <p> + "Traders can do anything with niggers that have got money in them, as they + say. Our distinguished people are sensitive of the crime, but excuse + themselves with apologies they cannot make cover the shame." + </p> + <p> + "Franke!" interrupts Marston, "spare the negro's feelings,—it may + have a bad effect." He touches her on the arm, and knits his brows in + caution. + </p> + <p> + "How strange, to think that bad influence could come of such an + inoffensive old man! Truth, I know and feel, is powerfully painful when + brought home to the doors of our best people,—it cuts deep when told + in broad letters; but they make the matter worse by attempting to enshrine + the stains with their chivalry. We are a wondrous people, uncle, and the + world is just finding it out, to our shame. We may find it out ourselves, + by and by; perhaps pay the penalty with sorrow. We look upon negroes as if + they were dropped down from some unaccountable origin,—intended to + raise the world's cotton, rice, and sugar, but never to get above the + menial sphere we have conditioned for them. Uncle, there is a mistake + somewhere,—a mistake sadly at variance with our democratic + professions. Democracy needs to reclaim its all-claiming principles of + right and justice for the down-trodden. And yet, while the negro + generously submits to serve us, we look upon him as an auspicious + innovator, who never could have been born to enjoy manhood, and was + subjected to bear a black face because God had marked him for servitude. + Did God found an aristocracy of colour, or make men to be governed by + their distinctive qualifications of colour relationship?" says Franconia, + her face resuming a flush of agitation. Touching Marston on the arm with + the fore-finger of her right hand, and giving a glance at Bob, who listens + attentively to the theme of conversation, she continues: "Say no more of + bad influence coming of slaves, when the corruptest examples are set by + those who hold them as such,—who crash their hopes, blot out their + mental faculties, and turn their bodies into licentious merchandise that + they may profit by its degradation! Show me the humblest slave on your + plantation, and, in comparison with the slave-dealer, I will prove him a + nobleman of God's kind,—of God's image: his simple nature will be + his clean passport into heaven. The Father of Mercy will receive him + there; he will forgive the crimes enforced upon him by man; and that dark + body on earth will be recompensed in a world of light,—it will shine + with the brighter spirits of that realm of justice and love. Earth may + bring the slavetrader bounties; but heaven will reject the foul offering." + The good woman unfolds the tender emotions of her heart, as only woman + can. + </p> + <p> + Bob listens, as if taking a deep interest in the force and earnestness of + young missus's language. He is swayed by her pathos, and at length + interposes his word. + </p> + <p> + "Nigger ain't so good as white man" (he shakes his head, philosophically). + "White man sharp; puzzle nigger to find out what 'e don, know ven 'e mind + t'." Thus saying, he takes a small hymn- book from his pocket, and, + Franconia setting the light beside him, commences reading to himself by + its dim glare. + </p> + <p> + "Well! now, uncle, it's getting late, and I've a good way to go, and the + night's stormy; so I must prepare for home." Franconia gets up, and + evinces signs of withdrawing. She walks across the little chamber three or + four times, looks out of the window, strains her sight into the gloomy + prospect, and then, as if reluctant to leave her uncle, again takes a seat + by his side. Gently laying her left hand upon his shoulder, she makes an + effort at pleasantry, tells him to keep up his resolution-to be of good + cheer. + </p> + <p> + "Remember, uncle," she says, calmly, "they tell us it is no disgrace to be + poor,—no shame to work to live; and yet poor people are treated as + criminals. For my own part, I would rather be poor and happy than rich + with a base husband; I have lived in New England, know how to appreciate + its domestic happiness. It was there Puritanism founded true American + liberty.—Puritanism yet lives, and may be driven to action; but we + must resign ourselves to the will of an all-wise Providence." Thus + concluding, she makes another attempt to withdraw. + </p> + <p> + "You must not leave me yet!" says Marston, grasping her hand firmly in + his. "Franke, I cannot part with you until I have disclosed what I have + been summoning resolution to suppress. I know your attachment, Franconia; + you have been more than dear to me. You have known my feelings,—what + they have already had to undergo." He pauses. + </p> + <p> + "Speak it, uncle, speak it! Keep nothing from me, nor make secrets in fear + of my feelings. Speak out,—I may relieve you!" she interrupts, + nervously: and again encircling her arm round his neck, waits his reply, + in breathless suspense. + </p> + <p> + He falters for a moment, and then endeavours to regain his usual coolness. + "To-morrow, Franconia," he half mutters out, "to-morrow, you may find me + not so well situated," (here tears are seen trickling down his cheeks) + "and in a place where it will not become your delicate nature to visit + me." + </p> + <p> + "Nay, uncle!" she stops him there; "I will visit you wherever you may + be-in a castle or a prison." + </p> + <p> + The word prison has touched the tender chord upon which all his troubles + are strung. He sobs audibly; but they are only sobs of regret, for which + there is no recompense in this late hour. "And would you follow me to a + prison, Franconia?" he enquires, throwing his arms about her neck, kissing + her pure cheek with the fondness of a father. + </p> + <p> + "Yea, and share your sorrows within its cold walls. Do not yield to + melancholy, uncle,—you have friends left: if not, heaven will + prepare a place of rest for you; heaven shields the unfortunate at last," + rejoins the good woman, the pearly tears brightening in mutual sympathy. + </p> + <p> + "To-morrow, my child, you will find me the unhappy tenant of those walls + where man's discomfiture is complete." + </p> + <p> + "Nay, uncle, nay! you are only allowing your melancholy forebodings to get + the better of you. Such men as Graspum-men who have stripped families of + their all-might take away your property, and leave you as they have left + my poor parents; but no one would be so heartless as to drive you to the + extreme of imprisonment. It is a foolish result at best." Franconia's + voice falters; she looks more and more intently in her uncle's face, + struggles to suppress her rising emotions. She knows his frankness, she + feels the pain of his position; but, though the dreadful extreme seems + scarcely possible, there is that in his face conveying strong evidence of + the truth of his remark. + </p> + <p> + "Do not weep, Franconia; spare your tears for a more worthy object: such + trials have been borne by better men than I. I am but the merchandise of + my creditors. There is, however, one thing which haunts me to grief; could + I have saved my children, the pain of my position had been slight indeed." + </p> + <p> + "Speak not of them, uncle," Franconia interrupts, "you cannot feel the + bitterness of their lot more than myself. I have saved a mother, but have + failed to execute my plan of saving them; and my heart throbs with pain + when I think that now it is beyond my power. Let me not attempt to again + excite in your bosom feelings which must ever be harassing, for the evil + only can work its destruction. To clip the poisoning branches and not + uproot the succouring trunk, is like casting pearls into the waste of + time. My heart will ever be with the destinies of those children, my + feelings bound in unison with theirs; our hopes are the same, and if + fortune should smile on me in times to come I will keep my word-I will + snatch them from the devouring element of slavery." + </p> + <p> + "Stop, my child!" speaks Marston, earnestly: "Remember you can do little + against the strong arm of the law, and still stronger arm of public + opinion. Lay aside your hopes of rescuing those children, Franconia, and + remember that while I am in prison I am the property of my creditors, + subject to their falsely conceived notions of my affairs," he continues. + "I cannot now make amends to the law of nature," he adds, burying his face + in his hand, weeping a child's tears. + </p> + <p> + Franconia looks solicitously upon her uncle, as he sorrows. She would dry + her tears to save his throbbing heart. Her noble generosity and + disinterestedness have carried her through many trials since her marriage, + but it fails to nerve her longer. Her's is a single-hearted sincerity, + dispensing its goodness for the benefit of the needy; she suppresses her + own troubles that she may administer consolation to others. "The affection + that refuses to follow misfortune to its lowest step is weak indeed. If + you go to prison, Franconia will follow you there," she says, with + touching pathos, her musical voice adding strength to the resolution. + Blended with that soft angelic expression her eyes give forth, her calm + dignity and inspiring nobleness show how firm is that principle of her + nature never to abandon her old friend. + </p> + <p> + The old negro, who had seemed absorbed in his sympathetic reflections, + gazes steadfastly at his old master, until his emotions spring forth in + kindest solicitude. Resistance is beyond his power. "Neber mind, old + mas'r," (he speaks in a devoted tone) "dar's better days comin, bof fo' + old Bob and mas'r. Tink 'um sees de day when de old plantation jus so 't + was wid mas'r and da' old folks." Concluding in a subdued voice, he + approaches Franconia, and seats himself, book in hand, on the floor at her + feet. Moved by his earnestness, she lays her hand playfully upon his head, + saying: "Here is our truest friend, uncle!" + </p> + <p> + "My own heart lubs Miss Frankone more den eber," he whispers in return. + How pure, how holy, is the simple recompense! It is nature's only + offering, all the slave can give; and he gives it in the bounty of his + soul. + </p> + <p> + Marston's grief having subsided, he attempts to soothe Franconia's + feelings, by affecting an air of indifference. "What need I care, after + all? my resolution should be above it," he says, thrusting his right hand + into his breast pocket, and drawing out a folded paper, which he throws + upon the little table, and says, "There, Franconia, my child! that + contains the climax of my unlamented misfortunes; read it: it will show + you where my next abode will be-I may be at peace there; and there is + consolation at being at peace, even in a cell." He passes the paper into + her hand. + </p> + <p> + With an expression of surprise she opens it, and glances over its + contents; then reads it word by word. "Do they expect to get something + from nothing?" she says, sarcastically. "It is one of those soothsayers so + valuable to men whose feelings are only with money-to men who forget they + cannot carry money to the graves; and that no tribute is demanded on + either road leading to the last abode of man." + </p> + <p> + "Stop there, my child! stop!" interrupts Marston. "I have given them all, + 'tis true; but suspicion is my persecutor-suspicion, and trying to be a + father to my own children!" + </p> + <p> + "It is, indeed, a misfortune to be a father under such circumstances, in + such an atmosphere!" the good woman exclaims, clasping her hands and + looking upward, as if imploring the forgiveness of Heaven. Tremblingly she + held the paper in her hand, until it fell upon the floor, as she, + overcome, swooned in her uncle's arms. + </p> + <p> + She swooned! yes, she swooned. That friend upon whom her affections had + been concentrated was a prisoner. The paper was a bail writ, demanding the + body of the accused. The officer serving had been kind enough to allow + Marston his parole of honour until the next morning. He granted this in + accordance with Marston's request, that by the lenity he might see Daddy + Bob and Franconia once more. + </p> + <p> + Lifting Franconia in his arms, her hair falling loosely down, Marston lays + her gently on the cot, and commences bathing her temples. He has nothing + but water to bathe them with,—nothing but poverty's liquid. The old + negro, frightened at the sudden change that has come over his young + missus, falls to rubbing and kissing her hands,—he has no other aid + to lend. Marston has drawn his chair beside her, sits down upon it, + unbuttons her stomacher, and continues bathing and chafing her temples. + How gently heaves that bosom so full of fondness, how marble-like those + features, how pallid but touchingly beautiful that face! Love, affection, + and tenderness, there repose so calmly! All that once gave out so much + hope, so much joy, now withers before the blighting sting of misfortune. + "Poor child, how fondly she loves me!" says Marston, placing his right arm + under her head, and raising it gently. The motion quickens her senses-she + speaks; he kisses her pallid cheek-kisses and kisses it. "Is it you + uncle?" she whispers. She has opened her eyes, stares at Marston, then + wildly along the ceiling. "Yes, I'm in uncle's arms; how good!" she + continues, as if fatigued. Reclining back on the pillow, she again rests + her head upon his arm. "I am at the mansion-how pleasant; let me rest, + uncle; let me rest. Send aunt Rachel to me." She raises her right hand and + lays her arms about Marston's neck, as anxiously he leans over her. How + dear are the associations of that old mansion! how sweet the thought of + home! how uppermost in her wandering mind the remembrance of those happy + days! + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0032" id="link2HCH0032"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXXII. — MARSTON IN PRISON. + </h2> + <p> + WHILE Franconia revives, let us beg the reader's indulgence for not + recounting the details thereof. The night continues dark and stormy, but + she must return to her own home,—she must soothe the excited + feelings of a dissolute and disregarding husband, who, no doubt, is + enjoying his night orgies, while she is administering consolation to the + downcast. "Ah! uncle," she says, about to take leave of him for the night, + "how with spirit the force of hope fortifies us; and yet how seldom are + our expectations realised through what we look forward to! You now see the + value of virtue; but when seen through necessity, how vain the repentance. + Nevertheless, let us profit by the lesson before us; let us hope the issue + may yet be favourable!" Bob will see his young missus safe home-he will be + her guide and protector. So, preparing his cap, he buttons his jacket, + laughs and grins with joy, goes to the door, then to the fire-place, and + to the door again, where, keeping his left hand on the latch, and his + right holding the casement, he bows and scrapes, for "Missus comin." + Franconia arranges her dress as best she can, adjusts her bonnet, embraces + Marston, imprints a fond kiss on his cheek, reluctantly relinquishes his + hand, whispers a last word of consolation, and bids him good night,—a + gentle good night-in sorrow. + </p> + <p> + She has gone, and the old slave is her guide, her human watch-dog. Slowly + Marston paces the silent chamber alone, giving vent to his pent-up + emotions. What may to-morrow bring forth? runs through his wearied mind. + It is but the sudden downfall of life, so inseparable from the planter who + rests his hopes on the abundance of his human property. But the slave + returns, and relieves him of his musings. He has seen his young missus + safe to her door; he has received her kind word, and her good, good night! + Entering the chamber with a smile, he sets about clearing away the little + things, and, when done, draws his seat close to Marston, at the + fire-place. As if quite at home beside his old master, he eyes Marston + intently for some time,—seems studying his thoughts and fears. At + length the old slave commences disclosing his feelings. His well-worn + bones are not worth a large sum; nor are the merits of his worthy age + saleable;—no! there is nothing left but his feelings, those genuine + virtues so happily illustrated. Daddy Bob will stand by mas'r, as he + expresses it, in power or in prison. Kindness has excited all that vanity + in Bob so peculiar to the negro, and by which he prides himself in the + prime value of his person. There he sits-Marston's faithful friend, + contemplating his silence with a steady gaze, and then, giving his + jet-black face a double degree of seriousness, shrugs his shoulders, + significantly nods his head, and intimates that it will soon be time to + retire, by commencing to unboot master. + </p> + <p> + "You seem in a hurry to get rid of me, Daddy! Want to get your own cranium + into a pine-knot sleep, eh?" says Marston, with an encouraging smile, + pulling the old slave's whiskers in a playful manner. + </p> + <p> + "No, Boss; 'tant dat," returns Bob, keeping on tugging at Marston's boots + until he has got them from his feet, and safely stowed away in a corner. A + gentle hint that he is all ready to relieve Marston of his upper garments + brings him to his feet, when Bob commences upon him in right good earnest, + and soon has him stowed away between the sheets. "Bob neber likes to hurry + old Boss, but den 'e kno' what's on old Mas'r's feelins, an 'e kno' dat + sleep make 'um forget 'um!" rejoins Bob, in a half whisper that caught + Marston's ear, as he patted and fussed about his pillow, in order to make + him as comfortable as circumstances would admit. After this he + extinguishes the light, and, accustomed to a slave's bed, lumbers himself + down on the floor beside his master's cot. Thus, watchfully, he spends the + night. + </p> + <p> + When morning dawned, Bob was in the full enjoyment of what the negro so + pertinently calls a long and strong sleep. He cannot resist its soothing + powers, nor will master disturb him in its enjoyment. Before + breakfast-time arrives, however, he arouses with a loud guffaw, looks + round the room vacantly, as if he were doubting the presence of things + about him. Rising to his knees, he rubs his eyes languidly, yawns, and + stretches his arms, scratches his head, and suddenly gets a glimpse of old + master, who is already dressed, and sits by the window, his attention + intently set upon some object without. The old slave recognises the same + chamber from which he guided Franconia on the night before, and, after + saluting mas'r, sets about arranging the domestic affairs of the + apartment, and preparing the breakfast table, the breakfast being cooked + at Aunt Beckie's cabin, in the yard. Aunt Beckie had the distinguished + satisfaction of knowing Marston in his better days, and now esteems it an + honour to serve him, even in his poverty. Always happy to inform her + friends that she was brought up a first-rate pastry-cook, she now adds, + with great satisfaction, that she pays her owner, the very Reverend Mr. + Thomas Tippletony, the ever-pious rector of St. Michael's, no end of money + for her time, and makes a good profit at her business beside. + Notwithstanding she has a large family of bright children to maintain in a + respectable way, she hopes for a continuance of their patronage, and will + give the best terms her limited means admit. She knows how very necessary + it is for a southern gentleman who would be anybody to keep up + appearances, and, with little means, to make a great display: hence she is + very easy in matters of payment. In Marston's case, she is extremely proud + to render him service,—to "do for him" as far as she can, and wait a + change for the better concerning any balance outstanding. + </p> + <p> + Bob fetches the breakfast of coffee, fritters, homony, and bacon,—a + very good breakfast it is, considering the circumstances,—and + spreads the little rustic board with an air of comfort and neatness + complimentary to the old slave's taste. And, withal, the old man cannot + forego the inherent vanity of his nature, for he is, unconsciously, + performing all the ceremonies of attendance he has seen Dandy and his + satellites go through at the plantation mansion. He fusses and grins, and + praises and laughs, as he sets the dishes down one by one, keeping a + watchful eye on mas'r, as if to detect an approval in his countenance. + "Reckon 'ow dis old nigger can fix old Boss up aristocratic breakfast like + Dandy. Now, Boss-da'h he is!" he says, whisking round the table, setting + the cups just so, and spreading himself with exultation. "Want to see + master smile-laugh some-like 'e used down on da'h old plantation!" he + ejaculates, emphatically, placing a chair at Marston's plate. This done, + he accompanies his best bow with a scrape of his right foot, spreads his + hands,—the gesture being the signal of readiness. Marston takes his + chair, as Bob affects the compound dignity of the very best trained + nigger, doing the distinguished in waiting. + </p> + <p> + "A little less ceremony, my old faithful! the small follies of etiquette + ill become such a place as this. We must succumb to circumstances: come, + sit down, Bob; draw your bench to the chest, and there eat your share, + while I wait on myself," says Marston, touching Bob on the arm. The words + were no sooner uttered, than Bob's countenance changed from the playful to + the serious; he could see nothing but dignity in master, no matter in what + sphere he might be placed. His simple nature recoils at the idea of + dispensing with the attention due from slave to master. Master's fallen + fortunes, and the cheerless character of the chamber, are nothing to + Daddy- master must keep up his dignity. + </p> + <p> + "You need'nt look so serious, Daddy; it only gives an extra shade to your + face, already black enough for any immediate purpose!" says Marston, + turning round and smiling at the old slave's discomfiture. To make amends, + master takes a plate from the table, and gives Bob a share of his homony + and bacon. This is very pleasing to the old slave, who regains his wonted + earnestness, takes the plate politely from his master's hand, retires with + it to the chest, and keeps up a regular fire of chit-chat while dispensing + its contents. In this humble apartment, master and slave-the former once + opulent, and the latter still warm with attachment for his friend-are + happily companioned. They finish their breakfast,—a long pause + intervenes. "I would I were beyond the bounds of this our south," says + Marston, breaking the silence, as he draws his chair and seats himself by + the window, where he can look out upon the dingy little houses in the + lane. + </p> + <p> + The unhappy man feels the burden of a misspent life; he cannot recall the + past, nor make amends for its errors. But, withal, it is some relief that + he can disclose his feelings to the old man, his slave. + </p> + <p> + "Mas'r," interrupts the old slave, looking complacently in his face, "Bob + 'll fowler ye, and be de same old friend. I will walk behind Miss + Frankone." His simple nature seems warming into fervency. + </p> + <p> + "Ah! old man," returns Marston, "if there be a wish (you may go before me, + though) I have on earth, it is that when I die our graves may be side by + side, with an epitaph to denote master, friend, and faithful servant lie + here." He takes the old man by the hand again, as the tears drop from his + cheeks. "A prison is but a grave to the man of honourable feelings," he + concludes. Thus disclosing his feelings, a rap at the door announces a + messenger. It is nine o'clock, and immediately the sheriff, a + gentlemanly-looking man, wearing the insignia of office on his hat, walks + in, and politely intimates that, painful as may be the duty, he must + request his company to the county gaol, that place so accommodatingly + prepared for the reception of unfortunates. + </p> + <p> + "Sorry for your misfortunes, sir! but we'll try to make you as comfortable + as we can in our place." The servitor of the law seems to have some + sympathy in him. "I have my duty to perform, you know, sir; nevertheless, + I have my opinion about imprisoning honest men for debt: it's a poor + satisfaction, sir. I'm only an officer, you see, sir, not a + law-maker-never want to be, sir. I very much dislike to execute these kind + of writs," says the man of the law, as, with an expression of + commiseration, he glances round the room, and then at Daddy, who has made + preparations for a sudden dodge, should such an expedient be found + necessary. + </p> + <p> + "Nay, sheriff, think nothing of it; it's but a thing of common life,—it + may befall us all. I can be no exception to the rule, and may console + myself with the knowledge of companionship," replies Marston, as coolly as + if he were preparing for a journey of pleasure. + </p> + <p> + How true it is, that, concealed beneath the smallest things, there is a + consolation which necessity may bring out: how Providence has suited it to + our misfortunes! + </p> + <p> + "There are a few things here-a very few-I should like to take to my cell; + perhaps I can send for them," he remarks, looking at the officer, + enquiringly. + </p> + <p> + "My name is Martin-Captain Martin, they call me,"-returns that + functionary, politely. "If you accept my word of honour, I pledge it they + are taken care of, and sent to your apartments." + </p> + <p> + "You mean my new lodging-house, or my new grave, I suppose," interrupted + Marston, jocosely, pointing out to Daddy the few articles of bedding, + chairs, and a window-curtain he desired removed. Daddy has been pensively + standing by the fire-place the while, contemplating the scene. + </p> + <p> + Marston soon announces his readiness to proceed; and, followed by the old + slave, the officer leads the way down the ricketty old stairs to the + street. "I's gwine t'see whar dey takes old mas'r, any how, reckon I is," + says the old slave, giving his head a significant turn. + </p> + <p> + "Now, sir," interrupts the officer, as they arrive at the bottom of the + stairs, "perhaps you have a delicacy about going through the street with a + sheriff; many men have: therefore I shall confide in your honour, sir, and + shall give you the privilege of proceeding to the gaol as best suits your + feelings. I never allow myself to follow the will of creditors; if I did, + my duties would be turned into a system of tyranny, to gratify their + feelings only. Now, you may take a carriage, or walk; only meet me at the + prison gate." + </p> + <p> + "Thanks, thanks!" returns Marston, grateful for the officer's kindness, + "my crime is generosity; you need not fear me. My old faithful here will + guide me along." The officer bows assent, and with a respectful wave of + the hand they separate to pursue different routes. + </p> + <p> + Marston walks slowly along, Bob keeping pace close behind. He passes many + of his old acquaintances, who, in better times, would have recognised him + with a cordial embrace; at present they have scarcely a nod to spare. + Marston, however, is firm in his resolution, looks not on one side nor the + other, and reaches the prison-gate in good time. The officer has reached + it in advance, and waits him there. They pause a few moments as Marston + scans the frowning wall that encloses the gloomy-looking old prison. "I am + ready to go in," says Marston; and just as they are about to enter the + arched gate, the old slave touches him on the arm, and says, "Mas'r, dat's + no place fo'h Bob. Can't stand seein' on ye locked up wid sich folks as in + dah!" Solicitously he looks in his master's face. The man of trouble + grasps firmly the old slave's hand, holds it in silence for some + minutes-the officer, moved by the touching scene, turns his head away-as + tears course down his cheeks. He has no words to speak the emotions of his + heart; he shakes the old man's hand affectionately, attempts to whisper a + word in his ear, but is too deeply affected. + </p> + <p> + "Good by, mas'r: may God bless 'um! Ther's a place fo'h old mas'r yet. + I'll com t' see mas'r every night," says the old man, his words flowing + from the bounty of his heart. He turns away reluctantly, draws his hand + from Marston's, heaves a sigh, and repairs to his labour. How precious was + that labour of love, wherein the old slave toils that he may share the + proceeds with his master! + </p> + <p> + As Marston and the sheriff disappear through the gate, and are about to + ascend the large stone steps leading to the portal in which is situated + the inner iron gate opening into the debtors' ward, the sheriff made a + halt, and, placing his arm in a friendly manner through Marston's, + enquires, "Anything I can do for you? If there is, just name it. Pardon my + remark, sir, but you will, in all probability, take the benefit of the + act; and, as no person seems willing to sign your bail, I may do something + to relieve your wants, in my humble way." Marston shakes his head; the + kindness impedes an expression of his feelings. "A word of advice from me, + however, may not be without its effect, and I will give it you; it is + this:—Your earnestness to save those two children, and the singular + manner in which those slave drudges of Graspum produced the documentary + testimony showing them property, has created wondrous suspicion about your + affairs. I will here say, Graspum's no friend of yours; in fact, he's a + friend to nobody but himself; and even now, when questioned on the manner + of possessing all your real estate, he gives out insinuations, which, + instead of exonerating you, create a still worse impression against you. + His conversation on the matter leaves the inference with your creditors + that you have still more property secreted. Hence, mark me! it behoves you + to keep close lips. Don't let your right hand know what your left does," + continues the officer, in a tone of friendliness. They ascend to the iron + gate, look through the grating. The officer, giving a whistle, rings the + bell by touching a spring in the right-hand wall. "My lot at last!" + exclaims Marston. "How many poor unfortunates have passed this + threshold-how many times the emotions of the heart have burst forth on + this spot-how many have here found a gloomy rest from their + importuners-how many have here whiled away precious time in a gloomy cell, + provided for the punishment of poverty!" The disowned man, for such he is, + struggles to retain his resolution; fain would he, knowing the price of + that resolution, repress those sensations threatening to overwhelm him. + </p> + <p> + The brusque gaoler appears at the iron gate; stands his burly figure in + the portal; nods recognition to the officer; swings back the iron frame, + as a number of motley prisoners gather into a semicircle in the passage. + "Go back, prisoners; don't stare so at every new comer," says the gaoler, + clearing the way with his hands extended. + </p> + <p> + One or two of the locked-up recognise Marston. They lisp strange remarks, + drawn forth by his appearance in charge of an officer. "Big as well as + little fish bring up here," ejaculates one. + </p> + <p> + "Where are his worshippers and his hospitable friends?" whispers another. + </p> + <p> + "There's not much hospitality for poverty," rejoins a third, mutteringly. + "Southern hospitality is unsound, shallow, and flimsy; a little dazzling + of observances to cover very bad facts. You are sure to find a people who + maintain the grossest errors in their political system laying the greatest + claims to benevolence and principle-things to which they never had a + right. The phantom of hospitality draws the curtain over many a vice-it is + a well-told nothingness ornamenting the beggared system of your slavery; + that's my honest opinion," says a third, in a gruff voice, which indicates + that he has no very choice opinion of such generosity. "If they want a + specimen of true hospitality, they must go to New England; there the poor + man's offering stocks the garden of liberty, happiness, and justice; and + from them spring the living good of all," he concludes; and folding his + arms with an air of independence, walks up the long passage running at + right angles with the entrance portal, and disappears in a cell on the + left. + </p> + <p> + "I knew him when he was great on the turf. He was very distinguished + then." "He'll be extinguished here," insinuates another, as he protrudes + his eager face over the shoulders of those who are again crowding round + the office-door, Marston and the officer having entered following the + gaoler. + </p> + <p> + The sheriff passes the committimus to the man of keys; that functionary + takes his seat at a small desk, while Marston stands by its side, watching + the process of his prison reception, in silence. The gaoler reads the + commitment, draws a book deliberately from off a side window, spreads it + open on his desk, and commences humming an air. "Pootty smart sums, eh!" + he says, looking up at the sheriff, as he holds a quill in his left hand, + and feels with the fingers of his right for a knife, which, he observes, + he always keeps in his right vest pocket. "We have a poor debtor's + calendar for registering these things. I do these things different from + other gaolers, and it loses me nothin'. I goes on the true principle, that + 'tant right to put criminals and debtors together; and if the state hasn't + made provision for keeping them in different cells, I makes a difference + on the books, and that's somethin'. Helps the feelins over the smarting + point," says the benevolent keeper of all such troublesome persons as + won't pay their debts;—as if the monstrous concentration of his + amiability, in keeping separate books for the criminal and + poverty-stricken gentlemen of his establishment, must be duly appreciated. + Marston, particularly, is requested to take the initiative, he being the + most aristocratic fish the gaoler has caught in a long time. But the man + has made his pen, and now he registers Marston's name among the state's + forlorn gentlemen, commonly called poor debtors. They always confess + themselves in dependent circumstances. Endorsing the commitment, he + returns it to the sheriff, who will keep the original carefully filed away + in his own well-stocked department. The sheriff will bid his prisoner good + morning! having reminded the gaoler what good care it was desirable to + take of his guest; and, extending his hand and shaking that of Marston + warmly, takes his departure, whilst our gaoler leads Marston into an + almost empty cell, where he hopes he will find things comfortable, and + leaves him to contemplate upon the fallen fruit of poverty. "Come to this, + at last!" said Marston, entering the cavern-like place. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0033" id="link2HCH0033"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXXIII. — VENDERS OF HUMAN PROPERTY ARE NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR + ITS MENTAL CAPRICES. + </h2> + <p> + READER! be patient with us, for our task is complex and tedious. We have + but one great object in view-that of showing a large number of persons in + the south, now held as slaves, who are by the laws of the land, as well as + the laws of nature, entitled to their freedom. These people, for whom, in + the name of justice and every offspring of human right, we plead, were + consigned to the bondage they now endure through the unrighteous act of + one whose name (instead of being execrated by a nation jealous of its + honour), a singular species of southern historian has attempted to + enshrine with fame. Posterity, ignorant of his character, will find his + name clothed with a paragon's armour, while respecting the writer who so + cleverly with a pen obliterated his crimes. We have only feelings of pity + for the historian who discards truth thus to pollute paper with his + kindness; such debts due to friendship are badly paid at the shrine of + falsehood. No such debts do we owe; we shall perform our duty fearlessly, + avoiding dramatic effect, or aught else that may tend to improperly excite + the feelings of the benevolent. No one better knows the defects of our + social system-no one feels more forcibly that much to be lamented fact of + there being no human law extant not liable to be evaded or weakened by the + intrigues of designing men;—we know of no power reposed in man the + administration of which is not susceptible of abuse, or being turned to + means of oppression: how much more exposed, then, must all these functions + be where slavery in its popular sway rides triumphant over the common law + of the land. Divine laws are with impunity disregarded and abused by + anointed teachers of divinity. Peculation, in sumptuous garb, and with + modern appliances, finds itself modestly-perhaps unconsciously-gathering + dross at the sacred altar. How saint-like in semblance, and how + unconscious of wrong, are ye bishops (holy ones, scarce of earth, in holy + lawn) in that land of freedom where the slave's chains fall ere his foot + pads its soil! how calmly resigned the freemen who yield to the necessity + of making strong the altar with the sword of state! How, in the fulness of + an expansive soul, these little ones, in lawn so white, spurn the + unsanctified spoiler-themselves neck-deep in the very coffers of + covetousness the while! How to their christian spirit it seems ordained + they should see a people's ekeings serve their rolling in wealth and + luxury! and, yet, let no man question their walking in the ways of a meek + and lowly Saviour-that Redeemer of mankind whose seamless garb no man + purchaseth with the rights of his fellow. Complacently innocent of + themselves, they would have us join their flock and follow them,—their + pious eyes seeing only heavenly objects to be gained, and their pure + hearts beating in heavy throbs for the wicked turmoil of our common world. + Pardon us, brother of the flesh, say they, in saintly whispers,—it + is all for the Church and Christ. Boldly fortified with sanctimony, they + hurl back the shafts of reform, and ask to live on sumptuously, as the + only sought recompense for their christian love. Pious infallibility! how + blind, to see not the crime! + </p> + <p> + Reader! excuse the diversion, and accompany us while we retrace our steps + to where we left the loquacious Mr. M'Fadden, recovered from the fear of + death, which had been produced by whiskey in draughts too strong. In + company with a numerous party, he is just returning from an unsuccessful + search for his lost preacher. They have scoured the lawns, delved the + morasses, penetrated thick jungles of brakes, driven the cypress swamps, + and sent the hounds through places seemingly impossible for human being to + seclude himself, and where only the veteran rattlesnake would seek to lay + his viperous head. No preacher have they found. They utter vile + imprecations on his head, pit him "a common nigger," declare he has just + learned enough, in his own crooked way, to be dubious property-good, if a + man can keep him at minister business. + </p> + <p> + Mine host of the Inn feels assured, if he be hiding among the swamp + jungle, the snakes and alligators will certainly drive him out: an + indisputable fact this, inasmuch as alligators and snakes hate niggers. + M'Fadden affirms solemnly, that the day he bought that clergyman was one + of the unlucky days of his life; and he positively regrets ever having + been a politician, or troubling his head about the southern-rights + question. The party gather round the front stoop, and are what is termed + in southern parlance "tuckered out." They are equally well satisfied of + having done their duty to the state and a good cause. Dogs, their tails + drooping, sneak to their kennels, horses reek with foam, the human dogs + will "liquor" long and strong. + </p> + <p> + "Tisn't such prime stock, after all!" says M'Fadden, entering the veranda, + reeking with mud and perspiration: "after a third attempt we had as well + give it up." He shakes his head, and then strikes his whip on the floor. + "I'll stand shy about buying a preacher, another time," he continues; like + a man, much against his will, forced to give up a prize. + </p> + <p> + The crackers and wire-grass men (rude sons of the sand hills), take the + matter more philosophically,—probably under the impression that to + keep quiet will be to "bring the nigger out" where he may be caught and + the reward secured. Two hundred dollars is a sum for which they would not + scruple to sacrifice life; but they have three gods-whiskey, ignorance, + and idleness, any one of which can easily gain a mastery over their + faculties. + </p> + <p> + Mr. M'Fadden requests that his friends will all come into the bar-room-all + jolly fellows; which, when done, he orders mine host to supply as much + "good strong stuff" as will warm up their spirits. He, however, will first + take a glass himself, that he may drink all their very good healths. This + compliment paid, he finds himself pacing up and down, and across the room, + now and then casting suspicious glances at the notice of reward, as if + questioning the policy of offering so large an amount. But sundown is + close upon them, and as the bar-room begins to fill up again, each + new-comer anxiously enquires the result of the last search,—which + only serves to increase the disappointed gentleman's excitement. The + affair has been unnecessarily expensive, for, in addition to the loss of + his preacher, the price of whom is no very inconsiderable sum, he finds a + vexatious bill running up against him at the bar. The friendship of those + who have sympathised with him, and have joined him in the exhilarating + sport of man-hunting, must be repaid with swimming drinks. Somewhat + celebrated for economy, his friends are surprised to find him, on this + occasion, rather inclined to extend the latitude of his liberality. His + keen eye, however, soon detects, to his sudden surprise, that the hunters + are not alone enjoying his liberality, but that every new comer, finding + the drinks provided at M'Fadden's expense, has no objection to join in + drinking his health; to which he would have no sort of an objection, but + for the cost. Like all men suffering from the effect of sudden loss, he + begins to consider the means of economising by which he may repay the loss + of the preacher. "I say, Squire!" he ejaculates, suddenly stopping short + in one of his walks, and beckoning mine host aside, "That won't do, it + won't! It's a coming too tough, I tell you!" he says, shaking his head, + and touching mine host significantly on the arm. "A fellow what's lost his + property in this shape don't feel like drinkin everybody on whiskey what + costs as much as your 'bright eye.' You see, every feller what's comin + in's 'takin' at my expense, and claiming friendship on the strength on't. + It don't pay, Squire! just stop it, won't ye?" + </p> + <p> + Mine host immediately directs the bar-keeper, with a sign and a whisper:—"No + more drinks at M'Fadden's score, 'cept to two or three o' the most + harristocratic." He must not announce the discontinuance openly; it will + insult the feelings of the friendly people, many of whom anticipate a + feast of drinks commensurate with their services and Mr. Lawrence + M'Fadden's distinguished position in political life. Were they, the + magnanimous people, informed of this sudden shutting off of their + supplies, the man who had just enjoyed their flattering encomiums would + suddenly find himself plentifully showered with epithets a tyrant + slave-dealer could scarcely endure. + </p> + <p> + Calling mine host into a little room opening from the bar, he takes him by + the arm,—intimates his desire to have a consultation on the state of + his affairs, and the probable whereabouts of his divine:—"You see, + this is all the thanks I get for my kindness (he spreads his hands and + shrugs his shoulders.) A northern man may do what he pleases for southern + rights, and it's just the same; he never gets any thanks for it. These + sort o' fellers isn't to be sneered at when a body wants to carry a + political end," he adds, touching mine host modestly on the shoulder, and + giving him a quizzing look, "but ye can't make 'um behave mannerly towards + respectable people, such as you and me is. But 'twould'nt do to give 'um + edukation, for they'd just spile society-they would! Ain't my ideas + logical, now, squire?" Mr. M'Fadden's mind seems soaring away among the + generalities of state. + </p> + <p> + "Well!" returns mine host, prefacing the importance of his opinion with an + imprecation, "I'm fixed a'tween two fires; so I can't say what would be + square policy in affairs of state. One has feelins different on these + things: I depends a deal on what our big folks say in the way of setting + examples. And, too, what can you expect when this sort a ruff-scuff forms + the means of raising their political positions; but, they are customers of + mine,—have made my success in tavern-keeping!" he concludes, in an + earnest whisper. + </p> + <p> + "Now, squire!" M'Fadden places his hand in mine host's arm, and looks at + him seriously: "What 'bout that ar nigger preacher gittin off so? No way + t' find it out, eh squire?" M'Fadden enquires, with great seriousness. + </p> + <p> + "Can't tell how on earth the critter did the thing; looked like peaceable + property when he went to be locked up, did!" + </p> + <p> + "I think somebody's responsible for him, squire?" interrupts M'Fadden, + watching the changes of the other's countenance: "seems how I heard ye say + ye'd take the risk-" + </p> + <p> + "No,—no,—no!" rejoins the other, quickly; "that never will do. + I never receipt for nigger property, never hold myself responsible to the + customers, and never run any risks about their niggers. You forget, my + friend, that whatever shadow of a claim you had on me by law was + invalidated by your own act." + </p> + <p> + "My own act?" interrupts the disappointed man. "How by my own act? explain + yourself!" suddenly allowing his feelings to become excited. + </p> + <p> + "Sending for him to come to your bedside and pray for you. It was when you + thought Mr. Jones, the gentleman with the horns, stood over you with a + warrant in his hand," mine host whispers in his ear, shrugging his + shoulders, and giving his face a quizzical expression. "You appreciated + the mental of the property then; but now you view it as a decided defect." + </p> + <p> + The disappointed gentleman remains silent for a few moments. He is deeply + impressed with the anomaly of his case, but has not the slightest + objection to fasten the responsibility on somebody, never for a moment + supposing the law would interpose against the exercise of his very best + inclinations. He hopes God will bless him, says it is always his luck; yet + he cannot relinquish the idea of somebody being responsible. He will know + more about the preaching rascal's departure. Turning to mine host of the + inn: "But, you must have a clue to him, somewhere?" he says, enquiringly. + </p> + <p> + "There's my woman; can see if she knows anything about the nigger!" + returns mine host, complacently. Ellen Juvarna is brought into the + presence of the injured man, who interrogates her with great care; but all + her disclosures only tend to throw a greater degree of mystery over the + whole affair. At this, Mr. M'Fadden declares that the policy he has always + maintained with reference to education is proved true with the preacher's + running away. Nigger property should never be perverted by learning; + though, if you could separate the nigger from the preaching part of the + property, it might do some good, for preaching was at times a good article + to distribute among certain slaves "what had keen instincts." At times, + nevertheless, it would make them run away. Ellen knew Harry as a good + slave, a good man, a good Christian, sound in his probity, not at all + inclined to be roguish,—as most niggers are—a little given to + drink, but never bad-tempered. Her honest opinion is that such a pattern + of worthy nature and moral firmness would not disgrace itself by running + away, unless induced by white "Buckra." She thinks she heard a lumbering + and shuffling somewhere about the pen, shortly after midnight. It might + have been wolves, however. To all this Mr. M'Fadden listens with marked + attention. Now and then he interposes a word, to gratify some new idea + swelling his brain. There is nothing satisfactory yet: he turns the matter + over and over in his mind, looks Ellen steadfastly in the face, and + watches the movement of every muscle. "Ah!" he sighs, "nothing new + developing." He dismissed the wench, and turns to mine host of the inn. + "Now, squire, (one minute mine host is squire, and the next Mr. Jones) + tell ye what 'tis; thar's roguery goin on somewhere among them ar' fellers—them + sharpers in the city, I means! (he shakes his head knowingly, and buttons + his light sack-coat round him). That's a good gal, isn't she?" he + enquires, drawing his chair somewhat closer, his hard face assuming great + seriousness. + </p> + <p> + Mine host gives an affirmative nod, and says, "Nothin shorter! Can take + her word on a turn of life or death. Tip top gal, that! Paid a price for + her what u'd make ye wink, I reckon." + </p> + <p> + "That's just what I wanted to know," he interrupts, suddenly grasping the + hand of his friend. "Ye see how I'se a little of a philosopher, a tall + politician, and a major in the brigade down our district,—I didn't + get my law akermin for nothin; and now I jist discovers how somebody-I + mean some white somebody-has had a hand in helpin that ar' nig' preacher + to run off. Cus'd critters! never know nothing till some white nigger + fills their heads with roguery." + </p> + <p> + "Say, my worthy M'Fadden," interrupts the publican, rising suddenly from + his seat, as if some new discovery had just broke forth in his mind, + "war'nt that boy sold under a warrant?" + </p> + <p> + "Warranted-warranted-warranted sound in every particular? That he was. + Just think of this, squire; you're a knowin one. It takes you! I never + thought on't afore, and have had all my nervousness for nothin. Warranted + sound in every particular, means-" + </p> + <p> + "A moment!" mine host interposes, suddenly: "there's a keen point of law + there; but it might be twisted to some account, if a body only had the + right sort of a lawyer to twist it." + </p> + <p> + The perplexed man rejoins by hoping he may not be interrupted just at this + moment. He is just getting the point of it straight in his mind. "You + see," he says, "the thing begun to dissolve itself in my philosophy, and + by that I discovered the pint the whole thing stands on. Its entirely + metaphysical, though," he says, with a significant shake of the head. He + laughs at his discovery; his father, long since, told him he was + exceedingly clever. Quite a match for the publican in all matters + requiring a comprehensive mind, he declares there are few lawyers his + equal at penetrating into points. "He warranted him in every particular," + he mutters, as mine host, watching his seriousness, endeavours to suppress + a smile. M'Fadden makes a most learned motion of the fore finger of the + right hand, which he presses firmly into the palm of his left, while + contracting his brows. He will soon essay forth the point of logic he + wishes to enforce. The property being a certain man endowed with preaching + propensities, soundness means the qualities of the man, mental as well as + physical; and running away being an unsound quality, the auctioneer is + responsible for all such contingencies. "I have him there,—I have!" + he holds up his hands exultingly, as he exclaims the words; his face + brightens with animation. Thrusting his hands into his trowsers pockets he + paces the room for several minutes, at a rapid pace, as if his mind had + been relieved of some deep study. "I will go directly into the city, and + there see what I can do with the chap I bought that feller of. I think + when I put the law points to him, he'll shell out." + </p> + <p> + Making some preliminary arrangements with Jones of the tavern, he orders a + horse to the door immediately, and in a few minutes more is hastening on + his way to the city. + </p> + <p> + Arriving about noon-day, he makes his way through its busy thoroughfares, + and is soon in the presence of the auctioneer. There, in wondrous dignity, + sits the seller of bodies and souls, his cushioned arm-chair presenting an + air of opulence. How coolly that pomp of his profession sits on the hard + mask of his iron features, beneath which lurks a contempt of shame! He is + an important item in the political hemisphere of the state, has an + honourable position in society (for he is high above the minion traders), + joined the Episcopal church not many months ago, and cautions Mr. M'Fadden + against the immorality of using profane language, which that aggrieved + individual allows to escape his lips ere he enters the door. + </p> + <p> + The office of our man of fame and fortune is thirty feet long by twenty + wide, and sixteen high. Its walls are brilliantly papered, and painted + with landscape designs; and from the centre of the ceiling hangs a large + chandelier, with ground-glass globes, on which eagles of liberty are + inscribed. Fine black-walnut desks, in chaste carving, stand along its + sides, at which genteelly-dressed clerks are exhibiting great attention to + business. An oil-cloth, with large flowers painted on its surface, spreads + the floor, while an air of neatness reigns throughout the establishment + singularly at variance with the outer mart, where Mr. Forshou sells his + men, women, and little children. But its walls are hung with + badly-executed engravings, in frames of gilt. Of the distinguished + vender's taste a correct estimation may be drawn when we inform the reader + that many of these engravings represented nude females and celebrated + racehorses. + </p> + <p> + "Excuse me, sir! I didn't mean it," Mr. M'Fadden says, in reply to the + gentleman's caution, approaching him as he sits in his elegant chair, a + few feet from the street door, luxuriantly enjoying a choice regalia. + "It's the little point of a very nasty habit that hangs upon me yet. I + does let out the swear once in a while, ye see; but it's only when I gets + a crook in my mind what won't come straight." Thus M'Fadden introduces + himself, surprised to find the few very consistent oaths he has made use + of not compatible with the man-seller's pious business habits. He will be + cautious the next time; he will not permit such foul breath to escape and + wound the gentleman's very tender feelings. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Lawrence M'Fadden addresses him as squire, and with studious words + informs him of the nigger preacher property he sold him having actually + run away! "Ye warranted him, ye know, squire!" he says, discovering the + object of his visit, then drawing a chair, and seating himself in close + proximity. + </p> + <p> + "Can't help that-quality we never warrant!" coolly returns the other, + turning politely in his arm-chair, which works in a socket, and directing + a clerk at one of the desks to add six months' interest to the item of + three wenches sold at ten o'clock. + </p> + <p> + "Don't talk that ar way, squire! I trades a deal in your line, and a heap + o' times, with you. Now we'll talk over the legal points." + </p> + <p> + "Make them short, if you please!" + </p> + <p> + "Well! ye warranted the nigger in every particular. There's the + advertisement; and there's no getting over that! Ye must do the clean + thing-no possumin-squire, or there 'll be a long lawsuit what takes the + tin. Honour's the word in our trade." He watches the changes that are fast + coming over the vender's countenance, folds his arms, places his right + foot over his left knee, and awaits a reply. Interrupting the vender just + as he is about to give his opinion he draws from his pocket a copy of the + paper containing the advertisement, and places it in his hand: "If ye'll + be good enough to squint at it, ye'll see the hang o' my ideas," he says. + </p> + <p> + "My friend," returns the vender, curtly, having glanced over the paper, + "save me and yourself any further annoyance. I could have told you how far + the property was warranted, before I read the paper; and I remember making + some very particular remarks when selling that item in the invoice. A + nigger's intelligence is often a mere item of consideration in the amount + he brings under the hammer; but we never warrant the exercise or extension + of it. Po'h, man! we might just as well attempt to warrant a nigger's + stealing, lying, cunning, and all such 'cheating master' propensities. + Some of them are considered qualities of much value-especially by poor + planters. Warrant nigger property not to run away, eh! Oh! nothing could + be worse in our business." + </p> + <p> + "A minute, squire!" interrupts the appealing Mr. M'Fadden, just as the + other is about to add a suspending clause to his remarks. "If warrantin + nigger proper sound in all partiklers is'nt warrantin it not to run away, + I'm no deacon! When a nigger's got run-away in him he ain't sound + property, no way ye can fix it. Ye may turn all the law and philosophy yer + mind to over in yer head, but it won't cum common sense to me, that ye + warrant a nigger's body part, and let the head part go unwarranted. When + ye sells a critter like that, ye sells all his deviltry; and when ye + warrants one ye warrants t'other; that's the square rule o' my law and + philosophy!" + </p> + <p> + The vender puffs his weed very coolly the while; and then, calling a negro + servant, orders a chair upon which to comfortably place his feet. "Are you + through, my friend?" he enquires, laconically; and being answered in the + affirmative, proceeds-"I fear your philosophy is common philosophy-not the + philosophy upon which nigger law is founded. You don't comprehend, my + valued friend, that when we insert that negro property will be warranted, + we don't include the thinking part; and, of course, running away belongs + to that!" he would inform all those curious on such matters. Having given + this opinion for the benefit of M'Fadden, and the rest of mankind + interested in slavery, he rises from his seat, elongates himself into a + consequential posi- tion, and stands biting his lips, and dangling his + watch chain with the fingers of his left hand. + </p> + <p> + "Take ye up, there," the other suddenly interrupts, as if he has drawn the + point from his antagonist, and is prepared to sustain the principle, + having brought to his aid new ideas from the deepest recesses of his + logical mind. Grasping the vender firmly by the arm, he looks him in the + face, and reminds him that the runaway part of niggers belongs to the + heels, and not to the head. + </p> + <p> + The vender exhibits some discomfiture, and, at the same time, a decided + unwillingness to become a disciple of such philosophy. Nor is he pleased + with the familiarity of his importuning customer, whose arm he rejects + with a repulsive air. + </p> + <p> + There has evidently become a very nice and serious question, of which Mr. + M'Fadden is inclined to take a commonsense view. His opponent, however, + will not deviate from the strictest usages of business. Business mentioned + the mental qualities of the property, but warranted only the physical,—hence + the curious perplexity. + </p> + <p> + While the point stands thus nicely poised between their logic, Romescos + rushes into the office, and, as if to surprise M'Fadden, extends his hand, + smiling and looking in his face gratefully, as if the very soul of + friendship incited him. "Mighty glad to see ye, old Buck!" he ejaculates, + "feared ye war going to kick out." + </p> + <p> + The appalled man stands for a few seconds as unmoved as a statue; and + then, turning with a half-subdued smile, takes the hand of the other, + coldly. + </p> + <p> + "Friends again! ain't we, old boy?" breaks forth from Romescos, who + continues shaking his hand, at the same time turning his head and giving a + significant wink to a clerk at one of the desks. "Politics makes bad + friends now and then, but I always thought well of you, Mack! Now, + neighbour, I'll make a bargain with you; we'll live as good folks ought to + after this," Romescos continues, laconically. His advance is so strange + that the other is at a loss to comprehend its purport. He casts doubting + glances at his wily antagonist, seems considering how to appreciate the + quality of such an unexpected expression of friendship, and is half + inclined to demand an earnest of its sincerity. At the same time, and as + the matter now stands, he would fain give his considerate friend wide + space, and remain within a proper range of etiquette until his eyes behold + the substantial. He draws aside from Romescos, who says tremblingly: + "Losing that preacher, neighbour, was a hard case-warn't it? You wouldn't + a' catched this individual buyin' preachers-know too much about 'em, I + reckon! It's no use frettin, though; the two hundred dollars 'll bring + him. This child wouldn't want a profitabler day's work for his hound + dogs." Romescos winks at the vender, and makes grimaces over M'Fadden's + shoulder, as that gentleman turns and grumbles out,—"He warranted + him in every partikler; and running away is one of a nigger's partiklers?" + </p> + <p> + "My pertinacious friend!" exclaims the vender, turning suddenly towards + his dissatisfied customer, "seeing you are not disposed to comprehend the + necessities of my business, nor to respect my position, I will have + nothing further to say to you upon the subject-not another word, now!" The + dignified gentleman expresses himself in peremptory tones. It is only the + obtuseness of his innate character becoming unnecessarily excited. + </p> + <p> + Romescos interposes a word or two, by way of keeping up the zest; for so + he calls it. Things are getting crooked, according to his notion of the + dispute, but fightin' won't bring back the lost. "'Spose ye leaves the + settlin on't to me? There's nothing like friendship in trade; and seeing + how I am up in such matters, p'raps I can smooth it down." + </p> + <p> + "There's not much friendship about a loss of this kind; and he was + warranted sound in every particular!" returns the invincible man, shaking + his head, and affecting great seriousness of countenance. + </p> + <p> + "Stop that harpin, I say!" the vender demands, drawing himself into a + pugnacious attitude; "your insinuations against my honour aggravate me + more and more." + </p> + <p> + "Well! just as you say about it," is the cool rejoinder. "But you 'll have + to settle the case afore lawyer Sprouts, you will!" Stupidly inclined to + dog his opinions, the sensitive gentleman, claiming to be much better + versed in the mode of selling human things, becomes fearfully enraged. + M'Fadden contends purely upon contingencies which may arise in the mental + and physical complications of property in man; and this the gentleman + man-seller cannot bear the reiteration of. + </p> + <p> + "Romescos thinks it is at best but a perplexin snarl, requiring gentlemen + to keep very cool. To him they are both honourable men, who should not + quarrel over the very small item of one preacher. "This warrantin' + niggers' heads never amounts to anything,—it's just like warrantin' + their heels; and when one gets bad, isn't t'other sure to be movin? Them's + my sentiments, gratis!" Stepping a few feet behind M'Fadden, Romescos rubs + his hands in great anxiety, makes curious signs to the clerks at the desk, + and charges his mouth with a fresh cut of tobacco. + </p> + <p> + "Nobody bespoke your opinion," says the disconsolate M'Fadden, turning + quickly, in consequence of a sign he detected one of the clerks making, + and catching Romescos bestowing a grimace of no very complimentary + character, "Your presence and your opinion are, in my estimation, things + that may easily be dispensed with." + </p> + <p> + "I say!" interrupts Romescos, his right hand in a threatening attitude, + "not quite so fast"-he drawls his words-"a gentleman don't stand an insult + o' that sort. Just draw them ar' words back, like a yard of tape, or this + individual 'll do a small amount of bruising on that ar' profile, (he + draws his hand backward and forward across M'Fadden's face). 'Twon't do to + go to church on Sundays with a broken phiz?" His face reddens with anger, + as he works his head into a daring attitude, grates his teeth, again draws + his fist across M'Fadden's face; and at length rubs his nasal organ. + </p> + <p> + "I understand you too well!" replies M'Fadden, with a curt twist of his + head. "A man of your cloth can't insult a gentleman like me; you're + lawless!" He moves towards the door, stepping sideways, watching Romescos + over his left shoulder. + </p> + <p> + "I say!-Romescos takes his man by the arm-Come back here, and make a + gentleman's apology!" He lets go M'Fadden's arm and seizes him by the + collar violently, his face in a blaze of excitement. + </p> + <p> + "Nigger killer!" ejaculates M'Fadden, "let go there!" He gives his angry + antagonist a determined look, as he, for a moment, looses his hold. He + pauses, as if contemplating his next move. + </p> + <p> + The very amiable and gentlemanly man-vender thinks it time he interposed + for the purpose of reconciling matters. "Gentlemen! gentlemen! respect me, + if you do not respect yourselves. My office is no place for such + disgraceful broils as these; you must go elsewhere." The modest gentleman, + whose very distinguished family connexions have done much to promote his + interests, would have it particularly understood that his office is an + important place, used only for the very distinguished business of selling + men, women, and little children. But Romescos is not so easily satisfied. + He pushes the amiable gentleman aside, calls Mr. Lawrence M'Fadden a + tyrant what kills niggers by the detestably mean process of starving them + to death. "A pretty feller he is to talk about nigger killin! And just + think what our state has come to when such fellers as him can make votes + for the next election!" says Romescos, addressing himself to the vender. + "The Irish influence is fast destroying the political morality of the + country." + </p> + <p> + Turning to Mr. M'Fadden, who seems preparing for a display of his + combativeness, he adds, "Ye see, Mack, ye will lie, and lie crooked too! + and ye will steal, and steal dishonourably; and I can lick a dozen on ye + quicker nor chain lightnin? I can send the hol batch on ye-rubbish as it + is-to take supper t'other side of sundown." To be equal with his + adversary, Romescos is evidently preparing himself for the reception of + something more than words. Twice or thrice he is seen to pass his right + hand into the left breast pocket of his sack, where commonly his shining + steel is secreted. In another moment he turns suddenly towards the vender, + pushes him aside with his left hand, and brings his right in close + proximity with Mr. M'Fadden's left listener. That individual exhibits + signs of renewed courage, to which he adds the significant warning: "Not + quite so close, if you please!" + </p> + <p> + "As close as I sees fit!" returns the other, with a sardonic grin. "Why + don't you resent it?