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diff --git a/4680-h/4680-h.htm b/4680-h/4680-h.htm new file mode 100644 index 0000000..4addb55 --- /dev/null +++ b/4680-h/4680-h.htm @@ -0,0 +1,9620 @@ +<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?> + +<!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" lang="en"> + <head> + <title> + Manuel Pereira, by F. C. Adams. + </title> + <style type="text/css" xml:space="preserve"> + + body { margin:5%; background:#faebd0; text-align:justify} + P { text-indent: 1em; margin-top: .25em; margin-bottom: .25em; } + H1,H2,H3,H4,H5,H6 { text-align: center; margin-left: 15%; margin-right: 15%; } + hr { width: 50%; text-align: center;} + .foot { margin-left: 20%; margin-right: 20%; text-align: justify; text-indent: -3em; font-size: 90%; } + 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%;} + 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 {display:inline; font-size: 70%; font-style:normal; + margin: 0; padding: 0; position: absolute; right: 1%; + text-align: right;} + pre { font-style: italic; font-size: 90%; margin-left: 10%;} + +</style> + </head> + <body> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + +The Project Gutenberg EBook of Manuel Pereira, by F. C. Adams + +This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with +almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + + +Title: Manuel Pereira + +Author: F. C. Adams + +Release Date: January 11, 2010 [EBook #4680] +Last Updated: March 14, 2018 + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: UTF-8 + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK MANUEL PEREIRA *** + + + + +Produced by Charles Aldarondo, and David Widger + + + + + + +</pre> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <h1> + MANUEL PEREIRA <br /><br /> or, The Sovereign Rule of South Carolina. <br /><br /> + With Views Of Southern Laws, Life, And Hospitality. + </h1> + <h2> + By F. C. Adams. + </h2> + <h4> + Written In Charleston, South Carolina. Washington, D. C.: <br /> <br /> + 1853. + </h4> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <blockquote> + <p class="toc"> + <big><b>CONTENTS</b></big> + </p> + <p> + <br /> <a href="#link2H_INTR"> INTRODUCTION. </a><br /><br /> <a + href="#link2H_4_0002"> <b>MANUEL PEREIRA.</b> </a><br /><br /> <a + href="#link2HCH0001"> CHAPTER I. </a> THE UNLUCKY SHIP <br /><br /> + <a href="#link2HCH0002"> CHAPTER II. </a> THE STEWARD'S + BRAVERY <br /><br /> <a href="#link2HCH0003"> CHAPTER III. </a> THE + SECOND STORM <br /><br /> <a href="#link2HCH0004"> CHAPTER IV. </a> THE + CHARLESTON POLICE <br /><br /> <a href="#link2HCH0005"> CHAPTER V. </a> MR. + GRIMSHAW, THE MAN OF THE COUNTY <br /><br /> <a href="#link2HCH0006"> + CHAPTER VI. </a> THE JANSON IN THE OFFING <br /><br /> <a + href="#link2HCH0007"> CHAPTER VII. </a> ARRIVAL OF THE JANSON + <br /><br /> <a href="#link2HCH0008"> CHAPTER VIII. </a> A NEW + DISH OF SECESSION <br /><br /> <a href="#link2HCH0009"> CHAPTER VIII. </a> A + FEW POINTS OF THE LAW <br /><br /> <a href="#link2HCH0010"> CHAPTER X. + </a> THE PROSPECT DARKENING <br /><br /> <a href="#link2HCH0011"> + CHAPTER XI. </a> THE SHERIFF'S OFFICE <br /><br /> <a + href="#link2HCH0012"> CHAPTER XII. </a> THE OLD JAIL <br /><br /> + <a href="#link2HCH0013"> CHAPTER XIII. </a> HOW IT IS <br /><br /> + <a href="#link2HCH0014"> CHAPTER XIV. </a> MANUEL PEREIRA + COMMITTED <br /><br /> <a href="#link2HCH0015"> CHAPTER XV. </a> THE + LAW'S INTRICACY <br /><br /> <a href="#link2HCH0016"> CHAPTER XVI. </a> PLEA + OF JUST CONSIDERATION AND MISTAKEN CONSTANCY <br /><br /> <a + href="#link2HCH0017"> CHAPTER XVII. </a> LITTLE GEORGE, THE + CAPTAIN, AND MR. GRIMSHAW <br /><br /> <a href="#link2HCH0018"> CHAPTER + XVIII. </a> LITTLE TOMMY AND THE POLICE <br /><br /> <a + href="#link2HCH0019"> CHAPTER XIX. </a> THE NEXT MORNING, AND + THE MAYOR'S VERDICT <br /><br /> <a href="#link2HCH0020"> CHAPTER XX. </a> EMEUTE + AMONG THE STEWARDS <br /><br /> <a href="#link2HCH0021"> CHAPTER XXI. </a> THE + CAPTAIN'S INTERVIEW WITH MR. GRIMSHAW <br /><br /> <a href="#link2HCH0022"> + CHAPTER XXII. </a> COPELAND'S RELEASE, AND MANUEL'S CLOSE + CONFINEMENT <br /><br /> <a href="#link2HCH0023"> CHAPTER XXIII. </a> IMPRISONMENT + OF JOHN PAUL, AND JOHN BAPTISTE PAMERLIE <br /><br /> <a + href="#link2HCH0024"> CHAPTER XXIV. </a> THE JANSON CONDEMNED + <br /><br /> <a href="#link2HCH0025"> CHAPTER XXV. </a> GEORGE + THE SECESSIONIST, AND HIS FATHER'S SHIPS <br /><br /> <a + href="#link2HCH0026"> CHAPTER XXVI. </a> A SINGULAR RECEPTION + <br /><br /> <a href="#link2HCH0027"> CHAPTER XXVII. </a> THE + HABEAS CORPUS <br /><br /> <a href="#link2HCH0028"> CHAPTER XXVIII. </a> THE + CAPTAIN'S DEPARTURE AND MANUEL'S RELEASE <br /><br /> <a + href="#link2HCH0029"> CHAPTER XXIX. </a> MANUEL'S ARRIVAL IN + NEW YORK <br /><br /> <a href="#link2HCH0030"> CHAPTER XXX. </a> THE + SCENE OF ANGUISH <br /><br /> <a href="#link2H_CONC"> CONCLUSION. </a><br /><br /> + <a href="#link2H_APPE"> APPENDIX. </a><br /> + </p> + </blockquote> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /> <br /> <a name="link2H_INTR" id="link2H_INTR"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + INTRODUCTION. + </h2> + <p> + OUR generous friends in Georgia and South Carolina will not add among + their assumptions that we know nothing of the South and Southern life. A + residence of several years in those States, a connection with the press, + and associations in public life, gave us opportunities which we did not + lose, and have not lost sight of; and if we dipped deeper into the + vicissitudes of life and law than they gave us credit for at the time, we + trust they will pardon us, on the ground of interest in the welfare of the + South. + </p> + <p> + Perhaps we should say, to support the true interests of the South, we + should and must abandon many of those errors we so strenuously supported + in years past; and thus we have taken up the subject of our book, based + upon the practical workings of an infamous law, which we witnessed upon + the individual whose name forms a part of the title. + </p> + <p> + Imprisoning a shipwrecked sailor, and making it a penal offence for a + freeman to come within the limits of a republican State, whether + voluntarily or involuntarily, seems to be considered commonplace, instead + of barbarous in South Carolina. This may be accounted for by the fact that + the power of a minority, created in wrong, requiring barbarous expedients + to preserve itself intact, becomes an habitual sentiment, which usage + makes right. + </p> + <p> + This subject has been treated with indifference, even by the press, which + has satisfied itself in discussing the abstract right as a question of + law, rather than by disclosing the sufferings of those who endure the + wrong and injustice. When we are called upon to support, and are made to + suffer the penalty of laws founded in domestic fear, and made subservient + to various grades of injustice, it becomes our duty to localize the wrong, + and to point out the odium which attaches to the State that enacts such + laws of oppression. + </p> + <p> + A “peculiar-institution” absorbs and takes precedence of every thing; its + protection has become a sacred element of legislative and private action; + and fair discussion is looked upon as ominous, and proclaimed as + incendiary. But we speak for those who owe no allegiance to that delicate + institution; citizens to all intents and, purposes (notwithstanding their + dark skins) of the countries to which they severally belong; peaceable + persons, pursuing their avocations, to provide a respectable maintenance + for their families, and worthy of the same protective rights claimed by + the more fortunate citizens of such countries. In doing this we shall give + a practical illustration of the imprisonment of four individuals in South + Carolina, and ask those who speculate in the abstract science of State + sovereignty, to reflect upon the issue of that lamentable injustice which + inflicts punishment upon persons guiltless of crime. We prefer to be + plain, and we know our Southern friends will not accuse us of + misconstruction, for we have their interests at heart, as well as the + cause of humanity, which we shall strive to promote, in spite of the + struggles of modern barbarism, seeking to perpetuate itself. Fear, the + inventor of such pretexts as are set up, and mantled in Southern modesty, + must remodel its code for South Carolinians, before it can assert a power + unknown to law, or trample upon the obligations of treaty, or enforce + nullification of individual rights. + </p> + <p> + CHARLESTON, S. C., July 17,1852. + </p> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /> <br /> <a name="link2H_4_0002" id="link2H_4_0002"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h1> + MANUEL PEREIRA. + </h1> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0001" id="link2HCH0001"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER I. THE UNLUCKY SHIP. + </h2> + <p> + THE British brig Janson, Thompson, master, laden with sugar, pimento, + &c. &c. left Kingston, Jamaica, in the early part of March, in the + present year, bound for Glasgow. The skipper, who was a genuine son of the + “Land o' Cakes,” concluded to take the inside passage, and run through the + gulf. This might have been questioned by seamen better acquainted with the + windward passage; but as every Scotchman likes to have his own way, the + advice of the first officer—an experienced salt in the West India + waters—went to leeward. On rounding Cape Antoine, it was evident + that a strong blow was approaching. The clouds hung their dark curtains in + threatening blackness; and, as the sharp flashes of lightning inflamed the + gloomy scene, the little bark seemed like a speck upon the bosom of the + sea. It was the first mate's watch on deck. The wind, then blowing from + the W.S.W., began to increase and veer into the westward; from whence it + suddenly chopped into the northward. The mate paced the quarter wrapt in + his fearnought jacket, and at every turn giving a glance aloft, then + looking at the compass, and again to the man at the wheel, as if he had an + instinct of what was coming. + </p> + <p> + He was a fearless navigator, yet, like many others who had yielded to the + force of habit, was deeply imbued with that prevalent superstition so + common to sailors, which regards a particular ship as unlucky. Imagine an + old-fashioned boatswain, with north-country features strongly marked, a + weather-beaten face, and a painted south-wester on his head, and you have + the “Mister Mate” of the old brig Janson. + </p> + <p> + “Keep her full, my hearty. We must take in our light sails and go on the + other tack soon. If we don't catch it before daylight, I'll miss my + calculation. She's an unlucky old craft as ever I sailed in, and if the + skipper a'n't mighty careful, he'll never get her across. I've sworn + against sailing in her several times, but if I get across in her this + time, I'll bid her good-by; and if the owners don't give me a new craft, + they may get somebody else. We're just as sure to have bad luck as if we + had cats and parsons aboard.” + </p> + <p> + Thus saying, he descended the companion-way, and reported the appearance + of the weather to the skipper, who arose quickly, and, consulting his + barometer, found it had fallen to near the lowest scale. After inquiring + the quarter of the wind, and how she headed, what sail she was carrying, + and the probable distance from the cape, he gave orders to call all hands + to take in the topgallant-sails, double reef the fore, and single reef the + maintop-sails, and stow the flying-jib—dressed himself, and came on + deck. Just as he put his head above the slide of the companion, and + stopped for a minute with his hands resting upon the sides, a vivid flash + of lightning hung its festoons of fire around the rigging, giving it the + appearance of a chain of livid flame. + </p> + <p> + “We'll catch the but-end of a gulf sneezer soon. Tell the boys to bear a + hand with them sails. We must get her snug, and stand by to lay her under + a double-reefed maintop-sail and jib, with her head to the northward and + eastward. We may make a clear drift—chance if it lasts long,” said + Skipper Thompson, as he stood surveying the horizon and his craft. + Scarcely had he given the orders before the storm burst upon them with all + its fury. Its suddenness can only be appreciated by those who have sailed + in the West India passages, where the sudden shocks of the short-chopping + sea acts with a tremendous strain upon the hull of a heavy-laden vessel. + The captain ran to the windward gangway, hurrying his men in the discharge + of their duty, and giving another order to clew up the coursers and + foretop-sail. Just as the men had executed the first, and were about to + pull on the clew-lines of the latter, a sudden gust took effect upon the + bag of the sail and carried it clean from the bolt-ropes. The halyards + were lowered and the yards properly braced up, while the Janson was + brought to under the canvas we have before described. In a few minutes + more the wind had increased to a gale, and, as the sailors say, several + times the old craft “wouldn't look at it.” Several times we had to put her + helm up, and as many times she shipped those forcing cross seas which + drive every thing before them, and sweep the decks. At length a piece of + canvas was lashed to the fore-rigging which gave her a balance, and she + rode easy until about five o'clock in the morning, when by a sudden broach + the canvas was carried away, and a tremendous sharp sea boarded her + forward; starting several stanchions, carrying away part of her starboard + bulwark and rail, and simultaneously the foretop-gallant-mast, which + snapped just above the withe. As a natural consequence, every thing was in + the utmost confusion—the old hull worked in every timber. The wreck + swayed to and fro, retarding the working of the vessel and endangering the + lives of those who attempted to clear it from obstruction. Thus she + remained for more than half an hour, nearly on her beam-ends, and at the + mercy of each succeeding sea that threatened to engulf her. + </p> + <p> + As daylight broke, the wind lulled, and, as usual in those waters, the sea + soon ran down. Enabled to take the advantage of daylight, they commenced + to clear away the wreck. In the mean time it was found necessary to remove + the fore-hatch in order to get out some spare sails that had been stowed + away near the forward bulkhead, instead of a more appropriate place. The + mate, after trying the pumps in the early part of the gale, reported that + she had started a leak; which, however, was so trifling as to require but + one man to keep her free, until she broached, and carried away her + topgallant-mast. The man on duty then reported the water increasing, and + another was ordered to assist him. On an examination in the morning, it + was found that she was strained in the fore-channels, and had started a + but. + </p> + <p> + “She's an unlucky concern, skipper,” said the mate as he brought the axe + to take the battons off the forehatch. “A fellow might as well try to work + a crab at low tide as to keep her to it in a blow like that. She minds her + helm like a porpoise in the breakers. Old Davy must have put his mark upon + her some time, but I never know'd a lucky vessel to be got as she was. She + makes a haul on the underwriters every time she drifts across; for I never + knew her to sail clear since I shipped in the old tub. If she was mine, + I'd find a place for her at somebody's expense.” + </p> + <p> + The sea became smooth, the water was found to have receded, the wind, + light, had hauled to W.S.W., and Cape Antoine was judged by dead reckoning + to bear S.S.W. about thirty miles distant. The larboard fore-shrouds were + found to have been scorched by the lightning, which had completely melted + the tar from the after-shroud. All hands were now busily employed + repairing the wreck, which by two o'clock P.M. they had got so far + completed as to stand on their course in the gulf, at the rate of six + knots an hour. + </p> + <p> + The skipper now consulted in his mind as to the expediency of making for + Havana or proceeding on his cruise. The leak had materially diminished, + and, like all old vessels, though she gave a good portion of work at the + pumps, a continuation of good weather might afford an opportunity to shove + her across. Under these feelings, he was inclined to give the preference + to his hopes rather than yield to his fears. He considered the interest of + all concerned—consulted his mate, but found him governed by his + superstition, and looking upon the issue of his life about as certain + whether he jumped overboard or “stuck by the old tub.” He considered again + the enormous port-charges imposed in Havana, the nature of his cargo in + regard to tariff, should his vessel be condemned, and the ruinous expenses + of discharging, &c. &c. together with the cost of repairs, + providing they were ordered. All these things he considered with the + mature deliberation of a good master, who has the general interests of all + concerned at heart. So, if he put away for a port, in consideration of all + concerned, his lien for general average would have strong ground in + maritime law; yet there were circumstances connected with the sea-worthy + condition of the craft—known to himself, if not to the port-wardens, + and which are matters of condition between the master and his owners—which + might, upon certain technicalities of law, give rise to strong + objectionable points. With all these glancing before him, he, with + commendable prudence, resolved to continue his voyage, and trust to kind + Providence for the best. + </p> + <p> + “Captain,” said the mate, as he stood viewing the prospect, with a + marlinespike in one hand and a piece of seizing in the other—“I + verily think, if that blow had stuck to us two hours longer, the old tub + would a' rolled her futtocks out. Ye don't know her as well as I do. She's + unlucky, anyhow; and always has been since she sot upon the water. I've + seen her top-sides open like a basket when we've been trying to work her + into port in heavy weather: and a craft that won't look nearer than nine + points close-hauled, with a stiff breeze, ought to be sent into the Clyde + for a coal-droger. An old vessel's a perfect pickpocket to owners; and if + this old thing hasn't opened their purses as bad as her own seams, I'll + miss my reckonin'. I've had a strong foreknowledge that we wouldn't get + across in her. I saw the rats leaving in Jamaica—taking up their + line of march, like marines on the fore. It's a sure sign. And then I'd a + dream, which is as sure as a mainstay—never deceives me. I can + depend on its presentiment. I have dreamed it several times, and we always + had an awful passage. Twice we come within a bobstay of all goin' to Old + Davy's store-house. I once escaped it, after I'd had my mysterious dream; + but then I made the cook throw the cat overboard just after we left port, + and 'twas all that saved us.” + </p> + <p> + Thus saying, he went forward to serve a topgallant-stay that was stretched + across the forecastle-hatch from the cat-heads, and had just been spliced + by the men, followed by an old-fashioned sea-urchin, a miniature of the + tar, with a mallet in his hand. The captain, although a firm, intelligent + man, and little given to such notions of fate as are generally entertained + by sailors, who never shake off the spiritual imaginings of the + forecastle, displayed some discomfiture of mind at the strong character of + the mate's misgivings. He knew him to be a good sailor, firm in his duty, + and unmoved by peril. This he had proved on several occasions when sailing + in other vessels, when the last ray of hope seemed to be gone. He + approached the mate again, and with a pretence of making inquiries about + the storage of the cargo, sounded him further in regard to his knowledge + of the Bahamas, and with special reference to the port of Nassau. + </p> + <p> + “Six-tenths of her timbers are as rotten as punk,” said the mate; “this + North American timber never lasts long; the pump-wells are defective, and + when we carry sail upon her, they don't affect the water in the lee-bilge, + and she rolls it through her air-streaks like a whale. She'll damage the + best cargo that ever floated, in that way. Take my word for it, skipper, + she'll never go across the Banks; she'll roll to splinters as soon as she + gets into them long seas; and if we get dismasted again, it's gone Davy.” + </p> + <p> + “I know the old scow before to-day, and wouldn't shipped in her, if I + hadn't been lime-juiced by that villanous landlord that advanced me the + trifle. But I seen she was as deep as a luggerman's sand-barge, and I + popped the old cat overboard, just as we rounded the point coming out o' + Kingston harbour,” said a fine, active-looking sailor, who bore every + trait of a royal tar, and boasted of serving five years in the East-India + service, to his shipmate, while he continued to serve the stay. His words + were spoken in a whisper, and not intended for the captain's ears. The + captain overheard him, however; and, as a vessel is a world to those on + board, the general sentiment carries its weight in controlling its + affairs. Thus the strong feeling which prevailed on board could not fail + to have its effect upon the captain's mind. + </p> + <p> + “Well, we'll try her at any rate,” said the captain, walking aft and + ordering the cabin-boy to bring up his glass; with which he took a sharp + look to the southward. + </p> + <p> + “I'd shape her course for a southern Yankee port. I haven't been much in + them, but I think we'll stand a better chance there than in these ports + where they make a speculation of wrecking, and would take a fellow's + pea-jacket for salvage.” “We're always better under the protection of a + consul than in a British port,” said the mate, coming aft to inform the + skipper that they had carried away the chains of the bobstay, and that the + bowsprit strained her in the knight-heads. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0002" id="link2HCH0002"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER II. THE STEWARD'S BRAVERY. + </h2> + <p> + DURING the worst of the gale, a mulatto man, with prominent features, + indicating more of the mestino than negro character, was moving in busy + occupation about the deck, and lending a willing hand with the rest of the + crew to execute the captain's orders. He was rather tall, well formed, of + a light olive complexion, with dark, piercing eyes, a straight, pointed + nose, and well-formed mouth. His hair, also, had none of that crimp so + indicative of negro extraction, but lay in dark curls all over his head. + As he answered to the captain's orders, he spoke in broken accents, + indicating but little knowledge of the English language. From the manner + in which the crew treated him, it was evident that he was an established + favourite with them as well as the officers, for each appeared to treat + him more as an equal than a menial. He laboured cheerfully at sailor's + duty until the first sea broke over her, when, seeing that the caboose was + in danger of being carried from the lashings, and swept to leeward in the + mass of wreck, he ran for that all-important apartment, and began securing + it with extra lashings. He worked away with an earnestness that deserved + all praise; not with the most satisfactory effect for an angry sea + immediately succeeding completely stripped the furnace of its woodwork, + and in its force carried the gallant fellow among its fragments into the + lee-scuppers, where he saved himself from going overboard only by clinging + to a stanchion. + </p> + <p> + The second mate, a burly old salt, ran to his assistance, but, before he + reached him, our hero had recovered himself, and was making another + attempt to reach his coppers. It seemed to him as much a pending necessity + to save the cooking apparatus as it did the captain to save the ship. + </p> + <p> + “He no catch me dis time,” said he to the mate, smiling as he lifted his + drenched head from among the fragments of the wreck. “I fix a de coffee in + him yet, please God.” + </p> + <p> + After securing the remains of his cooking utensils, he might be seen + busily employed over a little stove, arranged at the foot of the stairs + that led to the cabin. The smoke from the funnel several times annoyed the + captain, who laboured under the excitement consequent upon the confusion + of the wreck and peril of his vessel, bringing forth remonstrances of no + very pleasant character. It proved that the good steward was considering + how he could best serve Jack's necessities; and while they were laboring + to save the ship, lie was studiously endeavoring to anticipate the craving + of their stomachs. For when daylight appeared and the storm subsided, the + steward had a bountiful dish of hot coffee to relieve Jack's fatigued + system. It was received with warm welcome, and many blessings were heaped + upon the head of the steward; A good “doctor” is as essential for the + interests of owners and crew as a good captain. So it proved in this + instance, for while he had a careful regard for the stores, he never + failed to secure the praises of the crew. + </p> + <p> + “When I gib de stove fire, den me gib de Cap-i-tan, wid de crew, some good + breakfas,” said he with a gleam of satisfaction. + </p> + <p> + This individual, reader, was Manuel Pereira, or, as he was called by his + shipmates, Pe-rah-re. Manuel was born in Brazil, an extract of the Indians + and Spanish, claiming birthright of the Portuguese nation. It mattered but + very little to Manuel where he was born, for he had been so long tossed + about in his hardy vocation that he had almost become alienated from the + affections of birthplace. He had sailed so long under the protection of + the main-jack of old England that he had formed a stronger allegiance to + that country than to any other. He had sailed under it with pride, had + pointed to its emblem, as if he felt secure, when it was unfurled, that + the register-ticket which that government had given him was a covenant + between it and himself; that it was a ticket to incite him to good + behavior in a foreign country; and that the flag was sure to protect his + rights, and insure, from the government to which he sailed respect and + hospitality. He had sailed around the world under it—visited savage + and semi-civilized nations—had received the hospitality of + cannibals, had joined in the merry dance with the Otaheitian, had eaten + fruits with the Hottentots, shared the coarse morsel of the Greenlander, + been twice chased by the Patagonians—but what shall we say?—he + was imprisoned, for the olive tints of his color, in a land where not only + civilization rules in its brightest conquests, but chivalry and honor + sound its fame within the lanes, streets, and court-yards. Echo asks, + Where—where? We will tell the reader. That flag which had waved over + him so long and in so many of his wayfarings—that flag which had so + long boasted its rule upon the wave, and had protected him among the + savage and the civilized, found a spot upon this wonderful globe where it + ceased to do so, unless he could change his skin. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0003" id="link2HCH0003"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER III. THE SECOND STORM. + </h2> + <p> + ON the fourth night succeeding the perilous position of the Janson off + Cape Antoine, the brig was making about seven knots, current of the gulf + included. The sun had set beneath heavy radiant clouds, which rolled up + like masses of inflamed matter, reflecting in a thousand mellow shades, + and again spreading their gorgeous shadows upon the rippled surface of the + ocean, making the picture serene and grand. + </p> + <p> + As darkness quickly followed, these beautiful transparencies of a + West-India horizon gradually changed into murky-looking monitors, + spreading gloom in the sombre perspective. The moon was in its second + quarter, and was rising on the earth. The mist gathered thicker and + thicker as she ascended, until at length she became totally obscured. The + Captain sat upon the companion-way, anxiously watching the sudden change + that was going on overhead; and, without speaking to any one, rose, took a + glance at the compass, and then went forward to the lookout, charging him + to keep a sharp watch, as they were not only in a dangerous channel, but + in the track of vessels bound into and out of the gulf. After this, he + returned amidship, where the little miniature salt we have described + before lay, with his face downward, upon the main-hatch, and ordering him + to bring the lead-line, he went to leeward and took a cast; and after + paying out about twenty-five fathoms without sounding, hauled aboard + again. The wind was southward and light. As soon as he had examined the + lead he walked aft and ordered the sheets eased and the vessel headed two + points farther off. This done, he went below, and shaking his barometer + several times, found it had begun to fall very fast. Taking down his + coast-chart, he consulted it very studiously for nearly half an hour, + laying off an angle with a pair of dividers and scale, with mathematical + minuteness; after which he pricked his course along the surface to a given + point. This was intended as his course. + </p> + <p> + “Where do you make her, Captain?” said the mate, as he lay in his berth. + </p> + <p> + “We must be off the Capes—we must keep a sharp look out for them + reefs. They are so deceptive that we'll be on to them before we know it. + There's no telling by sounding. We may get forty fathoms one minute and + strike the next. I've heard old West-India coasters say the white water + was the best warning,” replied the Captain. + </p> + <p> + “I'm mighty afraid of that Carysfort reef, since I struck upon it in 1845. + I was in a British schooner then, bound from Kingston, Jamaica, to New + York. We kept a bright lookout, all the way through the passage, and yet + struck, one morning just about day-light; and, five minutes before, we had + sounded without getting bottom. When it cleared away, that we could see, + there was two others like ourselves. One was the ship John Parker, of + Boston, and the other was a 'long-shoreman. We had a valuable cargo on + board, but the craft wasn't hurt a bit; and if the skipper—who was a + little colonial man, not much acquainted with the judicial value of a + wrecker's services—had a' taken my advice, he wouldn't got into the + snarl he did at Key West, where they carried him, and charged him + thirty-six hundred dollars for the job. Yes, and a nice little commission + to the British consul for counting the doubloons, which, by-the-by, + Skipper, belonged to that great house of Howland & Aspinwalls. They + were right clever fellows, and it went into the general average account + for the relief of the underwriters' big chest,” continued the mate. + </p> + <p> + “We must have all hands ready at the call,” said the Captain. “It looks + dirty overhead, and I think we're going to catch it from the north-east + to-night. If we do, our position is not as good as before. I don't feel + afraid of her, if we only get clear of this infernal coast,” said the + Skipper, as he rolled up his chart, and repaired on deck again. + </p> + <p> + During this time, Manuel, who, had given the crew some very acceptable hot + cakes for supper, was sitting upon the windlass, earnestly engaged, with + his broken English, recounting an adventure he had on the coast of + Patagonia, a few years previous, while serving on board a whaleman, to a + shipmate who sat at his left. It was one of those incidents which + frequently occur to the men attached to vessels which visit that coast for + the purpose of providing a supply of wood and water, and which would + require too much space to relate here. + </p> + <p> + “Did you run, Manuel?” said the listening shipmate. + </p> + <p> + “What else did me do? If I no run, I'd not be here dis night, because I be + make slave, or I be killed wid club. Patagonian don't care for flag—nor + not'in' else—I trust—e my leg, an' he get to de boat jus' when + cap-i-tan come to rescue.” + </p> + <p> + “Was you on board an Englishman then, Manuel?” inquired the shipmate. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, I'm always sail in English ship, because I can get protection from + flag and consul, where I go—any part of globe,” said he. + </p> + <p> + “I never liked this sailing among barbarous nations; they've no respect + for any flag, and would just as lief imprison an Englishman or an American + as they would a dog. They're a set of wild barbarians, and if they kill a + fellow, there's no responsibility for it. It's like a parcel of wolves + chasing a lamb, and there's no finding them after they've killed it. But + they give a fellow his rights in Old England and the States. A man's a man + there, rich or poor, and his feelings are just as much his own as + anybody's. It's a glorious thing, this civilization, and if the world + keeps on, there'll be no danger of a fellow's being imprisoned and killed + among these savages. They're a cowardly set, for nobody but cowards are + afraid of their own actions. Men neither imprison nor kill strangers, that + don't fear the injustice of their own acts. You may smoke that in your + pipe, Manuel, for I've heard great men say so. But you'd been done making + dough-nuts then, Manuel, if they'd got hold o' you.” + </p> + <p> + “Never catch Manuel among Patagonians, again; they not know what the flag + be, nor they can't read de registrum ticket, if they know'd where England + was,” said Manuel; and just as he was concluding the story of his + adventure, the little sailor-boy put his arm around Manuel's waist, and, + laying his head on his breast, fondled about him with an affectionate + attachment. The little fellow had been a shipmate with Manuel on several + voyages, and, through the kindness he had received at his hands, naturally + formed an ardent attachment to him. Taking advantage of the good + treatment, he knew how to direct his attention to the steward whenever he + wanted a snack from the cabin-locker of that which was not allowed in the + forecastle. After holding him for a minute, encircling his arm around the + little fellow's shoulder, he arose, and saying, “I know what you want, + Tommy,” proceeded to the cabin and brought him several little eatables + that had been left at the captain's table. + </p> + <p> + The wind now began to veer and increase, her sails kept filling aback; and + as often as the man at the helm kept her off, the wind would baffle him, + until finding it would be necessary to go on the other tack, or make some + change of course, he called the Captain. The moment the latter put his + foot upon deck, he found his previous predictions were about to be + verified. The rustling noise of the gulf, mingling its solemn sounds with + the petrel-like music of that foreboding wind that “whistles through the + shrouds,” awakened the more superstitious sensations of a sailor's heart. + The clouds had gathered their sombre folds into potent conclaves, while + the sparkling brine in her wake, seemed like a fiery stream, rolling its + troubled foam upon the dark waters. + </p> + <p> + “Brace the yards up sharp-hard a-starboard!—and trim aft the + sheets,” ordered the Captain, who had previously given the order, “All + hands on deck!” + </p> + <p> + The order was scarcely executed, before the noise of the approaching gale + was heard in the distance. All hands were ordered to shorten sail as + quickly as possible; but before they could get aloft, it came upon them + with such fury from E.N.E. as to carry away the foretop-mast and + topgallant-mast, together with its sails, and the main-topgallant-mast + with the sail. The foretop-mast, in going by the board, carried away the + flying-jib-boom and flying-jibs. Thus the ill-fated Janson was doomed to + another struggle for her floating existence. The sea began to rise and + break in fearful power; the leak had already increased so, that two men + were continually kept working the pumps. The crew, with commendable + alacrity, cut away the wreck, which had been swaying to and fro, not only + endangering the lives of those on board, but obstructing every attempt to + get the vessel into any kind of working order. The main-sail had rent from + the leash to the peak of the gaff, and was shaking into shreds. The + starboard sheet of the maintop-sail was gone, and it had torn at the head + from the bolt-rope, flying at every gust like the shreds of a muslin rag + in a hail-storm. Without the government of her helm, she lay in the trough + of the sea more like a log than a manageable mass. Sea after sea broke + over her, carrying every thing before them at each pass. The officers and + crew had now as much as they could do to retain their holds, without + making any effort to save the wreck, while the men at the pumps could only + work at each subsiding of the sea, and that under the disadvantage of + being lashed to the frame. A more perilous position than that in which the + old brig Janson now lay, it was impossible to imagine. + </p> + <p> + “'Tis the worst hurricane I've ever experienced upon the West India coast, + Captain, but it's too furious to last long; and if she don't go to pieces + before morning, I'll give her credit for what I've always swore against + her. She can't keep afloat though, if it hangs on another hour in this + way,” said the mate, who, with the Captain and Manuel, had just made an + ineffectual attempt to rig a storm stay-sail, to try and lay her to under + it. For the mate swore by his knowledge of her qualities, that to put her + before it, would be certain foundering. The gale continued with unabated + fury for about two hours, and stopped about as suddenly as it commenced. + The work of destruction was complete, for from her water-line to the stump + of the remaining spars, the Janson floated a complete wreck. + </p> + <p> + The captain gave orders to clear away the wreck, and get what little sail + they could patch up, upon her, for the purpose of working her into the + nearest port. The mate was not inclined to further the order, evidently + laboring under the strong presentiment that she was to be their coffin. He + advised that it was fruitless to stick by her any longer, or hazard an + attempt to reach a port with her, in such a leaky and disabled condition. + “If we don't abandon her, Skipper,” said he, “she'll abandon us. We'd + better make signal for the first vessel, and bid the old coffin good-by.” + </p> + <p> + The captain was more determined in his resolution, and instead of being + influenced by the mate's fears, continued his order, and the men went to + work with a cheerful willingness. None seemed more anxious to lend a ready + hand than Manuel, for in addition to is duties as steward, he had worked + at sail-making, and both worked at and directed the repairing of the + sails. Those acquainted with maritime affairs can readily appreciate the + amount of labor necessary to provide a mess with the means at hand that we + have before described. And yet he did it to the satisfaction of all, and + manifested a restless anxiety lest he should not make everybody + comfortable, and particularly his little pet boy, Tommy. + </p> + <p> + “We'll get a good observation at meridian, and then we shall shape our + course for Charleston, South Carolina. We'll be more likely to reach it + than any other southern port,” said the captain to his mate. “That + steward, Manuel, is worth his weight in gold. If we have to abandon the + old craft, I'll take him home; the owners respect him just as much as a + white man; his politeness and affability could not but command such + esteem, with a man that a'n't a fool. I never believed in making equals of + negroes, but if Manuel was to be classed with niggers for all the nigger + blood that's in him, seven-tenths of the inhabitants of the earth would go + with him. I never saw such an attachment between brothers, as exists + between him and Tommy. I verily believe that one couldn't go to sleep + without the other. I should think they were brothers, if the lad wasn't + English, and Manuel a Portuguese. But Manuel is as much an Englishman at + heart as the lad, and has sailed so long under the flag that he seems to + have a reverence for the old jack when he sees the bunting go up. He likes + to tell that story about the Patagonians chasing him. I have overheard him + several times, as much amused in his own recital as if he was listening to + the quaint jokes of an old tar. But he swears the Patagonians will never + catch him on their shores again, for he says he doesn't believe in making + 'drum-head of man-skin,'” said the Captain, evidently with the intention + of affecting the mate's feelings, and drawing his mind from its dark + forebodings. + </p> + <p> + “Well, Skipper, I pray for a happy deliverance,” said the mate, “but if we + make Charleston with her, it'll be a luck that man nor mermaid ever + thought of. I hearn a good deal o' tell about Charleston, and the Keys. + That isn't one of the places our stewards are so 'fraid of, and where + owners don't like to send their ships when they can find freight in other + ports?” + </p> + <p> + “I expect it is, sir; but I apprehend no such trouble with any of my + crew,” answered the Captain promptly. “I sail under the faith of my + nation's honor and prowess, the same as the Americans do under theirs. + We're both respected wherever we go, and if one little State in the Union + violates the responsibility of a great nation like that, I'm mistaken. + Certainly, no nation in Christendom could be found, that wouldn't open + their hearts to a shipwrecked sailor. I have too much faith in what I have + heard of the hospitality of Southerners, to believe any thing of that + kind.” + </p> + <p> + “Talk's all very well, Skipper,” said the mate; “but my word for it, I + know'd several ships lying in the Mersey, about three years ago, bound to + Southern ports for cotton. White stewards worth any thing couldn't be had + for love nor money, and the colored ones wouldn't ship for ports in Slaves + States. The Thebis got a colored man, but the owners had to pay him an + enormous advance, and this, too, with the knowledge of his being locked up + the whole time he was in port; thus having to incur the very useless + expense of supplying his place, or find boarding-house accommodations for + the officers and crew. If it be true, what I've hearn 'em say in the + Mersey, the man doesn't only suffer in his feelings by some sort of + confinement they have, but the owners suffer in pocket. But it may be, + Skipper, and I'm inclined to think with you, our case is certainly + deplorable enough to command pity instead of imprisonment. The government + must be found cutting a dirty figure on the national picture, that would + ill-treat sailors who had suffered as much as our boys have. I would hate + to see Manuel shut up or ill-used. He's as brave a fellow as ever buckled + at a handspike or rode a jib-boom. Last night, while in the worst of the + gale, he volunteered to take Higgins's place, and, mounting the jib-boom, + was several times buried in the sea; yet he held on like a bravo, and + succeeded in cutting away the wreck. I thought he was gone once or twice, + and I own I never saw more peril at sea; but if he hadn't effected it, the + foot of the bowsprit would have strained her open in the eyes, and we'd + all been sharks'-bait before this. The fellow was nearly exhausted when he + came on board; says I, its gone day with you, old fellow; but he come to + in a little while, and went cheerily to work again,” continued Mr. Mate, + who though pleased with the Captain's determination to make the nearest + port, seemed to dread that all would not be right in Charleston—that + the bar was a very intricate one—water very shoal in the + ship-channel, and though marked with three distinctive buoys, numbered + according to their range, impossible to crops without a skilful pilot. The + mate plead a preference for Savannah, asserting, according to his own + knowlege, that a ship of any draft could cross that bar at any time of + tide, and that it was a better port for the transaction of business. + </p> + <p> + The Janson was headed for Charleston, the queen city of the sunny South, + and, as may be expected from her disabled condition, made very slow + progress on her course. During the gale, her stores had become damaged, + and on the third day before making Charleston light, Manuel Pereira came + aft, and with a sad countenance reported that the last cask of good water + was nearly out; that the others had all been stove during the gale, and + what remained, so brackish that it was unfit for use. From this time until + their arrival at Charleston, they suffered those tortures of thirst, which + only those who have endured them can estimate. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0004" id="link2HCH0004"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER IV. THE CHARLESTON POLICE. + </h2> + <p> + MR. DURKEE had said in Congress, that a negro was condemned to be hung in + Charleston for resisting his master's attempts upon the chastity of his + wife; and that such was the sympathy expressed for the negro, that the + sheriffs offer of one thousand dollars could induce no one present to + execute the final mandate. Now, had Mr. Durkee been better acquainted with + that social understanding between the slave, the pretty wife, and his + master, and the acquiescing pleasure of the slave, who in nineteen cases + out of twenty congratulates himself on the distinguished honor, he would + have saved himself the error of such a charge against the tenor of social + life in Charleston. Or, had he been better acquainted with the character + of her police, he certainly would have saved the talent of Mr. Aiken its + sophomore display in that cumbrous defence. In the first place, Mr. Durkee + would have known that such attempts are so common among the social events + of the day, and so well understood by the slave, that instead of being + resented, they are appreciated to a great extent. We speak from long + experience and knowledge of the connection between a certain class of + slaves and their masters. In the second place, Mr. Durkee would have known + that any man connected with the city police—save its honorable + mayor, to whose character we would pay all deference—would not for + conscience' sake scruple to hang a man for five dollars. We make no + exception for color or crime. A qualification might be called for, more + adapted to our knowledge of it as it has existed for the last four or five + years; but we are informed by those whose lives and fortunes have been + spent for the moral elevation of the city police, that it was even worse + at the time referred to. + </p> + <p> + The reader may think we are making grave charges. Let us say, without fear + of refutation, they are too well known in the community that tolerates + them. As a mere shadow of what lays beneath the surface, we would refer to + the only independent speech we ever listened to in Charleston,—except + when self-laudation was the theme,—made by G. R—, Esq., in one + of her public halls a few weeks ago. Mr. R—is a gentleman of moral + courage and integrity, and, without fear or trembling, openly denounced + the corruption and demoralization of the police department. Even the + enemies of his party, knowing the facts, appreciated his candor as a man, + while they denounced the publicity, (for his speech was paraded by the + press,) lest the fair name of the queen city should suffer abroad. A + beautiful farce followed this grave exposition. The board of aldermen, + composed of fourteen men of very general standing, remained mum under the + accusation for a long time. Its object was to show up the character of a + class of officials, whose character and nefarious arts have long disgraced + the city. But in order to make a display of his purity, Mr. C—, a + gentleman entitled to high moral consideration, chose to make it a + personal matter; yet, not content with a private explanation given by Mr. + R—, he made a call through the press. Mr. R—responded in a + proper and courteous manner, acknowledging the due respect to which Mr. C—'s + private character was entitled; thus increasing the ambition of the board + generally, who, with the expectation of Mr. R—making a like + acknowledgment to them as a body, (not excepting their honorable head,) + made a demand in joint-officio. This being duly signalized through the + columns of the Courier and Mercury, Mr. R—met it with a response + worthy of a gentleman. He referred them to the strongest evidence of his + assertions, in the countenance which they gave to a class of officials too + well known to the community for the honor of its name and the moral + foundation of its corporate dignity. Thus ended a great municipal farce, + to prolong which the principal performers knew would disclose the + intriguing scenes of their secondary performers. The plot of this + melo-comic concern was in the sequel, and turned upon the very grave fact + of Mr. C—having some time previous withdrawn from the honorable + board, to preserve some very delicate considerations for conscience' sake. + </p> + <p> + How much spiritual consolation Mr. C—realized through the + acknowledgment of Mr. R—, or the honorable board in joint-officio + from the firm admonition, we leave for the secondary consideration of + proper wives and daughters. + </p> + <p> + But the reader will ask, what has this to do with poor Manuel Pereira,—or + the imprisonment of free citizens of a friendly nation? We will show him + that the complex system of official spoliation, and the misrepresentations + of the police in regard to the influence of such persons upon the slave + population, is a principal feature in its enforcement. To do this, we deem + it essentially necessary to show the character of such men and the manner + in which this law is carried out. We shall make no charges that we cannot + sustain by the evidence of the whole city proper, and with the knowledge + that truth is stronger than fiction. + </p> + <p> + What will the reader say when we tell him that, among the leading minds of + the city—we say leading minds, for we class those who are considered + foremost in the mercantile sphere among them—are three brothers, + unmarried, but with mistresses bought for the purpose, whose dark skins + avert the tongue of scandal;—that, twice, men were sold, because of + the beauty of their wives, to distant traders, that the brothers might + cast off their old mistresses, and appropriate new ones to an unholy + purpose; that these men enjoy their richly furnished mansions, are known + for their sumptuous entertainments, set an example of mercantile honor and + integrity, are flattered among the populace, receive the attentions of + very fine and very virtuous ladies, wield a potential voice in the city + government, and lead in the greatest development of internal improvements;—that + these men even whisper high-sounding words of morality, and the + established custom considers their example no harm when color is modified. + </p> + <p> + What will the reader think, when we tell him that there is no city-marshal + in Charleston, but innumerable marshalled men, supported by an onerous tax + upon the people, to quiet the fears of a few. And what will they think, + when we tell them that the man whose name is so frequently sounded through + the columns of the press as the head of police, and applauded for his + activity among thieves, is the well-known prince-officio of a voluptuous + dwelling, where dazzling licentiousness fills his pockets with the spoils + of allurement. This man has several counterparts, whose acts are no + secrets to the public ear, and who turn their office into a mart of + intrigue, and have enriched themselves upon the bounty of espionage and + hush-money, and now assert the dignity of their purse. It may be asked, + why are these men kept in office?—or have these offices become so + disgraced that honest men will not deign to accept them? No! such is not + the case. It is that moral integrity is not considered in its proper + light, and is not valued as it should be; that these men have a secret + influence which is well known, and are countenanced and retained for the + weight of their control among a certain class; and, strange to say, that + the party ex-officio make these demoralizing things the basis of their + complaints against the “powers that be;” yet such is their feeble + dependence, that no sooner are they in office than we have the repetition + of the same things. + </p> + <p> + Now, how far his honor is answerable for these things we must leave the + reader to judge. The leading characteristics of his nature conflict with + each other; his moral character is what is considered sound here; and + truly he is entitled to much respect for his exemplary conduct, whether it + be only exerted as an example, or the heartfelt love of Christian purity. + Some people are pious from impulse, and become affected when purpose + serves to make it profitable. We, however, are not so uncharitable as to + charge such piety to our worthy head of the city government, but rather to + a highly developed organ of the love of office, which has outgrown the + better inclinations of his well-established Christianity. + </p> + <p> + We must invite the reader's attention to another and still more glaring + evidence of the demoralization of social life in Charleston. A notorious + woman, who has kept the worst kind of a brothel for years, where harlots + of all shades and importations break the quietude of night with their + polluted songs, becomes so bold in her infamy that she appeals to the + gracious considerations of the city council, (board of aldermen.) How is + this? Why, we will tell the reader:—She remained unmolested in her + trade of demoralization, amassed a fortune which gave her boldness, while + her open display was considered very fine fun for the joking propensities + of officials and gallants. With her wealth she reared a splendid mansion + to infamy and shame, where she, and such as she, whose steps the wise man + tells us “lead down to hell,” could sway their victory over the + industrious poor. So public was it, that she openly boasted its purpose + and its adaptation to the ensnaring vices of passion. Yes, this create in + female form had spread ruin and death through the community, and brought + the head of many a brilliant young man to the last stage of cast-off + misery. And yet, so openly tolerated and countenanced by leading men are + these things, that on the 31st of July, 1852, this mother of crime appeals + to the honorable board of aldermen, as appeared in the “Proceedings of + Council” in the Charleston Courier of that date, in the following manner: + </p> + <p> + “Laid over until a monied quorum is present. + </p> + <p> + “Letter from Mrs. G. Pieseitto, informing Council that having recessed her + new brick building in Berresford street at least two feet, so as to + dedicate it to the use of the citizens of Charleston, if they will pave + with flag-stones the front of her lot, respectfully requests, that if + accepted, the work may be done as soon as possible. Referred to the + Aldermen, Ward No. 4.” The street is narrow and little used, except for + purposes known to the lanterns, when honest people should sleep. The + information might have been couched with more modesty, when the notoriety + of the woman and the dedication of her tabernacle of vice was so public. + How far the sensitive aldermen of the fourth ward have proceeded in the + delicate mission, or how much champagne their modest consideration has + cost, the public have not yet been informed. Rumor says every thing is + favorable. We are only drawing from a few principal points, and shall + leave the reader to draw his own inference of the moral complexion of our + social being. We make but one more view, and resume our story. + </p> + <p> + An office connected with the judiciary, so long held as one of high + responsibility and honorable position, is now held merely as a medium of + miserable speculation and espionage. It is an elective office, the + representative holding for four years. The present incumbent was elected + more through charity than recompense for any amiable qualities, moral + worth, or efficient services to party ends. A more weak man could not have + been drawn from the lowest scale of party hirelings, though he had + abdicated the office once before to save his name and the respectability + of the judiciary. It may be said, he was elected in pity to speculate on + misery; and thus it proved in the case of MANUEL PEREIRA. This functionary + was elected by a large majority. Could his moral worth have been taken + into consideration? We should think not! For several times have we been + pointed to two interesting girls,—or, if their color was not shaded, + would be called young ladies—promenading the shady side of King + street, with their faces deeply vailed, and informed who was their father. + The mother of these innocent victims had been a mother to their father, + had nursed him and maintained him through his adversity, and had lived the + partner of his life and affections for many years, and had reared to him + an interesting but fatal family. But, no sooner had fortune begun to shed + its smiling rays, than he abandoned the one that had watched over him for + the choice of one who could boast no more than a white skin. + </p> + <p> + If men who fill high places live by teaching others to gratify their + appetites and pleasures alone, instead of setting a commendable example + for a higher state of existence, by whom can we expect that justice and + moral worth shall be respected? + </p> + <p> + Connected with the city constabulary are two men whose duty it is to keep + a sharp lookout for all vessels arriving, and see that all negroes or + colored seamen are committed to prison. One is a South Carolinian, by the + name of Dusenberry, and the other an Irishman, by the name of Dunn. These + two men, although their office is despicable in the eyes of many, assume + more authority over a certain class of persons, who are unacquainted with + the laws, than the mayor himself. The former is a man of dark, heavy + features, with an assassin-like countenance, more inclined to look at you + distrustfully than to meet you with an open gaze. He is rather tall and + athletic, but never has been known to do any thing that would give him + credit for bravery. Several times he has been on the brink of losing his + office for giving too much latitude to his craving for perquisites; yet, + by some unaccountable means, he manages to hold on. The other is a robust + son of the Emerald Isle, with a broad, florid face, low forehead, short + crispy hair very red, and knotted over his forehead. His dress is usually + very slovenly and dirty, his shirt-collar bespotted with tobacco-juice, + and tied with an old striped bandana handkerchief. This, taken with a very + wide mouth, flat nose, vicious eye, and a countenance as hard as ever came + from Tipperary, and a lame leg, which causes him to limp as he walks, + gives our man Dunn the incarnate appearance of a fit body-grabber. A few + words will suffice for his character. He is known to the official + department, of which the magistrates are a constituent part, as a + notorious ——l; and his better-half, who, by-the-way, is what + is called a free-trader, meaning, to save the rascality of a husband, + sells liquor by small portions, to suit the Murphys and the O'Neals. But, + as it pleases our Mr. Dunn, he very often becomes a more than profitable + customer, and may be found snoring out the penalty in some sequestered + place, too frequently for his own character. Between the hours of ten and + twelve in the morning, Dunn, if not too much incapacitated, may be seen + limping his way down Broad street, to watch vessels arriving and + departing, carrying a limp-cane in one hand, and a large covered whip in + the other. We were struck with the appearance of the latter, because it + was similar to those carried in the hands of a rough, menial class of men + in Macon, Georgia, who called themselves marshals, under a misapplication + of the term. Their office was to keep the negro population “straight,” and + do the whipping when called upon, at fifty cents a head. They also did the + whipping at the jails, and frequently made from five to six dollars a day + at this alone; for it is not considered fashionable for a gentleman to + whip his own negro. We noticed the universal carrying of this whip, when + we first visited Macon, some four years ago, and were curious to know its + purport, which was elucidated by a friend; but we have since seen the + practical demonstrations painfully carried out. Those who visited Boston + for the recovery of Crafts and Ellen—whose mode of escape is a + romance in itself—were specimens of these “marshals.” How they + passed themselves off for gentlemen, we are at a loss to comprehend. + </p> + <p> + During the day, the Messrs. Dusenberry and Dunn may be seen at times + watching about the wharves, and again in low grog-shops—then pimping + about the “Dutch beer-shops and corner-shops”—picking up, here and + there, a hopeful-looking nigger, whom they drag off to limbo, or extort a + bribe to let him go. Again, they act as monitors over the Dutch + corner-shops, the keepers of which pay them large sums to save themselves + the heavy license fine and the information docket. When they are no longer + able to pay over hush-money, they find themselves walked up to the + captain's office, to be dealt with according to the severe penalty made + and provided for violating the law which prohibits the sale of liquor to + negroes without an order. The failure to observe this law is visited with + fine and imprisonment,—both beyond their proportionate deserts, when + the law which governs the sale of liquor to white men is considered. + Things are very strictly regulated by complexions in South Carolina. The + master sets the most dissipated and immoral examples in his own person, + and allows his children not only to exercise their youthful caprices, but + to gratify such feelings as are pernicious to their moral welfare, upon + his slaves. Now, the question is, that knowing the negro's power of + imitation, ought not some allowance to be made for copying the errors of + his master? Yet such is not the case; for the slightest deviation from the + strictest rule of discipline brings condign punishment upon the head of + the offender. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0005" id="link2HCH0005"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER V. MR. GRIMSHAW, THE MAN OF THE COUNTY. + </h2> + <p> + ON the 22d of March last, about ten o'clock in the morning, a thin, + spare-looking man, dressed in a black cashmeret suit, swallow-tail coat, + loose-cut pants, a straight-breasted vest, with a very extravagant + shirt-collar rolling over upon his coat, with a black ribbon tied at the + throat, stood at the east corner of Broad and Meeting street, holding a + very excited conversation with officers Dusenberry and Dunn. His visage + was long, very dark—much more so than many of the colored population—with + pointed nose and chin, standing in grim advance to each other; his face + narrow, with high cheek-bones, small, peering eyes, contracted forehead, + reclining with a sunken arch between the perceptive and intellectual + organs—or, perhaps, we might have said, where those organs should + have been. His countenance was full of vacant restlessness; and as he + stared at you through his glasses, with his silvery gray hair hanging + about his ears and neck in shaggy points, rolling a large quid of tobacco + in his mouth, and dangling a little whip in his right hand, you saw the + index to his office. As he raised his voice—which he did by twisting + his mouth on one side, and working his chin to adjust his enormous quid—the + drawling tone in which he spoke gave a picture not easily forgotten. + </p> + <p> + “You must pay more attention to the arrivals,” said he in a commanding + tone. “The loss of one of these fellers is a serious drawback to my + pocket; and that British consul's using the infernalest means to destroy + our business, that ever was. He's worse than the vilest abolitionist, + because he thinks he's protected by that flag of their'n. If he don't take + care, we'll tar-and-feather him; and if his government says much about it, + she'll larn what and who South Carolina is. We can turn out a dozen + Palmetto regiments that'd lick any thing John Bull could send here, and a + troop o' them d—d Yankee abolitionists besides. South Carolina's got + to show her hand yet against these fellers, afore they'll respect the + honor and standing of her institutions. They can't send their navy to hurt + us. And it shows that I always predicts right; for while these commercial + fellers about the wharves are telling about digging out the channel, I've + al'ays said they didn't think how much injury they were doing; for it was + our very best protection in war-time. South Carolina can lick John Bull, + single-fisted, any time; but if that pack of inconsiderate traders on the + wharves get their own way, away goes our protection, and John Bull would + bring his big ships in and blow us up. And these fellows that own ships + are getting so bold, that a great many are beginning to side with Mathew, + the consul. Yes, they even swear that 'tis the officials that stick to the + law for the sake of the fees. Now, if I only knew that the consul was the + means of that Nassau nigger getting away, I'd raise a mob, and teach him a + lesson that South Carolinians ought to have teached him before. It took + about seventeen dollars out of my pocket, and if I was to sue him for it, + I could get no recompense. The next time you allow one to escape, I must + place some other officer over the port,” said our man whom, we shall + continue to call Mr. Grimshaw. + </p> + <p> + “Sure I heard the same consul, when spakin to a gintleman, say that the + law was only an abuse of power, to put money into the pockets of yourself + and a few like ye. And whin meself and Flin put the irons on a big nigger + that the captain was endeavoring to skulk by keeping him in the forecastle + of the ship, he interfered between me and me duty, and began talking his + balderdash about the law. Sure, with his own way, he'd have every nigger + in the city an abolitionist in three weeks. And sure, Mr. Sheriff, and + ye'd think they were babies, if ye'd see himself talk to them at the jail, + and send them up things, as if they were better than the other criminals, + and couldn't live on the jail fare,” said officer Dunn, who continued to + pledge himself to the sheriff that the wharves should not be neglected, + nor a hopeful English darky escape his vigilant eye. + </p> + <p> + “For my own part, I think they're better off in jail than they would be on + the wharf,” continued Grimshaw. “They're a worthless set, and ha'n't half + the character that a majority of our slaves have; and instead of attending + the captain on board, they'd be into Elliot street, spending their money, + getting drunk, and associating with our worst niggers. And they all know + so much about law, that they're always teaching our bad niggers the + beauties of their government, which makes them more unhappy than they are. + Our niggers are like a shoal of fish—when one becomes diseased, he + spreads it among all the rest; and before you know where you are, they're + done gone.” + </p> + <p> + “They're not very profitable customers for us, Sheriff,” said Dusenberry. + “We have a deal of watching, and a mighty smart lot of trouble after we + get them fellows; and if we get a perquisite, it never amounts to much, + for I seldom knew one that had money enough to treat as we took him up. + These Britishers a'n't like us; they don't pay off in port and if the + fellows get any thing in jail from the consul, it's by drib-drabs, that + a'n't no good, for it all goes for liquor. And them criminals make a dead + haul upon a black steward, as soon as he is locked up. But if these + sympathizing fools follow up their bugbears about the treatment at the + jail, they'll get things so that our business won't be worth a dollar. For + my own part, I'm not so much beholdin', for I've made myself comfortable + within the last few years, but I want my son to succeed me in the office. + But if this consul of their'n keeps up his objections, appeals, and his + protests in this way, and finds such men as his honor the + district-attorney to second him with his nonsense and his notions, folks + of our business might as well move north of Mason and Dixon's.” + </p> + <p> + “I can wake him up to a point,” said Grimshaw, “that that abolition consul + ha'n't learnt before; and if he'd stuck his old petition in Charles + Sumner's breeches pocket instead of sending it to our legislature, he + might have saved his old-womanish ideas from the showing' up that Myzeck + gave 'em. It takes Myzeck to show these blue-skin Yankees how to toe the + mark when they come to South Carolina. If South Carolina should secede, + I'd say give us Myzeck and Commander to lead our war, and we'd be as sure + to whip 'em as we won the Mexican war for the Federal Government. There is + three things about an Englishman, Dusenberry, which you may mark for + facts. He is self-conceited, and don't want to be advised;—he thinks + there is no law like the law of England, and that the old union-jack is a + pass-book of nations;—and he thinks everybody's bound to obey his + notions of humanity and the dictates of his positive opinions. But what's + worse than all, they've never seen the sovereignty of South Carolina + carried out, and according to Consul Mathew's silly notions, they think we + could be licked by a gun-boat. + </p> + <p> + “It's no use arguing this thing, you must keep a keen eye upon the English + niggers; and when a man pretends to dispute the right, tell him its + 'contrary to law,' and to look at the statute-books; tell him it costs + more to keep them than they're all worth; and if they say the law was + never intended for foreign citizens, tell 'em its 'contrary to law.' South + Carolina's not bound to obey the voice of the General Government, and what + does she care for the federal courts? We'll pursue a course according to + the law; and any thing that is contrary to it we will take care of for the + better protection of our institutions. Now, don't let one pass, upon the + peril of your office,” continued Mr. Grimshaw. + </p> + <p> + “It's not a button I'd care for the office,” said Dunn. “Sure it's yerself + be's makin' all the fees, and ourselves getting the paltry dollar; and + yerself gives us as much trouble to get that as we'd be earning two + dollars at magistrate Jiles' beyant. Sure! himself's liberal and doesn't + be afraid to give us a division of the fees when the business is good. And + sure ye make yer ten times the fees on an English nigger, and never gives + us beyant the dollar,” continued he, moving off in high dudgeon, and + swearing a stream of oaths that made the very blood chill. There was a + covert meaning about Mr. Grimshaw's language that was not at all + satisfactory to Mr. Dunn's Irish; especially when he knew Mr. Grimshaw's + insincerity so well, and that, instead of being liberal, he pocketed a + large amount of the fees, to the very conscientious benefit of his own + dear self. The reader must remember that in Charleston, South Carolina, + there is a large majority of men who care little for law, less for + justice, and nothing for Christianity. Without compunction of conscience, + and with an inherited passion to set forward the all-absorbing greatness + of South Carolina, these men act as a check upon the better-disposed + citizens. The more lamentable part is, that forming a large portion of + that species of beings known as bar-room politicians, they actually + control the elections in the city; and thus we may account for the + character of the incumbents of office, and for the tenacity with which + those oppressive laws are adhered to. + </p> + <p> + This almost incompatible conversation between a high sheriff and two + menial constables, may to many seem inconsistent with the dignity that + should be observed between such functionaries. Nevertheless, all restraint + is not only annihilated by consent, but so prominently is this carried + out, and so well understood by that respectable class of citizens whose + interests and feelings are for maintaining a good name for the city and + promoting its moral integrity, that in all our conversation with them, we + never heard one speak well of those functionaries or the manner in which + the police regulations of the city were carried out. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0006" id="link2HCH0006"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER VI. THE JANSON IN THE OFFING. + </h2> + <p> + AFTER several days' suffering for want of wafer and fatigue of labor, + several of the crew were reported upon the sick-list. Manuel, who had + borne his part nobly and cheerfully, was among the number; and his loss + was more severely felt, having done a double duty, and succeeded, as far + as the means were at hand, in making everybody on board comfortable. He + had attended upon those who gave up first, like a good nurse, ready at the + call, whether night or day, and with a readiness that seemed pleasure to + him. From the captain to the little boy Tommy, his loss was felt with + regret; and the latter would often go into the forecastle where he lay, + lean over him with a child-like simplicity, and smooth his forehead with + his little hand. “Manuel! I wish poor Manuel was well!” he would say, and + again he would lay his little hand on his head and smooth his hair. He + would whisper encouragement in his ear; and having learned a smattering of + Portuguese, would tell him how soon they would be in port, and what + pleasant times they would have together. + </p> + <p> + On the 21st they descried land, which proved to be Stono, about + twenty-five miles south of Charleston. Tommy announced the news to Manuel, + which seemed to cheer him up. His sickness was evidently caused by + fatigue, and his recovery depended more upon rest and nourishment than + medical treatment. That night at ten o'clock the wind came strong + north-west, and drove the Janson some distance to sea again; and it was + not until the morning of the 23d that she made Charleston light, and + succeeded in working up to the bar. Signal was made for a pilot, and soon, + a very fine cutter-looking boat, “Palmetto, No. 4,” was seen shooting out + over the bar in the main channel. Manuel, somewhat recovered, had a few + minutes before been assisted on deck, and through the captain's orders was + laid upon a mattrass, stretched on the starboard side of the + companion-way. By his side sat little Tommy, serving him with some + nourishment. + </p> + <p> + The boat was soon alongside, and the pilot, a middle-sized man, well + dressed, with a frank, open countenance, rather florid and sun-stained, + and a profusion of gold chain and seal dangling from his fob, came on + board. After saluting the captain, he surveyed the weather-beaten + condition of the craft, made several inquiries in regard to her working, + and then said in a sang-froid manner, “Well! I reckon you've seen some + knocking, anyhow.” Then turning again and giving some orders in regard, to + getting more way upon her, he viewed the laborious working at the pumps, + and walking about midships on the larboard side, took a sharp survey of + her waist. “Don't she leak around her topsides, Captain?” said he. + </p> + <p> + Receiving an answer in the affirmative, he gave a glance aloft, and then + at the sky to windward; asked how long he had worked her in that + condition, and where he took the gale. “It's a wonder she hadn't swamped + ye before now. I'd a' beached her at the first point, if she'd bin mine; + I'd never stand at slapping an old craft like this on. She reminds me of + one o' these down-east sugar-box crafts what trade to Cuba,” he continued. + Then walking across the main-hatch to the starboard side, he approached + the men who were pumping, and after inquiring about freeing her, suddenly + caught a glimpse of Manuel, as he lay upon the mattrass with his face + uncovered. + </p> + <p> + “Heavens! What! have you got the yellow fever on board at this season of + the year?” he inquired of the mate, who had just come aft to inquire about + getting some water from the pilot-boat. + </p> + <p> + “No, we've had every thing else but the yellow fever; one might as well + bin on a raft as such an infernal unlucky old tub as she is. It's the + steward, sir—he's got a touch of a fever; but he'll soon be over it. + He only wants rest, poor fellow! He's bin a bully at work ever since the + first gale. He'll mend before he gets to town,” was the reply. + </p> + <p> + “Ah! then you've had a double dose of it. It gives a fellow bringer off + them capes once in a while.—The steward's a nigger, isn't he?” + inquired the pilot. + </p> + <p> + “Nigger!—not he,” said the mate. “He's a Portuguese mixed breed; a + kind o' sun-scorched subject, like a good many of you Southerners. A + nigger's mother never had him, you may bet your 'davie on that. There's as + much white blood in his jacket as anybody's got, only them Portuguese are + dark-lookin' fellers. He's no fool—his name's Manuel, a right clever + feller, and the owners think as much of him as they do of the Skipper.” + </p> + <p> + “Gammon,” said the pilot to himself. “What would he think if we were to + show him some specimens of our white niggers in Charleston?” And turning, + he walked past Manuel with a suspicious look, and took a position near the + man at the wheel, where he remained for some time fingering the seals of + his watch-chain. The Captain had gone into the cabin a few minutes before, + and coming on deck again, walked toward the place where the pilot stood, + and took a seat upon an old camp-stool. + </p> + <p> + “Cap,” said the pilot, “ye'll have trouble with that nigger of your'n when + ye git to town. If you want to save yerself and the owners a d—d + site o' bother and expense, y' better keep him close when y' haul in; and + ship him off to New York the first chance. I've seen into the mill, Cap, + and y' better take a friend's advice.” + </p> + <p> + “Nigger!” said the Captain indignantly, “what do they call niggers in + Charleston? My steward's no more a nigger than you are!” + </p> + <p> + “What, sir?” returned the pilot in a perfect rage. “Do you know the + insulting nature of your language? Sir, if the law did not subject me, I + would leave your vessel instantly, and hold you personally responsible as + soon as you landed, sir.” + </p> + <p> + The Captain, unconscious of the tenacity with which the chivalrous blood + of South Carolina held language that mooted a comparison of colors, + considered his answer; but could see nothing offensive in it. + </p> + <p> + “You asked me a question, and I gave you a proper answer. If you consider + such a man as my steward—poor fellow—a nigger, in your + country, I'm glad that you are blessed with so many good men.” + </p> + <p> + “We polishes our language, Captain, when we speak of niggers in South + Carolina,” said the pilot. “A South Carolinian, sir, is a gentleman all + over the world. It don't want nothin' further than the name of his State + to insure him respect. And when foreign folks and Northerners from them + abolition States bring free niggers into South Carolina, and then go to + comparing them to white folks, they better be mighty careful how they stir + about. South Carolina ought to've seceded last year, when she talked about + it, and sent every Yankee home to make shoe-pegs. We wouldn't bin insulted + then, as we are now. I'll tell you what it is, Cap,” said he, rather + cooling off, “if our folks was only as spunky as they were in eighteen + hundred and thirty-two times, them fellers what come here to feed upon + South Carolina, put the devil in the heads of the niggers, and then go + home again, would see stars and feel bullet-holes.” + </p> + <p> + The Captain listened to the pilot's original South Carolina talk, or, as + the pilot himself had called it, polished language, without exhibiting any + signs of fear and trembling at its sublime dignity; yet, finding that the + pilot had misconstrued the tenor of his answer, said, “You must have + mistaken the intention of my reply, sir; and the different manner in which + you appropriate its import may be attributed to a custom among yourselves, + which makes language offensive that has no offensive meaning. We never + carry pistols or any such playthings in my country. We have a moral + security for our lives, and never look upon death as so great an enemy + that we must carry deadly weapons to defend it. In fact, pilot,” he said + in a joking manner, “they're rather cumbersome little bits for a feller's + pocket: I'd rather carry my supper and breakfast in my pocket. Now tell + us, who do you call niggers in South Carolina?” + </p> + <p> + “Why, Captain, we call all what a'n't white folks. Our folks can tell 'em + right smart. They can't shirk out if it's only marked by the seventeenth + generation. You can always tell 'em by the way they look—they can't + look you in the face, if they are ever so white. The law snaps 'em up once + in a while, and then, if they're ever so white, it makes 'em prove it. + I've known several cases where the doubt was in favor of the nigger, but + he couldn't prove it, and had to stand aside among the darkies. Dogs take + my skin, Cap, if theren't a Jew feller in town as white as anybody, and + his father's a doctor. It got whispered round that he was a nigger, and + the boarders where he stayed raised a fuss about it. The nigger's father + had two of them sued for slander, but they proved the nigger by a quirk of + law that'd make a volume bigger than Blackstone; and instead of the old + Jew getting satisfaction, the judges, as a matter of policy, granted him + time to procure further proof to show that his son wasn't a nigger. It was + a very well-considered insinuation of the judges, but the young-un stands + about A-1 with a prime nigger-feller.” + </p> + <p> + “I should like to have 'em try me, to see whether I was a nigger or a + white man. It must be a funny law, 'nigger or no nigger.' If a feller's + skin won't save him, what the devil will?” said the Captain. + </p> + <p> + “Why, show your mother and her generation were white, to be sure! It's + easy enough done, and our judges are all very larned in such things—can + tell in the twinkling of an eye,” said the pilot. + </p> + <p> + “I should think the distinguishing points would be to show that their + mother had nothing to do with a nigger. Do your judges make this a + particular branch of jurisprudence? If they do, I'd like to know what they + took for their text-books. If the intermixture is as complex as what you + say, I should think some of the judges would be afraid of passing verdict + upon their own kin.” + </p> + <p> + “Not a whit!” said the pilot; “they know enough for that.” + </p> + <p> + “Then you admit there's a chance. It must be an amusing affair, 'pon my + soul! when a nice little female has to draw aside her vail before a court + of very dignified judges, for the purpose of having her pedigree + examined,” said the Captain. + </p> + <p> + “Oh! the devil, Cap; your getting all astray—a woman nigger never + has the advantage of the law. They always go with the niggers, ah! ha! + ha!!” + </p> + <p> + “But suppose they're related to some of your big-bugs. What then? Are your + authorities so wise and generous that they make allowance for these + things,” asked the Captain, innocently. + </p> + <p> + “Oh! poh! there you're again: you must live in Charleston a year or two, + but you'll have to be careful at first that you don't fall in love with + some of our bright gals, and think they're white, before you know it. It + doesn't matter seven coppers who they're got by, there's no distinction + among niggers in Charleston. I'll put you through some of the bright + houses when we get up, and show you some scions of our aristocracy, that + are the very worst cases. It's a fact, Cap, these little shoots of the + aristocracy invariably make bad niggers. If a fellow wants a real prime, + likely nigger wench, he must get the pure African blood. As they say + themselves, 'Wherever Buckra-man bin, make bad nigger.'” + </p> + <p> + “Well, Pilot, I think we've had enough about mixed niggers for the + present. Tell me! do you really think they'll give me trouble with my + steward? He certainly is not a black man, and a better fellow never + lived,” inquired the Captain earnestly. + </p> + <p> + “Nothing else, Cap,” said the pilot. “It's a hard law, I tell you, and if + our merchants and business men had a say in it, 'twouldn't last long; ye + can't pass him off for a white man nohow, for the thing's 'contrary to + law,' and pays so well that them contemptible land-sharks of officers make + all the fuss about it, and never let one pass. Just take the infernal fees + off, and nobody'd trouble themselves about the stewards. It all goes into + old Grimshaw's pocket, and he'd skin a bolt-rope for the grease, and sell + the steward if he could get a chance. He has sold a much nearer relation. + I'm down upon the law, you'll see, Cap, for I know it plays the dickens + with our business, and is a curse to the commerce of the port. Folks what + a'n't acquainted with shipping troubles, and a shipowner's interests, + think such things are very small affairs. But it's the name that affects + us, and when an owner stands at every item in the disbursements, and a + heavy bill for keeping his steward, and another for filling his place, or + boarding-house accommodations, and then be deprived of his services, he + makes a wry face, and either begins to think about another port, or making + the rate of freight in proportion to the annoyance. It has an effect that + we feel, but don't say much about. I'm a secessionist, but I don't believe + in running mad after politics, and letting our commercial interests + suffer.” + </p> + <p> + “But what if I prove my steward a'n't a colored man?” said the Captain; + “they surely won't give me any trouble then. It would pain my feelings + very much to see Manuel locked up in a cell for no crime; and then to be + deprived of his services, is more than I can stand. If I'd known it + before, I'd suffered the torments of thirst, and put for a port farther + north.” + </p> + <p> + “It'll cost more than it's worth,” said the pilot. “Take my plain advice, + Cap; never try that; our lawyers are lusty fellows upon fees; and the + feller'd rot in that old nuisance of a jail afore you'd get him out. The + process is so slow and entangled, nobody'd know how to bring the case, and + ev'ry lawyer'd have an opinion of his own. But the worst of all is that + it's so unpopular, you can't get a lawyer worth seven cents to undertake + it. It would be as dangerous as an attempt to extricate a martyr from the + burning flames. Public opinion in Charleston is controlled by politicians; + and an attempt to move in a thing so unpopular would be like a man + attempting to speak, with pistols and swords pointed to his head.” + </p> + <p> + “Then it's folly to ask justice in your city, is it?” asked the Captain. + “But your people are generous, a'n't they? and treat strangers with a + courtesy that marks the character of every high-minded society?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes!—but society in South Carolina has nothing to do with the law; + our laws are gloriously ancient. I wish, Cap, I could only open your ideas + to the way our folks manage their own affairs. I'm opposed to this law + that imprisons stewards, because it affects commerce, but then our other + laws are tip-top. It was the law that our legislature made to stop free + niggers from coming from the abolition States to destroy the affections of + our slaves. Some say, the construction given to it and applied to stewards + of foreign vessels a'n't legal, and wasn't intended; but now it's + controlled by popular will,—the stewards a'n't legislators, and the + judges know it wouldn't be popular, and there's nobody dare meddle with + it, for fear he may be called an abolitionist. You better take my advice, + Cap: ship the nigger, and save yourself and Consul Mathew the trouble of + another fuss,” continued the pilot. + </p> + <p> + “That I'll never do! I've made up my mind to try it, and won't be driven + out of a port because the people stand in fear of a harmless man. If they + have any souls in them, they'll regard with favor a poor sailor driven + into their port in distress. I've sailed nearly all over the world, and I + never got among a people yet that wouldn't treat a shipwrecked sailor with + humanity. Gracious God! I've known savages to be kind to poor shipwrecked + sailors, and to share their food with them. I can't, pilot, imagine a + civilization so degraded, nor a public so lost to common humanity, as to + ill treat a man in distress. We've said enough about it for the present. + I'll appeal to Mr. Grimshaw's feelings, when I get to the city; and I + know, if he's a man, he'll let Manuel stay on board, if I pledge my honor + that he won't leave the craft.” + </p> + <p> + “Humph!—If you knew him as well as I do, you'd save your own + feelings. His sympathies don't run that way,” said the pilot. + </p> + <p> + The Janson had now crossed the bar, and was fast approaching Fort Sumpter. + Manuel had overheard enough of the conversation to awaken fears for his + own safety. Arising from the mattrass, in a manner indicating his feeble + condition, he called Tommy, and walking forward, leaned over the rail near + the fore-rigging, and inquired what the Captain and the pilot were talking + about. Observing his fears, the little fellow endeavoured to quiet him by + telling him they were talking about bad sailors. + </p> + <p> + “I think it is me they are talking about. If they sell me for slave in + Charleston, I'll kill myself before a week,” said he in his broken + English. + </p> + <p> + “What's that you say, Manuel?” inquired the first mate as he came along, + clearing up the decks with the men. + </p> + <p> + “Pilot tell Captain they sell me for slave in South Carolina. I'd jump + overboard 'fore I suffer him,” said he. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, poh! don't be a fool; you a'n't among Patagonians, Manuel; you won't + have to give 'em leg for your life. They don't sell foreigners and + outlandish men like you for slaves in Carolina—it's only black folks + what can't clothe the'r words in plain English. Yer copper-colored hide + wouldn't be worth a sixpence to a nigger-trader—not even to old + Norman Gadsden, that I've heard 'em tell so much about in the Liverpool + docks. He's a regular Jonathan Wild in nigger-dealing; his name's like a + fiery dragon among the niggers all over the South; and I hearn our skipper + say once when I sailed in a liner, that niggers in Charleston were so + 'fraid of him they'd run, like young scorpions away from an old he-devil, + when they saw him coming. He sells white niggers, as they call 'em, and + black niggers—any thing that comes in his way, in the shape of + saleable folks. But he won't acknowledge the corn when he goes away from + home, and swears there's two Norman Gadsdens in Charleston; that he a'n't + the one! When a man's ashamed of his name abroad, his trade must be very + bad at home, or I'm no sailor,” said the mate. + </p> + <p> + “Ah, my boys!” said the pilot in a quizzical manner, as he came to where + several of the men were getting the larboard anchor ready to let go,—“if + old Norman Gadsden gets hold of you, you're a gone sucker. A man what's + got a bad nigger has only got to say Old Gadsden to him, and it's equal to + fifty paddles. The mode of punishment most modern, and adopted in all the + workhouses and places of punishment in South Carolina, is with the paddle, + a wooden instrument in, the shape of a baker's peel; with a blade from + three to five inches wide, and from eight to ten long. This is laid on the + posteriors—generally by constables or officers connected with the + police. Holes are frequently bored in the blade, which gives the + application a sort of percussive effect; The pain is much more acute than + with the cowhide; and several instances are known where a master ordered + an amount of strokes beyond the endurance of the slave, and it proved + fatal at the workhouse. They tell a pretty good story about the old + fellow. I don't know if it's true, but the old fellow's rich now, and he + does just what he pleases. It was that somebody found one of those little + occasional droppings of the aristocracy, very well known among the secrets + of the chivalry, and called foundlings, nicely fixed up in a basket.—It's + among the secrets though, and mustn't be told abroad.—The finders + labelled it, 'Please sell to the highest bidder,' and left it at his door. + There was a fund of ominous meaning in the label; but Norman very coolly + took the little helpless pledge under his charge, and, with the good + nursing of old Bina, made him tell to the tune of two hundred and thirty, + cash, 'fore he was two year old. He went by the name of Thomas Norman, the + Christian division of his foster-father's, according to custom. The old + fellow laughs at the joke, as he calls it, and tells 'em, when they stick + it to him, they don't understand the practice of making money. You must + keep a bright look out for him, Manuel—you'll know him by the + niggers running when they see him coming.” + </p> + <p> + The pilot now returned to the quarter, and commenced dilating upon the + beauty of Charleston harbor and its tributaries, the Astley and Cooper + Rivers—then upon the prospects of fortifications to beat the United + States in the event of South Carolina's seceding and raising an + independent sovereignty, composed of her best blood. The Captain listened + to his unsolicited and uninteresting exposition of South Carolina's + prowess in silence, now and then looking up at the pilot and nodding + assent. He saw that the pilot was intent upon astonishing him with his + wonderful advancement in the theory of government, and the important + position of South Carolina. Again he looked dumbfounded, as much as to + acknowledge the pilot's profundity, and exclaimed, “Well! South Carolina + must be a devil of a State: every thing seems captivated with its + greatness: I'd like to live in Carolina if I didn't get licked.” + </p> + <p> + “By scissors! that you would, Captain; you ha'n't an idee what a mighty + site our people can do if they're a mind to! All South Carolina wants is + her constitutional rights, which her great men fought for in the + Revolution. We want the freedom to protect our own rights and institutions—not + to be insulted and robbed by the General Government and the + abolitionists.” + </p> + <p> + “Do you practice as a people upon the same principles that you ask of the + General Government!” inquired the Captain. + </p> + <p> + “Certainly, Captain, as far as it was intended for the judicious good of + all white citizens!” + </p> + <p> + “Then you claim a right for the whites, but withhold the right when it + touches on the dark side. You'll have to lick the Federal Government, as + you call it, for they won't cut the constitution up to suit your notions + of black and white.” * * * + </p> + <p> + “That's just the thing, Cap, and we can do it just as easy as we now + protect our own laws, and exterminate the niggers what attempt + insurrections. South Carolina sets an example, sir, of honor and bravery + that can't be beat. Why, just look a-yonder, Cap: the Federal Government + owns this 'er Fort Sumpter, and they insulted us by building it right in + our teeth, so that they could command the harbor, block out our commerce, + and collect the duties down here. But, Cap, this don't scare South + Carolina nohow. We can show 'em two figures in war tactics that'd blow 'em + to thunder. Ye see yonder!” said he, with an earnest look of satisfaction, + pointing to the south, “That's Morris Island. We'd take Fort Moultrie for + a breakfast spell, and then we'd put it to 'em hot and strong from both + sides, until they'd surrender Fort Sumpter. They couldn't stand it from + both sides. Yes, sir, they shut Fort Moultrie against us, and wouldn't let + us have it to celebrate independence in. There's a smouldering flame in + South Carolina that'll burst forth one of these days in a way that must + teach the Federal Government some astonishing and exciting lessons. + There's old Castle Pinckney, sir; we could keep it for a reserve, and with + Generals Quattlebum and Commander, from Georgetown and Santee Swamp, we + could raise an army of Palmetto regiments that would whip the Federal + Government troop and gun-boat.” + </p> + <p> + We have given this singular conversation of the pilot with a strange + Captain, which at the time was taken as an isolated case of gasconade + peculiar to the man; but which the Captain afterward found to harmonize in + sentiment, feeling, and expression with the general character of the + people—the only exceptions being the colored people. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0007" id="link2HCH0007"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER VII. ARRIVAL OF THE JANSON. + </h2> + <p> + ABOUT five o'clock on the evening of the 23d, the Janson passed Castle + Pinckney, ran up to the wharf with the flood-tide, let go her anchor, and + commenced warping into the dock. Her condition attracted sundry persons to + the end of the wharf, who viewed her with a sort of commiseration that + might have been taken for sincere feeling. The boarding officer had + received her papers, and reported her character and condition, which had + aroused a feeling of speculative curiosity, that was already beginning to + spread among ship-carpenters and outfitters. + </p> + <p> + Conspicuous among those gathered on the wharf was a diminutive little + dandy, with an olive-colored frock-coat, black pants, embroidered vest, + and an enormous shirt-collar that endangered his ears. This was secured + around the neck with a fancy neckcloth, very tastefully set off with a + diamond pin, He was very slender, with a narrow, feminine face, round + popeyes—requiring the application of a pocket-glass every few + minutes—and very fair complexion, with little positive expression of + character in his features. His nose was pointed; his chin, projected and + covered with innumerable little pimples, gave an irregular and + mastiff-shaped mouth a peculiar expression. He wore a very highly-polished + and high-heeled pair of boots, and a broad-brimmed, silk-smooth hat. He + seemed very anxious to display the beauty of two diamond rings that + glittered upon his delicate little fingers, made more conspicuous by the + wristbands of his shirt. Standing in a very conspicuous place upon the + capsill of the wharf, he would rub his hands, then running from one part + of the wharf to another, ordering sundry niggers about making fast the + lines, kicking one, and slapping another, as he stooped, with his little + hand. All paid respect to him. The Captain viewed him with a smile of + curiosity, as much as to say, “What important specimen of a miss in + breeches is that?” But when the little fellow spoke, the secret was told. + He gathered the inflections of his voice, as if he were rolling them over + the little end of a thunderbolt in his mouth. As the vessel touched the + wharf, he sprang to the corner and cried out at the top of his voice, + “Yer' welcome to Charleston, Captain Thompson! Where did you get that + knocking?—where are ye bound for?—how many days are you out?—how + long has she leaked in that way?” and a strain of such questions, which it + would be impossible to trace, such was the rapidity with which he put + them. The Captain answered him in accordance with the circumstances; and + supposing him clothed with authority, inquired where he should find some + hands to work his pumps, in order to relieve his men. “By-Je-w-hu! + Captain, you must a' had a piping time, old feller. Oh! yes, you want help + to work your pumps. Get niggers, Captain, there's lots on 'em about here. + They're as thick as grasshoppers in a cotton-patch.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, but I want 'em now, my men are worn out; I must get some Irishmen, + if I can't get others at once,” said the Captain, viewing his man again + from head to foot. + </p> + <p> + “Oh! don't employ Paddies, Captain; 'ta'n't popular; they don't belong to + the secession party; Charleston's overrun with them and the Dutch! Why, + she won't hurt to lay till to-morrow morning, and there'll be lots o' + niggers down; they can't be out after bell-ring without a pass, and its + difficult to find their masters after dark. Haul her up 'till she grounds, + and she won't leak when the tide leaves her. We can go to the theatre and + have a right good supper after, at Baker's or the St. Charles's. It's the + way our folks live. We live to enjoy ourselves in South Carolina. Let the + old wreck go to-night.” The little fellow seemed so extremely polite, and + so anxious to “do the genteel attention,” that the Captain entirely forgot + the tenor of his conversation with the pilot, while his feelings changed + with the prospect of such respectful attention; and yet he seemed at a + loss how to analyze the peculiar character of his little, pedantic friend. + </p> + <p> + “You must not think me intrusive, Captain,” said he, pulling out his + segar-pouch and presenting it with at Chesterfieldian politeness. “It's a + pleasure we Carolinians take in being hospitable and attentive to + strangers. My name, sir, is—! My niggers call me Master George. Yes, + sir! our family!—you have heard of my father probably—he + belongs to one of the best stocks in Carolina—owns a large interest + in this wharf, and is an extensive cotton-broker, factors, we call them + here—and he owns a large plantation of niggers on Pee-Dee; you must + visit our plantation. Captain, certain! before you leave the city. But you + mustn't pay much attention to the gossip you'll hear about the city. I + pledge you my honor, sir, it don't amount to any thing, nor has it any + prominent place in our society.” + </p> + <p> + “Really, sir,” replied the Captain, “I shall do myself the honor to accept + of your hospitable kindness, and hope it may be my good fortune to + reciprocate at some future day. I'm only too sorry that our wrecked + condition affords me no opportunity to invite you to my table to-night; + but the circumstances which you see everywhere presenting themselves are + my best apology.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, dear me! don't mention it, I pray, Captain. Just imagine yourself + perfectly at home. We will show you what Southern hospitality is. We don't + go upon the Yankee system of Mr. So-and-so and What-do-ye-call-'um. Our + feelings are in keeping with our State pride, which, with our extreme + sensibility of honor, forbids the countenance of meanness. South + Carolinians, sir, are at the very top of the social ladder—awake to + every high-minded consideration of justice and right. We are not moved by + those morbid excitements and notions that so often lead people away at the + North. Make no unnecessary preparation, Captain, and I will do myself the + honor to call upon you in an hour.” Thus saying, he shook his hand and + left. + </p> + <p> + The pilot had delivered his charge safe, and was about to, bid the Captain + good-by for the night. But in order to do the thing in accordance with an + English custom, that appears to have lost none of its zest in South + Carolina, he was invited into the Captain's cabin to take a little prime + old Jamaica. Manuel, who had somewhat recovered, brought out the case from + a private locker, and setting it before them, they filled up, touched + glasses, and drank the usual standing toast to South Carolina. “Pilot,” + said the Captain, “who is my polite friend—he seems a right clever + little fellow?” + </p> + <p> + “Well, Captain, he's little, but he's first-rate blood, and a genuine + sprig of the chivalry. He's a devil of a secessionist, sir. If ye were to + hear that fellow make a stump speech on States' rights, you'd think him a + Samson on Government. His father is the head of a good mercantile house + here; 'twouldn't be a bad idea to consign to him. But I must bid you + good-night, Captain; I'll call and see you to-morrow,” said the pilot, + leaving for his home. + </p> + <p> + The Janson was hauled well up the dock, and grounded on the ebb-tide. + Manuel prepared supper for the officers and crew, while the Captain + awaited the return of his new acquaintance. “Captain,” said Manuel, “I + should like to go ashore to-night and take a walk, for my bones are sore, + and I'm full of pains. I think it will do me good. You don't think anybody + will trouble me, if I walk peaceably along?” + </p> + <p> + “Nobody would trouble you if they knew you, Manuel; but I am afraid they + will mistake you in the night. You had better keep ship until morning; + take a good rest, and to-morrow will be a fine day—you can then take + some exercise.” + </p> + <p> + Manuel looked at the Captain as if he read something doubtful in his + countenance, and turned away with a pitiful look of dissatisfaction. It + seems that through his imperfect knowledge of English, he had misconceived + the position of the celebrated Thomas Norman Gadsden, whom he imagined to + be something like an infernal machine, made and provided by the good + citizens of Charleston to catch bad niggers. “Nora-ma Gazine no catch-e + me, Cap-i-tan, if me go ashore, 'case me no make trouble in no part de + world where me sail, Oh! no, Cap-i-tan, Manuel know how to mine dis + bisness,” said he returning again to the Captain. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, yes, Manuel, but we can't let the crew go ashore 'till we get + through the custom-house; you must content yourself to-night, and in the + morning 'twill be all right. I'm afraid you'll get sick again-the + night-air is very bad in this climate; old Gadsden won't trouble you. He + don't walk about at night.” + </p> + <p> + Manuel walked forward, not very well satisfied with the manner in which + the Captain put him off. The latter felt the necessity of caution, fearing + he might infringe upon some of the municipal regulations that the pilot + had given him an account of, which accounted for his refusal Manuel sat + upon the main-hatch fondling Tommy, and telling him what good things they + would have in the morning for breakfast, and how happy they ought to be + that they were not lost during the gales, little thinking that he was to + be the victim of a merciless law, which would confine him within the iron + grates of a prison before the breakfast hour in the morning. “I like + Charleston, Tommy,” said Manuel; “it looks like one of our old English + towns, and the houses have such pretty gardens, and the people they say + are all so rich and live so fine. Tommy, we'll have a long walk and look + all around it, so that we can tell the folks when we get home. The ship, + owes me eleven pounds, and I mean to take some good things home for + presents, to show what they have in South Carolina.” + </p> + <p> + “You better buy a young nigger, and take him home as a curiosity to show + among the Highlands. You can buy a young Sambo for any price, just the + same as you would a leg of mutton at the butcher's; put him in a band-box, + lug him across, and you'll make a fortune in the North country. But I'd + rather buy a young wife, for the young niggers are more roguish than a lot + o' snakes, and al'a's eat their heads off afore they're big enough to + toddle. They sell gals here for niggers whiter than you are, Manuel; they + sell 'em at auction, and then they sell corn to feed 'em on. Carolina's a + great region of supersensual sensibility; they give you a wife of any + color or beauty, and don't charge you much for her, providing you're the + right stripe. What a funny thing it would be to show the Glasgow folks a + bright specimen of a bought wife from the renowned State of South + Carolina, with genuine aristocratic blood in her veins; yes, a pure + descendant of the Huguenots!” said the mate, who was leaning over the rail + where Manuel and Tommy were seated, smoking a segar and viewing the + beautiful scenery around the harbor. + </p> + <p> + “Ah!” said Manuel, “when I get a wife and live on shore, I don't want to + buy one-it might be a dangerous bargain. Might buy the body, but not the + soul-that's God's.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0008" id="link2HCH0008"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER VIII. A NEW DISH OF SECESSION. + </h2> + <p> + ABOUT a quarter past eight o'clock in the evening, Master George, as he + called himself, the little pedantic man, came skipping down the wharf. As + soon as he approached the brig, he cried out at the top of his voice, + “Captain! Captain!!” + </p> + <p> + The Captain stepped to the gangway, and the little fellow, who had stood + crossing and working his fingers, reached out his hand to assist him + ashore. This done, he took the Captain's arm, and commencing a discourse + upon the wonderful things and people of South Carolina they wended their + way to the Charleston Theatre. The company then performing was a small + affair, and the building itself perfectly filthy, and filled with an + obnoxious stench. The play was a little farce, which the Captain had seen + to much perfection in his own country, and which required some effort of + mind to sit out its present mutilation. Yet, so highly pleased was Master + George, that he kept up a succession of applauses at every grimace made by + the comedian. Glad when the first piece was over, the Captain made a + motion to adjourn to the first good bar-room and have a punch. It was + agreed, upon the condition that the little man should “do the honor,” and + that they should return and see the next piece out. The Captain, of + course, yielded to the rejoinder, though it was inflicting a severe + penalty upon his feelings. There was another piece to come yet, which the + little fellow's appetite was as ready to devour as the first. The Captain, + seeing this, could not refrain expressing his surprise. This was taken as + a charge against his taste, and George immediately commenced a discussion + upon the subject of the piece, the intention of the author, and the merits + of the principal performers, whose proper adaptation he admired. The + Captain knew his subject, and instead of contending in detail, advised him + to take a peep into the theatres of New York and London. Not to be undone, + for he was like all little men, who insist upon the profoundness of their + own opinions, he asserted that it could be only the different views which + individuals entertained of delineating character, and that the + Charlestonians were proverbially correct in their judgment of music and + dramatic performances. + </p> + <p> + “I pity the judgment that would award merit to such a performance as + that,” said the Captain. + </p> + <p> + “How strange, that you Englishmen and Scotchmen always find fault with + every thing we Americans do. Your writers manifest it in their books upon + us and the people seem of necessity to copy from them, and echo their + grumblings,” rejoined Master George. + </p> + <p> + “You judge from the common saying, instead of a knowledge front + observation, I fear,” said the Captain. + </p> + <p> + “Lord, sir! you must not judge me by that rule. Carolinians, sir, always + appreciate intelligent strangers, for they always exert a healthy + influence, and never meddle with our institutions; so you see it wouldn't + do to follow the pestilent notions of petty scribblers, lest we should + form wrong opinions.” + </p> + <p> + “But tell me,” said the Captain, “do you consider yourselves Americans in + South Carolina?