-a gentleman would!" + </p> + <p> + Following the word, Mr. M'Fadden makes a pass at his antagonist, which, he + says, is only with the intention of keeping him at a respectful distance. + Scarcely has his arm passed when Romescos cries out, "There! he has struck + me! He has struck me again!" and deals M'Fadden a blow with his clenched + fist that fells him lumbering to the floor. Simultaneously Romescos falls + upon his prostrate victim, and a desperate struggle ensues. + </p> + <p> + The vender, whose sacred premises are thus disgraced, runs out to call the + police, while the clerks make an ineffectual attempt to separate the + combatants. Not a policeman is to be found. At night they may be seen + swarming the city, guarding the fears of a white populace ever sensitive + of black rebellion. + </p> + <p> + Like an infuriated tiger, Romescos, nimble as a catamount, is fast + destroying every vestige of outline in his antagonist's face, drenching it + with blood, and adding ghastliness by the strangulation he is endeavouring + to effect. + </p> + <p> + "Try-try-trying to-kill-me-eh? You-you mad brute!" gutters out the + struggling man, his eyes starting from the sockets like balls of fire, + while gore and saliva foam from his mouth and nostrils as if his struggles + are in death. + </p> + <p> + "Kill ye-kill ye?" Romescos rejoins, the shaggy red hair falling in tufts + about his face, now burning with desperation: "it would be killin' only a + wretch whose death society calls for." + </p> + <p> + At this, the struggling man, like one borne to energy by the last throes + of despair, gives a desperate spring, succeeds in turning his antagonist, + grasps him by the throat with his left hand, and from his pocket fires a + pistol with his right. The report alarms; the shrill whistle calls to the + rescue; but the ball has only taken effect in the flesh of Romescos's + right arm. Quick to the moment, his arm dripping with gore from the wound, + he draws his glittering dirk, and plunges it, with unerring aim, into the + breast of his antagonist. The wounded man starts convulsively, as the + other coolly draws back the weapon, the blood gushing forth in a livid + stream. "Is not that in self-defence?" exclaims the bloody votary, turning + his haggard and enraged face to receive the approval of the bystanders. + The dying man, writhing under the grasp of his murderer, utters a piercing + shriek. "Murdered! I'm dying! Oh, heaven! is this my last-last-last? + Forgive me, Lord,—forgive me!" he gurgles; and making another + convulsive effort, wrings his body from under the perpetrator of the foul + deed. How tenacious of life is the dying man! He grasps the leg of a desk, + raises himself to his feet, and, as if goaded with the thoughts of hell, + in his last struggles staggers to the door,—discharges a second + shot, vaults, as it were, into the street, and falls prostrate upon the + pavement, surrounded by a crowd of eager lookers-on. He is dead! The + career of Mr. M'Fadden is ended; his spirit is summoned for trial before a + just God. + </p> + <p> + The murderer (perhaps we abuse the word, and should apply the more + southern, term of renconterist), sits in a chair, calling for water, as a + few among the crowd prepare to carry the dead body into Graspum's + slave-pen, a few squares below. + </p> + <p> + Southern sensibility may call these scenes by whatever name it will; we + have no desire to change the appropriateness, nor to lessen the moral + tenor of southern society. It nurtures a frail democracy, and from its + bastard offspring we have a tyrant dying by the hand of a tyrant, and the + spoils of tyranny serving the good growth of the Christian church. Money + constructs opinions, pious as well as political, and even changes the + feelings of good men, who invoke heaven's aid against the bondage of the + souls of men. + </p> + <p> + Romescos will not flee to escape the terrible award of earthly justice. + Nay, that, in our atmosphere of probity, would be dishonourable; nor would + it aid the purpose he seeks to gain. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0034" id="link2HCH0034"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXXIV. — A COMMON INCIDENT SHORTLY TOLD. + </h2> + <p> + THE dead body of Mr. Lawrence M'Fadden, whose heart was strong with love + of southern democracy, lies upon two pine-boards, ghastly and unshrouded, + in a wretched slave-pen. Romescos, surrounded by admiring friends, has + found his way to the gaol, where, as is the custom, he has delivered + himself up to its keeper. He has spent a good night in that ancient + establishment, and on the following morning finds his friends vastly + increased. They have viewed him as rather desperate now and then; but, + knowing he is brave withal, have "come to the rescue" on the present + occasion. These frequent visits he receives with wonderful coolness and + deference, their meats and drinks (so amply furnished to make his stay + comfortable) being a great Godsend to the gaoler, who, while they last, + will spread a princely table. + </p> + <p> + Brien Moon, Esq.-better known as the good-natured coroner-has placed a + negro watchman over the body of the deceased, on which he proposes to hold + one of those curious ceremonies called inquests. Brien Moon, Esq. is + particularly fond of the ludicrous, is ever ready to appreciate a good + joke, and well known for his happy mode of disposing of dead dogs and + cats, which, with anonymous letters, are in great numbers entrusted to his + care by certain waggish gentlemen, who desire he will "hold an inquest + over the deceased, and not forget the fees." It is said-the aristocracy, + however, look upon the charge with contempt-that Brien Moon, Esq. makes a + small per centage by selling those canine remains to the governor of the + workhouse, which very humane gentleman pays from his own pocket the means + of transferring them into giblet-pies for the inmates. It may be all + scandal about Mr. Moon making so large an amount from his office; but it + is nevertheless true that sad disclosures have of late been made + concerning the internal affairs of the workhouse. + </p> + <p> + The hour of twelve has arrived; and since eight in the morning Mr. Moon's + time has been consumed in preliminaries necessary to the organisation of a + coroner's jury. The reader we know will excuse our not entering into the + minuti‘ of the organisation. Eleven jurors have answered the summons, but + a twelfth seems difficult to procure. John, the good Coroner's negro + servant, has provided a sufficiency of brandy and cigars, which, since the + hour of eleven, have been discussed without stint. The only objection our + worthy disposer of the dead has to this is, that some of his jurors, + becoming very mellow, may turn the inquest into a farce, with himself + playing the low-comedy part. The dead body, which lies covered with a + sheet, is fast becoming enveloped in smoke, while no one seems to have a + passing thought for it. Colonel Tom Edon,—who, they say, is not + colonel of any regiment, but has merely received the title from the known + fact of his being a hogdriver, which honourable profession is + distinguished by its colonels proceeding to market mounted, while the + captains walk,—merely wonders how much bad whiskey the dead 'un + consumed while he lived. + </p> + <p> + "This won't do!" exclaims Brien Moon, Esq., and proceeds to the door in + the hope of catching something to make his mournful number complete. He + happens upon Mr. Jonas Academy, an honest cracker, from Christ's parish, + who visits the city on a little business. Jonas is a person of great + originality, is enclosed in loosely-setting homespun, has a woe-begone + countenance, and wears a large-brimmed felt hat. He is just the person to + make the number complete, and is led in, unconscious of the object for + which he finds himself a captive. Mr. Brien Moon now becomes wondrous + grave, mounts a barrel at the head of the corpse, orders the negro to + uncover the body, and hopes gentlemen will take seats on the benches he + has provided for them, while he proceeds to administer the oath. Three or + four yet retain their cigars: he hopes gentlemen will suspend their + smoking during the inquest. Suddenly it is found that seven out of the + twelve can neither read nor write; and Mr. Jonas Academy makes known the + sad fact that he does not comprehend the nature of an oath, never having + taken such an article in his life. Five of the gentlemen, who can read and + write, are from New England; while Mr. Jonas Academy declares poor folks + in Christ's parish are not fools, troubled with reading and writing + knowledge. He has been told they have a thing called a college at + Columbia; but only haristocrats get any good of it. In answer to a + question from Mr. Moon, he is happy to state that their parish is not + pestered with a schoolmaster. "Yes, they killed the one we had more nor + two years ago, thank Good! Han't bin trubl'd with one o' the critters + since" he adds, with unmoved nerves. The Coroner suggests that in a matter + of expediency like the present it may be well to explain the nature of an + oath; and, seeing that a man may not read and write, and yet comprehend + its sacredness, perhaps it would be as well to forego the letter of the + law. "Six used to do for this sort of a jury, but now law must have + twelve," says Mr. Moon. Numerous voices assent to this, and Mr. Moon + commences what he calls "an halucidation of the nature of an oath." The + jurors receive this with great satisfaction, take the oath according to + his directions, and after listening to the statement of two competent + witnesses, who know but very little about the affair, are ready to render + a verdict,—"that M'Fadden, the deceased, came to his death by a stab + in the left breast, inflicted by a sharp instrument in the hand or hands + of Anthony Romescos, during an affray commonly called a rencontre, + regarding which there are many extenuating circumstances." To this verdict + Mr. Moon forthwith bows assent, directs the removal of the body, and + invites the gentlemen jurors to join him in another drink, which he does + in compliment to their distinguished services. The dead body will be + removed to the receiving vault, and Mr. Moon dismisses his jurors with + many bows and thanks; and nothing more. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0035" id="link2HCH0035"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXXV. — THE CHILDREN ARE IMPROVING. + </h2> + <p> + THREE years have rolled round, and wrought great changes in the aspect of + affairs. M'Fadden was buried on his plantation, Romescos was bailed by + Graspum, and took his trial at the sessions for manslaughter. It was + scarcely worth while to trouble a respectable jury with the paltry + case-and then, they were so frequent! We need scarcely tell the reader + that he was honourably acquitted, and borne from the court amid great + rejoicing. His crime was only that of murder in self-defence; and, as two + tyrants had met, the successful had the advantage of public opinion, which + in the slave world soars high above law. Romescos being again on the + world, making his cleverness known, we must beg the reader's indulgence, + and request him to accompany us while we return to the children. + </p> + <p> + Annette and Nicholas are, and have been since the sale, the property of + Graspum. They develope in size and beauty-two qualities very essential in + the man-market of our democratic world, the South. Those beautiful + features, intelligence, and reserve, are much admired as merchandise; for + southern souls are not lifted above this grade of estimating coloured + worth. Annette's cherub face, soft blue eyes, clear complexion, and light + auburn hair, add to the sweetness of a countenance that education and care + might make brilliant; and yet, though reared on Marston's plantation, with + unrestricted indulgence, her childish heart seems an outpouring of native + goodness. She speaks of her mother with the affection of one of maturer + years; she grieves for her return, wonders why she is left alone, + remembers how kind that mother spoke to her when she said good by, at the + cell door. How sweet is the remembrance of a mother! how it lingers, + sparkling as a dewdrop, in a child's memory. Annette feels the affliction, + but is too young to divine the cause thereof. She recalls the many happy + plantation scenes; they are bright to her yet! She prattles about Daddy + Bob, Harry, Aunt Rachel, and old Sue, now and then adding a solicitous + question about Marston. But she does not realise that he is her father; + no, it was not her lot to bestow a daughter's affection upon him, and she + is yet too young to comprehend the poison of slave power. Her childlike + simplicity affords a touching contrast to that melancholy injustice by + which a fair creature with hopes and virtues after God's moulding, pure + and holy, is made mere merchandise for the slave-market. + </p> + <p> + Annette has learned to look upon Nicholas as a brother; but, like herself, + he is kept from those of his own colour by some, to him, unintelligible + agency. Strange reflections flit through her youthful imagination, as she + embraces him with a sister's fondness. How oft she lays her little head + upon his shoulder, encircles his neck with her fair arm, and braids his + raven hair with her tiny fingers! She little thinks how fatal are those + charms she bears bloomingly into womanhood. + </p> + <p> + But, if they alike increase in beauty as they increase in age, their + dispositions are as unlike as two opposites can be moulded. Nicholas has + inherited that petulant will, unbending determination, and lurking love of + avenging wrong, so peculiar to the Indian race. To restlessness he adds + distrust of those around him; and when displeased, is not easily + reconciled. He is, however, tractable, and early evinced an aptitude for + mechanical pursuits that would have done credit to maturer years. Both + have been at service, and during the period have created no small degree + of admiration-Annette for her promising personal appearance, Nicholas for + his precocious display of talent. Both have earned their living; and now + Nicholas is arrived at an age when his genius attracts purchasers. + </p> + <p> + Conspicuous among those who have been keeping an eye on the little fellow, + is Mr. Jonathan Grabguy, a master-builder, largely engaged in rearing + dwellings. His father was a builder, and his mother used to help the + workmen to make Venetian blinds. Fortune showered her smiles upon their + energies, and brought them negro property in great abundance. Of this + property they made much; the father of the present Mr. Grabguy (who became + a distinguished mayor of the city) viewing it peculiarly profitable to use + up his niggers in five years. To this end he forced them to incessant + toil, belabouring them with a weapon of raw hide, to which he gave the + singular cognomen of "hell-fire." When extra punishment was-according to + his policy-necessary to bring out the "digs," he would lock them up in his + cage (a sort of grated sentry-box, large enough to retain the body in an + upright position), and when the duration of this punishment was + satisfactory to his feelings, he would administer a counter quantity of + stings with his "hell-fire" wattle. Indeed, the elder Mr. Grabguy, who + afterwards became "His Worship the Mayor," was a wonderful disciplinarian, + which very valuable traits of character his son retains in all their + purity. His acts deserve more specific notice than we are at present able + to give them, inasmuch as by them the safety of a state is frequently + endangered, as we shall show in the climax. + </p> + <p> + Our present Mr. Grabguy is a small man, somewhat slender of person, about + five feet seven inches high, who usually dresses in the habiliments of a + working man, and is remarkable for his quickness. His features are dark + and undefinable, marked with that thoughtfulness which applies only to the + getting of wordly goods. His face is narrow and careworn, with piercing + brown eyes, high cheek bones, projecting nose and chin, low forehead, and + greyish hair, which he parts in the centre. These form the strongest index + to his stubborn character; nevertheless he hopes, ere long, to reach the + same distinguished position held by his venerable father, who, peace to + his ashes! is dead. + </p> + <p> + "Now, good neighbour Graspum," says our Mr. Grabguy, as he stands in + Graspum's warehouse examining a few prime fellows, "I've got a small + amount to invest in stock, but I wants somethin' choice-say two or three + prime uns, handy at tools. I wants somethin' what 'll make mechanics. Then + I wants to buy," he continues, deliberately, "a few smart young uns, what + have heads with somethin' in 'um, that ye can bring up to larn things. + White mechanics, you see, are so independent now-a-days, that you can't + keep 'um under as you can niggers. + </p> + <p> + "I've bin thinkin' 'bout tryin' an experiment with nigger prentices; and, + if it goes, we can dispense with white mechanics entirely. My word for it, + they're only a great nuisance at best. When you put 'um to work with + niggers they don't feel right, and they have notions that our society + don't respect 'um because they must mix with the black rascals in + following their trades; and this works its way into their feelings so, + that the best on 'um from the north soon give themselves up to the worst + dissipation. Ah! our white mechanics are poor wretches; there isn't twenty + in the city you can depend on to keep sober two days." + </p> + <p> + "Well, sir," interrupts Graspum, with an air of great importance, as, with + serious countenance, he stands watching every change in Mr. Grabguy's + face, at intervals taking a cursory survey of his merchandise, "can suit + you to most anything in the line. You understand my mode of trade, + perfectly?" He touches Mr. Grabguy on the arm, significantly, and waits + the reply, which that gentleman makes with a bow. "Well, if you do," he + continues, "you know the means and markets I have at my command. Can sell + you young uns of any age, prime uns of various qualities-from field hands + down to watch-makers, clergymen!" He always keeps a good supply on hand, + and has the very best means of supply. So Mr. Grabguy makes a purchase of + three prime men, whom he intends to transform into first-rate mechanics. + He declares he will not be troubled hereafter with those very miserable + white workmen he is constrained to import from the north. They are foolish + enough to think they are just as good as any body, and can be gentlemen in + their profession. They, poor fools! mistake the south in their love of + happy New England and its society, as they call it. + </p> + <p> + Having completed his bargain, he hesitates, as if there is something more + he would like to have. "Graspum!" he says, "What for trade? can we strike + for that imp o' yours at Mrs. Tuttlewill's?" Without waiting for Graspum's + reply, he adds-"That chap 's goin to make a tall bit of property one of + these days!" + </p> + <p> + "Ought to," rejoins Graspum, stoically; "he's got right good stock in + him." The man of business gives his head a knowing shake, and takes a + fresh quid of tobacco. "Give that 'sprout' a chance in the world, and + he'll show his hand!" he adds. + </p> + <p> + "That's what I wants," intimates our tradesman. He has had his eye on the + fellow, and knows he's got a head what 'll make the very best kind of a + workman. But it will be necessary to take the stubborn out without + injuring the "larning" part. Mr. Grabguy, with great unconcern, merely + suggests these trifling matters for the better regulating of Mr. Graspum's + price. + </p> + <p> + "Can do that easy enough, if you only study the difference between a + nigger's hide and head. Can put welts on pretty strong, if you understand + the difference a'tween the too," intimates our man of business, as he + places his thumbs in his vest, and commences humming a tune. Then he stops + suddenly, and working his face into a very learned contortion, + continues-"Ye see, Grabguy, a man has to study the human natur of a nigger + just the same as he would a mule or a machine. In truth, Grabguy, niggers + are more like mules nor anything else, 'cause the brute 'll do everything + but what ye wants him to do, afore he's subdued. You must break them when + they are young. About ten or a dozen welts, sir, well laid on when ye + first begin, and every time he don't toe the mark, will, in the course of + a year, make him as submissive as a spaniel-it will! The virtue of + submission is in the lash, it supples like seeds." + </p> + <p> + "About the stock, Graspum: I don't quite agree with you about that,—I + never believed in blood, ye know. As far as this imp goes, I have my + doubts about the blood doin on him much good; seein' how it kind o' comes + across my mind that there's some Ingin in him. Now, if my philosophy + serves me right, Ingin blood makes slave property want to run away (the + speaker spreads himself with great nonchalance), the very worst fault." + </p> + <p> + "Poh! poh!-isn't a bit o' that about him. That imp 's from Marston's + estate, can't scare up nothin so promisin' in the way of likely colour," + Graspum interposes, with great assurance of manner. "You didn't see the + gal-did you?" he concludes. + </p> + <p> + "I reckon I've taken a squint at both on 'em! Pretty fine and likely. From + the same bankrupt concern, I s'pose?" Mr. Grabguy looks quite serious, and + waits for a reply. + </p> + <p> + "Yes-nothing less," Graspum replies, measuredly. "But won't it make your + eye water, neighbour Grabguy, one of these days! Bring a tall price among + some of our young bucks, eh!" He gives neighbour Grabguy a significant + touch on the arm, and that gentleman turns his head and smiles. How + quaintly modest! + </p> + <p> + "By the by, talking of Marston, what has become of him? His affairs seem + to have died out in the general levity which the number of such cases + occasion. But I tell you what it is, Graspum," (he whispers, accompanying + the word with an insinuating look), "report implicates you in that + affair." + </p> + <p> + "Me?-Me?-Me, Sir? God bless you! why, you really startle me. My honour is + above the world's scandal. Ah! if you only knew what I've done for that + man, Marston;—that cussed nephew of his came within a feather of + effecting my ruin. And there he lies, stubborn as a door- plate, sweating + out his obstinacy in gaol. Lord bless your soul, I'm not to blame, you + know!-I have done a world of things for him; but he won't be advised." + </p> + <p> + "His creditors think he has more money, and money being the upshot of all + his troubles, interposes the point of difficulty in the present instance. + I tell them he has no more money, but—I know not why—they + doubt the fact the more, and refuse to release him, on the ground of my + purchasing their claims at some ulterior period, as I did those two fi fas + when the right of freedom was being contested in the children. But, you + see, Grabguy, I'm a man of standing; and no money would tempt me to have + anything to do with another such case. It was by a mere quirk of law, and + the friendship of so many eminent lawyers, that I secured that fifteen + hundred dollars from M'Carstrow for the gal what disappeared so + mysteriously." + </p> + <p> + "Graspum!" interrupts Mr. Grabguy, suddenly, accompanying his remark with + a laugh, "you're a good bit of a lawyer when it comes to the + cross-grained. You tell it all on one side, as lawyers do. I know the risk + you run in buying the fi fas on which those children were attached!" Mr. + Grabguy smiles, doubtingly, and shakes his head. + </p> + <p> + "There are liabilities in everything," Graspum drawls out, measuredly. + "Pardon me, my friend, you never should found opinion on suspicion. More + than a dozen times have I solicited Marston to file his schedule, and take + the benefit of the act. However, with all my advice and kindness to him, + he will not move a finger towards his own release. Like all our + high-minded Southerners, he is ready to maintain a sort of compound + between dignity and distress, with which he will gratify his feelings. + It's all pride, sir-pride!-you may depend upon it." (Graspum lays his + hands together, and affects wondrous charity). "I pity such men from the + very bottom of my heart, because it always makes me feel bad when I think + what they have been. Creditors, sir, are very unrelenting; and seldom + think that an honourable man would suffer the miseries of a prison rather + than undergo the pain of being arraigned before an open court, for the + exposition of his poverty. Sensitiveness often founds the charge of wrong. + The thing is much misunderstood; I know it, sir! Yes, sir! My own feelings + make me the best judge," continues Graspum, with a most serious + countenance. He feels he is a man of wonderful parts, much abused by + public opinion, and, though always trying to promote public good, never + credited for his many kind acts. + </p> + <p> + Turning his head aside to relieve himself of a smile, Mr. Grabguy admits + that he is quite an abused man; and, setting aside small matters, thinks + it well to be guided by the good motto:—'retire from business with + plenty of money.' It may not subdue tongues, but it will soften whispers. + "Money," Mr. Grabguy intimates, "upon the strength of his venerable + father's experience, is a curious medium of overcoming the ditchwork of + society. In fact," he assures Graspum, "that with plenty of shiners you + may be just such a man as you please; everybody will forget that you ever + bought or sold a nigger, and ten chances to one if you do not find + yourself sloped off into Congress, before you have had time to study the + process of getting there. But, enough of this, Graspum;—let us turn + to trade matters. What's the lowest shot ye'll take for that mellow + mixture of Ingin and aristocracy. Send up and bring him down: let us hear + the lowest dodge you'll let him slide at." + </p> + <p> + Mr. Grabguy evinces an off-handedness in trade that is quite equal to + Graspum's keen tact. But Graspum has the faculty of preserving a + disinterested appearance singularly at variance with his object. + </p> + <p> + A messenger is despatched, receipt in hand, for the boy Nicholas. Mrs. + Tuttlewell, a brusque body of some sixty years, and with thirteen in a + family, having had three husbands (all gentlemen of the highest standing, + and connected with first families), keeps a stylish boarding-house, + exclusively for the aristocracy, common people not being competent to her + style of living; and as nobody could ever say one word against the + Tuttlewell family, the present head of the Tuttlewell house has become + very fashionably distinguished. The messenger's arrival is made known to + Mrs. Tuttlewell, who must duly consider the nature of the immediate + demand. She had reason to expect the services of the children would have + been at her command for some years to come. However, she must make the + very best of it; they are Graspum's property, and he can do what he + pleases with them. She suggests, with great politeness, that the messenger + take a seat in the lower veranda. Her house is located in a most + fashionable street, and none knew better than good lady Tuttlewell herself + the value of living up to a fashionable nicety; for, where slavery exists, + it is a trade to live. + </p> + <p> + Both children have been "waiting on table," and, on hearing the summons, + repair to their cabin in the yard. Mrs. Tuttlewell, reconsidering her + former decision, thinks the messenger better follow them, seeing that he + is a nigger with kindly looks. "Uncle!" says Annette, looking up at the + old Negro, as he joins them: "Don't you want me too?" + </p> + <p> + "No," returns the man, coolly shaking his head. + </p> + <p> + "I think they must be going to take us back to the old plantation, where + Daddy Bob used to sing so. Then I shall see mother-how I do want to see + her!" she exclaims, her little heart bounding with ecstasy. Three years or + more have passed since she prattled on her mother's knee. + </p> + <p> + The negro recognizes the child's simplicity. "I on'e wants dat child; but + da'h an't gwine t' lef ye out on da plantation, nohow!" he says. + </p> + <p> + "Not going to take us home!" she says, with a sigh. Nicholas moodily + submits himself to be prepared, as Annette, more vivacious, keeps + interposing with various enquiries. She would like to know where they are + going to take little Nicholas; and when they will let her go and see Daddy + Bob and mother? "Now, you can take me; I know you can!" she says, looking + up at the messenger, and taking his hand pertly. + </p> + <p> + "No-can't, little 'un! Mus' lef' 'um fo'h nuder time. You isn't broder and + sister-is ye?" + </p> + <p> + "No!" quickly replies the little girl, swinging his hand playfully; "but I + want to go where he goes; I want to see mother when he does." + </p> + <p> + "Well, den, little 'un (the negro sees he cannot overcome the child's + simplicity by any other means), dis child will come fo'h 'um to-morrow-dat + I will!" + </p> + <p> + "And you'll bring Nicholas back-won't you?" she enquires, grasping the + messenger more firmly by the hand. + </p> + <p> + "Sartin! no mistake 'bout dat, little 'uman." At this she takes Nicholas + by the hand, and retires to their little room in the cabin. Here, like one + of older years, she washes him, and dresses him, and fusses over him. + </p> + <p> + He is merely a child for sale; so she combs his little locks, puts on his + new osnaburgs, arranges his nice white collar about his neck, and makes + him look so prim. And then she ties a piece of black ribbon about his + neck, giving him the bright appearance of a school-boy on examination-day. + The little girl's feelings seem as much elated as would be a mother's at + the prospect of her child gaining a medal of distinction. + </p> + <p> + "Now, Nicholas!" she whispers, with touching simplicity, as she views him + from head to foot with a smile of exultation on her face, "your mother + never dressed you so neat. But I like you more and more, Nicholas, because + both our mothers are gone; and maybe we shall never see 'um again." And + she kisses him fondly,—tells him not to stay long,—to tell her + all he has seen and heard about mother, when he returns. + </p> + <p> + "I don't know, 'Nette, but 'pears to me we ain't like other children-they + don't have to be sold so often; and I don't seem to have any father." + </p> + <p> + "Neither do I; but Mrs. Tuttlewell says I mustn't mind that, because + there's thousands just like us. And then she says we ain't the same kind + o' white folks that she is; she says we are white, but niggers for all + that. I don't know how it is! I'm not like black folks, because I'm just + as white as any white folks," she rejoins, placing her little arms round + his neck and smoothing his hair with her left hand. + </p> + <p> + "I'll grow up, one o' these days." + </p> + <p> + "And so will I," she speaks, boldly. + </p> + <p> + "And I'm goin' to know where my mother's gone, and why I ain't as good as + other folks' white children," he rejoins sullenly, shaking his head, and + muttering away to himself. It is quite evident that the many singular + stages through which he is passing, serve only to increase the stubborness + of his nature. The only black distinguishable in his features are his eyes + and hair; and, as he looks in the glass to confirm what he has said, + Annette takes him by the hand, tells him he must not mind, now; that if he + is good he shall see Franconia,—and mother, too, one of these days. + He must not be pettish, she remarks, holding him by the hand like a sister + whose heart glows with hope for a brother's welfare. She gives him in + charge of the messenger, saying, "Good by!" as she imprints a kiss on his + cheek, its olive hues changing into deep crimson. + </p> + <p> + The negro answers her adieu with "Good by, little dear! God bless 'um!" + Nay, the native goodness of his heart will not permit him to leave her + thus. He turns round, takes her in his arms, kisses and kisses her fair + cheek. It is the truth of an honest soul, expressed with tears glistening + in his eyes. Again taking Nicholas by the hand, he hastens through the + passage of Mrs. Tuttlewell's house where, on emerging into the street, he + is accosted by that very fashionable lady, who desires to know if he has + got the boy "all right!" Being answered in the affirmative, she gives a + very dignified-"Glad of it," and desires her compliments to Mr. Graspum, + who she hopes will extend the same special regards to his family, and + retires to the quietude of her richly-furnished parlour. + </p> + <p> + The gentleman dealer and his customer are waiting in the man shambles, + while the negro messenger with his boy article of trade plod their way + along through the busy streets. The negro looks on his charge with a smile + of congratulation. "Mas'r 'll laugh all over 'e clothes when he sees + ye-dat he will!" he says, with an air of exultation. + </p> + <p> + "I'd like to know where I'm goin' to afore I go much further," returns the + boy, curtly, as he walks along, every few minutes asking unanswerable + questions of the negro. + </p> + <p> + "Lor, child!" returns the negro, with a significant smile, "take ye down + to old massa what own 'um! Fo'h true!" + </p> + <p> + "Own me!" mutters the child, surlily. "How can they own me without owning + my mother?—and I've no father." + </p> + <p> + "White man great 'losipher; he know so much, dat nigger don't know nofin," + is the singularly significant answer. + </p> + <p> + "But God didn't make me for a nigger,—did he?" + </p> + <p> + "Don' know how dat is, child. 'Pears like old mas'r tink da' ain't no God; + and what he sees in yander good book lef 'um do just as 'e mind to wid + nigger. Sometimes Buckra sell nigger by de pound, just like 'e sell pig; + and den 'e say 't was wid de Lord's will." + </p> + <p> + "If mas'r Lord be what Buckra say he be, dis child don' want t'be + 'quainted wid 'um," he coolly dilates, as if he foresees the mournful + result of the child's bright endowments. + </p> + <p> + The negro tries to quiet the child's apprehensions by telling him he + thinks "Buckra, what's waiting down in da'h office, gwine t' buy 'um of + old mas'r. Know dat Buckra he sharp feller. Get e' eye on ye, and make up + 'e mind what 'e gwine to give fo'h 'um, quicker!" says the negro. + </p> + <p> + Graspum has invited his customer, Mr. Grabguy, into his more comfortable + counting-room, where, as Nicholas is led in, they may be found discussing + the rights of the south, as guaranteed by the federal constitution. The + south claim rights independent of the north; and those rights are to + secede from the wrongs of the north whenever she takes into her head the + very simple notion of carrying them out. Graspum, a man of great + experience, whose keen sense of justice is made keener by his sense of + practical injustice,—thinks the democracy of the south was never + fully understood, and that the most sure way of developing its great + principles is by hanging every northerner, whose abolition mania is fast + absorbing the liberties of the country at large. + </p> + <p> + "That's the feller!" says Mr. Grabguy, as the negro leads Nicholas into + his presence, and orders him to keep his hands down while the gentleman + looks at him. "Stubborn sticks out some, though, I reckon," Mr. Grabguy + adds, rather enthusiastically. "Absalom! Isaac! Joe! eh? what's your + name?" + </p> + <p> + "He's a trump!" interposes Graspum, rubbing his hands together, and giving + his head a significant shake. + </p> + <p> + "Nicholas, they call me, master," answers the boy, pettishly. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Grabguy takes him by the arms, feels his muscle with great care and + caution, tries the elasticity of his body by lifting him from the floor by + his two ears. This is too much, which the child announces with loud + screams. "Stuff! out and out," says Mr. Grabguy, patting him on the back, + in a kind sort of way. At the same time he gives a look of satisfaction at + Graspum. + </p> + <p> + "Everything a man wants, in that yaller skin," returns that methodical + tradesman, with a gracious nod. + </p> + <p> + "Black lightnin' eyes-long wiry black hair, a skin full of Ingin devil, + and a face full of stubborn," Mr. Grabguy discourses, as he contemplates + the article before him. + </p> + <p> + "Well, now, about the lowest figure for him?" he continues, again looking + at Graspum, and waiting his reply. That gentleman, drawing his right hand + across his mouth, relieves it of the virtueless deposit, and supplies it + with a fresh quid. + </p> + <p> + "Sit down, neighbour Grabguy," he says, placing a chair beside him. They + both sit down; the negro attendant stands a few feet behind them: the boy + may walk a line backward and forward. "Say the word! You know I'll have a + deal o' trouble afore breaking the feller in," Grabguy exclaims, + impatiently. + </p> + <p> + Graspum is invoking his philosophy. He will gauge the point of value + according to the coming prospect and Mr. Grabguy's wants. "Well, now, + seeing it's you, and taking the large amount of negro property I have sold + to your distinguished father into consideration-I hope to sell forty + thousand niggers yet, before I die-he should bring six hundred." Graspum + lays his left hand modestly on Mr. Grabguy's right arm, as that gentleman + rather starts with surprise. "Take the extraordinary qualities into + consideration, my friend; he's got a head what's worth two hundred dollars + more nor a common nigger,—that is, if you be going to turn it into + knowledge profit. But that wasn't just what I was going to say" (Graspum + becomes profound, as he spreads himself back in his chair). "I was going + to say, I'd let you-you mustn't whisper it, though-have him for five + hundred and twenty; and he's as cheap at that as bull-dogs at five + dollars." + </p> + <p> + Grabguy shakes his head: he thinks the price rather beyond his mark. He, + however, has no objection to chalking on the figure; and as both are good + democrats, they will split the difference. + </p> + <p> + Graspum, smiling, touches his customer significantly with his elbow. "I + never do business after that model," he says. "Speaking of bull-dogs, why, + Lord bless your soul, Sam Beals and me traded t'other day: I gin him a + young five-year old nigger for his hound, and two hundred dollars to boot. + Can't go five hundred and twenty for that imp, nohow! Could o' got a prime + nigger for that, two years ago." + </p> + <p> + "Wouldn't lower a fraction! He's extraordinary prime, and'll increase + fifty dollars a year every year for ten years or more." + </p> + <p> + Mr. Grabguy can't help that: he is merely in search of an article capable + of being turned into a mechanic, or professional man,—anything to + suit the exigencies of a free country, in which such things are sold. And + as it will require much time to get the article to a point where it'll be + sure to turn the pennies back, perhaps he'd as well let it alone: so he + turns the matter over in his head. And yet, there is a certain something + about the "young imp" that really fascinates him; his keen eye, and deep + sense of nigger natur' value, detect the wonderful promise the article + holds forth. + </p> + <p> + "Not one cent lower would I take for that chap. In fact, I almost feel + like recanting now," says Graspum, by way of breaking the monotony. + </p> + <p> + "Well, I'll bid you good day," says the other, in return, affecting + preparation to leave. He puts out his hand to Graspum, and with a serious + look desires to know if that be the lowest figure. + </p> + <p> + "Fact! Don't care 'bout selling at that. Couldn't have a better investment + than to keep him!" + </p> + <p> + Mr. Grabguy considers and reconsiders the matter over in his mind; paces + up and down the floor several times, commences humming a tune, steps to + the door, looks up and down the street, and says, "Well, I'll be moving + homeward, I will." + </p> + <p> + "Like yer custom, that I do; but then, knowing what I can do with the + fellow, I feels stiff about letting him go," interposes Graspum, with + great indifference, following to the door, with hands extended. + </p> + <p> + This is rather too insinuating for Mr. Grabguy. Never did piece of + property loom up so brightly, so physically and intellectually valuable. + He will return to the table. Taking his seat again, he draws forth a piece + of paper, and with his pencil commences figuring upon it. He wants to get + at the cost of free and slave labour, and the relative advantages of the + one over the other. After a deal of multiplying and subtracting, he gives + it up in despair. The fine proportions of the youth before him distract + his very brain with contemplation. He won't bother another minute; figures + are only confusions: so far as using them to compute the relative value of + free and slave labour, they are enough to make one's head ache. "Would ye + like to go with me, boy? Give ye enough to eat, but make ye toe the mark!" + He looks at Nicholas, and waits a reply. + </p> + <p> + "Don't matter!" is the boy's answer. "Seems as if nobody cared for me; and + so I don't care for nobody." + </p> + <p> + "That's enough," he interrupts, turning to Graspum: "there's a showing of + grit in that, eh?" + </p> + <p> + "Soon take it out," rejoins that methodical gentleman. "Anyhow, I've a + mind to try the fellow, Graspum. I feel the risk I run; but I don't + mind-it's neck or nothin here in the south! Ye'll take a long note, + s'pose? Good, ye know!" + </p> + <p> + Graspum motions his head and works his lips, half affirmatively. + </p> + <p> + "Good as old gold, ye knows that," insinuates Mr. Grabguy. + </p> + <p> + "Yes, but notes aint cash; and our banks are shut down as tight as steel + traps. At all events make it bankable, and add the interest for six + months. It's against my rules of business, though," returns Graspum, with + great financial emphasis. + </p> + <p> + After considerably more very nice exhibitions of business tact, it is + agreed that Mr. Grabguy takes the "imp" at five hundred and twenty + dollars, for which Graspum accepts his note at six months, with interest. + Mr. Grabguy's paper is good, and Graspum considers it equal to cash, less + the interest. The "imp" is now left in charge of the negro, while the two + gentlemen retire to the private counting-room, where they will settle the + preliminaries. + </p> + <p> + A grave-looking gentleman at a large desk is ordered to make the entry of + sale; as the initiate of which he takes a ponderous ledger from the case, + and, with great coolness, opens its large leaves. "Nicholas, I think his + name is?" he ejaculates, turning to Graspum, who, unconcernedly, has + resumed his seat in the great arm-chair. + </p> + <p> + "Yes; but I suppose it must be Nicholas Grabguy, now," returns Graspum, + bowing to his book-keeper, and then turning to Mr. Grabguy. + </p> + <p> + "One minute, if you please!" rejoins that gentlemen, as the sedate + book-keeper turns to his page of N's in the index. Mr. Grabguy will + consider that very important point for a few seconds. + </p> + <p> + "Better drop the Marston, as things are. A good many high feeling + connections of that family remain; and to continue the name might be to + give pain." This, Graspum says, he only puts out as a suggestion. + </p> + <p> + "Enter him as you say, gentlemen," interposes the clerk, who will mend his + pen while waiting their pleasure. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Grabguy runs his right hand several times across his forehead, and + after a breathless pause, thinks it as well not to connect his + distinguished name with that of the nigger,—not just at this moment! + Being his property, and associating with his business and people, that + will naturally follow. "Just enter him, and make out the bill of sale + describing him as the boy Nicholas," he adds. + </p> + <p> + "Boy Nicholas!" reiterates the book-keeper, and straight-way enters his + name, amount fetched, to whom sold, and general description, on his files. + In a few minutes more-Graspum, in his chair of state, is regretting having + sold so quick,—Mr. Grabguy is handed his bill of sale, duly made + out. At the same time, that sedate official places the note for the amount + into Graspum's hands. Graspum examines it minutely, while Mr. Grabguy + surveys the bill of sale. "Mr. Benson, my clerk here, does these things up + according to legal tenour; he, let me inform you, was brought up at the + law business, and was rather celebrated once; but the profession won't pay + a man of his ability," remarks Graspum, with an "all right!" as he lays + the note of hand down for Mr. Grabguy's signature. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Benson smiles in reply, and adjusts the very stiffly starched corners + of his ponderous shirt collar, which he desires to keep well closed around + his chin. "An honourable man, that's true, sir, can't live honestly by the + law, now-a-days," he concludes, with measured sedateness. He will now get + his bill-book, in which to make a record of the piece of paper taken in + exchange for the human 'imp.' + </p> + <p> + "Clap your name across the face!" demands Graspum; and Grabguy seizes a + pen, and quickly consummates the bargain by inscribing his name, passing + it to Mr. Benson, and, in return, receiving the bill of sale, which he + places in his breast pocket. He will not trouble Mr. Benson any further; + but, if he will supply a small piece of paper, Mr. Grabguy will very + kindly give the imp an order, and send him to his workshop. + </p> + <p> + "Will the gentleman be kind enough to help himself," says Mr. Benson, + passing a quire upon the table at which Mr. Grabguy sits. + </p> + <p> + "I'll trim that chap into a first-rate mechanic," says Mr. Grabguy, as he + writes,—"I have bought the bearer, Nicholas, a promising chap, as + you will see. Take him into the shop and set him at something, if it is + only turning the grindstone; as I hav'nt made up my mind exactly about + what branch to set him at. He's got temper-you'll see that in a minute, + and will want some breakin in, if I don't calklate 'rong." This Mr. + Grabguy envelopes, and directs to his master mechanic. When all things are + arranged to his satisfaction, Nicholas is again brought into his presence, + receives an admonition, is told what he may expect if he displays his bad + temper, is presented with the note, and despatched, with sundry + directions, to seek his way alone, to his late purchaser's workshop. + </p> + <p> + "Come, boy! ain't you going to say 'good-by' to me 'afore you go? I hav'nt + been a bad master to you," says Graspum, putting out his hand. + </p> + <p> + "Yes, master," mutters the child, turning about ere he reaches the door. + He advances towards Graspum, puts out his little hand; and in saying "good + by, master," there is so much childish simplicity in his manner that it + touches the tender chord embalmed within that iron frame. "Be a good + little fellow!" he says, his emotions rising. How strong are the workings + of nature when brought in contact with unnatural laws! The monster who has + made the child wretched—who has for ever blasted its hopes, shakes + it by the hand, and says—"good by, little 'un!" as it leaves the + door to seek the home of a new purchaser. How strange the thoughts + invading that child's mind, as, a slave for life, it plods its way through + the busy thoroughfares! Forcibly the happy incidents of the past are + recalled; they are touching reclections-sweets in the dark void of a + slave's life; but to him no way-marks, to measure the happy home embalmed + therein, are left. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0036" id="link2HCH0036"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXXVI. — WORKINGS OF THE SLAVE SYSTEM. + </h2> + <p> + DEMOCRACY! thy trumpet voice for liberty is ever ringing in our ears; but + thy strange workings defame thee. Thou art rampant in love of the "popular + cause," crushing of that which secures liberty to all; and, whilst thou + art great at demolishing structures, building firm foundations seems + beyond thee, for thereto thou forgetteth to lay the cornerstone well on + the solid rock of principle. And, too, we love thee when thou art moved + and governed by justice; we hate thee when thou showest thyself a + sycophant to make a mad mob serve a pestilential ambition. Like a young + giant thou graspest power; but, when in thy hands, it becomes a means of + serving the baser ends of factious demagogues. Hypocrite! With breath of + poison thou hast sung thy songs to liberty while making it a + stepping-stone to injustice; nor hast thou ever ceased to wage a tyrant's + war against the rights of man. Thou wearest false robes; thou blasphemest + against heaven, that thy strength in wrong may be secure-yea, we fear thy + end is fast coming badly, for thou art the bastard offspring of + Republicanism so purely planted in our land. Clamour and the lash are thy + sceptres, and, like a viper seeking its prey, thou charmest with one and + goadeth men's souls with the other. Having worked thy way through our + simple narrative, show us what thou hast done. A father hast thou driven + within the humid wall of a prison, because he would repent and acknowledge + his child. Bolts and bars, in such cases, are democracy's safeguards; but + thou hast bound with heavy chains the being who would rise in the world, + and go forth healing the sick and preaching God's word. Even hast thou + turned the hearts of men into stone, and made them weep at the wrong thou + gavest them power to inflict. That bond which God gave to man, and charged + him to keep sacred, thou hast sundered for the sake of gold,—thereby + levelling man with the brutes of the field. Thou hast sent two beautiful + children to linger in the wickedness of slavery,—to die stained with + its infamy! Thou hast robbed many a fair one of her virtue, stolen many a + charm; but thy foulest crime is, that thou drivest mothers and fathers + from the land of their birth to seek shelter on foreign soil. Would to God + thou could'st see thyself as thou art,—make thy teachings known in + truth and justice,—cease to mock thyself in the eyes of foreign + tyrants, nor longer serve despots who would make thee the shield of their + ill-gotten power! + </p> + <p> + Within those malarious prison walls, where fast decays a father who sought + to save from slavery's death the offspring he loved, will be found a poor, + dejected negro, sitting at the bedside of the oppressed man, administering + to his wants. His friendship is true unto death,—the oppressed man + is his angel, he will serve him at the sacrifice of life and liberty. He + is your true republican, the friend of the oppressed! Your lessons of + democracy, so swelling, so boastfully arrayed for a world's good, have no + place in his soul,—goodness alone directs his examples of + republicanism. But we must not be over venturous in calling democracy to + account, lest we offend the gods of power and progress. We will, to save + ourselves, return to our narrative. + </p> + <p> + Marston, yet in gaol, stubbornly refuses to take the benefit of the act,—commonly + called the poor debtor's act. He has a faithful friend in Daddy Bob, who + has kept his ownership concealed, and, with the assistance of Franconia, + still relieves his necessities. Rumour, however, strongly whispers that + Colonel M'Carstrow is fast gambling away his property, keeping the worst + of company, and leading the life of a debauchee,—which sorely + grieves his noble-hearted wife. In fact, Mrs. Templeton, who is chief + gossip-monger of the city, declares that he is more than ruined, and that + his once beautiful wife must seek support at something. + </p> + <p> + An honest jury of twelve free and enlightened citizens, before the + honourable court of Sessions, have declared Romescos honourably acquitted + of the charge of murder, the fatal blow being given in commendable + self-defence. + </p> + <p> + The reader will remember that in a former chapter we left the stolen + clergyman (no thanks to his white face and whiter necked brethren of the + profession), on the banks of the Mississippi, where, having purchased his + time of his owner, he is not only a very profitable investment to that + gentleman, but of great service on the neighbouring plantations. Earnest + in doing good for his fellow bondmen, his efforts have enlisted for him + the sympathy of a generous-hearted young lady, the daughter of a + neighbouring planter. Many times had he recounted Mrs. Rosebrook's + friendship for him to her, and by its influence succeeded in opening the + desired communication. Mrs. Rosebrook had received and promptly answered + all his fair friend's letters: the answers contained good news for Harry; + she knew him well, and would at once set about inducing her husband to + purchase him. But here again his profession interposed a difficulty, + inasmuch as its enhancing the value of the property to so great an extent + would make his master reluctant to part with him. However, as nothing + could be more expressive of domestic attachment than the manner in which + the Rosebrooks studied each other's feelings for the purpose of giving a + more complete happiness, our good lady had but to make known her wish, and + the deacon stood ready to execute it. In the present case he was but too + glad of the opportunity of gratifying her feelings, having had the + purchase of a clergyman in contemplation for some months back. He sought + Harry out, and, after bartering (the planter setting forth what a deal of + money he had made by his clergyman) succeeded in purchasing him for + fourteen hundred dollars, the gentleman producing legalised papers of his + purchase, and giving the same. As for his running away, there is no + evidence to prove that; nor will Harry's pious word be taken in law to + disclose the kidnapping. M'Fadden is dead,—his estate has long since + been administered upon; Romescos murdered the proof, and swept away the + dangerous contingency. + </p> + <p> + Here, then, we find Harry-we must pass over the incidents of his return + back in the old district-about to administer the Gospel to the negroes on + the Rosebrook estates. He is the same good, generous-hearted black man he + was years ago. But he has worked hard, paid his master a deal of money for + his time, and laid up but little for himself. His clothes, too, are + somewhat shabby, which, in the estimation of the Rosebrook negroes-who are + notoriously aristocratic in their notions-is some detriment to his + ministerial character. At the same time, they are not quite sure that + Harry Marston, as he must now be called, will preach to please their + peculiar mode of thinking. Master and missus have given them an interest + in their labour; and, having laid by a little money in missus's savings + bank, they are all looking forward to the time when they will have gained + their freedom, according to the promises held out. With these incitements + of renewed energy they work cheerfully, take a deep interest in the amount + of crop produced, and have a worthy regard for their own moral condition. + And as they will now pay tribute for the support of a minister of the + Gospel, his respectability is a particular object of their watchfulness. + Thus, Harry's first appearance on the plantation, shabbily dressed, is + viewed with distrust. Uncle Bradshaw, and old Bill, the coachman, and Aunt + Sophy, and Sophy's two gals, and their husbands, are heard in serious + conclave to say that "It won't do!" A clergy gentleman, with no better + clothes than that newcomer wears, can't preach good and strong, nohow! Dad + Daniel is heard to say. Bradshaw shakes his white head, and says he's + goin' to have a short talk with master about it. Something must be done to + reconcile the matter. + </p> + <p> + Franconia and good Mrs. Rosebrook are not so exacting: the latter has + received him with a warm welcome, while the former, her heart bounding + with joy on hearing of his return, hastened into his presence, and with + the affection of a child shook, and shook, and shook his hand, as he fell + on his knees and kissed hers. "Poor Harry!" she says, "how I have longed + to see you, and your poor wife and children!" + </p> + <p> + "Ah, Franconia, my young missus, it is for them my soul fears." + </p> + <p> + "But we have found out where they are," she interrupts. + </p> + <p> + "Where they are!" he reiterates. + </p> + <p> + "Indeed we have!" Franconia makes a significant motion with her head. + </p> + <p> + "It's true, Harry; and we'll see what can be done to get them back, one of + these days," adds Mrs. Rosebrook, her soul-glowing eyes affirming the + truth of her assertion. They have come out to spend the day at the + plantation, and a happy day it is for those whose hearts they gladden with + their kind words. How happy would be our south-how desolate the mania for + abolition—if such a comity of good feeling between master and slaves + existed on every plantation! And there is nothing to hinder such happy + results of kindness. + </p> + <p> + "When that day comes, missus,—that day my good old woman and me will + be together again,—how happy I shall be! Seems as if the regaining + that one object would complete my earthly desires. And my children,—how + much I have felt for them, and how little I have said!" returns Harry, as, + seated in the veranda of the plantation mansion, the two ladies near him + are watching his rising emotions. + </p> + <p> + "Never mind, Harry," rejoins Franconia; "it will all be well, one of these + days. You, as well as uncle, must bear with trouble. It is a world of + trouble and trial." She draws her chair nearer him, and listens to his + narrative of being carried off,—his endeavours to please his strange + master down in Mississippi,—the curious manner in which his name was + changed,—the sum he was compelled to pay for his time, and the good + he effected while pursuing the object of his mission on the neighbouring + plantations. Hope carried him through every trial,—hope prepared his + heart for the time of his delivery,—hope filled his soul with + gratitude to his Maker, and hope, which ever held its light of freedom + before him, inspired him with that prayer he so thankfully bestowed on the + head of his benefactor, whose presence was as the light of love borne to + him on angels' wings. + </p> + <p> + Moved to tears by his recital of past struggles, and the expression of + natural goodness exhibited in the resignation with which he bore them, + ever praying and trusting to Him who guides our course in life, Franconia + in turn commenced relating the misfortunes that had befallen her uncle. + She tells him how her uncle has been reduced to poverty through Lorenzo's + folly, and Graspum, the negro dealer's undiscoverable mode of ensnaring + the unwary. He has been importuned, harassed, subjected to every + degradation and shame, scouted by society for attempting to save those + beautiful children, Annette and Nicholas, from the snares of slavery. And + he now welters in a debtor's prison, with few save his old faithful Daddy + Bob for friends. + </p> + <p> + "Master, and my old companion, Daddy Bob!" exclaims Harry, interrupting + her at the moment. + </p> + <p> + "Yes: Daddy takes care of him in his prison cell." + </p> + <p> + "How often old Bob's expressive face has looked upon me in my dreams! how + often he has occupied my thoughts by day!" + </p> + <p> + "Goodness belongs to him by nature." + </p> + <p> + "And master is in prison; but Daddy is still his friend and faithful! + Well, my heart sorrows for master: I know his proud heart bleeds under the + burden," he says, shaking his head sorrowfully. There is more sympathy + concealed beneath that black exterior than words can express. He will go + and see master; he will comfort him within his prison walls; he will + rejoin Daddy Bob, and be master's friend once more. Mrs. Rosebrook, he is + sure, will grant him any privilege in her power. That good lady is + forthwith solicited, and grants Harry permission to go into the city any + day it suits his convenience-except Sunday, when his services are required + for the good of the people on the plantation. Harry is delighted with this + token of her goodness, and appoints a day when he will meet Miss + Franconia,—as he yet calls her,—and go see old master and + Daddy. How glowing is that honest heart, as it warms with ecstasy at the + thought of seeing "old master," even though he be degraded within prison + walls! + </p> + <p> + While this conversation is going on in the veranda, sundry aged members of + negro families—aunties and mammies—are passing backwards and + forwards in front of the house, casting curious glances at the affection + exhibited for the new preacher by "Miss Franconia." The effect is a sort + of reconciliation of the highly aristocratic objections they at first + interposed against his reception. "Mus' be somebody bigger dan common + nigger preacher; wudn't cotch Miss Frankone spoken wid 'um if 'um warn't," + says Dad Timothy's Jane, who is Uncle Absalom's wife, and, in addition to + having six coal-black children, as fat and sleek as beavers, is the wise + woman of the cabins, around whom all the old veteran mammies gather for + explanations upon most important subjects. In this instance she is + surrounded by six or seven grave worthies, whose comical faces add great + piquancy to the conclave. Grandmumma Dorothy, who declares that she is + grandmother to she don't know how much little growing-up property, will + venture every grey hair in her head-which is as white as the snows of Nova + Scotia-that he knows a deal o' things about the gospel, or he wouldn't + have missus for such a close acquaintance. "But his shirt ain't just da'h + fashon fo'h a 'spectable minister ob de gospel," she concludes, with + profound wisdom evinced in her measured nod. + </p> + <p> + Aunt Betsy, than whose face none is blacker, or more comically moulded, + will say her word; but she is very profound withal. "Reckon how tain't de + clo' what make e' de preacher tink good" (Aunty's lip hangs seriously low + the while). "Lef missus send some calico fum town, and dis old woman son + fix 'um into shirt fo'h him," she says, with great assurance of her + sincerity. + </p> + <p> + Harry-Mister Harry, as he is to be called by the people-finds himself + comfortably at home; the only drawback, if such it may be called, existing + in the unwillingness exhibited on the part of one of the overseers to his + being provided with apartments in the basement of the house instead of one + of the cabins. This, however, is, by a few conciliatory words from Mrs. + Rosebrook, settled to the satisfaction of all. Harry has supper provided + for him in one of the little rooms downstairs, which he is to make his + Study, and into which he retires for the night. + </p> + <p> + When daylight has departed, and the very air seems hanging in stillness + over the plantation, a great whispering is heard in Dad Daniel's cabin-the + head quarters, where grave matters of state, or questions affecting the + moral or physical interests of the plantation, are discussed, and Dad + Daniel's opinion held as most learned-the importance of which over the + other cabins is denoted by three windows, one just above the door being + usually filled with moss or an old black hat. Singular enough, on + approaching the cabin it is discovered that Daniel has convoked a senate + of his sable brethren, to whom he is proposing a measure of great + importance. "Da'h new precher, gemen! is one ob yer own colur-no more + Buckra what on'e gib dat one sarmon,—tank God fo'h dat!-and dat + colour geman, my children, ye must look up to fo'h de word from de good + book. Now, my bredren, 'tis posin' on ye dat ye make dat geman 'spectable. + I poses den, dat we, bredren, puts in a mite apiece, and gib dat ar' geman + new suit ob fus' bes'clof', so 'e preach fresh and clean," Dad Daniel is + heard to say. And this proposition is carried out on the following + morning, when Daddy Daniel-his white wool so cleanly washed, and his face + glowing with great good-nature-accompanied by a conclave of his sable + companions, presents himself in the front veranda, and demands to see + "missus." That all-conciliating personage is ever ready to receive + deputations, and on making her appearance, and receiving the usual + salutations from her people, receives from the hand of that venerable + prime minister, Daddy Daniel, a purse containing twelve dollars and fifty + cents. It is the amount of a voluntary contribution-a gift for the new + preacher. "Missus" is requested, after adding her portion, to expend it in + a suit of best black for the newcomer, whom they would like to see, and + say "how de, to." + </p> + <p> + Missus receives this noble expression of their gratitude with thanks and + kind words. Harry is summoned to the veranda, where, on making his + appearance, he is introduced to Dad Daniel, who, in return, escorts him + down on the plazza where numbers of the people have assembled to receive + him. Here, with wondrous ceremony, Dad Daniel doing the polite rather + strong, he is introduced to all the important people of the plantation. + And such a shaking of hands, earnest congratulations, happy "how des," + bows, and joyous laughs, as follow, place the scene so expressive of + happiness beyond the power of pen to describe. Then he is led away, + followed by a train of curious faces, to see Dad Daniel's neatly-arranged + cabin; after which he will see plantation church, and successively the + people's cabins. To-morrow evening, at early dusk, it is said, according + to invitation and arrangement, he will sup on the green with his sable + brethren, old and young, and spice up the evening's entertainment with an + exhortation; Dad Daniel, as is his custom, performing the duties of + deacon. + </p> + <p> + Let us pass over this scene, and-Harry having ingratiated himself with the + plantation people, who are ready to give him their distinguished + consideration-ask the reader to follow us through the description of + another, which took place a few days after. + </p> + <p> + Our clergyman has delivered to his sable flock his first sermon, which Dad + Daniel and his compatriots pronounce great and good,—just what a + sermon should be. Such pathos they never heard before; the enthusiasm and + fervency with which it was delivered inspires delight; they want no more + earnestness of soul than the fervency with which his gesticulations + accompanied the words; and now he has obtained a furlough that he may go + into the city and console his old master. A thrill of commiseration seizes + him as he contemplates his once joyous master now in prison; but, + misgivings being useless, onward he goes. And he will see old Bob, recall + the happy incidents of the past, when time went smoothly on. + </p> + <p> + He reaches the city, having tarried a while at missus's villa, and seeks + M'Carstrow's residence, at the door of which he is met by Franconia, who + receives him gratefully, and orders a servant to show him into the recess + of the hall, where he will wait until such time as she is ready to + accompany him to the county prison. M'Carstrow has recently removed into + plainer tenements: some whisper that necessity compelled it, and that the + "large shot" gamblers have shorn him down to the lowest imaginable scale + of living. Be this as it may, certain it is that he has not looked within + the doors of his own house for more than a week: report says he is + enjoying himself in a fashionable house, to the inmates of which he is + familiarly known. He certainly leads his beautiful wife anything but a + pleasant or happy life. Soon Franconia is ready, and onward wending her + way for the gaol, closely followed by Harry. She would have no objection + to his walking by her side, but custom (intolerant interposer) will not + permit it. They pass through busy thoroughfares and narrow streets into + the suburbs, and have reached the prison outer gate, on the right hand of + which, and just above a brass knob, are the significant words, "Ring the + bell." + </p> + <p> + "What a place to put master in!" says Harry, in a half whisper, turning to + Franconia, as he pulls the brass handle and listens for the dull tinkling + of the bell within. He starts at the muffled summons, and sighs as he + hears the heavy tread of the officer, advancing through the corridor to + challenge his presence. The man advances, and has reached the inner iron + gate, situated in a narrow, vaulted arch in the main building. A clanking + and clicking sound is heard, and the iron door swings back: a thick-set + man, with features of iron, advances to the stoop, down the steps, and to + the gate. "What's here now?" he growls, rather than speaks, looking + sternly at the coloured man, as he thrusts his left hand deep into his + side pocket, while holding the key of the inner door in his right. + </p> + <p> + "Visitor," returns Franconia, modestly. + </p> + <p> + "Who does the nigger want to see?" he enquires, with pertinacity in + keeping with his profession. + </p> + <p> + "His old master!" is the quick reply. + </p> + <p> + "You both? I guess I know what it is,—you want to see Marston: he + used to be a rice-planter, but's now in the debtor's ward for a swimming + lot of debts. Well, s'pose I must let you in: got a lot o' things, I + s'pose?" he says, looking wickedly through the bars as he springs the + bolts, and swings back the gate. "I beg yer pardon a dozen times! but I + didn't recognise ye on the outer side," continues the official, becoming + suddenly servile. He makes a low bow as he recognises Franconia-motions + his hand for them to walk ahead. They reach the steps leading to the inner + gate, and ascending, soon are in the vaulted passage. + </p> + <p> + If they will allow him, the polite official will unlock the grated door. + Stepping before Franconia, who, as the clanking of the locks grate on her + ear, is seized with sensations she cannot describe, he inserts the heavy + key. She turns to Harry, her face pallid as marble, and lays her tremulous + hand on his arm, as if to relieve the nervousness with which she is + seized. Click! click! sounds forth: again the door creaks on its hinges, + and they are in the confines of the prison. A narrow vaulted arch, its + stone walls moistened with pestilential malaria, leads into a small + vestibule, on the right hand of which stretched a narrow aisle lined on + both sides with cells. Damp and pestiferous, a hollow gloominess seems to + pervade the place, as if it were a pest-house for torturing the living. + Even the air breathes of disease,—a stench, as of dead men buried in + its vaults, darts its poison deep into the system. It is this, coupled + with the mind's discontent, that commits its ravages upon the poor + prisoner,—that sends him pale and haggard to a soon- forgotten + grave. + </p> + <p> + "Last door on the right,—you know, mum," says the official: "boy + will follow, lightly: whist! whist!" + </p> + <p> + "I know, to my sorrow," is her reply, delivered in a whisper. Ah! her + emotions are too tender for prison walls; they are yielding tears from the + fountain of her very soul. + </p> + <p> + "He's sick: walk softly, and don't think of the prisoners. Knock at the + door afore enterin'," says a staid-looking warden, emerging from a small + door on the left hand of the vestibule. + </p> + <p> + "Zist! zist!" returns the other, pointing with the forefinger of his right + hand down the aisle, and, placing his left, gently, on Franconia's + shoulder, motioning her to move on. + </p> + <p> + Slowly, her handkerchief to her face, she obeys the sign, and is moving + down the corridor, now encountering anxious eyes peering through the + narrow grating of huge black doors. And then a faint, dolorous sound + strikes on their listening ears. They pause for a moment,—listen + again! It becomes clearer and clearer; and they advance with anxious + curiosity. "It's Daddy Bob's voice," whispers Harry; "but how distant it + sounds! + </p> + <p> + "Even that murmurs in his confinement," returns Franconia. + </p> + <p> + "How, like a thing of life, it recalls the past-the past of happiness!" + says Harry, as they reach the cell door, and, tremulously, hesitate for a + few moments. + </p> + <p> + "Listen again!" continues Harry. The sound having ceased a moment or two, + again commences, and the word "There's a place for old mas'r yet, And de + Lord will see him dar," are distinctly audible. "How the old man battles + for his good master!" returns Harry, as Franconia taps gently on the door. + The wooden trap over the grating is closed; bolts hang carelessly from + their staples; and yet, though the door is secured with a hook on the + inside, disease and death breathe their morbid fumes through the scarce + perceptible crevices. A whispering-"Come in!" is heard in reply to the tap + upon the door, which slowly opens, and the face of old Bob, bathed in + grief, protrudes round the frame. "Oh, missus-missus-missus-God give good + missus spirit!" he exclaims, seizing Franconia fervently by the hand, and + looking in her face imploringly. A fotid stench pervaded the atmosphere of + the gloomy cell; it is death spreading its humid malaria. "Good old master + is g-g-g-gone!" mutters the negro, in half-choked accents. + </p> + <p> + With a wild shriek, the noble woman rushes to the side of his prison cot, + seizes his blanched hand that hangs carelessly over the iron frame, grasps + his head frantically, and draws it to her bosom, as the last gurgle of + life bids adieu to the prostrate body. He is dead! + </p> + <p> + The old slave has watched over him, shared his sorrows and his crust, has + sung a last song to his departing spirit. How truthful was that picture of + the dying master and his slave! The old man, struggling against the + infirmities of age, had escaped the hands of the man-seller, served his + master with but one object-his soul's love-and relieved his necessities, + until death, ending his troubles, left no more to relieve. Now, distracted + between joy at meeting Harry, and sorrow for the death of master, the poor + old man is lost in the confusion of his feelings. After saluting + Franconia, he turned to Harry, threw his arms around his neck, buried his + head in his bosom, and wept like a child. "Home-home again,—my + Harry! but too late to see mas'r," he says, as the fountains of his soul + give out their streams. + </p> + <p> + "We must all go where master has gone," returns Harry, as he, more calm, + fondles the old man, and endeavours to reconcile his feelings. "Sit there, + my old friend-sit there; and remember that God called master away. I must + go to his bed-side," whispers Harry, seating the old man on a block of + wood near the foot of the cot, where he pours forth the earnest of his + grief. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0037" id="link2HCH0037"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXXVII. — AN ITEM IN THE COMMON CALENDAR. + </h2> + <p> + THUS painfully has Marston paid his debtors. Around his lifeless body may + spring to life those sympathies which were dead while he lived; but + deplorings fall useless on dead men. There is one consideration, however, + which must always be taken into account; it is, that while sympathy for + the living may cost something, sympathy for the dead is cheap indeed, and + always to be had. How simply plain is the dead man's cell! In this humid + space, ten by sixteen feet, and arched over-head, is a bucket of water, + with a tin cup at the side, a prison tub in one corner, two wooden chairs, + a little deal stand, (off which the prisoner ate his meals), and his trunk + of clothing. The sheriff, insisting that it was his rule to make no + distinction of persons, allowed prison cot and prison matress to which, by + the kind permission of the warden, Franconia added sheets and a coverlit. + Upon this, in a corner at the right, and opposite a spacious fire-place, + in which are two bricks supporting a small iron kettle, lies the once + opulent planter,—now with eyes glassy and discoloured, a ghastly + corpse. His house once was famous for its princely hospitality,—the + prison cot is not now his bequest: but it is all the world has left him on + which to yield up his life. "Oh, uncle! uncle! uncle!" exclaims Franconia, + who has been bathing his contorted face with her tears, "would that God + had taken me too-buried our troubles in one grave! There is no trouble in + that world to which he has gone: joy, virtue, and peace, reign triumphant + there," she speaks, sighing, as she raises her bosom from off the dead + man. Harry has touched her on the shoulder with his left hand, and is + holding the dead man's with his right: he seems in deep contemplation. His + mind is absorbed in the melancholy scene; but, though his affection is + deep, he has no tears to shed at this moment. No; he will draw a chair for + Franconia, and seat her near the head of the cot, for the fountains of her + grief have overflown. Discoloured and contorted, what a ghastly picture + the dead man's face presents! Glassy, and with vacant glare, those eyes, + strange in death, seem wildly staring upward from earth. How unnatural + those sunken cheeks—those lips wet with the excrement of black vomit—that + throat reddened with the pestilential poison! "Call a warden, Daddy!" says + Harry; "he has died of black vomit, I think." And he lays the dead body + square upon the cot, turns the sheets from off the shoulders, unbuttons + the collar of its shirt. "How changed! I never would have known master; + but I can see something of him left yet." Harry remains some minutes + looking upon the face of the departed, as if tracing some long lost + feature. And then he takes his hands-it's master's hand, he says-and + places them gently to his sides, closes his glassy eyes, wipes his mouth + and nostrils, puts his ear to the dead man's mouth, as if doubting the + all-slayer's possession of the body, and with his right hand parts the + matted hair from off the cold brow. What a step between the cares of the + world and the peace of death! Harry smooths, and smooths, and smooths his + forehead with his hand; until at length his feelings get the better of his + resolution; he will wipe the dewy tears from his eyes. "Don't weep, Miss + Franconia,—don't weep! master is happy with Jesus,—happier + than all the plantations and slaves of the world could make him" he says, + turning to her as she sits weeping, her elbow resting on the cot, and her + face buried in her handkerchief. + </p> + <p> + "Bad job this here!" exclaims the warden, as he comes lumbering into the + cell, his face flushed with anxiety. "This yaller-fever beats everything: + but he hasn't been well for some time," he continues, advancing to the + bed-side, looking on the deceased for a few minutes, and then, as if it + were a part of his profession to look on dead men, says: "How strange to + die out so soon!" + </p> + <p> + "He was a good master," rejoins Harry. + </p> + <p> + "He wasn't your master-Was he?" enquires the gaoler, in gruff accents. + </p> + <p> + "Once he was." + </p> + <p> + "But, did you see him die, boy?" + </p> + <p> + "Thank God, I did not." + </p> + <p> + "And this stupid old nigger hadn't sense to call me!" (he turns + threateningly to Bob): "Well,—must 'a drop'd off like the snuff of a + tallow candle!" + </p> + <p> + Daddy knew master was a poor man now;—calling would have availed + nothing; gaolers are bad friends of poverty. + </p> + <p> + "Could you not have sent for me, good man?" enquires Franconia, her + weeping eyes turning upon the warden, who says, by way of answering her + question, "We must have him out o' here." + </p> + <p> + "I said mas'r was sicker den ye s'posed, yesterday; nor ye didn't notice + 'um!" interposes Bob, giving a significant look at the warden, and again + at Franconia. + </p> + <p> + "What a shame, in this our land of boasted hospitality! He died neglected + in a prison cell!" + </p> + <p> + "Truth is, ma'am," interrupts the warden, who, suddenly becoming conscious + that it is polite to be courteous to ladies wherever they may be met, + uncovers, and holds his hat in his hand,—"we are sorely tried with + black-vomit cases; no provision is made for them, and they die on our + hands afore we know it, just like sheep with the rot. It gives us a great + deal of trouble;—you may depend it does, ma'am; and not a cent extra + pay do we get for it. For my own part, I've become quite at home to dead + men and prisoners. My name is-you have no doubt heard of me before-John + Lafayette Flewellen: my situation was once, madam, that of a distinguished + road contractor; and then they run me for the democratic senator from our + district, and I lost all my money without getting the office-and here I am + now, pestered with sick men and dead prisoners. And the very worst is that + ye can't please nobody; but if anything is wanted, ma'am, just call for + me: John Lafayette Flewellen's my name, ma'am." The man of nerve, with + curious indifference, is about to turn away,—to leave the mourning + party to themselves, merely remarking, as he takes his hand from that of + the corpse, that his limbs are becoming fridgid, fast. + </p> + <p> + "Stay-a-moment,—warden," says Franconia, sobbing: "When was he + seized with the fever?" + </p> + <p> + "Day afore yesterday, ma'am; but he didn't complain until yesterday. That + he was in a dangerous way I'm sure I'd no idea." The warden shrugs his + shoulders, and spreads his hands. "My eyes, ma'am, but he drank strongly + of late! Perhaps that, combined with the fever, helped slide him off?" + </p> + <p> + "Ah! yes,—it was something else-it was grief! His troubles were his + destroyer." She wipes her eyes, and, with a look of commiseration, turns + from the man whose business it is to look coldly upon unfortunate dead + men. + </p> + <p> + "There was the things you sent him, ma'am; and he got his gaol allowance, + and some gruel. The law wouldn't allow us to do more for him,—no, it + wouldn't!" He shakes his head in confirmation. + </p> + <p> + "I wanted old mas'r to let 'um bring doctor; but he said no! he would meet + de doctor what cured all diseases in another world," interrupts old Bob, + as he draws his seat close to the foot of the cot, and, with his shining + face of grief, gazes on the pale features of his beloved master. + </p> + <p> + "Let him lie as he is, till the coroner comes," says the warden, retiring + slowly, and drawing the heavy door after him. + </p> + <p> + The humble picture was no less an expression of goodness, than proof of + the cruel severity of the law. The news of death soon brought curious + debtors into the long aisle, while sorrow and sympathy might be read on + every face. But he was gone, and with him his wants and grievances. A + physician was called in, but he could not recall life, and, after making a + few very learned and unintelligible remarks on the appearance of the body, + took his departure, saying that they must not grieve-that it was the way + all flesh would go. "He, no doubt, died of the black vomit, hastened by + the want of care," he concluded, as he left the cell. + </p> + <p> + "Want of care!" rejoins Franconia, again giving vent to her feelings. How + deeply did the arrow dart into the recesses of her already wounded heart! + </p> + <p> + Mr. Moon, the methodical coroner, was not long repairing to the spot. He + felt, and felt, and felt the dead man's limbs, asked a few questions, + bared the cold breast, ordered the body to be straightened a little, + viewed it from several angles, and said an inquest was unnecessary. It + would reveal no new facts, and, as so many were dying of the same disease, + could give no more relief to his friends. Concerning his death, no one + could doubt the cause being black vomit. With a frigid attempt at + consolation for Franconia, he will withdraw. He has not been long gone, + when the warden, a sheet over his left arm, again makes his appearance; he + passes the sheet to Harry, with a request that he will wind the dead + debtor up in it. + </p> + <p> + Franconia, sobbing, rises from her seat, opens a window at the head of the + cot (the dead will not escape through the iron grating), and paces the + floor, while Harry and Daddy sponge the body, lay it carefully down, and + fold it in the winding-sheet. "Poor master,—God has taken him; but + how I shall miss him! I've spent happy days wid 'im in dis place, I have!" + says Bob, as they lay his head on the hard pillow. He gazes upon him with + affection,—and says "Mas'r 'll want no more clothes." + </p> + <p> + And now night is fast drawing its dark mantle over the scene,—the + refulgent shadows of the setting sun play through the grated window into + the gloomy cell: how like a spirit of goodness sent from on high to + lighten the sorrows of the downcast, seems the light. A faint ray plays + its soft tints on that face now pallid in death; how it inspires our + thoughts of heaven! Franconia watches, and watches, as fainter and fainter + it fades away, like an angel sent for the spirit taking its departure. + "Farewell!" she whispers, as darkness shuts out the last mellow glimmer: + "Come sombre night, and spread thy stillness!" + </p> + <p> + The warden, moved by the spark of generosity his soul possesses, has + brought some cologne, and silently places it in Franconia's hands. She + advances to the cot, seats herself near the head of her dear departed, + encircles his head with her left arm, and with her white 'kerchief bathes + his face with the liquid, Harry holding the vessel in his hand, at her + request. A candle sheds its sickly light upon the humid walls; faintly it + discloses the face of Daddy Bob, immersed in tears, watching intently over + the foot of the cot. "Missus Frankone is alw's kind to mas'r!" + </p> + <p> + "I loved uncle because his heart was good," returns Franconia. + </p> + <p> + "'Tis dat, missus. How kindly old mas'r, long time ago, used to say, 'Good + mornin', Bob! Daddy, mas'r lubs you!" + </p> + <p> + How firmly the happy recollection of these kind words is sealed in the old + man's memory. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0038" id="link2HCH0038"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXXVIII. — IN WHICH REGRETS ARE SHOWN OF LITTLE WORTH. + </h2> + <p> + THE reader may remember, that we, in the early part of our narrative, made + some slight mention of the Rovero family, of which Franconia and Lorenzo + were the only surviving children. They, too, had been distinguished as + belonging to a class of opulent planters; but, having been reduced to + poverty by the same nefarious process through which we have traced + Marston's decline, and which we shall more fully disclose in the sequel, + had gathered together the remnants of a once extensive property, and with + the proceeds migrated to a western province of Mexico, where, for many + years, though not with much success, Rovero pursued a mining speculation. + They lived in a humble manner; Mrs. Rovero, Marston's sister-and of whom + we have a type in the character of her daughter, Franconia-discarded all + unnecessary appurtenances of living, and looked forward to the time when + they would be enabled to retrieve their fortunes and return to their + native district to spend the future of their days on the old homestead. + More than four years, however, had passed since any tidings had been + received of them by Franconia; and it was strongly surmised that they had + fallen victims to the savage incursions of marauding parties, who were at + that time devastating the country, and scattering its defenceless + inhabitants homeless over the western shores of central America. So strong + had this impression found place in Franconia's mind that she had given up + all hopes of again meeting them. As for M'Carstrow's friends, they had + never taken any interest in her welfare, viewing her marriage with the + distinguished colonel as a mere catch on the part of her parents, whose + only motive was to secure themselves the protection of a name, and, + perhaps, the means of sustaining themselves above the rank disclosure of + their real poverty. To keep "above board" is everything in the south; and + the family not distinguished soon finds itself well nigh extinguished. + Hence that ever tenacious clinging to pretensions, sounding of important + names, and maintenance of absurd fallacies,—all having for their end + the drawing a curtain over that real state of poverty there existing. + Indeed, it was no secret that even the M'Carstrow family (counting itself + among the very few really distinguished families of the state, and + notorious for the contempt in which they affected to hold all common + people), had mortgaged their plantation and all its negroes for much more + than their worth in ordinary times. As for tradesmen's bills, there were + any quantity outstanding, without the shadow of a prospect of their being + paid, notwithstanding importuners had frequently intimated that a place + called the gaol was not far distant, and that the squire's office was + within a stone's throw of "the corner." Colonel M'Carstrow, reports say, + had some years ago got a deal of money by an unexplainable hocus pocus, + but it was well nigh gone in gambling, and now he was keeping brothel + society and rioting away his life faster than the race-horses he had + formerly kept on the course could run. + </p> + <p> + Hospitality hides itself when friends are needy; and it will be seen here + that Franconia had few friends-we mean friends in need. The Rosebrook + family formed an exception. The good deacon, and his ever generous lady, + had remained Franconia's firmest friends; but so large and complicated + were the demands against Marston, and so gross the charges of dishonour—suspicion + said he fraudulently made over his property to Graspum-that they dared not + interpose for his relief; nor would Marston himself have permitted it. The + question now was, what was to be done with the dead body? + </p> + <p> + We left Franconia bathing its face, and smoothing the hair across its + temples with her hand. She cannot bury the body from her own home:—no! + M'Carstow will not permit that. She cannot consign it to the commissioners + for the better regulation of the "poor house,"-her feelings repulse the + thought. One thought lightens her cares; she will straightway proceed to + Mrs. Rosebrook's villa,—she will herself be the bearer of the + mournful intelligence; while Harry will watch over the remains of the + departed, until Daddy, who must be her guide through the city, shall + return. "I will go to prepare the next resting-place for uncle," says + Franconia, as if nerving herself to carry out the resolution. + </p> + <p> + "With your permission, missus," returns Harry, touching her on the arm, + and pointing through the grated window into the gloomy yard. "Years + since-before I passed through a tribulation worse than death-when we were + going to be sold in the market, I called my brothers and sisters of the + plantation together, and in that yard invoked heaven to be merciful to its + fallen. I was sold on that day; but heaven has been merciful to me; heaven + has guided me through many weary pilgrimages, and brought me here + to-night; and its protecting hand will yet restore me my wife and little + ones. Let us pray to-night; let us be grateful to Him who seeth the fallen + in his tribulation, but prepareth a place for him in a better world. Let + us pray and hope," he continued: and they knelt at the side of the humble + cot on which lay the departed, while he devoutly and fervently invoked the + Giver of all Good to forgive the oppressor, to guide the oppressed, to + make man feel there is a world beyond this, to strengthen the resolution + of that fair one who is thus sorely afflicted, to give the old man who + weeps at the feet of the departed new hope for the world to come,—and + to receive that warm spirit which has just left the cold body into his + realms of bliss. + </p> + <p> + What of roughness there was in his manner is softened by simplicity and + truthfulness. The roughest lips may breathe the purest prayer. At the + conclusion, Franconia and Daddy leave for Mrs. Rosebrook's villa, while + Harry, remaining to watch over the remains, draws his chair to the stand, + and reads by the murky light. + </p> + <p> + "I won't be long; take care of old mas'r," says Daddy, as he leaves the + cell, solicitously looking back into the cavern-like place. + </p> + <p> + It is past ten when they reach the house of Mrs. Rosebrook, the inmates of + which have retired, and are sleeping. Everything is quiet in and about the + enclosure; the luxuriant foliage bespreading a lawn extending far away to + the westward, seems refreshing itself with dew that sparkles beneath the + starlight heavens, now arched like a crystal mist hung with diamond + lights. The distant watchdog's bark re-echoes faintly over the broad + lagoon, to the east; a cricket's chirrup sounds beneath the woodbine + arbour; a moody guardsman, mounted on his lean steed, and armed for + danger, paces his slow way along: he it is that breaks the stillness while + guarding the fears of a watchful community, who know liberty, but crush + with steel the love thereof. + </p> + <p> + A rap soon brings to the door the trim figure of a mulatto servant. He + conveys the name of the visitor to his "missus," who, surprised at the + untimely hour Franconia seeks her, loses no time in reaching the + ante-room, into which she has been conducted. + </p> + <p> + Daddy has taken his seat in the hall, and recognises "missus" as she + approaches; but as she puts out her hand to salute him, she recognises + trouble seated on his countenance. "Young missus in da'h," he says, + pointing to the ante-room while rubbing his eyes. + </p> + <p> + "But you must tell me what trouble has befallen you," she returns, as + quickly, in her dishabille, she drops his hand and starts back. + </p> + <p> + "Missus know 'um all,—missus da'h." Again he points, and she hastens + into the ante-room, when, grasping Franconia by the hand, she stares at + her with breathless anxiety expressed in her face. A pause ensues in which + both seem bewildered. At length Franconia breaks the silence. "Uncle is + gone!" she exclaims, following the words with a flow of tears. + </p> + <p> + "Gone!" reiterates the generous-hearted woman, encircling Franconia's neck + with her left arm, and drawing her fondly to her bosom. + </p> + <p> + "Yes,—dead!" she continues, sobbing audibly. There is something + touching in the words,—something which recalls the dearest + associations of the past, and touches the fountains of the heart. It is + the soft tone in which they are uttered,—it gives new life to old + images. So forcibly are they called up, that the good woman has no power + to resist her violent emotions: gently she guides Franconia to the sofa, + seats her upon its soft cushion, and attempts to console her wrecked + spirit. + </p> + <p> + The men-servants are called up,—told to be prepared for orders. One + of them recognises Daddy, and, inviting him into the pantry, would give + him food, Trouble has wasted the old man's appetite; he thinks of master, + but has no will to eat. No; he will see missus, and proceed back to the + prison, there join Harry, and watch over all that is mortal of master. He + thanks Abraham for what he gave him, declines the coat he would kindly + lend him to keep out the chill, seeks the presence of his mistress (she + has become more reconciled), says, "God bless 'um!" bids her good night, + and sallies forth. + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Rosebrook listens to the recital of the melancholy scene with + astonishment and awe. "How death grapples for us!" she exclaims, her soft, + soul-beaming eyes glaring with surprise. "How it cuts its way with edge + unseen. Be calm, be calm, Franconia; you have nobly done your part,—nobly! + Whatever the pecuniary misfortunes,—whatever the secret cause of his + downfall, you have played the woman to the very end. You have illustrated + the purest of true affection; would it had repaid you better. Before + daylight-negroes are, in consequence of their superstition, unwilling to + remove the dead at midnight-I will have the body removed here,—buried + from my house." The good woman did not disclose to Franconia that her + husband was from home, making an effort to purchase Harry's wife and + children from their present owner. But she will do all she can,—the + best can do no more. + </p> + <p> + At the gaol a different scene is presented. Harry, alone with the dead + man, waits Daddy's return. Each tap of the bell awakes a new hope, soon to + be disappointed. The clock strikes eleven: no Daddy returns. The gates are + shut: Harry must wile away the night, in this tomb-like abode, with the + dead. What stillness pervades the cell; how mournfully calm in death + sleeps the departed! The watcher has read himself to sleep; his taper, + like life on its way, has nearly shed out its pale light; the hot breath + of summer breathes balmy through the lattice bars; mosquitoes sing their + torturous tunes while seeking for the dead man's blood; lizards, with + diamond eyes, crawl upon the wall, waiting their ration: but death, less + inexorable than creditors, sits pale king over all. The palace and the + cell are alike to him; the sharp edge of his unseen sword spares neither + the king in his purple robe, nor the starving beggar who seeks a crust at + his palace gate,—of all places the worst. + </p> + <p> + As morning dawns, and soft fleeting clouds tinge the heavens with light, + four negroes may be seen sitting at the prison gate, a litter by their + side, now and then casting silent glances upward, as if contemplating the + sombre wall that frowns above their heads, enclosing the prison. The + guard, armed to the teeth, have passed and repassed them, challenged and + received their answer, and as often examined their passes. They-the + negroes-have come for a dead man. Guardmen get no fees of dead men,—the + law has no more demands to serve: they wish the boys much joy with their + booty, and pass on. + </p> + <p> + Six o'clock arrives; the first bell rings; locks, bolts, and bars clank in + ungrateful medley; rumbling voices are heard within the hollow-sounding + aisles; whispers from above chime ominously with the dull shuffle rumbling + from below. "Seven more cases,—how it rages!" grumbles a monotonous + voice, and the gate opens at the warden's touch. "Who's here?" he demands, + with stern countenance unchanged, as he shrugs his formidable shoulders. + "I see, (he continues, quickly), you have come for the dead debtor. Glad + of it, my good fellow; this is the place to make dead men of debtors. + Brought an order, I s'pose?" Saying "follow me," he turns about, hastens + to the vestibule, receives the order from the hand of Duncan, the chief + negro, reads it with grave attention, supposes it is all straight, and is + about to show him the cell where the body lays, and which he is only too + glad to release. "Hold a moment!" Mr. Winterflint—such is his name—says. + Heaven knows he wants to get rid of the dead debtor; but the laws are so + curious, creditors are so obdurate, and sheriffs have such a crooked way + of doing straight things, that he is in the very bad position of not + knowing what to do. Some document from the sheriff may be necessary; + perhaps the creditors must agree to the compromise. He forgets that + inexorable Death, as he is vulgarly styled, has forced a compromise: + creditors must now credit "by decease." Upon this point, however, he must + be satisfied by his superior. He now wishes Mr. Brien Moon would evince + more exactness in holding inquests, and less anxiety for the fees. Mr. + Winterflint depends not on his own decisions, where the laws relating to + debtors are so absurdly mystical. "Rest here, boy," he says; "I won't be a + minute or two,—must do the thing straight." He seeks the presence of + that extremely high functionary, the gaoler (high indeed wherever slavery + rules), who, having weighed the points with great legal impartiality, + gives it as his most distinguished opinion that no order of release from + the high sheriff is requisite to satisfy the creditors of his death: take + care of the order sent, and make a note of the niggers who take him away, + concludes that highly important gentleman, as comfortably his head + reclines on soft pillow. To this end was Mr. Moon's certificate essential. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Winterflint returns; enquires who owns the boys. + </p> + <p> + "Mas'r Rosebrook's niggers," Duncan replies, firmly; "but Missus send da + order." + </p> + <p> + "Sure of that, now? Good niggers them of Rosebrook's: wouldn't a' gin it + to nobody else's niggers. Follow me-zist, zist!" he says, crooking his + finger at the other three, and scowling, as Duncan relieves their timidity + by advancing. They move slowly and noiselessly up the aisle, the humid + atmosphere of which, pregnant with death, sickens as it steals into the + very blood. "In there-zist! make no noise; the dead debtor lies there," + whispers the warden, laying his left hand upon Duncan's shoulder, and, the + forefinger of his right extended, pointing toward the last cell on the + left. "Door's open; not locked, I meant. Left it unsecured last night. Rap + afore ye go in, though." At the methodical warden's bidding Duncan + proceeds, his foot falling lightly on the floor. Reaching the door, he + places his right hand on the swinging bolt, and for a few seconds seems + listening. He hears the muffled sound of a footfall pacing the floor, and + then a muttering as of voices in secret communion, or dying echoes from + the tomb. He has not mistaken the cell; its crevices give forth odours + pergnant of proof. Two successive raps bring Harry to the door: they are + admitted to the presence of the dead. One by one Harry receives them by + the hand, but he must needs be told why Daddy is not with them. They know + not. He ate a morsel, and left late last night, says one of the negroes. + Harry is astonished at this singular intelligence: Daddy Bob never before + was known to commit an act of unfaithfulness; he was true to Marston in + life,—strange that he should desert him in death. "Mas'r's death-bed + wasn't much at last," says Duncan, as they gather round the cot, and, with + curious faces, mingle their more curious remarks. Harry draws back the + white handkerchief which Franconia had spread over the face of the corpse, + as the negroes start back affrighted. As of nervous contortion, the + ghastly face presents an awful picture. Swollen, discoloured, and + contracted, no one outline of that once cheerful countenance can be + traced. "Don't look much like Mas'r Marston used to look; times must a' + changed mightily since he used to look so happy at home," mutters Duncan, + shaking his head, and telling the others not to be "fear'd; dead men can't + hurt nobody." + </p> + <p> + "Died penniless;—but e' war good on e' own plantation," rejoins + another. "One ting be sartin 'bout nigger-he know how he die wen 'e time + cum; Mas'r don know how 'e gwine to die!" + </p> + <p> + Having seen enough of the melancholy finale, they spread the litter in the + aisle, as the warden enters the cell to facilitate the dead debtor's exit. + Harry again covers the face, and prepares to roll the body in a coverlit + brought by Duncan. "I kind of liked him-he was so gentlemanly-has been + with us so long, and did'nt seem like a prisoner. He was very quiet, and + always civil when spoken to," interposes the warden, as, assisting the + second shrouding, he presses the hand of the corpse in his own. + </p> + <p> + Now he is ready; they place his cold body on the litter; a few listless + prisoners stand their sickly figures along the passage, watch him slowly + borne to the iron gate in the arched vault. Death-less inexorable than + creditors-has signed his release, thrown back prison bolts and bars, + wrested him from the grasp of human laws, and now mocks at creditors, + annuls fi fas, bids the dead debtor make his exit. Death pays no gaol + fees; it makes that bequest to creditors; but it reserves the keys of + heaven for another purpose. "One ration less," says the warden, who, + closing the grated door, casts a lingering look after the humble + procession, bearing away the remains of our departed. + </p> + <p> + With Harry as the only follower, they proceed along, through suburban + streets, and soon reach the house of that generous woman. A minister of + the gospel awaits his coming; the good man's words are consoling, but he + cannot remodel the past for the advantage of the dead. Soon the body is + placed in a "ready-made coffin," and the good man offers up the last + funeral rites; he can do no more than invoke the great protector to + receive the departed into his bosom. + </p> + <p> + "How the troubles of this world rise up before me! Oh! uncle! uncle! how I + could part with the world and bury my troubles in the same grave!" + exclaims Franconia, as, the ceremony having ended, they bear the body away + to its last resting-place; and, in a paroxysm of grief, she shrieks and + falls swooning to the floor. + </p> + <p> + In a neatly inclosed plat, a short distance from the Rosebrook Villa, and + near the bank of a meandering rivulet, overhung with mourning willows and + clustering vines, they lay him to rest. The world gave the fallen man + nothing but a prison-cell wherein to stretch his dying body; a woman gives + him a sequestered grave, and nature spreads it with her loveliest + offering. It is the last resting-place of the Rosebrook family, which + their negroes, partaking of that contentment so characteristic of the + family, have planted with flowers they nurture with tenderest care. There + is something touching in the calm beauty of the spot; something breathing + of rural contentment. It is something to be buried in a pretty grave-to be + mourned by a slave-to be loved by the untutored. How abject the slave, and + yet how true his affection! how dear his requiem over a departed friend! + "God bless master-receive his spirit!" is heard mingling with the music of + the gentle breeze, as Harry, sitting at the head of the grave, looks + upward to heaven, while earth covers from sight the mortal relics of a + once kind master. + </p> + <p> + It has been a day of sadness at the villa-a day of mourning and + tribulation. How different the scene in the city! There, men whisper + strange regrets. Sympathy is let loose, and is expanding itself to an + unusual degree. Who was there that did not know Marston's generous, + gushing soul! Who was there that would not have stretched forth the + helping hand, had they known his truly abject condition! Who that was not, + and had not been twenty times, on the very brink of wresting him from the + useless tyranny of his obdurate creditors! Who that had not waited from + day to day, with purse-strings open, ready to pour forth the unmistakeable + tokens of friendship! How many were only restrained from doing good-from + giving vent to the fountains of their hospitality-through fear of being + contaminated with that scandal rumour had thrown around his decline! Over + his death hath sprung to life that curious fabric of living generosity, so + ready to bespread a grave with unneeded bounties,—so emblematic of + how many false mourners hath the dead. But Graspum would have all such + expressions shrink beneath his glowing goodness. With honied words he + tells the tale of his own honesty: his business intercourse with the + deceased was in character most generous. Many a good turn did Marston + receive at his hands; long had he been his faithful and unwearied friend. + Fierce are the words with which he would execrate the tyrant creditors; + yea, he would heap condign punishment on their obdurate heads. Time after + time did he tell them the fallen man was penniless; how strange, then, + that they tortured him to death within prison walls. He would sweep away + such vengeance, bury it with his curses, and make obsolete such laws as + give one man power to gratify his passion on another. His burning, surging + anger can find no relief; nor can he tolerate such antiquated debtor laws: + to him they are the very essence of barbarism, tainting that enlightened + civilisation so long implanted by the State, so well maintained by the + people. It is on those ennobling virtues of state, he says, the cherished + doctrines of our democracy are founded. Graspum is, indeed, a + well-developed type of our modern democracy, the flimsy fabric of which is + well represented in the gasconade of the above outpouring philanthropy. + </p> + <p> + And now, as again the crimson clouds of evening soften into golden hues-as + the sun, like a fiery chariot, sinks beneath the western landscape, and + still night spreads her shadowy mantle down the distant hills, and over + the broad lagoon to the north-two sable figures may be seen patting, + sodding, and bespreading with fresh-plucked flowers the new grave. As the + rippling brook gives out its silvery music, and earth seems drinking of + the misty dew, that, like a bridal veil, spreads over its verdant + hillocks, they whisper their requiem of regret, and mould the grave so + carefully. "It's mas'r's last," says one, smoothing the cone with his + hands. + </p> + <p> + "We will plant the tree now," returns the other, bringing forward a young + clustering pine, which he places at the head of the grave, and on which he + cuts the significant epitaph-"Good master lies here!" + </p> + <p> + Duncan and Harry have paid their last tribute. "He is at peace with this + world," says the latter, as, at the gate, he turns to take a last look + over the paling. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0039" id="link2HCH0039"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXXIX. — HOW WE SHOULD ALL BE FORGIVING. + </h2> + <p> + LET us forget the scenes of the foregoing chapters, and turn to something + of pleasanter hue. In the meantime, let us freely acknowledge that we live + in a land-our democratic south, we mean-where sumptuous living and abject + misery present their boldest outlines,—where the ignorance of the + many is excused by the polished education of a very few,—where + autocracy sways its lash with bitterest absolutism,—where menial + life lies prostrate at the feet of injustice, and despairingly appeals to + heaven for succour,—where feasts and funerals rival each other,—and + when pestilence, like a glutton, sends its victims to the graveyard most, + the ball-room glitters brightest with its galaxy. Even here, where clamour + cries aloud for popular government, men's souls are most crushed-not with + legal right, but by popular will! And yet, from out all this incongruous + substance, there seems a genial spirit working itself upon the surface, + and making good its influence; and it is to that influence we should award + the credit due. That genial spirit is the good master's protection; we + would it were wider exercised for the good of all. But we must return to + our narrative. + </p> + <p> + The Rosebrook Villa has assumed its usual cheerfulness; but while + pestilence makes sad havoc among the inhabitants of the city, gaiety is + equally rampant. In a word, even the many funeral trains which pass along + every day begin to wear a sort of cheerfulness, in consequence of which, + it is rumoured, the aristocracy-we mean those who have money to spend-have + made up their minds not to depart for the springs yet awhile. As for + Franconia, finding she could no longer endure M'Carstrow's dissolute + habits, and having been told by that very distinguished gentleman, but + unamiable husband, that he despised the whole tribe of her poor relations, + she has retired to private boarding, where, with the five dollars a week, + he, in the outpouring of his southern generosity, allows her, she subsists + plainly but comfortably. It is, indeed, a paltry pittance, which the + M'Carstrow family will excuse to the public with the greatness of their + name. + </p> + <p> + Harry has returned to the plantation, where the people have smothered him + in a new suit of black. Already has he preached three sermons in it, which + said sermons are declared wonderful proofs of his biblical knowledge. Even + Daddy Daniel, who expended fourteen picayunes in a new pair of spectacles, + with which to hear the new parson more distinctly, pronounces the + preaching prodigious. He is vehement in his exultation, lavishes his + praise without stint; and as his black face glows with happiness, thanks + missus for her great goodness in thus providing for their spiritual + welfare. The Rosebrook "niggers" were always extremely respectable and + well ordered in their moral condition; but now they seem invested with a + new impulse for working out their own good; and by the advice of missus, + whom every sable son and daughter loves most dearly, Daddy Daniel has + arranged a system of evening prayer meetings, which will be held in the + little church, twice a week. And, too, there prevails a strong desire for + an evening gathering now and then, at which the young shiners may be + instructed how to grow. A curiously democratic law, however, offers a + fierce impediment to this; and Daddy Daniel shakes his head, and aunt + Peggy makes a belligerent muttering when told such gatherings cannot take + place without endangering the state's rights. It is, nevertheless, decided + that Kate, and Nan, and Dorothy, and Webster, and Clay, and such like + young folks, may go to "settings up" and funerals, but strictly abstain + from all fandangoes. Dad Daniel and his brother deacons cannot countenance + such fiddling and dancing, such break-downs, and shoutings, and whirlings, + and flouncing and frilling, and gay ribboning, as generally make up the + evening's merriment at these fandangoes, so prevalent on neighbouring + plantations about Christmas time. "Da don' mount to no good!" Daniel says, + with a broad guffaw. "Nigger what spect t' git hi' way up in da world bes + lef dem tings." And so one or two more screws are to be worked up for the + better regulation of the machinery of the plantation. As for Master + Rosebrook-why, he wouldn't sell a nigger for a world of money; and he + doesn't care how much they learn; the more the better, provided they learn + on the sly. They are all to be freed at a certain time, and although + freedom is sweet, without learning they might make bad use of it. But + master has had a noble object in view for some days past, and which, after + encountering many difficulties, he has succeeded in carrying out to the + great joy of all parties concerned. + </p> + <p> + One day, as the people were all busily engaged on the plantation, + Bradshaw's familiar figure presents itself at the house, and demands to + see Harry. He has great good news, but don't want to tell him "nofin" till + he arrives at the Villa. "Ah, good man" (Bradshaw's face beams good + tidings, as he approaches Harry, and delivers a note) "mas'r specs ye down + da' wid no time loss." Bradshaw rubs his hands, and grins, and bows, his + face seeming two shades blacker than ever, but no less cheerful. + </p> + <p> + "Master wants me to preach somewhere, next Sunday,—I know he does," + says Harry, reading the note, which requests him to come immediately into + the city. He will prepare to obey the summons, Dan and Sprat meanwhile + taking good care of the horse and carriage, while Bradshaw makes a + friendly visit to a few of the more distinguished cabins, and says "how + de" to venerable aunties, who spread their best fare before him, and, with + grave ceremony, invite him in to refresh before taking his return journey + into the city; and Maum Betsy packs up six of her real smart made sweet + cakes for the parson and Bradshaw to eat along the road. Betsy is in a + strange state of bewilderment to know why master wants to take the new + parson away just now, when he's so happy, and is only satisfied when + assured that he will be safely returned to-morrow. A signal is made for + Dad Daniel, who hastens to the cabin in time to see everything properly + arranged for the parson's departure, and say: "God bless 'um,—good + by!" + </p> + <p> + "Now, what can master want with me?" enquires Harry, as, on the road, they + roll away towards the city. + </p> + <p> + Bradshaw cracks his whip, and with a significant smile looks Harry in the + face, and returns: "Don' ax dis child no mo' sich question. Old mas'r and + me neber break secret. Tell ye dis, do'h! Old mas'r do good ting, sartin." + </p> + <p> + "You know, but won't tell me, eh?" rejoins Harry, his manly face wearing a + solicitous look. Bradshaw shakes his head, and adds a cunning wink in + reply. + </p> + <p> + It is three o'clock when they arrive at the Villa, where, without reserve, + missus extends her hand, and gives him a cordial welcome,—tells him + Franconia has been waiting to see him with great patience, and has got a + present for him. Franconia comes rushing into the hall, and is so glad to + see him; but her countenance wears an air of sadness, which does not + escape his notice-she is not the beautiful creature she was years ago, + care has sadly worn upon those rounded features. But master is there, and + he looks happy and cheerful; and there is something about the house + servants, as they gather round him to have their say, which looks of + suspiciously good omen. He cannot divine what it is; his first suspicions + being aroused by missus saying Franconia had been waiting to see him. + </p> + <p> + "We must not call him Harry any longer-it doesn't become his profession: + now that he is Elder of my plantation flock, he must, from this time, be + called Elder!" says Rosebrook, touching him on the arm with the right + hand. And the two ladies joined in, that it must be so. "Go into the + parlour, ladies; I must say a word or two to the Elder," continued + Rosebrook, taking Harry by the arm, and pacing through the hall into the + conservatory at the back of the house. Here, after ordering Harry to be + seated, he recounts his plan of emancipation, which, so far, has worked + admirably, and, at the time proposed, will, without doubt or danger, + produce the hoped-for result. "You, my good man," he says, "can be a + useful instrument in furthering my ends; I want you to be that + instrument!" His negroes have all an interest in their labour, which + interest is preserved for them in missus's savings-bank; and at a given + time they are to have their freedom, but to remain on the plantation if + they choose, at a stipulated rate of wages. Indeed, so strongly impressed + with the good results of his proposed system is Rosebrook, that he long + since scouted that contemptible fallacy, which must have had its origin in + the very dregs of selfishness, that the two races can only live in + proximity by one enslaving the other. Justice to each other, he holds, + will solve the problem of their living together; but, between the + oppressor and the oppressed, a volcano that may at any day send forth its + devouring flame, smoulders. Rosebrook knows goodness always deserves its + reward; and Harry assures him he never will violate the trust. Having said + thus much, he rises from his chair, takes Harry by the arm, and leading + him to the door of the conservatory, points him to a passage leading to + the right, and says: "In there!-proceed into that passage, enter a door, + first door on the left, and then you will find something you may consider + your own." + </p> + <p> + Harry hesitated for a moment, watched master's countenance doubtingly, as + if questioning the singular command. + </p> + <p> + "Fear not! nobody will hurt you," continues Rosebrook. + </p> + <p> + "Master never had a bad intention," thinks Harry; "I know he would not + harm me; and then missus is so good." Slowly and nervously he proceeds, + and on reaching the door hears a familiar "come in" answering his nervous + rap. The door opened into a neat little room, with carpet and chairs, a + mahogany bureau and prints, all so neatly arranged, and wearing such an + air of cleanliness. No sooner has he advanced beyond the threshold than + the emaciated figure of a black sister vaults into his arms, crying, "Oh + Harry! Harry! Harry!-my dear husband!" She throws her arms about his neck, + and kisses, and kisses him, and buries her tears of joy in his bosom. How + she pours out her soul's love!-how, in rapturous embraces, her black + impulses give out the purest affection! + </p> + <p> + "And you!-you!-you!-my own dear Jane! Is it you? Has God commanded us to + meet once more, to be happy once more, to live as heaven hath ordained us + to live?" he returns, as fervently and affectionately he holds her in his + arms, and returns her token of love. "Never! never! I forget you, never! + By night and by day I have prayed the protecting hand of Providence to + guide you through life's trials. How my heart has yearned to meet you in + heaven! happy am I we have met once more on earth; yea, my soul leaps with + joy. Forgive them, Father, forgive them who separate us on earth, for + heaven makes the anointed!" And while they embrace thus fondly, their + tears mingling with joy, children, recognising a returned father as he + entered the door, are clinging at his feet beseechingly. He is their + father;—how like children they love! "Sam, Sue, and Beckie, too!" he + says, as one by one he takes them in his arms and kisses them. But there + are two more, sombre and strange. He had caught the fourth in his arms, + unconsciously. "Ah, Jane!" he exclaims, turning toward her, his face + filled with grief and chagrin, "they are not of me, Jane!" He still holds + the little innocent by the hand, as nervously he waits her reply. It is + not guilt, but shame, with which she returns an answer. + </p> + <p> + "It was not my sin, Harry! It was him that forced me to live with another,—that + lashed me when I refused, and, bleeding, made me obey the will," she + returns, looking at him imploringly. Virtue is weaker than the lash; none + feel it more than the slave. She loved Harry, she followed him with her + thoughts; but it was the Christian that reduced her to the level of the + brute. Laying her coloured hand upon his shoulder, she besought his + forgiveness, as God was forgiving. + </p> + <p> + "Why should I not forgive thee, Jane? I would not chide thee, for no sin + is on thy garments. Injustice gave master the right to sell thee, to make + of thee what he pleased. Heaven made thy soul purest,—man thy body + an outcast for the unrighteous to feast upon. How could I withhold + forgiveness, Jane? I will be a father to them, a husband to thee; for what + thou hast been compelled to do is right, in the land we live in." So + saying, he again embraces her, wipes the tears from her eyes, and comforts + her. How sweet is forgiveness! It freshens like the dew of morning on the + drooping plant; it strengthens the weary spirit, it steals into the + desponding soul, and wakes to life new hopes of bliss,—to the slave + it is sweet indeed! + </p> + <p> + "I will kiss them, too," he ejaculates, taking them in his arms with the + embrace of a fond father,—which simple expression of love they + return with prattling. They know not the trials of their parents; how + blessed to know them not! + </p> + <p> + And now they gather the children around them, and seat themselves on a + little settee near the window, where Harry, overjoyed at meeting his dear + ones once more, fondles them and listens to Jane, as with her left arm + round his neck she discloses the sad tale of her tribulation. Let us beg + the reader to excuse the recital; there is nothing fascinating in it, nor + would we call forth the modest blushes of our generous south. A few words + of the woman's story, however, we cannot omit; and we trust the forgiving + will pardon their insertion. She tells Harry she was not separated from + her children; but that Romescos, having well considered her worth, sold + her with her "young uns" to the Rev. Peter—, who had a small + plantation down in Christ's Parish. The reverend gentleman, being born and + educated to the degrading socialities of democratic states, always says he + is not to blame for "using" the rights the law gives him; nor does he + forget to express sundry regrets that he cannot see as preachers at the + north see. As for money, he thinks preachers have just as good a right to + get it as gentlemen of any other honourable profession. Now and then he + preaches to niggers; and for telling them how they must live in the fear + of the Lord, be obedient to their master, and pay for redemption by the + sweat of their brows, he adds to his pile of coin. But he is strongly of + the opinion that niggers are inferior "brutes" of the human species, and + in furtherance of this opinion (so popular in the whole south) he expects + them to live a week on a peck of corn. As for Jane-we must excuse the + reverend gentleman, because of his faith in southern principles-he + compelled her to live with the man Absalom ere she had been two days on + his plantation, and by the same Absalom she had two children, which + materially increased the cash value of the Reverend Peter—'s slave + property. Indeed, so well is the reverend gentleman known for his foul + play, that it has been thrown up to him in open court-by wicked planters + who never had the fear of God before their eyes-that he more than half + starved his niggers, and charged them toll for grinding their corn in his + mill. Though the Reverend Peter —never failed to assure his friends + and acquaintances of his generosity (a noble quality which had long been + worthily maintained by the ancient family to which he belonged), the light + of one generous act had never found its way to the public. In truth, so + elastically did his reverend conscientiousness expand when he learned the + strange motive which prompted Rosebrook to purchase Jane and her little + ones, that he sorely regretted he had not put two hundred dollars more on + the price of the lot. Fortunately Jane was much worn down by grief and + toil, and was viewed by the reverend gentleman as a piece of property he + would rather like to dispose of to the best advantage, lest she should + suddenly make a void in his dollars and cents by sliding into some out of + the way grave-yard. But Rosebrook, duly appreciating the unchristian + qualities of our worthy one's generosity, kept his motive a profound + secret until the negociation was completed. Now that it had become known + that the Reverend Peter—(who dresses in blackest black, most + sanctimoniously cut, whitest neckcloth wedded to his holy neck, and face + so simply serious) assures Rosebrook he has got good people,—they + are valuably promising-he will pray for them, that the future may prosper + their wayfaring. He cannot, however, part with the good man without + admonishing him how dangerous it is to give unto "niggers" the advantage + of a superior position. + </p> + <p> + Reader, let us hope the clergy of the south will take heed lest by + permitting their brethren to be sold and stolen in this manner they bring + the profession into contempt. Let us hope the southern church will not + much longer continue to bring pure Christianity into disgrace by serving + ends so vile that heaven and earth frowns upon them; for false is the + voice raised in sanctimony to heaven for power to make a footstool of a + fallen race! + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0040" id="link2HCH0040"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XL. — CONTAINING VARIOUS MATTERS. + </h2> + <p> + GREAT regularity prevails on the Rosebrook plantation, and cheering are + the prospects held out to those who toil thereon. Mrs. Rosebrook has + dressed Jane (Harry's wife) in a nice new calico, which, with her feet + encased in shining calf-skin shoes, and her head done up in a bandana, + with spots of great brightness, shows her lean figure to good advantage. + Like a good wife, happy with her own dear husband, she pours forth the + emotions of a grateful heart, and feels that the world-not so bad after + all-has something good in store for her. And then Harry looks even better + than he did on Master Marston's plantation; and, with their little + ones-sable types of their parents-dressed so neatly, they must be happy. + And now that they are duly installed at the plantation, where Harry + pursues his duties as father of the flock, and Jane lends her cheering + voice and helping hand to make comfort in the various cabins complete-and + with Dad Daniel's assurance that the people won't go astray-we must leave + them for a time, and beg the reader's indulgence while following us + through another phase of the children's history. + </p> + <p> + A slave is but a slave—an article subject to all the fluctuations of + trade—a mere item in the scale of traffic, and reduced to serving + the ends of avarice or licentiousness. This is a consequence inseparable + from his sale. It matters not whether the blood of the noblest patriot + course in his veins, his hair be of flaxen brightness, his eyes of azure + blue, his skin of Norman whiteness, and his features classic,—he can + be no more than a slave, and as such must yield to the debasing influences + of an institution that crushes and curses wherever it exists. In proof of + this, we find the bright eyes of our little Annette, glowing with + kindliest love, failing to thaw the frozen souls of man-dealers. Nay, + bright eyes only lend their aid to the law that debases her life. She has + become valuable only as a finely and delicately developed woman, whose + appearance in the market will produce sharp bidding, and a deal of dollars + and cents. Graspum never lost an opportunity of trimming up these nice + pieces of female property, making the money invested in them turn the + largest premium, and satisfying his customers that, so far as dealing in + the brightest kind of fancy stock was concerned, he is not a jot behind + the most careful selecter in the Charleston market. Major John Bowling—who + is very distinguished, having descended from the very ancient family of + that name, and is highly thought of by the aristocracy—has made the + selection of such merchandise his particular branch of study for more than + fourteen years. In consequence of the major's supposed taste, his pen was + hitherto most frequented by gentlemen and connoisseur; but now Graspum + assures all respectable people, gentlemen of acknowledged taste, and young + men who are cultivating their way up in the world, that his selections are + second to none; of this he will produce sufficient proof, provided + customers will make him a call and look into the area of his fold. The + fold itself is most uninviting (it is, he assures us, owing to his + determination to carry out the faith of his plain democracy); + nevertheless, it contains the white, beautiful, and voluptuous,—all + for sale. In fact—the truth must be told—Mr. Graspum assures + the world that he firmly believes there is a sort of human nature extant—he + is troubled sometimes to know just where the line breaks off—which + never by any possibility could have been intended for any thing but the + other to traffic in-to turn into the most dollars and cents. In proof of + this principle he kept Annette until she had well nigh merged into + womanhood, or until such time as she became a choice marketable article, + with eyes worth so much; nose, mouth, so much; pretty auburn hair, worth + so much; and fine rounded figure—with all its fascinating + appurtenances—worth so much;—the whole amounting to so much; + to be sold for so much, the nice little profit being chalked down on the + credit side of his formidable ledger, in which stands recorded against his + little soul (he knows will get to heaven) the sale of ten thousand black + souls, which will shine in brightness when his is refused admittance to + the portal above. + </p> + <p> + Having arrived at the point most marketable, he sells her to Mr. Gurdoin + Choicewest, who pays no less a sum than sixteen hundred dollars in hard + cash for the unyielding beauty-money advanced to him by his dear papa, who + had no objection to his having a pretty coloured girl, provided Madam + Choicewest-most indulgent mother she was, too-gave her consent; and she + said she was willing, provided-; and now, notwithstanding she was his own, + insisted on the preservation of her virtue, or death. Awful dilemma, this! + To lash her will be useless; and the few kicks she has already received + have not yet begun to thaw her frozen determination. Such an unyielding + thing is quite useless for the purpose for which young Choicewest + purchased her. What must be done with her? The older Choicewest is + consulted, and gives it as his decided opinion that there is one of two + things the younger Choicewest must do with this dear piece of property he + has so unfortunately got on his hands,—he must sell her, or tie her + up every day and pump her with cold water, say fifteen minutes at a time. + Pumping niggers, the elder Mr. Choicewest remarks, with the coolness of an + Austrian diplomatist, has a wondrous effect upon them; "it makes 'em give + in when nothing else will." He once had four prime fellows, who, in + stubbornness, seemed a match for Mr. Beelzebub himself. He lashed them, + and he burned them, and he clipped their ears; and then he stretched them + on planks, thinking they would cry "give in" afore the sockets of their + joints were drawn out; but it was all to no purpose, they were as + unyielding as granite. + </p> + <p> + About that time there was a celebrated manager of negroes keeping the + prison. This clever functionary had a peculiar way of bringing the + stubbornness out of them; so he consigned the four unbending rascals to + his skill. And this very valuable and very skilful gaol-keeper had a large + window in his establishment, with iron bars running perpendicular; to the + inside of which he would strap the four stubborn rascals, with their faces + scientifically arranged between the bars, to prevent the moving of a + muscle. Thus caged, their black heads bound to the grating, the scientific + gaoler, who was something of a humourist withal, would enjoy a nice bit of + fun at seeing the more favoured prisoners (with his kind permission) + exercise their dexterity in throwing peas at the faces of the bounden. How + he would laugh-how the pea-punishing prisoners would enjoy it-how the fast + bound niggers, foaming with rage and maddened to desperation, would + bellow, as their very eyeballs darted fire and blood! What grand fun it + was! bull-baiting sank into a mere shadow beside it. The former was + measuredly passive, because the bull only roared, and pitched, and tossed; + whereas here the sport was made more exhilarating by expressions of + vengeance or implorings. And then, as a change of pastime, the skilful + gaoler would demand a cessation of the pea hostilities, and enjoin the + commencement of the water war; which said war was carried out by supplying + about a dozen prisoners with as many buckets, which they would fill with + great alacrity, and, in succession, throw the contents with great force + over the unyielding, from the outside. The effect of this on naked men, + bound with chains to iron bars, may be imagined; but the older Choicewest + declares it was a cure. It brought steel out of the "rascals," and made + them as submissive as shoe-strings. Sometimes the jolly prisoners would + make the bath so strong, that the niggers would seem completely drowned + when released; but then they'd soon come to with a jolly good rolling, a + little hartshorn applied to their nostrils, and the like of that. About a + dozen times putting through the pea and water process cured them. + </p> + <p> + So says the very respectable Mr. Choicewest, with great dignity of + manners, as he seriously advises the younger Choicewest to try a little + quantity of the same sort on his now useless female purchase. Lady + Choicewest must, however, be consulted on this point, as she is very + particular about the mode in which all females about her establishment are + chastised. Indeed, Lady Choicewest is much concerned about the only male, + heir of the family, to whom she looks forward for very distinguished + results to the family name. The family (Lady Choicewest always assures + those whom she graciously condescends to admit into the fashionable + precincts of her small but very select circle), descended from the very + ancient and chivalric house of that name, whose celebrated estate was in + Warwickshire, England; and, in proof of this, my Lady Choicewest + invariably points to a sad daub, illustrative of some incomprehensible + object, suspended over the antique mantelpiece. With methodical grace, and + dignity which frowns with superlative contempt upon every thing very + vulgar—for she says "she sublimely detests them very low creatures + what are never brought up to manners at the north, and are worse than + haystacks to larn civility"—my lady solicits a near inspection of + this wonderful hieroglyphic, which she tells us is the family arms,—an + ancient and choice bit of art she would not part with for the world. If + her friends evince any want of perception in tracing the many deeds of + valour it heralds, on behalf of the noble family of which she is an + undisputed descendant, my lady will at once enter upon the task of + instruction; and with the beautiful fore-finger of her right hand, always + jewelled with great brilliancy, will she satisfactorily enlighten the + stupid on the fame of the ancient Choicewest family, thereon inscribed. + With no ordinary design on the credulity of her friends, Lady Choicewest + has several times strongly intimated that she was not quite sure that one + or two of her ancestors in the male line of the family were not reigning + dukes as far down as the noble reign of the ignoble Oliver Cromwell! The + question, nevertheless, is whether the honour of the ancient Choicewest + family descended from Mr. or Mrs. Choicewest. The vulgar mass have been + known to say (smilingly) that Lady Choicewest's name was Brown, the father + of which very ancient family sold herrings and small pigs at a little + stand in the market: this, however, was a very long time ago, and, as my + lady is known to be troubled with an exceedingly crooked memory, persons + better acquainted with her are more ready to accept the oblivious excuse. + </p> + <p> + Taking all these things into consideration, my Lady Choicewest is + exceedingly cautious lest young Gourdoin Choicewest should do aught to + dishonour the family name; and on this strange perplexity in which her + much indulged son is placed being referred to her, she gives it as her + most decided opinion that the wench, if as obstinate as described, had + better be sold to the highest bidder-the sooner the better. My lady lays + great emphasis on "the sooner the better." That something will be lost she + has not the slightest doubt; but then it were better to lose a little in + the price of the stubborn wretch, than to have her always creating + disturbance about the genteel premises. In furtherance of this-my lady's + mandate-Annette is sold to Mr. Blackmore Blackett for the nice round sum + of fifteen hundred dollars. Gourdoin Choicewest hates to part with the + beauty, grieves and regrets,—she is so charmingly fascinating. "Must + let her slide, though; critter won't do at all as I wants her to," he + lisps, regretting the serious loss of the dollars. His friend Blackmore + Blackett, however, is a gentleman, and therefore he would not deceive him + in the wench: hence he makes the reduction, because he finds her decidedly + faulty. Had Blackmore Blackett been a regular flesh trader, he would not + have scrupled to take him in. As it is, gentlemen must always be gentlemen + among themselves. Blackett, a gentleman of fortune, who lives at his ease + in the city, and has the very finest taste for female beauty, was left, + most unfortunately, a widower with four lovely daughters, any one of which + may be considered a belle not to be rung by gentlemen of ordinary rank or + vulgar pretension. In fact, the Blackett girls are considered very fine + specimens of beauty, are much admired in society, and expect ere long, on + the clear merit of polish, to rank equal with the first aristocracy of the + place. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Blackmore Blackett esteems himself an extremely lucky fellow in having + so advantageously procured such a nice piece of property,—so suited + to his taste. Her price, when compared with her singularly valuable + charms, is a mere nothing; and, too, all his fashionable friends will + congratulate him upon his good fortune. But as disappointments will come, + so Mr. Blackmore Blackett finds he has got something not quite so valuable + as anticipated; however, being something of a philosopher, he will improve + upon the course pursued by the younger Choicewest: he makes his first + advances with great caution; whispers words of tenderness in her ear; + tells her his happy jewel for life she must be. Remembering her mother, + she turns a deaf ear to Mr. Blackett's pleadings. The very cabin which he + has provided for her in the yard reminds her of that familiar domicile on + Marston's plantation. Neither by soft pleadings, nor threatenings of sale + to plantation life, nor terrors of the lash, can he soften the creature's + sympathies, so that the flesh may succumb. When he whispered soft words + and made fascinating promises, she would shake her head and move from him; + when he threatened, she would plead her abject position; when he resorted + to force, she would struggle with him, making the issue her virtue or + death. Once she paid the penalty of her struggles with a broken wrist, + which she shows us more in sorrow than anger. Annette is beautiful but + delicate; has soft eyes beaming with the fulness of a great soul; but they + were sold, once,—now, sympathy for her is dead. The law gives her no + protection for her virtue; the ruffian may violate it, and Heaven only can + shelter it with forgiveness. As for Blackett, he has no forgiveness in his + temperament,—passion soars highest with him; he would slay with + violent hands the minion who dared oppose its triumph. + </p> + <p> + About this time, Mr. Blackett, much to his surprise, finds a storm of + mischief brewing about his domestic domain. The Miss Blacketts, dashing + beauties, have had it come to their ears over and over again that all the + young men about the city say Annette Mazatlin (as she is now called) is + far more beautiful than any one of the Blacketts. This is quite enough to + kindle the elements of a female war. In the south nothing can spread the + war of jealousy and vanity with such undying rage as comparing slave + beauty with that of the more favoured of the sexes. A firman of the + strongest kind is now issued from the portfolio of the Miss Blacketts, + forbidding the wretched girl entering the house; and storms of abuse are + plentifully and very cheaply lavished on her head, ere she puts it outside + the cabin. She was a nasty, impudent hussy; the very worst of all kind of + creatures to have about a respectable mansion,—enough to shock + respectable people! The worst of it was, that the miserable white nigger + thought she was handsome, and a lot of young, silly-headed men flattered + her vanity by telling the fool she was prettier than the Blacketts + themselves,—so said the very accomplished Miss Blacketts. And if + ever domicile was becoming too warm for man to live in, in consequence of + female indignation, that one was Mr. Blackmore Blackett's. It was not so + much that the father had purchased this beautiful creature to serve + fiendish purposes. Oh no!-that was a thing of every-day occurrence,—something + excusable in any respectable man's family. It was beauty rivalling, fierce + and jealous of its compliments. Again, the wretch-found incorrigible, and + useless for the purpose purchased-is sold. Poor, luckless maiden! she + might add, as she passed through the hands of so many purchasers. This + time, however, she is less valuable from having fractured her left wrist, + deformity being always taken into account when such property is up at the + flesh shambles. But Mr. Blackmore Blackett has a delicacy about putting + her up under the hammer just now, inasmuch as he could not say she was + sold for no fault; while the disfigured wrist might lead to suspicious + remarks concerning his treatment of her. Another extremely unfortunate + circumstance was its getting all about the city that she was a cold, + soulless thing, who declared that sooner than yield to be the abject + wretch men sought to make her, she would die that only death. She had but + one life, and it were better to yield that up virtuously than die + degraded. Graspum, then, is the only safe channel in which to dispose of + the like. That functionary assures Mr. Blackmore Blackett that the girl is + beautiful, delicate, and an exceedingly sweet creature yet! but that + during the four months she has depreciated more than fifty per cent in + value. His remarks may be considered out of place, but they are none the + less true, for it is ascertained, on private examination, that sundry + stripes have been laid about her bare loins. Gurdoin Choicewest declared + to his mother that he never for once had laid violent hands on the + obstinate wench; Mr. Blackmore Blackett stood ready to lay his hand on the + Bible, and lift his eyes to heaven for proof of his innocence; but a + record of the infliction, indelible of blood, remained there to tell its + sad tale,—to shame, if shame had aught in slavery whereon to make + itself known. Notwithstanding this bold denial, it is found that Mr. + Blackmore Blackett did on two occasions strip her and secure her hands and + feet to the bed-post, where he put on "about six at a time," remarkably + "gently." He admired her symmetrical form, her fine, white, soft, smooth + skin-her voluptuous limbs, so beautifully and delicately developed; and + then there was so much gushing sweetness, mingled with grief, in her face, + as she cast her soft glances upon him, and implored him to end her + existence, or save her such shame! Such, he says, laconically, completely + disarmed him, and he only switched her a few times. + </p> + <p> + "She's not worth a dot more than a thousand dollars. I couldn't give it + for her, because I couldn't make it out on her. The fact is, she'll get a + bad name by passing through so many hands-a deuced bad name!" says + Graspum, whose commercial language is politically cold. "And then there's + her broken wrist-doubtful! doubtful! doubtful! what I can do with her. For + a plantation she isn't worth seven coppers, and sempstresses and + housemaids of her kind are looked on suspiciously. It's only with great + nicety of skill ye can work such property to advantage," he continues, + viewing her in one of Mr. Blackmore Blackett's ante-rooms. + </p> + <p> + The upshot of the matter is, that Mr. Blackmore Blackett accepts the + offer, and Graspum, having again taken the damaged property under his + charge, sends it back to his pen. As an offset for the broken wrist, she + has three new dresses, two of which were presented by the younger + Choicewest, and one by the generous Blackmore Blackett. + </p> + <p> + Poor Annette! she leaves for her home in the slave-pen, sad at heart, and + in tears. "My mother! Oh, that I had a mother to love me, to say Annette + so kindly,—to share with me my heart's bitter anguish. How I could + love Nicholas, now that there is no mother to love me!" she mutters as she + sobs, wending her way to that place of earthly torment. How different are + the feelings of the oppressor. He drinks a social glass of wine with his + friend Blackett, lights his cigar most fashionably, bids him a polite good + morning, and intimates that a cheque for the amount of the purchase will + be ready any time he may be pleased to call. And now he wends his way + homeward, little imagining what good fortune awaits him at the pen to + which he has despatched his purchase. + </p> + <p> + Annette has reached the pen, in which she sits, pensively, holding her + bonnet by the strings, the heavy folds of her light auburn hair hanging + dishevelled over her shoulders. Melancholy indeed she is, for she has + passed an ordeal of unholy brutality. Near her sits one Pringle Blowers, a + man of coarse habits, who resides on his rice-plantation, a few miles from + the city, into which he frequently comes, much to the annoyance of quietly + disposed citizens and guardsmen, who are not unfrequently called upon to + preserve the peace he threatens to disturb. Dearly does he love his + legitimate brandy, and dearly does it make him pay for the insane frolics + it incites him to perpetrate, to the profit of certain saloons, and danger + of persons. Madman under the influence of his favourite drink, a strange + pride besets his faculties, which is only appeased with the demolition of + glass and men's faces. For this strange amusement he has become famous and + feared; and as the light of his own besotted countenance makes its + appearance, citizens generally are not inclined to interpose any obstacle + to the exercise of his belligerent propensities. + </p> + <p> + Here he sits, viewing Annette with excited scrutiny. Never before has he + seen anything so pretty, so bright, so fascinating-all clothed with a halo + of modesty-for sale in the market. The nigger is completely absorbed in + the beauty, he mutters to himself: and yet she must be a nigger or she + would not be here. That she is an article of sale, then, there can be no + doubt. "Van, yer the nicest gal I've seen! Reckon how Grasp. paid a tall + shot for ye, eh?" he says, in the exuberance of his fascinated soul. He + will draw nearer to her, toss her undulating hair, playfully, and with + seeming unconsciousness draw his brawny hand across her bosom. "Didn't + mean it!" he exclaims, contorting his broad red face, as she puts out her + hand, presses him from her, and disdains his second attempt. "Pluck, I + reckon! needn't put on mouths, though, when a feller's only quizzin." He + shrugs his great round shoulders, and rolls his wicked eyes. + </p> + <p> + "I am not for you, man!" she interrupts: "I would scorn you, were I not + enslaved," she continues, a curl of contempt on her lip, as her very soul + kindles with grief. Rising quickly from his side she walked across the + pen, and seated herself on the opposite side. Here she casts a frowning + look upon him, as if loathing his very presence. This, Mr. Pringle Blowers + don't altogether like: slaves have no right to look loathingly on white + people. His flushed face glows red with excitement; he runs his brawny + fingers through the tufted mats of short curly hair that stand almost + erect on his head, draws his capacious jaws into a singular angle, and + makes a hideous grimace. + </p> + <p> + The terrified girl has no answer to make; she is a forlorn outcast of + democracy's rule. He takes the black ribbon from round his neck, bares his + bosom more broadly than before, throws the plaid sack in which he is + dressed from off him, and leaping as it were across the room, seizes her + in his arms. "Kisses are cheap, I reckon, and a feller what don't have + enough on 'em 's a fool," he ejaculates, as with a desperate struggle she + bounds from his grasp, seizes the knife from a negro's hand as she passes + him, and is about to plunge the shining steel into her breast. "Oh, + mother, mother!-what have I done?-is not God my Saviour?-has he forsaken + me?-left me a prey to those who seek my life?" + </p> + <p> + "I settle those things," said a voice in the rear, and immediately a hand + grasped her arm, and the knife fell carelessly upon the floor. It was + Graspum; the sudden surprise overcame her; she sank back in his arms, and + swooned. "She swoons,—how limber, how lifeless she seems!" says + Graspum, as with great coolness he calls a negro attendant, orders him to + remove her to the grass plat, and bathe her well with cold water. "A good + dowsing of water is the cure for fainting niggers," he concludes. + </p> + <p> + The black man takes her in his arms, and with great kindness, lays her on + the plat, bathes her temples, loosens her dress, and with his rough hand + manipulates her arms. How soft and silky they seem to his touch! "Him hard + to slave ye, miss," he says, laying his hand upon her temples, gently, as + with commiseration he looks intently on her pallid features. + </p> + <p> + "Now, Blowers," says Graspum, as soon as they are by themselves, "what in + the name of the Gentiles have you been up to?" + </p> + <p> + "Wal-can't say its nothin, a'cos that wouldn't do. But, ye see, the + critter made my mouth water so; there was no standin on't! And I wanted to + be civil, and she wouldn't,—and I went t' fumlin with her hair what + looked so inviting, as there was no resistin on't, and she looked just as + sassy as sixty; and to stun the whole, when I only wanted to kiss them ar' + temptin lips, the fool was going to kill herself. It wasn't how I cared + two buttons about it; but then the feelin just came over me at the time," + he answers, shaking his huge sides, giving Graspum a significant wink, and + laughing heartily. + </p> + <p> + "Never at a loss, I see!" returns the other, nodding his head, + pertinently: "If I didn't know ye, Blowers, that might go down without + sticking." + </p> + <p> + "Ye don't tell where ye raised that critter, eh?" he interrupts, + inquisitively, pointing his thumb over his right shoulder, and crooking + his finger, comically. + </p> + <p> + "Raised her with shiners-lots on 'em!" he rejoins, pushing Mr. Pringle + Blowers in the stomach, playfully, with his forefinger. + </p> + <p> + "Graspum! yer a wicked 'un." + </p> + <p> + "Suit ye, kind 'a-eh, Blowers?" he rejoins, enquiringly, maintaining great + gravity of manner as he watches each change of Blowers' countenance. + </p> + <p> + Blowers laughs in reply. His laugh has something sardonic in it, seeming + more vicious as he opens his great wicked mouth, and displays an ugly row + of coloured teeth. + </p> + <p> + "Sit down, Blowers, sit down!" says Graspum, motioning his hand, with a + studied politeness. The two gentlemen take seats side by side, on a wooden + bench, stretched across the centre of the pen, for negroes to sit upon. + "As I live, Blowers, thar ain't another individual like you in the county. + You can whip a file of common guardsmen, put the Mayor's court through a + course of affronts, frighten all the females out of the fashionable + houses, treat a regiment of volunteers, drink a bar-room dry-" + </p> + <p> + "Compliments thick, long and strong," interposes Blowers, winking and + wiping his mouth. "Can elect half the members of the assembly!" he + concludes. + </p> + <p> + "True! nevertheless," rejoins Graspum, "a great man cannot be + flattered-compliments are his by merit! And the city knows you're a man of + exquisite taste." + </p> + <p> + Blowers interrupts with a loud laugh, as he suggests the propriety of + seeing the "gal get round again." + </p> + <p> + "Not so fast, Blowers; not so fast!" Graspum ejaculates, as Blowers is + about to rise from his seat and follow Annette. + </p> + <p> + "Well, now!" returns Blowers, remaining seated, "Might just as well come + square to the mark,—ye want to sell me that wench?" + </p> + <p> + "Truth's truth!" he replies. "Blowers is the man who's got the gold to do + it." + </p> + <p> + "Name yer price; and no rounding the corners!" exclaims Blowers, his + countenance quickening with animation. He takes Graspum by the arm with + his left hand, turns him half round, and waits for a reply. + </p> + <p> + Seeing it's Blowers, (the keen business man replies, in an off-hand + manner), who's a trump in his way, and don't care for a few dollars, he'll + take seventeen hundred for her, tin down; not a fraction less! He will + have no bantering, inasmuch as his friends all know that he has but one + price for niggers, from which it is no use to seek a discount. Mr. + Blowers, generally a good judge of such articles, would like one more view + at it before fully making up his mind. Graspum calls "Oh, boy!" and the + negro making his appearance, says: "Dat gal 'um all right agin; went mos + asleep, but am right as parched pen now." + </p> + <p> + "Have her coming," he returns, facing Blowers. "Nothing the matter with + that gal," he exclaims, touching his elbow. "It is merely one of her + flimsy fits; she hasn't quite come to maturity." + </p> + <p> + Slowly the negro leads her, weeping (Graspum says they will cry-it's + natural!) into the presence of the far-famed and much-feared Mr. Pringle + Blowers. Her hair hangs carelessly about her neck and shoulders, the open + incision of her dress discloses a neatly worked stomacher; how sweetly + glows the melancholy that broods over her countenance! "I'll take her-I'll + take her!" exclaims Blowers, in spasmodic ecstasy. + </p> + <p> + "I know'd you would; I'll suit you to a charm," rejoins the man of trade, + laconically, as the negro steps a few feet backward, and watches the + process. "Considers it a trade," is the reply of Blowers, as he orders his + waggon to be brought to the door. + </p> + <p> + "Oh! master, master! save me-save me! and let me die in peace. Don't, good + master, don't sell me again!" Thus saying she falls on her knees at + Graspum's feet, and with hands uplifted beseeches him to save her from the + hands of a man whose very sight she loathes. She reads the man's character + in his face; she knows too well the hellish purpose for which he buys her. + Bitter, bitter, are the tears of anguish she sheds at his feet, deep and + piercing are her bemoanings. Again her soft, sorrowing eyes wander in + prayer to heaven: as Graspum is a husband, a brother, and a father,—whose + children are yet in the world's travel of uncertainty, she beseeches him + to save her from that man. + </p> + <p> + "Don't be mad, girl," he says, pushing her hand from him. + </p> + <p> + "Frightened, eh? Make ye love me, yet! Why, gal, ye never had such a + master in the world as I'll be to ye. I lay I makes a lady on ye, and lets + ye have it all yer own way, afore a fortnight," he rejoins, spreading his + brawny arms over her, as she, in an attitude of fright, vaults from + beneath them, and, uttering a faint cry, glides crouching into a corner of + the pen. There is no protection for her now; her weepings and implorings + fall harmless on the slavedealer's ears; heaven will protect her when + earth knows her no more! + </p> + <p> + "There's two can play a game like that, gal!" exclaims Blowers. "Rough + play like that don't do with this ere citizen. Can just take the vixen out + on a dozen on ye as what don't know what's good for 'em." Blowers is + evidently allowing his temper to get the better of him. He stands a few + feet from her, makes grim his florid face, gesticulates his hands, and + daringly advances toward her as the negro announces the arrival of his + waggon. + </p> + <p> + "You must go with him, girl; stop working yourself into a fever; stop it, + I say," interposes Graspum, peremptorily. "The waggon! the waggon! the + waggon! to carry me away, away;—never, never to return and see my + mother?" she exclaims, as well nigh in convulsions she shrieks, when + Blowers grasps her in his arms (Graspum saying, be gentle, Blowers), drags + her to the door, and by force thrusts her into the waggon, stifling her + cries as on the road they drive quickly away. As the last faint wail dies + away, and the vehicle bearing its victim disappears in the distance, we + think how sweet is liberty, how prone to injustice is man, how crushing of + right are democracy's base practices. + </p> + <p> + "Does seem kind of hard; but it's a righteous good sale. Shouldn't wonder + if she played the same game on him she did with t'other two fools. Get her + back then, and sell her over again. Well! come now; there's no great loss + without-some-small-gain!" says Graspum, as, standing his prominent figure + in the door of his man pen, he watches the woman pass out of sight, + thrusts his hands deep into his breeches pockets, and commences humming an + air for his own special amusement. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0041" id="link2HCH0041"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XLI. — NICHOLAS'S SIMPLE STORY. + </h2> + <p> + THE reader will remember that we left Nicholas seeking his way to Mr. + Grabguy's workshop, situated in the outskirts of the city. And we must + here inform him that considerable change in the social position of the + younger Grabguy family has taken place since we left them, which is some + years ago. The elder Grabguy, who, it will be remembered, was very + distinguished as his Worship the Mayor of the City (that also was some + years ago), has departed this life, leaving the present principal of the + Grabguy family a large portion of his estate, which, being mostly of + "nigger property," requires some little transforming before it can be made + to suit his more extended business arrangements. This material addition to + the already well- reputed estate of Mr. Grabguy warrants his admittance + into very respectable, and, some say, rather distinguished society. + Indeed, it is more than whispered, that when the question of admitting Mr. + and Mrs. Grabguy to the membership of a very select circle, the saintly + cognomen of which is as indefinable as its system of selecting members, or + the angles presented by the nasal organs of a few ladies when anything + short of the very first families are proposed, there were seven very + fashionable ladies for, and only three against. The greatest antagonist + the Grabguys have to getting into the embrace of this very select circle + is Mrs. Chief Justice Pimpkins, a matronly body of some fifty summers, who + declares there can be no judge in the world so clever as her own dear + Pimpkins, and that society was becoming so vulgar and coarse, and so many + low people-whose English was as hopefully bad as could be, and who never + spoke when they didn't impugn her risible nerves-were intruding themselves + upon its polished sanctity, that she felt more and more every day the + necessity of withdrawing entirely from it, and enjoying her own + exclusively distinguished self. In the case of Grabguy's admittance to the + St. Cecilia, my Lady Pimpkins-she is commonly called Lady Chief Justice + Pimpkins-had two most formidable black balls; the first because Mrs. + Grabguy's father was a bread-baker, and the second that the present + Grabguy could not be considered a gentleman while he continued in + mechanical business. Another serious objection Mrs. Pimpkins would merely + suggest as a preventive;—such people were ill suited to mix with + titled and other distinguished society! But, Grabguy, to make up for the + vexatious rejection, has got to be an alderman, which is a step upward in + the scale of his father's attained distinction. There is nothing more + natural, then, than that Grabguy should seek his way up in the world, with + the best means at his hands; it is a worthy trait of human nature, and is + as natural to the slave. In this instance-when master and slave are both + incited to a noble purpose-Grabguy is a wealthy alderman, and Nicholas-the + whiter of the two-his abject slave. The master, a man of meagre mind, and + exceedingly avaricious, would make himself distinguished in society; the + slave, a mercurial being of impassioned temper, whose mind is quickened by + a sense of the injustice that robs him of his rights, seeks only freedom + and what may follow in its order. + </p> + <p> + Let us again introduce the reader to Nicholas, as his manly figure, marked + with impressive features, stands before us, in Grabguy's workshop. Tall, + and finely formed, he has grown to manhood, retaining all the quick fiery + impulses of his race. Those black eyes wandering irresistibly, that curl + of contempt that sits upon his lip, that stare of revenge that scowls + beneath those heavy eyebrows, and that hate of wrong that ever and anon + pervades the whole, tell how burns in his heart the elements of a will + that would brave death for its rights-that would bear unmoved the + oppressor's lash-that would embrace death rather than yield to perfidy. He + tells us-"I came here, sold-so they said-by God's will. Well. I thought to + myself, isn't this strange, that a curious God-they tell me he loves + everybody-should sell me? It all seemed like a misty waste to me. I + remembered home-I learned to read, myself-I remembered mother, I loved + her, but she left me, and I have never seen her since. I loved her, dear + mother! I did love her; but they said she was gone far away, and I musn't + mind if I never see'd her again. It seemed hard and strange, but I had to + put up with it, for they said I never had a father, and my mother had no + right to me" (his piercing black eyes glare, as fervently he says, + mother!). "I thought, at last, it was true, for everybody had a right to + call me nigger,—a blasted white nigger, a nigger as wouldn't be + worth nothing. And then they used to kick me, and cuff me, and lash me; + and if nigger was nigger I was worse than a nigger, because every black + nigger was laughing at me, and telling me what a fool of a white nigger I + was;—that white niggers was nobody, could be nobody, and was never + intended for nobody, as nobody knew where white niggers come from. But I + didn't believe all this; it warn't sensible. Something said-Nicholas! + you're just as good as anybody: learn to read, write, and cypher, and + you'll be something yet. And this something-I couldn't tell what it was, + nor could I describe it-seemed irresistible in its power to carry me to be + that somebody it prompted in my feelings. I was white, and when I looked + at myself I knew I wasn't a nigger; and feeling that everybody could be + somebody, I began to look forward to the time when I should rise above the + burden of misfortune that seemed bearing me down into the earth. And then, + Franconia, like a sister, used to come to me, and say so many kind things + to me that I felt relieved, and resolved to go forward. Then I lost sight + of Franconia, and saw nobody I knew but Annette; and she seemed so pretty, + and loved me so affectionately. How long it seems since I have seen her! + She dressed me so nicely, and parted my hair, and kissed me so kindly; and + said good-by, when I left her, so in regret, I never can forget it. And it + was then they said I was sold. Mr. Graspum said he owned me, and owning me + was equal to doing what he pleased with me. Then I went home to Mr. + Grabguy's; and they said Mr. Grabguy owned me just as he owned his great + big dog they called a democratic bull-dog, the foreman said he paid a + democratic ten-dollar gold piece for. They used to say the only difference + between me and the dog was, that the dog could go where he pleased without + being lashed, and I couldn't. And the dog always got enough to eat, and + seemed a great favourite with everybody, whereas I got only more kicks + than cucumbers, didn't seem liked by anybody, and if I got enough to eat I + had nobody to thank but good old Margery, the cook, who was kind to me now + and then, and used to say-"I like you, Nicholas!" And that used to make me + feel so happy! Old Margery was coal-black; but I didn't care for that,—the + knowledge of somebody loving you is enough to light up the happy of life, + and make the heart feel contented. In this manner my thoughts went here + and there and everywhere; and the truth is, I had so many thoughts, that I + got completely bewildered in thinking how I was to better myself, and be + like other folks. Mr. Grabguy seemed kind to me at first,—said he + would make a great mechanic of me, and give me a chance to buy myself. I + didn't know what this "buy myself" meant, at first. But I soon found + out-he tells us he must speak with caution-that I must pay so many hundred + dollars afore I could be like other folks. The kindness Mr. Grabguy at + first exhibited for me didn't last long; he soon began to kick me, and + cuff me, and swear at me. And it 'pear'd to me as if I never could please + anybody, and so my feelings got so embittered I didn't know what to do. I + was put into the shop among the men, and one said Nigger, here! and + another said, Nigger, get there!-and they all seemed not to be inclined to + help me along. And then I would get in a passion: but that never made + things better. The foreman now and then said a kind word to me; and + whenever he did, it made my heart feel so good that I seemed a new being + with brighter hopes. Well, Mr. Grabguy put me to turning the grindstone, + first; and from turning the grindstone-the men used to throw water in my + face when they ground their chisels, and their plane irons, and axes and + adzes-I was learned to saw, and to plain boards, and then to mortice and + frame, and make mouldings, and window-sashes, and door-frames. When I + could do all these, master used to say I was bound to make a great + workman, and, laughingly, would say I was the most valuable property he + ever owned. About this time I began to find out how it was that the other + white folks owned themselves and master owned me; but then, if I said + anything about it, master might tie me up and lash me as he used to do; + and so I remained quiet, but kept up a thinking. By and by I got perfect + at the carpenter's trade, and I learned engineering; and when I had got + engineering perfect, I took a fancy for making stucco work and images. And + people said I learned wondrously fast, and was the best workman far or + near. Seeing these things, people used to be coming to me, and talking to + me about my value, and then end by wanting me to make them specimens of + stucco. I seemed liked by everybody who came to see me, and good people + had a kind word for me; but Mr. Grabguy was very strict, and wouldn't + allow me to do anything without his permission. People said my work was + perfect, and master said I was a perfect piece of property; and it used to + pain deep into my heart when master spoke so. Well! I got to be a man, and + when the foreman got drunk master used to put me in his place. And after a + while I got to be foreman altogether: but I was a slave, they said, and + men wouldn't follow my directions when master was away; they all + acknowledged that I was a good workman, but said a nigger never should be + allowed to direct and order white people. That made my very blood boil, as + I grew older, because I was whiter than many of them. However, submit was + the word; and I bore up and trusted to heaven for deliverance, hoping the + day would come soon when its will would be carried out. With my knowledge + of mechanics increased a love of learning, which almost amounted to a + passion. They said it was against the law for a nigger to read; but I was + raised so far above black niggers that I didn't mind what the law said: so + I got 'Pilgrim's Progress,' and the Bible, and 'Young's Night Thoughts,' + and from them I learned great truths: they gave me new hopes, refreshed my + weary soul, and made me like a new-clothed being ready to soar above the + injustice of this life. Oh, how I read them at night, and re-read them in + the morning, and every time found something new in them, something that + suited my case! Through the sentiments imbibed from them I saw freedom + hanging out its light of love, fascinating me, and inciting me to make a + death struggle to gain it. + </p> + <p> + "One day, as I was thinking of my hard fate, and how I did all the work + and master got all the money for it-and how I had to live and how he + lived, master came in-looking good-natured. He approached me, shook hands + with me, said I was worth my weight in gold; and then asked me how I would + like to be free. I told him I would jump for joy, would sing praises, and + be glad all the day long. + </p> + <p> + "'Aint you contented where you are, Nicholas?' he enquired. I told him I + didn't dislike him; but freedom was sweetest. 'Give me a chance of my + freedom, master, and yet you may know me as a man,' says I, feeling that + to be free was to be among the living; to be a slave was to be among the + moving dead. To this he said, he always had liked me, was proud of me, had + unbounded confidence in my directions over the men, and always felt safe + when he went from home leaving things in my charge. 'In this view of the + case, Nicholas,' he says, 'I have come to the conclusion,—and it's + Mrs. Grabguy's conclusion, too,—to let you work evenings, on + overtime, for yourself. You can earn a deal of money that way, if you + please; just save it up, and let me keep it for you, and in consideration + of your faithfulness I will set you free whenever you get a thousand + dollars to put into my hands. Now that's generous-I want to do the + straight thing, and so Mrs. Grabguy wants to do the straight thing; and + what money you save you can put in Mrs. Grabguy's hands for safe keeping. + She's a noble-minded woman, and 'll take good care of it.' This was to me + like entering upon a new life of hope and joy. How my heart yearned for + the coming day, when I should be free like other folks! I worked and + struggled by night and day; and good Mr. Simons befriended me, and + procured me many little orders, which I executed, and for which I got good + pay. All my own earnings I put into Mrs. Grabguy's hands; and she told me + she would keep it for me, safe, till I got enough to buy my freedom. My + confidence in these assurances was undivided. I looked upon Mrs. Grabguy + as a friend and mother; and good Mr. Simons, who was poor but honest, did + many kind things to help me out. When I got one hundred dollars in missus' + hands I jumped for joy; with it I seemed to have got over the first + difficult step in the great mountain. Then missus said I must take Jerushe + for my wife. I didn't like Jerushe at first—she was almost black; + but missus said we were both slaves; hence, that could be no objection. As + missus's order was equally as positive as master's, there was no + alternative but to obey it, and Jerushe became my wife. We were lawfully + married, and missus made a nice little party for us, and Jerushe loved me, + and was kind to me, and her solicitude for my welfare soon made me repay + her love. I pitied her condition, and she seemed to pity mine; and I soon + forgot that she was black, and we lived happily together, and had two + children, which missus said were hers. It was hard to reconcile this, and + yet it was so, by law as well as social right. But then missus was kind to + Jerushe, and let her buy her time at four dollars a week, which, having + learned to make dresses, she could pay and have a small surplus to lay by + every week. Jerushe knew I was struggling for freedom, and she would help + me to buy that freedom, knowing that, if I was free, I would return her + kindness, and struggle to make her free, and our children free. + </p> + <p> + "Years rolled on,—we had placed nearly five hundred dollars in + missus's hands: but how vain were the hopes that had borne us through so + many privations for the accumulation of this portion of our price of + freedom! Master has sold my children,—yes, sold them! He will not + tell me where nor to whom. Missus will neither see nor hear me; and master + threatens to sell me to New Orleans if I resent his act. To what tribunal + can I appeal for justice? Shut from the laws of my native land, what + justice is there for the slave where injustice makes its law oppression? + Master may sell me, but he cannot vanquish the spirit God has given me; + never, never, will I yield to his nefarious designs. I have but one life + to yield up a sacrifice for right-I care not to live for wrong!" Thus he + speaks, as his frenzied soul burns with indignation. His soul's love was + freedom; he asked but justice to achieve it. Sick at heart he has thrown + up that zeal for his master's welfare which bore him onward, summoned his + determination to resist to the last-to die rather than again confront the + dreary waste of a slave's life. Grabguy has forfeited the amount deposited + by Nicholas as part of the price of his freedom,—betrayed his + confidence. + </p> + <p> + He tells us his simple story, as the workmen, with fear on their + countenances, move heedlessly about the room. As he concludes, Grabguy, + with sullen countenance, enters the great door at the end of the building; + he is followed by three men in official garbs, two of whom bear manacles + in their hands. Nicholas's dark eye flashes upon them, and with an + instinctive knowledge of their errand, he seizes a broad axe, salutes + them, and, defiantly, cautions their advance. Grabguy heeds not; and as + the aggrieved man slowly retreats backward to protect himself with the + wall, still keeping his eye set on Grabguy, two negroes make a sudden + spring upon him from behind, fetter his arms as the officers rush forward, + bind him hand and foot, and drag him to the door, regardless of his cries + for mercy: they bind him to a dray, and drive through the streets to the + slave pen of Graspum. We hear his pleading voice, as his ruffian captors, + their prey secure, disappear among the busy crowd. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0042" id="link2HCH0042"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XLII. — HE WOULD DELIVER HER FROM BONDAGE. + </h2> + <p> + ABOUT twelve o'clock of a hazy night, in the month of November, and while + Annette, in the hands of Mr. Pringle Blowers, with death-like tenacity + refuses to yield to his vile purposes, a little taunt-rigged schooner may + be seen stealing her way through the grey mist into Charleston inner + harbour. Like a mysterious messenger, she advances noiselessly, gibes her + half-dimmed sails, rounds to a short distance from an old fort that stands + on a ridge of flats extending into the sea, drops her anchor, and furls + her sails. We hear the rumble of the chain, and "aye, aye!" sound on the + still air, like the murmur of voices in the clouds. A pause is followed by + the sharp sound of voices echoing through the hollow mist; then she rides + like a thing of life reposing on the polished water, her masts half + obscured in mist, looming high above, like a spectre in gauze shroud. The + sound dies away, and dimly we see the figure of a man pacing the deck from + fore-shroud to taffrail. Now and then he stops at the wheel, casts sundry + glances about the horizon, as if to catch a recognition of some point of + land near by, and walks again. Now he places his body against the spokes, + leans forward, and compares the "lay" of the land with points of compass. + He will reach his hand into the binnacle, to note the compass with his + finger, and wait its traversing motion. Apparently satisfied, he moves his + slow way along again; now folding his arms, as if in deep study, then + locking his hands behind him, and drooping his head. He paces and paces + for an hour, retires below, and all is still. + </p> + <p> + Early on the following morning, a man of middle stature, genteelly + dressed, may be seen leaving the craft in a boat, which, rowed by two + seamen, soon reaches a wharf, upon the landing slip of which he + disembarks. He looks pale, and his countenance wears a placidness + indicating a mind absorbed in reflection. With a carpet-bag in his right + hand does he ascend the steps to the crown of the wharf, as the boat + returns to the mysterious-looking craft. Standing on the capsill for a few + minutes, his blue eyes wander over the scene, as if to detect some + familiar object. The warehouses along the wharfs wear a dingy, neglected + air; immense piles of cotton bales stand under slender sheds erected here + and there along the line of buildings which form a curvature declining to + the east and west. Again, open spaces are strewn with bales of cotton + waiting its turn through the press (a large building near by, from which + steam is issuing in successive puffings and roarings); from which + compressed bales emerge out of the lower story, followed by a dozen + half-naked negroes, who, half-bent, trundle it onward into piles, or on + board ships. Far above these is spread out a semicircle of dwellings, + having a gloomy and irregular appearance, devoid of that freshness and + brightness which so distinguish every New England city. The bustle of the + day is just commencing, and the half-mantled ships, lying unmoved at the + wharfs, give out signs of activity. The new comer is about to move on up + the wharf, when suddenly he is accosted by a negro, who, in ragged garb, + touches his hat politely, and says, with a smile, "Yer sarvant, mas'r!" + </p> + <p> + "Your name, my boy?" returns the man, in a kind tone of voice. The negro, + thrusting his hands deep into the pockets of his old sack coat, seems + contemplating an answer. He has had several names, both surname and + Christian; names are but of little value to a slave. "Pompe they once + called me, but da' calls me Bill now," he answers, eyeing the stranger, + suspiciously. "Pompe, Pompe! I've heard that name: how familiar it + sounds!" the stranger says to himself. + </p> + <p> + "One mas'r call me Turtle Tom," rejoins the negro, scratching his head the + while. + </p> + <p> + "Turtle Tom!" reiterates the stranger. "Had you no other name coupled with + Pompe, when that was the name by which you were recognised?" + </p> + <p> + The negro will not wait his finishing the sentence. He says he had good + old mas'r's name; but good old mas'r-"so dey tells"-dead and gone long + time ago. "His name was Marston; and dat war dis child's name den, God + bless 'um!" he answers the stranger. + </p> + <p> + "Marston, who lived on the banks of the Ashley?" again he enquires, as his + face crimsons with excitement. + </p> + <p> + "Dat war my mas'r; and dem war good old times when I lived dar," returns + the negro, significantly nodding his head. + </p> + <p> + "Then you are the first man I have met, the first I want to see," + exclaimed the stranger, grasping the negro by the hand, and, much to his + surprise, shaking it heartily. + </p> + <p> + "'Taint Lorenzo," returns the negro, contemplating the stranger with + astonishment. + </p> + <p> + The stranger is not Lorenzo, but he has heard much of him. What happy + recollections its familiar sound recalls: how it strengthens his hopes of + success in his mission. The negro tells him he is a labourer on the wharf, + and cannot leave to conduct him to an hotel; he will, however, direct the + stranger to a comfortable abode in Church Street. It is quiet and + unostentatious, but will serve his purpose. Placing a piece of money in + the negro's hand, he assures him that he is his friend-has much need of + his services-will pay him well for their employment. He has equally + aroused the negro's curiosity; and, were it nothing more than satisfying + that, he would be faithful to his promise to call the same night at seven + o'clock. Precisely at that hour the negro will fulfil his engagement. The + stranger wends his way to Church Street, and up a narrow alley, on the + left hand side, finds comfortable apartments, as directed. Here he makes + his toilet, and sallies out to reconnoitre the city. Meanwhile the little + craft is entered at the custom-house as a fruiter, bound from New + Providence to New York, and put in for a harbour. There is something + suspicious about a fruiter putting in for a harbour at this season, and + many curious glances are cast upon the little captain as he bows to the + truth of his entry before the deputy collector. + </p> + <p> + The stranger has spent the day in viewing the city, and at nightfall, the + negro, true to his engagement, presents his sable figure at his lodgings. + A servant having shown him up stairs, he is ushered into his presence, + where, seeming bewildered, he looks about inquiringly, as if doubting the + object for which he has been summoned. Abjectly he holds his tattered cap + in his hand, and tremblingly inquires what master wants with him. + </p> + <p> + "Have confidence, my good fellow," the stranger speaks, with a smile; "my + mission is love and peace." He places a chair beside a small table in the + centre of the room; bids the negro sit down, which he does with some + hesitation. The room is small; it contains a table, bureau, washstand, + bed, and four chairs, which, together with a few small prints hanging from + the dingy walls, and a square piece of carpet in the centre of the room, + constitute its furniture. "You know Marston's plantation-know it as it was + when Marston resided thereon, do you?" enquires the stranger, seating + himself beside the negro, who evidently is not used to this sort of + familiarity. + </p> + <p> + "Know 'um well, dat I does," answers the negro, quickly, as if the + question had recalled scenes of the past. + </p> + <p> + "And you know the people, too, I suppose?" + </p> + <p> + "Da'h people!" ejaculates the negro, with a rhapsody of enthusiasm; + "reckon I does." + </p> + <p> + "Will you recount them." + </p> + <p> + The negro, commencing with old master, recounts the names of Miss + Franconia, Clotilda, Ellen, Aunt Rachel, old Daddy Bob, and Harry. + </p> + <p> + "It is enough," says the stranger, "they are all familiar names." + </p> + <p> + "Did you know my good old master?" interrupts the negro, suddenly, as if + detecting some familiar feature in the stranger's countenance. + </p> + <p> + "No," he replies, measuredly; "but his name has sounded in my ears a + thousand times. Tell me where are the children, Annette and Nicholas? and + where may I find Franconia?" + </p> + <p> + The negro shakes his head, and remains silent for a few minutes. At length + he raises his hand, and in a half-whisper says, "Gone, gone, gone; sold + and scattered, good mas'r. Habn't see dem child dis many a day: reckon + da'h done gone down south." He hesitates suddenly, as if calling something + to memory; and then, placing his left hand on the stranger's right arm, as + he rubs his left across his forehead, stammers out-"Mas'r, mas'r, I reckon + dis child do know somefin 'bout Miss Frankone. Anyhow, mas'r (ye knows + I'se nigger do'h, and don't keep up 'quaintance a'ter mas'r sell um), can + put ye straight 'bout Missus Rosebrook's house, and reckon how dat lady + can put ye straight on Miss Frankone's where'bout." It is what the + stranger wants. He has heard of Mrs. Rosebrook before; she will give him + the information he seeks; so, turning again to the negro, he tells him + that, for a few days at least, he shall require his presence at the same + hour in the evening: tonight he must conduct him to Mrs. Rosebrook's + sequestered villa. + </p> + <p> + The watch-tower bell of the guard-house sounds forth nine o'clock. The + soldier-like sentinel, pacing with loaded musket, and armed with sharpest + steel, cries out in hoarse accents, "All's well!" The bell is summoning + all negroes to their habitations: our guide, Bill, informs the stranger + that he must have a "pass" from a white man before he can venture into the + street. "Mas'r may write 'um," he says, knowing that it matters but little + from whom it comes, so long as the writer be a white man. The pass is + written; the negro partakes of refreshment that has been prepared for him + at the stranger's request, and they are wending their way through the + city. They pass between rows of massive buildings, many of which have an + antique appearance, and bear strong signs of neglect; but their unique + style of architecture denotes the taste of the time in which they were + erected. Some are distinguished by heavy stone colonnades, others by + verandas of fret-work, with large gothic windows standing in bold outline. + Gloomy-looking guard-houses, from which numerous armed men are issuing + forth for the night's duty,—patrolling figures with white cross + belts, and armed with batons, standing at corners of streets, or moving + along with heavy tread on the uneven side-walk,—give the city an air + of military importance. The love of freedom is dangerous in this + democratic world; liberty is simply a privilege. Again the stranger and + his guide (the negro) emerge into narrow lanes, and pass along between + rows of small dwellings inhabited by negroes; but at every turn they + encounter mounted soldiery, riding two abreast, heavily armed. "Democracy, + boast not of thy privileges! tell no man thou governest with equal + justice!" said the stranger to himself, as the gas-light shed its flickers + upon this military array formed to suppress liberty. + </p> + <p> + They have reached the outskirts of the city, and are approaching a pretty + villa, which the negro, who has been explaining the nature and duties of + this formidable display of citizen soldiery, points to, as the peaceful + home of the Rosebrook family. Brighter and brighter, as they approach, + glares the bright light of a window in the north front. "I wish Mas'r + Rosebrook owned me," says the negro, stopping at the garden gate, and + viewing the pretty enclosure ere he opens it. "If ebery mas'r and missus + war as kind as da'h is, dar wouldn't be no need o' dem guard-houses and + dem guardmen wid dar savage steel," he continues, opening the gate gently, + and motioning the stranger to walk in. Noiselessly he advances up the + brick walk to the hall entrance, and rings the bell. A well-dressed negro + man soon makes his appearance, receives him politely, as the guide + retires, and ushers him into a sumptuously furnished parlour. The + Rosebrook negroes quickly recognise a gentleman, and detecting it in the + bearing of the stranger they treat him as such. Mrs. Rosebrook, followed + by her husband, soon makes her appearance, saluting the stranger with her + usual suavity. "I have come, madam," he says, "on a strange mission. With + you I make no secret of it; should I be successful it will remove the + grief and anxiety of one who has for years mourned the fate of her on whom + all her affections seem to have centred. If you will but read this it will + save the further recital of my mission." Thus saying, he drew a letter + from his pocket, presented it, and watched her countenance as line by line + she read it, and, with tears glistening in her eyes, passed it to her + husband. + </p> + <p> + "I am, good sir, heartily glad your mission is thus laudable. Be at home, + and while you are in the city let our home be yours. Franconia is here + with us to-night; the child you search after is also with us, and it was + but to-day we learned the cruelties to which she has been subjected during + the last few years. Indeed, her fate had been kept concealed from us until + a few weeks ago, and to-day, having escaped the brutal designs of a + ruffian, she fled to us for protection, and is now concealed under our + roof-" + </p> + <p> + "Yes, poor wretch-it is too true!" rejoins Rosebrook. "But something must + be done as quickly as possible, for if Pringle Blowers regains her she + will be subjected to tortures her frame is too delicate to bear up under. + There must be no time lost, not a day!" he says, as Mrs. Rosebrook quickly + leaves the room to convey the news to Franconia, who, with Annette, is in + an adjoining apartment. + </p> + <p> + Like a hunted deer, Annette's fears were excited on hearing the stranger + enter; Franconia is endeavoring to quiet them. The poor slave fears the + ruffian's pursuit, trembles at each foot-fall upon the door-sill, and + piteously turns to her old friend for protection. Blowers, maddened with + disappointment, would rather sacrifice her to infamy than sell her for + money to a good master. The price of a pretty slave is no object with this + boasting democrat,—the gratification of his carnal desires soars + supreme. Rosebrook knows this, as the abject woman does to her sorrow. + </p> + <p> + As Rosebrook and the stranger sit conversing upon the object of his + mission, and the best way to effect it, this good woman returns leading by + the arm a delicately-formed girl, whose blonde countenance is shadowed + with an air of melancholy which rather adds to her charms than detracts + from her beauty. The stranger's eye rests upon her,—quickly he + recognises Clotilda's features, Clotilda's form, and gentleness; but she + is fairer than Clotilda, has blue eyes, and almost golden hair. She + hesitates as her eyes meet the stranger's. "Do not fear, my child," speaks + Franconia, whose slender figure follows her into the room. Assured that + the stranger is her friend, she is introduced to him, and modestly takes + her seat on a chair by the window. The stranger's name is Maxwell, and on + hearing it announced Franconia anticipated the pleasure of meeting with + her old friend, through whose agency she effected Clotilda's escape. + Advancing towards him with extended hand, she looks enquiringly in his + face, saying, "Am I mistaken?" She shakes her head, doubtingly. "No! it is + not my friend Maxwell," she continues. + </p> + <p> + "No!" rejoins the stranger; "he is my cousin: by his directions I have + come here. I have brought a letter from his wife Clotilda, whose dear + deliverer you were; and whose thoughts now daily recur to you, to your + love and kindness to her, with undying brightness." "Ah!" interrupts + Franconia, welcoming him with a fervent heart, "I knew Clotilda would + never forget Annette; I knew she would remember me; I knew her ardent soul + would give forth its measure of gratitude. Happy am I that you have + come-though years have rolled by since I gave up all hopes of the joyous + consummation-to relieve this sorrowing child," she says, running to + Annette, and with tears of joy in her eyes, exclaiming, "My child! my + child! you 'll yet be saved. The ruffian who tortured you to-day will + torture you no more-no more!" And she kisses the sorrowing girl's cheek, + as tears of sympathy gush into her eyes. + </p> + <p> + Rosebrook handed Franconia the letter, which she read as her face + brightened with joy. "Good Clotilda! how happy she must be! How generous, + how kind, how true dear Maxwell was to her; and they are living together + so comfortably, and have such a nice family growing up; but she wants her + slave child! A slave mother never forgets her slave offspring!" she + exclaims, with enthusiastic delight, as she reads and re-reads the letter. + Back she paces to Annette, lays her right arm gently over her shoulder, + and pats her cheek with her left hand: "Annette will see her mother, yet. + There is an all-protecting hand guiding us through every ill of life. Be + of good cheer, my child; never despond while there is a hope left; bury + the horrors of the past in the brighter prospect of the future." And + leading her to the table she seats her by her side and reads the letter + aloud, as with joy the forlorn girl's feelings bound forth. We need + scarcely tell the reader that Clotilda's letter was read in listening + silence, and ran thus:—"Nassau, New Providence, "October 24, 18-. + "My Dear Franconia, + </p> + <p> + "My thoughts have never ceased to recur to you, nor to my dear Annette. + You were a mother and a deliverer to me; I know-though I have not received + a word in reply to any of my letters-you have been a mother to my child. + As you know, I dare not write as much as I would, lest this letter fall + into the hands of those whose interest it is to perpetuate our + enslavement. I hope you are happy with a good husband, as I am. Years have + rolled by since we parted, and many have been the scenes and changes + through which I have passed, but they were all pleasant changes, each for + brighter and happier prospects. I was married to him who, with you, + effected my escape, a few weeks after landing at Harbour Island. Since + then we have resided in Nassau, where my husband, who loves me dearly, + pursues an extensive and lucrative business, and we both move in the best + society of the place. We have a pretty family of three children, the + oldest nine years old, and the youngest five. How my heart would leap with + joy if I thought you would accept an invitation to come and see me, to + spend a few weeks with me, and see yourself how comfortable and happy a + slave may be! Perhaps I should not say happy, for I never can be truly + happy without my Annette. Something haunts my mind whenever I recur to + her,—which is every day. And then I have written so many letters to + which no answers have been returned; but, a whispering angel, as if to + console me, says, Franconia will be her mother, and you will yet see her. + </p> + <p> + "The gentleman who bears this letter is my husband's cousin. He has all my + husband's generosity of character, and will seek you for the purpose of + finding Annette, and bearing her safely to me. He has proffered his + services, and sworn to carry out his object; and being on his way to New + York for the purpose of entering into business with his uncle now in that + city, will touch at Charleston, for the object herein stated. Further his + object, my dear Franconia, and that heaven will reward the hand that in + mercy helps the enslaved, "Is the prayer of your grateful "CLOTILDA + MAXWELL." + </p> + <p> + "I knew mother would never forget me; I knew she would come back to me, + would be kind to me, as she used to be, and save me from such cruelty as I + have suffered. Several times have I resolved on putting an end to my + unhappy existence, but as often did something say to me, 'live + hoping-there is a better day coming.' God guides, governs, and raises up + the weary soul," says Annette, in touching accents, as Franconia finished + reading the letter. + </p> + <p> + While this conversation is progressing, and the plan of getting Annette + out of the city being devised, a nice supper, at Mrs. Rosebrook's request, + is being prepared in the adjoining room. To this the stranger is invited, + and all sit down in a happy circle. Franconia seems invested with new + life; Annette forgets for the time her troubles; Mrs. Rosebrook, who does + the honours of the table, wishes every ill-used slave could find means of + escaping into freedom; and Deacon Rosebrook says he will join heart and + hand in getting the forlorn girl free from her base purchaser. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0043" id="link2HCH0043"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XLIII. — OTHER PHASES OF THE SUBJECT. + </h2> + <p> + WE must leave to the reader's imagination much that transpired at the + Rosebrook Villa during the night above mentioned, and ask him to accompany + us on the following morning, when curious placards may be seen posted here + and there at corners of streets and other conspicuous places about the + city. Mr. Pringle Blowers has lost a beautiful female slave, whose fair + hair, beautiful complexion, deep blue eyes, delicate features, and + charming promise, is in large type and blackest printer's ink set forth + most glowingly. Had Mr. Pringle Blowers been a poet instead of a chivalric + rice-planter, he might have emblazoned his loss in sentimental rhyme. But + Pringle Blowers says poets always make fools of themselves; and, although + the south is a sweet and sunny land, he is happy indeed that it is + troubled with none of the miscreants. He owned niggers innumerable; but + they were only common stock, all of whom he could have lost without + feeling any more than ordinary disappointment at the loss of their worth + in money. For this one, however, he had a kind of undefined love, which + moved his heart most indescribably. Disappointed in the gratification of + his desires, he is mortified and maddened to desperation. Why should a + slave he had invested so much money in, and felt so like making a lady of, + and never would have thought of setting at field labour, run away? He only + wanted her for the most aristocratic purpose the south can provide for a + beautiful slave. Hence Mr. Pringle Blowers, through the medium of his + knowledge of letters, puts forward his placard-a copy of which he inserts + in all the most respectable morning journals-in which the fair outlines of + his lost woman are simply set forth. He will give three hundred dollars + for her apprehension, fifty dollars more for proof to convict any person + of harbouring her, and an additional sum for lodging her in any gaol in + the country. This large reward Mr. Pringle Blowers will pay in hard cash; + and he has no doubt the offering will be quite enough to excite the + hunting propensities of fashionable young gentlemen, as well as inveterate + negro hunters. Beside this, negro hunting being rather a democratic sport + than otherwise, Mr. Pringle Blowers reconciles his feelings with the fact + of these sports being uncommonly successful. + </p> + <p> + The reader will naturally conclude that the offer of this large reward + produced some sensation in and about the city. People stopped along the + streets, read the curious hand-bill, smiled, and made various remarks. + Ladies, always curious to know what is prominent among the current events + of the day, sent servants to ascertain what so attractive the posters + contained. It was, indeed, a regular bit of self-enjoyed fun for them; for + the ladies had all heard of Pringle Blowers, and that a female slave for + whose capture he would give three hundred dollars had run away from him + they were heartily glad to learn. + </p> + <p> + The day-police were equally happy to hear of the loss, and anxious to make + the capture. In this position it was doubly necessary to be cautious in + proceeding to effect the escape of the fair girl. If discovered in the act + the stranger might be subjected to a series of inprisonments that would + sacrifice his life. Again, he might be assassinated by some disguised + hand; or, if an infuriated mob were let loose upon him, no police + interference could save his life. As suspicion is ever on the point of + giving out its dangerous caprices where a community live fearing one + another, so the stranger became sensible of the shafts of suspicion that + might at any moment be darted at him. Despatching his schooner on her + voyage, he continued for several days walking about the city, as if + indifferent to what was passing. He read the curious poster in which was + offered the goodly reward for the apprehension of a lost slave, affected + great coolness, and even ignorance of the mode by which such articles were + recovered. + </p> + <p> + Fortunate was it for the stranger that he despatched the schooner without + the prize he intended to carry off, for no sooner had she got under way + and begun to move down the harbour, than she was boarded by four men, who, + producing their authority, searched her from stem to stern. Such were + their suspicions, that they would not be satisfied until they had opened a + few boxes and bales that were stowed away in the hold. This done, the + schooner was permitted to continue her voyage, and the stranger, + unmolested, continues his walks about the city. A few days pass and the + excitement has calmed down. Pringle Blowers, although chagrined at the + loss of his valuable piece of woman property, resolves to wait the issue + with patience and forbearance. If she, fool like, has made away with + herself, he cannot bring her to life; if she be carried off by villainous + kidnappers, they must eventually suffer the consequences. Her beauty will + expose their plots. He will absorb his usual requirement of spirit, keep + the nerve up, and never despond of regaining her while his reward of three + hundred dollars stands before a money-loving public. He would rather have + lost two dozen common niggers than this one he set so much by, intended to + make so much of, and upon whom he had set his very heart, soul, and + burning passions. But there is no profit in grief, no use in giving way to + disappointment. Philosophers bear disappointments with fortitude; he must + be a philosopher, keep a sharp look out and not despair. + </p> + <p> + How different is the scene presented at Rosebrook's Villa! There, Annette + is seen, prepared to take her departure. Dressed in male attire, with + frock coat and trousers setting so neatly, dress boots, white vest, and + brightly arranged shirt-bosom, she is the type of perfection of a youthful + southron. Franconia has expended her skill in completing the fair girl's + toilet, when Mrs. Rosebrook places a pair of green spectacles over her + eyes, bids her look in the glass, and tells her she will pass for a + planter's son among a million. + </p> + <p> + "Nobody will know me, now," she answers, viewing herself in the mirror. + Her neat setting suit, Panama hat, and green spectacles, give a peculiar + air to her lithe figure. And though her emotions are well nigh ready to + give forth tears, she cannot suppress a smile at the singular + transformation of her person. + </p> + <p> + "It'll take sharper eyes than policemen's to discover the disguise," says + Rosebrook, who, having ordered a carriage to the door, enters the room and + takes her kindly by the hand. "Keep up a good heart; don't despond, my + child, and the chances are that you'll be safe-you'll be in Wilmington + to-morrow morning" he continues: then, turning to Franconia, who will + accompany her to that place, he awaits her pleasure. "I am ready!" returns + that generous woman, as, arrayed in her travelling dress, she takes + Annette by the hand, and is about to proceed to the gate where the + carriage waits. Mrs. Rosebrook must take one more fond parting. Laying her + right arm over her shoulder, and pressing her to her bosom, she kisses and + kisses her fair cheek, bids her remember that God alone is her protector, + her guide to a happy future. In freedom may she live to freedom's God; in + slavery, hope ever, and trust in his mercy! With this admonition, the + excited girl, trembling, leaves the Villa, leaning on Franconia's arm. + Bradshaw has the carriage at the door, piled with sundry boxes and + portmanteaus, giving it the appearance of a gentleman's travelling + equipage. He has orders to drive to the steam-boat landing, where the + young invalid planter will embark for New York via Wilmington and the land + route. Soon they have taken their seats, and with Rosebrook's good-natured + face shining beside Bradshaw, on the front seat, they say their happy + adieu! and bound over the road for the steamer. + </p> + <p> + It is now within fifteen minutes of the starting time. The wharf presents + a bustling scene: carriages and coaches are arriving with eager-looking + passengers, who, fearing they are a little behind time, stare about as if + bewildered, scold heedless drivers, point out heir baggage to awkward + porters who run to and fro with trunks and boxes on their heads, and then + nervously seek the ticket-office, where they procure the piece of paper + that insures them through to New York. Albeit, finding they have quite + time enough on their hands, they escort their female voyagers on board, + and loiter about in the way of every one else, enjoying that excitement in + others which they have fortunately passed through. Here and there about + the wharf, leaning their head carelessly over black piles, are sly-looking + policemen, who scan every voyager with a searching eye. They are incog., + but the initiated recognise them at a glance. The restless leer of that + lynx eye discovers their object; anything, from a runaway nigger to a + houseless debtor, is to them acceptable prey. Atween decks of the steamer, + secured at the end of the wharf, another scene of bustle and confusion + presents itself. A passenger is not quite sure his baggage is all on + board, and must needs waste his breath in oaths at the dumb porter, who + works at his utmost strength, under the direction of Mr. Mate, whose + important figure is poised on the wharf. Another wants to "lay over" at + Richmond, and is using most abusive language to a mulatto waiter, who has + put his trunk on one side of the boat and carpet bag on the other. A + third, a fussy old lady with two rosy-faced daughters she is, against her + southern principles, taking to the north to be educated, is making a + piteous lamentation over the remains of two bonnets-just from the hands of + the milliner-hopelessly smashed in her bandbox. The careless porter set it + on a pile of baggage, from where it tottled over under the feet of an + astonished gentleman, who endeavours to soothe the good lady's feelings + with courteous apologies. On the upper deck, heeding no one, but now and + then affecting to read a newspaper, as passengers pace to and fro, is the + stranger, seated on one of the side seats. The engineer moves his valve + now and then, the cross-head ascends, the steam hisses below, the + condenser rumbles, the steam from the funnel roars furiously forth, + spreading its scalding vapour through the air. Again, the man, almost + imperceptibly touches the iron rod with his finger, the magic monster + again moves its piston downward, the wheels make a turn, the massive + vessel surges upon her lines, as if eager to press forward on her course. + Another gentle touch, and, obeying the summons, the motive power is still; + the man subjects the monster with his little finger. He has stopped her + near the centre, where, with a slight touch, he can turn back or forward. + Again, he lifts a small key, and the steam, with a deafening roar, issues + from the escape: he is venting his chest. Simultaneously the second bell + sounds forth its clanking medley: two minutes more, and the snake-like + craft will be buffeting the waves, on her daily errand. As passengers + begin to muster on board, their friends clustering round the capsill of + the wharf, obstructing the way, the sturdy figure of Mr. Pringle Blowers + may be seen behind a spile near the capsill, his sharp, peering eyes + scanning the ship from fore to aft. He is not sure she will get off by + this route; common sense tells him that, but there exists a prompting + something underneath common sense telling him it's money saved to keep a + sharp look-out. And this he does merely to gratify that inert something, + knowing at the same time that, having no money, no person will supply her, + and she must be concealed in the swamps, where only "niggers" will relieve + her necessities. At this moment Rosebrook's carriage may be seen driving + to the ticket office at the head of the wharf, where Rosebrook, with great + coolness, gets out, steps within the railing, and procures the tickets in + his own name. Again taking his seat, the mate, who stands on the capsill + of the wharf, now and then casting a glance up, cries out, "Another + carriage coming!" Bradshaw cracks his whip, and the horses dash down the + wharf, scatter the people who have gathered to see the boat off, as a + dozen black porters, at the mate's command, rush round the carriage, seize + the baggage, and hurry it on board. Rosebrook, fearing his friends will + lose their passage, begs people to clear the gangway, and almost runs on + board, his fugitive charge clinging to his arms. The captain stands at the + gangway, and recognising the late comer, makes one of his blandest bows: + he will send a steward to show them a good state-room. "Keep close till + the boat leaves, and remember there is a world before you," Rosebrook + says, shaking Annette by the hand, as she returns, "God bless good + master!" They are safe in the state-room: he kisses Franconia's cheek, + shuts the door, and, hurrying back, regains the wharf just as the last + bell strikes, and the gangway is being carried on board. + </p> + <p> + "Not going along with us, eh?" ejaculates the captain, as, from the + capsill, Rosebrook looks round to bid him good-by. + </p> + <p> + "Not to-day" (he returns, laconically). "Take good care of my friends; the + young invalid from Lousiana in particular." Just then he catches the + stranger's eye, and, with a significant motion of his fingers, says, "All + safe!" With a nod of recognition the stranger makes his adieu; the + fastenings are cast away, the faint tinkle of a bell is heard amid the + roar of steam; the man at the valves touches the throttle bar; up mounts + the piston rod-down it surges again; the revolving wheels rustle the + water; the huge craft moves backward easy, and then ahead; a clanking + noise denotes the connections are "hooked on," and onward she bounds over + the sea. How leaps with joy that heart yearning for freedom, as the words + "She's away!" gladden Annette's very soul! Her enraptured feelings gush + forth in prayer to her deliverers; it is as a new spring of life, infusing + its refreshing waters into desert sands. She seems a new being, with hope, + joy, and happiness brightening the future for her. But, alas! how vain are + hopes,—how uncertain the future! + </p> + <p> + Rosebrook watched the steaming craft as she crosses the bar, and dwindles + out of sight. "Thou art safe, poor slave," he says to himself, as she + passes from view behind the distant peak. + </p> + <p> + Something touches him on the shoulder as he returns to his carriage. "Ah! + this you, Pringle Blowers?" he exclaims, turning round suddenly, as the + full face of that important personage presented itself. "Been seeing some + friends off to—?" + </p> + <p> + "No," replies Blowers, with seeming indifference. He is just shying round,—keeping + an eye out for a smart kind of "a gal," lost last week. + </p> + <p> + "Quite a misfortune, that, Blowers! God bless me, I'm sorry," returns + Rosebrook, dryly. Rosebrook invites him to get in and ride a short + distance. Blowers has not the slightest objection; seats his square frame + on the left side of the carriage. "Those were clever posters you put out + for the apprehension of that girl, Blowers!" + </p> + <p> + "Took some genius, I reckon," interrupts Blowers, with broad laugh. + </p> + <p> + "They say she was very handsome, and, if it be true, I hope you may get + her, Blowers," continues Rosebrook, naively. + </p> + <p> + The disappointed man shakes his head, touches the other on the arm, and + says, "Nothing is more sure!" + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0044" id="link2HCH0044"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XLIV. — HOW DADDY BOB DEPARTED. + </h2> + <p> + LET us again beg the indulgence of the reader, while we go back to the + night when Marston was found dead in his cell, and when that old negro, + whose eventful history we shall here close, sat by his bed-side, + unconscious that the spirit of master had winged its way to another world. + Bob, faithful unto death, remained his lone watcher. Disguising his + ownership, he has toiled from day to day that the fruits thereof might + relieve master's necessities; and he had shared them with the flowing + goodness of a simple heart. In a malarious cell, how happy was he to make + his bed on the cold plank beside his master's cot, where he might watch + over his declining spirit. Kindness was his by nature,—no cruel law + could rob his heart of its treasure: he would follow master to the grave, + and lavish it upon the soil that covered him. + </p> + <p> + Having accompanied Franconia to the Rosebrook Villa, he will return to the + prison and join Harry, alone watching over the dead. The city clock + strikes the hour of eleven as he leaves the outer gate, and turns into the + broad road leading to the city. The scene before him is vamped in still + darkness; a murky light now and then sheds its glimmers across the broad + road; and as he hurries onward, contemplating the sad spectacle presented + in the prison, happy incidents of old plantation life mingle their + associations with his thoughts. He muses to himself, and then, as if + bewildered, commences humming his favourite tune-"There's a place for old + mas'r yet, when all 'um dead and gone!" His soul is free from suspicion: + he fears not the savage guardsman's coming; the pure kindliness of his + heart is his shield. How often has he scanned this same scene,—paced + this same road on his master's errands! How death has changed the + circumstances of this his nightly errand! Far away to the east, on his + left, the broad landscape seems black and ominous; before him, the + sleeping city spreads its panorama, broken and sombre, beneath heavy + clouds; the fretted towers on the massive prison frown dimly through the + mist to the right, from which a low marshy expanse dwindles into the dark + horizon. And ever and anon the forked lightning courses its way through + the heavens, now tinging the sombre scene with mellow light, then closing + it in deeper darkness. + </p> + <p> + Onward the old man wends his way. If he be shut out from the prison, he + will find shelter at Jane's cabin near by, from whence he may reach the + cell early next morning. Presently the dull tramp of horses breaks upon + his ear,—the sound sharpening as they advance. Through the dimming + haze he sees two mounted guardsmen advancing: the murmuring sound of their + conversation floats onward through the air,—their side arms rattle + ominously. Now their white cross belts are disclosed; their stalwart + figures loom out. Nearer and nearer they approach: as the old man, + trembling with fear, remembers he is without a pass, a gruff voice cries + out, "Stop there!" + </p> + <p> + "A prowling nigger!" rejoins another, in a voice scarcely less hoarse. The + old man halts in the light of a lamp, as the right-hand guard rides up, + and demands his pass. + </p> + <p> + "Whose nigger are you?" again demands the first voice. "Your pass, or come + with us!" + </p> + <p> + The old man has no pass; he will go to his master, dead in the county + prison! + </p> + <p> + Guardsmen will hear neither falsehoods nor pleading. He doesn't know + "whose nigger he is! he is a runaway without home or master," says the + left-hand guardsman, as he draws his baton from beneath his coat, and with + savage grimace makes a threatening gesture. Again he poises it over the + old man's head, as he, with hand uplifted, supplicates mercy. "Nobody's + nigger, and without a pass!" he grumbles out, still motioning his baton. + </p> + <p> + "He says his master is in gaol; that's enough! Stop, now, no more such + nonsense!" rejoins the other, as the old man is about to explain. "Not + another word." He is good prey, made and provided by the sovereign law of + the state. Placing him between their horses, they conduct him in silence + forward to the guard-house. He is a harmless captive, in a world where + democracy with babbling tongue boasts of equal justice. "A prowler!" + exclaims one of the guards- men, as, dismounting in front of the massive + building, with frowning facade of stone, they disappear, leading the old + man within its great doors, as the glaring gas-light reflects upon his + withered features. + </p> + <p> + "Found prowling on the neck, sir!" says the right-hand guardsman, + addressing himself to the captain, a portly-looking man in a military + suit, who, with affected importance, casts a look of suspicion at the old + man. "Have seen you before, I think?" he enquires. + </p> + <p> + "Reckon so, mas'r; but neber in dis place," replies Bob, in half-subdued + accents. + </p> + <p> + You are nobody's nigger, give a false account of yourself, and have no + home, I hear," interrupts the captain, at the same time ordering a + clerkly-looking individual who sits at a desk near an iron railing + enclosing a tribune, to make the entry in his book. + </p> + <p> + "Your name?" demands the clerk. + </p> + <p> + "Bob!" + </p> + <p> + "Without owner, or home?" + </p> + <p> + "My master's cell was my home." + </p> + <p> + "That won't do, my man!" interrupts the portly-looking captain. "Mr. + Clerk" (directing himself to that functionary) "you must enter + him-nobody's nigger, without home or master." And as such he is entered + upon that high record of a sovereign state-the guard-house calendar. If + this record were carried before the just tribunal of heaven, how foul of + crime, injustice, and wrong, would its pages be found! The faithful old + man has laboured under an assumed ownership. His badge, procured for him + through the intercession of Franconia, shows him as the property of Mr. + Henry Frazer. That gentleman is many hundred miles away: the old man, + ignorant of the barbarous intricacy of the law, feels it to his sorrow. + The production of the badge, and the statement, though asserting that Miss + Franconia is his friend, show a discrepancy. His statement has no truth + for guardsmen; his poor frame is yet worth something, but his oath has no + value in law: hence he must march into a cold cell, and there remain till + morning. + </p> + <p> + Before that high functionary, the mayor-whose judgments the Russian Czar + might blush to acknowledge or affirm,—he is arraigned at ten o'clock + on the following morning. He has plenty of accusers,—no one to plead + the justice of his case. A plain story he would tell, did the law and his + honour grant the boon. The fatal badge shows him the property of Mr. Henry + Frazer: Mr. Henry Frazer is nowhere to be found, and the statement that + master was in prison tends to increase the suspicions against him. Against + this increasing force of proof, the old man begs his honour will send to + the prison, where master will be found,—dead! In his love of + clemency that functionary yields to the request. There looks something + harmless about the old negro, something that warms his honour's legal + coldness. An officer is despatched, and soon returns with a description + that corresponds with the old man's. "He waited on Marston, made Marston's + cell his home; but, your honour-and I have the assurance of the gaoler-he + was not Marston's nigger; all that man's niggers were sold for the benefit + of his creditors." So says the official, returning to his august master + with cringing servility. His honour, in the fulness of his wisdom, and + with every regard for legal straightforwardness (his honour searched into + the profoundest depths of the "nigger statutes" while learning the + tailoring trade, which he now pursues with great success), is now doubly + satisfied that the negro before him is a vagabond-perhaps, and he is more + than half inclined to believe he is, the very marauder who has been + committing so many depredations about the city. With a profound + admonition, wisdom glowing from his very countenance the while, he orders + him twenty-nine paddles on his bare posteriors,—is sorry the law + does not give him power to extend the number. And with compliments for the + lucky fellows who have thus timely relieved the public of such a dangerous + outlaw, his honour orders him to be taken away to that prison-house where + even-handed democracy has erected a place for torturing the souls of men + who love liberty. + </p> + <p> + He will get the stripes-large, democratic stripes,—generously laid + on. How much more he will get remains for a proud state, in its sovereign + littleness, to provide. His honour, feeling his duties toward the state + discharged, and his precautionary measures for the protection of the + people fully exemplified in this awful judgment, orders one of the + officers to summon Mr. Ford Fosdick, a distinguished gentleman of the + state's own, who, he is quite sure, will not neglect her more important + interests. Bob has no interests in this world, nor doth he murmur that he + hath not eaten bread for fourteen hours. Kindliness yet lingers in his + withered face as he goes forth, yields submission to a state's lnjustice, + and bares his back before he eats. + </p> + <p> + "Return him after administering the dressing," says his honour, directing + his remarks to the official about to lead his victim away. That + functionary, half turning, replies with a polite bow. + </p> + <p> + The reader, we feel assured, will excuse a description of this unsavoury + dressing, beautifully administered on behalf of a republican state that + makes it a means of crushing out the love of liberty. Bob has received his + dressing and returned; but he has no tears to shed for democrats who thus + degrade him. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Ford Fosdick, a gentleman of the learned profession, very straight of + person, and most bland of manners, is what may be called escheator in + ordinary to the state. Keeping a sharp eye on her interests, he has + anticipated the commands of his august master, presents his polite person + very unexpectedly in his honour's court-room. Fosdick, in addition to an + excellent reputation for being the very best gentleman "nigger grabber" + the state ever had, is well thought of in fashionable circles, having + fought two duels of the most desperate character. He is of middle stature, + with a face finely oval, and to which are added features of much softness, + altogether giving him more the appearance of a well-ordained divine, than + the medium of those high functions by which the state's "grab-all" of + homeless negroes distinguishes himself. If the state tolerated an + ignominy, Ford Fosdick—between whom there exists a mutual + partnership—found in it an apology for the part he played; for—let + no man blush when we tell it—the sum total for which friendless, + homeless, and ownerless negroes sold for in the market was equally divided + between them. Generous as was this copartnership, there were few + well-disposed persons independent enough to sanction it; while here and + there an outspoken voice said it was paying a premium for edging Fosdick's + already sharp appetite for apprehending the wretched, who—God save + the state's honour!—having no means of protecting themselves, would + be sold for the sovereign interests of his own pocket, instead of the + peace of the dear people, of which the state was ever jealous. Mr. Fosdick + is present,—thanks his honour the mayor: he thinks he has seen the + negro before; that he is a prowler not a doubt can exist. Quite + indifferent as to his own interests, he says the city is literally beset + with such vermin: in his own mind, however, he has not a doubt but that + something handsome will be realised from the sale of the old fellow. There + is now a most fearful case in the city,—a negro belonging to Mr. + Grabguy has become mad with disobedience: they have chained him to the + floor, but he sets everything at defiance, threatens the lives of all who + come near him,—says he will die or be free. Against this there is + little hope for old Bob; his crooked story will not suit the high + considerations of these amiable worthies of state: he must be siezed and + dragged to the workhouse, there to await the result. It is a profitable + morning's work for Mr. Ford Fosdick, who makes a large note in his ledger, + and will soon carry out a very acceptable item on behalf of his dear self. + So, while Bob eats his corn-grits in a cell, and his heart beats high with + purity, Mr. Ford Fosdick revels in luxury he thinks not ill-gotten. + </p> + <p> + Due notice, in accordance with the statutes, is given to all persons + whomsoever may claim a piece of property answering the description of + Daddy Bob, as herein set forth. Weeks pass, but no one comes to claim Bob. + In the eyes of an ignoble law he is a cast out, homeless upon the world; + and as such must be sold. He is put up at the man-shambles, and, by order + of Mr. Ford Fosdick, sold to Mr. Cordes Kemp for the sum of two hundred + and fifty dollars, one half of which sum is the state's own, the other Mr. + Ford Fosdick's. Mr. Cordes Kemp had seen Bob working about the wharf, and + learned that the old man was of more value than his outward appearance + indicated, inasmuch as he was a good carpenter; which we have not before + informed the reader. But Bob had never been accustomed to a cruel master: + such Cordes Kemp was to the fullest extent of the term. A few months + passed, and Bob became heartily sick of his new master, who gave him + little to eat, and had nearly ended his life with labour and the lash. + Finding he could no longer stand such treatment, he fled to the swamp; and + for two years did he make his home among the morasses and hillocks, now + making his bed by the trunk of a fallen tree, then seeking shelter in a + temporary camp built with the axe he carried away with him. At times he + was forced to make food of roots, nuts, and such wild fruit as the woods + afforded; and as the ravens found food, so the outcast man did not suffer + while an all-wise Providence watched over him. And then he found a kind + friend in old Jerushe-Aunt Jerushe, as she was commonly called, who lived + on a plantation a few miles from his hiding-place, and met him at night, + and shared her coarse meal with him. Jerushe's heart was full of kindness; + she would have given him more, but for the want thereof. Full two years + did even-handed democracy drive the old man homeless to seek a shelter + among the poisonous reptiles of the morass. Mr. Cordes Kemp must regain + his property, and to that generous end he puts forth the following + extremely southern proclamation, which may be found in all respectable + morning journals, on posters hung at the "Rough and Ready," at "Your + House," and at "Our House":— + </p> + <p> + "SEVENTY-FIVE (75) DOLLARS REWARD is offered for the delivery of my old + negro carpenter man named BOB, in gaol in Charleston, within a month from + this date. The said BOB is a complete carpenter, about sixty-five years of + age, has a fine, full, good-natured face, knock-kneed, bald-headed, and + ran away about two years ago: he is thought to be harboured in Charleston + or James' Island. He was bought of Mr. Ford Fosdick, on behalf of the + state. June 28,— CORDES KEMP." + </p> + <p> + Mr. Cordes Kemp, sorely grieved at the loss of so venerable and valuable a + piece of property,—and which he bought of the state, for the rights + of which he is a great champion,—will give the above sum in hard + cash to the clever fellow who will secure it within a prison, so he may + get it. If this cannot be done, he will declare him an outlaw, offer a + premium for the old man's head, and, with the bleeding trophy, demand the + premium paid by the state. However, seventy-five dollars is no mean offer + for so old a negro, and as the said negro cannot be a fast runner, the + difficulty of catching him will not be very great, while the sport will be + much more exciting. Romescos and Dan Bengal keep a sharp look-out for all + such little chances of making money; and as their dogs are considered the + very best and savagest in the country, they feel certain they will be able + to deliver the article over to Mr. Kemp in a very few days. + </p> + <p> + A few days after the appearance of Mr. Cordes Kemp's proclamation, these + two worthies may be seen riding along the Camden Road, a sandy level, with + little to indicate its tortuous course save a beaten and irregular path + through a forest of stately pines. Their reddish-coloured home-spun + clothes, set loosely, and their large, felt hats, slouching over their + bearded faces, give their figures a brigand-like appearance which excites + apprehension. They are heavily armed with rifles, revolvers, and + bowie-knives; and as their horses move along at a quick walk, the riders + may be heard keeping up an animated discussion on matters of state policy. + The state and its policy is a matter of deep interest to slave-dealer and + slave-hunter; none discuss them with more pertinacity. And as every great + measure is supposed to have some bearing, directly or indirectly, on the + right of one class to enslave the other, a never-ceasing political jar is + kept up by these worthies, and too often finds its way into the public + acts of men who should be far removed above their selfishness. + </p> + <p> + The horse on which Romescos rides, a sprightly dark-bay, seeming to have + an instinctive knowledge of his master's pursuit, pricks his ears erect, + and keeps his head turning from one side to the other, as if watching the + approach of some object in the forest. A few paces ahead are seven fierce + hounds, now scenting about the ground, then scampering through the trees, + and again, quickly obeying the call, return to the horses. Not a bark is + heard, not a growl escapes them! Nothing could be under more explicit + subjection-not even those northern dogs who pollute their own free soil by + making it a forest, where the souls of men are humbled, and where, willing + allies of the sport, they desecrate that holy sentence, "Our Pilgrim + Fathers!" + </p> + <p> + Presently the lean figure of a man is seen advancing from a thicket in the + distance. Rifle in hand he advances a few paces, leans against the trunk + of a pine tree, relieves his shoulders of a well-filled haversack, and + supports his arms on the stock of his weapon, the muzzle of which he sets + in the ground. He will wait the horsemen's coming. With lightning + quickness the hounds start suddenly, prick up their ears, make a bound + forward. "Hold there!" exclaims Romescos, at the same time directing + Bengal's attention to the figure far away to the right. His horse shies, + an imprecation quickly follows; the dogs as suddenly obey the word, and + crouch back to await another signal. + </p> + <p> + "Nothing, I reckon!" returns Bengal, coolly, as the figure in the distance + is seen with smoking fusee lighting a cigar. + </p> + <p> + Romescos thinks he is a gentleman returning from hunting in the big swamp, + to the north. He has a kind of presentiment, nevertheless, that some lucky + prize will turn up before sunset. + </p> + <p> + "Well, strangers, what luck to day?" enquires the hunter, as they run up + their horses. At the same time he gracefully raises a delicate hand, + relieves his mouth of the cigar, twists a well- trimmed mustache, and + lifts his hunting-cap from off his head, disclosing a finely-chiselled + face. + </p> + <p> + "Not a shy!" replies Romescos, taking a cigar from his side pocket, and + motioning his hand: the hunter politely extends his habanna, with which he + communicates a light to his own. It is well nigh noon-day, and at the + hunter's invitation do they dismount, seat themselves at the foot of the + tree, and regale with bread, cheese, and brandy, he draws from his + haversack. + </p> + <p> + "Thought ye'd got game in that," remarks Bengal, measuredly. Ho has + scoured the woods, but found little game of the kind he hunts. "Our game + is of a different species: you, I take it, hunt niggers, I'm in search of + birds." + </p> + <p> + "Would have no objection to a stray deer or two!" is the reply, as he + passes his horn and flask to Romescos, who helps himself to a dose of the + liquid, which, he says, smacking his lips, is not bad to take. + </p> + <p> + "Especially when yer on a hunting excursion!" rejoins Bengal. + </p> + <p> + "Now," says the gentleman hunter, quietly resuming his cigar, "as you do + not hunt my game, nor I yours, I think I can give you a scent that may + prove profitable." + </p> + <p> + "Where away?" interrupts Bengal. Romescos respects the stranger-he has + dignity concealed beneath his hunting garb, which the quick eye recognised + as it flashed upon him. He gives Bengal a significant wink, the meaning of + which he instinctively understands-"Don't be rude,—he belongs to one + of the first families!" + </p> + <p> + The stranger lays his left hand on Romescos' arm, and with the fore finger + of his right hand pointing to the south-west, says, "My plantation is nine + miles in that direction. I left it this morning, early. In crossing an + inlet of the Pedee, I discovered white smoke, far ahead, curling upward + through the trees, and expanding itself in the clear blue atmosphere. + Feeling sure it indicated the haunt of runaways, I approached it + stealthily, and had almost unconsciously come upon a negro, who, suddenly + springing from his hiding-place, ran to the water's edge, plunged in, and + swam to a little island a few yards in the stream. It did not become me to + pursue him, so I passed on heedlessly, lest he might have companions, who + would set upon me, and make me an easy prey to their revengeful feelings." + As each word fell from the stranger's lips, Romescos and his companion + became irresistibly excited. + </p> + <p> + Again repeating the directions, which the stranger did with great + precision, they drank a parting social glass: the mounted huntsmen thanked + the pedestrian for his valuable information, gave him a warm shake of the + hand, and, as he arranged his haversack, rode off at full gallop in the + direction indicated. The dogs, cunning brutes, trained to the state's + brutality, mutely kept in advance. "In luck yet!" exclaims Bengal, as they + rode onward, in high glee, anticipating the valuable game about to fall + into their hands. + </p> + <p> + "Ho! dogs-and back!" shrieked Romescos, at the top of his shrill voice, + his sandy hair hanging in tufts over his little reddened face, now glowing + with excitement. Instantly the dogs started off through the thicket, and + after making a circle of about a mile, returned with heads up, and eyes + fiercely flashing. Trailing in a semicircle ahead they seemed eager for + another command. + </p> + <p> + "Better keep them back," mutters Bengal; and as Romescos gives the word,—"Come + back!" they form a trail behind. + </p> + <p> + Now white fleecy clouds begin to obscure the sun; then it disappears in a + murky haze, and is no longer their guide. After two hours' riding they + find a wrong turn has led them far away from their course, and to avoid + retracing their steps they make a short cut through the thicket. In + another hour they have reached the bank of the stream they sought. Dogs, + horses, and men, together drink of its limpid waters, and proceed onward. + They have yet several miles of travel before reaching the spot designated + by the strange hunter; and seeking their way along the bank is a slow and + tedious process. The prize-that human outcast, who has no home where + democracy rules,—is the all-absorbing object of their pursuit; money + is the god of their hellish purpose. + </p> + <p> + It is near night-fall, when they, somewhat wearied of the day's ride, halt + on a little slope that extends into the river, and from which a long view + of its course above opens out. It seems a quiet, inviting spot, and so + sequestered that Bengal suggests it be made a resting-place for the night. + </p> + <p> + "Not a whisper," says Romescos, who, having dismounted, is nervously + watching some object in the distance. It is a pretty spot, clothed in + softest verdure. How suddenly the quick eye of Romescos discovered the + white smoke curling above the green foliage! "See! see!" he whispers + again, motioning his hand behind, as Bengal stretches his neck, and looks + eagerly in the same direction. "Close dogs-close!" he demands, and the + dogs crouch back, and coil their sleek bodies at the horses' feet. There, + little more than a mile ahead, the treacherous smoke curls lazily upward, + spreading a white haze in the blue atmosphere. Daddy Bob has a rude camp + there. A few branches serve for a covering, the bare moss is his bed; the + fires of his heart would warm it, were nothing more at hand! Near by is + the island on which he seeks refuge when the enemy approaches; and from + this lone spot-his home for more than two years-has he sent forth many a + fervent prayer, beseeching Almighty God to be his shield and his + deliverer. It was but yesterday he saw Jerushe, who shared with him her + corn-cakes, which, when she does not meet him at his accustomed spot, she + places at the foot of a marked tree. Bob had added a few chips to his + night fire, (his defence against tormenting mosquitoes), and made his moss + bed. Having tamed an owl and a squirrel, they now make his rude camp their + home, and share his crumbs. The squirrel nestles above his head, as the + owl, moping about the camp entrance, suddenly hoots a warning and flutters + its way into the thicket. Starting to his feet with surprise-the squirrel + chirping at the sudden commotion-the tramp of horses breaks fearfully upon + the old man's ear; bewildered he bounds from the camp. Two water oaks + stand a few feet from its entrance, and through them he descries his + pursuers bearing down upon him at full speed, the dogs making the very + forest echo with their savage yelps. They are close upon him; the island + is his only refuge! Suddenly he leaps to the bank, plunges into the + stream, and with death-like struggles gains the opposite shore, where he + climbs a cedar, as the dogs, eager with savage pursuit, follow in his + wake, and are well nigh seizing his extremities ere they cleared their + vicious spring. The two horsemen vault to the spot from whence the old man + plunged into the water; and while the dogs make hideous ravings beneath + the tree, they sit upon their horses, consulting, as the old man, from the + tree top, looks piteously over the scene. Life has few charms for him; + death would not be unwelcome. + </p> + <p> + The tedious journey, and disappointment at seeing the old man's + resolution, has excited Romescos' ire. "He's an old rack-not worth much, + but he doesn't seem like Kemp's old saw-horse," Romescos remarks to + Bengal, as his hawk eye scans the old man perched among the cedar + branches. They are not more than forty yards apart, and within speaking + distance. Bengal, less excited, thinks it better to secure the old "coon" + without letting the dogs taste of him. + </p> + <p> + "They'll only hold him with a firm grip, when he dismounts, and swim him + safe back," grumblingly returns Romescos. "Now! old nig"-Romescos shouts + at the top of his voice, directing himself to the old man-"just trot back + here-come along!" + </p> + <p> + The old man shakes his head, and raises his hands, as if pleading for + mercy. + </p> + <p> + "You won't, eh?" returns the angry man, raising his rifle in an attitude + of preparation. Bengal reminds Romescos that his horse is not accustomed + to firing from the saddle. + </p> + <p> + "I will larn him, then," is the reply. + </p> + <p> + "Mas'r," says Bob, putting out his hand and uncovering his bald head, "I + can harm no white man. Let me live where 'um is, and die where 'um is." + </p> + <p> + "None o' that ar kind o' nigger talk;—just put it back here, or + ye'll get a plug or two out o' this long Bill." (He points to his rifle.) + "Ye'll come down out of that-by heavens you will!" + </p> + <p> + "Wing him; don't shoot the fool!" suggests Bengal, as the old man, + pleading with his pursuers, winds his body half round the tree. Tick! + tick! went the cock of Romescos' rifle; he levelled it to his eye,—a + sharp whistling report rung through the air, and the body of the old man, + shot through the heart, lumbered to the earth, as a deadly shriek sounds + high above the echoes over the distant landscape-"M'as'r in heaven take + 'um and have mercy on 'um!" gurgles on the air: his body writhes + convulsively-the devouring dogs spring savagely upon the ration-all is + over with the old slave! + </p> + <p> + Instantly with the report of the rifle, Romescos' horse darts, vaults + toward the oaks, halts suddenly, and, ere he has time to grasp the reins, + throws him headlong against one of their trunks. An oath escapes his lips + as from the saddle he lifted; not a word more did he lisp, but sank on the + ground a corpse. His boon companion, forgetting the dogs in their banquet + of flesh, quickly dismounts, seizes the body in his arms, the head hanging + carelessly from the shoulders: a few quivering shrugs, and all is over. + "Neck broken, and dead!" ejaculates the affrighted companion, resting the + dead hunter's back against his left knee, and with his right hand across + the breast, moving the head to and fro as if to make sure life has left. + </p> + <p> + "Poor Anthony,—it's a bad end; but the state should bury him with + honours; he ware the best 'un at this kind o' business the state ever + had," mutters Bengal, glancing revengefully toward the island, where his + democratic dogs are busy in the work of destruction. Then he stretches the + lifeless body on the ground, crosses those hands full of blood and + treachery, draws a handkerchief from his pocket, spreads it over the + ghastly face fast discolouring, as the riderless horse, as if by instinct, + bounds back to the spot and suddenly halts over his dead master, where he + frets the ground with his hoof, and, with nostrils extended, scents along + the body. Having done this, as if in sorrow, he will rest on the ground + beside him; slowly he lumbers his body down, his head and neck circled + toward that of the lifeless ruffian on the ground. + </p> + <p> + The disconsolate hunter here leaves his useless companion, swims the + stream, recalls the gory-mouthed dogs, looks with satisfaction on the body + of the torn slave. "You're settled for," says Bengal, as with his right + foot he kicks together the distended and torn limbs. "Not all loss, yet!" + he adds, a glow of satisfaction infusing his face. With the ghastly head + for proof, he will apply for, and perhaps obtain, the state's reward for + the despatch of outlaws; and with the gory trophy he returns across the + limpid stream to his hapless companion, who, having watched over during + the night, he will convey into the city to-morrow morning. Over his body + the very humorous Mr. Brien Moon will hold one of those ceremonies called + inquests, for which, fourteen dollars and forty cents being paid into his + own pocket, he will order the valueless flesh under the sod, handsomely + treating with cigars and drinks those who honour him with their presence. + </p> + <p> + In the old man's camp, a hatchet, a few bits of corn-bread, (old Jerushe's + gift), and two fresh caught fish, are found; they constituted his earthly + store. But he was happy, for his heart's impulses beat high above the + conflict of a State's wrongs. That spirit so pure has winged its way to + another and better world, where, with that of the monster who wronged + nature while making cruelty his pastime, it will appear before a just God, + who sits in glory and judgeth justly. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0045" id="link2HCH0045"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XLV. — HOW SLAVEHOLDERS FEAR EACH OTHER. + </h2> + <p> + THE reader will please remember that we left Nicholas, maddened to + distraction at the perfidy of which Grabguy makes him the victim, chained + to an iron ring in the centre of Graspum's slave pen. In addition to this + very popular mode of subduing souls that love liberty, his wife and + children are sold from him, the ekings of his toil, so carefully laid up + as the boon of his freedom, are confiscated, and the wrong-doer now seeks + to cover his character by proclaiming to a public without sympathy that no + such convention existed, no such object entertained. Grabguy is a man of + position, and lady Grabguy moves well in society no way vulgar; but the + slave (the more honourable of the two) hath no voice-he is nothing in the + democratic world. Of his origin he knows not; and yet the sting pierces + deeper into his burning heart, as he feels that, would justice but listen + to his tale, freedom had not been a stranger. No voice in law, no common + right of commoners, no power to appeal to the judiciary of his own + country, hath he. Overpowered, chained, his very soul tortured with the + lash, he still proclaims his resolution-"death or justice!" He will no + longer work for him who has stripped away his rights, and while affecting + honesty, would crush him bleeding into the earth. + </p> + <p> + Grabguy will counsel an expedient wherewith further to conceal his + perfidy; and to that end, with seeming honesty lady Grabguy would have her + fashionable neighbours believe sincere, he will ship the oppressed man to + New Orleans, there to be sold.-"Notwithstanding, he is an extremely + valuable nigger," he says, affecting superlative indifference. + </p> + <p> + "I'd rather sell him for a song than he should disturb the peace of the + city thus." To New Orleans Mr. Grabguy sends his unsubdued property; but + that the threatened sale is only a feint to more effectually dissolve the + contract and forfeit the money paid as part of his freedom, he soon + becomes fully sensible. Doubly incensed at such conduct the fire of his + determination burns more fiercely; if no justice for him be made manifest + on earth his spirit is consoled with the knowledge of a reward in heaven. + Having tortured for months the unyielding man, Grabguy, with blandest + professions of kindness, commands that the lacerated servant be brought + back to his domicile. Here, with offers of kindness, and sundry pretexts + of his sincerity, the master will pledge his honour to keep faith with his + slave. The defrauded wretch knows but too well how little confidence he + can place in such promises; to such promises does he turn a deaf ear. + Grabguy, if serious, must give him back his wife, his children, and his + hard earnings, in which the joyous hope of gaining freedom was centred: + that hope had carried him through many trials. Sad is the dilemma in which + Mr. Grabguy finds himself placed; simple justice to the man would have + long since settled the question. + </p> + <p> + And now Nicholas is a second time sent to Graspum's pen, where living men + are chained to rings of fierce iron for loving freedom and their country. + For twenty-two days and nights is he chained to that floor where his soul + had before been tortured. Threats of being returned to New Orleans again + ring their leaden music in his ears; but they have no terrors for him; his + indignant spirit has battled with torture and vanquished its smart—he + will defend himself unto death rather than be made the object of a sham + sale. A vessel for New Orleans waits in the harbour a fair wind for + sailing. On board of her Mr. Grabguy will carry out his resolve; and to + which end the reader will please accompany us to a small cell in Graspum's + pen, about fourteen by sixteen feet, and seven in height—in the + centre of which is chained to a ring that man, once so manly of figure, + whose features are now worn down by sorrow or distorted by torture,—as + three policemen enter to carry out the order of shipment. The heavy chain + and shackle with which his left foot is secured yield to him a circuit of + some four feet. As the officials advance his face brightens up with + animation; his spirit resumes its fiery action, and with a flashing knife, + no one knows by whom provided, he bids them advance no further. + </p> + <p> + "You must go to the whipping-post, my good fellow! I know it's kind of + hard; but obey orders we must. Ye see, I've gin ye good advice, time and + agin; but ye won't take it, and so ye must abide the consequences," says + one of the officials, who advances before the others, and addresses + himself to the chained man. + </p> + <p> + "I'll go to a whipping-post no more!" exclaims Nicholas, his angry spirit + flashing in his face, as in an attitude of defence he presses his right + hand into his bosom, and frowns defiantly upon the intruders. + </p> + <p> + "My name is Monsel, an officer! Not a word of disobedience," returns the + officer, in a peremptory voice. + </p> + <p> + Another suggests that he had better be throated at once. But the chained + victim of democracy's rule warns them against advancing another step. + "Either must die if you advance. I have counselled death, and will lay my + prostrate body on the cold floor rather than be taken from this cell to + the whipping-post. It is far better to die defending my right, than to + yield my life under the lash! I appeal to you, officers of the state, + protectors of the peace, men who love their right as life's boons!" The + men hesitate, whisper among themselves, seem at a loss as to what course + to pursue. "You are setting the laws of the state at defiance, my good + fellow!" rejoins Monsel. + </p> + <p> + "I care not for the law of the state! Its laws for me are founded in + wrong, exercised with injustice!" Turning towards the door, Mr. Monsel + despatches his fellow-officers for a reinforcement. That there will be a + desperate struggle he has no doubt. The man's gestures show him fully + armed; and he is stark mad. During the interim, Mr. Monsel will hold a + parley with the boy. He finds, however, that a few smooth words will not + subdue him. One of the officials has a rope in his hand, with which he + would make a lasso, and, throwing it over his head, secure him an easy + captive. Mr. Monsel will not hear of such a cowardly process. He is a wiry + man, with stunted features, and has become enured to the perils of negro + catching. Hand to hand he has had many an encounter with the brutes, and + always came off victor; never did he fail to serve the interests of the + state, nor to protect the property of his client. With a sort of bravado + he makes another advance. The city esteems him for the valuable services + he has rendered its safety; why should he shrink in this emergency? + </p> + <p> + Our southern readers, in a certain state, will readily recognise the scene + we here describe. The chained man, drawing his shining steel from his + bosom, says, "You take me not from here, alive." Mr. Monsel's face becomes + pale, while Nicholas's flashes angry scowls; an irresistible nervousness + seizes him,—for a moment he hesitates, turns half round to see if + his companions stand firm. They are close behind, ready for the spring, + like sharp-eyed catamounts; while around the door anxious visitors crowd + their curious faces. The officers second in command file off to the right + and left, draw their revolvers, and present them in the attitude of + firing. "Use that knife, and you fall!" exclaims one, with a fearful + imprecation. At the next moment he fires, as Monsel rushes upon the + chained man, followed by half a dozen officials. An agonising shriek is + heard, and Monsel, in guttural accents, mutters, "I am a murdered man-he + has murdered me! Oh, my God,—he has murdered me!" Nicholas has + plunged the knife into the fleshy part of Monsel's right arm; and while + the bloody weapon, wrested from his hand, lies on the floor, an official + drags the wounded man from his grasp. As some rise, others fall upon him + like infuriated animals, and but for the timely presence of Grabguy and + Graspum would have despatched him like a bullock chained to a stake. The + presence of these important personages produces a cessation of + hostilities; but the victim, disarmed, lies prostrate on the ground, a + writhing and distorted body, tortured beyond his strength of endurance. A + circle where the struggle ensued is wet with blood, in which Nicholas + bathes his poor writhing body until it becomes one crimson mass. + </p> + <p> + All attention is now directed to the wounded man, who, it is found, + although he has bled freely of good red blood, is neither fatally nor + seriously wounded. It is merely a flesh wound in the arm, such as young + gentlemen of the south frequently inflict upon each other for the purpose + of sustaining their character for bravery. But the oppressed slave has + raised his hand against a white man,—he must pay the penalty with + his life; he no longer can live to keep peaceful citizens in fear and + trembling. Prostrate on the floor, the victors gather round him again, as + Graspum stoops down and unlocks the shackle from his leg. "It's the Ingin, + you see: the very devil wouldn't subdue it, and when once its revenge + breaks out you might just as well try to govern a sweeping tornado," + Graspum remarks, coolly, as he calls a negro attendant, and orders the + body to be drawn from out the puddle of disfiguring gore. Languidly that + poor bosom heaves, his eyes half close, and his motionless lips pale as + death. + </p> + <p> + "Had I know'd it when I bargained for him, he would never have pested me + in this way, never! But he looked so likely, and had such a quick insight + of things,—Ingin's Ingin, though!" says Grabguy. + </p> + <p> + "The very look might have told you that, my dear fellow; I sold him to you + with your eyes open, and, of course, expected you to be the judge," + interrupts Graspum, his countenance assuming great commercial seriousness. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Grabguy politely says, he meant no insinuations. "Come, Nicholas! I + told you this would be the end on't," he continues, stooping down and + taking him by the shoulders, with an air of commiseration. + </p> + <p> + The bruised body, as if suddenly inspired with new life, raises itself + half up, and with eyes opening, gazes vacantly at those around, at its own + hands besmeared with gore; then, with a curl of contempt on his lip, at + the shackle just released from his limb-"Ah, well, it's ended here; this + is the last of me, no doubt," he murmurs, and makes another attempt to + rise. + </p> + <p> + "Don't move from where you are!" commands an official, setting his hand + firmly against his right shoulder, and pressing him back. He has got the + infective crimson on his hands, chafes them one against the other, + perpendicularly, as Nicholas looks at him doubtingly. "It's all over—I'll + not harm you; take me to a slaughter-house if you will,—I care not," + he says, still keeping his eye on the official. + </p> + <p> + Grabguy, somewhat moved at the sight, would confirm his harmlessness. + "You'll give up now, won't you?" he enquires, and before Nicholas has time + to answer, turns to the official, saying, "Yes, I know'd he would!" + </p> + <p> + The official bows his head significantly, but begs to inform Mr. Grabguy, + that the negro, having violated the most sacred law of the state, is no + longer under his care. He is a prisoner, and must, as the law directs, + answer for the heinous crime just committed. Mr. Grabguy, if he please, + may forward his demand to the state department, and by yielding all claim + to his criminal property, receive its award-two hundred round dollars, or + thereabouts. + </p> + <p> + "Stand back, gentlemen-stand back, I say!" commands the officer, as the + crowd from the outside come pressing in, the news of the struggle having + circulated through the city with lightning speed. Rumour, ever ready to + spread its fears in a slave state, reported an insurrection, and many were + they who armed themselves to the very teeth. + </p> + <p> + The officer, in answer to a question why he does not take the man away, + says he has sent for means to secure him. He had scarcely given out the + acceptable information, when an official, followed by a negro man, bearing + cords over his right arm, makes his appearance. The oppressed man seems + subdued, and as they make the first knot with the cord they wind about his + neck, he says, sarcastically, "'Twouldn't be much to hang a slave! Now + round my hands. Now, with a half hitch, take my legs!" thus mocking, as it + were, while they twist the cords about his yielding limbs. Now they draw + his head to his knees, and his hands to his feet, forming a curve of his + disabled body. "How I bend to your strong ropes, your strong laws, and + your still stronger wills! You make good slip-nooses, and better bows of + human bodies," he says, mildly, shaking his head contemptuously. The + official, with a brutal kick, reminds him that there will be no joking + when he swings by the neck, which he certainly will, to the great delight + of many. + </p> + <p> + "I welcome the reality,—by heaven I do, for only in heaven is there + justice for me!" With these words falling from his lips, four negro men + seize the body, bear it to the door: an excited crowd having assembled, + place it upon a common dray, amid shouts and furious imprecations of "D—him, + kill him at once!" Soon the dray rolls speedily away for the county + prison, followed by the crowd, who utter a medley of yells and groans, as + it disappears within the great gates, bearing its captive to a cell of + torture. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0046" id="link2HCH0046"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XLVI. — SOUTHERN ADMINISTRATION OF JUSTICE. + </h2> + <p> + IT is just a week since Nicholas committed the heinous offence of wounding + officer Monsel in the arm. That distinguished personage, having been well + cared for, is-to use a common phrase-about again, as fresh as ever. With + Nicholas the case is very different. His bruised and lacerated body, + confined in an unhealthy cell, has received little care. Suspicion of + treachery has been raised against him; his name has become a terror + throughout the city; and all his bad qualities have been magnified + five-fold, while not a person can be found to say a word in praise of his + good. That he always had some secret villainy in view no one for a moment + doubts; that he intended to raise an insurrection among the blacks every + one is quite sure; and that confession of all his forelaid evil designs + may be extorted from him, the cruellest means have been resorted to. + </p> + <p> + The day upon which the trial is to take place has arrived. On the south + side of Broad Street there stands a small wooden building, the boarding + discoloured and decayed, looking as if it had been accidentally dropped + between the walls of two brick buildings standing at its sides. In + addition, it has the appearance of one side having been set at a higher + elevation than the other for some purpose of convenience known only to its + occupants. About fifteen feet high, its front possesses a plain door, + painted green, two small windows much covered with dust, and a round + port-hole over the door. A sheet of tin, tacked above the door, contains, + in broad yellow letters, the significant names of "Fetter and Felsh, + Attorneys at Law." Again, on a board about the size of a shingle, hanging + from a nail at the right side of the door, is "Jabez Fetter, Magistrate." + By these unmistakeable signs we feel assured of its being the department + where the legal firm of Fetter and Felsh do their customers-that is, where + they dispose of an immense amount of legal filth for which the state pays + very acceptable fees. Squire Fetter, as he is usually called, is extremely + tall and well-formed, and, though straight of person, very crooked in + morals. With an oval and ruddy face, nicely trimmed whiskers, soft blue + eyes, tolerably good teeth, he is considered rather a handsome man. But + (to use a vulgar phrase) he is death on night orgies and nigger trials. He + may be seen any day of the week, about twelve o'clock, standing his long + figure in the door of his legal domicile, his hat touching the sill, + looking up and then down the street, as if waiting the arrival of a victim + upon whom to pronounce one of his awful judgments. Felsh is a different + species of person, being a short, stunted man, with a flat, inexpressive + face. He has very much the appearance of a man who had been clumsily + thrown together for any purpose future circumstances might require. + Between these worthies and one Hanz Von Vickeinsteighner there has long + existed a business connection, which is now being transferred into a + fraternity of good fellowship. Hanz Von Vickeinsteighner keeps a small + grocery, a few doors below: that is, Von, in a place scarcely large enough + to turn his fat sides without coming in contact with the counter, sells + onions, lager-beer, and whiskey; the last-named article is sure to be very + bad, inasmuch as his customers are principally negroes. Von is considered + a very clever fellow, never a very bad citizen, and always on terms of + politeness with a great many squires, and other members of the legal + profession. A perfect picture of the good-natured Dutchman is Von, as seen + standing his square sides in his doorway, stripped to his sleeves, his red + cap tipped aside, a crooked grin on his broad fat face, and his hands + thrust beneath a white apron into his nether pockets. Von has a great + relish for squires and police officers, esteems them the salt of all good, + nor ever charges them a cent for his best-brewed lager-beer. There is, + however, a small matter of business in the way, which Von, being rather a + sharp logician, thinks it quite as well to reconcile with beer. The + picture is complete, when of a morning, some exciting negro case being + about to be brought forward, Fetter and Von may be seen, as before + described, standing importantly easy in their respective doors; while + Felsh paces up and down the side-walk, seemingly in deep study. On these + occasions it is generally said Von makes the criminal "niggers," Felsh + orders them caught and brought before Fletter, and Fetter passes awful + judgment upon them. Now and then, Felsh will prosecute on behalf of the + state, for which that generous embodiment of bad law is debtor the fees. + </p> + <p> + The city clock has struck twelve; Fetter stands in his doorway, his + countenance wearing an air of great seriousness. Felsh saunters at the + outside, now and then making some legal remark on a point of the negro + statutes, and at every turn casting his bleared eye up the street. + Presently, Nicholas is seen, his hands pinioned, and a heavy chain about + his neck, approaching between two officials. A crowd follows; among it are + several patriotic persons who evince an inclination to wrest him from the + officials, that they may, according to Judge Lynch's much-used privileges, + wreak their vengeance in a summary manner. "The boy Nicholas is to be + tried to- day!" has rung through the city: curious lookers-on begin to + assemble round the squire's office, and Hanz Von Vickeinsteighner is in + great good humour at the prospect of a profitable day at his counter. + </p> + <p> + "Bring the criminal in!" says Squire Fetter, turning into his office as + Nicholas is led in,—still bearing the marks of rough usage. Rows of + board seats stretch across the little nook, which is about sixteen feet + wide by twenty long, the floor seeming on the verge of giving way under + its professional burden. The plaster hangs in broken flakes from the + walls, which are exceedingly dingy, and decorated with festoons of + melancholy cobwebs. At the farther end is an antique book-case of pine + slats, on which are promiscuously thrown sundry venerable-looking works on + law, papers, writs, specimens of minerals, branches of coral, aligators' + teeth, several ship's blocks, and a bit of damaged fishing-tackle. This is + Felsh's repository of antique collections; what many of them have to do + with his rough pursuit of the learned profession we leave to the reader's + discrimination. It has been intimated by several waggishly-inclined + gentlemen, that a valuable record of all the disobedient "niggers" Fetter + had condemned to be hung might be found among this confused collection of + antiquities. A deal table, covered with a varnished cloth, standing on the + right side of the room, and beside which a ponderous arm-chair is raised a + few inches, forms Fetter's tribune. Hanging from the wall, close behind + this, is a powder-horn and flask, several old swords, a military hat + somewhat broken, and sundry other indescribable things, enough to make + one's head ache to contemplate. + </p> + <p> + The office is become crowded to excess, the prisoner (his hands + unpinioned, but the heavy chain still about his neck!) is placed in a + wooden box fronting the squire's table, as a constable is ordered to close + the court. It is quite evident that Fetter has been taking a little too + much on the previous night; but, being a "first-rate drinker," his friends + find an apology in the arduousness of his legal duties. In answer to a + question from Felsh, who has been looking at the prisoner somewhat + compassionately, the serving constable says two of the jury of + "freeholders" he has summoned have not yet made their appearance. Fetter, + who was about to take his seat in the great chair, and open court, + politely draws forth his watch, and after addressing a few words to the + persons present, on the necessity of keeping order in a court with such + high functions, whispers a few words in Felsh's ear, holding his hand to + his mouth the while. + </p> + <p> + "Maintain order in court!" says Fetter, nodding his head to the official; + "we will return in five minutes." Soon they are seen passing into Von's + crooked establishment, where, joined by a number of very fashionable + friends, they "take" of the "hardware" he keeps in a sly place under the + counter, in a special bottle for his special customers. Having taken + several special glasses, Fetter is much annoyed at sundry remarks made by + his friends, who press round him, seeming anxious to instruct him on + intricate points of the "nigger statutes." One hopes he will not let the + nigger off without a jolly good hanging; another will bet his life Felsh + takes care of that small item, for then his claim on the state treasury + will be doubled. And now, Fetter finding that Felsh, having imbibed rather + freely of the liquid, hath somewhat diminished his brilliant faculties, + will take him by the arm and return into court. With all the innate + dignity of great jurists they enter their sanctum of justice, as the usher + exclaims, "Court! Court!