—the pilot must have led me astray.” + </p> + <p> + “Americans! yes, indeed, the true blood at that, and no man of tip-top + judgment ever questioned it. But you must mark the difference; we ha'n't + Yankees, nor we don't believe in their infernal humbuggery about + abolition. If it wasn't for South Carolina and Georgia, the New-Englanders + would starve for want of our cotton and rice. It's the great staple what + keeps the country together; and as much as they talk about it, just take + that away, and what would the United States be? We South Carolinians give + no symptoms or expressions of what we mean to do that we cannot maintain. + We have been grossly insulted by the Federal Government, but it dar'n't + come at us and just give us a chance at fair fight. We'd show 'em the + thunder of the Palmetto, that they'd never trouble our sovereignty again. + Captain, I pledge you my honor that if there wasn't so many infernal + Yankees in Georgia, and she'd follow our lead in secession, we'd just lick + the whole North. Georgia's a big State, but she a'n't pluck, and has no + chivalry at all among her people. She allows such privileges to them + Yankees-gives them power to control her manufacturing interests-and this + is just what will uproot the foundation of their slave institution. + Georgians a'n't a bit like us; first, they are too plebeian in their + manners-have no bond of guardianship for their laws, and exert no + restraints for the proper protection of good society. But, Captain, their + stock has a different origin, and the peculiarity which now marks our + character may be traced to the offspring of early settlement. We derived + our character and sentiments from the Huguenots; they, from an + uncharacterized class of coarse adventurers, whose honesty was tinctured + with penal suspicion. This, sir, accounts for the differences so marked in + our character.” + </p> + <p> + The little fellow pressed this kind of conversation in the lobby of the + theatre, and at the same time took the very particular pleasure of + introducing the Captain to several of the young bloods, as he called them, + while they walked to and from the boxes. At length the Captain found + himself in a perfect hornet's nest, surrounded by vicious young + secessionists, so perfectly nullified in the growth that they were all + ready to shoulder muskets, pitchforks, and daggers, and to fire pistols at + poor old Uncle Sam, if he should poke his nose in South Carolina. The + picture presented was that of an unruly set of children dictating their + opinions to a hoary-headed old daddy-accusing him of pragmatism, and + threatening, if he was twice as old, they'd whip him unless he did as they + directed. The knowledge of South Carolina's power and South Carolina's + difficulties with the Federal Government he found so universally set forth + as to form the atmosphere of conversation in the parlor, the public-house, + the school and the bar-room, the lecture-room and the theatre. + </p> + <p> + The little man extended his invitation to a party of the bloods. The + Captain was taken by the arms in a kind of bond fellowship, and escorted + into Baker's eating-saloon, a place adjacent to the theatre, and, to a man + unaccustomed to the things that are in Charleston, a very rowdy place. + This is considered by Charlestonians one of the finest places in the + Southern country; where good suppers and secession (the all-engrossing + subjects with Charlestonians) form the only important element of + conversation. It may be set down as a fact, that among seven-tenths of the + people of Charleston, the standard of a gentleman is measured according to + his knowledge of secession and his ability to settle the question of hot + suppers. We say nothing of that vigorous patriotism so often manifested in + a long string of fulsome toasts that disgrace the columns of the Mercury + and Courier. + </p> + <p> + At Baker's the place was literally crowded with all kinds and characters, + graded from the honorable judge down to the pot-boy; a pot-pouri of + courtesy and companionship only exhibited in England on the near approach + of elections. The reader may think this strange, but we can assure him + that distinctions are strangely maintained; an exclusive arrogance being + observed in private life, while a too frequent and general resort to + bar-rooms has established plebeianism in public. Voices were sounding at + all parts of the counter, and for as many different voices as many + different mixtures were named. The Captain received a great many + introductions, and almost as many invitations to drink; but the little + man, Master George, claimed the exclusive honor, and keeping an eye wide + awake, took the advantage of his own dimensions, and began working his way + through a barricade of bodies and elbows, until he had reached the + counter. His party followed close, at his heels. Altogether, they called + for cocktails, smashes, toddies, cobblers, juleps, and legitimates. These + disposed of, the company repaired to what is called a “box up-stairs.” + Scarcely seated, Master George rang the bell with such violence that he + disjointed the cord and tassel, and gave such an alarm that three or four + darkies came poking their alarmed countenances through the curtains at + once. + </p> + <p> + “There's nothing like making the fellows mind; they've got so infernal + independent here, and old Tom thinks so much of his young wife, that his + niggers have begun to imitate him. One's enough at a time!” said Master + George, with all the importance of his character. A “bright boy,” with his + hair nicely parted on the middle of his head, and frizzed for the + occasion, made a polite bow, while the others retired. + </p> + <p> + “What have you choice for supper, to-night? We want something ripe for the + palate-none of your leavings, now, you infernal nigger, and don't tell us + none of your lies.” + </p> + <p> + “Birds, sir, grouse, woodcock, partridge, canvas-backs, and quails; meats, + venison, and oysters, master-did up in any shape what the gentlemen wish. + Wines, &c., if they want,” replied the servant, without any of the + negro dialect, at the same time making a low bow to Master George. + </p> + <p> + “Name it! name your dishes, gentlemen! Don't be backward. I suppose his + birds are as usual, without age to flavor them. It's perfectly heathenish + to eat birds as they are served here: we never get a bird here that is + sufficiently changed to suit a gentleman o' taste; their beef's tough, and + such steak as they make is only fit for shoemakers and blacksmiths. I + never come into the place but I think of my journey in France, where they + know the style and taste of a gentleman, and things are served to suit + your choice.” Thus our little friend continued his connoisseur remarks, to + give the Captain a particular idea of his proficiency in the requisite + qualities, age, and time of keeping necessary to make the adjuncts of a + supper fit for a gentleman. “D—me! we don't know when edibles are + choice, and the Yankees are perfect brutes in these things, and have no + more taste than a cow. Our folks ought to all go to France for a year or + two, to learn the style of cooking. It's perfect murder to eat a bird the + very day after it's killed; yes, sir! no man that considers his stomach + will do it,” said George. + </p> + <p> + The servant waited impatiently-the Captain rubbed his eyes, and began to + pour out a glass of water; and dryly said he'd no choice, which was + responded to by the rest. It was left to Master George, and he ordered a + bountiful supply of grouse, partridges, oyster, and champagne of his + favourite brand-none other. There was also a billiard-room, reading-room, + a room for more important gambling, and a bar-room, up-stairs. All these + were well filled with very well-dressed and very noisy people; the latter + being a very convenient place, the party sent to it for tipplers to fill + up time. + </p> + <p> + “This is but a small portion of what constitutes life in Charleston, + Captain. We live for living's sake, and don't stand upon those blueskin + theories of temperance and religion that Yankees do, and blame the Father + of generations for not making the world better. I never saw one of them + that wasn't worse than we Southerners before he'd been in Charleston a + year, and was perfect death on niggers. Yes, sir, it's only the extreme + goodness of the Southern people's hearts that makes the niggers like them + so. I never saw a Northerner yet that wouldn't work his niggers to death + in two years. D—me, sir, my servants all love me as if I was a + prince. Have you ever been in France, sir?” said he, suddenly breaking + off. The Captain replied in the affirmative. + </p> + <p> + “Ah! then you can speak French! the most polished language known to + refined society. I wouldn't part with my French for the world. All the + first families in Charleston are familiar with it. It's the modern + gentleman's curt-blanche to society here. There's no language like it for + beauty and flexibility; but one must go to France and learn to acquire its + grace and ease,” said he, in rapid succession, rolling out his words in + imitation of a London sprig of the Inner Temple, and working his little + mastiff mouth. + </p> + <p> + “No, sir,” said the Captain quaintly. “I never stopped long enough in + France to get hold of the lingo.” + </p> + <p> + “God bless me, what a misfortune! and can't speak it yet, ah? Why, + Captain, if you wanted to court a petite madmoselle, you'd be in a sad + fix-she wouldn't understand what you were talking about and would take + your love-pledges for gammon.” + </p> + <p> + “You're mistaken there, my good fellow. Love grows on trees in France, and + a French woman can see it before you begin to tell her about it!” retorted + the Captain, which brought a “Good! good! hit him again!” from the whole + party. At this, Master George commenced reading the Captain a disquisition + upon the best mode of acquiring the French language. Supper was brought-in + old Tom Baker's best flourish-and the party begun to discuss its merits + with great gusto. What the little, chivalrous fellows lacked in physical + dimension, they made up in patriotic sentiment in behalf of the grand + sovereignty of South Carolina, which they continued to pour out until a + late hour, every man backing his sayings by the authority of the great and + wonderful Calhoun. + </p> + <p> + The Captain sat eating away, and seeming more disposed to enjoy the + physical consolation of his supper than to elevate his ideas upon South + Carolina's politics. + </p> + <p> + “Now, Captain,” said Master George, in a very serious tone, after he had + been striking his hand upon the marble table for more than an hour to + confirm the points of his reasoning,—“what is your opinion of the + great question at issue between the Federal Government and South Carolina? + And what do you think of the Old Dominion? how will she stand upon the + test-question?” + </p> + <p> + The poor Captain looked confounded-took another oyster, and began to get + his mouth in a fix, while little George worked his fingers through his + nice curly hair, and the young bloods awaited the rejoinder with anxiety. + </p> + <p> + “Really, sir, you have the advantage of me in your question. It is so much + beyond my profession that I am entirely ignorant of the subject-therefore + could not give an opinion. In truth, sir, I do not know the purport of the + question. It has given me pleasure and information to listen to your + conversation and the ability you displayed in argument, but, as a + stranger, I could take no part,” replied the Captain very sincerely. + </p> + <p> + Not content with this, Master George wished to be more direct. “It's the + right of secession, Captain-the power to maintain the right by the + constitution.” + </p> + <p> + “Probably; but may I expose my ignorance by inquiring what is meant by + secession? and to what it is applied so frequently?” inquired the Captain. + </p> + <p> + “Oh! murder Captain; have you never heard of nullification times! Well, + sir, you must be posted on the affairs of our government.” So he commenced + an analysis of nearly an hour long, and in it gave some astonishing + accounts of the wonderful statesmanship of Calhoun, Butler, and Rhett, + tapering down with a perfect fire-and-thunder account of the military + exploits of General Quattlebum and Captain Blanding. The Captain began to + stretch and gape, for he labored under the fatigue of a perilous voyage, + and repose was the only sovereign remedy. He felt that the limits of + propriety were entirely overstepped, and that he would have reason to + remember the first night spent with little George the secessionist. + </p> + <p> + “But, Captain! my dear fellow. I see you don't understand our position + yet. We've been insulted; yes, most rascally insulted by the Federal + Government, and they keep it up every year. We can't get our rights. Oh! + no, sir, there's no such thing in the knowledge of the Federal officers as + justice for South Carolina; and you must understand, Captain, that she is + the greatest State in the Union, and there a'n't nothing like her people + for bravery. The political power's got North and West, the old + constitution is being dissected to suit the abolitionists, and they're + drawing the cordon around us faster and faster; and they're now out like a + warrior boldly to the conquest, sounding their voices in the halls of + Congress, appealing to human and divine power to protect their nonsense, + and bidding defiance to our constitutional rights, Our slaves are our + property, protected by the law of God-by that inspired and superhuman + wisdom that founded our great and glorious constitution. Yes, sir! it was + an institution entailed upon us by our forefathers, and a wise providence + has provided proper laws by which we shall protect and see these poor + miserable devils of helpless slaves, that can't take care of themselves, + straight through.” + </p> + <p> + “But how does this affect you and the Federal Government?” inquired the + Captain. + </p> + <p> + “Why, sir, most directly!” replied Master George, screwing his mouth and + giving his head a very learned attitude. “Directly, sir!—the Federal + Government is acquiescing in every abolition scheme that is put forward by + that intriguing Northern compact for the establishment of new governments + in the territories. She is granting unconstitutional privileges to + designing politicians, whose chief aim is to uproot our domestic + institution and destroy the allegiance of the slave to his master, by + which the slaves would be cast upon the world unprotected, and we disarmed + of power to protect them. Ah! sir, I tell you, of all fruits of the + imagination that would be the most damnable, and the slave would be the + sufferer. It would be worse for him, poor fellow; it would be an abuse of + human power without precedent. So far as political power is concerned, we + are nearly disarmed. The influx of population finds its way into the + opened avenues of the North and West. And with opinions predisposed + against our institutions, and the contaminating influence standing ready + with open arms to embrace the great current, what can we expect? It's the + increasing power made by foreign influx that's giving tone to our + government. If our Southern Convention stand firm we are saved; but I'm + fearful there's too many doubtful shadows in it that won't stand to the + gun. That's what's always played the devil with us,” said George, striking + his hand upon the table. “There's no limitation to their interpositions, + and their resolves, and their adjournments; which don't come up to my + principles of making the issue, and standing to the question with our + coffins on our backs. These condescensions of thought and feeling arise + from the misconceived notions of a few, who are always ready to join, but + never willing to march to action, and must not be taken as a specimen of + South Carolina bravery. The Federal Government has become vicious and even + puerile toward South Carolina; and since the Herculean power of the great + Calhoun is gone, it treats us like a semi-barbarous and secluded people, + mistaking our character. But we'll learn the Federal Government a lesson + yet.” + </p> + <p> + “Do not your legislators make laws for your government, or how is it that + you express such a restive dissatisfaction? Do not the same laws which + govern you, govern the whole of the slave States?” + </p> + <p> + Little George had previously monopolized all the conversation, but at this + juncture five or six voices broke out, each fired with a reply to the + Captain's question; and yet the answer was of the same old stamp: What + South Carolina had done-how she had fought and gained the Mexican war-how + she was interested in slaves, and how she yet feared to strike the blow + because a set of mere adventurers had got the power to vote in her + elections, and cowards through them had got into the legislature. + </p> + <p> + “Why, gentlemen, listen to me in this particular. If”— + </p> + <p> + “Your oysters are getting cold, George,” interrupted a blood at his left, + rather facetiously. + </p> + <p> + “I claim the respect due a gentleman, sir! A South Carolinian will + transgress no rules of etiquette,” said George, grasping his tumbler in a + passionate manner and smashing it upon the marble slab, causing a sudden + emeute in the camp. “Order! order! order!” was sounded from every tongue. + “You mustn't be afeard, Captain,” said one of the party. “This is + perfectly South Carolinian-just the oscillating of the champagne; it won't + last long.” + </p> + <p> + The noise was more loud than ordinary, and brought a score of people + around to hear the trouble. George had got in high dudgeon, and it took + several persons to hold him, while the remainder, not excepting the + Captain, were engaged in a pacification. The scene was very extravagant in + folly; and through the kind interposition of friends, the matter was + settled to the honorable satisfaction of both parties-the question was + called for-the Captain called for a legitimate, rubbed his eyes, and + little George proceeded. “If my friend Thomas Y. Simmons, Jr., had been + elected to the legislature he'd altered the position of things in South + Carolina. All these corruptions would have been exposed, and the disparity + of party would have dwindled into obscurity. Every true Carolinian voted + for him to the hilt, but how was he defeated? Gentlemen, can you answer? + it will be a favor highly gratifying to me to hear your opinions!” A voice + answered, “Because he wasn't big enough!” “No, sir,” said George, “it was + because there was intrigue in the party, and the Yankee influence went to + put him down. The world'll hear from him yet. He's my particular friend, + and will stand in the halls of Congress as great a statesman as ever + lisped a political sentiment.” + </p> + <p> + George's account of his particular friend, Thomas Y. S—, Jr., was so + extravagant, and not having heard of him before, the Captain's curiosity + was aroused to know who he was and where he resided. We will not tax the + reader with George's wonderful memoir of his friend, but merely inform him + that “little Tommy Simmons,” as he is usually styled in Charleston, is an + exact pattern of Master George, with the exception of his mouth, which is + straight and regular; and if we may be allowed to condescend to the + extremes, we should say that the cordwainer had done more for his heels. + Otherwise, no daguerreotype could give a counterpart more correct. Tommy + is a very small member of the Charleston bar, who, though he can seldom be + seen when the court is crowded, makes a great deal of noise without + displaying power of elucidation or legal abilities, yet always acquitting + himself cleverly. Tommy was little George in two particulars-he had + studied law, and was a great secessionist; and if George had never + practised, it was only from inclination, which he asserted arose from a + humane feeling which he never could overcome-that he never wished to + oppress anybody. But the greatest contrast that the reader can picture to + himself between mental and physical objects existed between Tommy's + aspirations and the physical man. His mind was big enough, and so was his + self-confidence, to have led the Assyrian and Chaldean army against the + Hebrews. To this end, and to further the formula of his statesmanship, no + sooner was he twenty-one, and the corner just turned, than he sounded his + war-trumpet-secession or death!—mounted the rostrum and “stump'd + it,” to sound the goodness and greatness of South Carolina, and total + annihilation to all unbelievers in nullification. It was like Jonah and + the whale, except the swallowing, which spunky Tommy promised should be + his office, if the Federal Government didn't toe the mark. Yes, Tommy was + a candidate for the legislature, and for the Southern Congress, (which + latter was exclusively chivalrous;) and the reader must not be surprised + when we tell him that he lacked but a few votes of being elected to the + former. Such was the voice of the Charleston district. + </p> + <p> + Supper had been discussed down to the fragments, and all expressed their + satisfaction of the quantity and declined any more; but George called on + another bottle of champagne, and insisted that the party should take a + parting glass. The servant had begun to extinguish the lights-a sure sign + that the success of the bar was ended for the night. George reprimanded + the negro-the sparkling beverage was brought, glasses filled up, touched, + and drunk with the standing toast of South Carolina. A motion to adjourn + was made and seconded, and the party, feeling satisfied with their + evening's recreation, moved off accordingly. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0009" id="link2HCH0009"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER VIII. A FEW POINTS OF THE LAW. + </h2> + <p> + IN Charleston, such an adjournment at a bar-room or an eating-house, when + parties are enjoying what is termed a “pleasant occasion,” does not mean + an adjournment to the domestic fireside; nor are the distinctions between + married and single men regarded, though domestic attachments may be + considered as governing the thoughts and feelings. The practical + definition of such an adjournment means to some place where beauty + secludes itself to waste in shame. + </p> + <p> + The party descended into the lower bar-room, which, though rather thinned, + presented a picture of characters stimulated to the tottering point. A + motion had been made and strongly seconded to visit the voluptuous house + of a certain lady, which it is considered a stranger has not seen + Charleston until he has visited. The Captain remonstrated against this, + assuring the party that he must go to the ship and needed rest. Again and + again they insisted, setting forth the charms and beauty of the denizens, + but he as often declined in the most positive manner. Unable to move him + in his resolution, one by one began to give him a hearty shake of the hand + and bid him good-night, leaving little Master George to the exclusive + honor of seeing him home. + </p> + <p> + Standing in the centre of the room, surrounded by five or six persons + well-dressed but very weak in the knees, was a portly-looking gentleman; + with very florid countenance, keen dark eyes, and aquiline nose which he + frequently fingered. There was an air of respectability about him, though + his countenance was not marked with any particularly prominent feature to + distinguish him from the ordinary class of respectable men. He spoke well, + yet without taste or discrimination in his language, was rather bald and + gray, with small head and low perceptive powers; and judging from the + particular tone of his voice and the cant terms he used, we should think + he had figured among the Kentucky horse-traders, or made stump speeches in + Arkansas. His dress was inclined to the gaudy. He wore a flashy + brown-colored frock-coat with the collar laid very far back, a foppish + white vest exposing his shirt-bosom nearly down to the waistbands of his + pants, which were of gray stripes. But the more fanciful portions of his + dress were a large and costly fob-chain, which hung very low and supported + an immense seal containing a glistening stone, which he seemed very fond + of dangling with his left hand. Attached to this was a very prominently + displayed black ribbon, answering the purpose of a guard-chain, and laid + with great contrasting care over the bosom of his shirt. This, with a + neckerchief of more flashy colors than Joseph's coat, and a late style + Parisian hat, with the rim very exquisitely turned upon the sides, make up + our man. + </p> + <p> + He was discussing politics, with a great many sensible sayings, though + nothing like close reasoning; and strange as it may seem, he was strongly + opposed to the rabid views of several staggering secessionists, who + surrounded him, and advocated the views set forth in convention by Mr. + Butler. We remarked this more particularly, for it was about the only + instance we witnessed of a public man being independent enough to denounce + the fanaticism of secession. A more amusing scene than that presented by + the attitudes-the questions in regard to South Carolina licking the + Federal Government-the strange pomp-ribald gasconade, and high-sounding + chivalry of the worthies, cannot be imagined. They were in a perfect + ecstasy with themselves and South Carolina, and swore, let whatever come, + they were ready to meet it. + </p> + <p> + Little Master George seemed very anxious that the Captain should become + acquainted with him, and commenced giving him a monstrous account of his + distinguished abilities. “And that's not all!” said George; “he's not only + one of the greatest characters in Charleston, or perhaps the State, but + he's a right good fellow.” + </p> + <p> + We will interrupt, by informing the reader that he was one of the good + fellows-a numerous family in Charleston-who never use fine instruments + when they select their company; and pay a large amount of worthy tribute + to the liquor-dealers. There is no discriminating latitude attached to the + good-fellow family, for its members may be found with alike gratifying + inclinations, from the highest aristocracy to the negro population. + </p> + <p> + “That, sir, is Col. S—e; belongs to one of the first families, sir. + He can beat old Pettigru all hollow; his eloquence is so thrilling that he + always reminds me of Pericles. He can beat little Thomas Y. Simmons, Jr., + all to pieces-make the best stump speech-address a public assemblage, and + rivet all their minds-can make a jury cry quicker than any other man-can + clear the worst criminal that ever committed crime-and he's good-hearted + too-can draw the most astonishing comparisons to confound the minds of + stupid jurors, and make them believe the d—dest nonsense that ever + man invented. Yes, sir-when he makes a speech, everybody goes to hear him, + for he says what he pleases, and old Judge Withers, whose will is as + arbitrary as Julius Caesar's, and has got the obstinacy of Tom Boyce's + mule, dar'n't attempt to control the tenor of his plea. And he can tell + the best invented story of any man in town. He cleared the villanous + Doctor Hines once upon the color of his pantaloons.” + </p> + <p> + George waited impatiently for the end of the political controversy, + determined to introduce his friend to the colonel. He soon had an + opportunity, for the colonel, finding himself beset by a set of + unreasonable secessionists, made a sweeping declaration. “Gentlemen,” said + he, “let me tell you a modest fact: seven-eighths of the secession + fire-eaters don't know what the proper meaning of government is: I make + the charge against my own people-but it is true.” “Traitor! traitor!—traitor + to South Carolina,” was sounded at the top of a dozen voices. + </p> + <p> + “Then, if I am such in your opinions, I'm gratified to know that my + feelings are my own. Good-night!” + </p> + <p> + Thus saying, he withdrew from the party, and making his way for the door, + was saluted by George, who introduced him to his friend, the Captain. The + colonel was a very sociable, communicative man; and taking the Captain's + arm, as they walked along, entered into an interesting conversation about + his voyage and first visit to the city, at the same time displaying his + good sense in not trying to force the great things of South Carolina into + his mind. + </p> + <p> + We, a few weeks afterward, had the good fortune to hear the legal + abilities of this gentleman displayed in a plea at the bar. There were + many good points in it, which, if not legally pointed, were said well; yet + we should class him as belonging to the loud school. + </p> + <p> + The Captain, thinking it a good opportunity to make some inquiries about + his steward, as they proceeded, commenced in the following manner: + </p> + <p> + “Your laws are very stringent in South Carolina, I believe, sir!” + </p> + <p> + “Well, no sir,” said the colonel, “if we except those which govern the + niggers; they of necessity must be so; we have had so many emeutes with + them, that no law can be made too strict in its bearings. We have so many + bad niggers poured in upon us, that the whole class is becoming + corrupted.” + </p> + <p> + “Your laws, of course, make a distinction between good and bad niggers, + and free negroes?” interposed the Captain. + </p> + <p> + “We make no distinction between the colors—some are as white as you + are; but the grades are so complex that it would be impossible to make a + sliding-scale law for any fixed complexions. The law which governs them is + distinctive and comprehensive-made in order to shield the white population + from their ignorance of law and evidence. We never could govern them in + their respective spheres, unless the laws were made stringent in their + effect. As for the free niggers, they're the greatest nuisance we have; it + is our policy to get rid of them, and to that end we tax them severely. + The riddance of this class of niggers would be an essential benefit to our + slaves, as upon account of their influence our negro-laws are made more + stringent. And the worst of it is that they increase faster. But we make + it a principal point to get all the free men we can married to slaves, and + the free women run off. You, that are accustomed to the free institutions + of your country, may think some of these things singular at first; but you + would soon become accustomed to them, and would really admire them when + you saw how beautifully they worked.” + </p> + <p> + “Is there no discretionary power left?” inquired the Captain. “It must be + oppressive, if carried out; Good men-whether they be white or black-are + entitled to the advantages due them; but where laws such as you describe + are carried out, a good man's evidence being black, the intention could + not be made white. Now, according to my idea of the law of nature, a man's + merits are in his moral integrity and behaviour; therefore I should + establish the rule that a good black man was better than a bad white man, + and was as much entitled to the respect and government of law.” + </p> + <p> + “Hi!—oh! Captain; it won't do to talk so in South Carolina. Just let + a nigger imagine himself as good as a white man, and all the seven codes + in Christendom wouldn't keep 'em under. Ah! you've got to learn a thing or + two about niggers yet,” interrupted Master George, before the Colonel had + time to speak. + </p> + <p> + “I only speak from my observation of human nature; but I may become better + acquainted with your laws, if I remain among you,” said the Captain. + </p> + <p> + “As I have said before sir,” replied the Colonel, “our nigger-laws are + such as to require a strict enforcement. If we allowed the prerogative of + a discretionary power, it would open the way to an endless system of + favoritism, just at the mercy and feelings of those exercising it. As it + is now, the white or black nigger, male or female, gets the same law and + the same penalty. We make no distinction even at the paddle-gallows. The + paddle-gallows is a frame with two uprights, and a wrench screw at the + top. The negro's hands are secured in iron wristlets-similar to handcuffs; + a rope is then attached to an eye in these, and passing over the wrench, + which being turned, the negro is raised in an agonizing position until the + tips of his toes scarcely touch the floor. Thus suspended, with the skin + stretched to its utmost tension, it not unfrequently parts at the first + blow of the paddle. Sometimes the feet are secured, when the effect of + this modern science of demonstrating the tension of the human body for + punishment becomes more painful under the paddle. South Carolinians deny + this mode of punishment generally, and never allow strangers to witness + it. It is not, as some writers have stated, practised in Georgia, where, + we are happy to say, that so far as punishment is conducted in a legal + manner, at the jails and prisons, it is administered in a humane manner; + and instead of turning modern barbarity into a science, as is, done in + South Carolina, a strict regard for the criminal is observed. I will + relate some singular facts connected with the strictness with which we + South Carolinians carry out our laws. And now that we are on the spot + connected with it, its associations are more forcibly impressed on my + mind. It brings with it many painful remembrances, and, were we + differently situated, I should wish the cause to be removed. But it cannot + be, and we must carry out the law without making allowances, for in these + little leniencies all those evils which threaten the destruction of our + peculiar institution creep in. In fact, Captain, they are points of law + upon which all our domestic quietude stands; and as such, we are bound to + strengthen our means of enforcing them to the strictest letter. Our laws + are founded upon the ancient wisdom of our forefathers, and South Carolina + has never traduced herself or injured her legal purity. We have reduced + our system almost to a practical science, so complete in its bearings and + points of government as to be worthy the highest and noblest purposes of + our country. And at the same time, such is the spirit and magnanimity of + our people, that in framing laws to guard against the dangerous influences + of that wing of our country that spreads its ambitious fallacies—its + tempting attractions-shallow criticisms upon minute and isolated + cases-redundant theories without measure or observation, and making a + standard for the government of slaves upon foolish and capricious + prejudices, we have been careful to preserve a conservative moderation + toward the slave. But, to my remarks.” + </p> + <p> + The party had now arrived opposite to what was formerly known as Jones's + Hotel, where the Colonel made a halt to relate the singular case that had + pained his feelings, though he held very tenaciously to the law as it was, + because he believed strongly in the wisdom of the South Carolina + judiciary. + </p> + <p> + “Our first and great object is to prevent the interchange of sentiment + between our domestic niggers, whether bond or free, and niggers who reside + abroad or have left our State; To do this, it became imperative to + establish a law prohibiting free negroes from coming into the State, and + those in the State from going out, under penalty of imprisonment and fine, + if they returned. The penalty amounted to sale upon a peon form; and + subjected the offender to the slave system in a manner that he seldom + retrieved himself. You will observe, Captain, the penalty is not desired + by our people, the object being to prevent them from returning, and as + such it must be taken in the spirit of its origin. Another very wise + provision was made by our legislators, and which has prevented a great + deal of suffering on the part of the slave. A few years ago, our wise + legislature made a law to revert the power of emancipation from the board + of magistrates where it had been very much abused, to the House itself. + And such is the law at the present day, that no master can give his slaves + their freedom, except by special act of the legislature, and that with + such a multiplicity of provisions and conditions that few even attempt it. + But I'm about to refer to cases in which some modification might be said + to have been necessary, because in them are embodied the worst germs for + abolition speculation. + </p> + <p> + “That, Captain, is Jones's Hotel,” said the Colonel, pointing to an + odd-looking house of antique and mixed architecture, with a large convex + window above the hall-entrance, in the second story. This house is + situated in Broad street, next to the aristocratic St. Michael's Church, + one of the most public places in the city. “In years past, that house was + kept by Jones, a free nigger. Jones was almost white, a fine + portly-looking man, active, enterprising, intelligent, honest to the + letter, and whose integrity and responsibility was never doubted. He lived + in every way like a white man, and, I think, with few exceptions, never + kept company with even bright folks. His house was unquestionably the best + in the city, and had a widespread reputation. Few persons of note ever + visited Charleston without putting up at Jones's, where they found, not + only the comforts of a private house, but a table spread with every luxury + that the county afforded. The Governor always put up at Jones's; and when + you were travelling abroad, strangers would speak of the sumptuous fare at + Jones's in Charleston, and the elegance and correctness of his house. But + if his house and fare were the boast of Carolinians, and the remark of + strangers, his civility and courteous attention could not be outdone. + Jones continued in the popularity of his house for many years, reared a + beautiful, intelligent, and interesting family; at the same time + accumulated about forty thousand dollars. The most interesting part of his + family was three beautiful daughters, the eldest of whom was married to a + person now in New York. She was fairer than seven-eighths of those ladies + who term themselves aristocracy in Charleston, and promenade King street + in the afternoon. + </p> + <p> + “She removed to New York with her husband, who now resides in that city, + engaged in lucrative and respectable business. A short time after, her + second sister-not dreaming that the law would be so stringent as to class + her with the lowest nigger, or even lay its painful bearings at her door; + for the family were very high-minded, and would have considered themselves + grossly insulted to have the opprobrious name of nigger applied to + them-paid her a visit. The public became acquainted with the fact, and to + his surprise, Jones was informed by authority that upon no condition could + she be allowed to return-that the law was imperative, and no consideration + could be given to the circumstances, for such would be virtually + destroying its validity, and furnishing a precedent that would be followed + by innumerable cases. In spite of all the remonstrances which Jones could + set forth, and the influence of several friends of high standing, he was + compelled to relinquish all hope of his daughter's being allowed to return + to the family. The reasoning set forth had every plausibility; but such is + our respect for the law, that we were compelled to forego our hospitality, + and maintain it, even though the case was painful to our feelings. Thus, + you see, we maintain the point and spirit of the law above every thing + else. + </p> + <p> + “But the end is not here! A few years after this, Jones received a letter, + that his daughter was very sick and not expected to live-accompanied with + a desire to have the last soothing comfort of seeing her parents. Jones + being an affectionate man, and dotingly fond of his children, without + regarding the former admonition, immediately prepared himself, and left in + disguise for New York. Mature consideration would have convinced him of + the error of one so well known as himself trying to elude recognition. + </p> + <p> + “His son-in-law, Lee, a noble fellow, kept the house, and when Jones was + inquired for, it was reported that he was confined to his room. It would + have been well if Jones had kept himself secluded in New York; but he was + recognised by a Charlestonian, and, as such reports have uncommon wings, + the news of it soon reached the authorities; when a mandate was issued + accordingly, and Jones subjected to the fate of his daughter. There are + many painful circumstances connected with the affair, which, if well told, + would make quite a romance,” said the Colonel, all of which the Captain + listened to with profound attention. “His family all moved to New York, + and his affairs were put into the hands of attorneys here, for settlement, + by his son-in-law, who continued the business for some years.” + </p> + <p> + “Of course he got his property restored to him?” interrupted the Captain. + </p> + <p> + “Most certainly, Captain! The spirit of justice is coequal with that of + honorable law, in South Carolina,” said George, anxious to relieve the + Colonel of the answer. + </p> + <p> + “It is somewhat difficult to settle a man's business by legal process when + the principal is not present. The law's delay and lawyers' spoils make + time hallowed and costly,” said the Captain. + </p> + <p> + “You're right there, Captain,” said the Colonel; “and I doubt-to speak + honestly-whether Jones ever got much of his property. There's a good many + stories told, and a great deal of mystery about it that's got to be + explained to my mind. But you're a stranger, Captain, and it would not be + interesting to the feelings of a Scotchman. I may give you the details + more minutely at some future day.” + </p> + <p> + “Why, Colonel!” said George, “you should be considerate in your + statements. Remember the immense difficulty that has attended Jones's + affairs-they're not all settled yet.” + </p> + <p> + “True, George; and I'm afraid they never will be;—but there are some + very singular appearances connected with it. I mean no personal disrespect + toward those cousins of yours who have figured in the case. 'Tis bad to + call names, but there is a mystery about a certain member of our + profession getting rich, when poor Jones declares he's got nothing, and + Lee has had to give up the house,—I don't say what for.” * * * + </p> + <p> + “Yes, strange things must be kept strangely secret in some parts of the + world, and only whispered when there's no wind,” said the Captain. + </p> + <p> + “But that's the only case, Captain,” said George; “and the Colonel was + indiscreet in recounting it; for from that you may conceive wrong + impressions of the best institutions and laws in the world. Jones was an + old fool, led away by his nigger-like affections for them gals of his. He + never knew when he was well off, and always wanted to be with white folk + when he was here. 'Twould been a great deal better if he'd let them + youngest gals gone with Pingree and Allston. They'd have made the tip-top + mistresses—been kept like ladies, and not been bothered, and brought + all this trouble upon their heads through these infernal abolitionists. I + really believe the old fool thought some white man would marry them at one + time.” + </p> + <p> + “What harm would there've been in that, providing they're as white as + anybody, and got plenty of money, and were handsome? There must be a + singular sensibility, that I don't understand, exerting itself in your + society,” said the Captain laconically. + </p> + <p> + “Harm! You'd find out the harm. Just live in South Carolina a year or two. + 'Tisn't the fair complexion-we don't dispute that-but it's the blood.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh! then the legal objection,” said the Captain, “is what is so revolting + to society, eh! It may be sown broadcast in licentiousness, then, and + custom sustains an immoral element that is devouring the essential bond of + society.” + </p> + <p> + “Excuse me, Captain,” interrupted the Colonel. “George, you are always + taking me upon suppositions. I only related it to the Captain in order to + show the power and integrity of our law, and how South Carolinians + frequently sacrifice their own interests to maintain it intact. Nothing + could be more fatal to its vitality than to make provisions which would + entail legal preferences. The law in regard to free niggers leaving the + State should be looked upon in the light of protection rather than + alienation, for it is made to protect property and society. Yet where a + case is attended with such circumstances as that of Jones's, some + disposition to accommodate might have been evinced without endangering the + State's sovereignty. And I must also differ with you, George, so far as + the girls maintained their self-respect. It was commendable in them to get + husbands whom they could live with in the bonds of matrimony. My word for + it, George, though I am a Southerner, and may give rein to improprieties + at times, nothing can be more pernicious to our society than this + destructive system of our first people in keeping mistresses. It's a + source of misery at best, depending upon expediency instead of obligation, + and results in bringing forth children and heirs with an entailed burden + upon their lives, to be disowned, cast off from paternal rights, and left + to the tender mercies of the law. We see the curse, yet countenance it-and + while it devours domestic affections and has cankered the core of social + obligations, we look upon it as a flowery garden as we pass by the + wayside.. There may be but a shadow between the rightful heir and the + doubtful son-the former may enjoy the bounty of his inheritance, but the + latter is doomed to know not his sire nor his kinsman, but to suffer the + doubts and fears and the dark gloom which broods over a bondman's life.” + </p> + <p> + “By-je-w-hu! Colonel, what in scissors are you preaching about. You must + a' got a pull too much at Bakers's. You're giving vent to real abolition + sentiments. Exercise your knowledge of the provision that is made for such + children. The Captain will certainly draw incorrect notions about us,” + said George, with anxiety pictured on his countenance. He knew the + Colonel's free, open, and frank manner of expressing himself, and feared + lest the famous name of the chivalry should suffer from his unconscious + disclosures. + </p> + <p> + “Provisions! George, you know my feelings concerning that vice which is so + universally practised in our community. If you know of any provision, it's + more than I do. Perhaps you are older and have had more experience. 'Tis + the want of such a provision that is just destroying our institution of + slavery!” + </p> + <p> + At this juncture the Captain interrupted them, and begging that the + Colonel would finish the story about Jones, said he had a few questions to + ask them after it was through. + </p> + <p> + “Well,” said the Colonel, “Jones died, I believe; but his family are as + industrious as ever, and have made money enough to live comfortable; but + the scamps have turned out perfect helpmates of the abolitionists, and + make their intelligence figure at the bottom of many an escape. But Lee's + case is as hard as Jones's. His son went to New York to see his + grandfather, and was debarred by the same statute of limitations. Lee, + however, was a very capable fellow, and after trying for two years, and + finding it would be impossible to return to his father, very shrewdly set + about some kind of business, and is now largely engaged in the preserve + and pickle business. Lee's celebrated pickle and preserve establishment, + New York. The father is now in this city, making a living for his family + at something or other. He has made several efforts to sell out his little + property, but there's some trouble about the title; and if he leaves it to + go and see his son, he knows what the consequences will be; and to leave + it for settlement would be to abandon it, to the same fate that swallowed + up Jones's. Thus the son cannot come to visit his father, nor the father + go to visit the son. This, in my opinion, is carrying a prohibition to an + extreme point; and although I believe the law should be maintained, I + cannot believe that any good arises from it upon such people as the + Jones's and Lee's, from the very fact that they never associated with + niggers. Hence, where there is no grounds for fear there can be no cause + for action,” continued the Colonel. + </p> + <p> + “Just what I wanted to know,” said the Captain. “As I informed you, I am + driven into your port in distress. Charleston, as you are aware, is in an + advantageous latitude for vessels to refit that have met with those + disasters which, are frequent in the gulf and among the Bahamas. Thus I + expected to find good facilities here, without any unkind feeling on the + part of the people”— + </p> + <p> + “Oh! bless me, Captain, you will find us the most hospitable people in the + world,” said the Colonel. + </p> + <p> + “But your pilot told me I would have trouble with my steward, and that the + law would make no distinction between his being cast upon your shores in + distress and subject to your sympathy, and his coming in voluntarily.” + </p> + <p> + “What!” said little George. “Is he a nigger, Captain? Old Grimshaw's just + as sure to nab him as you're a white man. He'll buy and sell a saint for + the fees, and gives such an extended construction to the terms of the act + that you need expect no special favor at his hands. The law's no fiction + with him. I'm sorry, Captain: you may judge his conduct as an index of + that of our people, and I know him so well that I fear the consequences.” + </p> + <p> + “No!” said the Captain. “My steward is a Portuguese, a sort of mestino, + and one of the best men that ever stepped foot aboard a vessel. He is + willing, intelligent, always ready to do his duty, and is a great favorite + with his shipmates, and saves his wages like a good man-but he is olive + complexion, like a Spaniard. He has sailed under the British flag for a + great many years, has been 'most all over the world, and is as much + attached to the service as if he was a Londoner, and has got a register + ticket. Nothing would pain my feelings more than to see him in a prison, + for I think he has as proud a notion of honesty as any man I've seen, and + I know he wouldn't commit a crime that would subject him to imprisonment + for the world. The boys have been pestering the poor fellow, and telling + him about some old fellow they heard the pilot speak about, called Norman + Gadsden; they tell him if he catches him they'll sell him for a slave.” + </p> + <p> + “The question is one about which you need give yourself no concern. Our + people are not so inhuman but that they will shelter a castaway sailor, + and extend those comforts which are due from all humane people. The act + under which seamen are imprisoned is the law provided to prohibit free + niggers from entering our port, and, in my opinion, was brought into life + for the sake of the fees. It's no more nor less than a tax and restriction + upon commerce, and I doubt whether it was ever the intention of the + framers that it should be construed in this manner. However, so far as + your steward is con-cerned, the question of how far his color will make + him amenable to the law will never be raised; the mere circumstance of his + being a seaman in distress, thrown upon our sympathies, will be all you + need among our hospitable people. I'm not aware of a precedent, but I will + guaranty his safety from a knowledge of the feelings of our people. Our + merchants are, with few exceptions, opposed to the law in this sense, but + such is the power and control of a class of inexperienced legislators, + prompted by a most trifling clique of office-holders, that their voice has + no weight. I am opposed to this system of dragging people into courts of + law upon every pretext. It is practised too much in our city for the good + of its name.” + </p> + <p> + Upon this the Colonel and little George accompanied the Captain to his + ship, and, expressing their heartfelt regrets at her appearance, bid him + good-night-George promising to call upon him in the morning, and the + Colonel charging him to give himself no trouble about his steward, that he + would see Mr. Grimshaw that night, and make all things straight. + </p> + <p> + Thus ended the Captain's first night in Charleston, and represented a + picture from which he might have drawn conclusions somewhat different from + the actual result. Alas! that all the good fellowship and pleasant + associations of a people should be disgraced by an absurdity arising from + their fears. + </p> + <p> + The Colonel might have given many other instances equally as painful as + that connected with the transportation of Jones and his family, and the + fetters that were placed upon poor Lee. He might have instanced that of + Malcome Brown, a wealthy, industrious, honest, high-minded, and + straightforward man, now living at Aiken, in South Carolina. Brown + conducts a profitable mechanical business, is unquestionably the best + horticulturist in the State, and produces the best fruit brought to the + Charleston market. What has he done to be degraded in the eyes of the law? + Why is he looked upon as a dangerous citizen and his influence feared? Why + is he refused a hearing through those laws which bad white men take the + advantage of? He is compelled to submit to those which were made to govern + the worst slaves! And why is he subjected to that injustice which gives + him no voice in his own behalf when the most depraved whites are his + accusers? Can it be the little crimp that is in his hair? for he has a + fairer skin than those who make laws to oppress him. If he inhaled the + free atmosphere from abroad, can it be that there is contagion in it, and + Malcome Brown is the dreaded medium of its communication? And if the + statement rung in our ears be true, “that the free colored of the North + suffer while the slave is cared for and comfortable,” why belie ourselves? + Malcome's influence is, and always has been, with the whites, and + manifestly good in the preservation of order and obedience on the part of + the slaves. He pursues his avocation with spirit and enterprise, while he + is subjected to menial and oppressive laws. His father visited New York, + and was forbidden to return. He appealed again and again, set forth his + claims and his integrity to the State and her laws, but all was of no + avail. He was hopelessly banished, as it were, from ever seeing his son + again, unless that son would sacrifice his property and submit to + perpetual banishment from the State. If we reflect upon the many paternal + associations that would gladden the hearts of father and child to meet in + happy affection, we may realize the effect of that law which makes the + separation painful and which denies even the death-bed scene its last + cheering consolation. + </p> + <p> + We have conversed with poor Brown on many occasions, found him a very + intelligent man, full of humour, and fond of relating incidents in the + history of his family-even proud of his good credit in Charleston. He + frequently speaks of his father and the gratifying hope of meeting him at + some future day, when he can give vent to his feelings in bursts of + affection. He wants his father to return and live with him, because he + says he knows they would be more happy together. “I suppose the law was + made in justice, and it's right for me to submit to it,” he would say when + conversing upon its stringency; and it also seems a sort of comfort to him + that he is not the only sufferer. + </p> + <p> + If South Carolina would awake to her own interest, she would find more to + fear from the stringency of her own laws than from the influence of a few + men coming from abroad. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0010" id="link2HCH0010"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER X. THE PROSPECT DARKENING. + </h2> + <p> + AFTER the Colonel and little George left the Captain, as we have stated in + the foregoing chapter, he descended into the cabin, and found Manuel + sitting upon one of the lockers, apparently in great anxiety. He, however, + waited for the mate to speak before he addressed the Captain. The mate + awoke and informed the Captain that a slender, dark-complexioned man had + been aboard a few minutes after he left, making particular inquiries about + the steward; that he spoke like an official man, was dressed in black + clothes, and wore spectacles. + </p> + <p> + “I asked him if we'd have any trouble with Manuel, and tried to make him + understand that he wasn't a black, and that our situation might excuse us + from any annoyance through their peculiar laws. But the old chap seemed + mighty stupid about every thing, and talked just as if he didn't know any + thing about nothing. 'A nigger's a nigger in South Carolina,' said he + dryly, and inquired for a quid of tobacco, which I handed him, and he took + one big enough for six. Said I, 'Mister, do you call a man a nigger what's + a Portugee and a'n't black?' 'It depends on how he was born,' says he. + 'Well, but ye can't make a white man a nigger nohow, whether it's in South + Carolina or Scotland,' says I. 'Well, we don't stand upon such things + here; we can show you niggers as white as you be, Mr. Mate,' says he. + 'But, Mister, what's to do about our steward, that ye make yer inquiries + about him; he ha'n't did nothing,' said I. 'Well, Mr. Mate; it's contrary + to law to bring nigger stewards into our port. They're a bad set of + fellows generally, and we claim the right to lock 'em up to insure their + good behavior and keep their bad influence away from our slaves. 'Tis not + my office. I observed your arrival and wrecked condition, and merely came + to take a look,' said he. 'Well now, Mister, our steward thinks as much of + himself as anybody and wouldn't mix with your niggers on any account. But + Mister! won't it make a difference because we're cast upon your shore in + distress,' says I. 'Not a whit! it's contrary to law, and the law's got + nothing to do with wind and weather. We love the sovereignty of our law + too well to make any discrimination. We're a hospitable people, and always + give folks plenty to eat, but we never allow any favors in the law. I'll + call and see you in the morning,' said he, and away he went.” + </p> + <p> + This individual was Mr. Grimshaw, the principal mover of the powers that + be, notwithstanding he asserted that it was not his office, and that he + just walked round to take a look. + </p> + <p> + During his visit on board, Manuel was absent on board a Boston bark, where + he met a white steward, who gave him a sad picture of the Charleston jail + and the cruel treatment that was inflicted upon prisoners there by + starvation. He told him that he was once put in for a trifling offence, + and nearly starved to death before he got out. “You will be sure to go + there, Manuel,” said he, “for they make no distinction; and if a man's a + foreigner, and can't speak for himself, he'll stand no chance at all. I'd + give 'em the slip afore I'd suffer such another punishment,” he continued. + </p> + <p> + This so worked upon the poor fellow's mind, that it became a matter of + little moment whether he jumped overboard or remained on the ship. He + waited until the mate had concluded, and commenced appealing to the + Captain in a most pitiful manner. The disgrace of being imprisoned seemed + worse than the punishment; and he did not seem to comprehend the intention + that he should be imprisoned for no crime in the United States, when he + had sailed around the world and visited a majority of its ports, both + barbarous and civilized, without molestation. He wanted the Captain to pay + him off and let him leave by some vessel in the morning. The Captain + endeavored to soothe his fears by assuring him that there was no danger of + his being imprisoned; that the people of Charleston had too much good + feeling in them to be cruel to a distressed sailor; that the power of the + consul was a sufficient guarantee of protection. “You are not among + Patagonians, Manuel,” said he. “There's no use of working your mind into a + fever, you'll be as well taken care of here and be thought as much of as + you would in London.” This assurance had the effect to soothe his mind, + upon which he left the cabin more at ease, and went into the forecastle to + turn in with his little companion Tommy. Men had been detailed for the + pumps as soon as the flood-tide made, and the Captain retired to his + berth. + </p> + <p> + It seemed there was a mutual understanding between the pilots and officers + in regard to the arrival of colored stewards; and the pilot, after leaving + the vessel, went directly to Mr. Grimshaw's office and reported a nut for + him to crack: this brought him to the wharf to “look around.” + </p> + <p> + Early in the morning the crew were at their duty. The mate commenced + giving orders to clear away the deck, and Manuel to make preparations for + breakfast. He had scarcely commenced before two men, Messrs. Dunn and + Dusenberry walked up and down the wharf for several minutes, then they + would stand together and gaze as if to watch the approach of some vessel + in the offing. At length, Dusenberry, seeing Manuel come to the gangway + with a bucket in his hand, walked to her side, and, stepping on board, + seized him by the collar, and drawing a paper from his pocket, said, + “You're my prisoner! you must go to jail-come, be quick, sir; you must not + stop to get your things; you must send for them after you're committed.” + </p> + <p> + The mate and several of the crew being near, at once gathered around him. + At the same time Dunn, who was standing at the end of the wharf awaiting + the result, thinking Dusenberry was opposed, came to his assistance. The + officers and crew knew the respect due to the laws too well to oppose any + obstacles to the constables in executing their duty. The mate, in a very + polite manner, asked as a favor that they would leave the man a few + minutes until the Captain came on deck. They yielded to his solicitation + after a great deal of grumbling. The arrest made a deep feeling among the + seamen, but none felt it more than little Tommy; he heard the noise upon + deck, and came running with tears in his eyes, and cried, “Oh! Manuel, why + Manuel, what are they going to take you away for? Won't I see you again, + Manuel?” The little fellow's simplicity touched the feelings of all + present. But the lame officer, Dunn, stood with a pair of handcuffs in his + hand, as unmoved as a stoic, while Dusenberry expressed his impatience, + and began to push the boy away, and motion to march him off. + </p> + <p> + “Hold a bit!” said the mate. “The Captain will be on deck in a few + minutes; he wants a word or two with you.” + </p> + <p> + “We can't stop unless we're compensated for our time. 'Tis no use to + delay-'twon't do any good; he's a nigger to all intents and purposes. I + know by the curl in his hair-they can't escape me, I've had too much to do + with them!” said Dunn. “Yes, to be sure, I can tell a nigger by his ear, + if his skin's as white as chalk!” said Dusenberry. “It's all gammon this + bringing bright outlandish men here, and trying to pass them off for white + folks. 'Twon't stick-you must come up and be registered, and you'll have a + good time at the jail, my boy; there's plenty of bright gals in there, and + you can have a wife, if you know how to do the courting.” + </p> + <p> + The Captain now came upon deck; and began to intercede, begging that they + would not take Manuel away until he had seen the British Consul. “I know I + can make every thing straight. There is no occasion to imprison my + steward-he's neither a nigger nor a bad man; and I'll pledge you my honor + that he shall not leave the ship, or even go upon the wharf, if you will + only allow me to see the Consul before you take any further action,” he + continued. + </p> + <p> + “That is beyond our power, sir; you must see the sheriff-you'll find him + in his office bright and early. But you might as well put your appeal in + your pocket, or send it to Queen Victoria, for all Consul Mathew can do + for you. He's been kicking up a fuss for two years; but he might as well + whistle agin a brickbat as to talk his nonsense about English niggers to + South Carolina. He'll get tarred and feathered yet, if he a'n't mighty shy + about his movements. Sorry, Captain, we can't accommodate you, but we're + only actin' for the sheriff, and his orders are imperative to bring him + right up. We must lock the fellow up. We don't make the law, nor we ha'n't + the power to control it.” Thus saying, Dunn took a little key from his + pocket and begun to turn it in the handcuffs. + </p> + <p> + “What!” said the Captain-“don't attempt to put them things on my man, upon + your peril. Is that the way you treat a poor shipwrecked sailor in South + Carolina, the State of boasted hospitality? No, sir! I will sacrifice my + life before my man shall submit to such a thing,” said the Captain, with + his Scotch energy aroused. + </p> + <p> + “Captain!” said Dunn, “we'd not be takin' the advantage of ye because + ye're a stranger, but 'tis the law; and if we accommodates ye, sure it'll + be at our own risk. But anyhow, Captain, ye'd be keepin' meself an' this + gentleman a long time waiting, 'twouldn't be amiss to be giving us the + usual perquisite. You won't miss it, and we've a great deal to do for + small fees, that niver compinsate for the accommodation we be's to give + everybody-an' the loss of time's the loss of money.” + </p> + <p> + “Give you a perquisite!