-hats off and cigars out!" + </p> + <p> + "Jury are present?" enquires Fetter, with great gravity, bowing to one + side and then to the other, as he resumes his seat on the tribune. + </p> + <p> + "Present, yer 'oner;" the officer answers in a deep, gruff voice, as he + steps forward and places a volume of the revised statutes before that high + jurist. Fetter moves the book to his left, where Felsh has taken his seat. + With placid countenance and softest accents, Fetter orders the prisoner at + the bar to stand up while our constable calls the names of the jurymen. + </p> + <p> + Our victim of democracy's even-handed justice obeys the summons, rising as + his dark eyes flash angrily, and that hatred wrong which lurks in his + bosom seems kindling anew. "James M'Neilty! Terrance M'Quade! Harry + Johanna! Baldwin Dobson! Patrick Henessy! Be dad and I have um all now, + yer 'oner," ejaculates the official, exultingly, as one by one the "nigger + jurymen" respond to the call and take their seats on a wooden slab at the + right of his Honour, squire Fetter. "You are, I may be sure, gentlemen, + freeholders?" enquires his honour, with a mechanical bow. They answer + simultaneously in the affirmative, and then, forming in a half circle, lay + their hands on a volume of Byron, which Fetter makes do for a Bible, and + subscribe to the sacred oath Felsh administers. By the Giver of all Good + will they return a verdict according to the evidence and the facts. + "Gentlemen will take their seats" (the officer must preserve order in the + court!) "the prisoner may also sit down," says Felsh, the words falling + from his lips with great gravity, as, opening the revised statutes, he + rises to address the jury. + </p> + <p> + "Gentlemen of the Jury!"-suddenly hesitates for a moment-"the solemn + duties which you are now called upon to perform" (at this moment Terrance + M'Quade draws a small bottle from his pocket, and after helping himself to + a portion of its contents passes it to his fellows, much to the surprise + of the learned Felsh, who hopes such indecorum will cease) "and they are + duties which you owe to the safety of the state as well as to the + protection of your own families, are much enhanced by the superior mental + condition of the criminal before you." Here Mr. Felsh calls for a volume + of Prince's Digest, from which he instructs the jury upon several + important points of the law made and provided for making the striking a + white person by a slave or person of colour a capital offence. "Your + honour, too, will see the case to which I refer-'State and Prudence!'" The + learned gentleman extends the book, that his august eyes may have a near + view. + </p> + <p> + "Your word is quite sufficient, Mr. Felsh," returns Fetter, his eyes half + closed, as he waves his hand, adding that he is perfectly posted on the + case cited. "Page 499, I think you said?" he continues, placing his thumbs + in his waistcoat armlets, with an air of indifference. + </p> + <p> + "Yes, your honour," rejoins Felsh, with a polite bow. His honour, ordering + a glass of water mixed with a little brandy, Mr. Felsh continues:—"The + case, gentlemen, before you, is that of the 'State v. Nicholas.' This + case, gentlemen, and the committal of the heinous crime for which he + stands arraigned before you, has excited no small amount of interest in + the city. It is one of those peculiar cases where intelligence creeps into + the property interest of our noble institution-the institution of + slavery-makes the property restless, disobedient to the will and commands + of the master, disaffected to the slave population, and dangerous to the + peace and the progress of the community. Now, gentlemen" (his honour has + dropped into a moderate nap-Mr. Felsh pauses for a moment, and touches him + gently on the shoulder, as he suddenly resumes his wonted attention, much + to the amusement of those assembled) "you will be told by the witnesses we + shall here produce, that the culprit is an exceedingly intelligent and + valuable piece of property, and as such might, even now, be made extremely + valuable to his master"—Mr. Grabguy is in court, watching his + interests!-"who paid a large sum for him, and was more than anxious to + place him at the head of his manufacturing establishment, which office he + was fully capable of filling. Now, gentlemen-his honour will please + observe this point-much as I may consider the heavy loss the master will + suffer by the conviction of the prisoner, and which will doubtless be felt + severely by him, I cannot help impressing upon you the necessity of + overlooking the individual loss to the master, maintaining the law, and + preserving the peace of the community and stability of our noble + institution. That the state will only allow the master two hundred dollars + for his valuable slave you have nothing to do with-you must sink that from + your minds, listen to the testimony, and form your verdict in accordance + with that and the law. That he is a dangerous slave, has long maintained a + disobedience towards his owner, set the authorities at defiance, attempted + to create an insurrection, and made a dangerous assault on a white + man-which constitutes a capital offence-we shall now call witnesses to + prove." The learned gentleman having finished his opening for the + prosecution, sits down. After a moment's pause, he orders an attendant to + bring something "to take"-"Similar to the squire's!" he ejaculates, + hoarsely. + </p> + <p> + "Gentlemen!" says his honour, as if seized with the recollection of some + important appointment, the time for which was close at hand, drawing out + his watch, "Call witnesses as fast as possible! The evidence in this case, + I reckon, is so direct and positive, that the case can be very summarily + despatched." + </p> + <p> + "I think so, too! yer 'oner," interrupts Terrance M'Quade, starting from + his seat among the five jurors. Terrance has had what in vulgar parlance + is termed a "tough time" with several of his own stubborn negroes; and + having already heard a deal about this very bad case, is prepared to + proclaim him fit only to be hanged. His honour reminds Terrance that such + remarks from a juror are neither strictly legal nor in place. + </p> + <p> + The first witness called is Toby, a slave of Terrance M'Quade, who has + worked in the same shop with Nicholas. Toby heard him say he got his + larnin' when he was young,—that his heart burned for his + freedom-that he knew he was no slave by right-that some day would see him + a great man; that if all those poor wretches now in slavery knew as much + as he did, they would rise up, have their liberties, and proclaim justice + without appealing to heaven for it!-" + </p> + <p> + "I said all that, and more!" interrupted the criminal bondman, rising + quickly to his feet, and surveying those around him with a frown of + contempt. + </p> + <p> + "Silence! sit down!" resounds from the officer. + </p> + <p> + He will sit down, but they cannot quench the fires of his soul; they may + deny him the commonest right of his manhood, but they cannot take from him + the knowledge that God gave him those rights; they may mock with derision + the firm mien with which he disputes the power of his oppressors, and + their unjust laws, but they cannot make him less than a man in his own + feelings! + </p> + <p> + His honour, squire Fetter, reminds him that it were better he said + nothing, sit down,—or be punished instanter. Turning to Felsh, who + is sipping his quencher, he enquires what that gentleman means to prove by + the witness Toby? + </p> + <p> + "His intention to raise an insurrection, yer honour!" Felsh, setting his + glass aside, quickly responds, wiping his lips as he adds, "It is + essentially necessary, yer honour!" + </p> + <p> + His honour, leaning forward, places the fore-finger of his right hand to + his lip, and making a very learned gesture, says, "Toby has said enough to + establish that point." + </p> + <p> + The next witness is Mr. Brien Calligan, a criminal in the prison, who for + his good behaviour has been promoted to the honourable post of + under-warden. Mr. Brien Calligan testifies that the prisoner, while in + prison, confined in a cell under his supervision, admitted that he + intended to kill Mr. Monsel when he inflicted the wound. He must qualify + this statement, however, by saying that the prisoner added he was + altogether beside himself with rage. + </p> + <p> + Grabguy, who has been intently watching the proceedings, suddenly springs + to his feet. He would like to know if that admission was not extorted from + the culprit by cruelty! + </p> + <p> + Mr. Brien Calligan pauses a moment, looks innocently at the court, as one + of the jurors suggests that quite enough evidence has already been put in + to warrant a conviction. It's a pity to hang such valuable property; but, + being bent on disturbing the peace of the community, what else can be + done? + </p> + <p> + His honour listens with great concern to the juror's remarks, but suggests + that Mr. Grabguy had better not interrupt the court with questions. That + he has an indirect interest in the issue of the suit, not a doubt exists, + but if he be not satisfied with the witness's statement, he has his remedy + in the court of appeals, where, upon the ground of testimony having been + elicited by coercion or cruelty, a new trial will probably be granted. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Grabguy would merely suggest to his honour that although sentencing a + negro to be hung may be a matter of small consequence to him, yet his + position in society gives him a right to be heard with proper respect. + Aware that he does not move in that exclusively aristocratic sphere of + society awarded to lawyers in general, he is no less entitled to respect, + and being a man of honour, and an alderman as well, he shall always insist + on that respect. + </p> + <p> + "Order, order!" demand a dozen voices. His honour's face flashing with + indignation, he seizes the statutes, and rising to his feet, is about to + throw them with unerring aim at the unhandsome head of the municipal + functionary. A commotion here ensues. Felsh is esteemed not a bad fighting + man; and rising almost simultaneously, his face like a full moon peeping + through a rain cloud, attempts to pacify his colleague, Fetter. The court + is foaming with excitement; Mr. Felsh is excited, the jury are excited to + take a little more drink, the constables are excited, the audience are + excited to amusement; Messrs. Fetter and Felsh's court rocks with + excitement: the only unexcited person present is the criminal, who looks + calmly on, as if contemplating with horror the debased condition of those + in whose hands an unjust law has placed his life. + </p> + <p> + As the uproar and confusion die away, and the court resumes its dignity, + Mr. Grabguy, again asserting his position of a gentleman, says he is not + ashamed to declare his conviction to be, that his honour is not in a fit + state to try a "nigger" of his: in fact, the truth must be told, he would + not have him sit in judgment upon his spaniel. + </p> + <p> + At this most unwarranted declaration Fetter rises from his judicial chair, + his feelings burning with rage, and bounds over the table at Grabguy, + prostrating his brother Felsh, tables, benches, chairs, and everything + else in his way,—making the confusion complete. Several gentlemen + interpose between Fetter; but before he can reach Grabguy, who is no small + man in physical strength—which he has developed by fighting his way + "through many a crowd" on election days-that municipal dignitary is + ejected, sans ceremonie, into the street. + </p> + <p> + "Justice to me! My honest rights, for which I laboured when he gave me no + bread, would have saved him his compunction of conscience: I wanted + nothing more," says Nicholas, raising the side of his coarse jacket, and + wiping the sweat from his brow. + </p> + <p> + "Silence there!" demands an official, pointing his tipstaff, and punching + him on the shoulder. + </p> + <p> + Grabguy goes to his home, considering and reconsidering his own course. + His heart repeats the admonition, "Thou art the wrong-doer, Grabguy!" It + haunts his very soul; it lays bare the sources from whence the slave's + troubles flow; places the seal of aggression on the state. It is a + question with him, whether the state, through its laws, or Messrs. Fetter + and Felsh, through the justice meted out at their court, play the baser + part. + </p> + <p> + A crowd of anxious persons have gathered about the door, making the very + air resound with their shouts of derision. Hans Von Vickeinsteighner, his + fat good-natured face shining like a pumpkin on a puncheon, and his red + cap dangling above the motley faces of the crowd, moves glibly about, and + says they are having a right jolly good time at the law business within. + </p> + <p> + Fetter, again taking his seat, apologises to the jury, to the persons + present, and to his learned brother, Felsh. He is very sorry for this + ebullition of passion; but they may be assured it was called forth by the + gross insult offered to all present. "Continue the witnesses as fast as + possible," he concludes, with a methodical bow. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Monsel steps forward: he relates the fierce attempt made upon his + life; has no doubt the prisoner meant to kill him, and raise an + insurrection. "It is quite enough; Mr. Monsel may stand down," interposes + Felsh, with an air of dignity. + </p> + <p> + Paul Vampton, an intelligent negro, next bears testimony. The criminal at + the bar (Paul does not believe he has a drop of negro blood in his veins) + more than once told him his wife and children were sold from him, his + rights stripped from him, the hopes of gaining his freedom for ever gone. + Having nothing to live for, he coveted death, because it was more + honourable to die in defence of justice, than live the crawling slave of a + tyrant's rule. + </p> + <p> + "I feel constrained to stop the case, gentlemen of the jury," interposes + his honour, rising from his seat. "The evidence already adduced is more + than sufficient to establish the conviction." + </p> + <p> + A juror at Terrance M'Quade's right, touches that gentleman on the + shoulder: he had just cooled away into a nice sleep: "I think so, too, yer + 'oner," rejoins Terrance, in half bewilderment, starting nervously and + rubbing his eyes. + </p> + <p> + A few mumbled words from his honour serve as a charge to the jury. They + know the law, and have the evidence before them. "I see not, gentlemen, + how you can render a verdict other than guilty; but that, let me here say, + I shall leave to your more mature deliberation." With these concluding + remarks his honour sips his mixture, and sits down. + </p> + <p> + Gentlemen of the jury rise from their seats, and form into a circle; Mr. + Felsh coolly turns over the leaves of the statutes; the audience mutter to + themselves; the prisoner stares vacantly over the scene, as if heedless of + the issue. + </p> + <p> + "Guilty! it's that we've made it; and the divil a thing else we could make + out of it," exclaims Terrance M'Quade, as they, after the mature length of + two minutes' consultation, turn and face his honour. They pause for a + reply. + </p> + <p> + "Stand up, prisoner!" + </p> + <p> + "Hats off during the sentence!" rejoins a constable. + </p> + <p> + "Guilty." His honour rises to his feet with ponderous dignity to pronounce + the awful sentence. "Gentlemen, I must needs compliment your verdict; you + could have come to no other." His honour bows gracefully to the jury, + reminds gentlemen present of the solemn occasion, and will hear what the + prisoner has to say for himself. + </p> + <p> + An angry frown pervades the prisoner's face. He has nothing to say. + Burning tears course down his cheeks; but they are not tears of + contrition,—Oh, no! he has no such tears to shed. Firmly and + resolutely he says, "Guilty! guilty! yes, I am guilty-guilty by the guilty + laws of a guilty land. You are powerful-I am weak; you have might-I have + right. Mine is not a chosen part. Guilty on earth, my soul will be + innocent in heaven; and before a just judge will my cause be proclaimed, + before a holy tribunal my verdict received, and by angels my soul be + enrolled among the righteous. Your earthly law seals my lips; your black + judgment-enough to make heaven frown and earth tremble, fearing + justice-crushes the man; but you cannot judge the spirit. In fear and + trembling your wrongs will travel broken paths-give no man rest. I am + guilty with you; I am innocent in heaven. He who judgeth all things right, + receives the innocent soul into his bosom; and He will offer repentance to + him who takes the innocent life." He pauses, as his eye, with intense + stare, rests upon his honour. + </p> + <p> + "You are through?" enquires his honour, raising his eyebrows. + </p> + <p> + "In this court of justice," firmly replies the prisoner. + </p> + <p> + "Order in the court!" is echoed from several voices. + </p> + <p> + "Nicholas-Nicholas Grabguy! the offence for which you stand convicted is + one for which I might, according to the laws of the land, pronounce a more + awful sentence than the one now resolved upon. But the advanced and + enlightened spirit of the age calls for a more humane manner of taking + life and inflicting punishments. Never before has it been my lot to pass + sentence-although I have pronounced the awful benediction on very many-on + so valuable and intelligent a slave. I regret your master's loss as much + as I sympathise with your condition; and yet I deplore the hardened and + defiant spirit you yet evince. And permit me here to say, that while you + manifest such an unyielding spirit there is no hope of pardon. Nicholas! + you have been tried before a tribunal of the land, by the laws of your + state, and found guilty by a tribunal of competent men. Nothing is now + left for me but to pass sentence upon you in accordance with the law. The + sentence of the court is, that you be taken hence to the prison from + whence you came, and on this day week, at twelve o'clock, from thence to + the gallows erected in the yard thereof, and there and then be hanged by + the neck until you are dead; and may the Lord have mercy on your soul!" + </p> + <p> + His honour, concluding nervously, orders the jury to be dismissed, and the + court adjourned. + </p> + <p> + How burns the inward hate of the oppressed culprit, as mutely, his hands + pinioned, and the heavy chain about his neck, he is led away to his + prison-house, followed by a deriding crowd. "Come that happy day, when men + will cease to make their wrong fire my very blood!" he says, firmly + marching to the place of death. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0047" id="link2HCH0047"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XLVII. — PROSPERITY THE RESULT OF JUSTICE. + </h2> + <p> + TEN years have rolled into the past since the Rosebrook family-moved by a + sense of right to enquire into the errors of a bad system of + labour-resolved to try the working of a new scheme. There was to be no + cutting, nor lashing, nor abusing with overburdening tasks. Education was + to regulate the feelings, kindness to expand the sympathies, and justice + to bind the affections and stimulate advancement. There were only some + fifty negroes on the Rosebrook plantation, but its fame for raising great + crops had resounded far and wide. Some planters said it "astonished + everything," considering how much the Rosebrooks indulged their slaves. + With a third less in number of hands, did they raise more and better + cotton than their neighbours; and then everything was so neat and bright + about the plantation, and everybody looked so cheerful and sprightly. When + Rosebrook's cotton was sent into the market, factors said it was + characteristic of his systemised negroes; and when his negroes rolled into + the city, as they did on holidays, all brightened up with new clothes, + everybody said-There were Rosebrook's dandy, fat, and saucy "niggers." And + then the wise prophets, who had all along predicted that Rosebrook's + project would never amount to much, said it was all owing to his lady, who + was worth her weight in gold at managing negroes. And she did conceive the + project, too; and her helping hand was felt like a quickening spring, + giving new life to the physical being. That the influence might not be + lost upon others of her sex in the same sphere of life, she was ever + reasoning upon the result of female sympathy. She felt that, were it + exercised properly, it could raise up the menial slave, awaken his inert + energies, give him those moral guides which elevate his passive nature, + and regenerate that manhood which provides for its own good. + </p> + <p> + They had promised their people that all children born at and after a given + date should be free; that all those over sixty should be nominally free, + the only restriction being the conditions imposed by the state law; that + slaves under fifteen years of age, and able to do plantation work, should, + during the ten years prescribed, be allowed for their extra labour at a + given rate, and expected to have the sum of two hundred and fifty dollars + set to their credit; that all prime people should be required to work a + given number of hours, as per task, for master, beyond which they would be + allotted a "patch" for cultivation, the products of which were entrusted + to Rosebrook for sale, and the proceeds placed in missus' savings bank to + their credit. The people had all fulfilled the required conditions ere the + ten years expired; and a good round sum for extra earnings was found in + the bank. The Rosebrooks kept faith with their slaves; and the happy + result is, that Rosebrook, in addition to the moral security he has + founded for the good of his people-and which security is a boon of + protection between master and slave-has been doubly repaid by the + difference in amount of product, the result of encouragement incited by + his enlightened system. The family were bound in affection to their + slaves; and the compact has given forth its peaceful products for a good + end. Each slave being paid for his or her labour, there is no decline of + energy, no disaffection, no clashing of interests, no petulant + disobedience. Rosebrook finds his system the much better of the two. It + has relieved him of a deal of care; he gets more work for less money; he + laughs at his neighbours, who fail to raise as much cotton with double the + number of negroes; and he knows that his negroes love instead of fear him. + And yet, notwithstanding the proof he has produced, the whole district of + planters look upon him with suspicion, consider him rather a dangerous + innovator, and say, that while his foolish system cannot be other than + precarious to the welfare of the state, time will prove it a monster + fallacy. + </p> + <p> + A happy moment was it when the time rolled round, and the morning of the + day upon which Rosebrook would proclaim the freedom of his people broke + serenely forth. The cabins looked bright and airy, were sanded and + whitewashed, and, surrounded by their neatly attired inhabitants, + presented a picturesque appearance. It was to be a great gala-day, and the + bright morning atmosphere seemed propitious of the event. Daddy Daniel had + got a new set of shiny brass buttons put on his long blue coat, and an + extremely broad white cravat for his neck. Daniel was a sort of lawgiver + for the plantation, and sat in judgment over all cases brought before him, + with great gravity of manner. As to his judgments, they were always + pronounced with wondrous solemnity, and in accordance with what he + conceived to be the most direct process of administering even-handed + justice. Daddy was neither a democrat nor an unjust judge. Believing that + it were better to forgive than inflict undue punishments, he would rather + shame the transgressor, dismiss him with a firm admonition to do better, + and bid him go, transgress no more! + </p> + <p> + Harry had prepared a new sermon for the eventful day; and with it he was + to make his happy flock remember the duty which they would henceforth owe + to those who had been their kind protectors, as well as the promoters of + that system which would result in happier days. How vivid of happiness was + that scene presented in the plantation church, where master and missus, + surrounded by their faithful old slaves, who, with a patriarchal + attachment, seemed to view them with reverence, sat listening to the + fervent discourse of that once wretched slave, now, by kindness, made a + man! Deep, soul-stirring, and affecting to tears, were the words of prayer + with which that devout negro invoked the all-protecting hand of Almighty + God, that he would guide master and slave through the troubles of this + earthly stage, and receive them into his bosom. How in contrast with that + waging of passion, and every element of evil that has its source in + injustice, so rife of plantation life, was the picture here presented! + </p> + <p> + The service ended, Rosebrook addresses a few remarks to his people; after + which they gather around him and pour forth their gratitude in genial + sentiments. Old and young have a "Heaven save master!" for Rosebrook, and + a "God bless missus!" for his noble-hearted lady, to whom they cling, + shaking her hand with warmest affection. + </p> + <p> + How enviable to her sex is the position of that woman who labours for the + fallen, and whose heart yields its kindred sympathy for the oppressed! + </p> + <p> + After congratulations and tokens of affection had been exchanged, master, + missus, and the people-for such they now were-repaired to the green in + front of the plantation mansion, where a sumptuous collation was spread + out, to which all sat down in one harmonious circle. Then the festivities + of the day-a 4th of July in miniature-ended with a gathering at Dad + Daniel's cabin, where he profoundly laid down a system of rules for the + future observance of the people. + </p> + <p> + Six months have passed under the new r‚gime; and Rosebrook, feeling that + to require labour of his people for a sum much beneath its value must in + time become a source from which evil results would flow, awarded them a + just and adequate remuneration, and finds it work well. Harry had not been + included among those who were enrolled as candidates for the enjoyment + offered by the new system; but missus as well as master had confidentially + promised him he should be free before many years, and with his family, if + he desired, sent to Liberia, to work for the enlightenment of his fellow + Africans. Harry was not altogether satisfied that the greater amount of + labour to be done by him for the unfortunate of his race was beyond the + southern democratic states of America; and, with this doubt instinctively + before him, he was not restless for the consummation. + </p> + <p> + Some three months after the introduction of the new state of affairs, Dad + Daniel was observed to have something weighing heavily on his mind. At + times he was seen consulting seriously with Harry; but of the purport of + these consultations no one, except themselves, was made acquainted. That + very many venerable uncles and aunts were curious to know Daddy's secret + contemplations was equally evident. At length Daniel called a meeting of + his more aged and sagacious brethren, and with sage face made known his + cherished project. Absalom and Uncle Cato listened with breathless + suspense as the sage sayings fell from his lips. His brethren had all felt + the sweet pleasures of justice, right, freedom, and kindness. "Well, den, + broderin, is't 'um right in de sight ob de Lord, dat ye forgets dat broder + what done so much fo'h ye body and ye soul too?" + </p> + <p> + "No, No! dat tisn't!" interrupted a dozen voices. + </p> + <p> + "Well, den!-I know'd, broderin, ye hab got da' bright spirit in ye, and + wouldn't say 'twas!" Daniel continues, making a gesture with his left + hand, as he raises the spectacles from his eyes with his right, and in his + fervency lets them speed across the room. Daniel is only made conscious of + his ecstasy when his broken eyes are returned to him. Turning to his + brethren, he makes one of his very best apologies, and continues-"Dis ar + poposition I'se gwine to put! And dat is, dat all ye broderin ere present + put up somefin ob he arnin, and wid dat somefin, and what mas'r gib, too, + we sarve dat geman what preach the gospel dat do 'em good wid 'e freedom + for sef and family. Tain't right in de sight ob de Lor, nohow, to have + preacher slave and congration free: I tell ye dat, my broderin, tain't!" + With these sage remarks, Daddy Daniel concluded his proposition, leaned + his body forward, spread his hands, and, his wrinkled face filled with + comicality, waited the unanimous response which sounded forth in rapturous + medley. Each one was to put in his mite, the preacher was to have a fund + made up for him, which was to be placed in the hands of missus, and when + sufficiently large (master will add his mite) be handed over for the + freedom of the clergyman and his family. But missus, ever generous and + watchful of their interests, had learned their intentions, and forestalled + their kindness by herself setting them free, and leaving it to their own + discretion to go where they will. There were many good men at the + south-men whose care of their slaves constituted a bond of good faith; but + they failed to carry out means for protecting the slave against the + mendacity of the tyrant. None more than Harry had felt how implicated was + the state for giving great power to tyrant democracy-that democracy giving + him no common right under the laws of the land, unless, indeed, he could + change his skin. Ardently as he was attached to the plantation and its + people-much as he loved good master and missus, he would prefer a home in + happy New England, a peaceful life among its liberty-loving people. To + this end the Rosebrooks provided him with money, sent him to the land he + had longed to live in. In Connecticut he has a neat and comfortable home, + far from the cares of slave life; no bloodhounds seek him there, no cruel + slave-dealer haunts his dreams. An intelligent family have grown up around + him; their smiles make him happy; they welcome him as a father who will no + more be torn from them and sold in a democratic slave mart. And, too, + Harry is a hearty worker in the cause of freedom, preaches the gospel, and + is the inventor of a system of education by which he hopes to elevate the + fallen of his race. He has visited foreign lands, been listened to by + dukes and nobles, and enlisted the sympathies of the lofty in the cause of + the lowly. And while his appeals on behalf of his race are fervent and + fiery, his expositions of the wrongs of slavery are equally fierce; but he + is not ungrateful to the good master, whom he would elevate high above the + cruel laws he is born and educated to observe. With gratitude and + affection does he recur to the generous Rosebrooks; he would hold them + forth as an example to the slave world, and emblazon their works on the + pages of history, as proof of what can be done. Bright in his eventful + life, was the day, when, about to take his departure from the slave world, + he bid the Rosebrooks a long, long good by. He vividly remembers how hope + seemed lighting up the prospect before him-how good missus shook his hand + so motherly-how kindly she spoke to Jane, and how fondly she patted his + little ones on the head. "The Rosebrooks," says our restored clergyman, + "have nothing to fear save the laws of the state, which may one day make + tyrranny crumble beneath its own burden." + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0048" id="link2HCH0048"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XLVIII. — IN WHICH THE FATE OF FRANCONIA IS SEEN. + </h2> + <p> + THE reader may remember that in a former chapter we left Annette and + Franconia, in company of the stranger, on board the steamer for + Wilmington, swiftly gliding on her course. Four bells struck as the + surging craft cleared the headlands and shaped her course. The slender + invalid, so neat of figure, and whose dress exhibited so much good taste, + has been suddenly transformed into a delicate girl of some seventeen + summers. As night spreads its shadows over the briny scene, and the + steaming craft surges onward over rolling swells, this delicate girl may + be seen emerging from her cabin confines, leaning on Franconia's arm as + she approaches the promenade deck. Her fawn-coloured dress, setting as + neatly as it is chastefully cut, displays a rounded form nicely compact; + and, together with a drawn bonnet of green silk, simply arranged, and + adding to her fair oval face an air of peculiar delicacy, present her with + personal attractions of no ordinary character. And then her soft blue + eyes, and her almost golden hair, hanging in thick wavy folds over her + carnatic cheeks, add to the symmetry of her features that sweetness which + makes modesty more fascinating. And though she has been but a slave, there + is a glow of gentleness pervading her countenance, over which a playful + smile now sheds a glow of vivacity, as if awakening within her bosom new + hopes of the future. + </p> + <p> + The suddenness with which they embarked served to confuse and dispel all + traces of recognition; and even the stranger, as they advanced toward him, + hesitated ere he greeted Annette and extended his hand. But they soon + joined in conversation, promenaded and mingled with the passengers. + Cautious not to enter the main cabin, they remained, supperless, on the + upper deck, until near midnight. That social prejudice which acts like a + crushing weight upon the slave's mind was no longer to deaden her + faculties; no, she seemed like a new being, as, with childish simplicity, + her soul bounded forth in rhapsody of praise and thankfulness. Holding + Franconia by the hand, she would kiss her, fondle her head on her bosom, + and continue to recount the pleasure she anticipated when meeting her + long-lost mother. "They'll sell me no more, Franconia, will they?" she + would exclaim, looking enquiringly in her face. + </p> + <p> + "No, my poor child; you won't be worth selling in a land of freedom!" + Franconia would answer, jocosely. After charging Maxwell to be a father + and a brother to the fugitive girl,—to remember that a double duty + was to be performed in his guardianship over the being who had just + escaped from slavery, they retired below, and on the following morning + found themselves safely landed at Wilmington, where, after remaining about + six hours, Franconia bid Annette and Maxwell adieu! saw them on their way + to New York, and returned to Charleston by the same steamer. + </p> + <p> + On reaching her home, she was overjoyed at finding a letter from her + parents, who, as set forth, had many years resided on the west coast of + Mexico, and had amassed a considerable fortune through a connection with + some mining operations. Lorenzo, on the first discovery of gold in + California, having joined a marauding party who were traversing that + country, was amongst the earliest who enriched themselves from its + bountiful yield. They gave up their wild pursuits, and with energy and + prudence stored-up their diggings, and resolved to lead a new life. With + the result of one year's digging, Lorenzo repaired to San Francisco, + entered upon a lucrative business, increased his fortune, and soon became + a leading man of the place. The hope that at some day he would have means + wherewith to return home, wipe away the stain which blotted his character, + and relieve his parents from the troubles into which his follies had + brought them, seemed like a guiding star ever before him. And then there + was his generous-hearted uncle in the hands of Graspum,—that man who + never lost an opportunity of enriching himself while distressing others. + And now, by one of those singularities of fortune which give persons long + separated a key to each other's wayfaring, Lorenzo had found out the + residence of his parents on the west coast of Mexico. Yes; he was with + them, enjoying the comforts of their domicile, at the date of their + letter. How happy they would be to see their Franconia, to have her with + them, and once more enjoy their social re-unions so pleasantly given on + brother Marston's plantation! Numberless were the letters they had written + her, but not an answer to one had been received. This had been to them a + source of great misgiving; and as a last resource they had sent this + letter enclosed to a friend, through whose kindness it reached her. + </p> + <p> + The happy intelligence brought by this letter so overjoyed Franconia that + she could with difficulty restrain her feelings. Tears of gladness coursed + down her cheeks, as she rested her head on Mrs. Rosebrook's bosom, saying, + "Oh, how happy I am! Sweet is the forgiveness which awaits us,—strong + is the hope that through darkness carries us into brighter prospects of + the future." Her parents were yet alive-happy and prosperous; her brother, + again an honourable man, and regretting that error which cost him many a + tear, was with them. How inscrutable was the will of an all-wise + Providence: but how just! To be ever sanguine, and hope for the best, is a + passion none should be ashamed of, she thought. Thus elated in spirits she + could not resist the temptation of seeking them out, and enjoying the + comforts of their parental roof. + </p> + <p> + But we must here inform the reader that M'Carstrow no longer acted the + part of a husband towards Franconia. His conduct as a debauchee had driven + her to seek shelter under the roof of Rosebrook's cottage, while he, a + degraded libertine, having wasted his living among cast-out gamblers, + mingled only with their despicable society. Stripped of all arts and + disguises, and presented in its best form, the result of Franconia's + marriage with Colonel M'Carstrow was but one of those very many unhappy + connections so characteristic of southern life. + </p> + <p> + Provided with funds which the generous Rosebrooks kindly furnished her, a + fortnight after the receipt of her father's letter found her embarked on + board a steamer bound for the Isthmus, from whence she would seek her + parents overland. With earnest resolution she had taken a fond leave of + the Rosebrooks, and bid adieu to that home and its associations so dear to + her childhood; and with God and happy associations her guide and her + protector, was bounding over the sea. For three days the gallant ship sped + swiftly onward, and the passengers, among whom she made many friends, + seemed to enjoy themselves with one accord, mingling together for various + amusements, spreading their social influence for the good of all, and, + with elated spirits at the bright prospect, anticipating a speedy voyage. + All was bright, calm, and cheering-the monster machines working smoothly, + pressing the leviathan forward with curling brine at her bows, until the + afternoon of the fourth day, when the wind in sharp gusts from the + south-west, and the sudden falling of the barometer, admonished the + mariner of the approaching heavy weather. At sunset a heavy bank in the + west hung its foreboding festoons along the horizon, while light, fleecy + clouds gathered over the heavens, and scudded swiftly into the east. + Steadily the wind increased, the sea became restless, and the sharp chops + thundering at the weather bow, veering the ship from her course, rendering + it necessary to keep her head a point nearer the westward, betokened a + gale. To leeward were the Bahamas, their dangerous banks spreading awe + among the passengers, and exciting the fears of the more timid. On the + starboard bow was Key West, with its threatening and deceptive reefs, but + far enough ahead to be out of danger. At midnight, the wind, which had + increased to a gale, howled in threatening fierceness. Overhead, the + leaden clouds hung low their massive folds, and thick spray buried the + decks and rigging; beneath, the angry ocean spread out in resistless waves + of phosphorous light, and the gallant craft surged to and fro like a thing + of life on a plain of rolling fire. Now she yields to the monster wave + threatening her bow, over another she rides proudly, and to a third her + engines slowly rumble round, as with half-buried deck she careens to its + force. The man at the wheel, whose head we see near a glimmering light at + the stern, watches anxiously for the word of command, and when received, + executes it with quickness. An intruding sea has driven the look-out from + the knight-heads to a post at the funnel, where, near the foremast, he + clings with tenacious grip. Near him is the first officer, a veteran + seaman, who has seen some twenty years' service, receiving orders from the + captain, who stands at the weather quarter. Noiselessly the men proceed to + execute their duties. There is not that bustle nor display of seamanship, + in preparing a steamer for encountering a gale, so necessary in a + sailing-ship; and all, save the angry elements, move cautiously on. The + engineer, in obedience to the captain's orders, has slowed his engines. + The ship can make but little headway against the fierce sea; but still, + obedient to her command, it is thought better to maintain power just + sufficient to keep her head to the sea. The captain says it is necessary, + as well to ease her working as not to strain her machinery. He is supposed + the better judge, and to his counsel all give ear. Now and then a more + resolute passenger shoots from no one knows where, holds struggling by the + jerking shroud, and, wrapt in his storm cloak, his amazed eyes, watching + the scudding elements overhead, peer out upon the raging sea: then he + mutters, "What an awful sight! how madly grand with briny light!" How + sublimely terrific are the elements here combined to wage war against the + craft he thought safe from their thunders! She is but a pigmy in their + devouring sweep, a feeble prey at their mercy. The starboard wheel rumbles + as it turns far out of water; the larboard is buried in a deep sea the + ship careens into. Through the fierce drear he sees the black funnel + vomiting its fiery vapour high aloft; he hears the chain braces strain and + creak in its support; he is jerked from his grasp, becomes alarmed for his + safety, and suddenly disappears. In the cabin he tells his fellow voyagers + how the storm rages fearfully: but it needed not his word to confirm the + fact: the sudden lurching, creaking of panel-work, swinging to and fro of + lamps, sliding from larboard to starboard of furniture, the thumping of + the sea against the ship's sides, prostrate passengers made helpless by + sea sickness, uncouched and distributed about the floor, moaning females, + making those not ill sick with their wailings, timid passengers in piteous + accents making their lamentations in state rooms, the half frightened + waiter struggling timidly along, and the wind's mournful music as it plays + through the shrouds, tell the tale but too forcibly. Hope, fear, and + prayer, mingle in curious discord on board this seemingly forlorn ship on + an angry sea. Franconia lies prostrate in her narrow berth, now bracing + against the panels, then startled by an angry sea striking at her pillow, + like death with his warning mallet announcing, "but sixteen inches + separate us!" + </p> + <p> + Daylight dawns forth, much to the relief of mariners and passengers; but + neither the wind nor the sea have lessened their fierceness. Slowly and + steadily the engines work on; the good ship looks defiantly at each + threatening sea, as it sweeps along irresistibly; the yards have been sent + down, the topmasts are struck and housed; everything that can render her + easy in a sea has been stowed to the snuggest compass; but the broad ocean + is spread out a sheet of raging foam. The drenched captain, his whiskers + matted with saline, and his face glowing and flushed (he has stood the + deck all night), may be seen in the main cabin, cheering and dispelling + the fears of his passengers. The storm cannot last-the wind will soon + lull-the sea at meridian will be as calm as any mill-pond-he has seen a + thousand worse gales; so says the mariner, who will pledge his prophecy on + his twenty years' experience. But in this one instance his prophecy + failed, for at noon the gale had increased to a hurricane, the ship + laboured fearfully, the engines strained and worked unsteadily, while the + sea at intervals made a breach of the deck. At two o'clock a more gloomy + spectacle presented itself; and despondency seemed to have seized all on + board, as a sharp, cone-like sea boarded the ship abaft, carried away the + quarter-boats from the starboard davys, and started several stancheons. + Scarcely was the work of destruction complete, when the condenser of the + larboard engine gave out, rendering the machine useless, and spreading + dismay among the passengers. Thus, dragging the wheel in so fearful a sea + strained the ship more and more, and rendered her almost unmanageable. + Again a heavy, clanking noise was heard, the steam rumbled from the + funnel, thick vapour escaped from the hatchways, the starboard engine + stopped, and consternation reigned triumphant, as a man in oily fustian + approached the captain and announced both engines disabled. The + unmanageable monster now rolled and surged at the sweep of each succeeding + sea, which threatened to engulph her in its sway. A piece of canvas is set + in the main rigging, and her helm put hard down, in the hope of keeping + her head to the wind. But she obeys not its direction. Suddenly she yaws + off into the trough of the sea, lurches broad on, and ere she regains her + way, a fierce sea sweeps the house from the decks, carrying those within + it into a watery grave. Shrieks and moans, for a moment, mingle their + painful discord with the murmuring wind, and all is buried in the roar of + the elements. By bracing the fore-yard hard-a-starboard the unwieldy wreck + is got before the wind; but the smoke-funnel has followed the house, and + so complete is the work of demolition that it is with difficulty she can + be kept afloat. Those who were in the main, or lower cabin, startled at + the sudden crash which had removed the house above, and leaving the + passages open, exposing them to the rushing water that invaded their + state-rooms, seek the deck, where a more dismal sight is presented in the + fragments of wreck spread from knight-head to taffrail. The anxious + captain, having descended from the upper deck a few minutes before the + dire calamity, is saved to his passengers, with whom and his men he + labours to make safe what remains of his noble ship. Now more at ease in + the sea, with canvas brought from the store-rooms, are the hatches and + companions battened down, the splintered stancheons cleared away, and + extra pumps prepared for clearing the water fast gaining in the lower + hold. Lumbering moves the heavy mass over the mounting surge; but a + serious leak having sprung in the bow, consternation and alarm seem on the + point of adding to the sources of danger. "Coolness is our safeguard," + says the captain. Indeed, the exercise of that all-important virtue when + destruction threatens would have saved thousands from watery graves. + </p> + <p> + His admonition was heeded,—all worked cheerfully, and for some time + the water was kept within bounds of subjection. As night approached the + sea became calmer, a bright streak gleamed along the western horizon; + hearts that had sorrowed gladdened with joy, as the murky clouds overhead + chased quickly into the east and dissolved, and the blue arch of + heaven-hung with pearly stars of hope-shed its peaceful glows over the + murmuring sea. + </p> + <p> + Again the night was passed in incessant labour of pumping and clearing up + the dismantled hull; but when daylight appeared, the wind having veered + and increased, the sea ran in short swells, rocking the unwieldly hull, + and fearfully straining every timber in its frame. The leak now increased + rapidly, as also did the water in the hold, now beyond their exertions to + clear. At ten o'clock all hopes of keeping the wreck afloat had + disappeared; and the last alternative of a watery grave, or launching upon + the broad ocean, presented its stern terms for their acceptance. A council + decided to adopt the latter, when, as the hulk began to settle in the sea, + and with no little danger of swamping, boats were launched, supplied with + such stores as were at hand, the passengers and crew embarked, and the + frail barks sent away with their hapless freight to seek a haven of + safety. The leviathan hulk soon disappeared from sight. Franconia, with + twenty-five fellow unfortunates, five of whom were females, had embarked + in the mate's boat, which now shaped her course for Nassau, the wind + having veered into the north-west, and that seeming the nearest and most + available point. The clothing they stood in was all they saved; but with + that readiness to protect the female, so characteristic and noble of the + sailor, the mate and his men lightened the sufferings of the women by + giving them a portion of their own: incasing them with their jackets and + fearnoughts, they would shield them from the night chill. For five days + were sufferings endured without a murmur that can only be appreciated by + those who have passed through shipwreck, or, tossed upon the ocean in an + open boat, been left to stare in the face grim hunger and death. At + noonday they sighted land ahead; and as each eager eye strained for the + welcome sight, it seemed rising from the ocean in a dim line of haze. + Slowly, as they neared, did it come bolder and bolder to view, until it + shone out a long belt of white panoramic banks. Low, and to the + unpractised eye deceptive of distance, the mate pronounced it not many + miles off, and, the wind freshening fair, kept the little bark steadily on + her course, hoping thereby to gain it before night came on: but the sun + sank in a heavy cloud when yet some four miles intervened. Distinctly they + saw a cluster of houses on a projecting point nearly ahead; but not a sail + was off shore, to which the increasing wind was driving them with great + violence. + </p> + <p> + And now that object which had been sighted with so much welcome in the + morning-that had cheered many a drooping heart, and seemed a haven of + safety, threatened their destruction. The water shoaled; the sea broke and + surged in sharp cones; the little craft tippled and yawed confusedly; the + counter eddies twirled and whirled in foaming concaves; and leaden clouds + again hung their threatening festoons over the awful sea. To lay her head + to the sea was impracticable-an attempt to "lay-to" under the little sail + would be madness; onward she rode, hurrying to an inevitable fate. Away + she swept through the white crests, as the wind murmured and the sea + roared, and the anxious countenance of the mate, still guiding the craft + with a steady hand, seemed masked in watchfulness. His hand remained firm + to the helm, his eyes peered into the black prospect ahead: but not a word + did he utter. + </p> + <p> + It was near ten o'clock, when a noise as of thunder rolling in the + distance, and re-echoing in booming accents, broke fearfully upon their + ears. The sea, every moment threatening to engulph the little craft, to + sweep its freight of human beings into eternity, and to seal for ever all + traces of their fate, was now the lesser enemy. Not a word had escaped the + lips of a being on board for several minutes; all seemed resigned to + whatever fate Providence awarded. + </p> + <p> + "The beach roars, Mr. Slade-" + </p> + <p> + The mate interrupted before the seaman in the sheets had time to finish + his sentence: "I have not been deaf to the breakers; but there is no hope + for us but upon the beach; and may heaven save us there! Passengers, be + calm! let me enjoin you to remain firm to your places, and, if it be God's + will that we strike, the curling surf may be our deliverer. If it carry + you to the sand in its sweep, press quickly and resolutely forward, lest + it drag you back in its grasp, and bury you beneath its angry surge. Be + firm, and hope for the best!" he said, with great firmness. The man who + first spoke sat near Franconia, and during the five days they had been in + the boat exhibited great sympathy and kindness of heart. He had served her + with food, and, though a common sailor, displayed those traits of + tenderness for the suffering which it were well if those in higher spheres + of life did but imitate. As the mate ceased speaking, the man took his + pilot coat from his shoulder and placed it about Franconia's, saying, "I + will save this lady, or die with her in the very same sea." + </p> + <p> + "That's well done, Mr. Higgins!" (for such was the man's name). "Let the + hardiest not forget the females who have shown so much fortitude under + trying circumstances; let the strong not forget the weak, but all save who + can," returned the mate, as he scanned through the stormy elements ahead, + in the hope of catching a glimpse of the point. + </p> + <p> + Drenched with the briny spray that swept over the little bark, never did + woman exhibit fortitude more resolute. Franconia thanked the man for his + solicitude, laid her hand nervously upon his arm, and, through the dark, + watched his countenance as if her fate was in its changes. + </p> + <p> + The din and murmur of the surf now rose high above the wail of the sea. + Fearful and gloomy, a fretted shore stood out before them, extending from + a bold jut on the starboard hand away into the darkness on the left. + Beneath it the angry surf beat and lashed against the beach in a sheet of + white foam, roaring in dismal cadences. + </p> + <p> + "Hadn't you better put her broad on, Mr. Slade?" enquired the young + seaman, peering along the line of surf that bordered the shore with its + deluging bank. + </p> + <p> + "Ask no questions!" returned the mate, in a firm voice: "Act to the + moment, when she strikes-I will act until then." At the moment a terrific + rumbling broke forth; the din of elements seemed in battle conflict; the + little bark, as if by some unforeseen force, swept through the lashing + surge, over a high curling wave, and with a fearful crash lay buried in + the boiling sand. Agonising shrieks sounded amid the rage of elements; and + then fainter and fainter they died away on the wind's murmurs. Another + moment, and the young sailor might have been seen, Franconia's slender + form in his arms, struggling against the devouring surf; but how vain + against the fierce monster were his noble efforts! The receding surge + swept them far from the shore, and buried them in its folds,—a + watery grave received the fair form of one whose life of love had been + spotless, just, and holy. The white wave was her winding-sheet,—the + wind sang a requiem over her watery grave,—and a just God received + her spirit, and enthroned it high among the angels. + </p> + <p> + Of the twenty-seven who embarked in the little craft, but two gained the + beach, where they stood drenched and forlorn, as if contemplating the + raging surf that had but a minute before swallowed up their fellow + voyagers. The boat had driven on a flat sandy beach some two miles from + the point on which stood the cluster of dwellings before described; and + from which two bright lights glimmered, like beacons to guide the forlorn + mariner. For them, the escaped men-one a passenger, the other a + seaman-shaped their course, wet, and sad at heart. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0049" id="link2HCH0049"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XLIX. — IN WHICH IS A SAD RECOGNITION. + </h2> + <p> + THE mate did not mistake his position, for the jut of land we described in + the last chapter is but a few hours' ride from Nassau, and the houses are + inhabited by wreckers. With desponding hearts did our unfortunates + approach one of the rude cabins, from the window of which a faint light + glimmered, and hesitate at the door, as if doubting the reception they + were about to receive. The roaring of the beach, and the sharp whistling + of the wind, as in clouds it scattered the sand through the air, drowned + what sound might otherwise be heard from within. "This cabin seems + deserted," says one, as he taps on the door a second time. "No, that + cannot be!" returns the other, peering through a small window into the + barrack-like room. It was from this window the light shone, and, being a + bleak November night, a wood fire blazed on the great hearth, shedding its + lurid glows over everything around. It is the pale, saline light of + wreckwood. A large binnacle lamp, of copper, hung from the centre of the + ceiling, its murky light mingling in curious contrast to the pale shadows + of the wreckwood fire. Rude chains, and chests, and boxes, and ropes, and + canvas, and broken bolts of copper, and pieces of valuable wood, and + various nautical relics-all indicating the trade of shipwreck, lie or + stand promiscuously about the room; while in the centre is a table + surrounded by chairs, some of which are turned aside, as if the occupants + had just left. Again, there may be seen hanging from the unplastered walls + numerous teeth of fish, bones and jaws of sharks, fins and flukes of + curious species, heads of the Floridian mamalukes, and preserved + dolphins-all is interspersed here and there with coloured prints, + illustrative of Jack's leaving or returning to his favourite Mary, with a + lingering farewell or fond embrace. + </p> + <p> + Louder and louder, assured of some living being within they knock at the + door, until a hoarse voice rather roars than speaks-"Aye, aye! hold hard a + bit! I'se bearin' a hand!" The sound came as if from the clouds, for not a + living being was visible. A pause followed; then suddenly a pair of dingy + legs and feet descended from a small opening above the window, which, + until that moment, had escaped their notice. The sight was, indeed, not + the most encouraging to weak nerves. Clumsily lowered the legs, the feet + making a ladder of cleets of wood nailed to the window, until the burly + figure of the wrecker, encased with red shirt and blue trousers, stood out + full to view. Over his head stood bristly hair in jagged tufts; and as he + drew his brawny hand over the broad disc of his sun-scorched face, winking + and twisting his eyes in the glare, there stood boldly outlined on his + features the index of his profession. He shrugged his shoulders, gathered + his nether garments quickly about him, paused as if half confused and half + overjoyed, then ran to the fire-place, threw into a heap the charred wood + with a long wooden poker, and sought the door, saying—"Avast heavin + a bit, Tom!" Having removed a wooden bar, he stands in the opening, + braving out the storm. "A screachin nor'easter this, Tom—what'r ye + sighted away, eh!" he concludes. He is—to use a vulgar term—aghast + with surprise. It was Tom Dasher's watch to-night; but no Tom stands + before him. "Hallo!