—no, indeed; I never pay for such favors. + Wait a few moments; I will accompany you myself, if you will not take my + honor for his good conduct on the way to prison,” continued the Captain. + </p> + <p> + “Captain, sure ye needn't trouble yerself anyhow; we'll take yer honor + that he don't run away, and if he does ye'll stand the odds at the + sheriff's. Sure a case would niver pass Mr. Grimshaw s observation; but to + plase ye, and considerin' the wreck, meself and Dusenberry 'll put him up + without,” said Dunn. + </p> + <p> + During the conversation, Manuel plead hard to be heard before the Consul, + having a mistaken idea that the Consul could protect him from all danger; + and that if he could get a hearing before him, he was sure to be released. + The Captain shook his hand and told him to be contented until the Consul's + office opened, when he would come to the jail and see him. Manuel then + turned to the crew, and shaking the hands of each, took his little bundle + in one hand, and holding little Tommy by the other, (who accompanied him + to the head of the wharf,) was soon out of sight. + </p> + <p> + But will the reader believe what was the practice of these petty officers? + We can assure them that such instances as the one we shall relate are not + only practised in Charleston to an unlimited extent, but the fact is well + known to both magistrates and the public; the former treat it as + moonshine, and the latter rail against it, but never take proper action. + </p> + <p> + Scarcely had little Tommy left them at the head of the wharf, before they + intimated that it would be well to consider a morning dram. To this end, + they walked into a “Dutch corner shop,” and passing into the back room, + gave sundry insinuations that could not be misunderstood. “Well! come, who + pays the shot?” said Dunn, stepping up to the counter, and crooking his + finger upon his nose at a dumpling-faced Dutchman, who stood behind the + counter, waiting for his man to name it. The Dutchman was very short and + very thick, leaving the impression that he had been very much depressed in + his own country when young. He rubbed his hands and flirted his fingers in + motion of anxiety, “Every ting vat de shentleman vant him—dare notin + like to my zin and brondty vat him got mit ze zity,” said Dutchy. + </p> + <p> + “Gentlemen, I should be glad to have you drink with me, if it be proper to + ask,” said Manuel. + </p> + <p> + “Oh! yes—certainly, yes!—just what we come for, something to + cut away the cobwebs—'twouldn't do to go out in the morning fog + without a lining,” said Dunn. + </p> + <p> + “Name it! name it! shentlemen,” exclaimed the Dutchman, as he rapped his + fingers upon the counter, and seemed impatient to draw forth his filthy + stuff. They named their drinks, each with a different name. Manuel not + being a Charleston graduate in the profession of mixing drinks and + attaching slang names to them, Mr. Dusenberry undertook to instruct him in + a choice. The Dutchman was an adept at mixing, and the “morning pulls” + were soon set out to the extreme satisfaction of Dunn and Dusenberry. “All + right! tip her down, my old fellow; none o' yer screwed faces over such + liquor as that. We drink on the legitimate, in Charleston, and can put it + down until we see stars,” said Dusenberry, addressing himself to Manuel, + who was making a wry face, while straining to swallow the cut-throat + stuff. + </p> + <p> + Dusenberry now left Manuel in charge of Dunn, saying he was going out to + attend to some business. Manuel drew from his pocket a quarter of a + Colombian doubloon, and throwing it upon the counter, told the Dutchman to + give him change. The Dutchman picked it up, turned it over several times, + and squinting at it, inquired, in a very unpretending manner, what its + value was. He knew already, yet this was only done to try Manuel. At the + same moment he winked to Dunn, who, stepping up, gave it a significant + toss upon the counter. “The divil a bit more than two dollars; all right, + Swizer,” said he. + </p> + <p> + “'Tis four dollar, West Inge-I want my change,” said Manuel, shrugging his + shoulders. “I no want no more than my own; and no man to cheat-e me.” + </p> + <p> + “Don't be bothering with your four dollars-sure ye a'n't in the West Inges + now; and money's plenty in Charleston, and I can't bring up so much-half + so much. Don't be bothering with yer West Inge nonsense. If ye try to + raise a fuss here, I'll make the Captain suffer. Ye must learn that it + won't do for a nigger to dispute a white man in Charleston; we'd twitch ye + up by the same law; we'd put it to our own niggers, and ye'd git trised + up, and about fifty paddles on yer bare butt.” The Dutchman put down a + dollar and seventy cents, but Manuel refused to take it up; when this + fellow, Dunn, pretending to be the friend of Manuel, held out his hand, + and telling the bar-keeper to put another dollar, which he did, he passed + it hurriedly into Manuel's hand, and making a pass, told him to put it + into his pocket. + </p> + <p> + It was now about good business time for the Dutchman, and his customers + were coming in with their bottles and pots in great numbers. The place was + a little filthy hole, very black and dirty, about twelve feet long, and + seven feet wide, with a high board counter almost in the centre. The only + stock-in-trade that decorated it, was a few barrels of lager beer; several + kegs, with names to set forth the different qualities of liquors painted + upon them; a bushel basket about half full of onions, and a few salt fish + in a keg that stood by the door. Around the room were several benches + similar to those in guard-houses. Upon two of them were stretched two + ragged and filthy-looking negroes, who looked as if they had been spending + the night in debauchery. Dunn, as if to show his authority, limped toward + them, and commenced fledging their backs with his hickory stick in a most + unmerciful manner, until one poor old fellow, with a lame hand, cried out + for mercy at the top of his voice. + </p> + <p> + “It's a bad business keeping these niggers here all night, Swizer-you know + I've done the clean thing with you several times,” said Dunn, pointing his + finger at the Dutchman; who winked, and coming from behind the counter, + slipped something into his hand, and stepping to the door, assumed some + threatning language against the negroes, should they ever came back to his + store. A large portion of those who came for liquor were negroes, who + looked as if they were parting with their last cent for stimulant, for + they were ragged and dirty, and needed bread more than liquor. Their + condition seemed pitiful in the extreme, and yet the Dutch “corner-shop + keeper” actually got rich from their custom, and so craving was he upon + their patronage, that he treated them with much more courtesy than his + white customers. + </p> + <p> + These “Dutch corner-shops” are notorious places in Charleston, and are + discountenanced by respectable citizens, because they become the + rendezvous of “niggers,” who get into bad habits and neglect their + masters' or mistresses' business. Yet the keepers exert such an influence + at elections, that the officials not only fear them, but in order to + secure their favors, leave their rascality unmolested. Well might a writer + in the Charleston Courier of August 31, 1852, say— + </p> + <p> + “We were astonished, with many others, at the sweeping charges made in the + resolutions passed at the HUTCHINSON meeting at Hatch's Hall, and were + ready to enlist at once to lend our voice to turn out an 'administration' + that for two years permitted 'moral sentiment to be abandoned,' + 'truthfulness disregarded,' 'reverence for religion obliterated,' + 'protection to religious freedom refused,' 'licentiousness allowed,' 'and + a due administration for vice, neglected.'” These charges stand unrefuted, + and with but one or two exceptions, we have never known one of those + unlawful corner shops prosecuted by the present administration. And those + single instances only where they were driven to notice the most flagrant + abuses. + </p> + <p> + It is strictly “contrary to law in Charleston,” to sell liquor to a negro + without an order from a white man; the penalty being fine and + imprisonment. Yet, so flagrant has become the abuse, that it is notorious + that hush-money is paid by a certain class of Dutch liquor-sellers to the + officers. In nearly all the streets of Charleston, where there is a shanty + or nook large enough to hold a counter and some tumblers, these wretches + may be found dealing out their poisonous drugs to a poor, half-starved + class of negroes, who resort to all kinds of dishonest means to get money + to spend at their counters. These places are nearly all kept by + foreigners, whose merciless avarice scruples at nothing, however mean. + They soon become possessed of considerable means, and through their + courtesy and subserviency to the negro-for they are the only class of + whites that will beg his pardon, if they have offended him-carry on a sort + of active rivalry with each other for his custom. It is from these + miserable hells that seven-tenths of the crimes arise for which the poor + negro is dragged to the work-house and made to suffer under the paddle. + </p> + <p> + And yet these very men, whose connivance at vice and crime is disregarded + by the law, rise and take position in society-not only entering into more + respectable business-but joining in that phalanx who are seeking the + life-blood of the old Southerner, and like a silent moth, working upon his + decay. There is a deep significance in the answer so frequently given in + Charleston to the interrogatory, “Who lives in that splendid dwelling-it + seems to have been the mansion of a prince, but is somewhat decayed?” + </p> + <p> + “Oh! bless me, yes! It was once the mansion of the So-and-sos, one of the + first families, but they're very poor now. Mr. What-you-may-call-em owns + it now-they say he didn't get it honestly. He kept a little grog-shop on + the Bay, or sold bacon and whisky on the Bay, and made awful charges + against poor So-and-so, and after a long trial in Chancery he got his + house. He's a big fellow; now, I tell you, and is going to fit the house + up for himself!” + </p> + <p> + Dunn told Manuel to be seated, that there was no occasion for hurrying; it + would be all right if he got to the sheriffs office at nine o'clock; and + then commenced descanting upon the fine time he would have at the jail. + “There's a right good lot of comrades there, me boy; ye'll have fiddling + and dancing, plenty of gals, and a jolly time; and ye a'n't a criminal, ye + know, so it won't be any thing at all, only keep up a stiff under-lip. + Come, let us take another drink; I feel mighty husky this morning!” said + he. + </p> + <p> + Just at this time Dusenberry re-entered, puffing and blowing as if he had + been engaged in a foot-race. “Another bird for old Grimshaw, at Commercial + Wharf! I know'd she had one aboard, 'cause I seed him from the wharf,” + said he, in perfect ecstasy, pulling out a pencil and making a note in a + little book. + </p> + <p> + “Don't be a child,” said Dunn. “Come, we have just proposed another drink; + you join of course; ye niver says no,—eh, Duse?” They stepped to the + counter, and Dunn, again, pointing his finger upon his nose at the + Dutchman, who stood with his hands spread upon the counter, called for gin + and bitters, Stoughton light. Turning to Manuel, who was sitting upon a + bench with his head reclined upon his hand, apparently in deep meditation, + he took him by the collar in a rude manner, and dragging him to the + counter, said, “Come, by the pipers, rouse up your spirits, and don't be + sulking, my old Portugee; take another O-be-joyful, and it'll put ye all + right, and ye'll dance a hornpipe like a jim-crack.” + </p> + <p> + “Excuse me, sir; I think I have taken enough; do, please, either take me + back to my vessel, or where you are going to. This is no place for me!” + said Manuel. + </p> + <p> + “Sure, what signifies; don't be talking your botheration here; a nigger + musn't sauce a white man. Come, there's no use backing out; you must take + a glass of Swizer's lager beer,” said Dunn. + </p> + <p> + Manuel looked around him, and then closing up very reluctantly, the + Dutchman filled his glass with frothy beer, and the three touched glasses + and drank. They then retired to a bench and commenced discussing the + propriety of some point of their official privileges, while Manuel was + left standing at the counter. + </p> + <p> + “Who pay de drink vat shu get?” inquired the Dutchman, anxious to serve + two little niggers who had just come in with bottles in their hands. + </p> + <p> + “It was our friend's treat; come, my good fellow, do the clean thing + according to Southern science. We'll put a good word in for you to the + jailer; you won't lose nothing by it,” said Dusenberry. + </p> + <p> + “My friends, I work hard for my money, and have none to spend foolishly. + The small amount is of little consequence, but I would much sooner make + you a present of it, than to be drugged by pretence. I've no desire to + indulge the propensities of others. Whatever you are going to do with me, + do it; and let me know my fate. I am sick and fatigued, and have need for + the doctor. Take me to a prison or where you please. I have done no crime; + I want sleep, not punishment. Next time I shipwrecked, I get plank and go + overboard 'fore I cum to Charleston.” So saying, he pulled out fifty cents + and threw it upon the counter, and the Dutchman swept it into the drawer, + as if it was all right, and “just the change.” + </p> + <p> + “Shut up, you black rascal, you; you musn't talk that way in South + Carolina; we'll have you stretched on the frame and paddled for insolence + to a white man. D—n me, if you're in such a hurry for it, just come + along,” said Dusenberry; and reaching his hand over to Dunn, took the + handcuffs from him and attempted to put them on Manuel's wrists. The poor + fellow struggled and begged for more than ten minutes, and was wellnigh + overpowering them, when Dusenberry drew a long dirk-knife from his bosom, + and holding it in a threatening attitude at his breast, uttered one of + those fierce yells such as are common to slave-hunters, whose business it + is to hunt and run down runaway niggers with bloodhounds. “Submit, you + black villain, or I'll have your heart's blood; bring a rope, and we'll + trise him up here. Jump, be quick, Swizer!” said he, addressing himself to + the Dutchman. The Dutchman ran into the front apartment; brought out a + cord similar to a clothes-line; and commenced to undo it. + </p> + <p> + “Do you give up now?” said Dusenberry, still holding the knife pointed at + him. Manuel was in the habit of carrying a poniard when on shore in + foreign countries, and put his hand to his breast-pocket to feel for it. + He remembered that he had left it in his chest, and that resistance would + be useless against a posse giving expression to such hostility to him. The + shackles were put upon his hands with ruffianly force. + </p> + <p> + “Oh! am I a man, or am I a brute? What have I done to receive such + treatment? May God look down upon me and forgive me my transgressions; for + in his hands are my rights, and he will give me justice,” said Manuel, + looking his cruel torturers in the face. + </p> + <p> + “A man! No, by heavens, you're a nigger; an' it's that we'd he teaching + you! Come, none of yer sermons here, trot off! We'll give you a + handkerchief to cover your hands, if you're so d—d delicate about + walking through the streets,” said Dunn, throwing him an old red + handkerchief, and marching him along through Broad street. Dusenberry now + left him entirely in the charge of Dunn; while, as he said, he went to + Adger's Wharf to keep his eye on another vessel that was approaching the + dock. The tricks of this man Dunn were well known to those, connected with + the police and sheriff's office; but, instead of being displaced for his + many offences, he was looked upon by them as the best officer upon the + rolls; and in fishing for mischievous niggers he was held as a perfect + paragon. In this instance he was not contented with the outrages he had + inflicted upon Manuel at the Dutch grog-shop, which he had forced him + into, but he would stop in the public street to hold conversation with + every cove he met, and keep the poor man standing for public gaze, like + chained innocence awaiting the nod of a villain. The picture would have + been complete, if a monster in human form were placed in the foreground + applying the lash, according to the statute laws of South Carolina. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0011" id="link2HCH0011"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XI. THE SHERIFF'S OFFICE. + </h2> + <p> + IT is nine o'clock, on the morning of the 24th March, 1852. Manuel was + marched into the sheriff's office, situated in the court-house, on the + corner of Broad and Meeting streets. A large table stood in the centre of + the room, covered with sundry old papers and an inkstand. At one side was + an old sofa, bearing strong evidence of its being worn out at the expense + of the State. A few pine-wood and painted book-stands, several tip-staffs, + old broken-backed chairs, and last, but not least, a wood-sawyer's + buck-saw, stood here and there in beautiful disorder around the room; + while, as if to display the immense importance of the office, a “cocked” + hat with the judicial sword hung conspicuously above the old sofa. A door + opened upon the left hand, leading into the clerk's office, where the + books and archives of the office were kept. Mr. Kanapeaux, the incumbent, + exhibited a great deal of good feeling, which it would have lost the + sheriff none of his reputation to pattern after, and kept his office in + very respectable order. + </p> + <p> + “Come in 'ere, Manwell, or whatever yer name is,” said Dunn, as he led the + way into the presence of Mr. Grimshaw, the lean, haggard-looking man we + have before described. His dark, craven features, as he sat peering + through his glasses at the morning news, gave him the appearance of a man + of whom little was, to be expected by those who had the misfortune to fall + into his hands. + </p> + <p> + “Ah! Dunn, you are the best officer in the city; 'pon my soul, these + fellows can't escape you! Where did you pick up that nigger?” said he, + with a look of satisfaction. + </p> + <p> + “A fat fee case, Mr. Grimshaw, 'contrary to law;' he's a Portugee nigger. + Never had so much trouble with a nigger in my life; I didn't know but the + fellow was going to preach a sermon. The Captain-he belongs to a wrecked + Englishman-wanted to come the gammon game with him, and pass him for a + white man; but sure he couldn't come that game over meself and Duse, + anyhow,” said Dunn. + </p> + <p> + Without saying a word, Manuel stood up before his accusers, upon this + strange charge of “contrary to law.” + </p> + <p> + As he looked upon his accusers, he said, “What have I done to suffer a + murderer's fate? Am I to be sold as a slave, because of the visitation of + God? I have done no murder! No!—nor have I stolen in your land! and + why did these men decoy me into”— + </p> + <p> + “Silence! silence! You are in the sheriff's office,” said Dunn, pointing + his finger at his nose. “You can't come your John Bull nigger in South + Carolina.” + </p> + <p> + This brought the sheriff's clerk to the door that led into the passage. + “Dunn, I have warned you about these things several times; the public are + getting wind of them; they'll bring this office into disrepute yet. You + ought to know what effect the association of officials with these + 'corner-shop keepers' is already having in the community,” said he. + </p> + <p> + “How the divil do ye know what yer talking about; sure it's his honor's + bisniss, and not yours at all, at all,” said Dunn, addressing himself to + Mr. Kanapeaux, and then looking at Mr. Grimshaw. + </p> + <p> + “Mr. Kanapeaux, you must not interfere with the officers and their duty; + attend to your business, and get, your book ready to register this + nigger-boy,” said Grimshaw. + </p> + <p> + “Well, now, my good fellow,” continued Grimshaw, “I dislike this business + very much; it don't pay me enough for all the bother I have with it. 'Tis + just a little filtering of fees, which makes the duty of my office + exceedingly annoying. But we must respect the law. We do these things to + protect our institutions and make them as light as possible. I might give + you a great deal of trouble; I have the power, but I make it a point to + consider men in your case, and we'll make you so comfortable that you + won't think of being imprisoned. You must understand that it is 'contrary + to law' to come among our niggers in this way; it gives them fanciful + ideas. There's such an infernal imperfect state of things as these + abolitionists are getting every thing into, behooves us to watch the + communications which are going on between, designing people and our + slaves. We are a hospitable people—the world knows that—and + have a religious respect for our laws, which we enforce without respect to + persons. We'd like to let you go about the city, but then it's 'contrary + to law.' Make up your mind, my good fellow, that you are among humane + people, who will seek to benefit you among men of your class. Make + yourself happy—and look upon me as a friend, and you will never be + deceived. I control the jail, and my prisoners are as much attached to me + as they would be to a father.” + </p> + <p> + “It must be humanity that puts these symbols of ignominy upon my hands,” + said Manuel; “that confines me in a dungeon lest I should breathe a word + of liberty to ears that know it only as a fable.” + </p> + <p> + Nobody had asked him to sit down, and, feeling the effect of his sickness + and fatigue, he turned around as if to look for something to rest against. + “You must not sit down,—take off your hat!” said Grimshaw. + </p> + <p> + The poor fellow made an effort, but could not effect it with the fetters + on his hands; at which, Dunn stepped up, and snatching it from his head, + flung it upon the floor. “You should learn manners, my good fellow,” said + Grimshaw, “when you come into a sheriff's office. It's a place of + importance, and people always pay respect to it when they come into it; a + few months in Charleston would make you as polite as our niggers.” + </p> + <p> + “Had you not better take the irons off the poor fellow's hands?—he + looks as if he was tired out,” said Mr. Kanapeaux, the clerk, who again + came to the door and looked upon Manuel with an air of pity. The words of + sympathy touched his feelings deeply; it was a simple word in his favour, + so different from what he had met since he left the vessel, that he felt a + kind friend had spoken in his behalf, and he gave way to his feeling in a + gush of tears. + </p> + <p> + “Good suggestion, Mr. Kanapeaux!” said Grimshaw. “Better take 'em off, Mr. + Dunn; I don't think he'll give you any more difficulty. He seems like a + 'likely fellow,' and knows, if he cuts up any nigger rascality in + Charleston, he'll be snapped up. Now, my good fellow, put on your + best-natured countenance, and stand as straight as a ramrod. Mr. + Kanapeaux, get your book ready to register him,” continued Grimshaw. + </p> + <p> + Manuel now stood up under a slide, and his height and general features + were noted in the following manner, in order to appease that sovereign + dignity of South Carolina law, which has so many strange devices to show + its importance:—“Contrary to Law.” Violation of the Act of 1821, as + amended, &c. &c. Manuel Pereira vs. State of South Carolina, + Steward on board British Brig Janson, Captain Thompson. Entered 24th + March, 1852. + </p> + <p> + Height, 5 feet 8 1/2 inches. + </p> + <p> + Complexion, light olive, (bright.) + </p> + <p> + Features, sharp and aquiline. + </p> + <p> + [Hair and eyes, dark and straight; the former inclined to curl.] + </p> + <p> + General remarks:—Age, twenty-nine; Portuguese by birth; speaks + rather broken, but politely; is intelligent, well formed, and good + looking. Fees to Sheriff: + </p> + <p> + To arrest, $2—Registry, $2 - $4 00 To Recog. $1.31—Constable. + $1 - $2.31 To Commitment and discharge, $1.00 + </p> + <p> + $7.31 + </p> + <p> + Jail fees to be added when discharged. + </p> + <p> + After these remarks were duly entered, and Mr. Grimshaw read another + lecture to him on the importance of South Carolina law, and the kindness + he would receive at his hands if he made himself con-tented, he was told + that he could go and be committed. The poor fellow had stood up until he + was nearly exhausted; yet, it was not enough to gratify the feelings of + that miserable miscreant, Dunn. Scarcely had he left the sheriff's office, + or passed two squares from the court-house, before he entered another + Dutch grog-shop, a little more respectable in appearance-but not in + character. They entered by a side door, which led into a back apartment + provided with a table and two wooden settees. As Dunn entered, he was + recognised by two negro-fellows, who were playing dominoes at the table. + They arose and ran through the front store, into the street, as if some + evil spirit had descended among them. The Dutchman sprang for the + dominoes, and quickly thrust them into a tin measure which he secreted + under the counter. + </p> + <p> + “Ah! Drydez!” said Dunn; “you vagabond, you; up to the old tricks again? + Ye Dutchmen are worse than the divil! It's meself'll make ye put a five + for that. Come, fork it over straight, and don't be muttering yer Dutch + lingo!” + </p> + <p> + “Vat zue drink mit me dis morning? Misser Dunz' te best fellow vat comez + in my shop,” said Drydez. + </p> + <p> + “Ah! stop yer botheration, and don't be comin' yer Dutch logger over an + Irishman! put down the five dollars, and we'll take the drinks presently; + meself and me friend here'll drink yer health,” said Dunn, pointing to + Manuel, who shook his head as much as to decline. The Dutchman now opened + his drawer, and rolling a bill up in his fingers, passed it as if + unobserved into the hands of Dunn. + </p> + <p> + “Now, Drydez,” said Dunn, “if ye want to do the clean thing, put a couple + of brandy smashes-none of your d—d Dutch cut-throat brandy-the best + old stuff. Come, me old chuck, (turning to Manuel and pulling him by the + Whiskers,) cheer up, another good stiff'ner will put you on your taps + again. South Carolina's a great State, and a man what can't be happy in + Charleston, ought to be put through by daylight by the abolitionists.” + </p> + <p> + The Dutchman soon prepared the smashes, and supplying them with straws, + put them upon the table, and seated chairs close at hand. “Excuse me!” + said Manuel, “I've drunk enough already, and should like to lie down. I am + unwell, and feel the effect of what I have already taken. I am too feeble. + Pray tell me how far the prison is from here, and I will go myself.” + </p> + <p> + “Go, is it?—the divil a go ye'll go from this until ye drink the + smash. None of yer Portugee independence here. We larn niggers the + politeness of gintlemen in Charleston, me buck!” and seizing him by the + collar, dragged him to the table, then grasping the tumbler with the other + hand, he held it before his face. “Do you see that? and, bedad, ye'll + drink it, and not be foolin', or I'd put the contents in your phiz,” said + he. + </p> + <p> + Manuel took the glass, while the Dutchman stood chuckling over the very + nice piece of fun, and the spice of Mr. Dunn's wit, as he called it. “Vat + zu make him vat'e no vants too? You doz make me laugh so ven zu comes + 'ere, I likes to kilt myself,” said Drydez. + </p> + <p> + A bright mulatto-fellow was now seen in the front store, making quizzical + signs to the Dutchman; who understanding its signification, lost no time + in slipping into his pocket a tumbler nearly half full of brandy and + water; and stepping behind the division door, passed it slily to the + mulatto, who equally as slily passed it down his throat; and putting a + piece of money into the Dutchman's hand, stepped up to the counter, as if + to wait for his change. “All right!” said the Dutchman, looking around at + his shelves, and then again under the counter. + </p> + <p> + “No so!” said the mulatto; “I want fourpence; you done' dat befor' several + times; I wants my money.” + </p> + <p> + “Get out of my store, or I'll kick you out,” said the Dutchman, and + catching up a big club, ran from behind the counter and commenced + belaboring the negro over the head in a most unmerciful manner. At this, + the mulatto retreated into the lane, and with a volley of the vilest + epithets, dared the Dutchman to come out, and he would whip him. + </p> + <p> + Dunn ran to the scene, and ordered the negro to be off, and not use such + language to a white man, that it was “contrary to law,” and he would take + him to the workhouse. + </p> + <p> + “Why, massa, I knows what 'em respect white men what be gemmen like + yersef, but dat Dutchman stand da'h a'n't no gentlem', he done gone tieffe + my money seven time; an' I whip him sure-jus' lef' him come out here. I + doesn't care for true, and God saw me, I be whip at the wukhouse next + minute. He tief, an' lie, an 'e cheat me.” The Dutchman stood at the door + with the big stick in his hand-the negro in the middle of the lane with + his fists in a pugilistic attitude, daring and threatening, while the + limping Dunn stood by the side of the Dutchman, acting as a mediator. + Manuel, taking advantage of the opportunity, emptied his tumbler down a + large opening in the floor. + </p> + <p> + It is a notorious fact in Charleston, that although the negro, whether he + be a black or white one, is held in abject obedience to the white man + proper, no matter what his grade may be, yet such is the covetous and + condescending character of these groggery keepers, that they become + courteous to the negro and submit to an equality of sociability. The + negro, taking advantage of this familiarity, will use the most insulting + and abusive language to this class of Dutchmen, who, either through + cowardice, or fear of losing their trade, never resent it. We may say, in + the language of Dunn, when he was asked if negroes had such liberties with + white men in Charleston, “A nigger knows a Dutch shopkeeper better than he + knows himself-a nigger dare not speak that way to anybody else.” + </p> + <p> + The Dutchman gets a double profit from the negro, and with it diffuses a + double vice among them, for which they have to suffer the severest + penalty. It is strictly “contrary to law” to purchase any thing from a + negro without a ticket to sell it, from his master. But how is this + regarded? Why, the shopkeeper foregoes the ticket, encourages the + warehouse negro to steal, and purchases his stealings indiscriminately, at + about one-half their value. We might enumerate fifty different modes + practised by “good” legal voting citizens—totally regardless of the + law—and exerting an influence upon the negro tenfold more direful + than that which could possibly arise from the conversation of a few + respectable men belonging to a friendly nation. + </p> + <p> + Dunn, after driving the mulatto man from the door and upbraiding the + Dutchman for his cowardice, returned to the table, and patting Manuel upon + the back, drank the balance of his smash, saying, “Come, me good fellow, + we must do the thing up brown, now; we've got the Dutchman nailed on his + own hook. We must have another horn; it's just the stuff in our climate; + the 'Old Jug's' close by, and they'll be makin' a parson of you when you + get there. We've had a right jolly time; and ye can't wet your whistle + when ye're fernint the gates.” + </p> + <p> + “I don't ask such favors, and will drink no more,” said Manuel. + </p> + <p> + “Fill her up, Drydez! fill her up! two more smashes-best brandy and no + mistake. You must drink another, my old chuck-we'll bring the pious + notions out o' ye in Charleston,” said Dunn, turning around to Manuel. + </p> + <p> + The Dutchman filled the glasses, and Dunn, laying his big hickory stick + upon the counter, took one in each hand, and going directly to Manuel, + “There, take it, and drink her off-no humbugging; yer mother niver gave + such milk as that,” said he. + </p> + <p> + “Excuse me, sir; I positively will not!” said Manuel, and no sooner had he + lisped the words, than Dunn threw the whole contents in his face. Enraged + at such outrageous conduct, the poor fellow could stand it no longer, and + fetched him a blow that levelled him upon the floor. + </p> + <p> + The Dutchman ran to the assistance of Dunn, and succeeded in relieving him + from his unenviable situation. Not satisfied, however, they succeeded, + after a hard struggle, in getting him upon the floor, when the + Dutchman-after calling the assistance of a miserable negro, held him down + while Dunn beat him with his stick. His cries of “Murder” and “Help” + resounded throughout the neighbourhood, and notwithstanding they attempted + to gag him, brought several persons to the spot. Among them was a + well-known master builder, in Charleston-a very muscular and a very humane + man. The rascality of Dunn was no new thing to him, for he had had + practical demonstrations of it upon his own negroes,—who had been + enticed into the “corner shops” for the double purpose of the Dutchmen + getting their money, and the officers getting hush-money from the owner. + </p> + <p> + The moment he saw Dunn, he exclaimed, “Ah! you vagabond!” and springing + with the nimbleness of a cat, struck the Dutchman a blow that sent him + measuring his length, into a corner among a lot of empty boxes; then + seizing Dunn by the collar, he shook him like a puppy, and brought him a + slap with his open hand that double-dyed his red face, and brought a + stream of claret from his nose; while the miserable nigger, who had been + struggling to hold Manuel down, let go his hold, and ran as if his life + was in danger. The scene was disgusting in the extreme. Manuel arose, with + his face cut in several places, his clothes bedaubed with filth from the + floor, and his neck and shirt-bosom covered with blood; while the aghast + features of Dunn, with his red, matted hair, and his glaring, vicious + eyes, bespattered with the combined blood of his victim and his own nasal + organ, gave him the most fiendish look imaginable. + </p> + <p> + The gentleman, after reprimanding the Dutchman for keeping up these + miserable practices, which were disgracing the community, and bringing + suffering, starvation, and death upon the slaves, turned to Dunn, and + addressed him. “You are a pretty officer of the law! A villain upon the + highway-a disgrace to your color, and a stain upon those who retain you in + office. A man who has violated the peace and every principle of honest + duty, a man who every day merits the worst criminal punishment, kept in + the favor of the municipal department, to pollute its very name. If there + is a spark of honesty left in the police department, I will use my + influence to stop your conduct. The gallows will be your doom yet. You + must not think because you are leagued in the same traffic.” + </p> + <p> + Dunn kept one of the worst and most notorious drinking-shops in + Charleston, but, to reconcile his office with that strict requirement + which never allowed any thing “contrary to law” in Charleston, he made his + wife a “free trader.” This special set of South Carolina may in effect be + classed among its many singular laws. It has an exceedingly accommodating + effect among bankrupt husbands, and acts as a masked battery for + innumerable sins in a business or official line. It so happens, once in a + while, that one of the “fair free dealers” gets into limbo through the + force of some ruthless creditor; and the “Prison Bounds Act,” being very + delicate in its bearings, frequently taxes the gallantry of the chivalrous + gentlemen of the Charleston bar that you are to go unpunished. And you, + Drydez,” said he, turning to the Dutchman, “I shall enter you upon the + information docket, as soon as I go down into the city.” + </p> + <p> + “Zeu may tu vat zeu plas mit me-te mayor bees my friend, an' he knowz vot + me ams. Yuz sees zel no bronty, no zin! Vot yu to mit de fine, ah?” * * * + </p> + <p> + “I'd like to see you do that same agin Mr.—. It wouldn't be savin' + yerself a pace-warrant, and another for assault and battery! Sure + magistrate Gyles is a first-rate friend of me own, and he'd not suffer me + imposed on. The d—d nigger was obstinate and wouldn't go to jail,” + said Dunn in a cowardly, whimpering manner. + </p> + <p> + “Oh yez, me heard mit 'im swore, vat he no go to zale!” rejoined the + Dutchman anxiously. + </p> + <p> + “Tell me none of your lies,” said he; “you are both the biggest rascals in + town, and carry on your concerted villany as boldly as if you had the + control of the city in your hands.” Manuel was trembling under the + emotions of grief and revenge. His Portuguese blood would have revenged + itself at the poniard's point, but fortunately he had left it in his + chest. He saw that he had a friend at his hand, and with the earnestness + of a child, resigned himself to his charge. + </p> + <p> + In a few minutes quiet was produced, and the gentleman expressing a desire + to know how the trouble originated, inquired of Manuel how it was brought + about. But no sooner had he commenced his story, than he was interrupted + by Dunn asserting his right, according to the laws of South Carolina, to + make his declaration, which could not be refuted by the negro's statement, + or even testimony at law; and in another moment jumped up, and taking + Manuel by the collar, commanded him to come along to jail; and turning to + the gentleman, dared him to interfere with his duty. + </p> + <p> + “I know how you take people to jail, very well. I'll now see that you + perform that duty properly, and not torture prisoners from place to place + before you get there. You inflict a worse punishment in taking poor, + helpless people to jail, than they suffer after they get there!” said he; + and immediately joined Manuel and walked to the jail with him. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0012" id="link2HCH0012"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XII. THE OLD JAIL. + </h2> + <p> + THERE are three institutions in Charleston-either of which would be a + stain upon the name of civilization-standing as emblems of the + time-established notions of a people, and their cherished love for the + ancestral relics of a gone-by age. Nothing could point with more unerring + aim than these sombre monuments do, to the distance behind the age that + marks the thoughts and actions of the Charlestonians. They are the + poor-house, hospital, and jail; but as the latter only pertains to our + present subject, we prefer to speak of it alone, and leave the others for + another occasion. The workhouse may be said to form an exception-that + being a new building, recently erected upon a European plan. It is very + spacious, with an extravagant exterior, surmounted by lofty semi-Gothic + watch-towers, similar to the old castles upon the Rhine. So great was the + opposition to building this magnificent temple of a workhouse, and so + inconsistent, beyond the progress of the age, was it viewed by the + “manifest ancestry,” that it caused the mayor his defeat at the following + hustings. “Young Charleston” was rebuked for its daring progress, and the + building is marked by the singular cognomen of “Hutchinson's Folly.” What + is somewhat singular, this magnificent building is exclusively for + negroes. One fact will show how progressive has been the science of law to + govern the negro, while those to which the white man is subjected are such + as good old England conferred upon them some centuries ago. For felonious + and burglarious offences, a white man is confined in the common jail; then + dragged to the market-place, stripped, and whipped, that the negroes may + laugh “and go see buckra catch it;” while a negro is sent to the + workhouse, confined in his cell for a length of time, and then whipped + according to modern science,—but nobody sees it except by special + permission. Thus the negro has the advantage of science and privacy. + </p> + <p> + The jail is a sombre-looking building, with every mark of antiquity + standing boldly outlined upon its exterior. It is surrounded by a high + brick wall, and its windows are grated with double rows of bars, + sufficiently strong for a modern penitentiary. Altogether, its dark, + gloomy appearance strikes those who approach it, with the thought and + association of some ancient cruelty. You enter through an iron-barred + door, and on both sides of a narrow portal leading to the right are four + small cells and a filthy-looking kitchen, resembling an old-fashioned + smoke-house. These cells are the debtors'; and as we were passing out, + after visiting a friend, a lame “molatto-fellow” with scarcely rags to + cover his nakedness, and filthy beyond description, stood at what was + called the kitchen door. “That poor dejected object,” said our friend, “is + the cook. He is in for misdemeanor-one of the peculiar shades of it, for + which a nigger is honored with the jail.” “It seems, then, that cooking is + a punishment in Charleston, and the negro is undergoing the penalty,” said + we. “Yes!” said our friend; “but the poor fellow has a sovereign + consolation, which few niggers in Charleston can boast of-and none of the + prisoners here have-he can get enough to eat.” + </p> + <p> + The poor fellow held out his hand as we passed him, and said, “Massa, gin + poor Abe a piece o' 'bacca'?” We freely gave him all in our possession. + </p> + <p> + On the left side, after passing the main iron door, are the jailer's + apartments. Passing through another iron door, you ascend a narrow, + crooked stairs and reach the second story; here are some eight or nine + miserable cells-some large and some small-badly ventilated, and entirely + destitute of any kind of furniture: and if they are badly ventilated for + summer, they are equally badly provided with means to warm them in winter. + In one of these rooms were nine or ten persons, when we visited it; and + such was the morbid stench escaping from it, that we were compelled to put + our handkerchiefs to our faces. This floor is appropriated for such crimes + as assault and battery; assault and battery, with intent to kill; + refractory seamen; deserters; violating the statutes; suspicion of arson + and murder; witnesses; all sorts of crimes, varying from the debtor to the + positive murderer, burglar, and felon. We should have enumerated, among + the rest, all stewards, (colored,) whether foreign or domestic, who are + committed on that singular charge, “contrary to law.” And it should have + been added, even though cast away upon our “hospitable shores.” Among all + these different shades of criminals, there must be some very bad men. And + we could recount three who were pointed out to us, as very dangerous men, + yet were allowed the favor of this floor and its associations. One was an + Irish sailor, who was sentenced to three years and nine months' + imprisonment by the United States court, for revolt and a desperate + attempt to murder the captain of a ship; the next was a German, a soldier + in the United States army, sentenced to one year and eight months' + imprisonment for killing his comrade; and the third was an English sailor, + who killed a woman-but as she happened to be of doubtful character, the + presiding judge of the sessions sentenced him to a light imprisonment, + which the Governor very condescendingly pardoned after a few weeks. + </p> + <p> + The two former acted as attendants, or deputy jailers; with the exception + of turning the key, which privilege the jailer reserved for himself + exclusively. The principle may seem a strange one, that places men + confined upon such grave charges in a superior position over prisoners; + and may be questionable with regard to the discipline itself. + </p> + <p> + From this floor, another iron door opened, and a winding passage led into + the third and upper story, where a third iron door opened into a + vestibule, on the right and left of which were grated doors secured with + heavy bolts and bars. These opened into narrow portals with dark, gloomy + cells on each side. In the floor of each of these cells was a large iron + ring-bolt, doubtless intended to chain refractory prisoners to; but we + were informed that such prisoners were kept in close stone cells, in the + yard, which were commonly occupied by negroes and those condemned to + capital punishment. The ominous name of this third story was “Mount + Rascal,” intended, no doubt, as significant of the class of prisoners it + contained. It is said that genius is never idle: the floor of these cells + bore some evidence of the fact in a variety of very fine specimens of + carving and flourish work, done with a knife. Among them was a + well-executed crucifix; with the Redeemer, on Calvary-an emblem of hope, + showing how the man marked the weary moments of his durance. We spoke with + many of the prisoners, and heard their different stories, some of which + were really painful. Their crimes were variously stated, from that of + murder, arson, and picking pockets, down to the felon who had stolen a + pair of shoes to cover his feet; one had stolen a pair of pantaloons, and + a little boy had stolen a few door-keys. Three boys were undergoing their + sentence for murder. A man of genteel appearance, who had been sentenced + to three years imprisonment, and to receive two hundred and twenty lashes + in the market, at different periods, complained bitterly of the injustice + of his case. Some had been flogged in the market, and were awaiting their + time to be flogged again and discharged; and others were confined on + suspicion, and had been kept in this close durance for more than six + months, awaiting trial. We noticed that this worst of injustice, “the + law's delay,” was felt worse by those confined on the suspicion of some + paltry theft, who, even were they found guilty by a jury, would not have + been subjected to more than one week imprisonment. Yet such was the + adherence to that ancient system of English criminal jurisprudence, that + it was almost impossible for the most innocent person to get a hearing, + except at the regular sessions, “which sit seldom, and with large + intervals between.” There is indeed a city court in Charleston, somewhat + more modern in its jurisprudence than the sessions. It has its city + sheriff, and its city officers, and holds its terms more frequently. Thus + is Charleston doubly provided with sheriffs and officials. Both aspire to + a distinct jurisdiction in civil and criminal cases. Prisoners seem mere + shuttlecocks between the sheriffs, with a decided advantage in favor of + the county sheriff, who is autocrat in rei over the jail; and any criminal + who has the good fortune to get a hearing before the city judge, may + consider himself under special obligation to the county sheriff for the + favor. + </p> + <p> + We noticed these cells were much cleaner than those below, yet there was a + fetid smell escaping from them. This we found arose from the tubs being + allowed to stand in the rooms, where the criminals were closely confined, + for twenty-four hours, which, with the action of the damp, heated + atmosphere of that climate, was of itself enough to breed contagion. We + spoke of the want of ventilation and the noxious fumes that seemed almost + pestilential, but they seemed to have become habituated to it, and told us + that the rooms on the south side were lighter and more comfortable. Many + of them spoke cheerfully, and endeavored to restrain their feelings, but + the furrows upon their haggard countenances needed no tongue to utter its + tale. + </p> + <p> + Hunger was the great grievance of which they complained; and if their + stories were true—and we afterward had strong proofs that they were—there + was a wanton disregard of common humanity, and an abuse of power the most + reprehensible. The allowance per day was a loaf of bad bread, weighing + about nine ounces, and a pint of thin, repulsive soup, so nauseous that + only the most necessitated appetite could be forced to receive it, merely + to sustain animal life. This was served in a dirty-looking tin pan, + without even a spoon to serve it. One man told us that he had subsisted on + bread and water for nearly five weeks-that he had lain down to sleep in + the afternoon and dreamed that he was devouring some wholesome nourishment + to stay the cravings of his appetite, and awoke to grieve that it was but + a dream. In this manner his appetite was doubly aggravated, yet he could + get nothing to appease its wants until the next morning. To add to this + cruelty, we found two men in close confinement, the most emaciated and + abject specimens of humanity we have ever beheld. We asked ourselves, + “Lord God! was it to be that humanity should descend so low?” The first + was a forlorn, dejected-looking creature, with a downcast countenance, + containing little of the human to mark his features. His face was covered + with hair, and so completely matted with dirt and made fiendish by the + tufts of coarse hair that hung over his forehead, that a thrill of horror + invaded our feelings. He had no shoes on his feet; and a pair of ragged + pantaloons, and the shreds of a striped shirt without sleeves, secured + around the waist with a string, made his only clothing. In truth, he had + scarce enough on to cover his nakedness, and that so filthy and swarming + with vermin, that he kept his shoulders and hands busily employed; while + his skin was so incrusted with dirt as to leave no trace of its original + complexion. In this manner he was kept closely confined, and was more like + a wild beast who saw none but his keepers when they came to throw him his + feed. Whether he was kept in this manner for his dark deeds or to cover + the shame of those who speculated upon his misery, we leave to the + judgment of the reader. + </p> + <p> + We asked this poor mortal what he had done to merit such a punishment? He + held his head down, and motioned his fevered lips. “Speak out!” said we, + “perhaps we can get you out.” “I had no shoes, and I took a pair of boots + from the gentleman I worked with,” said he in a low, murmuring tone, + </p> + <p> + “Gracious, man!” said we, “a pair of boots! and is that all you are here + for?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, sir! he lives on the wharf, is very wealthy, and is a good man: 't + wasn't his fault, because he tried to get me out if I'd pay for the boots, + but they wouldn't let him.” + </p> + <p> + “And how long have you been thus confined?” said we. + </p> + <p> + “Better than five months-but it's because there a'n't room up stairs. + They've been promising me some clothes for a long time, but they don't + come,” he continued. + </p> + <p> + “And how much longer have you to stop in this condition?” + </p> + <p> + “Well, they say 'at court sets in October; it's somethin' like two months + off; the grand jury'll visit the jail then, and maybe they'll find a bill' + against me, and I'll be tried. I dont't care if they only don't flog me in + that fish-market.” + </p> + <p> + “Then you have not been tried yet? Well, may God give that man peace to + enjoy his bounty, who would consign a poor object like thee to such + cruelty!” said we. + </p> + <p> + “I was raised in Charleston-can neither read nor write-I have no father, + and my mother is crazy in the poor-house, and I work about the city for a + living, when I'm out!” said he. There was food for reflection in this poor + fellow's simple story, which we found to be correct, as corroborated by + the jailer. + </p> + <p> + “Do you get enough to eat?” we asked. + </p> + <p> + “Oh no, indeed! I could eat twice as much-that's the worst on't: 't + wouldn't be bad only for that. I git me loaf' in the mornin', and me soup + at twelve, but I don't git nothin' to eat at night, and a feller's mighty + hungry afore it's time to lay down,” said he. + </p> + <p> + We looked around the room, and not seeing any thing to sleep upon, + curiosity led us to ask him where he slept. + </p> + <p> + “The jail allows us a blanket-that's mine in the corner: I spread it at + night when I wants to go to bed,” he answered, quite contentedly. We left + the poor wretch, for our feelings could withstand it no longer. The state + of society that would thus reduce a human being, needed more pity than the + calloused bones reduced to such a bed. His name was Bergen. + </p> + <p> + The other was a young Irishman, who had been dragged to jail in his shirt, + pantaloons, and hat, on suspicion of having stolen seven dollars from a + comrade. He had been in jail very near four months, and in regard to filth + and vermin was a counterpart of the other. A death-like smell, so + offensive that we stopped upon the threshold, escaped from the room as + soon as the door opened, enough to destroy a common constitution, which + his emaciated limbs bore the strongest evidence of. + </p> + <p> + The prisoners upon the second story were allowed the privilege of the yard + during certain hours in the day, and the debtors at all hours in the day; + yet, all were subjected to the same fare. In the yard were a number of + very close cells, which, as we have said before, were kept for negroes, + refractory criminals, and those condemned to capital punishment. These + cells seemed to be held as a terror over the criminals, and well they + might, for we never witnessed any thing more dismal for the tenement of + man. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0013" id="link2HCH0013"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XIII. HOW IT IS. + </h2> + <p> + IT is our object to show the reader how many gross abuses of power exist + in Charleston, and to point him to the source. In doing this, the task + becomes a delicate one, for there are so many things we could wish were + not so, because we know there are many good men in the community whose + feelings are enlisted in the right, but their power is not coequal; and if + it were, it is checked by an opposite influence. + </p> + <p> + The more intelligent of the lower classes look upon the subject of + politics in its proper light—they see the crashing effect the + doctrine of nullification has upon their interests; yet, though their + numbers are not few, their voice is small, and cannot sound through the + channels that make popular influence. Thus all castes of society are + governed by impracticable abstractions. + </p> + <p> + The jail belongs to the county—the municipal authorities have no + voice in it; and the State, in its legislative benevolence, has provided + thirty cents a day for the maintenance of each prisoner. This small sum, + in the State of South Carolina, where provision is extremely high, may be + considered as a paltry pittance; but more especially so when the + magnificent pretensions of South Carolina are taken into consideration, + and a comparison is made between this meagre allowance and that of other + States. Even Georgia, her sister State, and one whose plain modesty is + really worthy of her enterprising citizens, takes a more enlightened view + of a criminal's circumstances-allows forty-four cents a day for his + maintenance, and treats him as if he was really a human being. But for + this disparity and the wanton neglect of humane feelings South Carolinians + excuse themselves upon the ground that they have no penitentiary; nor do + they believe in that system of punishment, contending that it creates an + improper competition with the honest mechanic, and gives countenance to + crime, because it attempts to improve criminals. The common jail is made + the place of confinement, while the whipping-post and starvation supply + the correctives. + </p> + <p> + The sheriff being created an absolute functionary, with unlimited powers + to control the jail in all its varied functions, without either + commissioners or jail-committee, what state of management may be expected? + The court gives no specific direction as to the apartment or mode of + confinement when sentencing a criminal; consequently, it becomes an + established fact that the legislative confidence deposed in the sheriff is + used as a medium of favors, to be dispensed as best suits the feelings or + interests of the incumbent. Such power in the hands of an arbitrary, + vindictive, or avaricious man, affords unlimited means of abuse, and + without fear of exposure. + </p> + <p> + It may be inferred from what we have said that the jailer was relax in his + duty. This is not the case, for we have good authority that a more + kind-hearted and benevolent man never filled the office. But his power was + so restricted by those in absolute control, that his office became a mere + turnkey's duty, for which he was paid the pittance of five hundred dollars + a year or thereabouts. Thus he discharged his duty according to the + instructions of the sheriff, who, it was well known, looked upon the jail + as a means of speculation; and in carrying out his purposes, he would give + very benevolent instructions in words, and at the same time withhold the + means of carrying them out, like the very good man who always preached but + never practised. + </p> + <p> + Now, how is it? What is the regimen of this jail-prison and how is it + provided? We will say nothing of that arduous duty which the jailer + performs for his small sum; nor the report that the sheriff's office is + worth fourteen thousand dollars a year: these things are too well + established. But the law provides thirty cents a day for the prisoner's + maintenance, which shall be received by the sheriff, who is to procure one + pound of good bread, and one pound of good beef per day for each man. Now + this provision is capable of a very elastic construction. The poor + criminal is given a loaf of bad bread, costing about three cents, and a + pound of meat, the most unwholesome and sickly in its appearance, costing + five cents. Allowing a margin, however, and we may say the incumbent has a + very nice profit of from eighteen to twenty cents per day on each + prisoner. But, as no provision is made against the possibility of the + criminal eating his meat raw, he is very delicately forced to an + alternative which has another profitable issue for the sheriff; that of + taking a pint of diluted water, very improperly called soup. Thus is + carried out that ancient law of England which even she is now ashamed to + own. Our feelings are naturally roused against the perpetration of such + abuses upon suffering humanity. We struggle between a wish to speak well + of her whose power it is to practise them, and an imperative duty that + commands us to speak for those who cannot speak for themselves. + </p> + <p> + These things could not exist if the public mind was properly enlightened. + It is unnecessary to spend many words in exposing such palpable abuses, or + to trace the cause of their existence and continuance. One cause of this + is the wilful blindness and silly gasconade of some of those who lead and + form public opinion. With South Carolinians, nothing is done in South + Carolina that is not greater than ever was done in the United States-no + battles were ever fought that South Carolina did not win-no statesman was + ever equal to Mr. Calhoun-no confederacy would be equal to the Southern, + with South Carolina at its head-no political doctrines contain so much + vital element as secession, and no society in the Union is equal to South + Carolina for caste and elegance-not excepting the worthy and learned + aristocracy of Boston. + </p> + <p> + A will to do as it pleases and act as it pleases, without national + restraint, is the great drawback under which South Carolina sends forth + her groaning tale of political distress. Let her look upon her dubious + glory in its proper light-let her observe the rights of others, and found + her acts in justice!