—From whence came you?" he enquires of the + stranger, with an air of anxious surprise. He bids them come in, for the + wind carries the sand rushing into his domicile. + </p> + <p> + "We are shipwrecked men in distress," says the passenger—the + wrecker, with an air of kindness, motioning them to sit down: "Our party + have been swallowed up in the surf a short distance below, and we are the + only survivors here seeking shelter." + </p> + <p> + "Zounds you say—God be merciful!" interrupts the hardy wrecker, ere + the stranger had time to finish his sentence. "It was Tom's look-out + to-night. Its ollers the way wi' him—he gits turned in, and sleeps + as niver a body see'd, and when time comes to unbunk himself, one disn't + know whether 'ts wind or Tom's snoarin cracks hardest. Well, well,—God + help us! Think ye now, if wife and I, didn't, in a half sort of dream, + fancy folks murmuring and crying on the beach about twelve, say. But the + wind and the surf kept up such a piping, and Tom said ther war nought a + sight at sundown." With a warm expression of good intention did our hardy + host set about the preparing something to cheer their drooping spirits. + "Be at home there wi' me," says he; "and if things b'nt as fine as they + might be, remember we're poor folks, and have many a hard knock on the + reefs for what we drag out. Excuse the bits o' things ye may see about; + and wife 'll be down in a fip and do the vary best she can fo'h ye." He + had a warm heart concealed beneath that rough exterior; he had long + followed the daring profession, seen much suffering, lightened many a + sorrowing heart. Bustling about among old boxes and bags, he soon drew + forth a lot of blankets and quilts, which he spread upon the broad brick + hearth, at the same time keeping up a series of questions they found + difficult to answer, so rapidly were they put. They had indeed fallen into + the hands of a good Samaritan, who would dress their wounds with his best + balms. + </p> + <p> + "An' now I tak it ye must be famished; so my old woman must get up an' + help mak ye comfortable," says he, bringing forth a black tea-kettle, and + filling it from a pail that stood on a shelf near the fire-frame. He will + hang it on the fire. He had no need of calling the good dame; for as + suddenly as mysteriously does the chubby figure of a motherly-looking + female of some forty years shoot from the before described opening, and + greeting the strangers with a hearty welcome, set about preparing + something to relieve their exhaustion. A gentle smile pervades her little + red face, so simply expressive; her peaked cap shines so brightly in + contrast with the black ribbon with which she secures it under her + mole-bedecked chin; and her short homespun frock sets so comely, showing + her thick knit stockings, and her feet well protected in calfskin laces, + with heels a trooper might not despise; and then, she spreads her little + table with a heartiness that adds its value to simple goodness,—her + invitingly clean cups and saucers, and knives and forks, as she spreads + them, look so cheerful. The kettle begins to sing, and the steam fumes + from the spout, and the hardy wrecker brings his bottle of old Jamaica, + and his sugar; and such a bowl of hot punch was never made before. "Come + now," he says, "ye're in my little place; the wrecker as don't make the + distressed comfortable aneath his ruf 's a disgrace to the craft." And now + he hands each a mug of steaming punch, which they welcomely receive, a + glow of satisfaction bespreading his face, telling with what sincerity he + gives it. Ere they commenced sipping, the good dame brought pilot bread + and set it before them; and while she returned to preparing her supper the + wrecker draws his wooden seat by their side, and with ears attentive + listens to the passenger as he recites the disaster. + </p> + <p> + "Only two out of twenty-seven saved-a sorry place that gulf!" he exclaims; + "you bear away, wife. Ah, many a good body's bones, too, have whitened the + beach beside us; many 's the bold fellow has been dashed upon it to die + unknown," he continues, with serious face. "And war ner onny wemen amang + ye, good man?" interposes the good dame. + </p> + <p> + "Seven; they have all passed into eternity!" rejoins the seaman, who, till + then, had been a mute looker-on. + </p> + <p> + "Poor souls! how they mun' 'ave suffered!" she sighs, shaking her head, + and leaning against the great fire frame, as her eyes fill with tears. The + wrecker must needs acquaint Tom Dasher, bring him to his aid, and, though + the storm yet rages, go search the beating surf where roll the + unfortunates. Nay, the good dame will herself execute the errand of mercy, + while he supplies the strangers with dry clothes; she will bring Tom + hither. She fears not the tempest while her soul warms to do good; she + will comfort the distressed who seek shelter under her roof. With the best + his rough wardrobe affords does the wrecker clothe them, while his good + wife, getting Tom up, relates her story, and hastens back with him to her + domicile. Tom is an intrepid seafarer, has spent some seven years + wrecking, saved many a life from the grasp of the grand Bahama, and laid + up a good bit of money lest some stormy day may overtake him and make the + wife a widow. + </p> + <p> + "This is a hard case, Stores!" says Tom, addressing himself to our + wrecker, as with sharp, hairy face, and keen black eyes, his countenance + assumes great seriousness. Giving his sou'-wester a cant back on his head, + running his left hand deep into the pocket of his pea-jacket, and + supplying his mouth with tobacco from his right, he stands his tall figure + carelessly before the fire, and in a contemplative mood remains silent for + a few minutes. + </p> + <p> + "Aye, but somethin' mun' be done, Tom," says the first wrecker, breaking + silence. + </p> + <p> + "Yes; as my name is Tom Dasher, there must. We must go to the beach, and + see what it's turned up,—what there is to be seen, an' the like o' + that." Then, turning to the strangers, he continued, "Pity yer skipper + hadn't a headed her two points further suthard, rounded the point just + above here a bit, and made a lee under the bend. Our craft lies there now,—as + snug as Tompkins' wife in her chamber!" + </p> + <p> + "Yes, but, Tom! ye dinna think as the poor folks could know all things," + speaks up the woman, as Tom was about to add a few items more, merely to + give the strangers some evidence of his skill. + </p> + <p> + "Aye, aye,—all right; I didn't get the balance on't just then," + returned Tom, nodding his head with an air of satisfaction. + </p> + <p> + A nice supper of broiled fish, and toast, and tea, and hot rum punch-of + which Tom helped himself without stint-was set out, the strangers invited + to draw up, and all partook of the plain but cheering fare. As daylight + was fast approaching, the two wreckers dispatched their meal before the + others, and sought the spot on the beach described as where the fatal + wreck took place, while the good dame put the shipwrecked to sleep in the + attic, and covered them with her warmest rugs and blankets. + </p> + <p> + Not a vestige of the wreck was to be seen-not a fragment to mark the spot + where but a few hours before twenty-five souls were hurried into eternity. + They stood and stood, scanning over the angry ocean into the gloom: + nothing save the wail of the wind and the sea's roar greeted their ears. + Tom Dasher thinks either they have been borne out into the fathomless + caves, or the men are knaves with false stories in their mouths. + </p> + <p> + Stores,—for such is our good man's name-turning from the spot, says + daylight will disclose a different scene; with the wind as it is the + bodies will be drawn into the eddy on the point, and thrown ashore by the + under-current, for burial. "Poor creatures! there's no help for them now;" + he adds, sighing, as they wend their way back to the cabin, where the good + dame waits their coming. Their search was in vain; having no news to bring + her, she must be contented until morning. If the bodies wash ashore, the + good woman of the Humane Society will come down from the town, and see + them decently buried. Stores has several times spoken of this good woman; + were she a ministering angel he could not speak of her name with more + reverence. For years, he tells us, has she been a harbinger of good, ever + relieving the sick and needy, cheering the downcast, protecting the + unfortunate. Her name has become a symbol of compassion; she mingles with + the richest and the poorest, and none know her but to love and esteem her. + "And she, too, is an American lady!" Stores says, exultingly. And to judge + from his praise, we should say, if her many noble deeds were recorded on + fair marble, it would not add one jot to that impression of her goodness + made on the hearts of the people among whom she lives. + </p> + <p> + "Ah, man! she's a good woman, and everybody loves and looks up to her. And + she's worth loving, too, because she's so kind," adds the good dame, + significantly canting her head. + </p> + <p> + Daylight was now breaking in the east, and as there seemed no chance of + making a search on the bank that day, such was the fierceness of the wind, + the two men drank again of the punch, spread their blankets before the + fire, lay their hardy figures down, and were soon in a profound sleep. The + woman, more watchful, coiled herself in a corner of the room on some + sail-cloth, but did not sleep. + </p> + <p> + At ten o'clock they were aroused by the neighbours, who, in great anxiety, + had come to inform them of an event they were already conscious of,—adding, + however, as an evidence of what had taken place, that sixteen male and + three female bodies, borne to the rips at the point, had been thrown upon + the shore. The denizens of the point were indeed in a state of excitement; + a messenger had been sent into the town for the coroner, which said + functionary soon spread the news about, creating no little commotion among + the inhabitants, many of whom repaired to the scene of the disaster. + </p> + <p> + When it became known that two witnesses to the dire misfortune had been + spared to tell the tale, and were now at Stores' house, the excitement + calmed into sympathy. The wrecker's little village resounded with curious + enquiries, and few were they who would be satisfied without a recital of + the sad tale by the rescued men. + </p> + <p> + Carefully they brought the dead bodies from the shore, and laid them in an + untenanted house, to await the coroner's order. Among them was the slender + form of Franconia, the dark dress in which she was clad but little torn, + and the rings yet remaining on her fingers. "How with fortitude she bore + the suffering!" said the rescued passenger, gazing on her blanched + features as they laid her on the floor: the wrecker's wife covered her + with a white sheet, and spread a pillow carefully beneath her head. + </p> + <p> + "Yes!" returns the unfortunate seaman, who stood by his side, "she seemed + of great goodness and gentleness. She said nothing, bore everything + without a murmur; she was Higgins' pet; and I'll lay he died trying to + save her, for never a braver fellow than Jack Higgins stood trick at a + wheel." + </p> + <p> + The coroner arrives as the last corpse is brought from the sand: he holds + his brief inquest, orders them buried, and retires. Soon, three + ladies-Stores' wife tells us they are of the Humane Society-make their + appearance in search of the deceased. They enter Stores' house, greet his + good dame familiarly, and remain seated while she relates what has + happened. One of the three is tall and stately of figure, and dressed with + that quiet taste so becoming a lady. And while to the less observing eye + no visible superiority over the others is discernible, it is evident they + view her in such a light, always yielding to her counsels. Beneath a silk + bonnet trimmed with great neatness, is disclosed a finely oval face, + glowing with features of much regularity, large dark eyes of great + softness, and silky hair, laid in heavy wavy folds across a beautifully + arched brow-to which is added a sweet smile that ever and anon plays over + her slightly olive countenance. There, boldly outlined, is the + unmistakeable guide to a frank and gentle nature. For several minutes does + she listen to the honest woman's recital of the sad event, which is + suspended by the passenger making his appearance. The wrecker's wife + introduces him by motioning her hand, and saying, "This is the kind lady + of whose goodness I spoke so last night." Anxiously does she gather from + the stranger each and every incident of the voyage: this done, she will go + to the house where lay the dead, our good Dame Stores leading the way, + talking from the very honesty of her heart the while. In a small + dilapidated dwelling on the bleak sands, the dead lay. Children and old + men linger about the door,—now they make strange mutterings, and + walk away, as if in fear. Our messengers of mercy have entered the abode + of the dead. The wrecker's wife says, "They are to be buried to-morrow, + ma'am;" while the lady, with singular firmness, glances her eye along the + row of male bodies, counting them one by one. She has brought shrouds, in + which to bury them like Christians. + </p> + <p> + "Them three females is here, ma'am," says Dame Stores, touching the lady + on the elbow, as she proceeds to uncover the bodies. The passenger did, + indeed, tell our Lady of Mercy there was one handsome lady from Carolina. + One by one she views their blanched and besanded features. + </p> + <p> + "A bonny figure that, mum; I lay she's bin a handsome in her day," with + honest simplicity remarks Dame Stores, as, bent over the lifeless body of + Franconia, she turns back the sheet, carefully. "Yes," is the quick reply: + the philanthropic woman's keen eye scans along the body from head to foot. + Dame Stores will part the silken hair from off that cold brow, and smooth + it with her hand. Suddenly our lady's eyes dart forth anxiety; she + recognises some familiar feature, and trembles. The rescued seaman had + been quietly viewing the bodies, as if to distinguish their different + persons, when a wrecker, who had assisted in removing the bodies, entered + the room and approached him, "Ah!" exclaims the seaman, suddenly, + "yonder's poor Jack Higgins." He points to a besanded body at the right, + the arms torn and bent partly over the breast, adding, "Jack had a good + heart, he had." Turning half round, the wrecker replies, "That 'un had + this 'un fast grappled in his arms; it was a time afore we got 'um apart." + </p> + <p> + "Was it this body?" enquires the lady, looking at the lifeless form before + her. He says, "That same, ma'am; an' it looked as if he had tried to save + the slender woman." He points to the body which Dame Stores has just + uncovered. The good lady kneels over the body: her face suddenly becomes + pale; her lips purple and quiver; she seems sinking with nervous + excitement, as tremulously she seizes the blanched hand in her own. Cold + and frigid, it will not yield to her touch "That face-those brows, those + pearly teeth, those lips so delicate,—those hands,—those + deathless emblems! how like Franconia they seem," she ejaculates + frantically, the bystanders looking on with surprise. "And are they not my + Franconia's-my dear deliverer's?" she continues. She smooths the cold + hands, and chafes them in her own. The rings thereon were a present from + Marston. "Those features like unto chiselled marble are hers; I am not + deceived: no! oh no! it cannot be a dream" (in sorrow she shakes her head + as the tears begin to moisten her cheeks), "she received my letter, and + was on her way seeking me." Again she smooths and smooths her left hand + over those pallid cheeks, her right still pressing the cold hand of the + corpse, as her emotions burst forth in agonising sobs. + </p> + <p> + The wrecker's wife loosens the dress from about deceased's neck-bares that + bosom once so fair and beautiful. A small locket, attached to a plain + black necklace, lies upon it, like a moat on a snowy surface. Nervously + does the good woman grasp it, and opening it behold a miniature of + Marston, a facsimile of which is in her own possession. "Somethin' more + 'ere, mum," says Dame Stores, drawing from beneath a lace stomacher the + lap of her chemise, on which is written in indelible ink-"Franconia + M'Carstrow." The doubt no longer lent its aid to hope; the lady's + sorrowing heart can no longer withstand the shock. Weeping tears of + anguish, she says, "May the God of all goodness preserve her pure spirit, + for it is my Franconia! she who was my saviour; she it was who snatched me + from death, and put my feet on the dry land of freedom, and gave me-ah, + me!" she shrieked,—and fell swooning over the lifeless body, ere + Dame Stores had time to clasp her in her arms. + </p> + <p> + My reader can scarcely have failed to recognise in this messenger of + mercy,—this good woman who had so ennobled herself by seeking the + sufferer and relieving his wants, and who makes light the cares of the + lowly, the person of that slave-mother, Clotilda. Having drank of the + bitterness of slavery, she the more earnestly cheers the desponding. That + lifeless form, once so bright of beauty, so buoyant of heart and joyous of + spirit, is Franconia; she it was who delivered the slave-mother from the + yoke of bondage, set her feet on freedom's heights, and on her head + invoked its genial blessings. Her soul had yearned for the slave's good; + she had been a mother to Annette, and dared snatch her from him who made + the slave a wretch,—democracy his boast! It was Franconia who placed + the miniature of Marston about Clotilda's neck on the night she effected + her escape,—bid her God speed into freedom. All that once so + abounded in goodness now lies cold in death. Eternity has closed her lips + with its strong seal,—no longer shall her soul be harassed with the + wrongs of a slave world: no! her pure spirit has ascended among the + angels. + </p> + <p> + We will not longer pain the reader's feelings with details of this sad + recognition, but inform him that the body was removed to Clotilda's + peaceful habitation, from whence, with becoming ceremony, it was buried on + the following day. A small marble tablet, standing in a sequestered + churchyard near the outskirts of Nassau, and on which the traveller may + read these simple words:—"Franconia, my friend, lies here!" over + which, in a circle, is chiseled the figure of an angel descending, and + beneath, "How happy in Heaven are the Good!" marks the spot where her + ashes rest in peace. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0050" id="link2HCH0050"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER L. — IN WHICH A DANGEROUS PRINCIPLE IS ILLUSTRATED. + </h2> + <p> + SHOULD the sagacious reader be disappointed in our hero Nicholas, who, + instead of being represented as a model of disinterestedness, perilling + his life to save others, sacrificing his own interests for the cause of + liberty, and wasting on hardened mankind all those amiable qualities which + belong only to angels, but with which heroes are generally invested for + the happy purpose of pleasing the lover of romance, has evinced little + else than an unbending will, he will find a palliation in that condition + of life to which his oppressors have forced him to submit. Had Nicholas + enjoyed his liberty, many incidents of a purely disinterested character + might have been recorded to his fame, for indeed he had noble traits. That + we have not put fiery words into his mouth, with which to execrate the + tyrant, while invoking the vengeance of heaven-and, too, that we are + guilty of the crime of thus suddenly transferring him from boyhood to + manhood, nor have hanged him to please the envious and vicious,—will + find excuse with the indulgent reader, who will be kind enough to consider + that it is our business to relate facts as they are, to the performance of + which-unthankful though it may be-we have drawn from the abundance of + material placed in our hand by the southern world. We may misname + characters and transpose scenes, but southern manners and customs we have + transcribed from nature, to which stern book we have religiously adhered. + And, too (if the reader will pardon the digression), though we never have + agreed with our very best admirers of the gallows, some of whom hold it a + means of correcting morals-nor, are yet ready to yield assent to the + opinions of the many, so popularly laid down in favour of what we consider + a medium of very unwholesome influence, we readily admit the existence of + many persons who have well merited a very good hanging. But, were the same + rules of evidence admissible in a court of law when a thief is on trial, + applied against the practice of "publicly hanging," there would be little + difficulty in convicting it of inciting to crime. Not only does the + problem of complex philosophy-the reader may make the philosophy to suit + his taste-presented in the contrariety of scenes on and about the gallows + offer something irreconcileable to ordinary minds, but gives to the + humorous large means with which to feast their love of the ludicrous. On + the scaffold of destruction, our good brothers of the clergy would, + pointing to the "awful example," assure the motley assembly gathered + beneath, that he hath purified that soul, which will surely be accepted in + heaven; but, he can in no wise condescend to let it, still directing the + flesh, live on the less pure platform of earth. With eager eyes, the mass + beneath him, their morbid appetites curiously distended, heed not the good + admonition; nay, the curious wait in breathless suspense the launching a + human being into eternity; the vicious are busy in crime the while; the + heedless make gay the holiday. Sum up the invention and perpetration of + crime beneath the gallows on one of those singular gala-days, and the + culprit expiating his guilt at the rope's end, as an "awful warning," will + indeed have disclosed a shallow mockery. Taking this view of the hanging + question, though we would deprive no man of his enjoyment, we deem it + highly improper that our hero should die by any other means than that + which the chivalrous sons of the south declared "actually necessary." + </p> + <p> + But before proceeding further with Nicholas, it may be proper here to + state that Annette and the stranger, in whose hands we left her, have + arrived safe at New York. Maxwell-for such is his name-is with his uncle + engaged in a lucrative commercial business; while Annette, for reasons we + shall hereafter explain, instead of forthwith seeking the arms of an + affectionate mother, is being educated at a female seminary in a village + situated on the left bank of the Hudson River. + </p> + <p> + In returning to Nicholas, the reader will remember that Grabguy was + something of a philosopher, the all-important functions of which medium he + invoked on the occasion of his ejectment from Fetter's court, for an + interference which might at that moment have been taken as evidence of + repentance. The truth, however, was, that Grabguy, in the exercise of his + philosophy, found the cash value of his slave about to be obliterated by + the carrying out of Fetter's awful sentence. Here there rose that strange + complexity which the physical action and mental force of slave property, + acting in contrariety, so often produce. The physical of the slave was + very valuable, and could be made to yield; but the mental being all + powerful to oppose, completely annulled the monetary worth. But by + allowing the lacerations to heal, sending him to New Orleans, and making a + positive sale, some thousand or twelve hundred dollars might be saved; + whereas, did Fetter's judgment take effect, Mr. Grabguy must content + himself with the state's more humble award of two hundred dollars, less + the trouble of getting. In this democratic perplexity did our economical + alderman find himself placed, when, again invoking his philosophy-not in + virtue of any sympathetic admonition, for sympathy was not of Grabguy-he + soon found means of protecting his interests. To this end he sought and + obtained an order from the Court of Appeals, which grave judiciary, after + duly considering the evidence on which the criminal was convicted before + Fetter's tribunal, was of opinion that evidence had been improperly + extorted by cruelty; and, in accordance with that opinion, ordered a new + trial, which said trial would be dististinguished above that at Fetter's + court by being presided over by a judicial magistrate. This distinguished + functionary, the judicial magistrate, who generally hears the appeals from + Fetter's court, is a man of the name of Fairweather Fuddle, a clever wag, + whose great good-nature is only equalled by the rotundity of his person, + which is not a bad portraiture of our much-abused Sir John Falstaff, as + represented by the heavy men of our country theatres. Now, to enter upon + an analysis of the vast difference between Fetter's court in ordinary, and + Fuddle's court in judiciary, would require the aid of more philosophy than + we are capable of summoning; nor would the sagacious reader be enlightened + thereby, inasmuch as the learned of our own atmosphere have spent much + study on the question without arriving at any favourable result. Very low + people, and intelligent negroes— whose simple mode of solving + difficult problems frequently produces results nearest the truth—do + say without fear or trembling that the distinction between these great + courts exists in the fact of Justice Fuddle drinking the more perfect + brandy. Now, whether the quality of brandy has anything to do with the + purity of ideas, the character of the judiciary, or the tempering of the + sentences, we will leave to the reader's discrimination; but true it is, + that, while Fetter's judgments are always for the state, Fuddle leans to + mercy and the master's interests. Again, were Fuddle to evince that + partiality for the gallows which has become a trait of character with his + legal brother, it would avail him nothing, inasmuch as by confirming + Fetter's judgments the fees would alike remain that gentleman's. If, then, + the reader reason on the philosophy of self-interest, he may find the + fees, which are in no wise small, founding the great distinction between + the courts of Messrs. Fuddle and Fetter; for by reversing Fetter's + judgments fees accrue to Fuddle's own court, and belong to his own + well-lined pocket; whereas, did he confirm them, not one cent of fees + could he claim. The state should without delay remedy this great wrong, + and give its judicial gentlemen a fair chance of proving their judgments + well founded in contrariety. We should not, forsooth, forget to mention + that Fuddle, in his love of decorum—though he scarce ever sat in + judgment without absorbing his punch the while—never permitted in + his forum the use of those knock-down arguments which were always a + prelude to Fetter's judgments. + </p> + <p> + Before Fuddle's court, then, Grabguy has succeeded in getting a hearing + for his convicted property, still mentally obstinate. Not the least doubt + has he of procuring a judgment tempered by mercy; for, having well drunk + Fuddle on the previous night, and improved the opportunity for completely + winning his distinguished consideration, he has not the slightest + apprehension of being many months deprived of his property merely to + satisfy injured justice. And, too, the evidence upon which Nicholas was + convicted in Fetter's court, of an attempt to create an insurrection—the + most fatal charge against him—was so imperfect that the means of + overthrowing it can be purchased of any of the attendant constables for a + mere trifle,—oaths with such fellows being worth about sixty-two and + a half cents each. + </p> + <p> + If the reader will be pleased to fancy the trial before Fetter's tribunal—before + described—with the knock-down arguments omitted, he will have a + pretty clear idea of that now proceeding before Fuddle's; and having such + will excuse our entering into details. Having heard the case with most, + learned patience, the virtue of which has been well sustained by goodly + potions of Paul and Brown's perfect "London Dock," Fuddle, with grave + deportment, receives from the hands of the clerical-looking clerk-a + broken-down gentleman of great legal ability-the charge he is about to + make the jury. "Gentlemen," he says, "I might, without any detriment to + perfect impunity, place the very highest encomiums on the capabilities + displayed in the seriousness you have given to this all-important case, in + which the state has such deep and constitutional interests; but that I + need not do here. The state having placed in my possession such + responsible functions, no one more than me can feel the importance of the + position; and which position has always been made the judicial medium of + equity and mercy. I hold moderation to be the essential part of the + judiciary, gentlemen! And here I would say" (Fuddle directs himself to his + gentlemanly five) "and your intelligence will bear me out in the + statement, that the trial below seems to have been in error from beginning + to end. I say this-understand, gentlemen!—with all deference to my + learned brother, Fetter, whose judgments, in the exercise of the powers in + me invested, and with that respect for legal equity by which this court is + distinguished, it has become me so often to reverse. On the charge of + creating an insurrection—rather an absurdity, by the way—you + must discharge the prisoner, there being no valid proof; whereas the + charge of maiming or raising his hand to a white man, though clearly + proved, and according to the statutes a capital offence, could not in the + spirit of mercy which now prevails in our judiciary—and, here, let + me say, which is emulated by that high state of civilisation for which the + people of this state are distinguished—be carried rigidly into + effect. There is only this one point, then, of maiming a white gentleman, + with intention—Ah! yes (a pause) the intention the court thinks it + as well not to mind! open to you for a conviction. Upon this point you + will render your verdict, guilty; only adding a recommendation to the + mercy of the court." With this admonition, our august Mr. Fuddle, his face + glowing in importance, sits down to his mixture of Paul and Brown's best. + A few moments' pause—during which Fetter enters looking very anxious—and + the jury have made up their verdict, which they submit on a slip of paper + to the clerk, who in turn presents it to Fuddle. That functionary being + busily engaged with his punch, is made conscious of the document waiting + his pleasure by the audience bursting into a roar of laughter at the + comical picture presented in the earnestness with which he regards his + punch-some of which is streaming into his bosom-and disregards the paper + held for some minutes in the clerk's hand, which is in close proximity + with his nasal organ. Starting suddenly, he lets the goblet fall to the + floor, his face flushing like a broad moon in harvest-time, takes the + paper in his fingers with a bow, making three of the same nature to his + audience, as Fetter looks over the circular railing in front of the dock, + his face wearing a facetious smile. "Nigger boy will clear away the break,—prisoner + at the bar will stand up for the sentence, and the attending constable + will reduce order!" speaks Fuddle, relieving his pocket of a red kerchief + with which he will wipe his capacious mouth. These requests being complied + with, he continues-having adjusted his glasses most learnedly-making a + gesture with his right hand—"I hold in my hand the solemn verdict of + an intelligent jury, who, after worthy and most mature deliberation, find + the prisoner at the bar, Nicholas Grabguy, guilty of the heinous offence + of raising his hand to a white man, whom he severely maimed with a + sharp-edged tool; and the jury in their wisdom, recognising the fact of + their verdict involving capital punishment, have, in the exercise of that + enlightened spirit which is inseparable from our age, recommended him to + the mercy of this court, and, in the discretion of that power in me + invested, I shall now pronounce sentence. Prepare, then, ye lovers of + civilisation, ye friends of humanity, ye who would temper the laws of our + land of freedom to the circumstance of offences—prepare, I say, to + have your ears and hearts made glad over the swelling sound of this most + enlightened sentence of a court, where judgments are tempered with mercy." + Our hero, a chain hanging loosely from his left arm, stands forward in the + dock, his manly deportment evincing a stern resolution to meet his fate + unsubdued. Fuddle continues:—"There is no appeal from this court!" + (he forgot the court of a brighter world) "and a reversing the decision of + the court below, I sentence the prisoner to four years' imprisonment with + hard labour, two months' solitary confinement in each year, and thirty + blows with the paddle, on the first day of each month until the expiration + of the sentence." Such, reader, was Fuddle's merciful sentence upon one + whose only crime was a love of freedom and justice. Nicholas bowed to the + sentence; Mr. Grabguy expressed surprise, but no further appeal on earth + was open to him; Squire Fetter laughed immeasurably; and the officer led + his victim away to the place of durance vile. + </p> + <p> + To this prison, then, must we go with our hero. In this magnificent + establishment, its princely exterior seeming like a modern fort with + frowning bastions, are some four hundred souls for sale and punishment. + Among them Nicholas is initiated, having, for the time being, received his + first installment of blows, and takes his first lesson in the act of + breaking stone, which profession is exclusively reserved for criminals of + his class. Among the notable characters connected with this establishment + is Philip Fladge, the wily superintendent, whose power over the criminals + is next to absolute. Nicholas has been under Philip's guardianship but a + few months, when it is found that he may be turned into an investment + which will require only the outlay of kindness and amelioration on his + part to become extremely profitable. Forthwith a convention is entered + into, the high contracting parties being Nicholas and himself. Mr. Fladge + stipulates on his part that the said Nicholas, condemned by Fairweather + Fuddle's court to such punishments as are set forth in the calendar, shall + be exempt from all such punishments, have the free use of the yard, + comfortable apartments to live in, and be invested with a sort of + foremanship over his fellow criminals; in consideration of which it is + stipulated on the part of Nicholas that he do work at the more desirable + profession of stucco-making, together with the execution of orders for + sculpture, the proceeds of which were to be considered the property of + Fladge, he allowing the generous stipend of one shilling a week to the + artist. Here, then, Mr. Fladge becomes sensible of the fact that some good + always come of great evils, for indeed his criminal was so far roving a + mine of wealth that he only hoped it might be his fortune to receive many + more such enemies of the state: he cared not whether they came from Fetter + or Fuddle's court. With sense enough to keep his heart-burnings well + stored away in his own bosom, Nicholas soon became a sort of privileged + character. But if he said little, he felt much; nor did he fail to occupy + every leisure moment in inciting his brother bondmen to a love of freedom. + So far had he gained complete control over their feelings, that scarce two + months of his sentence had expired ere they would have followed his lead + to death or freedom. + </p> + <p> + Among those human souls stored for sale was one Sal Stiles, an olive wench + of great beauty, and daughter of one of the very first families. This Sal + Stiles, who was indeed one of the most charming creatures to look upon, + had cousins whom the little world of Charleston viewed as great belles; + but these said belles were never known to ring out a word in favour of + poor Sal, who was, forsooth, only what-in our vulgar parlance-is called a + well-conditioned and very marketable woman. Considering, then, that + Nicholas had been separated by Grabguy from his wife and children, the + indulgent reader, we feel assured, will excuse our hero for falling + passionately in love with this woman. That it was stipulated in the + convention between himself and Fladge, he should take her unto himself, we + are not justified in asserting; nevertheless, that that functionary + encouraged the passion rather than prevented their meetings is a fact our + little world will not pretend to deny. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0051" id="link2HCH0051"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER LI. — A CONTINUATION OF THE LAST CHAPTER. + </h2> + <p> + A YEAR and two months have rolled by, since Nicholas, a convict, took up + his abode within the frowning walls of a prison: thus much of Fuddle's + merciful sentence has he served out. In the dreary hours of night, fast + secured in his granite cell, has he cherished, and even in his dreams + contemplated, the means of escaping into that freedom for which his soul + yearns. But, dearly does he love Sal Stiles, to whose keeping he confides + the secret of his ambition; several times might he, having secured the + confidence of Fladge, have effected his own escape; but the admonitions of + a faithful heart bid him not leave her behind in slavery. To that + admonition of his bosom did he yield, and resolve never to leave her until + he secured her freedom. A few days after he had disclosed to her his + resolution, the tall figure of Guy Grantham, a broker of slaves by + profession, appeared in the prison yard, for the purpose of carrying away + the woman, whom he had sold for the Washington market, where her charms + would indeed be of much value during the session, when congress-men most + do riot. Already were the inseparable chains about her hands, and the + miserable woman, about to be led away, bathed in grief. Nicholas, in his + studies, had just finished a piece of scroll-work for Mrs. Fladge, as a + companion approached him in great haste, and whispered the word of + trouble-"they're taking her away"-in his ear. Quick as lightning did the + anger of his very soul break forth like a tempest: he rushed from his + place of labour, vaulted as it were to the guard gate, seized the woman as + she stepped on the threshold in her exit, drew her back with great force, + and in a defiant attitude, drawing a long stiletto from his belt, placed + himself between her and her destroyer. "Foes of the innocent, your chains + were not made for this woman; never shall you bear her from this; not, at + least, while I have arm to defend her, and a soul that cares not for your + vengeance!" spake he, with curling contempt on his lip, as his adversaries + stood aghast with fear and trembling. "Nay!-do not advance one step, or by + the God of justice I make ye feel the length of this steel!" he continued, + as Grantham nervously motioned an attempt to advance. Holding the woman + with his left hand pressed backward, he brandished his stiletto in the + faces of his opponents with his right. This was rebellion in its most + legal acceptation, and would have justified the summary process Grantham + was about adopting for the disposal of the instigator, at whose head he + levelled his revolver, and, without effect, snapped two caps, as Nicholas + bared his bosom with the taunt—"Coward, shoot!" Mr. Fladge, who was + now made sensible of the error his indulgence had committed, could not + permit Grantham the happy display of his bravery; no, he has called to his + aid some ten subguardsmen, and addressing the resolute Grantham, bids him + lay aside his weapon. Albeit he confesses his surprise at such strange + insolence and interference; but, being responsible for the life, thinks it + well to hold a parley before taking it. Forsooth his words fall useless on + the ears of Nicholas, as defiantly he encircles the woman's waist with his + left arm, bears her away to the block, dashes the chains from her hands, + and, spurning the honied words of Fladge, hurls them in the air, crying: + "You have murdered the flesh;—would you chain the soul?" As he + spoke, the guard, having ascended the watch tower, rings out the first + alarm peal. "Dogs of savage might! ring your alarms; I care not," he + continued, casting a sardonic glance at the tower as the sound died away + on his ear. His pursuers now made a rush upon him, but ere they had + secured him he seized a heavy bludgeon, and repelling their attack, found + some hundred of his companions, armed with stone hammers, rallying in his + defence. Seeing this formidable force thus suddenly come to his rescue, + Mr. Fladge and his force were compelled to fall back before the advance. + Gallantly did Nicholas lead on his sable band, as the woman sought refuge + in one of the cells, Mr. Fladge and his posse retreating into the + guard-house. Nicholas, now in full possession of the citadel, and with + consternation and confusion triumphant within the walls, found it somewhat + difficult to restrain his forces from taking possession of the guardhouse, + and putting to death those who had sought shelter therein. Calmly but + firmly did he appeal to them, and beseech them not to commit an outrage + against life. As he had placed himself between the woman and her pursuers, + so did he place himself before a file of his sable companions, who, with + battle hammers extended, rushed for the great gates, as the second alarm + rung out its solemn peal. Counselling his compatriots to stand firm, he + gathered them together in the centre of the square, and addressed them in + a fervent tone, the purport of which was, that having thus suddenly and + unexpectedly become plunged into what would be viewed by the laws of the + land as insurrection, they must stand on the defensive, and remember it + were better to die in defence of right than live under the ignorance and + sorrow of slavery. + </p> + <p> + While our hero-whose singular exploit we have divested of that dramatic + effect presented in the original-addressed his forlorn band in the area of + the prison, strange indeed was the scene of confusion presenting along the + streets of the city. The alarm peals had not died ineffectual on the air, + for as a messenger was despatched to warn the civil authorities of the sad + dilemma at the prison, the great bell of St. Michael's church answered the + warning peal with two loud rings; and simultaneously the city re-echoed + the report of a bloody insurrection. On the long line of wharfs half + circling the city, stood men aghast with fright; to the west all was quiet + about the battery; to the south, the long rampart of dark moving pines + that bordered on that side the calm surface of a harbour of unsurpassed + beauty, seemed sleeping in its wonted peacefulness; to the east, as if + rising from the sea to mar the beauty of the scene, stood fort Sumpter's + sombre bastions, still and quiet like a monster reposing; while retracing + along the north side of the harbour, no sign of trouble flutters from Fort + Moultrie or Castle Pinkney-no, their savage embrasures are closed, and + peace hangs in mists over their dark walls. The feud is in the city of + democrats, wherein there are few who know not the nature of the warning + peal; nor, indeed, act on such occasions like a world in fear, waiting but + the tap of the watchman's baton ere it rushes to bloodshed. + </p> + <p> + In the busy portion of the city have men gathered at the corners of the + street to hold confused controversy; with anxious countenances and most + earnest gesticulations do they discuss the most certain means of safety. + Ladies, in fright, speedily seek their homes, now asking questions of a + passerby, whose intense excitement has carried off his power of speech, + then shunning every luckless negro who chances in their way. The rumour of + an insurrection, however falsely founded, turns every negro (of skin there + is no distinction) into an enemy; whilst the second sound of the alarm + peal makes him a bloody votary, who it needs but the booming of the cannon + ere he be put to the sword. Guardsmen, with side-arms and cross-belts, are + eager and confused, moving to and fro with heavy tread; merchants and men + of more easy professions hasten from their labours, seek their homes, + prepare weapons for the conflict, and endeavour to soothe the fears of + their excited families, beseeching protection. That a deadly struggle is + near at hand no one doubts, for men have gathered on the house-tops to + watch the moving mass, bearing on its face the unmistakeable evidence of + fear and anxiety, as it sweeps along the streets. Now the grotesque group + is bespotted with forms half dressed in military garb; then a dark platoon + of savage faces and ragged figures brings up the rear; and quickly + catching the sound "To the Workhouse!" onward it presses to the scene of + tumult. Firemen in curious habiliment, and half-accoutred artillerymen, at + the alarm peal's call are rallying to their stations, as if some devouring + element, about to break over the city, demanded their strongest arm; while + eager and confused heads, protruded from green, masking shutters, and in + terror, would know whither lies the scene of the outbreak. Alarm has beset + the little world, which now moves a medley of fear and trembling. + </p> + <p> + The clock in St. Michael's tall spire has just struck two, as, in the + arena of the prison, Nicholas is seen, halted in front of his little band, + calmly awaiting the advance of his adversaries, who, fearing to open the + great gates, have scaled the long line of wall on the north side. Suddenly + the sound of an imploring voice breaks upon his ear, and his left hand is + firmly grasped, as starting with surprise he turns and beholds the slave + woman, her hair hanging loosely over her shoulders, and her face bathed in + tears. With simple but earnest words does she admonish him against his + fatal resolution. Fast, and in the bitter anguish of her soul, fall her + implorings; she would have him yield and save his life, that she may love + him still. Her words would melt his resolution, had he not taken the rash + step. "In my soul do I love thee, woman!" he says, raising her gently to + her feet, and imprinting a kiss upon her olive brow; "but rather would I + die a hero than live a crawling slave: nay, I will love thee in heaven!" + The woman has drawn his attention from his adversaries, when, in that + which seems a propitious moment, they rush down from the walls, and ere a + cry from his band warn him of the danger, have well nigh surprised and + secured him. With two shots of a revolver pierced through the fleshy part + of his left arm, does he bound from the grasp of his pursuers, rally his + men, and charge upon the miscreants with undaunted courage. Short but + deadly is the struggle that here ensues; far, indeed, shrieks and horrid + groans rend the very air; but the miscreants are driven back from whence + they came, leaving on the ground five dead bodies to atone for treble the + number dead of our hero's band. In the savage conflict did the woman + receive a fatal bullet, and now lies writhing in the agonies of death (a + victim of oppression in a land of liberty) at our hero's feet. Not a + moment is there to spare, that he may soothe her dying agonies, for a + thundering at the great gates is heard, the bristling of fire-arms falls + upon his ear, and the drums of the military without beat to the charge. + Simultaneously the great gates swing back, a solid body of citizen + soldiery, ready to rush in, is disclosed, and our hero, as if by instinct + moved to rashness, cries aloud to his forces, who, following his lead, + dash recklessly into the soldiery, scatter it in amazement, and sweep + triumphantly into the street. The first line of soldiery did not yield to + the impetuous charge without effect, for seven dead bodies, strewn between + the portals of the gate, account for the sharp report of their rifles. + Wild with rage, and not knowing whither to go, or for what object they + have rushed from the bounds of their prison house, our forlorn band, still + flourishing their battle hammers, have scarcely reached the second line of + military, stationed, in war order, a few squares from the prison, when our + hero and nine of his forlorn band fall pierced through the hearts with + rifle bullets. Our Nicholas has a sudden end; he dies, muttering, "My + cause was only justice!" as twenty democratic bayonets cut into shreds his + quivering body. Oh, Grabguy! thou wilt one day be made to atone for this + thy guilt. Justice to thy slave had saved the city its foreboding of + horror, and us the recital of a bloody tragedy we would spare the feelings + of our readers by ending here. + </p> + <p> + Having informed the reader that Ellen Juvarna was mother of Nicholas, whom + she bore unto Marston, we will now draw aside the veil, that he may know + her real origin and be the better prepared to appreciate the fate of her + child. This name, then, was a fictitious one, which she had been compelled + to take by Romescos, who stole her from her father, Neamathla, a Creek + Indian. In 1820, this brave warrior ruled chief of the Mickasookees, a + tribe of brave Indians settled on the borders of the lake of that name, in + Florida. Old in deeds of valour, Neamathla sank into the grave in the + happy belief that his daughter, the long-lost Nasarge, had been carried + into captivity by chiefs of a hostile tribe, in whose chivalrous spirit + she would find protection, and religious respect for her caste. Could that + proud spirit have condescended to suppose her languishing in the hands of + mercenary slave-dealers, his tomahawk had been first dipped in the blood + of the miscreant, to avenge the foul deed. From Romescos, Nasarge, who had + scarce seen her twelve summers, passed into the hands of one Silenus, who + sold her to Marston, for that purpose a fair slave seems born to in our + democratic world. + </p> + <p> + And now again must we beg the indulgence of the reader, while we turn to + the counter-scene of this chapter. The influence of that consternation + which had spread throughout the city, was not long in finding its way to + the citadel, a massive fort commanding the city from the east. On the plat + in front are three brass field-pieces, which a few artillery-men have + wheeled out, loaded, and made ready to belch forth that awful signal, + which the initiated translate thus:—"Proceed to the massacre! Dip + deep your knives in the heart of every negro!" + </p> + <p> + Certain alarm bells are rung in case of an insurrection of the negroes, + which, if accompanied by the firing of three guns at the citadel, is the + signal for an onslaught of the whites. The author, on asking a gentleman + why he exhibited so much fear, or why he deemed it necessary to put to the + sword his faithful servants, answered,—"Slaves, no matter of what + colour, sympathise with each other in their general condition of slavery. + I could not, then, leave my family to the caprice of their feelings, while + I sought the scene of action to aid in suppressing the outbreak." At the + alarm-bell's first tap were the guns made ready-at the second peal were + matchlocks lighted-and nervous men waited in breathless suspense the third + and last signal peal from the Guard Tower. But, in a moment that had + nearly proved fatal to thousands, and as the crash of musketry echoed in + the air, a confused gunner applied the match: two vivid flashes issued + from the cannon, their peals booming successively over the city. It was at + that moment, citizens who had sought in their domiciles the better + protection of their families might be seen in the tragic attitude of + holding savage pistols and glistening daggers at the breasts of their + terrified but faithful servants,—those, perhaps, whose only crime + was sincerity, and an earnest attachment to master's interests. The + booming of a third cannon, and they had fallen, victims of fear, at the + feet of their deluded victors. Happily, an act of heroism (which we would + record to the fame of the hero) saved the city that bloody climax we + sicken while contemplating. Ere the third gun belched its order of death, + a mounted officer, sensible of the result that gun would produce, dashed + before its angry mouth, and at the top of his voice cried out-"In Heaven's + name, lay your matchlock down: save the city!" Then galloping to the + trail, the gunner standing motionless at the intrepid sight, he snatched + the fiery torch from his hand, and dismounting, quenched it on the ground. + Thus did he save the city that awful massacre the misdirected laws of a + democratic state would have been accountable for to civilisation and the + world. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0052" id="link2HCH0052"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER LII. — IN WHICH ARE PLEASURES AND DISAPPOINTMENTS. + </h2> + <p> + IN a former chapter of this narrative, have we described our fair + fugitive, Annette, as possessing charms of no ordinary kind; indeed, she + was fair and beautiful, and even in the slave world was by many called the + lovely blonde. In a word, to have been deeply enamoured of her would have + reflected the highest credit on the taste and sentiment of any gallant + gentleman. Seeming strange would it be, then, if the stranger to whose + care we confided her (and hereafter to be called Montague, that being his + Christian name) should render himself liable to the charge of stupidity + did these attractions not make a deep impression on his heart. And here we + would not have the reader lay so grave a charge at his door; for, be it + known, ye who are not insensible to love's electric force, that scarce had + they reached New York, ere Montague began to look upon Annette with that + species of compassion which so often, in the workings of nature's mystery, + turns the sympathies of the heart into purest love. The misery or + happiness of this poor girl he viewed as dependent on himself: this, + forsooth, was strengthened by the sad recital of her struggles, which + caused his sympathies to flow in mutual fellowship with her sorrows. As he + esteemed her gentleness, so was he enamoured of her charms; but her + sorrows carried the captive arrow into his bosom, where she fastened it + with holding forth that wrist broken in defence of her virtue: nay, more, + he could not refrain a caress, as in the simplicity of her heart she + looked in his face smilingly, and said she would he were the father of her + future in this life. But, when did not slavery interpose its barbarous + obstacles?-when did it not claim for itself the interests of federal + power, and the nation's indulgence?-when did it not regard with coldest + indifference the good or ill of all beyond its own limits? The slave world + loves itself; but, though self-love may now and then give out a degree of + virtue, slavery has none to lead those beyond its own atmosphere. To + avoid, then, the terrors to which, even on the free soil of the north, a + fugitive slave is constantly liable, as also that serpent-like prejudice—for + into the puritanic regions of New England, forsooth, does slavery spread + its more refined objections to colour—which makes the manners of one + class cold and icy, while acting like a dagger in the hearts of the other, + was it necessary to change her name. How many of my fair readers, then, + will recur to and recognise in the lovely Sylvia De Lacy—whose + vivacity made them joyous in their school days, and whose charms all + envied-the person of Annette Mazatlin. Nothing could be more true than + that the pretty blonde, Sylvia De Lacy, who passed at school as the + daughter of a rich Bahamian, was but the humble slave of our worthy wag, + Mr. Pringle Blowers. But we beg the reader to remember that, as Sylvia De + Lacy, with her many gallant admirers, she is a far different person from + Annette the slave. + </p> + <p> + Clotilda is made acquainted with the steps Montague has taken in behalf of + his charge, as also of a further intention he will carry out at the + expiration of two years; which said intention is neither more nor less + than the making Sylvia De Lacy his bride ere her school days have ended. + In the earnestness of a heart teeming of joy, does Clotilda respond to the + disclosures she is pleased to term glad tidings. Oft and fervently has she + invoked the All-protecting hand to save her child from the licentious + snares of slavery; and now that she is rescued, her soul can rest + satisfied. How her heart rejoices to learn that her slave child will + hereafter be happy in this life! ever will she pray that peace and + prosperity reward their virtues. Her own prospects brighten with the + thought that she may, ere long, see them under her own comfortable roof, + and bestow a mother's love on the head of her long-lost child. + </p> + <p> + And now my reader will please to suppose these two years of school-days + passed-that nuptial ceremony in which so many mingled their + congratulations, and showered blandest smiles upon the fair bride, + celebrated in a princely mansion not far from the aristocratic Union + Square of New York-and our happy couple launched upon that path of + matrimony some facetious old gentlemen have been pleased to describe as so + crooked that others fear to journey upon it. They were indeed a happy + couple, with each future prospect golden of fortune's sunshine. Did we + describe in detail the reign of happiness portended on the bright day of + that nuptial ceremony, how many would recognise the gay figures of those + who enlivened the scene-how deceptive would seem the fair face of + events-how obscured would be presented the life of a slave in this our + world of freedom-how false that democracy so boastful of its even-handed + rule! + </p> + <p> + Two years have rolled into the past, since Montague led the fair Sylvia to + the altar. Pringle Blowers has pocketed the loss of his beauty, the happy + couple have lost all thought of slavery, and a little responsibility + coming in due time adds to make their happiness complete. Now the house to + which Montague was connected in New York had an agent in New Orleans; + which agent was his brother. In the course of time, then, and as the + avenues of business expanded, was it deemed necessary to establish a + branch house at Memphis, the affairs of which it was agreed should be + conducted by Montague. To this new scene of life my reader will please + suppose our happy couple, having journeyed by railroad to Cincinnatti, and + with hearts gladdened of hope for the future, now gliding down that river + of gorgeous banks, on board the good steamer bearing its name. As our + young mother again enters the atmosphere of slavery, misgivings force + themselves irresistibly upon her feelings. The very face of nature wears a + sluggish air; the fresh, bright offspring of northern energy, so forcibly + illustrated in the many cheerful looking villages here and there dotting + its free soil, is nowhere to be seen,—society again puts forth its + blighting distinctions: there is the man-owner's iron deportment + contrasting with the abjectness of his slave: forcibly does the change + recall scenes of the past. But, with the certain satisfaction that no one + will recognize the slave in her, do those misgivings give way to the + happier contemplation of her new home affording the means of extending a + succouring hand to some poor mortal, suffering in that condition of life + through which she herself has passed. + </p> + <p> + After a pleasant passage, then, do we find them comfortably settled in + Memphis, that city of notorious character, where the venerable Lynch + presides judge over all state cases, and administers summary justice + according to the most independent of bar rules. Montague pursues the + ordinary routine of a flourishing business, and moves among the very best + society of the little fashionable world; with which his Sylvia, being the + fair belle of the place, is not only a great favourite, but much sought + after and caressed. Gentle as a slave, so was she an affectionate mother + and dutiful wife. Some twelve months passed pleasantly at their new home, + when there came to the city a Jew of the name of Salamons Finch. This + Finch, who was "runner" to a commercial firm in the city of Charleston (he + was lank of person, with sallow, craven features), knew Annette when but a + child. Indeed, he was a clerk of Graspum when that gentleman sold the fair + slave to Gurdoin Choicewest; in addition to which he had apartments at + Lady Tuttlewell's most fashionable house, where the little doll-like thing + used to be so sprightly in waiting at table. The quick eye of this harpy, + as may readily be supposed, was not long in detecting the person of + Annette the slave in our fair mother; which grand discovery he as soon + communicated to Montague, pluming himself a generous fellow for being + first to disclose what he supposed a valuable secret. Indeed, such was the + force of association on this fellow, that he could not bring his mind to + believe such a match possible, unless the fair fugitive (of the + circumstances of whose escape he was well posted) had, by the exercise of + strategy, imposed herself on the gentleman. The reader may easily picture + to himself the contempt in which Montague held the fellow's generous + expos‚; but he as readily became sensible of the nature of the + recognition, and of its placing him in a dangerous position. At first he + thought of sending his wife and child immediately to her mother, in + Nassau; but having intimations from the fellow that the matter might be + reconciled with golden eagles, he chose rather to adopt that plan of + procuring peace and quietness. With a goodly number of these gold eagles, + then, did he from time to time purchase the knave's secrecy; but, with + that singular propensity so characteristic of the race, was he soon found + making improper advances to the wife of the man whose money he received + for keeping secret her early history. This so exasperated Montague, that + in addition to sealing the fellow's lips with the gold coin, he threatened + his back with stripes of the raw hide, in payment of his insolence. + Albeit, nothing but the fear of exposure, the consequences of which must + prove fatal, caused him to bear with pain the insult while withholding + payment of this well-merited debt. With keen instincts, and a somewhat + cultivated taste for the beautiful, Finch might with becoming modesty have + pleaded them in extenuation of his conduct; but the truth was, he almost + unconsciously found himself deeply enamoured of the fair woman, without + being able to look upon her as a being elevated above that menial sphere + his vulgar mind conditioned for her when in slavery. Here, then, the + reader will more readily conceive than we can describe the grievous + annoyances our otherwise happy couple were subjected to; nor, if a + freeman's blood course in his veins, can he fail to picture the punishment + it so dearly merited. However, it came to pass that in the course of a few + months this fellow disappeared suddenly, and nearly at the same time was + Montague summoned to New Orleans to direct some complicated affairs of his + brother, who lay a victim to that fearful scourge which so often + devastates that city of balmy breezes. After due preparations for an + absence of some two months, Montague set out on his journey; but had not + been forty-eight hours gone, when Finch again made his appearance, and + taking advantage of a husband's absence, pressed his advances with + grossest insult, threatening at the same time to convey information of the + discovery to Pringle Blowers. Successively did these importunities fail to + effect Mr. Finch's purpose; but he was of an indomitable temper, and had + strong faith in that maxim of his race, which may be transcribed thus:—"If + one effort fail you, try another." To carry out this principle, then, did + Finch draw from the cunning inventive of his brain a plan which he could + not doubt for a moment would be successful. The reader may blush while we + record the fact, of Finch, deeming a partner necessary to the gaining his + purpose, finding a willing accomplice in one of Montague's clerks, to whom + he disclosed the secret of the fair woman being nothing more than a + fugitive slave, whose shame they would share if the plan proved + successful. This ingenious plan, so old that none but a fellow of this + stamp would have adopted it, was nothing more than the intercepting by the + aid of the clerk all Montague's letters to his wife. By this they came in + possession of the nature of his family affairs; and after permitting the + receipt of two letters by Sylvia, possessed themselves of her answers that + they might be the better able to carry out the evil of their scheme. After + sufficient time had passed, did Sylvia receive a letter, duly posted at + New Orleans, purporting to have been written by a clerk in the employ of + the firm, and informing her, having acknowledged becomingly the receipt of + her letter, that Montague had been seized with the epidemic, and now lay + in a precarious state. Much concerned was she at the painful intelligence; + but she almost as soon found consolation in the assurances of the clerk + who brought her the letter, and, to strengthen his own cause, told her he + had seen a captain just arrived up, who had met her husband a day after + the date of the letter, quite well. Indeed, this was necessary to that + functionary's next move, for he was the conspirator of Finch, and the + author of the letter which had caused so much sadness to the woman who now + sought his advice. In suspense did the anxious woman wait the coming + tidings of her affectionate husband: alas! in a few days was the sad news + of his death by the fatal scourge brought to her in an envelope with broad + black border and appropriate seal. Overwhelmed with grief, the good woman + read the letter, describing her Montague to have died happy, as the + conspirator looked on with indifference. The confidential clerk of the + firm had again performed a painful and unexpected duty. The good man died, + said he, invoking a blessing on the head of his child, and asking heaven + to protect his wife; to which he would add, that the affairs of the house + were in the worst possible condition, there not being assets to pay a + fraction of the debts. And here we would beg the reader to use his + imagination, and save us the description of much that followed. Not all + their threats nor persuasions, however, could induce her to yield to their + designs; defiantly did she repulse the advances of the crawling Finch; + nobly did she spurn his persuasions; firmly did she, heedless of his + threat to acquaint Pringle Blowers of her whereabouts, bid him be gone + from her door. The fellow did go, grievously disappointed; and, whether + from malice or mercenary motives we will not charge, sought and obtained + from Pringle Blowers, in exchange for his valuable discovery, a promise of + the original reward. Shudder not, reader, while we tell it! It was not + many days ere the notorious Blowers set out for Memphis, recovered his + lost property, who, like a lamb panting in the grasp of a pursuing wolf, + was, with her young child, dragged back, a wretch, into the melancholy + waste of slavery. Long and loudly was the grand discovery resounded + through the little world of Memphis; not in sympathy for the slave, for + many hearts were made glad with joy over what the fashionable were pleased + to term a fortunate disclosure and a happy removal. Many very grave + gentlemen said the miscreant who dared impose a slave on society, well + merited punishment at the hands of the venerable Lynch,—a judge of + that city whose celebrity is almost world wide. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0053" id="link2HCH0053"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER LIII. — A FAMILIAR SCENE, IN WHICH PRINGLE BLOWERS HAS + BUSINESS. + </h2> + <p> + OF a bright morning, not many days after Pringle Blowers returned with his + fair slave to Charleston (which said slave he would not sell for gold), + there sat on a little bench at the entrance gate of the "upper workhouse," + the brusque figure of a man, whose coarse and firmly knit frame, to which + were added hard and weather-stained features, indicated his having seen + some fifty summers. But, if he was brusque of figure and coarse of + deportment, he had a good soft heart in the right place; nor did he fail + to exercise its virtues while pursuing the duties of a repulsive + profession; albeit, he was keeper of the establishment, and superintended + all punishments. Leisurely he smoked of a black pipe; and with shirt + sleeves rolled up, a grey felt hat almost covering his dark, flashing + eyes, and his arms easily folded, did he seem contemplating the calm + loveliness of morning. Now he exhaled the curling fume, then scanned away + over the bright landscape to the east, and again cast curious glances up + and down the broad road stretching in front of his prison to the north and + south. It was not long before a carriage and pair appeared on the hill to + the south, advancing at a slow pace towards the city. The keeper's keen + eye rested upon it intently, as it neared, bearing in a back seat what + seemed to be a lady fine of figure and deportment; while on the front + drove a figure of great rotundity, the broad, full face shining out like a + ripe pumpkin in a sun shower. "It's Pringle Blowers, I do believe in my + soul! but it's seeming strange how he's got a lady to ride with him," + mused the man, who, still watching the approach, had quite forgotten the + escape of the fair slave. The man was not mistaken, for as he touched his + hat, on the carriage arriving opposite the gate, it halted, and there, + sure enough, was our valiant democrat, who, placing his whip in the + socket, crooked his finger and beckoned the keeper. "Broadman!" said he, + (for that was the man's name) "I'ze a bit of something in your way of + business this morning." The honest functionary, with seeming surprise, + again touching his hat as he approached the vehicle, replied: "Your + servant, sir!" Blowers motioned his hand to the woman, whose tears were + now, to Broadman's surprise, seen coursing down her pale cheeks. To use a + vulgar phrase, Broadman was entirely "taken aback" by the singularity of + Blowers' manner; for the woman, whose dress and deportment the honest man + conceived to be nothing less than that of a lady of one of the "first + families," obeying the motion, began to descend from the carriage. "Now, + Broadman," continued Blowers, arranging his reins, and with clumsy air + making his descent over the fore wheels, "take that 'ar wench o' mine, + and, by the State's custom, give her the extent of the law, well laid on." + </p> + <p> + The author here writes the incident as given by the prison-keeper. The man + hesitated, as if doubting his senses; rather would he have been courteous + to what he still viewed as a lady, than extend his rude hand to lead her + away. + </p> + <p> + "Pardon me, Sir! but you cannot mean what you say," nervously spoke the + man, as in doubt he exchanged glances first with the fair woman and then + with Blowers. "I means just what I says," returned that gentleman, + peremptorily; "you'ze hearn o' that 'un afore. She's a nigger o' mine, + what runned away more nor six years ago; come, do the job for her, and no + fussing over't." "Nigger!" interrupted the man, in surprise. "Yes!" + rejoined Blowers, emphasising his assurance with oaths, of which he had a + never-failing supply, "that's the cussed white nigger what's gin me all + the bother. The whiter niggers is, the more devil's in em; and that ar' + one's got devil enough for a whole plantation; 'tisn't the licks I cares + about, but it's the humblin' on her feelings by being punished in the + workhouse!" The man of duty was now brought to his senses, when, seeing + Blowers was inclined to relieve his anger on what he was pleased to + consider the stupidity of a keeper, he took the weeping but resolute woman + by the arm, and called a negro attendant, into whose charge he handed her, + with an order to "put her in the slings." Soon she disappeared within the + gate, following the mulatto man. And here we will again spare the reader's + feelings, by omitting much that followed. Blowers and Broadman follow the + hapless woman, as she proceeds through a narrow passage leading to the + punishment room, and when about half way to that place of torture, a + small, square door opens on the right, into a dingy office, the keeper + says is where he keeps his accounts with the State, which derives a large + revenue from the punishments. Into this does the worthy man invite his + patron, whom he would have be seated while the criminal is got "all right" + in the slings. Fain would Blowers go and attend the business himself; but + Broadman saying "that cannot be," he draws from his pocket a small flask, + and, seemingly contented, invites him to join in "somethin" he says is the + very choicest. Broadman has no objection to encouraging this evidence of + good feeling, which he will take advantage of to introduce the dialogue + that follows. "Good sir," says he, "you will pardon what I am about to + say, for indeed I feel the weakness of my position when addressing you, + fortune having made a wide distinction between us; but judge me not + because I am coarse of flesh, nor have polished manners, for I have a + heart that feels for the unfortunate." Here Blowers interrupted the keeper + by saying he would hear no chicken-hearted interpositions. "Remember, + keeper," he added, "you must not presume on the small familiarity I have + condescended to admit in drinking with you. I hold no controversies with + prison-keepers (again he gulps his brandy) or their subs; being a servant + of the state, I order you to give that wench the extent of the law. She + shall disclose the secret of her escape, or I'll have her life; I'm a man + what won't stand no nonsense, I am!" The keeper, rejoining, hopes he will + pardon the seeming presumption; but, forsooth, notwithstanding necessity + has driven him to seek a livelihood in his repulsive occupation, there is + a duty of the heart he cannot betray, though the bread of his maintenance + be taken from him. Blowers again assumes his dignity, rises from his seat, + scowls significantly at the keeper, and says he will go put through the + business with his own hands. "Good friend," says Broadman, arresting + Blowers' progress, "by the state's ruling you are my patron; nevertheless, + within these walls I am master, and whatever you may bring here for + punishment shall have the benefit of my discretion. I loathe the law that + forces me to, in such cases, overrule the admo- nitions of my heart. I, + sir, am low of this world,—good! but, in regret do I say it, I have + by a slave mother two fair daughters, who in the very core of my heart I + love; nor would I, imitating the baser examples of our aristocracy, sell + them hapless outcasts for life." Here Blowers again interrupted by + allowing his passion to manifest itself in a few very fashionable oaths; + to which he added, that he (pacing the room several times) would no longer + give ear to such nonsense from a man of Broadman's position,—which + was neither socially nor politically grand. "No doubt, good sir, my humble + and somewhat repulsive calling does not meet your distinguished + consideration; but I am, nevertheless, a man. And what I was about to + say-I hope you will grant me a hearing-was, that having these two + daughters-poverty only prevents my purchasing them-has made me sensible of + these slaves having delicate textures. The unhappy possession of these + daughters has caused me to reflect-to study constitutions, and their + capacity to endure punishments. The woman it has pleased you to bring here + for chastisement, I take it, is not coarse of flesh; but is one of those + unfortunates whom kindness might reform, while the lash never fails to + destroy. Why, then, not consider her in the light of a friendless wretch, + whom it were better to save, than sink in shame? One word more and I am + done" (Blowers was about to cut short the conversation); "the extent of + the law being nothing less than twenty blows of the paddle, is most severe + punishment for a woman of fine flesh to withstand on her naked loins. Nor, + let me say-and here I speak from twelve years' experience-can the lady-I + beg pardon, the slave you bring me!