—annihilate her grasping spirit, and she will + find a power adequate to her own preservation. She can then show to the + world that she gives encouragement to the masses, and is determined to + persevere in that moderate and forbearing policy which creates its own + protection, merits admiration abroad, instead of rebuke, and which needs + no gorgeous military display to marshal peace at the point of the bayonet. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0014" id="link2HCH0014"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XIV. MANUEL PEREIRA COMMITTED. + </h2> + <p> + IT was nearly eleven o'clock as they ascended the jail steps and rang the + bell for admittance. The jailer, a stout, rough-looking man, opened the + iron door, and as Manuel was about to step over the stone sill, Dunn gave + him a sudden push that sent him headlong upon the floor. “Heavens! what + now?” inquired the jailer with a look of astonishment, and at the next + moment Dunn raised his foot to kick Manuel in the face. + </p> + <p> + “You infernal beast!” said the jailer, “you are more like a savage than a + man-you are drunk now, you vagabond,” and jumped in between them to save + him from the effect of the blow. As he did this, the gentleman who + accompanied them from the “corner-shop,” as a protection against Dunn's + cruelty, fetched Dunn a blow on the back of the neck that made him stagger + against a door, and created such confusion as to arouse the whole jail. + Turning to Manuel, he, with the assistance of the jailer, raised him from + the ground and led him into the jail-office. “Mister jailer,” said Dunn, + “the prisoner is mine until such times as you receipt the commitment, and + I demand protection from you against this man. He has committed two + violent assaults upon me, when I'd be doing me duty.” + </p> + <p> + “You have violated all duty, and are more like an incarnate fiend. You + first decoy men into rum-shops, and then you plunder and abuse them, + because you think they are black and can get no redress. You abused that + man unmercifully, because you knew his evidence was not valid against + you!” said the gentleman, turning to the jailer, and giving him the + particulars of what he saw in the “corner-shop,” and what cruelties he had + seen practised by Dunn on former occasions. + </p> + <p> + The jailer looked upon Manuel with commiseration, and handed him a chair + to sit down on. The poor fellow was excited and fatigued, for he had eaten + nothing that day, and been treated more like a brute than a human being + from the time, he left the ship until he arrived at the jail. He readily + accepted the kind offer, and commenced to tell the story of his treatment. + </p> + <p> + “You need' not tell me,—I know too much of that man already. It has + long been a mystery to me why he is retained in office.”— + </p> + <p> + Here Dunn interrupted. “Sure it's yer master I'd obey and not yerself, an' + I'd do what I'd plase with prisoners, and, it's his business and not + yeers. If ye had yer way, sure you'd be makin' white men of every nigger + that ye turned a key upon.” + </p> + <p> + “Give me none of your insolence,” said the jailer. “You have no authority + beyond my door. Your brutal treatment to prisoners has caused me an + immense deal of trouble-more than my paltry pay would induce me to stay + for. Suppose you were indicted for these outrages? What would be the + result?” asked the jailer. + </p> + <p> + “Sure it's meself could answer for the sheriff, without yer bothering + yerself. I'd not work for yer, but for him; and he's yer master anyhow, + and knows all about it. Give me the receipt, and that's all I'd ax yer. + When a nigger don't mind me, I just makes him feel the delight of a + hickory stick.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, if you had the shame of a man in you, you'd not make a beast of + yourself with liquor, and treat these poor stewards as if they were dogs,” + said the jailer. + </p> + <p> + “Indeed, ye might learn a thing or two if ye was a politician like meself, + and belonged to the secession party. An' if his honor the sheriff-for he's + a dacent man-knew ye'd be preachin' in that shape, ye wouldn't keep the + jail f'nent the morning. Be letting me out, and make much of the nigger; + ye have him there.” + </p> + <p> + The jailer unlocked the door and allowed him to pass out, with a pertinent + rebuke. This was but a trifling affair in Dunn's ear, for he knew his + master's feelings too well, and was backed by him in his most intolerable + proceedings. Returning to the office, he looked at the commitment, and + then again at Manuel. “This is a 'contrary to law' case, I see, Mr. + Manuel; you are a likely fellow too, to come within that,” said he. + </p> + <p> + “Yes. If I understand him right, he's a shipwrecked sailor, belonging to a + foreign vessel that was driven in here in distress,” said the man. “It's a + hard law that imprisons a colored seaman who comes here voluntarily; but + it seems beyond all manner of precedent to imprison a shipwrecked man like + this, especially when he seems so respectable. There are no circumstances + to warrant the enforcement of such a law.” Thus saying, he left the jail. + </p> + <p> + Be it said of the jailer, to his honor, so far as personal kindness went, + he did his utmost—brought him water to wash himself, and gave him + some clean clothes. After which, he was registered upon the criminal + calendar as follows:— + </p> + <p> + “March 24, 1852.—Manuel Peirire.—[Committed by] Sheriff—Sheriff. + Crime—Contrary to law.” + </p> + <p> + Now the jailer had done his duty, so far as his feelings were concerned; + but, such were the stern requirements of the law, and his functions so + restricted by Mr. Grimshaw, that he dare not make distinctions. He called + Daley, one of the criminal assistants, and ordered him to show the + prisoner his room. + </p> + <p> + “Here, my boy, take yer blanket,” said Daley; and throwing him a coarse, + filthy-looking blanket, told him to roll it up and follow him. “It's on + the second floor we'll put ye, among the stewards; there's a nice lot on + 'em to keep yer company, and ye'll have a jolly time, my boy.” Manuel + followed through the second iron door until he came to a large door + secured with heavy bolts and bars, which Daley began to withdraw and + unlock. “Don't be takin' it amiss; it's a right good crib, savin' the' + bed, an' it's that's the worst of it. Bad luck to old Grimshaw, an' + himself thinks everybody's bones be's as tuf as his own,” said Daley, and + threw open the heavy doors, sending forth those ominous prison sounds. + “All here? Ah! yer a pretty set of lambs, as the British consul calls + yees. Have ye ever a drop to spare?” At this, three or four + respectable-looking black men came to the door and greeted Manuel. “Come, + talk her out, for th' auld man'll be on the scent.” At this, one of the + confined stewards, a tall, good-looking mulatto man, ran his hand into a + large opening in the wall, and drew forth a little soda-bottle filled with + Monongahela whisky. Without giving reasonable time for politeness, Daley + seized the bottle, and putting it to his mouth, gauged about half its + contents into his homony dept, smacked his lips, wiped his mouth with his + cuff, and, passing the balance back, shut and rebolted the door, after + saying, “Good luck till yees, an' I wish yees a merry time.” The reader + may imagine what provision the State or the sheriff had made for the + comfort of these poor men, one of whom was imprisoned because it was + “contrary to law” to be driven into the port of Charleston in distress, + and the rest, peaceable, unoffending citizens belonging to distant States + and countries, and guilty of no crime, when we describe the room and + regimen to which they were subjected. The room was about twenty-six feet + long and ten feet wide. The brick walls were plastered and colored with + some kind of blue wash, which, however, was so nearly obliterated with + dirt and the damp of a southern climate, as to leave but little to show + what its original color was. The walls were covered with the condensed + moisture of the atmosphere, spiders hung their festooned network overhead, + and cockroaches and ants, those domesticated pests of South Carolina, were + running about the floor in swarms, and holding all legal rights to rations + in superlative contempt. Two small apertures in the wall, about fourteen + inches square, and double-barred with heavy flat iron, served to admit + light and air. The reader may thus judge of its gloomy appearance, and + what a miserable unhealthy cell it must have been in which to place men + just arrived from sea. There was not the first vestige of furniture in the + room, not; even a bench to sit upon, for the State, with its gracious + hospitality, forgot that men in jail ever sit down; but it was in keeping + with all other things that the State left to the control of its officials. + </p> + <p> + “Am I to be punished in this miserable place? Why, I cannot see where I'm + going; and have I nothing to lay down upon but the floor, and that + creeping with live creatures?” inquired Manuel of those who were already + inured to the hardship. + </p> + <p> + “Nothing! nothing! Bring your mind to realize the worst, and forget the + cruelty while you are suffering it; they let us out a part of the day. We + are locked up to-day because one of the assistants stole my friend's + liquor, and he dared to accuse him of the theft, because he was a white + man,” said a tall, fine-looking mulatto man by the name of James Redman, + who was steward on board a Thomastown (Maine) ship, and declared that he + had visited Charleston on a former occasion, and by paying five dollars to + one of the officers, remained on board of the ship unmolested. + </p> + <p> + “And how long shall I have to suffer in this manner?” inquired Manuel. + “Can I not have my own bed and clothing?” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, yes,” said Redman; “you can have them, but if you bring them here, + they'll not be worth anything when you leave; and the prisoners upon this + floor are so starved and destitute, that necessity forces them to steal + whatever comes in their way; and the assistants are as much implicated as + the prisoners. You'll fare hard; but just do as we do in a calm, wait for + the wind to blow, and pray for the best. If you say any thing, or grumble + about it, the sheriff will order you locked, up on the third story, and + that's worse than death itself. The first thing you do, make preparations + for something to eat. We pay for it here, but don't get it; and you'd + starve afore you'd eat what they give them poor white prisoners. They + suffer worse than we do, only they have cleaner rooms.” + </p> + <p> + “I pray for my deliverance from such a place as this.” + </p> + <p> + His manners and appearance at once enlisted the respect of those present, + and they immediately set to work, with all the means at hand, to make him + comfortable. Joseph Jociquei, a young man who had been taken from a vessel + just arrived from Rio, and was more fortunate than the rest, in having a + mattrass, seeing Manuel's weak condition, immediately removed it from its + place, and spreading it upon the floor, invited him to lay down. The + invitation was as acceptable as it was kind on the part of Jociquei, and + the poor fellow laid his weary limbs upon it, and almost simultaneously + fell into a profound sleep. Manuel continued to sleep. His face and head + were scarred in several places; which were dressed and covered with pieces + of plaster that the jailer had supplied. His companions, for such we shall + call those who were confined with him, sat around him, discussing the + circumstances that brought him there, and the manner in which they could + best relieve his suffering. “It's just as I was sarved,” said Redman. “And + I'll bet that red-headed constable, Dunn, brought him up: and abused him + in all them Dutch shops. I didn't know the law, and he made me give him + three dollars not to put the handcuffs upon me, and then I had to treat + him in every grog-shop we came to. Yes, and the last shop we were in, he + throw'd liquor in me face, cursed the Dutchman that kept the shop, kick'd + me, and tried every way in the world to raise a fuss. If I hadn't know'd + the law here too well, I'd whipt him sure. I have suffered the want of + that three dollars since I bin here. 'Twould sarved me for coffee. We have + neither coffee nor bread to-night, for we gave our allowance of bad bread + to the white prisoners, but we must do something to make the poor fellow + comfortable. I know the constable has kept him all day coming up, and + he'll be hungry as soon as he awakes.” + </p> + <p> + “Won't he receive his allowance to-day like another prisoner?” inquired + Copeland, a thick-set, well made, dark-skinned negro steward, who had + formerly conducted a barber shop in Fleet street, Boston, but was now + attached to the schooner Oscar Jones, Kellogg, master. + </p> + <p> + “Oh! no, sir,” said Redman, “that's against the rules of the jail-every + thing is done by rule here, even to paying for what we don't get, and + starving the prisoners. A man that don't come in before eleven o'clock + gets no ration until the next morning. I know, because I had a fuss with + the jailer about it, the first day I was brought in; but he gin me a loaf + out of his own house. The old sheriff never allows any thing done outside + the rules, for he's tighter than a mantrap. 'T a'n't what ye suffers in + this cell, but it's what ye don't get to eat; and if that poor feller + a'n't got money, he'll wish himself alongside the caboose again 'fore he + gets out.” The poor fellows were driven to the extreme of providing + sustenance to sustain life. They mustered their little means together, and + by giving a sum to the sheriff's black boy, (a man more intelligent, + gentlemanly, and generous-hearted than his master,) had a measure of + coffee, sugar, and bread brought in. Necessity was the mother of invention + with them, for they had procured a barrel for twenty-five cents, and made + it supply the place of a table. With a few chips that were brought to them + by a kind-hearted colored woman that did their washing, and bestowed many + little acts of kindness, they made a fire, endured the annoyance of a + dense smoke from the old fire-place, and prepared their little supper. As + soon as it was upon the table, they awoke Manuel, and invited him to join + in their humble fare. The poor fellow arose, and looking around the + gloomy, cavern-like place, heaved a deep sigh. “It's hard to be brought to + this for nothing!” said he; “and my bones are so sore that I can scarcely + move. I must see the Captain and consul.” + </p> + <p> + “That won't do any good; you might as well keep quiet and drink your + coffee. A prisoner that says the least in this jail is best off,” returned + Redman. + </p> + <p> + Manuel took his bowl of coffee and a piece of bread, eating it with a good + appetite, and asking what time they got breakfast. “It's the first time I + was abused in a foreign country. I'm Portuguese, but a citizen of Great + Britain, and got my protection.-When it won't save me, I'll never come to + South Carolina again, nor sail where a flag won't protect me. When I go + among Patagonians, I know what they do; but when I sail to United States + or be cast away on them, I don't know what they do, because I expect good + people.” * * * + </p> + <p> + “Never mind, my good fellow,” said Redman; “cheer up, take it as a good + sailor would a storm, and in the morning you'll get a small loaf of sour + bread and a bucket of water for breakfast, if you go to the pump for it. + Be careful to moderate your appetite when you breakfast according to the + State's rules; for you must save enough to last you during the day, and if + you can keep “banyan day,” as the Bluenose calls it, you're just the man + for this institution, and no mistake. Come, I see you're hungry; drink + another bowl of coffee, and eat plenty of bread; then you'll be all right + for another good sleep.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, but I don't expect to be in here long. But tell me, do we get + nothing more than a loaf? didn't the jail give us this supper?” he + inquired with surprise. + </p> + <p> + “Supper, indeed!—it's against the rules for prisoners to have + coffee; that's our private fixings; but you'll get a pound of bloody + neck-bone, they call beef, in the morning. I have twice thrown mine to the + dog, but he doesn't seem to thank me for it; so I told the cook he needn't + trouble his steelyards for me again.” + </p> + <p> + Redman's conversation was interrupted by a noise that seemed to be a ring + of the prison bell, and an anxious expression which Manuel gave utterance + to, indicated that he expected somebody would come to see him. He was not + disappointed, for a few minutes after, the bolts were heard to withdraw + and the heavy door swung back. There, true to his charge, was little + Tommy, in his nicest blue rig, tipped off a la man-o'-war touch, with his + palmetto-braid hat,—a long black ribbon displayed over the rim,—his + hair combed so slick, and his little round face and red cheeks so plump + and full of the sailor-boy pertness, with his blue, braided shirt-collar + laid over his jacket, and set off around the neck, with a black India + handkerchief, secured at the throat with the joint of a shark's backbone. + He looked the very picture and pattern of a Simon-Pure salt. He had wended + his way through strange streets and lanes, with a big haversack under his + arm, which Daley had relieved him of at the door, and brought into the + room under his arm. As soon as Manuel caught a glimpse of him, he rose and + clasped the little fellow in his arms with a fond embrace. No greeting + could be more affecting. Manuel exulted at seeing his little companion; + but Tommy looked grieved, and asked, “But what has scarred your face so, + Manuel? You didn't look that way when you left the brig. We have had a + site o' folks down to see us to-day.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, that's nothing!—just a little fall I got; don't tell the + Captain: it'll all be well to-morrow.” + </p> + <p> + “Here, Jack, take your knapsack; did yer bring ever a drop o' liquor for + the steward?” said Daley, addressing himself to Tommy, and putting the + package upon the floor. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, Manuel!” said Tommy, “the Captain sent you some nice bread and ham, + some oranges and raisins, and a bottle of nice claret,—for he was + told by the consul that they didn't give 'em nothing to eat at the jail. + And I had a tug with 'em, I tell you. I got lost once, and got a + good-natured black boy to pilot me for a Victoria threepence,—but he + did not like to carry the bundle to the jail, for fear of his master. + Captain 'll be up first thing in the morning, if he can get away from + business,” said the little tar, opening the haversack and pulling out its + contents to tempt the hungry appetites of those around him. + </p> + <p> + Daley very coolly took the bottle of claret by the neck, and holding it + between himself and the light, took a lunar squint at it, as if doubting + its contents; and then, putting it down, exclaimed, “Ah! the divil a red + I'd give you for your claret. Sure, why didn't ye bring a token of good + old hardware?” “Hardware! what is hardware?” inquired Manuel. “Ah! + botheration to the bunch of yees—a drap of old whiskey, that 'd make + the delight cum f'nent. Have ye ne'er a drap among the whole o' yees?” + Receiving an answer in the negative, he turned about with a Kilkenny, “It + don't signify,” and toddled for the door, which he left open, to await + Tommy's return. Redman knew Daley's propensity too well, and having ocular + proof that he had wet t'other eye until it required more than ordinary + effort to make either one stay open, he declined recognising his very + significant hint. + </p> + <p> + As soon as Daley withdrew, Manuel invited his companions to partake of the + Captain's present, which they did with general satisfaction. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0015" id="link2HCH0015"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XV. THE LAW'S INTRICACY. + </h2> + <p> + WHILE the scenes we have described in the foregoing chapter were being + performed, several very interesting ones were going through the course of + performance at the consul's office and other places, which we must + describe. The British Government, in its instructions to Mr. Mathew, + impressed upon him the necessity of being very cautious lest he should in + any manner prejudice the interests of the local institutions within his + consular jurisdiction; to make no requests that were incompatible with the + local laws; but to pursue a judicious course in bringing the matter of Her + Majesty's subjects properly to the consideration of the legal authorities, + and to point to the true grievance; and as it involved a question of right + affecting the interests and liberties of her citizens, to ask the exercise + of that judicial power from which it had a right to expect justice. The + main object was to test the question whether this peculiar construction + given to that local law which prohibits free colored men from coming + within the limits of the State, was legal in its application to those who + come into its ports connected with the shipping interests, pursuing an + honest vocation, and intending to leave whenever their ship was ready. The + consul was censured by the press in several of the slaveholding States, + because he dared to bring the matter before the local legislature. We are + bound to say that Consul Mathew, knowing the predominant prejudices of the + Carolinians, acted wisely in so doing. First, he knew the tenacious value + they put upon courtesy; secondly, the point at issue between South + Carolina and the Federal Government, (and, as a learned friend in Georgia + once said, “Whether South Carolina belonged to the United States, or the + United States to South Carolina;”) and thirdly, the right of State + sovereignty, which South Carolina held to be of the first importance. To + disregard the first, would have been considered an insult to the feelings + of her people; and if the question had first been mooted with the Federal + Government, the ire of South Carolinians would have been fired; the slur + in placing her in a secondary position would have sounded the war-trumpet + of Abolition encroachments, while the latter would have been considered a + breach of confidence, and an unwarrantable disregard of her assertion of + State rights. The Executive transmitted the documents to the Assembly, + that body referred them to special committees, and the Messrs. Mazyck and + McCready, reported as everybody in South Carolina expected, virtually + giving the British consul a very significant invitation to keep his + petitions in his pocket for the future, and his “black lambs” out of the + State, or it might disturb their domesticated ideas. Thus was the right + clearly reserved to themselves, and the question settled, so far as the + State Legislature was concerned. The next course for Mr. Mathew was to + appeal to the Judiciary, and should redress be denied, make it the medium + of bringing the matter, before the Federal courts. + </p> + <p> + We cannot forbear to say, that the strenuous opposition waged against this + appeal of common humanity arose from political influence, supported by a + set of ultra partisans, whose theoretical restrictions, assisted by the + voice of the press, catered to the war-spirit of the abstractionists. + </p> + <p> + The British consul, as the representative of his government, knowing the + personal suffering to which the subjects of his country were subjected by + the wretched state of the Charleston prison, and its management, sought to + remove no restriction that might be necessary for protecting their + dangerous institutions, but to relieve that suffering. He had pointed the + authorities to the wretched state of the prison, and the inhuman regimen + which existed within it; but, whether through that superlative + carelessness which has become so materialized in the spirit of society—that + callousness to misfortune so strongly manifested by the rich toward the + industrious poor and the slaves-or, a contempt for his opinions, because + he had followed out the instructions of his government, things went on in + the same neglected manner and no attention was paid to them. + </p> + <p> + Now, we dare assert that a large, portion of the excitement which the + question has caused has arisen from personal suffering, consequent upon + that wretched state of jail provisions which exists in South Carolina, and + which, to say the least, is degrading to the spirit and character of a + proud people. If a plea could be made, for excuse, upon the shattered + finances of the State, we might tolerate something of the abuse. But this + is not the case; and when its privileges become reposed in men who make + suffering the means to serve their own interests, its existence becomes an + outrage. + </p> + <p> + A stronger evidence of the cause of these remonstrances on the part of the + British Government, is shown by the manner in which it has been submitted + to in Georgia. The British consul of the port of Savannah, a gentleman + whose intelligence and humane feelings are no less remarkable than Mr. + Mathew's, has never had occasion to call the attention of the Executive of + Georgia to the abuse of power consequent upon the imprisonment of colored + seamen belonging to the ships of Great Britain in that port. The seaman + was imprisoned, consequently deprived of his liberty; but there was no + suffering attendant beyond the loss of liberty during the stay of the + vessel; for the imprisonment itself was a nominal thing; the imprisoned + was well cared for; he had good, comfortable apartments, cleanly and well + ordered, away from the criminals, and plenty of good, wholesome food to + eat. There was even a satisfaction in this, for the man got what he paid + for, and was treated as if he were really a human being. Thus, with the + exception of the restriction on the man's liberty, and that evil, which + those interested in commerce would reflect upon as a tax upon the marine + interests of the port to support a municipal police, because it imposes a + tax and burdensome annoyance upon owners for that which they have no + interest in and can derive no benefit from, the observance of the law had + more penalty in mental anxiety than bodily suffering. We have sometimes + been at a loss to account for the restriction, even as it existed in + Georgia, and especially when we consider the character of those + controlling and developing the enterprising commercial affairs of + Savannah. + </p> + <p> + But we must return to South Carolina. If we view this law as a police + regulation, it only gives us broader latitude. If a community has that + within itself which is dangerous to its well-being, it becomes pertinent + to inquire whether there is not an imperfect state of society existing, + and whether this policy is not injurious to the well-being of the State. + The evil, though it be a mortifying fact, we are bound to say, arises from + a strange notion of caste and color, which measures sympathy according to + complexion. There is no proof that can possibly be adduced, showing that + colored seamen have made any infections among the slaves, or sought to + increase the dangers of her peculiar institution. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0016" id="link2HCH0016"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XVI. PLEA OF JUST CONSIDERATION AND MISTAKEN CONSTANCY OF THE + LAWS. + </h2> + <p> + THE consul's office opened at nine o'clock,—the Captain, with his + register-case and shipping papers under his arm, presented himself to Mr. + Mathew, handed him his papers, and reported his condition. That gentleman + immediately set about rendering every facility to relieve his immediate + wants and further his business. The consul was a man of plain, unassuming + manners, frank in his expressions, and strongly imbued with a sense of his + rights, and the faith of his Government,—willing to take an active + part in obtaining justice, and, a deadly opponent to wrong, regardless of + the active hostility that surrounded him. After relating the incidents of + his voyage, and the circumstances connected with Manuel's being dragged to + prison,—“Can it be possible that the law is to be carried to such an + extreme?” said he, giving vent to his feelings. + </p> + <p> + “Your people seem to have a strange manner of exhibiting their + hospitality,” said the Captain, in reply. + </p> + <p> + “That is true; but it will not do to appeal to the officials.” Thus + saying, the consul prepared the certificate, and putting on his hat, + repaired to the jail. Here he questioned Manuel upon the circumstances of + his arrest, his birthplace, and several other things. “I am not sure that + I can get you out, Manuel, but I will do my best; the circumstances of + your being driven in here in distress will warrant some consideration in + your case; yet the feeling is not favorable, and we cannot expect much.” + </p> + <p> + From thence he proceeded to the office of Mr. Grimshaw, where he met that + functionary, seated in all the dignity of his office. + </p> + <p> + “Good morning, Mr. Consul. Another of your darkies in my place, this + morning,” said Mr. Grimshaw. + </p> + <p> + “Yes; it is upon that business I have called to see you. I think you could + not have considered the condition of this man, nor his rights, or you + would not have imprisoned him. Is there no way by which I can relieve + him?” inquired the consul, expecting little at his hands, but venturing + the effort. + </p> + <p> + “Sir! I never do any thing inconsistent with my office. The law gives me + power in these cases, and I exercise it according to my judgment. It makes + no exceptions for shipwrecks, and I feel that you have no right to + question me in the premises. It's contrary to law to bring niggers here; + and if you can show that he is a white man, there's the law; but you must + await its process.” + </p> + <p> + “But do you not make exceptions?” inquired the consul. “I do not wish to + seek his relief by process of law; that would increase expense and delay. + I have made the request as a favor; if you cannot consider it in that + light, I can only say my expectations are disappointed. But how is it that + the man was abused by your officers before he was committed?” + </p> + <p> + “Those are things I've nothing to do with; they are between the officers + and your niggers. If they are stubborn, the officers must use force, and + we have a right to iron the whole of them. Your niggers give more trouble + than our own, and are a set of unruly fellows. We give 'em advantages + which they don't deserve, in allowing them the yard at certain hours of + the day. You Englishmen are never satisfied with any thing we do,” + returned Mr. Grimshaw, with indifference, appearing to satisfy himself + that the law gave him the right to do what he pleased in the premises. + There seemed but one idea in his head, so far as niggers were concerned, + nor could any mode of reasoning arouse him: to a consideration of any + extenuating circumstances. A nigger was a nigger with him, whether white + or black-a creature for hog, homony, and servitude. + </p> + <p> + “I expected little and got nothing. I might have anticipated it, knowing + the fees you make by imprisonment. I shall seek relief for the man through + a higher tribunal, and I shall seek redress for the repeated abuses + inflicted upon these men by your officers,” said the consul, turning to + the door. + </p> + <p> + “You can do that, sir,” said Mr. Grimshaw; “but you must remember that it + will require white evidence to substantiate the charge. We don't take the + testimony of your niggers.” + </p> + <p> + Just as the consul left the office, he met Colonel S—entering. The + colonel always manifested a readiness to relieve the many cases of + oppression and persecution arising from bad laws and abused official duty. + He had called upon Mr. Grimshaw on the morning of the arrest, and received + from him an assurance that the case would be considered, the most + favorable construction given to it, and every thing done for the man that + was in his power. Notwithstanding this to show how far confidence could be + put in such assurances, we have only to inform the reader that he had + despatched the officers an hour previously. + </p> + <p> + The colonel knew his man, and felt no hesitation at speaking his mind. + Stepping up to him, “Mr. Grimshaw,” said he, “how do you reconcile your + statement and assurances to me this morning with your subsequent conduct?” + </p> + <p> + “That's my business. I act for the State, and not for you. Are you counsel + for these niggers, that you are so anxious to set them at liberty among + our slaves? You seem to have more interest in it than that interfering + consul. Just let these Yankee niggers and British niggers out to-night, + and we'd have another insurrection before morning; it's better to prevent + than cure,” said Grimshaw. + </p> + <p> + “The only insurrection would have been in your heart, for the loss of + fees. If you did not intend what you said, why did you deceive me with + such statements? I know the feelings of our people, as well as I do yours + for caging people within that jail. Upon that, I intimated to the Captain + what I thought would be the probable result, and this morning I proceeded + to his vessel to reassure him, upon your statement. Imagine my + mortification when he informed me that his steward had been dragged off to + jail early in the morning, and that those two ruffians whom you disgrace + the community with, behaved in the most outrageous manner. It is in your + power to relieve this man, and I ask it as a favor, and on behalf of what + I know to be the feelings of the citizens of Charleston.” + </p> + <p> + “Your request, colonel,” said Mr. Grimshaw, with a little more + complacency, “is too much in the shape of a demand. There's no discretion + left me by the State, and if you have a power superior to that, you better + pay the expenses of the nigger, and take the management into your own + hands. I never allow this trifling philanthropy about niggers to disturb + me. I could never follow out the laws of the State and practise it; and + you better not burden yourself with it, or your successors may suffer for + adequate means to support themselves. Now, sir, take my advice. It's + contrary to law for them niggers to come here; you know our laws cannot be + violated. South Carolina has a great interest at stake in maintaining the + reputation of her laws. Don't excite the nigger's anxiety, and he'll be + better off in jail than he would running about among the wenches. He won't + have luxuries, but we'll make him comfortable, and he must suit his habits + to our way of living. We must not set a bad example before our own + niggers; the whiter they are the worse they are. They struggle for their + existence now, and think they're above observing our nigger laws. We want + to get rid of them, and you know it,” returned Grimshaw. + </p> + <p> + “Yes; I know it too well, for I have had too many cases to protect them + from being 'run off' and sold in the New Orleans market. But when you + speak of white niggers, I suppose you mean our brightest; I dispute your + assertion, and point you to my proof in the many men of wealth among them + now pursuing their occupations in our city. Can you set an example more + praiseworthy? And notwithstanding they are imposed upon by taxes, and many + of our whites take the advantage of law to withhold the payment of debts + contracted with them, they make no complaint. They are subject to the same + law that restricts the blackest slave. Where is the white man that would + not have yielded under such inequality? No! Mr. Grimshaw, I am as true a + Southerner-born and bred-as you are; but I have the interests of these men + at heart, because I know they are with us, and their interests and + feelings are identical with our own. They are Native Americans by birth + and blood, and we have no right to dispossess them by law of what we have + given them by blood. We destroy their feelings by despoiling them of their + rights, and by it we weaken our own cause. Give them the same rights and + privileges that we extend to that miserable class of foreigners who are + spreading pestilence and death over our social institutions, and we would + have nothing to fear from them, but rather find them our strongest + protectors. I want to see a law taking from that class of men the power to + lord it over and abuse them.” + </p> + <p> + A friend, who has resided several years in Charleston, strong in his + feelings of Southern rights, and whose keen observation could not fail to + detect the working of different phases of the slave institution, informed + us that he had conversed with a great many very intelligent and + enterprising men belonging to that large class of “bright” men in + Charleston, and that which appeared to pain them most was the manner they + were treated by foreigners of the lowest class; that rights which they had + inherited by birth and blood were taken away from them; that, being + subjected to the same law which governed the most abject slave, every + construction of it went to degrade them, while it gave supreme power to + the most degraded white to impose upon them, and exercise his vindictive + feelings toward them; that no consideration being given to circumstances, + the least deviation from the police regulations made to govern negroes, + was taken advantage of by the petty guardmen, who either extorted a fee to + release them, or dragged them to the police-office, where their oath was + nothing, even if supported by testimony of their own color; but the + guardman's word was taken as positive proof. Thus the laws of South + Carolina forced them to be what their feelings revolted at. And I want to + see another making it a penal offence for those men holding slaves for + breeding purposes. Another, which humanity calls for louder than any + other, is one to regulate their food, punish these grievous cases of + starvation, and make the offender suffer for withholding proper rations. + </p> + <p> + “Well-pretty well!” said Grimshaw, snapping his fingers very + significantly. “You seem to enjoy the independence of your own opinion, + colonel. Just prove this nigger's a white, and I'll give you a release for + him, after paying the fees. You better move to Massachusetts, and preach + that doctrine to William Lloyd Garrison and Abby Kelly.” + </p> + <p> + “Give me none of your impudence, or your low insults. You may protect + yourself from personal danger by your own consciousness that you are + beneath the laws of honor; but that will not save you from what you + deserve, if you repeat your language. Our moderation is our protection, + while such unwise restrictions as you would enforce, fan the flame of + danger to our own households,” said the colonel, evidently yielding to his + impulses; while Mr. Grimshaw sat trembling, and began to make a slender + apology, saying that the language was forced upon him, because the colonel + had overstepped the bounds of propriety in his demands. + </p> + <p> + “I'm somewhat astonished at your demand, colonel, for you don't seem to + comprehend the law, and the imperative manner in which I'm bound to carry + it out. Shipowners should get white stewards, if they want to avoid all + this difficulty. I know the nature of the case, but we can't be + accountable for storms, shipwrecks, old vessels, and all these things. + I'll go and see the fellow to-morrow, and tell the jailer-he's a pattern + of kindness, and that's why I got him for jailer-to give him good rations + and keep his room clean,” said Grimshaw, getting up and looking among some + old books that lay on a dusty shelf. At length he found the one, and + drawing it forth, commenced brushing the dust from it with a dust-brush, + and turning his tobacco-quid. After brushing the old book for a length of + time, he gave it a scientific wipe with his coat-sleeve, again sat down, + and commenced turning over its pages. + </p> + <p> + “It's in here, somewhere,” said he, wetting his finger and thumb at every + turn. + </p> + <p> + “What's in there, pray? You don't think I've practised at the Charleston + bar all my life without knowing a law which has called up so many + questions?” inquired the colonel. + </p> + <p> + “Why, the act and the amendments. I believe this is the right one. I a'n't + practised so long, that I reckon I've lost the run of the appendix and + everything else,” adding another stream of tobacco-spit to the puddle on + the floor. + </p> + <p> + “That's better thought than said. Perhaps you'd better get a schoolboy to + keep his finger on it,” continued the colonel, laconically. + </p> + <p> + “Well, well; but I must find it and refresh your memory. Ah! here it is, + and it's just as binding on me as it can be. There's no mistake about + it-it's genuine South Carolina, perfectly aboveboard.” Thus saying, he + commenced reading to the colonel as if he was about to instruct a + schoolboy in his rudiments. “Here it is-a very pretty specimen of + enlightened legislation-born in the lap of freedom, cradled in a land of + universal rights, and enforced by the strong arm of South Carolina.” + </p> + <p> + “An Act for the better regulation and government of free negroes and + persons of color, and for other purposes,” &c. &c. &c., Mr. + Grimshaw read; but as the two first sections are really a disgrace to the + delegated powers of man, in their aim to oppress the man of color, we + prefer to pass to the third section, and follow Mr. Grimshaw as he reads:— + </p> + <p> + “That if any vessel shall come into any port or harbor of this State, + (South Carolina,) from any other State or foreign port, having on board + any free negroes or persons of color, as cooks, stewards, or mariners, or + in any other employment on board said vessel, such free negroes or persons + of color shall be liable to be seized and confined in jail until said + vessel shall clear out and depart from this State; and that when said + vessel is ready to sail, the captain of said vessel shall be bound to + carry away the said free negro or person of color, and pay the expenses of + detention; and in case of his refusal or neglect to do so, he shall be + liable to be indicted, and, on conviction thereof, shall be fined in a sum + not less than one thousand dollars, and imprisoned not less than two + months; and such free negroes or persons of color shall be deemed and + taken as absolute slaves, and sold in conformity to the provisions of the + act passed on the twentieth day of December, one thousand eight hundred + and twenty aforesaid.'” + </p> + <p> + Mr. Grimshaw's coolness in the matter became so intolerable, that the + colonel could stand it no longer; so, getting up while Mr. Grimshaw was + reading the law, he left the office, perfectly satisfied that further + endeavors at that source would be fruitless. + </p> + <p> + After Mr. Grimshaw had concluded, he looked up, perfectly amazed to find + that he was enjoying the reading of the act to himself. “Had I not given + it all the consideration of my power, and seen the correctness of the law, + I should not have given so much importance to my opinion. But there it is, + all in that section of the Act, and they can't find no convention in the + world to control the Legislature of South Carolina. There's my principles, + and all the Englishmen and Abolitionists in Christendom wouldn't change + me. Now, I've the power, and let 'em get the nigger out of my place, if + they can,” said Grimshaw, shutting the book, kicking a good-sized, + peaceable-looking dog that lay under the table, and deliberately taking + his hat and walking into the street. + </p> + <p> + Here is an Act, bearing on its face the arrogant will of South Carolina, + setting aside all constitutional rights, and denying the validity of + stipulations made by the United States in her general commercial laws. She + asserts her right to disregard citizenship, to make criminals of colored + men, because they are colored, and to sell them for slaves to pay the + expenses which she had incurred to make them such. And what is still + worse, is, that the exercise of this misconceived and unjust law is so + unrelentingly enforced, and so abused by those who carry it out. + </p> + <p> + During this time the consul had been unremitting in his endeavors to + procure the man's release. The mayor had no power in the premises; the + attorney-general was not positive in regard to the extent of his power in + such a case, though he admitted the case to be an aggravated one; the + judges could only recognise him as a nigger, consequently must govern + their proceedings by legislative acts. Upon the whole, he found that he + was wasting his time, for while they all talked sympathy, they acted + tyranny. Cold, measured words about niggers, “contrary to law,” + constitutional rights, inviolable laws, State sovereignty and secession, + the necessary police regulations to protect a peculiar institution, and + their right to enforce them, everywhere greeted his ears. There was about + as much in it to relieve Manuel, as there would have been had a little + bird perched upon the prison-wall and warbled its song of love to him + while strongly secured in his cell-more tantalizing because he could hear + the notes, but not see the songster. + </p> + <p> + Notwithstanding the commendable energy of the consul, he had the + satisfaction of knowing that several very improbable reports touching his + course, and construing it into an interference with the institution of + slavery, had been widely circulated, and were creating a feeling against + him among a certain class of “fire-eating” secessionists. He was too well + aware of the source from which they originated to awaken any fears, and + instead of daunting his energy they only increased it, and brought to his + aid the valuable services of the Hon. James L. Petigru, a gentleman of + whom it is said, (notwithstanding his eminence at the bar,) that had it + not been for his purity of character, his opinions in opposition to the + State would have long since consigned him to a traitor's exile. The truth + was-and much against Mr. Petigru's popularity in his own State-that he was + a man of sound logic, practical judgment, and legal discrimination. Thus + endowed with the requisite qualities of a good statesman, and pursuing a + true course to create a conservative influence in the State, he failed to + become popular beyond his legal sphere. Had he espoused that most popular + of all doctrines in South Carolina-nullification and secession-and carried + abstraction to distraction, James L. Petigru would have added another + “Roman name” to that which has already passed from South Carolina's field + of action. + </p> + <p> + The consul did his duty, but effected nothing; and such was the opposition + manifested by the officials who were interested in the spoils of law, and + politicians who could not see any thing important beyond secession, that + there was no prospect of it. And, as the last resort, he appealed to the + Judiciary through the “habeas corpus,” the result of which we shall show + in a subsequent chapter. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0017" id="link2HCH0017"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XVII. LITTLE GEORGE, THE CAPTAIN, AND MR. GRIMSHAW. + </h2> + <p> + THE consul had returned to his office rather discomfited at not being able + to relieve Manuel, yet satisfied that he had placed matters in their + proper light before the public. The Captain reported and left his manifest + at the custom-house, after entering his protest and making the necessary + arrangements for survey, &c. &c. And Colonel S—became so + well satisfied of the affectation of law protectors, and that his services + in behalf of humanity were like straws contending against a foaming + current, that, acknowledging his regrets to the Captain, he preferred to + make up in attention what he could not do for Manuel through the law. + </p> + <p> + Little George paid his respects to the Janson between ten and eleven + o'clock, duly dressed. “Mr. Mate, where's your skipper?” he inquired, with + an air of consequence that put an extra pucker on his little twisting + mouth. + </p> + <p> + “Gone to jail, or to see Doctor Jones, I expect, not giving ye an ill + answer,” replied the old mate, gruffly. + </p> + <p> + “Perhaps you don't know who I am, sir. Your answer's not polite. You must + remember, sir, you're in South Carolina, the sunny city of the South,” + said the little secessionist. + </p> + <p> + “I al'a's make my answer to suit myself. I study hard work and honesty, + but never was known to carry a grammar in my pocket. But, my taut friend, + I should know'd I was in South Carolina if you hadn't said a word about + it, for no other nation under the sky would a dragged a poor cast-away + sailor to prison because he had the misfortune to have a tawny hide. It's + a ten-to-one, my hearty, if you don't find the skipper in jail, and all + the rest of us, before we leave. I'm lookin' now to see some body-grabber + coming down with a pair of handcuffs,” continued the mate. + </p> + <p> + “What! do you mean to insult me again, Mr. Mate? Explain yourself! I'm not + accustomed to this ironical talk!” + </p> + <p> + “Well, it's something like your laws. They dragged our steward off to jail + this morning, without judge or jury, and with about as much ceremony as a + Smithfield policeman would a pickpocket.” + </p> + <p> + “What! you don't say. Well, I was afraid of that. Our officers are mighty + quick, but I'd hoped differently. But, sir, give my compliments to the + Captain. Tell him I'll make the matter all right; my influence, sir, and + my father's—he is one of the first men in the city—tells + mightily here. I have promised my services to the Captain, and I'll see + him through. Just pledging my word to Grimshaw will be enough to satisfy + the judicial requisites of the law,” said George, switching his little + cane on his trowsers. + </p> + <p> + “My good fellow,” said the mate, “if you can get our steward out a limbo, + you'll be doing us all a good turn, and we'll remember you as long as we + pull a brace.” + </p> + <p> + “You may reckon on me, Mister Mate; and if I a'n't down before six + o'clock, my father will certainly take the matter in hand; and he and + Mazyck belong to the secession party, and control things just as they + please at Columbia.” So saying, George bid the old mate good morning, and + bent his course for the head of the wharf. + </p> + <p> + “There,” said the old mate, “it's just what I thought all along; I knew my + presentiment would come true. I'll wager a crown they treat Manuel like a + dog in that old prison, and don't get him out until he is mildewed; or + perhaps they'll sell him for a slave a'cos he's got curly black hair and a + yellow skin. Now I'm a hardy sailor, but I've sailed around the world + about three times, and know something of nature. Now ye may note it as + clear as the north star, prisons in slave countries a'n't fit for dogs. + They may tell about their fine, fat, slick, saucy niggers, but a slave's a + slave—his master's property, a piece of merchandise, his chattel, or + his football-thankful for what his master may please to give him, and + inured to suffer the want of what he withholds. Yes, he must have his + thinking stopped by law, and his back lashed at his master's will, if he + don't toe the mark in work. Men's habits and associations form their + feelings and character, and it's just so with them fellers; they've become + so accustomed to looking upon a nigger as a mere tool of labor—lordin' + it over him, starving him, and lashing him-that they associate the + exercise of the same feelings and actions with every thing connected with + labor, without paying any respect to a poor white man's feelings,” + continued the mate, addressing himself to his second, as they sat upon the + companion, waiting for the Captain to come on board and give further + orders. + </p> + <p> + Never were words spoken with more truth. The negro is reduced to the + lowest and worst restrictions, even by those who are considered wealthy + planters and good masters. We say nothing of those whose abuse of their + negroes by starvation and punishment forms the theme of complaint among + slaveholders themselves. His food is not only the coarsest that can, be + procured, but inadequate to support the system for the amount of labor + required. Recourse to other means becomes necessary. This is supplied by + giving the slave his task, which, so far as our observation extends, is + quite sufficient for any common, laborer's day's-work. This done, his + master is served; and as an act of kindness, (which Sambo is taught to + appreciate as such,) he is allowed to work on his own little cultivated + patch to raise a few things, which mass'r (in many cases) very + condescendingly sells in the market, and returns those little comforts, + which are so much appreciated by slaves on a plantation-tea, molasses, + coffee, and tobacco-and now and then a little wet of whiskey. This is the + allowance of a good man doing a good week's work, and getting two pounds + of bacon and a peck of corn as his compensation. But, in grateful + consideration, his good master allows him to work nights and Sundays to + maintain himself. In this way was “Bob's bale of cotton” raised, which + that anxious child of popular favor, the editor of the “Savannah Morning + News,” so struggled to herald to the world as something magnificent on the + part of the Southern slave-masters. At best, it was but a speck. If the + many extra hours of toil that poor Bob had spent, and the hours of night + that he had watched and nursed his plants, were taken into account, there + would be a dark picture connected with “Bob's bale of cotton,” which the + editor forgot to disclose. + </p> + <p> + Every form of labor becomes so associated with servitude, that we may + excuse the Southerner for those feelings which condemn those devoted to + mechanical pursuits as beneath his caste and dignity. Arrogance and + idleness foster extravagance, while his pride induces him to keep up a + style of life which his means are inadequate to support. This induces him + to subsist his slaves on the coarsest fare, and becoming hampered, + embarrassed, and fretted in his fast-decaying circumstances, his slaves, + one by one, suffer the penalty of his extravagance, and finally he himself + is reduced to such a condition that he is unable to do justice to himself + or his children any longer; his slaves are dragged from him, sold to the + terrors of a distant sugar-plantation, and he turned out of doors a + miserable man. + </p> + <p> + We see this result every day in South Carolina; we hear the comments in + the broadways and public places, while the attorney and bailiff's offices + and notices tell the sad tale of poverty's wasting struggle. + </p> + <p> + George, in passing from the wharf into the bay, met the Captain, who was + shaping his course for the brig. He immediately ran up to him, and shook + his hands with an appearance of friendship. “Captain, I'm right sorry to + hear about your nigger. I was not prepared for such a decision on the part + of Mr. Grimshaw, but I'm determined to have him out,” said he. + </p> + <p> + “Well!” said the Captain, “I'm sorry to say, I find things very different + from what I anticipated. My steward is imprisoned, for nothing, except + that he is a Portuguese, and everybody insists that he's a nigger. + Everybody talks very fine, yet nobody can do any thing; and every thing is + left to the will of one man.” + </p> + <p> + “Why, Captain, we've the best system in the world for doing business; + you'd appreciate it after you understood it! Just come with me, and let me + introduce you to my father. If he don't put you right, I'll stand + convicted,” said little George. + </p> + <p> + Accepting the invitation, they walked back to the “old man's” + counting-room. George had given the Captain such an extended account of + his father's business and estates, that the latter had made up his mind to + be introduced to an “India Palace' counting-room. Judge of his surprise, + then, when George led the way into an old, dirty-looking counting-room, + very small and dingy, containing two dilapidated high desks, standing + against the wall. They were made of pitch pine, painted and grained, but + so scarred and whittled as to have the appearance of long use and abuse. + In one corner was an old-fashioned low desk, provided with an ink-stand, + sundry pieces of blotting-paper, the pigeon-holes filled with loose + invoices, letters, and bills of lading, very promiscuously huddled + together; while hanging suspended on a large nail, driven in the side, and + exposed to view, was an enormous dust-brush. A venerable-looking subject + of some foreign country stood writing at one desk, a little boy at the + other, and George's veritable “old man” at the low desk. Here and there + around the floor were baskets and papers containing samples of sea-island + and upland cotton. George introduced the Captain to his father with the + suavity of a courtier. He was a grave-looking man, well dressed, and spoke + in a tone that at once enlisted respect. Unlike George, he was a tall, + well-formed man, with bland, yet marked features, and very gray hair. He + received the Captain in a cold, yet dignified manner-inquired about his + voyage, and who he had consigned to, and what steps he had taken to + proceed with his business,—all of which the Captain answered + according to the circumstances. + </p> + <p> + “What! then you have consigned already, have you?” said little George, + with surprise. + </p> + <p> + “Oh yes,” returned the Captain, “I have left my business in the hands of + the consul, and shall follow his directions. It's according to my sailing + orders. But there's so much difficulty, I shouldn't wonder if I had to + leave the port, yet!” + </p> + <p> + “Not so, Captain; I'll take care of that!” said George, giving his father + a statement of the Captain's trouble about Manuel's imprisonment, and + begging that he would bestow his influence in behalf of his friend the + Captain. Although George coupled his request with a seeming sincerity, it + was evident that he felt somewhat disappointed at the consignment. The old + gentleman looked very wise upon the subject, lifted his gold-framed + spectacles upon his forehead, gratified his olfactory nerves with a pinch + of snuff, and then said in a cold, measured tone, “Well, if he's a nigger, + I see no alternative,—the circumstances may give a coloring of + severity to the law; but my opinion has always been, that the construction + of the law was right; and the act being founded upon necessity, I see no + reason why we should meddle with its prerogative. I think the interference + of the consul unwarrantable, and pressed upon mere technical grounds. + These stories about the bad state of our jail, and the sufferings of + criminals confined in it, arise, I must think, from the reports of bad + prisoners. I have never been in it. Our people are opposed to vice, and + seldom visit such a place; but the sheriff tells me it is comfortable + enough for anybody. If this be so, and I have no reason to doubt his word, + we can exercise our sympathy and kindness for his shipwrecked + circumstances, and make him as comfortable there as we could anywhere + else. There are many different opinions, I admit, touching the effect of + this law; but I'm among those who support stringent measures for better + protection. His color can form no excuse, Captain, so long as there is + symptoms of the negro about him. We might open a wide field for + metaphysical investigation, if we admitted exceptions upon grades of + complexion; for many of our own slaves are as white ar the brightest + woman. Consequently, when we shut the gates entirely, we save ourselves + boundless perplexity. Nor would it be safe to grant an issue upon the + score of intelligence, for experience has taught us that the most + intelligent 'bright fellows' are the worst scamps in creating discontent + among the slaves. I only speak of these things, Captain, in a general + sense. Your man may be very good, noble, generous, and intelligent; and, + more than all, not inclined to meddle with our peculiar institution,—but + it would be a false principle to make him an exception, setting an example + that would be entirely incompatible with our greatest interests. So far as + my word will affect the sheriff, and enlist his better feelings in making + him comfortable, I will use it,” said the 'old man,' again adjusting his + specs. + </p> + <p> + Little George seemed dumbfounded with mortification, and the Captain felt + as though he would give a guinea to be on board his brig. It was no use + for him to enter into the extenuating circumstance of his voyage, or the + character of the man, Manuel. The same cold opinions about the law, and + the faith and importance of South Carolina and her peculiar institutions, + met his ears wherever he went. The Captain arose, took his hat, and + bidding the old gentleman good morning, again left for his brig. + </p> + <p> + “Don't be worried about it-I'll do what I can for you,” said the old man, + as the Captain was leaving. George followed him into the street, and made + a great many apologies for his father's opinions and seeming indifference, + promising to do himself what his father did not seem inclined to + undertake. The Captain saw no more of him during his stay in Charleston, + and if his influence was exerted in Manuel's behalf, he did not feel its + benefits. + </p> + <p> + Business had so occupied the Captain's attention during the day, that he + had no time to visit Manuel at the jail; and when he returned to the + vessel, a message awaited him from the British consul. One of the seamen + had been detailed to fill Manuel's place, who, with his dinner all + prepared, reminded the Captain that it was awaiting him. He sat down, took + dinner, and left to answer the consul's call. Arriving at the office, he + found the consul had left for his hotel, and would not return until four + o'clock. As he passed the post-office, a knot of men stood in front of it, + apparantly in anxious discussion. Feeling that their conversation might be + interesting to him, or have some connection with his case, he walked + slowly back, and as he approached them, observed that the conversation had + become more excited. The principals were Mr. Grimshaw, and a factor on the + bay, deeply interested in shipping. + </p> + <p> + “A man acting in your capacity,” said the factor, “should never make use + of such expressions-never give encouragement to mob law. It's not only + disgraceful to any city, but ruinous to its interests. Officials never + should set or encourage the example. Want of order is already in the + ascendant, and if the populace is to be led on to riot by the officials, + what check have we? God save us from the direful effects!” + </p> + <p> + “Well, perhaps I went too far,” said Mr. Grimshaw, “for I think as much of + the name of our fair city as you do. But we ought to teach him that he + can't pursue this open, bold, and daring course, endangering our + institutions, because he's consul for Great Britain. I would, at all + events, treat him as we did the Yankee HOAR from Massachusetts, and let + the invitation be given outside of official character, to save the name; + then, if he did not move off, I'd go for serving him as they did the + Spanish consul, in New Orleans. These English niggers and Yankee niggers + are fast destroying the peace of Charleston.” + </p> + <p> + “You would, would you?” said another. “Then you would incite the fury of + an ungovernable mob to endanger the man's life for carrying out the + instructions of his government.” + </p> + <p> + “That don't begin to be all that he does, for he's meddling with every + thing, and continually making remarks about our society,” said Grimshaw, + evidently intending to create ill feeling against the consul, and to make + the matter as bad as possible. + </p> + <p> + “Now, Mr. Grimshaw,” said the factor, “you know your jail is not fit to + put any kind of human beings into, much less respectable men. It's an old + Revolutionary concern, tumbling down with decay, swarming with insects and + vermin; the rooms are damp and unhealthy, and without means to ventilate + them; the mildew and horrible stench is enough to strike disease into the + strongest constitution; and you aggravate men's appetites with food that's + both insufficient and unwholesome, I know, because I visited a friend who + was put in there on 'mesne process.'” + </p> + <p> + “There is little confidence to be placed in the stories of prisoners; they + all think they must be treated like princes, instead of considering that + they are put there for cause, and that a jail was intended for + punishment,” interrupted Grimshaw, anxious to change the subject of + conversation, and displaying an habitual coldness to misfortune which + never can see the gentleman in a prisoner. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, but you must not measure men by that standard. Circumstances which + bring them there are as different as their natures. I've known many good, + honest, and respectable, citizens, who once enjoyed affluence in our + community, put in there, month after month, and year after year, suffering + the persecution of creditors and the effects of bad laws. Now these men + would not all complain if there was no cause, and they all loved you, as + you state. But tell me, Mr. Grimshaw, would it not be even safer for our + institutions to make a restriction confining them to the wharf, which + could be easily done, and with but small expense to the city? Niggers on + the wharves could have no communication with them, because each is + occupied in his business, and ours are too closely watched and driven + during working hours. As soon as those hours end, they are bound to leave, + and the danger ends. Again, those niggers who work on the wharves are + generally good niggers, while, on the other hand, bad niggers are put into + jail; and during the hours these stewards are allowed the privilege of the + yard, they mix with them without discrimination or restraint. Their + feelings, naturally excited by imprisonment, find relief in discoursing + upon their wrongs with those of their own color, and making the + contamination greater,” said the factor, who seemed inclined to view the + matter in its proper light. + </p> + <p> + “Oh! what sir? That would never do. You mistake a nigger's feelings + entirely. Privileges never create respect with them. Just make a law to + leave 'em upon the wharf, and five hundred policemen wouldn't keep 'em + from spoiling every nigger in town, just destroying the sovereignty of the + law, and yielding a supreme right that we have always contended for. It's + 'contrary to law,' and we must carry out the law,” replied Grimshaw. + </p> + <p> + “Pshaw! Talk such stuff to me! Just take away the sixteen hundred or two + thousand dollars that you make by the law; and you'd curse it for a + nuisance. It would become obsolete, and the poor devils of stewards would + do what they pleased; you'd never trouble your head about them. Now, + Grimshaw, be honest for once; tell us what you would do if circumstances + compelled the Captain to leave that nigger boy here?” + </p> + <p> + “Carry out the letter of the law; there's no alternative. But the Captain + swears he's a white man, and that would give him an opportunity to prove + it.” + </p> + <p> + “How is he to prove it, Grimshaw? We take away the power, and then ask him + to do what we make impossible. Then, of course, you would carry out the + letter of the law and sell him for a slave. * * * Well, I should like to + see the issue upon a question of that kind carried out upon an English + nigger. It would be more of a curse upon our slave institution than every + thing else that could be raised,” said the factor. + </p> + <p> + “Gentlemen, you might as well preach abolition at once, and then the + public would know what your sentiments were, and how to guard against you. + I must bid you good-by.” So saying, Mr. Grimshaw twisted his whip, took a + large quid of tobacco, and left the company to discuss the question among + themselves. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0018" id="link2HCH0018"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XVIII. LITTLE TOMMY AND THE POLICE. + </h2> + <p> + WE must take the reader back to the old jail, and continue our scene from + where we left little Tommy spreading the Captain's present before the + imprisoned stewards, whose grateful thanks were showered upon the head of + the bestower. Kindness, be it ever so small, to a man in prison, is like + the golden rays of the rising sun lighting up the opening day. They all + partook of the refreshments provided for them with grateful spirits. + </p> + <p> + It was near ten o'clock when Daley came to announce that it was time to + close the prison, and all strangers must withdraw. Tommy had insisted upon + stopping with Manuel during the night. + </p> + <p> + This man Daley was a proverbial drunkard, a tyrant in the exercise of his + “little brief authority,” and a notorious—. Singular as it may seem, + considering his position, he would quarrel with the men for a glass of + whiskey, had given the jailer more trouble than any other man, and been + several times confined in the cells for his incorrigible vices. If any + thing more was wanting to confirm our note, we could refer to Colonel + Condy, the very gentlemanly United States marshal in a very rude manner, + told him it was against the rules, and putting his hand to his back, + pushed him out of the cell and secured the bolts. The little fellow felt + his way through the passage and down the stairs in the dark until he + reached the corridor, where the jailer stood awaiting to let him pass the + outer iron-gate. “You've made a long stay, my little fellow. You'll have a + heap o' trouble to find the wharf, at this time o' night. I'd o' let you + stopped all night, but it's strictly against the sheriff's orders,” said + the jailer, as, he passed into the street, at the same time giving him a + list of imperfect directions about the course to proceed. + </p> + <p> + The jail is in a distant and obscure part of the city, surrounded by + narrow streets and lanes, imperfectly laid out and undefined. In leaving + the walls of the prison, he mistook his direction, and the night being + very dark, with a light, drizzling rain, which commenced while he was in + the prison, the whole aspect of things seemed reversed. After travelling + about for some time, he found himself upon a narrow strip of land that + crossed a basin of water and led to Chisholm's mill. The different + appearance of things here convinced him of his error. Bewildered, and not + knowing which way to proceed, he approached a cross road, and sitting down + upon a log, wept bitterly. He soon heard a footstep, and as it approached, + his cares lightened. It proved to be a negro man from the mill. + </p> + <p> + These mills are worked all night, and the poor negroes, wishing to follow + an example which massa sets on a grand scale, save that they have an + excuse in the fatigue of labor, will delegate some shrewd one of their + number to proceed to a Dutch “corner-shop” in the suburbs, run the + gauntlet of the police, and get a bottle of whiskey, When interrogated, + they are always “going for a bottle of molasses.” They keep a keen watch + for the police, and their cunning modes of eluding their vigilance forms + many amusing anecdotes. They are bound to have a pass from master, or some + white man; but if they can reach the shop in safety, the Dutchman will + always furnish them with one to return. It not unfrequently happens that + the guard-men are much more ignorant than the slaves. The latter knowing + this, will endeavor to find their station and approach by it, taking with + them either an old pass or a forged one, which the guard-man makes a + wonderful piece of importance about examining and countersigning, though + he can neither read nor write. Thus Sambo passes on to get his molasses, + laughing in his sleeve to think how he “fool ignorant buckra.” A change of + guard often forms a trap for Sambo, when he is lugged to the guard-house, + kept all night, his master informed in the morning, and requested to step + up and pay a fine, or Sambo's back catches thirty-nine, thus noting a + depression of value upon the property. Sometimes his master pays the + municipal fine, and administers a domestic castigation less lacerating + bound into the city on the usual errand of procuring a little of molasses. + When he first discovered Tommy, he started back a few paces, as if in + fear; but on being told by Tommy that he was lost, and wanted to find his + way to the wharves, he approached and recovering, confidence readily, + volunteered to see him to the corner of Broad street. So, taking him by + the hand, they proceeded together until they reached the termination of + the Causeway, and were about to enter Tradd street, when suddenly a + guard-man sprang from behind an old shed. The negro, recognising his white + belt and tap-stick, made the best of his time, and set off at full speed + down a narrow lane. The watchman proceeded close at his heels, springing + his rattle at every step, and pouring out a volley of vile imprecations. + Tommy stood for a few moments, but soon the cries of the negro and the + beating of clubs broke upon his ear; he became terrified, and ran at the + top of his speed in an opposite direction. Again he had lost his way, and + seemed in a worse dilemma than before; he was weary and frightened, and + hearing so many stories among the sailors about selling white children for + slaves, and knowing the imprisonment of Manuel, which he did not + comprehend, his feelings were excited to the highest degree. After running + for a few minutes, he stopped to see if he could recognize his position. + The first thing that caught his eye was the old jail, looming its sombre + walls in the gloomy contrast of night. He followed the walls until he + reached the main gate, and then, taking an opposite direction from his + former route, proceeded along the street until he came to a lantern, + shedding its feeble light upon the murky objects at the corner of a narrow + lane. Here he stood for several minutes, not knowing which way to proceed: + the street he was in continued but a few steps farther, and turn which + ever way he would, darkness and obstacles rose to impede his progress. At + length he turned down the lane, and proceeded until he came to another + junction of streets; taking one which he thought would lead him in the + right direction, he wandered through it and into a narrow, circuitous + street, full of little, wretched-looking houses. A light glimmered from + one of them, and he saw a female passing to and fro before the window. He + approached and rapped gently upon the door. Almost simultaneously the + light was extinguished. He stood for a few minutes, and again rapped + louder than before; all was silent for some minutes. A drenching shower + had commenced, adding to the already gloomy picture; and the rustling + leaves on a tree that stood near gave an ominous sound to the excited + feelings of the child. He listened at the door with anxiety and fear, as + he heard whispers within; and as he was about to repeat his rapping, a + window on the right hand was slowly raised. The female who had been pacing + the floor protruded her head with a caution that bespoke alarm. Her long, + black hair hanging about her shoulders, and her tawny, Indian countenance, + with her ghost-like figure dressed in a white habiliment, struck him with + a sort of terror that wellnigh made him run. + </p> + <p> + “Who is that, at this time of night?” inquired the woman, in a low voice. + </p> + <p> + “It's only me. I'm lost, and can't find my way to our vessel,” said Tommy, + in a half-crying tone. + </p> + <p> + “Mother,” said the woman, shutting the window, “it's only a little + sailor-boy, a stranger, and he's wet through.” + </p> + <p> + She immediately unbarred and opened the door, and invited him to come in. + Stepping beyond the threshold, she closed the door against the storm, and + placing a chair at the fire, told him to sit down and warm himself. They + were mulatto half-breeds, retaining all the Indian features which that + remnant of the tribe now in Charleston are distinguished by a family well + known in the city, yet under the strictest surveillance of the police. + Every thing around the little room denoted poverty and neatness. The + withered remnant of an aged Indian mother lay stretched upon a bed of + sickness, and the daughter, about nineteen years old, had been watching + over her, and administering those comforts, which her condition required. + “Why, mother, it's a'most twelve o'clock. I don't believe he'll come + to-night.” + </p> + <p> + She awaited her friend, or rather he whose mistress she had condescended + to be, after passing from several lords. The history of this female + remnant of beautiful Indian girls now left in Charleston, is a mournful + one. The recollection of their noble sires, when contrasted with their + present unhappy associations, affords a sad subject for reflection and + “this little boy can stop till morning in our room up-stairs,” said she, + looking up at an old Connecticut clock that adorned the mantel-piece. + </p> + <p> + “Oh! I could not stay all night. The mate would be uneasy about me, and + might send the crew to look for me. I'm just as thankful, but I couldn't + stop,” said Tommy. + </p> + <p> + “But you never can find the bay on such a night as this; and I've no pass, + or I would show you into Broad street, and then you could find the way. I + am afraid of the guardmen, and if they caught me and took me to the + station, my friend would abuse me awfully,” said Angeline, for such was + her name; and she laid her hand upon his arm to feel his wet clothes. + </p> + <p> + He now arose from the chair, and putting on his hat, she followed him to + the door and directed him how to proceed to find Broad street. + </p> + <p> + He proceeded according to her directions, and soon found it. Now, he + thought, he was all right; but the wind had increased to a gale, and + having a full sweep through the street, it was as much as he could do to + resist it. He had scarcely reached half the distance of the street when it + came in such sudden gusts that he was forced to seek a refuge against its + fury in the recess of a door. He sat down upon a step, and buttoning his + little jacket around him, rested his head upon his knees, and while + waiting for the storm to abate, fell into a deep sleep. From this + situation he was suddenly aroused by a guardman, who seized him by the + collar, and giving him an unmerciful twitch, brought, him headlong upon + the sidewalk. + </p> + <p> + “What are you at here? Ah! another miserable vagrant, I suppose. We'll + take care of such rascals as you; come with me. We'll larn ye to be round + stealing at this time o' night.” + </p> + <p> + “No, sir! no, sir! I didn't do nothing”— + </p> + <p> + “Shut up! None of your lyin' to a policeman, you young rascal. I don't + want to hear, nor I won't stand your infernal lies.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh do, mister, let me tell you all about it, and I know you won't hurt + me. I'm only going to the vessel, if you'll show me the way,” said the + little fellow imploringly. + </p> + <p> + “Stop yer noise, ye lying young thief, you. Ye wouldn't be prowling about + at this time o' night if ye belonged to a vessel. 'Pon me soul, I believe + yer a nigger. Come to the light,” said the guardman, dragging him up to a + lamp near by. “Well, you a'n't a nigger, I reckon, but yer a strolling + vagrant, and that's worse,” he continued, after examining his face very + minutely. So, dragging him to the guardhouse as he would a dog, and + thrusting him into a sort of barrack-room, the captain of the guard and + several officials soon gathered around him to inquire the difficulty. The + officers listened to the guardman's story, with perfect confidence in + every thing he said, but refused to allow the little fellow to reply in + his own behalf. “I watched him for a long time, saw him fumbling about + people's doors, and then go to sleep in Mr. T—'s recess. These boys + are gettin' to be the very mischief-most dangerous fellows we have to deal + with,” said the policeman. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, no! I was only goin' to the brig, and got turned round. I've been + more than two hours trying to find my way in the storm. I'm sure I a'n't + done no harm. If ye'll only let me tell my story,” said Tommy. + </p> + <p> + “Shut up! We want no stories till morning. The mayor will settle your hash + to-morrow; and if you belong to a ship, you can tell him all about it; but + you'll have the costs to pay anyhow. Just lay down upon that bench, and + you can sleep there till morning; that's better than loafing about the + streets,” said the captain of the guard, a large, portly-looking man, as + he pointed Tommy to a long bench similar to those used in barrack-rooms. + </p> + <p> + The little fellow saw it was no use to attempt a hearing, and going + quietly to the bench, he pulled off his man-a-war hat, and laying it upon + a chair, stretched himself out upon it, putting his little hands under his + head to ease it from the hard boards. + </p> + <p> + But he was not destined to sleep long in this position, for a loud, + groaning noise at the door, broke upon their ears though the pelting fury + of the storm, like one in agonizing distress. + </p> + <p> + “Heavens! what is that!” said the captain of the guard, suddenly starting + from his seat, and running for the door, followed by the whole posse. The + groans grew louder and more death-like in their sound, accompanied by + strange voices, giving utterance to horrible imprecations, and a dragging + upon the floor. The large door opened, and what a sight presented itself! + Three huge monsters, with side-arms on, dragged in the poor negro who + proffered to show Tommy into Broad street. His clothes were nearly torn + from his back, besmeared with mud, from head to foot, and his face cut and + mangled in the most shocking manner. His head, neck, and shoulders, were + covered with a gore of blood, and still it kept oozing from his mouth and + the cuts on his head. They dragged him in as if he was a dying dog that + had been beaten with a club, and threw him into a corner, upon the floor, + with just about as much unconcern. + </p> + <p> + “Oh! massa! massa! kill me, massa, den 'em stop sufferin'!” said the poor + fellow, in a painful murmur, raising his shackled hands to his head, and + grasping the heavy chain that secured his neck, in the agony of pain. + </p> + <p> + “What has he done?” inquired the officer. + </p> + <p> + “Resisted the guard, and ran when we told him to stop!” responded a trio + of voices. “Yes, and attempted to get into a house. Ah! you vagabond you; + that's the way we serve niggers like you!—Attempt to run again, will + you? I'll knock your infernal daylights out, you nigger you,” said one of + the party. + </p> + <p> + “It does seem tome that you might have taken him, and brought him up with + less severity,” said the officer. + </p> + <p> + “What else could we do, sure? Didn't we catch him prowling about with a + white fellow, and he runn'd till we couldn't get him. Indeed it was + nothing good they were after, and it's the like o' them that bees doing + all the mischief beyant the city.” + </p> + <p> + “An' 'imself, too, struck Muldown two pokes, 'efore he lave de hancuffs be + pat upon him, at all!” said another of the guardmen; and then turning + around, caught a glimpse of poor little Tommy, who had been standing up + near a desk, during the scene, nearly “frightened out of his wits.” + </p> + <p> + “By the pipers,—what! and is't here ye are? The same that was with + himself beyant! Come here, you spalpeen you. Wasn't ye the same what + runn'd whin we bees spaken to that nigger?” said the same guardman, taking + hold of Tommy's arm, and drawing him nearer the light. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, he was coming along with me, to show me”— + </p> + <p> + “Stop!—you know you are going to lie already. Better lock 'em both + up for the night, and let them be sent up in the morning,” said another. + </p> + <p> + “Then you won't let me speak for myself—” + </p> + <p> + “Hush, sir!” interrupted the officer; “you can tell your story in the + morning! but take care you are not a vagrant. If it's proved that you were + with that nigger at the improper hour, you'll get your back scarred. Come, + you have owned it, and I must lock you up.” + </p> + <p> + Without attempting to wash the blood off the negro, or dress his wounds, + they unlocked the handcuffs, and loosened the chain from his neck, + handling him with less feeling than they would a dumb brute. Relieved of + his chains, they ordered him to get up. + </p> + <p> + The poor creature looked up imploringly, as if to beg them to spare his + life, for he was too weak to speak. He held up his hands, drenched with + blood, while beneath his head was a pool of gore that had streamed from + his mounds. “None of your infernal humbuggery-you could run fast enough. + Just get up, and be spry about it, or I'll help you with the cowhide,” + said the officer, calling to one of the guardmen to bring it to him. He + now made an effort, and had got upon his knees, when the guardman that + seemed foremost in his brutality fetched him a kick with his heavy boots + in the side, that again felled him to the ground with a deep groan. + </p> + <p> + “Oh-tut! that will not do. You mus'n't kill the nigger; his master will + come for him in the morning,” said the officer, stooping down and taking + hold of his arm with his left hand, while holding a cowhide in his right. + “Come, my boy, you must get up and go into the lock-up,” he continued. + </p> + <p> + “Massa! oh, good massa, do-don't! I's most dead now, wha'for ye no lef me + whare a be?” said he in a whining manner; and making a second attempt, + fell back upon the floor, at which two of them seized him by the + shoulders, and dragging him into a long, dark, cell-like room, threw him + violently upon the floor. Then returning to the room, the officer took + Tommy by the arm, and marching him into the same room, shut the door to + smother his cries. The little fellow was so frightened, that he burst into + an excitement of tears. The room was dark, and as gloomy as a cavern. He + could neither lie down, sleep, nor console himself. He thought of Manuel, + only to envy his lot, and would gladly have shared his imprisonment, to be + relieved from such a horrible situation. Morning was to bring, perhaps, + worse terrors. He thought of the happy scenes of his rustic home in + Dunakade, and his poor parents, but nothing could relieve the anguish of + his feelings. And then, how could he get word to his Captain? If they were + so cruel to him now, he could not expect them to be less so in the + morning. In this manner, he sat down upon the floor with the poor negro, + and, if he could do nothing more, sympathized with his feelings. The poor + negro murmured and groaned in a manner that would have enlisted the + feelings of a Patagonian; and in this way he continued until about three + o'clock in the morning, when his moaning became so loud and pitiful, that + the officer of the guard came to the door with an attendant, and unbolting + it, entered with a lantern in his hand. He held the light toward his face, + and inquired what he was making such a noise about? “Oh! good massa, good + massa, do send for docta; ma head got a pile o' cuts on him,” said he, + putting his hand to his head. The officer passed the lantern to his + attendant, and after putting a pair of gloves on his hands, began to feel + his head, turn aside his torn clothes, and wipe the dirt from the places + where the blood seemed to be clotted. “Good gracious! I didn't conjecture + that you were cut so bad. Here, my good fellow, (addressing himself to + Tommy,) hold the lantern. Michael, go get a pail of water, and some + cloths,” said he, very suddenly becoming awakened to the real condition of + the man, after he had exhibited a coldness that bordered on brutality. + </p> + <p> + Water and cloths were soon brought. The attendant, Michael, commenced to + strip his clothes off, but the poor fellow was so sore that he screeched, + in the greatest agony, every time he attempted to touch him. “Be easy,” + said the officer, “he's hurt pretty badly. He must a' been mighty + refractory, or they'd never beaten him in this manner,” he continued, + opening a roll of adhesive plaster, and cutting it into strips. After + washing, him with water and whiskey, they dressed his wounds with the + plaster, and bound his head with an old silk handkerchief which they found + in his pocket, after which they left the light burning and retired. + </p> + <p> + After they retired, Tommy inquired of the negro how they came to keep him + so long, before they brought him to the guard-house? It proved, that as + soon as they came up with him, the first one knocked him down with a club; + and they all at once commenced beating him with their bludgeons, and + continued until they had satisfied their mad fury. And while he lay + groaning in the streets, they left one of their number in charge, while + the others proceeded to get handcuffs and chains, in which they bound him, + and dragged him, as it were, the distance of four squares to the + guard-house. What a sublime picture for the meditations of a people who + boast of their bravery and generosity! + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0019" id="link2HCH0019"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XIX. THE NEXT MORNING, AND THE MAYOR'S VERDICT. + </h2> + <p> + SHORTLY after daylight, Tommy fell into a dozing sleep, from which he was + awakened by the mustering of the prisoners who had been brought up during + the night, and were to appear before the mayor at nine o'clock. A few + minutes before eight o'clock, an officer opened the cell-door, and they + were ordered to march out into a long room. In this room they found all + the prisoners gathered. There were three blacks and five whites, who had + been arrested on different charges; and as the mayor's court was merely a + tribunal of commitment-not judgment-if the charges upon which the + prisoners were brought up were sustained-which they generally were, + because the policeman who made the arrest was the important witness, they + were committed to await the tardy process of the law. + </p> + <p> + Considerable uneasiness had been felt on board of the Janson for Tommy, + and the Captain suggested that he might have got astray among the dark + lanes of the city, and that the mate had better send some of the crew to + look for him. The mate, better acquainted with Tommy's feelings and + attachment for Manuel than he was with the rules of the prison and Mr. + Grimshaw's arbitrary orders, assured the Captain that such a course would + be entirely unnecessary, for he knew when he left that he would stop all + night with Manuel. This quieted the Captain's apprehensions, and he said + no more about it until he sat down to breakfast. “I miss Tommy amazingly,” + said the Captain. “If he stopped all night, he should be here by this + time. I think some one had better be sent to the jail to inquire for him.” + Just as he arose from the table, one of the crew announced at the + companion that a person on deck wished to see the Captain. On going up, he + found a policeman, who informed him that a little boy had been arrested as + a vagrant in the street, last night, and when brought before the mayor a + few minutes ago, stated that he belonged to his vessel, and the mayor had + despatched him to notify the master. “Circumstances are suspicious; he was + seen in company with a negro of very bad habits; but if you can identify + the boy, you had better come quick, or he'll be sent to jail, and you'll + have some trouble to get him out,” said the messenger, giving the Captain + a description of the boy. + </p> + <p> + “Oh yes!” said the Captain, “that's my Tommy. I verily believe they'll + have us all in jail before we get away from the port.” Numerous + appointments engrossed his time, and he had promised to meet the consul at + an early hour that morning. Notwithstanding this, he gave a few orders to + the mate about getting the hatches ready and receiving the port-wardens, + and then immediately repaired to the all-important guard-house. He was + just in time to receive the mortifying intelligence that the mayor's court + had concluded its sitting, and to see little Tommy, with a pair of + handcuffs on his hand, in the act of being committed to jail by a Dutch + constable. He stopped the constable, and being told that his honor was yet + in the room, put a couple of dollars into his hand to await his + intercession. Another fortunate circumstance favored him; just as he + stopped the constable, he saw his friend, Colonel S—, approaching. + The colonel saw there was trouble, and with his usual, characteristic + kindness, hastened up and volunteered his services. + </p> + <p> + We must now return to the arraignment, as it proceeded after the messenger + had been despatched. + </p> + <p> + The negro confined with Tommy presented a wretched picture when brought + into the light room among the other prisoners. His head was so swollen + that no trace of feature was left in his face. Cuts and gashes were marked + with plaster all over his neck and face; his head tied up with an old red + handkerchief; his eyes, what could be seen of them, more like balls of + blood than organs of sight; while the whiskey and water with which his + head had been washed, had mixed with the blood upon his clothes, and only + served to make its appearance more disgusting. Altogether, a more pitiful + object never was presented to human sight. + </p> + <p> + Some minutes before the clock struck nine, an intelligent-looking + gentleman, very well dressed, and portly in his appearance, entered the + room. He was evidently kindly disposed, but one of those men whose + feelings prompt them to get through business with despatch, rather than + inquire into the circumstances of aggravated cases. He held a consultation + with the officer for some minutes with reference to the prisoners. After + which he mounted a little tribune, and addressing a few words to the white + prisoners, (a person who acted the part of clerk announced court by + rapping upon a desk with a little mallet,) inquired whether the officers + had notified the owners of the negroes. Being informed that they had, he + proceeded with the negroes first. One, by some good fortune, was taken + away by his master, who paid the usual fee to swell the city treasury; + another was sentenced to receive twenty paddles on the frame at the + workhouse; and the third, the man we have described, being brought + forward, weak with the loss of blood, leaned his hand upon the back of a + chair. “Stand up straight!” said the officer, in a commanding tone. + </p> + <p> + “Now, my boy, this is twice you have been before this court. Your master + has left you to the mercy of the law, and given strict orders to the + police in the event that you were caught a third time. Your crime is worse + now, for you were caught in company with that white boy-probably on some + errand of villany, prowling about the streets after drum-beat. I shall, in + consideration of the facts here stated by the police, whose evidence I am + bound to recognise, sentence you to nineteen paddles on the frame, and to + be committed to jail, in accordance with your master's orders, there to + await his further directions. + </p> + <p> + “Arraign the white prisoners according to the roll, Mr.—. Have you + sent a message to the Captain about that boy?” inquired the mayor. + </p> + <p> + “No, yer honor; but I will send at once,” said the officer, stepping into + the passage and calling an attendant. + </p> + <p> + The little fellow was arraigned first. He stood up before the mayor while + the ruffianly policeman who arrested him preferred the charges and swore + to them, adding as much to give coloring as possible. “Now, my man, let me + hear what you have got to say for yourself. I have sent for your captain,” + said the mayor, looking as if he really felt pity for the little fellow. + </p> + <p> + He commenced to tell his simple story, but soon became so convulsed with + tears that he could proceed no further. “I only went to the jail to see + Manuel, the steward, and I got lost, and begged the black man to show me + the way”—said he, sobbing. + </p> + <p> + “Well, I have heard enough,” said the mayor, interrupting him. “You could + not have been at the jail at that time o' night-impossible. It was after + hours-contrary to rules-and only makes the matter worse for yourself. You + can stand aside, and if the Captain comes before court is through, we will + see further; if not, you must be committed as a vagrant. I'm afraid of you + young strollers.” + </p> + <p> + The officer of the guard, as if the poor boy's feelings were not already + sufficiently harassed, took him by the arm, and pushing him into a corner, + said, “There, you young scamp, sit down. You'll get your deserts when you + get to the jail.” + </p> + <p> + He sat down, but could not restrain his feelings. The presence of the + Captain was his only hope. He saw the prisoners arraigned one by one, and + join him as they were ordered for committal. He was handcuffed like the + rest, and delivered to the constable. The reader can imagine the smile of + gladness that welcomed the Captain's timely appearance. The latter's + exhibition of feeling, and the simple exclamation of the child's joy, + formed a striking picture of that fondness which a loving child manifests + when meeting its parents after a long absence. + </p> + <p> + “Take the irons off that child,” said the colonel to the constable. “A man + like you should not put such symbols of ignominy upon a youth like that.” + </p> + <p> + “I would do any thing to oblige you, colonel; but I cannot without orders + from the mayor,” returned the man, very civilly. + </p> + <p> + “I'll see that you do, very quick,” rejoined the colonel, impatiently; and + taking the little fellow by the arm in a compassionate manner, led him + back into the presence of the mayor, followed by the Captain. + </p> + <p> + “I want to know what you are committing this lad for,” said the colonel, + setting his hat upon the table, while his face flushed with indignation. + </p> + <p> + “Vagrancy, and caught prowling about the streets with a negro at midnight. + That is the charge, colonel,” replied the mayor, with particular + condescension and suavity. + </p> + <p> + “Was there any proof adduced to substantiate that fact?” + </p> + <p> + “None but the policeman's; you know we are bound to take that as prima + facie.” + </p> + <p> + “Then it was entirely ex parte. But you know the character of these + policemen, and the many aggravated circumstances that have arisen from + their false testimony. I wish to cast no disrespect, your honor; but + really they will swear to any thing for a fee, while their unscrupulous + bribery has become so glaring, that it is a disgrace to our police system. + Have you heard the boy's story?” said the colonel. + </p> + <p> + “Well, he began to tell a crooked story, so full of admissions, and then + made such a blubbering about it, that I couldn't make head or tail of it.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, here is the Captain of his vessel, a friend of mine, whom I esteem + a gentleman-for all captains ought to be gentlemen, not excepting Georgia + captains and majors,” said the colonel, jocosely, turning round and + introducing the Captain to his honor. “Now, your honor, you will indulge + me by listening to the little fellow's story, which will be corroborated + in its material points by the statements of the Captain, which, I trust, + will be sufficient; if not, we shall recur to the jailer.” + </p> + <p> + “It will be sufficient. I am only sorry there has been so much trouble + about it,” said the mayor. + </p> + <p> + The boy now commenced to tell his story, which the mayor listened to with + all learned attention. No sooner had Tommy finished, and the Captain arose + to confirm his statements, than the mayor declared himself satisfied, + apologized for the trouble it had caused, and discharged the boy upon + paying the costs, the amount of which the colonel took from his pocket and + threw upon the table. Thus was Tommy's joy complete; not so the poor negro + whose ill luck he shared. This high-sounding mayor's court was like + Caesar's court, with the exceptions in Caesar's favor. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0020" id="link2HCH0020"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XX. EMEUTE AMONG THE STEWARDS. + </h2> + <p> + SEVERAL days had passed ere we again introduce the reader to the cell of + the imprisoned stewards. The captain of the Janson had been assured by Mr. + Grimshaw that every thing was comfortable at the jail, and Manuel would be + well cared for. Confiding in this, the activity of the consul to bring the + matter before the proper authorities-and the manner in which his own time + was engrossed with his business-left him no opportunity to visit Manuel at + the jail. Tommy and one of the sailors had carried him his hammock, and a + few things from the ship's stores; and with this exception, they had but + little to eat for several days. Copeland had but a few days more to + remain, and, together with those who were with him, had exhausted their + means, in providing from day to day, during their imprisonment. The poor + woman who did their washing, a generous-hearted mulatto, had brought them + many things, for which she asked no compensation. Her name was Jane Bee, + and when the rules of the jail made every man his own washerwoman, she + frequently washed for those who had nothing to pay her. But her means were + small, and she worked hard for a small pittance, and had nothing to bring + them for several days. They were forced to take the allowance of bread, + but could not muster resolution to eat the sickly meat. + </p> + <p> + Those who had suffered from it before, took it as a natural consequence, + looking to the time of their release, as if it was to bring a happy change + in their lives. But Manuel felt that it was an unprecedented outrage upon + his feelings, and was determined to remonstrate against it. He knocked + loudly at the door, and some of the prisoners hearing it, reported to the + jailer, who sent Daley to answer it. As soon as the door was opened, he + rushed past, and succeeded in gaining the iron door that opened into the + vestibule, where he could converse with the Jailer, through the grating, + before Daley could stop him. + </p> + <p> + The jailer seeing him at the grating, anticipated his complaint. “Well, + Pereira,—what's the matter up-stairs?” said he. + </p> + <p> + “For God's sake, jailer, what am I put in here for-to starve? We cannot + eat the meat you send us, and we have had little else than bread and water + for three days. Do give us something to eat, and charge it to consul, or + Captain, an' I'll pay it from my wages when I get out, if I ever do,” said + he. + </p> + <p> + “My dear fellow!” said the jailer, “no one knows your case better than I + do; but I am poor, and the restrictions which I am under allow me no + privileges. You had all better take your meat in the morning-if you won't + take soup-and try to cook it, or get Jane to do it for you. I will give + you some coffee and bread from my own table, to-night, and you better say + as little about it as possible, for if Grimshaw hears it, he may lock you + up.” + </p> + <p> + “Do, I shall be very thankful, for we are really suffering from hunger, in + our cell, and I pay you when I get money from Captain,” said Manuel, + manifesting his thankfulness at the jailer's kindness. + </p> + <p> + “I will send it up in a few minutes, but you needn't trouble yourself + about pay-I wouldn't accept it!” said the jailer; and as good as his word, + he sent them up a nice bowl of coffee for each, and some bread, butter, + and cheese. They partook of the humble fare, with many thanks to the + donor. Having despatched it, they seated themselves upon the floor, around + the faint glimmer of a tin lamp, while Copeland read the twentieth and + twenty-first chapters of the Acts of the Apostles. Copeland was a pious + negro, and his behaviour during his imprisonment enlisted the respect of + every one in jail. Singular as the taste may seem, he had his corner in + the cell decorated with little framed prints. Among them we noticed one of + the crucifixion, and another of the Madonna. After reading the chapters, + they retired to their hard beds. About nine o'clock the next morning, + Daley came to the door with a piece of neck meat, so tainted and bloody + that its smell and looks more than satisfied the stomach. + </p> + <p> + “Here it is, boys,” said he; “yer four pound, but ye's better take soup, + cos ye'll niver cook that bone, anyhow.” + </p> + <p> + “Do you think we're like dogs, to eat such filth as that? No! I'd rather + starve!” said Manuel. + </p> + <p> + “Indeed, an' ye'll larn to ate any thing win ye'd be here a month. But be + dad, if ye don't watch number one about here, ye's won't get much nohow,” + replied Daley, dropping the bloody neck upon the floor, and walking out. + </p> + <p> + “Better take it,” said Copeland. “There's no choice, and hunger don't + stand for dainties, especially in this jail, where everybody is famished + for punishment. If we don't eat it, we can give it to some of the poor + prisoners up-stairs.” + </p> + <p> + “While I have good ship-owners, and a good Captain, I never will eat such + stuff as that; oh! no,” returned Manuel. + </p> + <p> + The meat was laid in a corner for the benefit of the flies; and when + dinner time arrived, the same hard extreme arrived with it-bread and + water. And nobody seemed to have any anxieties on their behalf; for two of + them had written notes to their Captains, on the day previous, but they + remained in the office for want of a messenger to carry them. Fortunately, + Jane called upon them in the afternoon, and brought a nice dish of rice + and another of homony. + </p> + <p> + We will here insert a letter we received from a very worthy friend, who, + though he had done much for the Charleston people, and been repaid in + persecutions, was thrown into jail for a paltry debt by a ruthless + creditor. Cleared by a jury of twelve men, he was held in confinement + through the wretched imperfection of South Carolina law, to await nearly + twelve months for the sitting of the “Appeal Court,” more to appease the + vindictiveness of his enemies than to satisfy justice, for it was well + understood that he did not owe the debt. His letter speaks for itself. + Charleston Jail, March 31, '52. + </p> + <p> + MY DEAR FRIEND,—I could not account for your absence during the last + few days, until this morning, when Mr. F***** called upon me for a few + moments, and from him I learnt that you had been quite unwell. If you are + about to-morrow, do call upon me; for a more dreary place, or one where + less regard is paid to the calls of humanity, cannot be found among the + nations of the earth. + </p> + <p> + Such is the ordinary condition of suffering within this establishment, + that men, and even women, are forced to all kinds of extremes to sustain + life; and, to speak what experience has taught me, crime is more increased + than reduced by this wretched system. There seems to be little distinction + among the prisoners, and no means to observe it, except in what is called + Mount Rascal on the third story. Pilfering is so common, that you cannot + leave your room without locking your door. The jailer is a good, + kind-hearted old man, very often giving from his own table to relieve the + wants of debtors, many of whom repay him with ingratitude. I have suffered + many privations from shipwreck and cold, but never until I came to South + Carolina was I compelled to endure imprisonment and subsist several days + upon bread and water. + </p> + <p> + Talk about chivalry and hospitality! How many men could join with me and + ask, “Where is it?” But why should I demur, when I see those abroad who + have been driven from this State to seek bread; when I hear the many + voices without tell of struggling to live, for want of system in + mechanical employment, and when I look upon several within these sombre + walls who are even worse than me. Here is a physician, with a wife and + large family, committed for a debt which he was unable to pay. His + father's name stands among the foremost of the State—a General of + distinction, who offered his life for her in time of war, and whose name + honors her triumphs, and has since graced the councils of state. + </p> + <p> + General Hammond, whose name occupies such a conspicuous place in the + military history of South Carolina. The father's enthusiasm for his + country's cause led him to sacrifice his all, and by it he entailed + misfortune upon his descendants. When I consider the case of Shannon, + whose eleven years and seven months' imprisonment for debt, as it was + called, but which eventually proved to be a question turning upon + technicalities of law, gave him, body and soul, to the vindictiveness of a + persecutor, whose unrelenting malignity was kept up during that long space + of time. It was merely a breach of limitation between merchants, the + rights of which should be governed by commercial custom. Shannon had, + amassed about twenty thousand dollars by hard industry; his health was + waning, and he resolved to retire with it to his native county. The gem + proved too glaring for the lynx eye of a “true Carolinian,” who persuaded + him to invest his money in cotton. Moved by flattering inducements, he + authorized a factor to purchase for him upon certain restrictions, which, + unfortunately for himself, were not drawn up with regard to legal + enforcement-one of those singular instruments between a merchant and an + inexperienced man which a professional quibbler can take advantage of. + Cotton was at the tip-top, and very soon Shannon was presented with an + account of purchase, and draft so far beyond his limits, that he demurred, + and rejected the purchase entirely; but some plot should be laid to entrap + him. The factor undertook the force game, notified him that the cotton was + held subject to his order, and protested the draft for the appearance of + straightforwardness. Cotton shortly fell to the other extreme, the lot was + “shoved up” for sale on Shannon's account, Shannon was sued for the + balance, held to bail, and in default committed to prison. His confinement + and endurance of it would form a strange chapter in the history of + imprisonment for debt. Carrying his money with him, he closed the door of + his cell, and neither went out nor would allow any one but the priest to + enter for more than three years; and for eleven years and seven months he + paced the room upon a diagonal line from corner to corner, until he wore + the first flooring, of two-and-a-quarter-inch pine, entirely through. + </p> + <p> + I might go on and tell of many others, whose poverty was well known, and + yet suffered years of imprisonment for debt; but I find I have digressed. + I must relate an amusing affair which took place this morning between + Manuel Pereira, the steward of the English brig Janson, which put into + this port in distress, and the jailer. He is the man about whom so much + talk and little feeling has been enlisted—a fine, well-made, + generous-hearted Portuguese. He is olive-complexioned—as light as + many of the Carolinians—intelligent and obliging, and evidently + unaccustomed to such treatment as he receives here. + </p> + <p> + Manuel appeared before the jailer's office this morning with two junks of + disgusting-looking meat, the neck-bones, tainted and bloody, in each hand. + His Portuguese ire was up. “Mister Poulnot, what you call dis? In South + Carolina you feed man on him, ah? In my country, ah yes! we feed him to + dog. What you call him? May-be somethin' what me no know him. In South + Carolina, prison sailor when he shipwreck, starve him on nosin', den tell + him eat this, ah! I sails 'round ze world, but never savage man gives me + like zat to eat! No, I starve 'fore I eat him, be gar! Zar, you take him,” + said he, throwing the pieces of meat upon the floor in disdain. + </p> + <p> + “Meat! Yes, it's what's sent here for us. You mustn't grumble at me; enter + your complaints to the sheriff, when he comes,” said the jailer, with an + expression of mortification on his countenance. + </p> + <p> + “Meat, ah! You call dat meat in South Carolina? I call him bull-neck, not + fit for dog in my country. I see, when Capitan come, vat he do,” said + Manuel, turning about and going to his room in a great excitement. + </p> + <p> + “You'd better be careful how you talk, or you may get locked up when the + sheriff comes.” + </p> + <p> + It seems that the Captain had received a note from him, addressed by one + of the white prisoners on the same floor, and reached the jail just as + Manuel had ascended the stairs. He rang the bell and requested to see + Manuel. + </p> + <p> + “Manuel Pereira?” inquired the jailer. + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” said the Captain, “he is my steward.” + </p> + <p> + He heard the Captain's voice, and immediately returned to the lobby. The + tears ran down his cheeks as soon as he saw his old protector. “Well, + Manuel, I am glad to see you, but sorry that it is in imprisonment. Tell + me what is the matter. Don't they use you well here?” inquired the + Captain. + </p> + <p> + Stepping within the office door, he caught up the pieces of meat, and + bringing them out in his hands, held them up. “There, Capitan, that no fit + for man, is it?” said he. “Law send me prison, but law no give not'ing to + eat. What I do dat people treat me so? Ah, Capitan, bull neck, by gar, + yes-bull born in South Carolina, wid two neck. Ils sont reduits + l'extremit,” said he, concluding with broken French. + </p> + <p> + “That cannot be; it's against the law to kill bulls in South Carolina,” + interrupted the jailer jocosely. + </p> + <p> + “Must be. I swear he bull-neck, 'cas he cum every day just like him. Bull + born wid one neck no cum so many. What I get for breakfast, Capitan, ah?—piece + bad bread. What I get for dinner, ah?—bull-neck. Yes, what I get for + supper, too?