-bear these blows: no, my lips never + spoke truer when I say she'll quiver and sink in spasms ere the second + blow is laid on." Here-some twenty minutes having passed since the fair + slave was led into the punishment room-Blowers cut short the conversation + which had failed to thaw his resolution, by saying Broadman had bored his + ears in spinning out his long song, and if he were unwilling to fulfil the + duties of his office, such should be reported to the authorities, who + would not permit workhouse-keepers so to modify their ordnances that black + and white niggers have different punishments. "Nay, sir!" says the honest + man, with an air of earnestness, as he rises from his seat; "follow me, + and with the reality will I prove the truth of my words." Here he proceeds + to that place of torments, the punishment-room, followed by Blowers; who + says, with singular indifference-"Can do the job in five minutes; then + I'll leave her with you for two, three, or four days or so. Then if she's + civilly humbled down, I'll send my nigger fellow, Joe, with an order for + her. Joe'll be the fellow's name; now, mind that: but you know my Joe, I + reckon?" The keeper led the way, but made no reply; for indeed he knew + nothing of his Joe, there being innumerable niggers of that name. As the + men left the little office, and were sauntering up the passage, our worthy + friend Rosebrook might be seen entering in search of Broadman; when, + discovering Blowers in his company, and hearing the significant words, he + shot into a niche, unobserved by them, and calling a negro attendant, + learned the nature of his visit. And here it becomes necessary that we + discover to the reader the fact of Rosebrook having been apprised of the + forlorn woman's return, and her perilous position in the hands of Pringle + Blowers; and, further, that the communication was effected by the negro + man Pompe, who we have before described in connection with Montague at the + time of his landing from the witch-like schooner. This Pompe was sold to + Blowers but a few months before Annette's recovery, and acting upon the + force of that sympathy which exists among fellow slaves of a plantation, + soon renewed old acquaintance, gained her confidence, and, cunningly + eluding the owner's watchfulness, conveyed for her a letter to the + Rosebrooks. In truth, Pompe had an inveterate hatred of Blowers, and under + the incitement would not have hesitated to stake his life in defence of + the fair woman. Now, the exacting reader may question Rosebrook's + intrepidity in not proceeding at once to the rescue of the victim; but + when we say that he was ignorant of the positive order given the keeper, + and only caught distinctly the words-"I'll send my nigger fellow, Joe, + with an order for her!" they may discover an excuse for his hastily + withdrawing from the establishment. Indeed, that my reader may withhold + his censure, it may be well to add that he did this in order to devise + more strategical means of effecting her escape. + </p> + <p> + And now, ye who have nerves-let them not be shaken; let not your emotions + rise, ye who have souls, and love the blessings of liberty; let not + mothers nor fathers weep over democracy's wrongs; nor let man charge us + with picturing the horrors of a black romance when we introduce the + spectacle in the room of punishments: such, be it known, is not our + business, nor would we trifle unjustly with the errors of society; but, if + chivalry have blushes, we do not object to their being used here. The + keeper, followed by Blowers, enters a small room at the further end of the + passage. It is some sixteen feet long by twelve wide, and proportionately + high of ceiling. The pale light of a tallow candle, suspended from the + ceiling by a wire, and from which large flakes of the melted grease lay + cone-like on the pine floor, discloses the gloom, and discovers hanging + from the walls, grim with smoke, sundry curious caps, cords, leathern + cats, and the more improved paddles of wood, with flat blades. The very + gloom of the place might excite the timid; but the reflection of how many + tortures it has been the scene, and the mysterious stillness pervading its + singularly decorated walls, add still more to increase apprehension. A + plank, some two feet wide, and raised a few inches, stretches across the + floor, and is secured at each end with cleets. About midway of this are + ropes securing the victim's feet; and through the dim light is disclosed + the half nude body of our fair girl, suspended by the wrists, which are + clasped in bands of cord, that, being further secured to a pulley block, + is hauled taut by a tackle. Suddenly the wretched woman gives vent to her + feelings, and in paroxysms of grief sways her poor body to and fro, + imploring mercy! "Nay, master! think that I am a woman-that I have a heart + to feel and bleed; that I am a mother and a wife, though a slave. Let your + deeds be done quickly, or end me and save me this shame!" she supplicates, + as the bitter, burning anguish of her goaded soul gives out its flood of + sorrow. Chivalry, forsooth, lies cold and unmoved-Blowers has no relish + for such inconsistency;—such whinings, he says, will not serve + southern principles. The mulatto attendant has secured the fall, and + stands a few feet behind Blowers and the keeper, as that functionary says, + laying his coarse hands on the woman's loins, "How silky!" The mulatto man + shakes his head, revengefully, making a grimace, as Broadman, having + selected the smallest paddle (reminding us of the curious sympathy now + budding between the autocratic knout and democratic lash) again addresses + Blowers. "I doubt, sir," he says, "if the woman stand a blow. Necessity 's + a hard master, sir; and in this very act is the test more trying than I + have ever known it. I dissemble myself when I see a wretch of fine flesh-a + woman with tender senses, in distress, and I am made the instrument of + adding to her suffering. Indeed, sir, when I contemplate the cause of such + wretchedness, and the poverty forcing me to remain in this situation, no + imagination can represent the horror of my feelings." + </p> + <p> + "We have no demand on your feelings, my man! we want your duty-what the + state put you here to perform," interrupted Blowers, placing his thumbs in + his vest, and making a step backward. Another second, and the attendant + lighted a hand-lamp,—a sharp, slapping blow was heard, a death-like + shriek followed; the flesh quivered and contracted into a discoloured and + inflamed pustule; the body writhed a few seconds in convulsive spasms; a + low moaning followed, and that fair form hung swooning in the slings, as + the keeper, in fright, cried out, at the top of his voice, to the + attendant—"Lower away the fall!" As if the fiend had not yet + gratified his passion, no sooner was the seemingly lifeless body lowered + clumsily to the floor, than he grasped the weapon from Broadman's hand, + and like a tiger seeking its banquet of flesh, was about to administer a + second blow. But Broadman had a good heart, the admonitions of which + soared high above the state's mandate: seizing Blowers in his arms, he + ejected him from the door, ran back to the prostrate woman, released her + bruised limbs from the fastenings, gathered her to his arms; and with + nervous hands and anxious face did he draw from his pocket the well-timed + hartshorn, by the application of which he sought to restore her, as the + mulatto man stood by, bathing her temples with cold water. "Ah! shame on + the thing called a man who could abuse a sweet creature of fine flesh, + like thee! it's not many has such a pretty sweet face," says Broadman, + with an air of compassion, resting her shoulder against his bended knee as + he encircles it with his left arm, and looks upon the pale features, tears + glistening in his honest eyes. We might say with Broadman—"It's not + the finest, nor the polished of flesh, that hath the softest hearts." But, + reader, having performed our duty, let us drop the curtain over this sad + but true scene; and when you have conjectured the third and fourth acts of + the drama, join with us in hoping the chivalry of our State may yet awake + to a sense of its position, that, when we again raise it, a pleasanter + prospect may be presented. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0054" id="link2HCH0054"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER LIV. — IN WHICH ARE DISCOVERIES AND PLEASANT SCENES. + </h2> + <p> + ST. PATRICK'S night closed the day on which the scenes of the foregoing + chapter were enacted; and that patron saint being of aristocratic descent, + which caused him to be held in high esteem by our "very first families," + than among whom better admirers could nowhere be found, his anniversary + was sure to be celebrated with much feasting and drinking. But while this + homage to the good saint made glad the hearts of thousands-while the city + seemed radiant of joy, and reeling men from Hibernia's gorgeous hall found + in him an excuse for their revelries—there sat in the box of a caf‚, + situated on the west side of Meeting Street, two men who seemed to have a + deeper interest at heart than that of the Saint's joy on his road to + paradise. The one was a shortish man, coarse of figure, and whose browned + features and figured hands bespoke him a sailor; the other was delicate of + figure, with pale, careworn countenance and nervous demeanour. Upon the + marble slab, on which they rested their elbows, sat a bottle of old + Madeira, from which they sipped leisurely, now and then modulating their + conversation into whispers. Then the man of brown features spoke out more + at ease, as if they had concluded the preliminaries of some important + business. + </p> + <p> + "Well, well,—now isn't that strange?" said he, sighing as he spread + his brawny hands upon the white marble. "Natur's a curious mystery, + though" (he looked intently at the other): "why, more nor twenty years + have rolled over since I did that bit of a good turn, and here I is the + very same old Jack Hardweather, skipper of the Maggy Bell. But for all + that—and I'd have folks know it!—the Maggy's as trim a little + craft as ever lay to on a sou'-easter; and she can show as clean a pair of + heels as any other—barring her old top timbers complain now and then—to + the best cutter as ever shook Uncle Sam's rags." His hard features + softened, as in the earnest of his heart he spoke. He extended his hand + across the table, grasping firmly that of his nervous friend, and + continued—"And it was no other witch than the taunt Maggy Bell that + landed that good woman safe on the free sands of old Bahama!" The Maggy, + he tells the other, is now at the wharf, where the good wife, Molly + Hardweather, keeps ship while the boys take a turn ashore. + </p> + <p> + "There's always a wise provision to relieve one's feelings when sorrow + comes unexpectedly," returns the nervous man, his hand trembling as he + draws forth the money to pay the waiter who answered his call. + </p> + <p> + "Yes!" quickly rejoined the other, "but keep up a good heart, like a + sailor hard upon a lee shore, and all 'll be bright and sunny in a day or + two. And now we'll just make a tack down the bay-street-and sight the + Maggy. There's a small drop of somethin' in the locker, that'll help to + keep up yer spirits, I reckon—a body's spirits has to be tautened + now and then, as ye do a bobstay,—and the wife (she's a good sort of + a body, though I say it) will do the best she can in her hard way to make + ye less troubled at heart. Molly Hardweather has had some hard ups and + downs in life, knows well the cares of a mother, and has had twins twice; + yes"-adds the hardy seafarer-"we arn't polished folks, nor high of blood, + but we've got hearts, and as every true heart hates slavery, so do we, + though we are forced to dissemble our real feelings for the sake of peace + in the trade." Here the delicate man took the sailor's arm, and sallied + out to seek the little Maggy Bell, the former saying the meeting was as + strange as grateful to his very soul. Down Market Street, shaded in + darkness, they wended their way, and after reaching the wharf, passed + along between long lines of cotton bales, piled eight and ten feet high, + to the end, where lay motionless the pretty Maggy Bell, as clipper-like a + craft as ever spread canvas. The light from the cabin shed its faint + gleams over the quarter-deck, as Hardweather halted on the capsill, and + with a sailor's pride run his quick black eye along her pirate-like hull, + then aloft along the rigging. Exultingly, he says, "She is the sauciest + witch that ever faced sea or showed a clean pair of heels. The Maggy + Bell!"-he pats his friend on the shoulder-"why, sir, she has-just between + ourselves now-slided many a poor slave off into freedom; but folks here + don't think it of me. Now, if I reckon right"-he bites his tobacco, and + extends it to the stranger-"and I believe I do, it's twenty years since + the Maggy, of one dark night, skimmed it by that point, with Fort Pinkney + on it, yonder, that good creature on board." He points to the murky mass, + scarce visible in the distance, to the east. "And now she's one of the + noblest women that ever broke bread to the poor; and she's right + comfortable off, now,—alwa's has a smile, and a kind word, and + something good for old Jack Hardweather whenever she sees him. Lord bless + yer soul!"-here he shakes his head earnestly, and says he never was a + lubber-"Jack Hardweather didn't care about the soft shot for his locker; + it was my heart that felt the kindness. Indeed, it always jumps and jerks + like a bobstay in a head sea, when I meets her. And then, when I thinks + how 'twas me done the good turn, and no thanks to nobody! You hearn of me + 'afore, eh" (he turns to his companion, who measuredly answers in the + affirmative). "Well, then, my name's Skipper Jack Hardweather, known all + along the coast; but, seeing how the world and navigation's got shortened + down, they call me old Jack Splitwater. I suppose it's by the way of + convenience, and so neither wife nor me have a bit of objection." Here the + conversation was interrupted by the good wife's round, cheery face + shooting suddenly from out the companion-way, and enjoining our friend + Jack to come away aboard, her high peaked cap shining like snow on a dark + surface. The truth was, that Splitwater, as he was styled, had become so + much absorbed in excitement as to forget the length of his yarn. "Come + away, now!" says the good wife, "everybody's left the Maggy to-night; and + ther's na knowin' what 'd a' become 'un her if a'h hadn't looked right + sharp, for ther' wer' a muckle ship a'mast run her dune; an' if she just + had, the Maggy wad na mar bene seen!" The good wife shakes her head; her + rich Scotch tongue sounding on the still air, as with apprehension her + chubby face shines in the light of the candle she holds before it with her + right hand. Skipper Splitwater will see his friend on board, he says, as + they follow her down the companion-ladder. "Wife thinks as much of the + Maggy-and would, I believe in my soul, cry her life out if anything + happened till her: wife's a good body aboard a ship, and can take a trick + at the wheel just as well as Harry Span the mate." Skipper Splitwater + leads the way into a little dingy cabin, a partition running athwart ships + dividing it into two apartments; the former being where Skipper + Hardweather "sleeps his crew" and cooks his mess, the sternmost where he + receives his friends. This latter place, into which he conducts the + nervous man, is lumbered with boxes, chests, charts, camp-seats, log + lines, and rusty quadrants, and sundry marine relics which only the + inveterate coaster could conceive a use for. But the good wife Molly, + whose canny face bears the wrinkles of some forty summers, and whose + round, short figure is so simply set off with bright plaid frock and apron + of gingham check, in taste well adapted to her humble position, is as + clean and tidy as ever was picture of mine Vrow Vardenstein. Nevertheless,—we + know the reader will join us in the sentiment-that which gave the air of + domestic happiness a completeness hitherto unnoticed, was a wee + responsibility, as seen sprawling and kicking goodnaturedly on the white + pillow of the starboard berth, where its two peering eyes shone forth as + bright as new-polished pearls. The little darling is just a year old, Dame + Hardweather tells us; it's a twin,—the other died, and, she knows + full well, has gone to heaven. Here she takes the little cherub in her + lap, and having made her best courtesy as Hardweather introduces her to + his nervous friend, seats herself on the locker, and commences suckling + it, while he points to the very place on the larboard side where + Clotilda-"Ah! I just caught the name," he says,—used to sit and + sorrow for her child. "And then," he continues, "on the quarter-deck she'd + go and give such longing looks back, like as if she wanted to see it; and + when she couldn't, she'd turn away and sigh so. And this, Molly," he + continues, "is the self-same child my friend here, who I am as happy to + meet as a body can be, wants me to carry off from these wolves of slavery; + and if I don't, then my name's not Jack Splitwater!" So saying, he bustles + about, tells the nervous man he must excuse the want of finery, that he + has been a hard coaster for God knows how many years, and the little place + is all he can afford; for indeed he is poor, but expects a better place + one of these days. Then he draws forth from a little nook in the stern + locker a bottle, which he says contains pure stuff, and of which he + invites his visitor to partake, that he may keep up a good heart, still + hoping for the best. The nervous man declines his kind invitation,—he + has too much at heart, and the sight of the child so reminds him of his + own now blighted in slavery. The good woman now becoming deeply concerned, + Hardweather must needs recount the story, and explain the strange man's + troubles, which he does in simple language; but, as the yarn is somewhat + long, the reader must excuse our not transcribing it here. With anxious + face and listening ears did the woman absorb every word; and when the + earnest skipper concluded with grasping firmly the man's hand, and + saying-"Just you scheme the strategy, and if I don't carry it out my name + aint Jack Hardweather!" would she fain have had him go on. "Lack a day, + good man!" she rejoined, fondling closer to her bosom the little suckling; + "get ye the wee bairn and bring it hither, and I'll mak it t'uther twin-na + body'll kno't! and da ye ken hoo ye may mak the bonny wife sik a body that + nane but foxes wad ken her. Just mak her a brae young sailor, and the + Maggy Bell 'll do the rest on't." Hardweather here interrupted Molly's + suggestion which was, indeed, most fortunate, and albeit supplied the + initiative to the strategy afterwards adopted-for slavery opens wide the + field of strategy-by reminding the stranger that she had a long Scotch + head. The night had now well advanced; the stranger shook the woman's hand + firmly, and bade her good night, as a tear gushed into his eyes. The scene + was indeed simple, but touching. The hard mariner will accompany his + friend to the wharf; and then as he again turns on the capsill, he cannot + bid him good night without adding a few words more in praise of the little + Maggy Bell, whose name is inscribed in gilt letters upon the flash-board + of her stern. Holding his hand, he says: "Now, keep the heart up right! + and in a day or two we'll have all aboard, and be in the stream waiting + for a fair breeze-then the Maggy 'll play her part. Bless yer soul! the + little craft and me's coasted down the coast nobody knows how many years; + and she knows every nook, creek, reef, and point, just as well as I does. + Just give her a double-reefed mainsail, and the lug of a standing jib, and + in my soul I believe she'd make the passage without compass, chart, or a + hand aboard. By the word of an old sailor, such a craft is the Maggy Bell. + And when the Spanish and English and French all got mixed up about who + owned Florida, the Maggy and me's coasted along them keys when, blowing a + screecher, them Ingins' balls flew so, a body had to hold the hair on his + head; but never a bit did the Maggy mind it." The stranger's heart was too + full of cares to respond to the generous man's simplicity; shaking his + hand fervently, he bid him good night, and disappeared up the wharf. + </p> + <p> + We apprehend little difficulty to the reader in discovering the person of + Montague in our nervous man, who, in the absence of intelligence from his + wife, was led to suspect some foul play. Nor were his suspicions + unfounded; for, on returning to Memphis, which he did in great haste, he + found his home desolate, his wife and child borne back into slavery, and + himself threatened with Lynch law. The grief which threatened to overwhelm + him at finding those he so dearly loved hurled back into bondage, was not + enough to appease a community tenacious of its colour. No! he must leave + his business, until the arrival of some one from New York, to the clerk + who so perfidiously betrayed him. With sickened heart, then, does he-only + too glad to escape the fury of an unreasoning mob-seek that place of + bondage into which the captives have been carried; nay, more, he left the + excited little world (reporting his destination to be New York) fully + resolved to rescue them at the hazard of his life, and for ever leave the + country. Scarcely necessary then, will it be for us to inform the reader, + that, having sought out the Rosebrooks, he has counselled their advice, + and joined them in devising means of relief. Blowers had declared, on his + sacred honour, he would not sell the captives for their weight in gold. + </p> + <p> + Rosebrook had no sooner received Annette's letter from the hand of Pompe + than he repaired to Blowers' plantation-as well to sound that gentleman's + disposition to sell his captives, as a necessary precaution against the + dangers he had incurred through his participation in the fair girl's + escape; for albeit the disclosure might be extorted from her by cruelty. + But Blowers was too much of a gentleman to condescend to sell his captive; + nor would he listen to arguments in her behalf. Nevertheless, we will not + underrate Blowers' character, that the reader may suppose him devoid of + compassion; for-be it recorded to his fame-he did, on the morning + following that on which the punishment we have described in the foregoing + chapter took place, send the child, whose long and piercing cries he could + no longer endure, to the arms of its poor disconsolate mother, whom he + hoped would take good care of it. + </p> + <p> + Now, let not the reader restrain his fancy, but imagine, if he can, + Pringle Blowers' disappointment and state of perturbation, when, three + days after the punishment, he presented himself at Broadman's + establishment, and was informed by that functionary that the fair mother + was non est. With honest face did Broadman assert his ignorance of wrong. + That he had not betrayed his duty he would satisfy the enraged man, by + producing the very order on which he delivered them to Joe! "Yes, Joe was + his name!" continues the honest man; "and he asserted his ownership, and + told a straightforward story, and didn't look roguish." He passes the + order over to Blowers, who, having examined it very cautiously, says: + "Forgery, forgery!-'tis, by the Eternal!" Turning his fat sides, he + approaches the window, and by the light reads each successive word. It is + written in a scrawl precisely like his own; but, forsooth, it cannot be + his. However, deeming it little becoming a man of his standing to parley + with Broadman, he quickly makes his exit, and, like a locomotive at half + speed, exhausting his perturbation the while, does he seek his way into + the city, where he discovers his loss to the police. We have in another + part of our history described Blowers as something of a wag; indeed, + waggery was not the least trait in his curious character, nor was he at + all cautious in the exercise of it; and, upon the principle that those who + give must take, did he render himself a fit object for those who indulge + in that sort of pastime to level their wit upon. On this occasion, Blowers + had not spent many hours in the city ere he had all its convenient corners + very fantastically decorated with large blue placards, whereon was + inscribed the loss of his valuable woman, and the offer of the increased + sum of four hundred dollars for her apprehension. The placards were + wonderful curiosities, and very characteristic of Blowers, who in this + instance excited no small amount of merriment among the city wags, each of + whom cracked a joke at his expense. Now it was not that those waggish + spirits said of his placard things exceedingly annoying to his sensitive + feelings, but that every prig made him the butt of his borrowed wit. One + quizzed him with want of gallantry,—another told him what the ladies + said of his oss,—a third pitied him, but hoped he might get back his + property; and then, Tom Span, the dandy lawyer, laconically told him that + to love a fair slave was a business he must learn over again; and Sprout, + the cotton-broker, said there was a law against ornamenting the city with + blue placards and type of such uncommon size. In this interminable + perplexity, and to avoid the last-named difficulty, did he invoke the + genius of the "bill-sticker," who obliterated the blue placards by + covering them over with brown ones, the performance of which, Blowers + himself superintended. This made the matter still worse, for with jocose + smile did every wag say he had hung the city in mourning for his loss; + which singular proceeding the ladies had one and all solemnly protested + against. Now, Blowers regard for the ladies was proverbial; nor will it + disparage his character to say that no one was more sensitive of their + opinions concerning himself. In this unhappy position, then, which he + might have avoided had he exercised more calmly his philosophy, did his + perturbation get the better of him;—an object of ridicule for every + wag, and in ill-favour with the very first ladies, never was perplexed + man's temper so near the exploding point of high pressure. And here, + forsooth, disgusted within the whole city, nor at all pleased with the + result of his inventive genius, he sought relief in strong drinks and a + week of dissipation; in which sad condition we must leave him to the + reader's sympathy. + </p> + <p> + As some of our fair readers may be a little prudish, or exacting of + character, and as we are peculiarly sensitive of the reputation some of + the characters embodied in this history should bear to the very end, we + deem it prudent here not to disclose the nature of the little forgery + which was perpetrated at Blowers' expense, nor the means by which it was + so cleverly carried out, to the release of the fair captives, who must now + be got out of the city. Should we, in the performance of this very + desirable duty, fail to please the reader's taste for hair-breadth + escapes, unnatural heroism, and sublime disinterestedness, an excuse may + be found in our lack of soul to appreciate those virtues of romance. We + have no taste for breathless suspenses, no love of terror: we deal not in + tragedy, nor traffic in dramatic effects. But as the simplest strategy is + often the most successful of results, so did it prove in this particular + case; for, be it known, that on the morning of the twenty-fourth of March,—, + was Molly Hardweather's suggestion adopted and effectually carried out, to + the gratification of sundry interested persons. Calm and bright was that + morning; Charleston harbour and its pretty banks seemed radiant of + loveliness: the phantom-like Maggy Bell, with mainsail and jib spread + motionless in the air, swung gently at anchor midway the stream; and Dame + Hardweather sat in the dingy cabin, her little chubby face beaming + contentment as she nursed the "t'other twin." The brusque figure of old + Jack, immersed in watchfulness, paced to and fro the Maggy's deck; and in + the city as trim a young sailor as ever served signal halliards on board + man-o'-war, might be seen, his canvas bag slung over his shoulder, + carelessly plodding along through the busy street, for the landing at the + market slip. Soon the Maggy's flying jib was run up, then the foresail + followed and hung loose by the throat. Near the wheel, as if in + contemplation, sat Montague, while Hardweather continued his pacing, now + glancing aloft, then to seaward, as if invoking Boreas' all-welcome aid, + and again watching intently in the direction of the slip. A few minutes + more and a boat glided from the wharf, and rowed away for the little + craft, which it soon reached, and on board of which the young sailor flung + his bag, clambered over the rail, and seemed happy, as old Jack put out + his brawny hand, saying: "Come youngster, bear a hand now, and set about + brightening up the coppers!" We need not here discover the hearts that + leaped with joy just then; we need not describe the anxiety that found + relief when the young sailor set foot on the Maggy's deck; nor need we + describe those eyes on shore that in tears watched the slender form as it + disappeared from sight. Just then a breeze wafted from the north, the + anchor was hove up, the sails trimmed home, and slowly seaward moved the + little bark. As she drifted rather than sailed past Fort Pinkney, two + burly officials, as is the custom, boarded to search for hapless + fugitives; but, having great confidence in the honesty of Skipper + Splitwater, who never failed to give them of his best cheer, they drank a + pleasant passage to him, made a cursory search, a note of the names of all + on board (Jack saying Tom Bolt was the young sailor's), and left quite + satisfied. Indeed, there was nothing to excite their suspicions, for the + good dame sat nursing the "twa twins," nor left aught to discover the + discrepancy between their ages, if we except a pair of little red feet + that dangled out from beneath the fringe of a plaid shawl. And the young + sailor, who it is hardly necessary to inform the reader is Annette, was + busy with his cooking. And now the little craft, free upon the wave, + increased her speed as her topsails spread out, and glided swiftly + seaward, heaven tempering the winds to her well-worn sails. God speed the + Maggy Bell as she vaults over the sea; and may she never want water under + keel, slaves to carry into freedom, or a good Dame Hardweather to make + cheerful the little cabin! say we. + </p> + <p> + And now, reader, join us in taking a fond farewell of the Rosebrooks, who + have so nobly played their part, to the shame of those who stubbornly + refuse to profit by their example. They played no inactive part in the + final escape; but discretion forbids our disclosing its minuti‘. They + sought to give unto others that liquid of life to which they owed their + own prosperity and happiness; nor did selfish motive incite them to + action. No; they sought peace and prosperity for the state; they would + bind in lasting fellowship that union so mighty of states, which the world + with mingled admiration and distrust watches; which in kindred compact + must be mightier, which divided must fall! And while taking leave of them, + hoping their future may be brightened with joys-and, too, though it may + not comport with the interests of our southern friends, that their + inventive genius may never want objects upon which to illustrate itself so + happily-let us not forget to shake old Jack Hardweather warmly by the + hand, invoking for him many fair winds and profitable voyages. A big heart + enamelled of "coarse flesh" is his; but with his warm functions he has + done much good; may he be rich in heaven's rewards, for he is poor in + earth's! + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0055" id="link2HCH0055"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER LV. — IN WHICH IS A HAPPY MEETING, SOME CURIOUS FACTS + DEVELOPED, AND CLOTILDA'S HISTORY DISCLOSED. + </h2> + <p> + IT was seven days after the sailing of the Maggy Bell, as described in the + foregoing chapter, that Montague was seen sitting in the comfortably + furnished parlour of a neat cottage in the suburbs of Nassau. The coal + fire burned brightly in a polished grate; the carpets and rugs, and + lolling mats, indicated of care and comfort; the tabbied furniture and + chastely worked ottomans, and sofas, and chairs, and inlaid workstands, + seem bright of regularity and taste; and the window curtains of lace and + damask, and the scroll cornices from which they flowingly hung, and the + little landscape paintings that hung upon the satin-papered walls, and the + soft light that issued from two girandoles on the mantel-piece of figured + marble, all lent their cheering aid to make complete the radiant picture + of a happy home. But Montague sat nervous with anxiety. "Mother won't be a + minute!" said a pert little fellow of some seven summers, who played with + his hands as he sat on the sofa, and asked questions his emotions forbid + answering. On an ottoman near the cheerful fire, sat, with happy faces, + the prettily dressed figures of a boy and girl, older in age than the + first; while by the side of Montague sat Maxwell, whose manly countenance + we transcribed in the early part of our narrative, and to whom Montague + had in part related the sad events of the four months past, as he heaved a + sigh, saying, "How happy must he die who careth for the slave!" Ere the + words had escaped his lips, the door opened, and the graceful form of a + beautiful woman entered, her finely oval but pensive face made more + expressive by the olive that shaded it, and those deep soul-like eyes that + now sparkled in gentleness, and again flashed with apprehension. Nervously + she paused and set her eyes with intense stare on Montague; then vaulted + into his arms and embraced him, crying, "Is not my Annette here?" as a + tear stole down her cheeks. Her quick eye detected trouble in his + deportment; she grasped his left hand firmly in her right, and with + quivering frame besought him to keep her no longer in the agony of + suspense. "Why thus suddenly have you come? ah!-you disclose a deep-rooted + trouble in not forewarning me! tell me all and relieve my feelings!" she + ejaculated, in broken accents. "I was driven from that country because I + loved nature and obeyed its laws. My very soul loved its greatness, and + would have done battle for its glories-yea, I loved it for the many + blessings it hath for the favoured; but one dark stain on its bright + escutcheon so betrayed justice, that no home was there for me-none for the + wife I had married in lawful wedlock." Here the woman, in agonising + throbs, interrupted him by enquiring why he said there was no home for the + wife he had married in lawful wedlock-was not the land of the puritans + free? "Nay!" he answered, in a measured tone, shaking his head, "it is + bestained not with their crimes-for dearly do they love justice and regard + the rights of man-but with the dark deeds of the man-seller, who, heedless + of their feelings, and despising their moral rectitude, would make + solitary those happy homes that brighten in greatness over its soil." + Again, frantic of anxiety, did the woman interrupt him: "Heavens!-she is + not dragged back into slavery?" she enquired, her emotions rising beyond + her power of restraint, as she drew bitter pangs from painful truths. With + countenance bathed in trouble did Montague return her solicitous glance, + and speak. "Into slavery" he muttered, in half choked accents "was she + hurled back." He had not finished the sentence ere anxiety burst its + bounds, and the anxious woman shrieked, and fell swooning in his arms. + Even yet her olive face was beautefully pale. The cheerful parlour now + rung with confusion, servants bustled about in fright, the youthful family + shrieked in fear, the father sought to restore the fond mother, as + Montague chafed her right hand in his. Let us leave to the reader's + conjecture a scene his fancy may depict better than we can describe, and + pass to one more pleasant of results. Some half an hour had transpired, + when, as if in strange bewilderment, Clotilda opened her eyes and seemed + conscious of her position. A deep crimson shaded her olive cheeks, as in + luxurious ease she lay upon the couch, her flushed face and her thick wavy + hair, so prettily parted over her classic brow, curiously contrasting with + the snow-white pillow on which it rested. A pale and emaciated girl sat + beside her, smoothing her brow with her left hand, laying the right gently + on the almost motionless bosom, kissing the crimsoning cheek, and lisping + rather than speaking, "Mother, mother, oh mother!-it's only me." And then + the wet courses on her cheeks told how the fountain of her soul had + overflown. Calmly and vacantly the woman gazed on the fair girl, with whom + she had been left alone. Then she raised her left hand to her brow, + sighed, and seemed sinking into a tranquil sleep. "Mother! mother! I am + once more with my mother!" again ejaculates the fair girl, sobbing + audibly; "do you not know me, mother?" Clotilda started as if suddenly + surprised. "Do I dream?" she muttered, raising herself on her elbow, as + her great soft eyes wandered about the room. She would know who called her + mother. "'Tis me," said the fair girl, returning her glances, "do you not + know your Annette-your slave child?" Indeed the fair girl was not of that + bright countenance she had anticipated meeting, for though the punishment + had little soiled her flesh the dagger of disgrace had cut deep into her + heart, and spread its poison over her soul. "This my Annette!" exclaimed + Clotilda, throwing her arms about the fair girl's neck, drawing her + frantically to her bosom, and bathing her cheeks with her tears of joy. + "Yes, yes, 'tis my long-lost child; 'tis she for whom my soul has + longed-God has been merciful, rescued her from the yawning death of + slavery, and given her back to her mother! Oh, no, I do not dream-it is my + child,—my Annette!" she continued. Long and affectionately did they + mingle their tears and kisses. And now a fond mother's joy seemed + complete, a child's sorrow ended, and a happy family were made happier. + Again the family gathered into the room, where, as of one accord, they + poured out their affectionate congratulations. One after another were the + children enjoined to greet Annette, kiss her, and call her sister. To them + the meeting was as strange as to the parents it was radiant of joy. + "Mother!" said the little boy, as he took Annette by the hand and called + her sister, and kissed her as she kissed him, "was you married before you + was married to father?" The affectionate mother had no answer to make; she + might have found one in the ignominy of the slave world. And now, when the + measure of joy seemed full-when the bitterness of the past dwindled away + like a dream, and when the future like a beacon hung out its light of + promise,—Clotilda drew from a small workstand a discoloured paper + written over in Greek characters, scarce intelligible. "Annette!" said + she, "my mother gave me this when last I saw her. The chains were then + about her hands, and she was about to be led away to the far south slave + market: by it did I discover my history." Here she unfolded its defaced + pages, lifted her eyes upwards invokingly, and continued—"To speak + the crimes of great men is to hazard an oblivion for yourself, to bring + upon you the indifference of the multitude; but great men are often + greatest in crime-for so it proved with those who completed my mother's + destruction. Give ear, then, ye grave senators, and if ye have hearts of + fathers, lend them! listen, ye queen mothers of my country, whose sons and + daughters are yet travelling the world's uncertainties! listen, ye + fathers, who have souls above Mammon's golden grasp, and sons in whom ye + put your trust! listen, ye brothers, whose pride brightens in a sister's + virtue! listen, ye sisters, who enjoy paternal affections, and feel that + one day you may grace a country's social life! listen, ye philanthropists, + ye men of the world, who love your country, and whose hearts yearn for its + liberties-ye men sensitive of our great Republic's honour, nor seek to + traffic in the small gains of power when larger ones await you; and, above + all, lend your hearts, ye brothers of the clergy in the slave church, and + give ear while I tell who I am, and pray ye, as ye love the soul of woman, + to seek out those who, like unto what I was, now wither in slavery. My + grandfather's name was Iznard Maldonard, a Minorcan, who in the year 1767 + (some four years after Florida was by the king of Spain ceded to Great + Britain) emigrated with one Dr. Turnbull-whose name has since shone on the + pages of history-to that land of sunshine and promise; for, indeed, + Florida is the Italy of America. In that year did numerous of the English + aristocracy conceive plans as various as inconsistent for the population + and improvement of the colony. With a worthy motive did Lord Rolle draw + from the purlieus of London [Footnote: See Williams' History of Florida, + page 188.] State Papers, three hundred wretched females, whose condition + he would better by reforming and making aid in founding settlements. This + his lordship found no easy task; but the climate relieved him of the + perplexity he had brought upon himself, for to it did they all fall + victims in a very short time. But Turnbull, with motive less commendable, + obtained a grant of his government, and, for the sum of four hundred + pounds, (being then in the Peleponnesus) was the governor of Modon bribed + into a permission to convey sundry Greek families to Florida, for + colonization. Returning from Modon with a number of families, he touched + at the islands of Corsica and Minorca, added another vessel to his fleet, + and increased the number of his settlers to fifteen hundred. With exciting + promises did he decoy them to his land of Egypt, which proved a bondage to + his shame. He would give them lands, free passages, good provisions and + clothing; but none of these promises did he keep. A long passage of four + months found many victims to its hardships, and those who arrived safe + were emaciated by sickness. Into the interior were these taken; and there + they founded a settlement called New Smyrna, the land for which-some sixty + thousand acres-was granted by the governor of Florida. Faithfully and + earnestly did they labour for the promised reward, and in less than five + years had more than three thousand acres of land in the highest state of + cultivation; but, as Turnbull's prosperity increased, so did the demon + avarice; and men, women, and children, were reduced to the most abject + slavery. Tasks greater than they could perform were assigned them, and a + few Italians and negroes made overseers and drivers. For food the + labourers were allotted seven quarts of corn per week. Many who had lived + in affluence in their own country were compelled to wear osnaburgs, and go + bare-foot through the year. More than nine years were those valuable + settlers kept in this state of slavery, the cruelties inflicted upon them + surpassing in enormity those which so stigmatised the savage Spaniards of + St. Domingo. Drivers were compelled to beat and lacerate those who had not + performed their tasks; many were left naked, tied all night to trees, that + mosquitoes might suck their blood, and the suffering wretches become + swollen from torture. Some, to end their troubles, wandered off, and died + of starvation in the forest, and, including the natural increase, less + than six hundred souls were left at the end of nine years. But, be it + known to those whose hearts and ears I have before invoked, that many + children of these unfortunate parents were fair and beautiful, which + valuable charms singularly excited the cupidity of the tyrant, who betook + himself to selling them for purposes most infamous. A child overhearing + the conversation of three English gentlemen who made an excursion to the + settlement, and being quick of ear, conveyed the purport of it to his + mother, who, in the night, summoned a council of her confidants to concoct + the means of gaining more intelligence. The boy heard the visitors, who + stood in the great mansion, which was of stone, say, "Did the wretches + know their rights they had not suffered such enormities of slavery." It + was resolved that three ask for long tasks, under the pretext of gaining + time to catch turtle on the coast; but having gained the desired time, + they set off for St. Augustine, which they reached, after swimming rivers + and delving almost impenetrable morasses. They sought the attorney-general + of the province, Mr. Younge,—I speak his name with reverence-and + with an earnest zeal did he espouse the cause of this betrayed people. At + that time, Governor Grant-since strongly suspected of being concerned with + Turnbull in the slavery of the Greeks and Minorcans-had just been + superseded by Tonyn, who now had it in his power to rebuke a tyrant, and + render justice to a long-injured people. Again, on the return of the + envoys, who bore good tidings, did they meet in secret, and choose one + Pallicier, a Greek, their leader. This man had been master mechanic of the + mansion. With wooden spears were the men armed and formed into two lines, + the women, children, and old men in the centre; and thus did they set off + from the place of bondage to seek freedom. In vain did the tyrant-whose + name democracy has enshrined with its glories-pursue them, and exhaust + persuasion to procure their return. For three days did they wander the + woods, delve morasses, and swim rivers, ere they reached the haven of St. + Augustine, where, being provided with provisions, their case was tried, + and, albeit, though Turnbull interposed all the perfidy wealth could + purchase, their fredeom established. But alas! not so well was it with + those fair daughters whom the tyrant sold slaves to a life of infamy, and + for whose offspring, now in the bitterness of bondage, do we plead. Scores + of these female children were sold by the tyrant; but either the people + were drunk of joy over their own liberty, and forgot to demand the return + of their children, or the good Younge felt forcibly his weakness to bring + to justice the rich and great-for the law is weak where slavery makes men + great-so as to make him disgorge the ill-gotten treasure he might have + concealed, but the proof of which nothing was easier than to obliterate. + </p> + <p> + "Maldonard, then, was my grandfather; and, with my grandmother and three + children, was of those who suffered the cruelties I have detailed. Two of + his children were girls, fair and beautiful, whom the tyrant, under the + pretext of bettering their condition in another colony, sold away into + slavery. One was my dear mother." Here tears coursed down the woman's + cheeks. "And she, though I blush to tell it, was sold to Rovero, who was + indeed my father as well as Franconia's. But I was years older than + Franconia-I visit her grave by day, and dream of her by night;—nor + was it strange that she should trace the cause of similarity in our + features. Forsooth, it was that singular discovery-of which I was long + ignorant-coupled with the virtues of a great soul, that incited her to + effect my escape. Rovero, ere he married Franconia's mother, sold Sylvia + Maldonard, who was my mother; and may angels bring glad tidings of her + spirit! Yes, true is it that my poor mother was sold to one Silenus, of + whom Marston bought my body while heaven guarded the soul: but here would + I drop the curtain over the scene, for Maldonard is dead; and in the grave + of his Italian wife, ere he gained his freedom, was he buried." Here again + the fond mother, as she concluded, lifted her eyes invokingly, fondled her + long-lost child to her bosom,—smiled upon her, kissed her, and was + happy. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0056" id="link2HCH0056"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER LVI. — IN WHICH A PLOT IS DISCLOSED, AND THE MAN-SELLER MADE + TO PAY THE PENALTY OF HIS CRIMES. + </h2> + <p> + WHILE the scenes which we have detailed in the foregoing chapter were + being enacted at Nassau, there stood in the portico of a massive dwelling, + fronting what in Charleston is called the "Battery Promenade," the tall + and stately figure of a man, wrapped in a costly black cloak, the folds of + which lay carelessly about his neck and shoulders. For some minutes did he + stand, hesitating, and watching up and down the broad walk in front. The + gas-light overhead shed its glare upon the freestone walls-for the night + was dark-and, as he turned, discovered the fine features of a frank and + open countenance, to which the flashing of two great intelligent eyes, a + long silvery beard, and a flowing moustache, all shaded by the broad brim + of a black felt hat, lent their aid to make impressive. Closer he muffled + his face in the folds of his cloak, and spoke. "Time!" said he, in a voice + musical and clear, "hath worn little on his great mansion; like his heart, + it is of good stone." The mansion, indeed, was of princely front, with + chiselled fa‡ade and great doric windows of deep fluted mouldings, grand + in outline. Now a small hand stole from beneath his cloak, rapped gently + upon the carved door of black walnut, and rang the bell. Soon the door + swung open, and a negro in a black coat, white vest, and handkerchief of + great stiffness, and nether garments of flashy stripes, politely bowed him + into a hall of great splendour. Rows of statuary stood in alcoves along + its sides; the walls dazzled with bright coloured paintings in massive + gilt frames; highly coloured and badly blended mythological designs spread + along the ceiling: the figure of a female, with pearly tears gushing from + her eyes, as on bended knee she besought mercy of the winged angel perched + above her, stood beside the broad stairway at the further end of the + hall-strangely emblematical of the many thousand souls the man-seller had + made weep in the bitterness of slavery; the softest rugs and costly Turkey + carpets, with which its floor was spread, yielded lightly to the footfall, + as the jetting lights of a great chandelier shed refulgence over the + whole: indeed, what there lacked of taste was made up with air of + opulence. The negro exhibited some surprise at the stranger's dress and + manner, for he affected ease and indifference. "Is your master at + leisure?" said he. "Business, or a friend?" inquired the negro, making one + of his best bows, and drawing back his left foot. "Both," was the quick + reply. "I, boy, am a gentleman!" "I sees dat, mas'r," rejoined the boy, + accompanying his answer with another bow, and requesting the stranger's + name, as he motioned him into a spacious drawing-room on the right, still + more gorgeously furnished. + </p> + <p> + "My name is Major Blank: your master knows my name: I would see him + quickly!" again spoke the stranger, as the boy promptly disappeared to + make the announcement. The heavy satin-damask curtains, of finest texture, + that adorned the windows; the fresco-paintings of the walls; the elaborate + gilding that here and there in bad taste relieved the cornices; the + massive pictures that hung in gauze-covered frames upon the walls; the + chastely designed carpets, and lolls, and rugs, with which the floor gave + out its brilliancy; the costly tapestry of the curiously carved furniture + that stood here and there about the room; and the soft light of a + curiously constructed chandelier, suspended from the left hand of an angel + in bronze, the said angel having its wings pinioned to the ceiling, its + body in the attitude of descending, and its right hand gracefully raised + above the globe, spreading its prismatic glows over the whole, did indeed + make the scene resplendent of luxury. The man carelessly seated himself at + a table that stood in the centre of the room, threw the hat he had + declined yielding to the negro on the floor beside him, rested the elbow + of his left arm on the table, and his head in his hand, as with the + fingers of his right hand did he fret the long silvery beard that bedecked + his chin, and contemplate with eager gaze the scene around him. "Yea, the + man-seller hath, with his spoils of greed, gotten him a gorgeous mansion; + even he liveth like a prince, his head resteth more in peace, and because + he hath great wealth of crime men seek to honour him. The rich criminal + hath few to fear; but hard is the fate of him who hath not the wherewith + to be aught but a poor one!" he muttered to himself, as the door opened, + and the well-rounded figure of Graspum whisked into the room. The negro + bowed politely, and closed the door after him, as the stranger's eye + flashed upon his old acquaintance, who, bedecked somewhat extravagantly, + and with a forced smile on his subtle countenance, advanced rubbing his + hands one over the other, making several methodical bows, to which the + stranger rose, as he said, "Most happy am I to see you, Major! Major + Blake, I believe, I have the pleasure of receiving?" Here the stranger + interpolated by saying his name was not Blake, but Blank: the other + apologised, said he was just entertaining a small but very select circle + of friends; nevertheless, always chose to follow the maxim of "business + before pleasure." Again he bustled about, worked his fingers with a + mechanical air, frisked them through his hair, with which he covered the + bald surface of his head, kept his little keen eyes leering apprehensively + on what he deemed a ripe customer, whom he bid keep his seat. To an + invitation to lay off his cloak the stranger replied that it was of no + consequence. "A planter just locating, if I may be permitted to suggest?" + enquired Graspum, taking his seat on the opposite side of the table. "No!" + returned the other, emphatically; "but I have some special business in + your line." The man of business, his face reddening of anxiety, rose + quickly from his seat, advanced to what seemed a rosewood cabinet + elaborately carved, but which was in reality an iron safe encased with + ornamental wood, and from it drew forth a tin case, saying, as he returned + and set it upon the table, "Lots from one to five were sold yesterday at + almost fabulous prices-never was the demand for prime people better; but + we have Lots (here he began to disgorge invoices) six, seven, eight, and + nine left; all containing the primest of people! Yes, sir, let me assure + you, the very choicest of the market." He would have the customer examine + the invoices himself, and in the morning the live stock may be seen at his + yard. "You cherish no evil in your breast, in opposition to the command of + Him who reproved the wrong of malice; but you still cling to the sale of + men, which you conceive no harm, eh, Graspum?" returned the stranger, + knitting his brows, as a curl of fierce hatred set upon his lip. With an + air of surprise did Graspum hesitate for a moment, and then, with a + measured smile, said, "Why, Lord bless you! it would be a dishonour for a + man of my celebrity in business to let a day escape without a sale; within + the last ten days I have sold a thousand people, or more,—provided + you throw in the old ones!" Here he again frisked his fingers, and leaned + back in his chair, as his face resumed an air of satisfaction. The + stranger interrupted as the man-seller was about to enquire the number and + texture of the people he desired. "Graspum," said he, with significant + firmness, setting his eyes upon him with intense stare,—"I want + neither your men, nor your women, nor your little children; but, have you + a record of souls you have sunk in the bitterness of slavery in that + box"-here the stranger paused, and pointed at the box on the table-"keep + it until you knock for admittance at the gates of eternity." It was not + until this moment that he could bring his mind, which had been absorbed in + the mysteries of man-selling, to regard the stranger in any other light + than that of a customer. "Pardon me, sir!" said he, somewhat nervously, + "but you speak with great familiarity." The stranger would not be + considered intrusive. "Then you have forgotten me, Graspum?" exclaimed the + man, with an ominous laugh. As if deeply offended at such familiarity, the + man-seller shook his head rebukingly, and replied by saying he had an + advantage of him not comprehensible. "Then have you sent my dearest + relatives to an untimely grave, driven me from the home of my childhood, + and made a hundred wretches swim a sea of sorrow; and yet you do not know + me?" Indeed, the charges here recounted would have least served to aid the + recognition, for they belonged only to one case among many scores that + might have been enumerated. He shook his head in reply. For a minute did + they,—the stranger scowling sarcastically upon his adversary (for + such he now was),—gaze upon each other, until Graspum's eyes drooped + and his face turned pale. "I have seen you; but at this moment cannot + place you," he replied, drawing back his chair a pace. "It were well had + you never known me!" was the stranger's rejoinder, spoken in significant + accents, as he deliberately drew from beneath his cloak a revolver, which + he laid on the table, warning his adversary that it were well he move + cautiously. Graspum affects not to comprehend such importune demeanor, or + conjecture what has brought him hither. Trembling in fright, and immersed + in the sweat of his cowardice, he would proclaim aloud his apprehension; + to which medium of salvation he makes an attempt to reach the door. But + the stranger is too quick for him: "Calm your fears, Graspum," he says; + "act not the child, but meet the consequences like a hero: strange is it, + that you, who have sold twenty thousand souls, should shrink at the + yielding up of one life!" concludes he, placing his back firmly against + the door, and commanding Graspum to resume his seat. Having locked the + door and placed the key in his pocket, he paced twice or thrice up and + down the floor, seemingly in deep contemplation, and heaved a sigh. + "Graspum!" he ejaculated, suddenly turning towards that terrified + gentleman; "in that same iron chest have you another box, the same + containing papers which are to me of more value than all your invoices of + souls. Go! bring it hither!" Tremblingly did the man-seller obey the + command, drew from the chest an antiquated box, and placed it hesitatingly + upon the table. "I will get the key, if you will kindly permit me," he + said, bowing, as the sweat fell from his chin upon the carpet. The + stranger says it wants no key; he breaks it open with his hands. "You have + long stored it with goodly papers; let us see of what they are made," said + he. Here Graspum commenced drawing forth package after package of papers, + the inscriptions on which were eagerly observed by the stranger's keen + eye. At length there came out a package of letters, superscribed in the + stranger's own hand, and directed to Hugh Marston. "How came you by + these?" enquired the stranger, grasping them quickly: "Ah, Graspum, I have + heard all! Never mind,—continue!" he resumed. Presently there came + forth a package addressed to "Franconia M'Carstrow," some of which the + stranger recognised as superscribed by his mother, others by Clotilda, for + she could write when a slave. Graspum would put this last aside; but in an + angry tone did the stranger demand it, as his passion had well nigh got + the better of his resolution. "How the deep and damning infamy discovers + itself! Ah, Graspum, for the dross of this world hast thou betrayed the + innocent. Through thine emissaries has thus intercepted these letters, and + felt safe in thy guilt. And still you know not who I am?" Indeed, the + man-seller was too much beside himself with terror to have recognised even + a near friend. "My name is Lorenzo,—he who more than twenty years + ago you beguiled into crime. There is concealed beneath those papers a + bond that bears on its face the secret of the many sorrows brought upon my + family." "Lorenzo!" interrupted Graspum, as he let fall a package of + papers, and sat aghast and trembling. "Yes," replied the other, "you + cannot mistake me, though time hath laid a heavy hand upon my brow. Now is + your infamy complete!" Here the stranger drew forth the identical bond we + have described in the early part of our history, as being signed by + Marston, at his mansion, on the night previous to Lorenzo's departure. + Bidding the man-seller move not an inch, he spread the document before + him, and commanded him to read the contents. This he had not resolution to + do. "Graspum!" spoke Lorenzo, his countenance flushed in passion; "you can + see, if you cannot read; look ye upon the words of that paper (here he + traced the lines with the forefinger of his right hand as he stood over + the wretched miscreant) and tell me if it be honourable to spare the life + of one who would commit so foul a deed. On the night you consummated my + shame, forced me to relieve you by procuring my uncle's signature to a + document not then filled up, or made complete, how little did I conjecture + the germs of villainy so deep in your heart as to betray the confidence I + reposed in you. You, in your avarice, changed the tenor of that + instrument, made the amount more than double that which I had + injudiciously become indebted to you, and transcribed it in the + instrument, in legal phraseology, which you made a death-warrant to my + nearest and dearest relatives. Read it, miscreant! read it! Read on it + sixty-two thousand dollars, the cause of your anxiety to hurry me out of + the city into a foreign land. I returned to seek a sister, to relieve my + uncle, to live an honourable man on that home so dear in my boyhood, so + bright of that which was pleasant in the past, to make glad the hearts of + my aged parents, and to receive the sweet forgiveness of those who + honoured me when fortune smiled; but you have left me none of these + boons-nay, you would have me again wander an outcast upon the world!" And + now, as the miscreant fell tremblingly on his knees, and beseeching that + mercy which he had denied so many, Lorenzo's frenzy surmounted all his + resolution. With agitated hand he seized his revolver, saying, "I will go + hence stained with a miscreant's blood." Another moment, and the loud + shriek of the man-seller echoed forth, the sharp report of a pistol rung + ominously through the mansion; and quivering to the ground fell dead a + wretch who had tortured ten thousand souls, as Lorenzo disappeared and was + seen no more. + </p> + +<div>*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 4677 ***</div> +</body> +</html> + + |