—piece bread and bucket o' water. May-be he bad, may be + he good, just so he come. You think I live on dat, Capitan?” said he, in + reply to the Captain's questions. + </p> + <p> + The Captain felt incensed at such treatment, and excused himself for not + calling before; yet he could not suppress a smile that stole upon his + countenance in consequence of Manuel's quaint earnestness. + </p> + <p> + “That is certainly strange fare for a human being; but the supper seems + rather a comical one. Did you drink the bucket of water, Manuel?” inquired + the Captain, retaining a sober face. + </p> + <p> + “Capitan, you know me too well for dat. I not ask 'em nozin' what he no + get, but I want my coffee for suppe'. I no eat him like zat,” throwing the + putrid meat upon the floor again. + </p> + <p> + “Hi, hi! That won't do in this jail. You're dirtying up all my floor,” + said the jailer, calling a negro boy and ordering him to carry the + bull-necks, as Manuel called them, into the kitchen. + </p> + <p> + “You call him dirt, ah, Miser Jailer? Capitan, just come my room; I shown + him,” said Manuel, leading the way up-stairs, and the Captain followed. A + sight at the cell was enough, while the sickly stench forbid him to enter + beyond the threshold. He promised Manuel that he would provide for him in + future, and turning about suddenly, retreated into the lower lobby. + </p> + <p> + “Jailer, what does all this mean? Do you allow men to starve in a land of + plenty, and to suffer in a cell like that?” asked the Captain in a + peremptory tone. + </p> + <p> + “I feel for the men, but you must enter your complaints to the sheriff-the + ration of the jail is entirely in his hands.” + </p> + <p> + “But have you no voice in it, by which you can alleviate their situation?” + </p> + <p> + “Not the least! My duty is to keep every thing-every thing to rights, as + far as people are committed. You will find the sheriff in his office, any + time between this and two o'clock,” said the jailer. And the Captain left + as suddenly as he came. + </p> + <p> + You will think I have written you an essay, instead of a letter inviting + you to come and see me. Accept it for its intention, and excuse the + circumstances. Your obedient servant, + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0021" id="link2HCH0021"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXI. THE CAPTAIN'S INTERVIEW WITH MR. GRIMSHAW. + </h2> + <p> + THE appearance of things at the jail was forlorn in the extreme. The + Captain knew the integrity of Manuel, and not only believed his statement, + but saw the positive proofs to confirm them. He repaired to the sheriff's + office, and inquiring for that functionary, was pointed to Mr. Grimshaw, + who sat in his large chair, with his feet upon the table, puffing the + fumes of a very fine-flavored Havana, as unconcerned as if he was lord in + sovereignty over every thing about the city. “I am captain of the Janson, + and have called to inquire about my steward?” said the Captain. + </p> + <p> + “Ah! yes,—you have a nigger fellow in jail. Oh! by-the-by, that's + the one there was so much fuss about, isn't it?” said Mr. Grimshaw, + looking up. + </p> + <p> + “It is an imperative duty on me to seek the comfort of my officers and + crew,” said the Captain. “I received a note from my steward, this morning,—here + it is, (handing him the note,) you can read it. He requested me to call + upon him at the jail, where I lost no time in going, and found what he + stated there to be too true. How is it! From the great liberality of tone + which everywhere met my ears when I first arrived, I was led to believe + that he would be made comfortable; and that the mere confinement was the + only feature of the law that was a grievance. Now I find that to be the + only tolerable part of it. When a man has committed no crime, and is + imprisoned to satisfy a caprice of public feeling, it should be + accompanied with the most favoring attendants. To couple it with the most + disgraceful abuses, as are shown here, makes it exceedingly repugnant. If + we pay for confining these men, and for their living while they are + confined, in God's name let us get what we pay for!” + </p> + <p> + The reader will observe that Mr. Grimshaw was a man of coarse manners and + vulgar mind, with all their traces preserved on the outer man. He looked + up at the Captain with a presumptuous frown, and then said, “Why, Mr. + Captain, how you talk! But that kind o' talk won't do here in South + Carolina. That nigger o' yourn gives us a mighty site of trouble, Captain. + He doesn't seem to understand that he must be contented in jail, and live + as the other prisoners do. He gets what the law requires, and if he gives + us any further trouble, we shall lock him up in the third story.” + </p> + <p> + “You cannot expect him to be contented, when you furnish the means of + discontent. But I did not come here to argue with you, nor to ask any + thing as a favour, but as a right. My steward has been left to suffer! Am + I to pay for what he does not get? Or am I to pay you for the pretence, + and still be compelled to supply him on account of the owners? You must + excuse my feelings, for I have had enough to provoke them!” returned the + Captain. + </p> + <p> + “That business is entirely my own! He gets what the State allows, and I + provide. Your steward never wrote that note; it was dictated by some of + them miserable white prisoners. I can hear no complaints upon such cases + as them. If I were to listen to all these nonsensical complaints, it would + waste all my time. I wish the devil had all the nigger stewards and their + complaints; the jail's in a fuss with them all the time. I can hear + nothing further, sir-nothing further!” said Grimshaw emphatically, + interrupting the Captain as he attempted to speak; at which the Captain + became so deeply incensed, that he relieved his feelings in that sort of + plain English which a Scotchman can best bestow in telling a man what he + thinks of his character. + </p> + <p> + “You must remember, sir, you are in the office of the sheriff of the + county-parish, I mean,—and I am, sir, entitled to proper respect. + Begone!—avaunt! you have no right to come here and traduce my + character in that way. You musn't take me for a parish beadle,” said + Grimshaw, contorting the unmeaning features of his visage, and letting fly + a stream of tobacco juice in his excitement. + </p> + <p> + “If you have no laws to give me justice, you have my opinion of your + wrongs,” returned the Captain, and taking his hat, left the office with + the intention of returning to the jail. On reflection, he concluded to + call upon Colonel S—, which he did, and finding him in his office, + stated the circumstances to him. + </p> + <p> + “These things are the fruits of imbecility; but I am sorry to say there is + no relief from them. We are a curious people, and do a great many curious + things according to law, and leave a great many things undone that the law + and lawmakers ought to do. But I will go with you to the jail, and + whatever my influence will effect is at your service,” said the Colonel, + putting on his hat, and accompanying the Captain to the jail. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Grimshaw had forestalled them, and after having given the jailer + particular instructions to lock Manuel up if he made any further + complaint, and to carry out his orders upon the peril of his situation, + met them a few steps from the outer gate, on his return. “There, Captain!” + said Grimshaw, making a sort of halt, “I have given the jailer particular + orders in regard to your grumbling nigger!” + </p> + <p> + Neither the Captain nor Colonel S—took any notice of his remarks, + and passed on into the jail. Colonel S—interceded for the man, + explaining the circumstances which had unfortunately brought him there, + and begged the jailer's kind consideration in his behalf. The jailer told + them what his orders had been, but promised to do as far as was in his + power, and to see any thing that was sent to him safely delivered. + </p> + <p> + After leaving the jail, Colonel S—proposed a walk, and they + proceeded along a street running at right angles with the jail, until they + came to a corner where a large brick building was in process of erection. + The location was not in what might strictly be called “the heart of the + city,” nor was it in the suburbs. Carpenters and masons, both black and + white, were busily employed in their avocations, and from the distance all + seemed fair and moving with despatch. As they approached nearer, cries and + moans sounded upon the air, and rose high above the clatter of the + artisans' work. The Captain quickened his pace, but the colonel, as if + from a consciousness of the effect, halted, and would fain have retraced + his steps. “Come!” said the Captain, “let us hasten-they are killing + somebody!” They approached the building, and entered by an open door in + the basement. The passage, or entry-way, was filled with all sorts of + building materials; and on the left, another door opened into a long + basement apartment, with loose boards laid upon the floor-joists overhead. + Here in this dark apartment was the suffering object whose moans had + attracted their attention. A large billet of wood, about six feet long and + three feet square, which had the appearance of being used for a + chopping-block, laid near. A poor negro man, apparently advanced in years, + was stripped naked and bent over the block, in the shape of a horse-shoe, + with his hands and feet closely pinioned to stakes, driven in the ground + on each side. His feet were kept close together, and close up to the log, + while he was drawn over, tight by the hands, which were spread open. Thus, + with a rope around his neck, tied in a knot at the throat, with each end + carried to the pinion where his hands were secured, his head and neck were + drawn down to the tightest point. The very position was enough to have + killed an ordinary human being in less than six hours. His master, a + large, robust man, with a strong Irish brogue, started at their + appearance, as if alarmed at the presence of intruders, while holding his + hand in the attitude of administering another blow. “There! you infernal + nigger; steal again, will you?” said he, frothing at the mouth with rage—with + his coat off, his shirt-sleeves rolled up, and his face, hands, arms and + shirt-bosom so bespattered with blood, that a thrill of horror ran through + the Captain. On the ground lay several pieces of hoop, broken and covered + with blood, while he held in his hand another piece, (which he had torn + from a lime-cask,) reeking with blood, presenting the picture of a + murderer bestained with the blood of his victim. But the poor sufferer's + punishment had wasted his strength,—his moans had become so faint as + to be scarcely perceptible. His posteriors were so cut and mangled that we + could compare them to nothing but a piece of bullock's-liver, with its + tenacity torn by craven dogs. His body was in a profuse perspiration, the + sweat running from his neck and shoulders, while the blood streamed from + his bruises, down his legs, and upon some shavings on the ground. Just at + this moment a boy brought a pail of water, and set it down close by the + tyrant's feet. “Go away, boy!” said he, and the boy left as quick as + possible. The Captain stood dismayed at the bloody picture. + </p> + <p> + “Unmerciful man!” said the colonel in a peremptory tone; “what have you + been doing here? You fiend of hell, let the man up! You own slaves to + bring disgrace upon us in this manner! Epithets of contempt and disgust + are too good for you. It is such beasts as you who are creating a popular + hatred against us, and souring the feelings of our countrymen. Let the man + up instantly; the very position you have him in is enough to kill him, + and, if I'm not mistaken, you've killed him already.” + </p> + <p> + “Indeed, he's me own property, and it's yerself won't lose a ha'penny if + he's kilt. An' I'll warrant ye he's cur't of stalin' better than the man + beyant at the wurk'o'se would be doin' if. Bad luck to the nager, an' it's + the second time he'd be doin' that same thing,” said he, as unconcernedly + as if he had just been killing a calf. + </p> + <p> + “I'll 'your own' you, you miserable wretch! Your abuse and cruel treatment + of your slaves is becoming a public thing; and if you a'n't very careful, + something will be done about it before council. If they are your own, you + must not treat them worse than dogs; they have feeling, if you have no + compassion. Be quick! release him at once!” demanded the colonel, feeling + the man's wrist and head. + </p> + <p> + The tyrant vent deliberately to work, unloosing the cords. This provoked + the colonel still more, and taking his knife from his pocket, he severed + the cords that bound his hands and feet, while as suddenly the Captain + sprang with his knife and severed those that bound his hands and neck. + “Stop, Captain, stop! take no part,” said the colonel, with a significant + look. + </p> + <p> + “Gintlemen, I wish yes wouldn't interfere with my own business,” said the + master. + </p> + <p> + “Take him up, you villanous wretch! I speak to you as you deserve, without + restraint or respect,” again the colonel repeated. + </p> + <p> + He called to the boy who was bringing the pail of water when they entered. + He came forward, and taking the poor fellow by the shoulders, this beast + in human form cried out, “Get up now, ye miserable thief, ye.” The poor + fellow made a struggle, but as the black man raised his head-which seemed + to hang as a dead weight-exhaustion had left him without strength, and he + fell back among the bloody shavings like a mutilated mass of lifeless + flesh. + </p> + <p> + “None of your humbugging; yer worth a dozen dead niggers anyhow,” said he, + taking up the pail of water and throwing nearly half of it over him; then + passing the bucket to the black man and ordering him to get more water and + wash him down; then to get some saltpetre and a sponge to sop his flesh. + </p> + <p> + “Well,” said the colonel, “I have seen a good deal of cruelty to slaves, + but this is the most beastly I have ever beheld. If you don't send for a + doctor at once, I shall report you. That man will die, to a moral + certainty. Now, you may depend upon what I say-if that man dies, you'll + feel the consequences, and I shall watch you closely.” + </p> + <p> + “Sure I always takes care of me own niggers, an' it's himself that won't + be asked to do a stroke of work for a week, but have the same to git well + in,” said the tyrant as the colonel and Captain were leaving. + </p> + <p> + “God be merciful to us, and spare us from the savages of mankind. That + scene, with its bloody accompaniment, will haunt me through life. Do your + laws allow such things?” said the Captain, evidently excited. + </p> + <p> + “To tell the truth, Captain,” said the colonel, “our laws do not reach + them. These men own a few negroes, which, being property, they exercise + absolute control over; a negro's testimony being invalid, gives them an + unlimited power to abuse and inflict punishment; while, if a white man + attempts to report such things, the cry of 'abolitionist' is raised + against him, and so many stand ready to second the cry, that he must have + a peculiar position if he does not prejudice his own interests and safety. + I am sorry it is so; but it is too true, and while it stigmatizes the + system, it works against ourselves. The evil is in the defects of the + system, but the remedy is a problem with diverse and intricate workings, + which, I own, are beyond my comprehension to solve. The reason why I spoke + to you as I did when you cut the pinions from the man's hands, was to give + you a word of precaution. That is a bad man. Negroes would rather be sold + to a sugar plantation in Louisiana any time than be sold to him. He soon + works them down; in two years, fine, healthy fellows become lame, infirm, + and sickly under him; he never gives them a holiday, and seldom a Sunday, + and half-starves them at that. If his feelings had been in a peculiar mood + at the instant you cut that cord, and he had not labored under the fear of + my presence, he would have raised a gang of his stamp, and with the + circumstance of your being a stranger, the only alternative for your + safety would have been in your leaving the city.” + </p> + <p> + “That vagabond has beaten the poor creature so that he will die; it can't + be otherwise,” said the Captain. + </p> + <p> + “Well, no; I think not, if he is well taken care of for a week or so; but + it's a chance if that brute gives him a week to get well. When proud-flesh + sets in, it is very tedious; that is the reason, so far as the law is + concerned, that the lash was abolished and the paddle substituted—the + former mangled in the manner you saw just now, while the latter is more + acute and bruises less. I have seen a nigger taken from the paddle-frame + apparently motionless and lifeless, very little bruised, and not much + blood drawn; but he would come to and go to work in three or four days,” + said the colonel as they passed along together. + </p> + <p> + We would print the name of this brute in human form, that the world might + read it, were it not for an amiable wife and interesting family, whose + feelings we respect. We heard the cause of this cruel torture a short time + after, which was simply that he had stolen a few pounds of nails, and this + fomented the demon's rage. In the manner we have described, this ferocious + creature had kept his victim for more than two hours, beating him with the + knotty hoops taken from lime-casks. His rage would move at intervals, like + gusts of wind during a gale. Thus, while his feelings raged highest, he + would vent them upon the flesh of the poor pinioned wretch; then he would + stop, rest his arm, and pace the ground from wall to wall, and as soon as + his passion stormed, commence again and strike the blows with all his + power, at the same time keeping the black boy standing with a bucket of + water in his hand ready to pour upon the wretch whenever signs of fainting + appeared. Several times, when the copious shower came over him, it filled + his mouth, so that his cries resounded with a gurgling, death-like noise, + that made every sensation chill to hear it. During this space of time, he + inflicted more than three hundred blows. Our information is from the man + who did his master's bidding—poured the water—and dared not + say, “Good massa, spare poor Jacob.” We visited the place about a month + afterward, on a pretext of examining the basement of the building, and saw + the unmistakable evidences of civilized torture yet remaining in the + ground and upon the shavings that were scattered around. + </p> + <p> + “Captain, you must not judge the institution of slavery by what you saw + there; that is only one of those isolated cases so injurious in + themselves, but for which the general character of the institution should + not be held answerable,” said the colonel. + </p> + <p> + “A system so imperfect should be revised, lest innocent men be made to + suffer its wrongs,” said the Captain. + </p> + <p> + They continued their walk through several very pretty parts of the city, + where fine flowering gardens and well-trimmed hedges were nicely laid out; + these, however, were not the habitations of the “old families.” They + occupied parts of the city designated by massive-looking old mansions, + exhibiting an antiqueness and mixed architecture, with dilapidated + court-yards and weather-stained walls, showing how steadfast was the work + of decay. + </p> + <p> + The colonel pointed out the many military advantages of the city, which + would be used against Uncle Sam if he meddled with South Carolina. He + spoke of them ironically, for he was not possessed of the secession + monomania. He had been a personal friend of Mr. Calhoun, and knew his + abstractions. He knew Mr. McDuffie; Hamilton, (the transcendant, of South + Carolina fame;) Butler, of good component parts-eloquent, but moved by + fancied wrongs; Rhett, renouncer of that vulgar name of Smith, who hated + man because he spoke, yet would not fight because he feared his God; and + betwixt them, a host of worthies who made revenge a motto; and last, but + not least, great Quattlebum, whose strength and spirit knows no bound, and + brought the champion Commander, with his enthusiastic devotion, to lead + unfaltering forlorn hopes. But he knew there was deception in the + political dealings of this circle of great names. + </p> + <p> + Returning to the market, they took a social glass at Baker's, where the + colonel took leave of the Captain; and the latter, intending to repair to + his vessel, followed the course of the market almost to its lowest + extreme. In one of the most public places of the market, the Captain's + attention was attracted by a singular object of mechanism. It seemed so + undefined in its application, that he was reminded of the old saying among + sailors when they fall in with any indescribable thing at sea, that it was + a “fidge-fadge, to pry the sun up with in cloudy weather.” It was a large + pedestal about six feet high, with a sort of platform at the base for + persons to stand upon, supplied with two heavy rings about eight inches + apart. It was surmounted by an apex, containing an iron shackle long + enough for a sloop-of-war's best bower chain, and just, beneath it was a + nicely-turned moulding. About three feet from the ground, and twelve + inches from the pedestal, were two pieces of timber one above the other, + with a space of some ten inches between them, the upper one set about five + inches nearest the pedestal, also containing two rings, and both supported + by posts in the ground. Above the whole was a framework, with two + projecting timbers supplied with rings, and standing about fourteen inches + in a diagonal direction above the big ring in the apex of the shaft. It + was altogether a curious instrument, but it designated the civilization of + the age, upon the same principle that a certain voyager who, on landing in + a distant country, discovered traces of civilization in the decaying + remains of an old gallows. + </p> + <p> + He viewed the curious instrument for some time, and then turning to an old + ragged negro, whose head and beard were whitened with the flour of age, + said, “Well, old man, what do you call that?” + </p> + <p> + “Why, massa, him great t'ing dat-what big old massa judge send buckra-man + to get whip, so color foke laugh when 'e ketch 'im on de back, ca' bim; + an' massa wid de cock-up hat on 'e head put on big vip jus' so,” said the + old negro. + </p> + <p> + It was the whipping-post, where white men, for small thefts, were branded + with ignominy and shame. + </p> + <p> + “Are you a slave, old man?” inquired the Captain. + </p> + <p> + The old man turned his head aside and pulled his ragged garments, as if + shame had stung his feelings. + </p> + <p> + “Do, good massa-old Simon know ye don'e belong here-give him piece of + 'bacca,” replied the hoary-headed veteran evidently intending to evade the + question. The Captain divided his “plug” with him, and gave him a quarter + to get more, but not to buy whiskey. “Tank-e, massa, tank-e; he gone wid + ole Simon long time.” + </p> + <p> + “But you haven't answered my question; I asked you if you were a slave.” + </p> + <p> + “Ah! massa, ye don'e know him how he is, ah ha! ha! I done gone now. Massa + Pringle own 'im once, but 'im so old now, nobody say I own 'im, an' ole + Simon a'n't no massa what say I his fo' bacon. I don't woff nofin' nohow + now, 'cos I ole. When Simon young-great time 'go-den massa say Simon his; + woff touzan' dollars; den me do eve' ting fo' massa just so. I prime nigga + den, massa; now I woff nosin', no corn and bacon 'cept what 'im git from + Suke-e. She free; good massa make her free,” said he. + </p> + <p> + “How old are you, old man?” inquired the Captain. + </p> + <p> + “Ah, Massa Stranger, ye got ole Simon da! If me know dat, den 'im know + somefin' long time ago, what buckra-man don' larn. I con'try-born nigger, + massa, but I know yonder Massa Pringle house fo' he built 'im.” Just at + this moment several pieces of cannon and other ordnance were being drawn + past on long, low-wheeled drays. “Ah, massa, ye don'e know what 'em be,” + said the old negro, pointing to them. “Dem wa' Massa South Ca'lina gwan to + whip de 'Nited States wid Massa Goberna' order 'em last year, an 'e jus' + come. Good masse gwan' to fight fo' we wid 'em.” The poor old man seemed + to take a great interest in the pieces of ordnance as they passed along, + and to have inherited all the pompous ideas of his master. The negroes + about Charleston have a natural inclination for military tactics, and + hundreds of ragged urchins, as well as old daddies and mammies, may be + seen following the fife and drum on parade days. + </p> + <p> + “Then I suppose you've a home anywhere, and a master nowhere, old man?” + said the Captain, shaking him by the hand, as one who had worn out his + slavery to be disowned in the winter of life. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0022" id="link2HCH0022"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXII. COPELAND'S RELEASE, AND MANUEL'S CLOSE CONFINEMENT. + </h2> + <p> + THE Captain of the Janson, finding that no dependence was to be placed + upon the statements of the officials, after returning to his vessel, gave + orders that Tommy should be sent to the jail every day with provisions for + Manuel. The task was a desirable one for Tommy, and every day about ten + o'clock he might be seen trudging to the jail with a haversack under his + arm. There were five stewards confined in the cell, and for some days + previous to this attention on the part of the Captain they had been + reduced to the last stage of necessity. The quantity may be considered as + meagre when divided among so many, but added to the little things brought + in by Jane, and presents from several of the crew of the Janson, they got + along. Still it was a dependence upon chance and charity, which any casual + circumstance might affect. For several days they made themselves as + contented and happy as the circumstances would admit; and always being + anxious to enjoy the privilege of their time in the yard, they would leave + their cell together, and mix with the prisoners of their own color under + the stoop. + </p> + <p> + After a few days, they found that their cell had been entered, and nearly + all their provisions stolen. Not contented with this, the act was repeated + for several days, and all the means they provided to detect the thief + proved fruitless. The jailer made several searches through their + remonstrances, but without effecting any thing. They kept their provisions + in a little box, which they locked with a padlock; but as Daley had the + keys of the cell, they had no means of locking the door. At length Manuel + set a trap that proved effectual. One morning Tommy came puffing into the + jail with a satchel over his back. “I guess Manuel won't feel downhearted + when he sees this—do you think he will?” said the little fellow, as + he put the satchel upon the floor and looked up at the jailer. “An' I've + got some cigars, too, the Captain sent, in my pocket,” said he, nodding + his head; and putting his hand into a side-pocket, pulled out one and + handed it to the jailer. + </p> + <p> + “Ah! you are a good little fellow-worth a dozen of our boys. Sit down and + rest yourself,” said the jailer, and called a monstrous negro wench to + bring a chair and take the satchel up to the cell. Then turning to the + back-door, he called Manuel; and, as if conscious of Tommy's arrival, the + rest of the stewards followed. He sprang from the chair as soon as he saw + Manuel, and running toward him, commenced telling him what he had got in + the satchel and at the same time pulled out a handful of segars that the + Captain had sent for himself. Manuel led the way up-stairs, followed by + Tommy and the train of stewards. Tommy opened the satchel, while Manuel + laid the contents, one by one, on the table which necessity had found in + the head of a barrel. + </p> + <p> + “Now eat, my friends, eat just as much as you want, and then I'll catch + the thief that breaks my lock and steals my meat. I catch him,” said + Manuel. After they had all done, he locked the balance up in his box, and + sent everybody down-stairs into the yard, first covering himself with two + mattrasses, and giving orders to Copeland to lock the door after him. + Every thing was ready to move at the word. In this position he remained + for nearly half an hour. At length he heard a footstep approach the door, + and then the lock clink. The door opened slowly, and the veritable Mr. + Daley limped in, and taking a key from his pocket, unlocked the little + box, and filling his tin pan, locked it, and was walking off as + independent as a wood-sawyer, making a slight whistle to a watch that was + stationed at the end of the passage. “It's you, is it?” said Manuel, + suddenly springing up and giving him a blow on the side of the head that + sent him and the contents of the pan into a promiscuous pile on the floor. + Daley gathered himself up and made an attempt to reach the door, but + Manuel, fearing what might be the consequence if the other prisoners came + to his assistance, shut the door before him and fastened it on the inside. + </p> + <p> + “Bad luck to yer infernal eyes, will ye strike a white man, ye nager ye, + in a country like this same?” said Daley, as he was gathering himself up. + This incensed Manuel's feelings still more. To have insult added to + injury, and a worthless drunkard and thief abuse him, was more than he + could bear. He commenced according to a sailor's rule of science, and gave + Daley a systematic threshing, which, although against the rules of the + jail, was declared by several of the prisoners to be no more than he had + long deserved. As may have been expected, Daley cried lustily for help, + adding the very convenient item of murder, to make his case more alarming. + Several persons had crowded around the door, but none could gain + admittance. The jailer had no sooner reached the door, than (most + unfortunately for Manuel) he was called back to the outer door, to admit + Mr. Grimshaw, who had just rung the bell. The moment he entered, Daley's + noise was loudest, and reached his ears before he had gained the outside + gate. He rushed up-stairs, followed by the jailer, and demanded entrance + at the cell door, swearing at the top of his voice that he would break it + in with an axe if the command was not instantly obeyed. + </p> + <p> + The door opened, and Manuel stood with his left hand extended at Daley. + “Come in, gentlemen, I catch him, one rascal, what steal my provision + every day, and I punish him, what he remember when I leave.” + </p> + <p> + Daley stood trembling against the wall, bearing the marks of serious + injury upon his face and eyes. “At it again, Daley? Ah! I thought you had + left off them tricks!” said the jailer. + </p> + <p> + Daley began to tell a three-cornered story, and to give as many possible + excuses, with equally as many characteristic bulls in them. “I don't want + to hear your story, Daley,” said Mr. Grimshaw. “But, Mr. Jailer, I command + you to lock that man up in the third story,” pointing to Manuel. “I don't + care what the circumstances are. He's given us more trouble than he's + worth. He tried to pass himself off for a white man, but he couldn't come + that, and now he's had the impudence to strike a white man; lock him up! + lock him up!! and keep him locked up until further orders from me. I'll + teach him a lesson that he never learnt before he came to South Carolina; + and then let Consul Mathew sweat over him, and raise another fuss if he + can.” + </p> + <p> + “If he's guilty of violating the rules of the jail, Daley is guilty of + misdemeanour, and the thieving has been aggravatingly continued. If we put + one, we must put both up,” said the jailer. + </p> + <p> + “Just obey my orders, Mr. Jailer. I will reprimand Daley to-morrow. I + shall just go to the extent of the law with that feller,” said Grimshaw + peremptorily. + </p> + <p> + “You may lock me up in a dungeon, do with me as you will, if the power is + yours; but my feelings are my own, and you cannot crush them. I look to my + consul, and the country that has protected me around the world, and can + protect me still,” said Manuel, resigning himself to the jailer, whose + intentions he knew to be good. + </p> + <p> + Poor little Tommy stood begging and crying for his friend and companion, + for he heard Mr. Grimshaw give an imperative order to the jailer not to + allow visitors into his cell. “Never mind, Tommy, we shall soon meet + again, and sail companions for the old owners. Don't cry; the jailer will + let you see me to-morrow,” said Manuel. + </p> + <p> + “No, I can't do that; you heard my orders; I must obey them. I should like + to do it, but it's out of my power,” returned the jailer, awaiting with a + bunch of keys in his hand. + </p> + <p> + Manuel turned to the little fellow, and kissing him as he would an + affectionate child, bade him adieu, and ascended, the steps leading to the + third story (Mount Rascal) in advance of the jailer, to be confined in a + dark, unhealthy cell, there to await the caprice of one man. To describe + this miserable hole would be a task too harrowing to our feelings. We pass + it for those who will come after us. He little thought, when he shook the + hand of his little companion, that it was the last time he should meet him + for many months, and then only to take a last parting look, under the most + painful circumstances. But such is the course of life! + </p> + <p> + Copeland had received notice to hold himself in readiness, as his vessel + would be ready for sea the next morning. He was not long in getting his + few things in order, and when morning came he was on hand, prepared to + bound from the iron confines of the Charleston jail, like a stag from a + thicket. As he bade good-by to his fellow-prisoners in the morning, he + said, “This is my last imprisonment in Charleston. I have been imprisoned + in Savannah, but there I had plenty to eat, comfortable apartments, and + every thing I asked for, except my liberty. Never, so long as I sail the + water, shall I ship for such a port as this again.” He requested to see + Manuel, but being refused, upon the restraint of orders, he left the jail. + It was contrary to law; and thus in pursuing his vocation within the + limits of South-Carolina, his owners were made to pay the following sum, + for which neither they nor the man who suffered the imprisonment received + any compensation. “Contrary to Law.” Schooner “Oscar Jones,” Captain + Kelly, For William H. Copeland, Colored Seaman. To Sheriff of Charleston + District. 1852, + </p> + <p> + To Arrest, $2; Registry, $2, $4.00 To Recog. $1.31; Constable, $1, 2.31 To + Commitment and Discharge, 1.00 To 15 Days' Jail Maintenance of Wm. H. + Copeland, at 80 cts. per day, 4.50 Received payment, $11.81 J. D—, + Per Charles E. Kanapeaux, Clerk. + </p> + <p> + God save the sovereignty of South Carolina, and let her mercy and + hospitality be known on earth! + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0023" id="link2HCH0023"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXIII. IMPRISONMENT OF JOHN PAUL, AND JOHN BAPTISTE PAMERLIE. + </h2> + <p> + IN order to complete the four characters, as we designed in the outset, we + must here introduce the persons whose names fill the caption. The time of + their imprisonment was some two months later than Manuel's release; but we + introduce them here for the purpose of furnishing a clear understanding of + the scenes connected with Manuel's release. + </p> + <p> + John Paul was a fine-looking French negro, very dark, with well-developed + features, and very intelligent,—what would be called in South + Carolina, “a very prime feller.” He was steward on board of the French + bark Senegal, Captain—. He spoke excellent French and Spanish, and + read Latin very well,—was a Catholic, and paid particular respect to + devotional exercises,—but unfortunately he could not speak or + understand a word of English. In all our observation of different + characters of colored men, we do not remember to have seen one whose + pleasant manner, intelligence, and civility, attracted more general + attention. But he could not comprehend the meaning of the law imprisoning + a peaceable man without crime, and why the authorities should fear him, + when he could not speak their language. He wanted to see the city-what + sort of people were in it-if they bore any analogy to their good old + forefathers in France; and whether they had inherited the same capricious + feelings as the descendants of the same generation on the other side of + the water. There could be no harm in that; and although he knew something + of French socialism, he was ignorant of Carolina's peculiar institutions, + her politics, and her fears of abolition, as a “Georgia cracker” + </p> + <p> + A sort of semi-civilized native, wearing a peculiar homespun dress; with a + native dialect strongly resembling many of the Yorkshire phrases. They are + generally found located in the poorer parishes and districts, where their + primitive-looking cabins are easily designated from that of the more + enterprising agriculturist. But few of them can read or write,—and + preferring the coarsest mode of life, their habits are extremely + dissolute. Now and then one may be found owning a negro or two,—but + a negro would rather be sold to the torments of hell, or a Louisiana + sugar-planter, than to a Georgia cracker. You will see them approaching + the city on market-days, with their travelling-cart, which is a curiosity + in itself. It is a two-wheeled vehicle of the most primitive description, + with long, rough poles for shafts or thills. Sometimes it is covered with + a blanket, and sometimes with a white rag, under which are a few things + for market, and the good wife, with sometimes one or two wee-yans; for the + liege lord never fails to bring his wife to market, that she may see the + things of the city. The dejected-looking frame of some scrub-breed horse + or a half-starved mule is tied (for we can't call it harnessed) between + the thills, with a few pieces of rope and withes; and, provided with a + piece of wool-tanned sheep-skin, the lord of the family, with peculiar + dress, a drab slouched hat over his eyes, and a big whip in his hand, + mounts on the back of the poor animal, and placing his feet upon the + thills to keep them down, tortures it through a heavy, sandy road. The + horses are loaded so much beyond their strength, that they will stop to + blow, every ten or fifteen minutes, while the man will sit upon their + backs with perfect unconcern. Remonstrate with them in regard to the + sufficient draught added to the insupportable weight upon their backs, and + they will immediately commence demonstrating how he can draw easier when + there is an immense weight upon his back. The husband generally exchanges + his things for whiskey, rice, and tobacco, while the wife buys calico and + knick-knacks. Sometimes they get “a right smart chance o' things” + together, and have a “party at home,” which means a blow-out among + themselves. Sometimes they have a shucking, which is a great affair, even + among the little farmers in Upper Georgia, where, only, corn-shuckings are + kept up with all the spice of old custom, and invitations are extended to + those at a distance of ten or fifteen miles, who repay the compliment with + their presence, and join in the revelry. There are two classes of the + cracker in Georgia, according to our observation, differing somewhat in + their dialect, but not in their habits. One is the upper, and the other + the low country, or rather what some call the “co-u-n-try-b-o-r-n” + cracker. The up-country cracker gives more attention to farming, inhabits + what's known as the Cherokee country and its vicinity, and is designated + by the sobriquet of “wire-grass man.” would be of Greek. Like his + predecessors in confinement, he fell into the hands of the veritable Dunn, + without the assistance of his friend Duse, as he called him; but had it + not been for the timely appearance of a clerk in the French consul's + office, who explained the nature of the arrest, in his native tongue, Mr. + Dunn would have found some trouble in making the arrest. Already had the + officers and crew of the bark gathered around him, making grimaces, and + gibbering away like a flock of blackbirds surrounding a hawk, and just + ready to pounce. “Don't I'se be tellin' yees what I wants wid 'im, and the + divil a bit ye'll understand me. Why don't yees spake so a body can + understand what yees be blatherin' about. Sure, here's the paper, an' yees + won't read the English of it. The divil o' such a fix I was ever in before + wid yer John o' crapue's an' yer chatter. Ye say we-we-we; sure it's but + one I wants. Ah! whist now, captain, and don't ye be makin' a bother over + it. Shure, did ye niver hear o' South Carolina in the wide world? An' ye + bees travellin' all over it, and herself's such a great State, wid so many + great gintlemen in it,” said Dunn, talking his green-island Greek to the + Frenchman. + </p> + <p> + “We, we! mon Dieu, ah!” said the Frenchman. + </p> + <p> + “Ah, shure there ye are again. What would I be doin' wid de 'hole o' yees? + It's the nager I want. Don't ye know that South Carolina don't allow the + likes o' him to be comin ashore and playing the divil wid her slaves,” + continued Dunn, stretching himself up on his lame leg. + </p> + <p> + The clerk stepped up at this moment. “It's 'imself'll be telling yes all + about it, for yer like a parcel of geese makin' a fuss about a goslin.” + Mr. Dunn had got his Corkonian blood up; and although the matter was + explained, he saw the means at hand, and fixed his feelings for a stiff + compensation. The clerk, after explaining to the captain, turned to John + Paul and addressed him. As soon as he was done, John commenced to pack up + his dunnage and get money from the captain, as if he was bound on an + Arctic Expedition. Dunn's eyes glistened as he saw the money passing into + Paul's hand; but he was not to be troubled with the dunnage, and after + hurrying him a few times, marched him off. He went through the regular + system of grog-shop sponging; but his suavity and willingness to acquiesce + in all Mr. Dunn's demands, saved him some rough usage. There was this + difference between John Paul and Manuel, that the former, not + understanding the English language, mistook Dunn's deception for + friendship, and moved by that extreme French politeness and warmth of + feeling, which he thought doing the gentleman par excellence; while the + latter, with a quicker perception of right and wrong, and understanding + our language, saw the motive and disdained its nefarious object. For when + Paul arrived at the jail he was minus a five-dollar gold-piece, which his + very amiable official companion took particular care of, lest something + should befall it. Poor John Paul! He was as harmless as South Carolina's + secession and chivalry-two of the most harmless things in the world, not + excepting Congressional duelling. + </p> + <p> + As soon as he entered the jail and found that the jailer could speak + French, he broke out in a perfect tornado of enthusiasm. “Je serai charme + de lier connaissance avec un si amiable compagnon,” said he, and continued + in a strain so swift and unabated that it would have been impossible for + an Englishman to have traced the inflections. + </p> + <p> + The jailer called Daley, and telling him to take his blanket, the State's + allotment, ordered him shown to his cell. Daley took the blanket under his + arm and the keys in his hand, and Paul soon followed him upstairs to be + introduced to his cell. “There, that's the place for yees. We takes the + shine off all ye dandy niggers whin we gets ye here. Do ye see the pair of + eyes in the head o' me?” said Daley, pointing to his blackened eyes; “an' + he that done that same is in the divil's own place above. Now, if ye have + ever a drap of whiskey, don't be keepin' it shy, an' it'll be tellin' ye a + good many favors.” + </p> + <p> + “Ah! mon Dieu! Cela fait dresser les cheveux la tete,” said Paul, + shrugging his shoulders. + </p> + <p> + “Bad luck to the word of that I'd be understandin' at all, at all. Can't + ye spake so a body'd understand what ye'd mane?” + </p> + <p> + “C'est ma grande consolation d'avoir. * * * Les Etats-Unis est une modele + de perfection republicaine,” said he, taking the blanket from Daley and + throwing it upon the floor. He was but a poor companion for his + fellow-prisoners, being deprived of the means to exercise his social + qualities. He went through the same course of suffering that Manuel did; + but, whether from inclination or necessity, bore it with more Christian + fortitude, chanting vespers every morning, and reading the Latin service + every evening. The lesson which Manuel taught Daley proved of great + service to Paul, who gave Daley the jail-ration which it was impossible + for him to eat, and was saved from his pilfering propensities. Thus, after + John Paul had suffered thirty-five days' imprisonment, in mute + confinement, to satisfy the majesty of South Carolina, he was released + upon the following conditions, and taken to his vessel at early daylight, + lest he should see the city or leave something to contaminate the slaves. + “Contrary to law.” State vs. “Contrary to law.” French bark “Senegal,” + Capt.—For John Paul, Colored Seaman. To Sheriff Charleston Dist. + </p> + <p> + July 18, 1852. To Arrest, $2; Registry, $2, $4.00” “Recog. $1.31; + Constable, $1, 2.31” “Commitment and discharge, 1.00” “35 Days' Maintenace + of John Paul, at 30 cents per day, 10.50 + </p> + <p> + Recd. payment, $17.81 J. D—, S. C. D. Per Chs. E. Kanapeaux, Clerk. + </p> + <p> + A very nice item of disbursements to present to the owners-a premium paid + for the advanced civilization of South Carolina! + </p> + <p> + We have merely noticed the imprisonment of John Paul, our limits excluding + the details. We must now turn to a little, pert, saucy French boy, eleven + years old, who spoke nothing but Creole French, and that as rotten as we + ever heard lisped. The French bark Nouvelle Amelie, Gilliet, master, from + Rouen, arrived in Charleston on the twenty-ninth of July. The captain was + a fine specimen of a French gentleman. He stood upon the quarter-deck as + she was being “breasted-in” to the wharf, giving orders to his men, while + the little child stood at the galley looking at the people upon the wharf, + making grimaces and pointing one of the crew to several things that + attracted his attention. Presently the vessel hauled alongside of the + dock, and Dusenberry, with his companion Dunn, who had been watching all + the movements of the vessel from a hiding-place on the wharf, sprang out + and boarded her ere she had touched the piles. + </p> + <p> + The “nigger,” seeing Dusenberry approach him, waited until he saw his hand + extended, and then, as if to save himself from impending danger, ran aft + and into the cabin, screaming at the top of his voice. The crew began to + run and move up into close quarters. The issue was an important one, and + rested between South Carolina and the little “nigger.” Dusenberry + attempted to descend into the cabin. “Vat you vant wid my John, my + Baptiste? No, you no do dat, 'z my cabin; never allow stranger go down + 'im,” said the captain, placing himself in the companionway, while the + little terrified nigger peeped above the combing, and rolled his large + eyes, the white glowing in contrast, from behind the captain's legs. In + this tempting position the little darkie, knowing he was protected by the + captain and crew, would taunt the representative of the State with his bad + French. Dunn stood some distance behind Dusenberry, upon the deck, and the + mission seemed to be such a mystery to both captain and crew, that their + presence aroused a feeling of curiosity as well as anxiety. Several of the + sailors gathered around him, and made antic grimaces, pointing their + fingers at him and swearing, so that Dunn began to be alarmed by the + incomprehensible earnestness of their gibberish, turned pale, and + retreated several steps, to the infinite amusement of those upon the + wharf. + </p> + <p> + “Vat 'e do, ah, you vant 'im? Vat you do vid 'im ven zu gets him, ah? + Cette affaire delicate demande,” said one of the number, who was honored + with the title of mate, and who, with a terrific black moustache and + beard, had the power of contorting his face into the most repugnant + grimaces. And, at the moment, he drew his sheath-knife and made a + pretended plunge at Dunn's breast, causing him to send forth a pitiful + yell, and retreat to the wharf with quicker movements than he ever thought + himself capable of. + </p> + <p> + “Il n'y a pas grand mal cela,” said the Frenchman, laughing at Dunn as he + stood upon the capsill of the wharf. + </p> + <p> + “Bad luck to ye, a pretty mess a murderous Frinchmin that ye are. Do yees + be thinkin' ye'd play that trick in South Carolina? Ye'll get the like o' + that taken out o' ye whin yer before his honor in the mornin',” said Dunn. + </p> + <p> + Dusenberry had stood parleying with the captain at the companion-door, + endeavoring to make the latter understand that it was not a case which + required the presence of the silver oar. There is a prevailing opinion + among sailors, that no suit in Admiralty can be commenced, or seaman + arrested while on board, without the presence of the silver oar. And thus + acting upon this impression, the captain and officers of the Nouvelle + Amelie contended for what they considered a right. The mate and crew drew + closer and closer toward Dusenberry, until he became infected with the + prevailing alarm. “Captain, I demand your protection from these men, in + the name of the State of South Carolina,” said he. + </p> + <p> + “Who he? De State Souf Ca'lina, vat I know 'bout him, ah? Bring de silver + oar when come take my man. Il y a de la malhomme tete dans sou proces” + said Captain Gilliet, turning to his mate. + </p> + <p> + “Avaunt! avaunt!” said the big man with the large whiskers, and they all + made a rush at Dusenberry, and drove him over the rail and back to the + wharf, where he demanded the assistance of those anxious spectators, for + and in the name of the State. It was a right good vaudeville comique, + played in dialogue and pantomime. The point of the piece, which, with a + little arrangement, might have made an excellent production, consisted of + a misunderstanding between an Irishman and a Frenchman about South + Carolina, and a law so peculiar that no stranger could comprehend its + meaning at first and as neither could understand the language of the + other, the more they explained the more confounded the object became, + until, from piquant comique, the scene was worked into the appearance of a + tragedy. One represented his ship, and to him his ship was his nation; the + other represented South Carolina, and to him South Carolina was the United + States; and the question was, which had the best right to the little + darkie. + </p> + <p> + The spectators on the wharf were not inclined to move, either not wishing + to meddle themselves with South Carolina's affairs-wanting larger game to + show their bravery-or some more respectable officer to act in command. The + little darkie, seeing Dusenberry driven to the wharf, ran to the gangway, + and protruding his head over the rail, worked his black phiz into a dozen + pert expressions, showing his ivory, rolling the white of his eyes, and + crooking his finger upon his nose in aggravating contempt. + </p> + <p> + “Shure, we'll turn the guard out and take ye an' yer ship, anyhow. Why + don't yees give the nager up dasently, an' don't be botherin'. An' isn't + it the law of South Carolina, be dad; an' be the mortis, ye'd be getting' + no small dale of a pinalty for the same yer doin',” said Dunn. + </p> + <p> + A gentleman, who had been a silent looker-on, thinking it no more than + proper to proffer his mediation, perceiving where the difficulty lay, + stepped on board and introducing himself to the captain, addressed him in + French, and explained the nature of the proceeding. The captain shook his + head for some time, and shrugged his shoulders. “La police y est bien + administree,” said he, with an air of politeness; and speaking to his + mate, that officer again spoke to the men, and Dusenberry was told by the + gentleman that he could come on board. Without further ceremony, he + mounted the rail and made a second attempt at the young urchin, who + screamed and ran into the cook's galley, amid the applause of the seamen, + who made all sorts of shouts inciting him to run, crying out, “Run, + Baptiste! run, Baptiste!” In this manner the little darkie kept the + officer at bay for more than fifteen minutes, passing out of one door as + the officer entered the other, to the infinite delight of the crew. At + length his patience became wearied, and as he was about to call Dunn to + his assistance, the captain came up, and calling the child to him-for such + he was-delivered him up, the little fellow roaring at the top of his voice + as the big officer carried him over the rail under his arm. This ended the + vaudeville comique on board of the French bark Nouvelle Amelie, Captain + Gilliet. + </p> + <p> + The dignity of the State was triumphant, and the diminutive nigger was + borne off under the arm of its representative. What a beautiful theme for + the painter's imagination! And how mutely sublime would have been the + picture if the pencil of a Hogarth could have touched it. The majesty of + South Carolina carrying a child into captivity! + </p> + <p> + After carrying John Baptiste about halfway up the wharf, they put him + down, and made him “trot it” until they reached the Dutch grog-shop we + have described in the scene with Manuel. Here they halted to take a + “stiff'ner,” while Baptiste was ordered to sit down upon a bench, Dunn + taking him by the collar and giving him a hearty shake, which made the lad + bellow right lustily. “Shut up, ye whelp of a nigger, or ye'll get a doz + for yeer tricks beyant in the ship,” said Dunn; and after remaining nearly + an hour, arguing politics and drinking toddies, Mr. Dunn got very amiably + fuddled, and was for having a good-natured quarrel with every customer + that came; into the shop. He laboured under a spirit-inspired opinion that + they must treat or fight; and accordingly would attempt to reduce his + opinions to practical demonstrations. At length the Dutchman made a + courteous remonstrance, but no sooner had he done it, than Dunn drew his + hickory stick across the Dutchman's head, and levelled him upon the floor. + The Dutchman was a double-fisted fellow, and springing up almost + instantly, returned the compliment. Dusenberry was more sober, and stepped + in to make a reconciliation; but before he had time to exert himself, the + Dutchman running behind the counter, Dunn aimed another blow at him, which + glanced from his arm and swept a tin drench, with a number of tumblers on + it, into a smash upon the floor. This was the signal for a general melee, + and it began in right earnest between the Dutch and the Irish,—for + the Dutchman called the assistance of several kinsmen who were in the + front store, and Dunn, with the assistance of Dusenberry, mustered + recruits from among a number of his cronies, who were standing at a corner + on the opposite side, of the street. Both came to the rescue, but the + O'Nales and Finnegans outnumbering the Dutch, made a Donnybrook onset, + disarming and routing their adversaries, and capsizing barrels, boxes, + kegs, decanters, and baskets of onions, into one general chaos,—taking + possession of the Dutchman's calabash, and proclaiming their victory with + triumphant shouts. + </p> + <p> + They had handcuffed the boy Baptiste as soon as they entered the store, + and in the midst of the conflict he escaped without being observed, and + ran for his vessel, handcuffed, and crying at the top of his voice. He + reached the Nouvelle Amelie, to the consummate surprise of the officers + and crew, and the alarm of pedestrians as he passed along the street. “Mon + Dieu!” said the mate, and taking the little fellow to the windlass-bits, + succeeded in severing the handcuffs with a cold-chisel, and sent him down + into the forecastle to secrete himself. + </p> + <p> + When Dunn's wild Irish had subsided, Dusenberry began to reason with him + upon the nature of the affair, and the matter was reconciled upon the + obligations that had previously existed, and a promise to report no + violations of the ordinances during a specified time. Looking around, Dunn + exclaimed, “Bad manners till ye, Swizer, what a' ye done with the little + nager? Where did ye put him?—Be dad, Duse, he's gone beyant!” An + ineffectual search was made among barrels and boxes, and up the old + chimney. “Did ye see him?” inquired Dunn, of a yellow man that had been + watching the affray at the door, while Dusenberry continued to poke with + his stick among the boxes and barrels. + </p> + <p> + “Why, massa, I sees him when he lef de doo, but I no watch him 'till 'e + done gone,” said the man. + </p> + <p> + Dunn was despatched to the vessel in search, but every thing there was + serious wonderment, and carried out with such French naviete, that his + suspicions were disarmed, and he returned with perfect confidence that he + was not there. A search was now made in all the negro-houses in the + neighborhood; but kicks, cuts, and other abuses failed to elicit any + information of his whereabouts. At length Dunn began to feel the deadening + effects of the liquor, and was so muddled that he could not stand up; + then, taking possession of a bed in one of the houses, he stretched + himself upon it in superlative contempt of every thing official, and + almost simultaneously fell into a profound sleep. In this manner he + received the attention of the poor colored woman whose bed he occupied, + and whom he had abused in searching for the boy. In this predicament, + Dusenberry continued to search alone, and kept it up until sundown, when + he was constrained to report the case to the sheriff, who suspended Mr. + Dunn for a few days. The matter rested until the next morning, when the + case of the little saucy nigger vs. South Carolina was renewed with fresh + vigor. Then Mr. Grimshaw, accompanied by Dusenberry, proceeded to the + barque, and there saw the boy busily engaged in the galley. Mr. Grimshaw + went on board, followed by Duse, and approaching the cabin door, met the + captain ascending the stairs. “Captain, I want that nigger boy of yourn, + and you may just as well give him up peaceably,” said he. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, monsieur,—but you no treat 'im like child wen you get 'im,” + said the captain. Retiring to the cabin, and bringing back the broken + manacles in his hand, he held them up to Mr. Grimshaw, “You put such dem + thing on child like 'im, in South Carolina, ah? What you tink 'im be, + young nigger, ox, horse, bull, ah! what? Now you take'e him! treat him + like man, den we no 'struct to laws wat South Carolina got,” continued he. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Grimshaw thanked the captain, but made no reply about the manacles; + taking them in his hand, and handing the boy over into the charge of + Dusenberry. In a few minutes he was ushered into the sheriff's office, and + the important points of his dimensions and features noted in accordance + with the law. We are not advised whether the pert characteristics of his + nature were emblazoned,—if they were, the record would describe a + singular specimen of a frightened French darkie, more amusing than + judicial. But John Baptiste Pamerlie passed the ordeal, muttering some + rotten Creole, which none of the officials could understand, and was + marched off to the jail, where the jailer acted as his interpreter. Being + so small, he was allowed more latitude to ware and haul than the others, + while his peculiar bon point and pert chatter afforded a fund of amusement + for the prisoners, who made him a particular butt, and kept up an + incessant teasing to hear him jabber. The second day of his imprisonment + he received a loaf of bread in the morning, and a pint of greasy water, + misnamed soup. That was the allowance when they did not take meat. He ran + down-stairs with the pan in hand, raising an amusing fuss, pointing at it, + and spitting out his Creole to the jailer. He was disputing the question + of its being soup, and his independent manner had attracted a number of + the prisoners. Just at the moment, the prison dog came fondling against + his legs, and to decide the question, quick as thought, he set the pan + before him; and as if acting upon an instinctive knowledge of the point at + issue, the dog put his nose to it, gave a significant scent, shook his + head and walked off, to the infinite delight of the prisoners, who sent + forth a shout of acclamation. Baptiste left his soup, and got a prisoner, + who could speak Creole, to send for his captain, who came on the next + morning and made arrangements to relieve his condition from the ship's + stores. The following day he whipped one of the jailer's boys in a fair + fight; and on the next he killed a duck, and on the fourth he cut a white + prisoner. Transgressing the rules of the jail in rejecting his + soup-violating the laws of South Carolina making it a heinous offence for + a negro to strike or insult a white person—committing murder on a + duck—endeavoring to get up a fandango among the yard niggers, and + trying the qualities of cold steel, in a prisoner's hand, thus exhibiting + all the versatility of a Frenchman's genius with a youthful sang-froid, he + was considered decidedly dangerous, and locked up for formal reform. Here + he remained until the seventeenth of August, when it was announced that + the good barque Nouvelle Amelie, Captain Gilliet, was ready for sea, and + he was forthwith led to the wharf between two officers, and ordered to be + transferred beyond the limits of the State, the Captain paying the + following nice little bill, of costs. “Contrary to Law.” “French Barque + Nouvelle Amelie, Captain Gilliet, from Rouen, For John Baptiste Pamerlie, + Colored Seaman. 1852. To Sheriff of Charleston District. August 26th, To + Arrest, $2; Registry, $2, $4.00” + </p> + <p> + “Recog. 1.31; Constable, $1, 2.31” + </p> + <p> + “Commitment and Discharge, 1.00” + </p> + <p> + “20 days' Jail Maintenance of John Baptiste Pamerlie, at 30 cts. per day, + $6.00 + </p> + <p> + “Received payment, 13.31 J. D., S. C. D. Per Charles E. Kanapeaux, Clerk.” + </p> + <p> + Thus ended the scene. The little darkie might have said when he was in + jail, “Je meurs de faime et l'on ne mapporte rien;” and when he left, “Il + est faufite avec les chevaliers d'industrie.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0024" id="link2HCH0024"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXIV. THE JANSON CONDEMNED. + </h2> + <p> + WE must now return to Manuel. He was in close confinement, through Mr. + Grimshaw's orders. Tommy continued to bring him food from day to day, but + was not allowed to see him. The mate and several of the crew were also + refused admittance to him. This was carrying power to an unnecessary + limit, and inflicting a wanton punishment without proper cause, at the + same time exhibiting a flagrant disrespect for personal feelings. Tommy + did not report the affair to the Captain, lest it should be misconstrued, + and worse punishment be inflicted; but when the men were refused, they + naturally mistrusted something, and made inquiries of the jailer, who + readily gave them all the information in his power concerning the affair, + and his orders. This they reported to the Captain, who immediately + repaired to the consul's office, where he found Mr. Mathew reading a note + which he had just received from Manuel. It stated his grievances in a + clear and distinct manner, and begged the protection of that government + under whose flag he sailed, but said nothing about his provisions. The + consul, accompanied by the Captain, proceeded to the sheriff's office, but + could get no satisfaction. “I never consider circumstances when prisoners + violate the rules of the jail,—he must await my orders! but I shall + keep him closely confined for two weeks, at least,” said Mr. Grimshaw. + </p> + <p> + This incensed the consul still more, for he saw the manner in which a + clique of officials were determined to show their arbitrary power. It was + impossible for him to remain indifferent to this matter, affecting, as it + did, the life and liberty of his fellow-countryman. He could invoke no + sympathy for the man, and the extent of punishment to which he had been + subjected was evidently excited by vindictive feelings. He applied for a + writ of habeas corpus,—but mark the result. + </p> + <p> + The Captain proceeded to the jail, and demanded to see his steward; the + jailer hesitating at first, at length granted his permission. He found + Manuel locked up in a little, unwholesome cell, with scarcely a glimmer of + light to mark the distinction of day and night; and so pale and emaciated, + that had he met him in the street he should scarcely have recognised him. + “Gracious God! What crime could have brought such an excess of punishment + upon you?” inquired the Captain. + </p> + <p> + Manuel told him the whole story; and, added to that, the things which had + been sent to him during the seven days he had been confined in that + manner, had seldom reached him. He had lost his good friend Jane, and the + many kind acts which she was wont to bestow upon him, and had been + compelled to live upon bread and water nearly the whole time, suffering + the most intense hunger. Upon inquiry, it was ascertained that the few + things sent to make him comfortable had been intrusted to Daley to + deliver, who appropriated nearly the whole of them to his own use, as a + sort of retaliatory measure for the castigation he received from Manuel. + He had not failed to carry him his pan of soup at twelve o'clock every + day, but made the “choice bits” serve his own digestion. The jailer felt + the pain of the neglect, and promised to arrange a safer process of + forwarding his things by attending to it himself, which he did with all + the attention in his power, when Manuel's condition became more tolerable. + The Captain told Manuel how his affairs stood-that he should probably have + to leave him in charge of the consul, but to keep up good spirits; that he + would leave him plenty of means, and as soon as his release was effected, + to make the best of his way to Scotland and join the old owners. And thus + he left him, with a heavy heart, for Manuel did read in his countenance + what he did not speak. + </p> + <p> + The Janson had been discharged, a survey held upon the cargo, protest + extended, and the whole sold for the benefit of whom it might concern. + Necessary surveys were likewise held upon the hull, and finding it so old + and strained as to be unworthy of repair, it was condemned and sold for + the benefit of the underwriters. Thus the register “de novo” was given up + to the consul, the men discharged, and paid off according to the act of + William IV., which provides that each man shall receive a stipend to carry + him to the port in Great Britain from which he shipped, or the consul to + provide passage for him, according to his inclination, to proceed to a + point where the voyage would be completed. The consul adopted the best + means in his power to make them all comfortable and satisfied with their + discharge. Their several register-tickets were given up to them, and one + by one left for his place of destination; Tommy and the second mate only + preferring to remain and seek some new voyage. The old chief mate seemed + to congratulate himself in the condemnation of the unlucky Janson. He + shipped on board an English ship, laden with cotton and naval stores, and + just ready for sea. When he came on board to take a farewell of the + Captain, he stood upon deck, and looking up at the dismantled spars, said, + “Skipper, a shadow may save a body after all. I've always had a + presentment that this unlucky old thing would serve us a trick. I says to + meself that night in the Gulf, 'Well, old craft, yer goin' to turn yer old + ribs into a coffin, at last,' but I'll praise the bridge that carries me + safe over, because I've an affection for the old thing after all, and + can't part without saying God bless her, for it's an honest death to die + in debt to the underwriters. I hope her old bones will rest in peace on + terra-firma. Good-by, Captain,—remember me to Manuel; and let us + forget our troubles in Charleston by keeping away from it.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0025" id="link2HCH0025"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXV. GEORGE THE SECESSIONIST, AND HIS FATHER'S SHIPS. + </h2> + <p> + AS we have said, the second mate and little Tommy remained to seek new + voyages. Such was the fact with the second mate; but Tommy had contracted + a violent cold on the night he was locked up in the guard-house, and had + been a subject for the medicine-chest for some time; and this, with his + ardent attachment for Manuel, and hopes to join him again as a sailing + companion, was the chief inducement for his remaining. The Captain gave + them accommodations in the cabin so long as he had possession of the ship, + which afforded the means of saving their money, of which Tommy had much + need; for notwithstanding he received a nice present from the consul, and + another from the Captain, which, added to the few dollars that were coming + to him for wages, made him feel purse-proud, though it was far from being + adequate to sustain him any length of time, or to protect him against any + sudden adversity. + </p> + <p> + The Captain had not seen little George, the secessionist, since his + assurance that he would make every thing right with Mr. Grimshaw, and have + Manuel out in less than twenty-four hours. It was now the fourteenth of + April, and the signs of his getting out were not so good as they were on + the first day he was committed, for the vessel being condemned, if the law + was carried to the strictest literal construction, Manuel would be tied up + among the human things that are articles of merchandise in South Carolina. + He was passing from the wharf to the consul's office about ten o'clock in + the morning, when he was suddenly surprised in the street by little + George, who shook his hand as if he had been an old friend just returned + after a long absence. He made all the apologies in the world for being + called away suddenly, and consequently, unable to render that attention to + his business which his feelings had prompted. Like all secessionists, + George was very fiery and transitory in his feelings. He expressed + unmeasurable surprise when the Captain told him the condition of his man + in the old jail. “You don't say that men are restricted like that in + Charleston? Well, now, I never was in that jail, but it's unsuited to the + hospitality of our society,” said he. + </p> + <p> + “Your prison groans with abuses, and yet your people never hear them,” + replied the Captain. + </p> + <p> + George seemed anxious to change the subject, and commenced giving the + Captain a description of his journey to the plantation, his hunting and + fishing, his enjoyments, and the fat, saucy, slick niggers, the fine corn + and bacon they had, and what they said about massa, ending with an endless + encomium of the “old man's” old whiskey, and how he ripened it to give it + smoothness and flavor. His description of the plantation and the niggers + was truly wonderful, tantalizing the Captain's imagination with the + beauties of a growing principality in itself. “We have just got a new + vessel added to our ships, and she sails for the Pedee this afternoon. We + got the right stripe of a captain, but we have made him adopt conditions + to be true to the secession party. As soon as I get another man, we'll + despatch her in grand style, and no mistake.” + </p> + <p> + The Captain thought of his second mate, and suggested him at once. “Just + the chap. My old man would like him, I know,” said George, and they + returned directly to the Janson, where they found the second mate lashing + his dunnage. The proposition was made and readily accepted. Again the + Captain parted with little George, leaving him to take the mate to his + father's office, while he pursued his business at the consul's. + </p> + <p> + George led the mate into the office. “Here, father, here's a man to go in + our vessel,” said he. The old man looked upon him with a serene + importance, as if he was fettered with his own greatness. + </p> + <p> + “My shipping interests are becoming very extensive, my man; I own the + whole of four schooners, and a share in the greatest steamship afloat-I + mean screw-ship, the South Carolina—you've heard of her, I suppose?” + said the old man. + </p> + <p> + Jack stood up with his hat in his hand, thinking over what he meant by big + interests, and “reckoning he hadn't seen the establishment of them + ship-owners about Prince's Dock, what owned more ships apiece than there + were days in the month.” + </p> + <p> + “Now, my man,” continued the old man, “I'm mighty strict about my + discipline, for I want every man to do his duty for the interests of the + owners. But how many dollars do you want a month, my man?” + </p> + <p> + “Nothing less than four pounds starling; that's twenty dollars your + currency, if I reckon right,” said Jack, giving his hat a twirl upon the + floor. + </p> + <p> + “Wh-e-w! you belong to the independent sailors. You'll come down from that + afore you get a ship in this port. Why, I can get a good, prime nigger + feller sailor for eight dollars a month and his feed.” + </p> + <p> + Jack concluded not to sail in any of the old man's big ships, and said, + “Yes, I joined them a long time ago, and I ha'n't regretted it, neither; + wouldn't pull a bow-line a penny less. I don't like drogging, no-how. Good + morning, sir,” said he, putting on his hat and backing out of the door. + </p> + <p> + “I wish you'd a' taken a chance with my father, old fellow; he'd a' made + you captain afore a year,” said George, as he was leaving the door. + </p> + <p> + “The like o' that don't signify. I've been skipper in the West Ingie trade + years ago. There isn't much difference between a nigger and a schooner's + captain,” said Jack, as he walked off to the Janson, preparatory to taking + lodgings ashore. + </p> + <p> + That afternoon about five o'clock, a loud noise was heard on board a + little schooner, of about sixty tons' register, that lay in a bend of the + wharf a few lengths ahead of the Janson. Captain Thompson and his second + mate were seated on a locker in the cabin, conversing upon the prospects + ahead, when the noise became so loud that they ran upon deck to witness + the scene. + </p> + <p> + George stood upon the capsill of the wharf, with mortification pictured in + his countenance. “Well, captain, you needn't make so much noise about it; + your conduct is decidedly ungentlemanly. If you don't wish to sail in + father's employ, leave like a gentleman,” said George, pulling up the + corners of his shirt-collar. + </p> + <p> + It was the great craft that George had distended upon, and the veritable + captain of the right stripe, who promised to toe the mark according to + secession principles, but made no stipulations for the nigger feed that + was the cause of the excitement. The captain, a Baltimore coaster, and + accustomed to good feed in his vessels at home, had been induced by a + large representations to take charge of the craft and run her in the Pedee + trade, bringing rice to Charleston. On being told the craft was all ready + for sea, he repaired on board, and, to his chagrin, found two black men + for a crew, and a most ungainly old wench, seven shades blacker than + Egyptian darkness, for a cook. This was imposition enough to arouse his + feelings, for but one of the men knew any thing about a vessel; but on + examining the stores, the reader may judge of his feelings, if he have any + idea of supplying a vessel in a Northern port, when we tell him that all + and singular the stores consisted of a shoulder of rusty Western bacon, a + half-bushel of rice, and a jug of molasses; and this was to proceed the + distance of a hundred miles, But to add to the ridiculous farce of that + South Carolina notion, when he remonstrated with them, he was very + indifferently told that it was what they always provided for their + work-people. + </p> + <p> + “Take your' little jebacca-boat and go to thunder with her,” said the + captain, commencing to pick up his duds. + </p> + <p> + “Why, captain, I lent you my gun, and we always expect our captains to + make fresh provision of game as you run up the river,” said George. + </p> + <p> + “Fresh provisions, the devil!” said the captain. “I've enough to do to + mind my duty, without hunting my living as I pursue my voyage, like a + hungry dog. We don't do business on your nigger-allowance system in + Maryland.” And here we leave him, getting one of the negroes to carry his + things back to his boarding-house. + </p> + <p> + A few days after the occurrence we have narrated above little Tommy, + somewhat recovered from his cold, shipped on board a little centre-board + schooner, called the Three Sisters, bound to the Edisto River for a cargo + of rice. The captain, a little, stubby man, rather good looking, and well + dressed, was making his maiden voyage as captain of a South Carolina + craft. He was “South Carolina born,” but, like many others of his kind, + had been forced to seek his advancement in a distant State, through the + influence of those formidable opinions which exiles the genius of the poor + in South Carolina. For ten years he had sailed out of the port of Boston, + had held the position of mate on two Indian voyages under the well-known + Captain Nott, and had sailed with Captain Albert Brown, and received his + recommendation, yet this was not enough to qualify him for the nautical + ideas of a pompous South Carolinian. + </p> + <p> + Tommy got his baggage on board, and before leaving, made another attempt + at the jail to see his friend Manuel. He presented himself to the jailer, + and told him how much he wanted to see his old friend before he left. The + jailer's orders were imperative. He was told if he came next week he would + see him; that he would then be released, and allowed to occupy the cell on + the second floor with the other stewards. Recognising one of the stewards + that had joined with them when they enjoyed their social feelings around + the festive barrel, he walked into the piazza to meet him and bid him + good-by. While he stood shaking hands with him, the poor negro. + </p> + <p> + The name of this poor fellow was George Fairchild. After being sent to the + workhouse to receive twenty blows with the paddle when he was scarcely + able to stand, he was taken down from the frame and supported to the jail, + where he remained several weeks, fed at a cost of eighteen cents a day. + His crime was “going for whiskey at night,” and the third offence; but + there were a variety of pleadings in his favor. His master worked his + negroes to the very last tension of their strength, and exposed their + appetites to all sorts of temptation, especially those who worked in the + night-gang. His master flogged him once, while he was in the jail, + himself, giving him about forty stripes with a raw hide on the bare back: + not satisfying his feelings with this, he concluded to send him to New + Orleans. He had an affectionate wife and child, who were forbidden to see + him. His master ordered that he should be sent to the workhouse and + receive thirty-nine paddles before leaving, and on the morning he was to + be shipped, his distressed wife, hearing the sad news, came to the jail; + but notwithstanding the entreaties of several debtors, the jailer could + not allow her to come in, but granted, as a favor, that she should speak + with him through the grated door. The cries and lamentations of that poor + woman, as she stood upon the outside, holding her bond-offspring in her + arms, taking a last sorrowing farewell of him who was so dearly cherished + and beloved, would have melted a heart of stone. She could not embrace + him, but waited until he was led out to torture, when she threw her arms + around him, and was dragged away by a ruffian's hand. + </p> + <p> + Poor George Fairchild! We heard him moaning under the acute pain of the + paddle, and saw him thrust into a cart like a dog, to be shipped as a bale + of merchandise for a distant port, who had suffered with him in the + guard-house came up and saluted him with a friendly recognition. Some two + weeks had passed since the occurrence, and yet his head presented the + effects of bruising, and was bandaged with a cloth. “Good young massa, do + give me a' fo' pence, for Is'e mose starve,” he said in a suppliant tone. + Tommy put his hand into his pocket, and drawing out a quarter, passed it + to the poor fellow, and received his thanks. Leaving a message for Manuel + that he would be sure to call and see him when he returned, he passed from + the house of misery and proceeded to his vessel. + </p> + <p> + The captain of the schooner had been engaged by parties in Charleston, who + simply acted as agents for the owners. He had been moved to return to + Charleston by those feelings which are so inherent in our nature, + inspiring a feeling for the place of its nativity, and recalling the early + associations of childhood. Each longing fancy pointed back again, and back + he came, to further fortune on his native soil. His crew, with the + exception of Tommy, consisted of three good, active negroes, one of whom + acted as pilot on the Edisto River. Accustomed to the provisioning of + Boston ships, he had paid no attention to his supplies; for, in fact, he + only took charge of the little craft as an accommodation to the agents, + and with the promise of a large vessel as soon as he returned; and sailing + with a fine stiff breeze, he was far outside the light when the doctor + announced dinner. “What have you got that's good, old chap?” said he to + the cook. + </p> + <p> + “Fust stripe, Massa Cap'en. A right good chance o' homony and bacon fry,” + returned the negro. + </p> + <p> + “Homony and what? Nothing else but that?” + </p> + <p> + “Why, massa! gracious, dat what Massa Whaley give all he cap'en, an' he + tink 'em fust-rate,” said the negro. + </p> + <p> + As they were the only whites on board, the captain took little Tommy into + the cabin with him to sit at the same table; but there was too much truth + in the negro's statement, and instead of sitting down to one of those nice + dinners which are spread in Boston ships, both great and small, there, on + a little piece of pine board, swung with a preventer, was a plate of black + homony covered with a few pieces of fried pork, so rank and oily as to be + really repulsive to a common stomach. Beside it was an earthen mug, + containing about a pint of molasses, which was bedaubed on the outside to + show its quality. The captain looked at it for a minute, and then taking + up the iron spoon which stood in it, and letting one or two spoonfuls drop + back, said, “Old daddie, where are all your stores? Fetch them out here.” + </p> + <p> + “Gih, massa! here 'em is; 'e's jus' as Massa Stoney give 'em,” said the + negro, drawing forth a piece of rusty and tainted bacon, weighing about + fifteen pounds, and, in spots, perfectly alive with motion; about a + half-bushel of corn-grits; and a small keg of molasses, with a piece of + leather attached to the bung. + </p> + <p> + “Is that all?” inquired the captain peremptorily. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, massa, he all w'at 'em got now, but git more at Massa Whaley + plantation win 'em git da.” + </p> + <p> + “Throw it overboard, such stinking stuff; it'll breed pestilence on + board,” said the captain to the negro, (who stood holding the spoiled + bacon in his hand, with the destructive macalia dropping on the floor,) at + the same time applying his foot to the table, and making wreck of hog, + homony, molasses, and plates. + </p> + <p> + “Gih-e-wh-ew! Massa, I trow 'im o'board, Massa Whaley scratch 'em back, + sartin. He tink 'em fust-rate. Plantation nigger on'y gits bacon twice + week, Massa Cap'en,” said he, picking up the wreck and carrying it upon + deck, where it was devoured with great gusto by the negroes, who fully + appreciated the happy God-send. + </p> + <p> + The captain had provided a little private store of crackers, cheese, + segars, and a bottle of brandy, and turning to his trunk, he opened it and + drew them out one by one, passing the crackers and cheese to Tommy, and + imbibing a little of the deacon himself, thus satisfying the cravings of + nature. Night came on; they were crossing the bar and approaching the + outlet of the Edisto, which was broad in sight; but there was neither + coffee nor tea on board, and no prospect of supper-nothing but a resort to + the crackers and cheese remained, the stock of which had already + diminished so fast, that what was left was treasured among the things too + choice to be eaten without limitation. They reached the entrance, and + after ascending a few miles, came to anchor under a jut of wood that + formed a bend in the river. The baying of dogs during the night intimated + the vicinity of a settlement near, and in the morning the captain sent one + of the negroes on shore for a bottle of milk. “Massa, dat man what live + yonder ha'n't much no-how, alwa's makes 'em pay seven-pence,” said the + negro. Sure enough it was true; notwithstanding he was a planter of some + property, he made the smallest things turn to profit, and would charge + vessels going up the river twelve and a half cents per bottle for milk. + </p> + <p> + The captain had spent a restless night, and found himself blotched with + innumerable chinch-bites; and on examining the berths and lockers, he + found them swarming in piles. Calling one of the black men, he commenced + overhauling them, and drew out a perfect storehouse of rubbish, which must + have been deposited there, without molestation, from the day the vessel + was launched up to the present time, as varied in its kinds as the stock + of a Jew-shop, and rotten with age. About nine o'clock they got under + weigh again, and proceeding about twenty miles with a fair wind and tide, + they came to another point in the river, on which a concourse of men had + assembled, armed to the teeth with guns, rifles, and knives. As he passed + up, they were holding parley with a man and boy in a canoe a few rods from + the shore. At every few minutes they would point their rifles at him, and + with threatening gestures, swear vengeance against him if he attempted to + land. The captain, being excited by the precarious situation of the man + and his boy, and anxious to ascertain the particulars, let go his anchor + and “came to” a few lengths above. + </p> + <p> + Scarcely had his anchor brought up than he was hailed from the shore by a + rough-looking man, who appeared to be chief in the manouvre, and who + proved to be no less a personage than a Mr. S—k, a wealthy planter. + </p> + <p> + “Don't take that man on board of your vessel, at the peril of your life, + captain. He's an abolitionist,” said he, accompanying his imperative + command with a very Southern rotation of oaths. + </p> + <p> + The man paddled his canoe on the outside of the vessel, and begged the + captain “for God's sake to take him on board and protect him; that an + excitement had been gotten up against him very unjustly, and he would + explain the circumstances if he would allow him to come on board.” + </p> + <p> + “Come on board,” said the captain. “Let you be abolitionist or what you + will, humanity will not let me see you driven out to sea in that manner; + you would be swamped before you crossed the bar.” + </p> + <p> + He came on board, trembling and wet, the little boy handing up a couple of + carpet-bags, and following him. No sooner had he done so, than three or + four balls whizzed past the captain's head, causing him to retreat to the + cabin. A few minutes intervened, and he returned to the deck. + </p> + <p> + “Lower your boat and come on shore immediately,” they cried out. + </p> + <p> + The captain, not at all daunted, lowered his boat and went on shore. “Now, + gentlemen, what do you want with me?” said he, when S—k stepped + forward, and the following dialogue ensued:— + </p> + <p> + “Who owns that vessel, and what right have you to harbor a d—d + abolitionist?” + </p> + <p> + “I don't know who owns the vessel; I know that I sail her, and the laws of + God and man demand that I shall not pass a man in distress, especially + upon the water. He protests that he is not, and never was an abolitionist; + offers to prove it if you will hear him, and only asks that you allow him + to take away his property,” rejoined the captain. + </p> + <p> + “What! then you are an abolitionist yourself?” + </p> + <p> + “No, sir. I'm a Southern-born man, raised in Charleston, where my father + was raised before me.” + </p> + <p> + “So much, so good; but just turn that d—d scoundrel ashore as quick + as seventy, or we'll tie your vessel up and report you to the Executive + Committee, and stop your getting on more freight on the Edisto.” + </p> + <p> + “That I shall not do. You should have patience to investigate these + things, and not allow your feelings to become so excited. If I turn him + and his son adrift, I'm answerable for their lives if any accident should + occur to them,” rejoined the captain. + </p> + <p> + “Are you a secessionist, captain, or what are your political principles? + You seem determined to protect abolitionists. That scoundrel has been + associating with a nigger, and eating at his house ever since he has been + here.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, yes, and we'll be d—d if he isn't an abolitionist,” joined in + a dozen voices, “for he dined at Bill Webster's last Sunday on a + wild-turkey. Nobody but an infernal abolitionist would dine with a + nigger.” + </p> + <p> + “As for politics, I never had much to do with them, and care as little + about secession as I do about theology; but I like to see men act + reasonably. If you want any thing more of me, you will find me at Colonel + Whaley's plantation to-morrow.” Thus saying, he stepped into his boat and + returned on board of his vessel. Just as he was getting under-weigh again, + whiz! whiz! whiz! came three shots, one in quick succession after the + other, the last taking effect and piercing the crown of his hat, at which + they retired out of sight. Fearing a return, he worked his vessel about + two miles farther up and came to anchor on the other side of the channel, + where he waited the return of the tide, and had an opportunity to put his + affrighted passengers on board a schooner that was passing down, bound to + Charleston. + </p> + <p> + The secret of such an outrage is told in a few words. The man was a + timber-getter from the vicinity of New Bedford, Massachusetts, who, with + his son, a lad about sixteen years of age, had spent several winters in + the vicinity of the Edisto, getting live-oak, what he considered a + laudable enterprise. He purchased the timber on the stump of the + inhabitants, at a price which left him very little profit, and had also + been charged an exorbitant price for every thing he got, whether labor or + provisions; and so far had that feeling of South Carolina's + self-sufficiency been carried out against him in all its cold + repulsiveness, that he found much more honesty and true hospitality under + the roof of a poor colored man. This so enraged some of the planters, that + they proclaimed against him, and that mad-dog cry of abolitionist was + raised against him. His horse and buggy, books and papers were packed up + and sent to Charleston-not, however, without some of the most important of + the latter being lost. His business was destroyed, and he and his child + taken by force, put into a little canoe with one or two carpet-bags, and + sent adrift. In this manner they had followed him two miles down the + river, he begging to be allowed the privilege of settling his business and + leave respectably-they threatening to shoot him if he attempted to near + the shore, or was caught in the vicinity. This was his position when the + captain found him. He proceeded to Charleston, and laid his case before + James L. Petigru, Esq., United States District Attorney, and, upon his + advice, returned to the scene of “war on the banks of the Edisto,” to + arrange his business; but no sooner had he made his appearance than he was + thrown into prison, and there remained when we last heard of him. + </p> + <p> + This is one of the many cases which afford matter for exciting comment for + the editors of the Charleston Mercury and the Courier, and which reflect + no honor on a people who thus set law and order at defiance. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0026" id="link2HCH0026"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXVI. A SINGULAR RECEPTION. + </h2> + <p> + IT was about ten o'clock on the night of the fifteenth of April when the + schooner “Three Sisters” lay anchored close alongside of a dark jungle of + clustering brakes that hung their luxuriant foliage upon the bosom of the + stream. The captain sat upon a little box near the quarter, apparently + contemplating the scene, for there was a fairy-like beauty in its dark + windings, mellowed by the shadowing foliage that skirted its borders in + mournful grandeur, while stars twinkled on the sombre surface. + </p> + <p> + The tide had just turned, and little Tommy, who had rolled himself up in a + blanket and laid down close to the captain, suddenly arose. “Captain, did + you hear that?” said he. + </p> + <p> + “Hark! there it is again,” said the captain. “Go and call the men,—we + must get under weigh.” + </p> + <p> + It was a rustling noise among the brakes; and when little Tommy went + forward to call the men, two balls came whistling over the quarter, and + then a loud rustling noise indicated that persons were retreating. The + captain retired to the cabin and took Tommy with him, giving orders to the + negro pilot to stand to the deck, get her anchor up, and let her drift up + stream with the tide, determined that if they shot any person, it should + be the negroes, for whose value they would be held answerable. Thus she + drifted up the stream, and the next morning was at the creek at Colonel + Whaley's plantation. + </p> + <p> + A number of ragged negroes came down to the bank in high glee at the + arrival, and making sundry inquiries about corn and bacon. One old + patriarchal subject cried out to the pilot, “Ah, Cesar, I 'now'd ye wah + cumin'. Massa, an' young Massa Aleck, bin promis' bacon mor' den week, + gess he cum' now.” + </p> + <p> + “Got sum corn, but ven ye gets bacon out o' dis craf' ye kotch wesel, dat + a'n't got no hair on 'im,” said Cesar. + </p> + <p> + The scene around was any thing but promising-disappointing to the + captain's exalted ideas of Colonel Whaley's magnificent plantation. The + old farm-house was a barrack-like building, dilapidated, and showing no + signs of having lately furnished a job for the painter, and standing in an + arena surrounded by an enclosure of rough slats. Close examination + disclosed fragments of gardening in the arena, but they showed the + unmistakable evidences of carelessness. At a short distance from this was + a cluster of dirty-looking negro-huts, raised a few feet from the ground + on palmetto piles, and strung along from them to the brink of the river + were numerous half-starved cattle and hogs, the latter rooting up the sod. + </p> + <p> + It was now nearly slack water, on a high flood, and the schooner lay just + above the bend of the creek. Presently a large, portly-looking man, + dressed like as Yorkshire farmer, came, to the bank, and in a stentorious + voice ordered the captain to haul into the creek at once! The manner in + which the order was given rather taxed the captain's feelings, yet he + immediately set his men to work heaving up the anchor and carrying out “a + line” to warp her in. But that slow motion with which negroes execute all + orders, caused some delay, and no sooner had he, begun to heave on the + line than the tide set strong ebb and carried him upon the lower point, + where a strong eddy, made by the receding water from the creek, and the + strong undertow in the river, baffled all his exertions. There she stuck, + and all the warps and tow-lines of a seventy-four, hove by the combined + strength of the plantation, would not have started her. When the tide + left, she careened over toward the river, for there was no means at hand + to shore her up. + </p> + <p> + One of the drivers went up and reported “Massa captain got 'im ship + ashore,” and down came Colonel Whaley, with all the pomp of seven lord + mayors in his countenance. “What sort of a feller are you to command a + ship? I'd whip the worst nigger on the plantation, if he couldn't do + better than that. Rig a raft out and let me come o' board that vessel!” + said he, accompanying his demands with a volley of vile imprecations that + would have disgraced St. Giles'. + </p> + <p> + “Do you know who you're talking to? You mus'n't take me for a nigger, sir! + I know my duty, if you don't good manners,” rejoined the captain. + </p> + <p> + “Do you know who owns that ship? you impudent feller, you! Take the sails + off her, immediately-at once! or I'll shoot you, by heavens!” he bawled + out again. + </p> + <p> + “Why didn't you say mud-scow? Call such a thing as this a ship? I don't + care who owns her, I only know it's a disgrace to sail her; but I've got + the papers, and you may help yourself. When you pay me for my time, and + give me something for myself and these men to eat, you may take your old + jebac—car-boat,—but you don't put a foot aboard her till you + do!” + </p> + <p> + This made the colonel rage worse. “I'll teach you a lesson how you disobey + my orders. Go get my rifle, Zeke,” said the colonel, turning to an old + negro who stood close by. And then calling to the men on board, he ordered + them to take charge of the vessel and take the sails off her at once. + </p> + <p> + “Don't you move a hand to unbend a sail, Cesar! I don't know that man + ashore there. This vessel is mine until further orders from the persons + who shipped me,” rejoined the captain with an imperative demand to his + men. + </p> + <p> + “Why, la! massa, he own em dis ere vessel, an' he shoot em sartin if we + done do him; ye done know dat massa, as I does,” said Cesar. + </p> + <p> + “Don't touch a hand to those sails, I command one and all of you. There's + two can play at shooting, and I'll shoot you if you disobey my orders.” + Then turning to those on shore, he warned them that he would shoot the + first nigger that attempted to make a raft to come on board. The reader + will observe that the poor negroes were in a worse dilemma than the + captain; goaded on the one side by a ruthless master, who claims ownership + and demands the execution of his orders, while on the other extreme the + hired master proclaims his right, and warns them against the peril of + varying one iota from his commands. Here the clashing feelings of + arbitrary men come together, which have placed many a good negro in that + complex position, that he would be punished by one master for doing that + which he would have been punished by the other if he had left undone. + </p> + <p> + It may be said to the colonel's credit, he did not return, rifle in hand, + nor did the captain see him afterward; but a young gentleman, a son, who + represented the father, came to the bank about an hour after the + occurrence, and making a lame apology for his father's temper, requested + the captain to come on shore. The latter had concluded to await the return + of the tide, run the vessel back to Charleston, report his reception, and + deliver the vessel up to the agents; but on further consideration, there + was nothing to eat on board, and what could he do? He went on shore, and + held a parley with the young man, whom he found much more inclined to + respect his color. “Your father took me for a nigger, and as such he + presumed upon the dignity of his plantation. Now I know my duty, and have + sailed in the finest ships and with the best masters in the country. All I + want is proper respect, something to eat, what there is coming to me, and + my passage paid back to Charleston by land. No! I will not even request so + much as that; give me something to eat, and my passage to Charleston, and + you may do what you please with the vessel, but I shall deliver the papers + to nobody but the persons who shipped me. And I shall want you to see this + little boy attended to, for he's quite sick now,” said the captain, + pointing to Tommy, and calling him to him. + </p> + <p> + “Oh yes,” replied the young man, “we'll take care of the little fellow, + and see him sent safely back,” and took leave, promising to have another + interview in the afternoon. About twelve o'clock a negro boy came to the + vessel with a tin pan covered with a towel, and presenting it to Cesar, + for “massa cap'en and buckra boy.” Cesar brought it aft and set it upon + the companion. It contained some rice, a piece of bacon, corn-cake, and + three sweet-potatoes. + </p> + <p> + “Coarse fare, but I can get along with it. Come Tommy, I guess you're + hungry, as well as myself,” said the captain, and they sat down, and soon + demolished the feast of Southern hospitality. About five o'clock in the + evening, the young man not making his appearance, the Captain sent Tommy + ashore to inquire for him at the house, telling him (in order to test + their feelings) that he could stop and get his supper. Tommy clambered + ashore, and up the bank wending his way to the house. The young man made + his appearance, offering an apology for his delay and inattention, saying + the presence of some very particular friends from Beaufort was the cause. + “My father, you are aware, owns this vessel, captain!—You got a good + dinner, to-day, by-the-by,” said he. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, we got along with it, but could have eaten more,” rejoined the + captain. + </p> + <p> + “Ah! bless me, that was the nigger's fault. These niggers are such + uncertain creatures, you must watch 'em over the least thing. Well now, + captain, my father has sent you five dollars to pay your passage to + Charleston!” + </p> + <p> + “Well, that's a small amount, but I'll try and get along with it, rather + than stop here, at any rate,” said the captain, taking the bill and + twisting it into his pocket, and giving particular charges in regard to + taking care of the boy. That night, a little after sundown, he took + passage in a downward-bound coaster, bid a long good-by to the Edisto and + Colonel Whaley's plantation, and arrived in Charleston the next night. On + the following morning he presented himself to the agents, who generously + paid him, all his demands, and expressed their regrets at the + circumstance. Acting upon the smart of feeling, the captain enclosed the + five-dollar bill and returned it to the sovereign Colonel Whaley. + </p> + <p> + The Savannah Republican, of the 11th September, says-“We have been kindly + furnished with the particulars of a duel which came off at Major Stark's + plantation, opposite this city, yesterday morning, between Colonel E. M. + Whaley, and E. E. Jenkins, of South Carolina.” Another paper stated that + “after a single exchange of shot, * * * * the affair terminated, but + without a reconciliation.” The same Colonel Whaley! Either 'of these + journals might have give particulars more grievous, and equally as + expressive of Southern life. They might have described a beautiful wife, a + Northern lady, fleeing with her two children, to escape the abuses of a + faithless husband-taking shelter in the Charleston Hotel, and befriended + by Mr. Jenkins and another young man, whose name we shall not mention-and + that famous establishment surrounded by the police on a Sabbath night, to + guard its entrances-and she dragged forth, and carried back to the home of + unhappiness. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0027" id="link2HCH0027"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXVII. THE HABEAS CORPUS. + </h2> + <p> + THE Captain of the Janson had settled his business, and was anxious to + return home. He had done all in his power for Manuel, and notwithstanding + the able exertions of the consul were combined with his, he had effected + nothing to relieve him. The law was imperative, and if followed out, there + was no alternative for him, except upon the ground of his proving himself + entitled to a white man's privileges. To do this would require an endless + routine of law, which would increase his anxiety and suffering twofold. + Mr. Grimshaw had been heard to say, that if an habeas corpus were sued + out, he should stand upon the technicality of an act of the legislature, + refuse to answer the summons or give the man up. No, he would himself + stand the test upon the point of right to the habeas corpus, and if he was + committed for refusing to deliver up the prisoner, he would take advantage + of another act of the legislature, and after remaining a length of time in + jail, demand his release according to the statutes. So far was Mr. + Grimshaw impressed with his own important position in the matter, and of + the course which he should pursue, that he several times told the + prisoners that he should be a prisoner among them in a few days, to + partake of the same fare. + </p> + <p> + Judge Withers, however, saved him the necessity of such important trouble. + To those acquainted with Judge Withers it would be needless to dwell upon + the traits of his character. To those who are not, we can say that his + were feelings founded upon interest-moving in the foremost elements of + secession-arbitrary, self-willed, and easily swayed by prejudice-a man + known to the public and the bar for his frigidity, bound in his own + opinions, and yielding second to the wishes and principles of none-fearful + of his popularity as a judge, yet devoid of those sterling principles + which deep jurists bring to their aid when considering important + questions, where life or liberty is at stake-a mind that would rather + reinstate monarchy than spread the blessings of a free government. What + ground have we here to hope for a favorable issue? + </p> + <p> + Thus when the consul applied for the writ of habeas corpus, the right was + denied him, notwithstanding the subject was heir-inherent to all the + rights of citizenship and protection, which the laws of his own nation + could clothe him with. To show how this matter was treated by the + press-though we are happy to say the feelings of the mercantile community + are not reflected in it-we copy the leader from the “Southern Standard,” a + journal published in Charleston, the editor of which professes to + represent the conservative views of a diminutive minority. Here it is:— + </p> + <p> + “CHARLESTON, APRIL 23, 1852. “Colored Seamen and State Rights. + </p> + <p> + “Our readers have not forgotten the correspondence which some time since + took place between His Excellency Governor Means and Her British Majesty's + Consul, Mr. Mathew. We published in the Standard, of the 5th December + last, the very temperate, dignified, and well-argued report of Mr. Mazyck, + chairman of the special committee of the Senate, to whom had been referred + the message of the Governor, transmitting the correspondence. In our issue + of the 16th December, we gave to our readers the able report of Mr. + McCready, on behalf of the committee of the other house, on the same + subject. + </p> + <p> + “We have now to call the attention of the public to the fact, that the + practical issue has been made, by which the validity of the laws in regard + to colored seamen arriving in our port is to be submitted to the judicial + tribunals of the country. For ourselves we have no fears for the credit of + the State in such a controversy. The right of the State to control, by her + own legislation, the whole subject-matter, can, as we think, by a full + discussion, be established upon a basis which, in the South at least, will + never hereafter be questioned. If there be defects in the details of the + regulations enacted, the consideration of them is now precluded, when the + issue presented is the right of the State to act at all times in the + premises. + </p> + <p> + “The writ of habeas corpus was applied for before Judge Withers, during + the term of the court which has just closed, by the British consul, + through his counsel, Mr. Petigru, in behalf of one Manuel Pereira, a + colored sailor, who claims to be a Portuguese subject, articled to service + on board an English brig driven into this port by stress of weather; the + said Manuel Pereira being then in jail under the provisions of the act of + the legislature of this State, passed in 1835, emendatory of the previous + acts on the subject. Judge Withers, in compliance with the requirements of + the act of 1844, refused the writ of habeas corpus, and notice of appeal + has been given. Thus is the issue upon us. + </p> + <p> + “We have but one regret in the matter, and that is that the case made is + one where the party asking his liberty has been driven into our harbor + involuntarily. Great Britain, it is true, is the last power which should + complain on this account, with her own example in the case of the + Enterprise before her eyes; but we do not, we confess, like this feature + of the law. We have no doubt, however, that this fact being brought to the + notice of the executive, he will interfere promptly to release the + individual in the present case, provided the party petitions for the + purpose, and engages at once to leave the State. But we shall see nothing + of this. Mr. Manuel Pereira, like another John Wilkes, is to have settled + in his person great questions of constitutional liberty. The posterity + which in after times shall read of his voluntary martyrdom and heroic + self-sacrifice in the cause of suffering humanity, must be somewhat better + informed than Mr. Pereira himself; for we observe that his clerkly skill + did not reach the point of enabling him to subscribe his name to the + petition for habeas corpus, which is to figure so conspicuously in future + history, it being more primitively witnessed by his 'mark.'” + </p> + <p> + An appeal was taken from this refusal, and carried before the appeal + court, sitting at Columbia, the capital of the State. How was this + treated? Without enlisting common respect, it sustained the opinion of + Judge Withers, who was one of its constituted members. Under such a state + of things, where all the avenues to right and justice were clogged by a + popular will that set itself above law or justice, where is the + unprejudiced mind that will charge improper motives in asking justice of + the highest judicial tribunal in the country. + </p> + <p> + In the year 1445, a petition was presented, or entered on the rolls of the + British Parliament, from the commons of two neighboring counties, praying + the abatement of a nuisance which promised fearful interruptions to the + peace and quiet of their hamlets, in consequence of the number of + attorneys having increased from eight to twenty-four, setting forth that + attorneys were dangerous to the peace and happiness of a community, and + praying that there should be no more than six attorneys for each county. + The king granted the petition, adding a clause which left it subject to + the approval of the judges. Time works mighty contrasts. If those + peaceable old commoners could have seen a picture of the nineteenth + century, with its judiciary dotted upon the surface, they would certainly + have put the world down as a very unhappy place. The people of Charleston + might now inquire why they have so much law and so little justice? + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0028" id="link2HCH0028"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXVIII. THE CAPTAIN'S DEPARTURE AND MANUEL'S RELEASE. + </h2> + <p> + AFTER remaining nearly three weeks in close confinement in a cell on the + third story, Manuel was allowed to come down and resume his position among + the stewards, in the “steward's cell.” There was a sad change of faces. + But one of those he left was there; and he, poor fellow, was so changed as + to be but a wreck of what he was when Manuel was confined in the cell. + </p> + <p> + After little Tommy left, the Captain deposited a sum of money with the + jailer to supply Manuel's wants. The jailer performed his duty faithfully, + but the fund was soon exhausted, and Manuel was forced to appeal to his + consul. With the care for its citizens that marks the course of that + government, and the characteristic kindness of its representative in + Charleston, the appeal was promptly responded to. The consul attended him + in person, and even provided from his own purse things necessary to make + him comfortable. We could not but admire the nobleness of many acts + bestowed upon this humble citizen through the consul, showing the + attachment and faith of a government to its humblest subject. The question + now was, would the Executive release him? Mr. Grimshaw had interposed + strong objections, and made unwarrantable statements in regard to his + having been abandoned by his captain, the heavy expenses incurred to + maintain the man, and questioning the validity of the British consul's + right to protect him. Under the effect of these representations, the + prospect began to darken, and Manuel became more discontented, and + anxiously awaited the result. + </p> + <p> + In this position, a petition was despatched to the Executive, asking that + the man might be released, on the faith of the British Government that all + expenses be paid, and he immediately sent beyond the limits of the State. + </p> + <p> + But we must return and take leave of Captain Thompson, before we receive + the answer to the petition. The day fixed for his departure had arrived. + He had all his papers collected, and arose early to take his accustomed + walk through the market. It was a little after seven o'clock, and as he + approached the singular piece of wood-work that we have described in a + previous chapter as the Charleston Whipping-post, he saw a crowd collected + around it, and negroes running to the scene, crying out, “Buckra gwine to + get whip! buckra get 'e back scratch!” &c. &c. He quickened his + pace, and, arriving at the scene, elbowed his way through an immense crowd + until he came to where he had a fair view. Here, exposed to view, were six + respectably dressed white men, to be whipped according to the laws of + South Carolina, which flog in the market for petty theft. Five of them + were chained together, and the other scientifically secured to the + machine, with his bare back exposed, and Mr. Grimshaw (dressed with his + hat and sword of office to make the dignity of the punishment appropriate) + laying on the stripes with a big whip, and raising on tip-toe at each blow + to add force, making the flesh follow the lash. Standing around were about + a dozen huge constables with long-pointed tipstaffs in their hands, while + two others assisted in chaining and unchaining the prisoners. The + spectacle was a barbarous one, opening a wide field for reflection. It was + said that this barbarous mode of punishment was kept up as an example for + the negroes. It certainly is a very singular mode of inspiring respect for + the laws. + </p> + <p> + He had heard much of T. Norman Gadsden, whose fame sounded for being the + greatest negro-seller in the country, yet he had not seen him, though he + had witnessed several negro-sales at other places. On looking over the + papers after breakfast, his eye caught a flaming advertisement with “T. + Norman Gadsden's sale of negroes” at the head. There were plantation + negroes, coachmen, house-servants, mechanics, children of all ages, with + descriptions as various as the kinds. Below the rest, and set out with a + glowing delineation, was a description of a remarkably fine young + sempstress, very bright and very intelligent, sold for no fault. The + notice should have added an exception, that the owner was going to get + married. + </p> + <p> + He repaired to the place at the time designated, and found them selling an + old plantation-negro, dressed in ragged, gray clothes, who, after a few + bids, was knocked down for three hundred and fifty dollars. “We will give + tip-top titles to everything we sell here to-day; and, gentlemen, we shall + now offer you the prettiest wench in town. She is too well-known for me to + say more,” said the notorious auctioneer. + </p> + <p> + A number of the first citizens were present, and among them the Captain + recognised Colonel S—, who approached and began to descant upon the + sale of the woman. “It's a d—d shame to sell that girl, and that + fellow ought to be hung up,” said he, meaning the owner; and upon this he + commenced giving a history of the poor girl. + </p> + <p> + “Where is she? Bring her along! Lord! gentlemen, her very curls are enough + to start a bid of fifteen hundred,” said the auctioneer. + </p> + <p> + “Go it, Gadsden, you're a trump,” rejoined a number of voices. + </p> + <p> + The poor girl moved to the stand, pale and trembling, as if she was + stepping upon the scaffold, and saw her executioners around her. She was + very fair and beautiful-there was something even in her graceful motions + that enlisted admiration. Here she stood almost motionless for a few + moments. + </p> + <p> + “Gentlemen, I ought to charge all of you sevenpence a sight for looking at + her,” said the auctioneer. She smiled at the remark, but it was the smile + of pain. + </p> + <p> + “Why don't you sell the girl, and not be dogging her feelings in this + manner?” said Colonel S—. + </p> + <p> + Bids continued in rapid succession from eleven hundred up to thirteen + hundred and forty. A well-known trader from New Orleans stood behind one + of the city brokers, motioning him at every bid, and she was knocked down + to him. We learned her history and know the sequel. + </p> + <p> + The Captain watched her with mingled feelings, and would fain have said, + “Good God! and why art thou a slave?” + </p> + <p> + The history of that unfortunate beauty may be comprehended in a few words, + leaving the reader to draw the details from his imagination. Her mother + was a fine mulatto slave, with about a quarter Indian blood. She was the + mistress of a celebrated gentleman in Charleston, who ranked among the + first families, to whom she bore three beautiful children, the second of + which is the one before us. Her father, although he could not acknowledge + her, prized her highly, and unquestionably never intended that she should + be considered a slave. Alice, for such was her name, felt the shame of her + position. She knew her father, and was proud to descant upon his honor and + rank, yet must either associate with negroes or nobody, for it would be + the death of caste for a white woman, however mean, to associate with her. + At the age of sixteen she became attached to a young gentleman of high + standing but moderate means, and lived with him as his mistress. Her + father, whose death is well known, died suddenly away from home. On + administering on his estate, it proved that instead of being wealthy, as + was supposed, he was insolvent, and the creditors insisting upon the + children being sold. Alice was purchased by compromise with the + administrator, and retained by her lord under a mortgage, the interest and + premium on which he had regularly paid for more than four years. Now that + he was about to get married, the excuse of the mortgage was the best + pretext in the world to get rid of her. + </p> + <p> + The Captain turned from the scene with feelings that left deep impressions + upon his mind, and that afternoon took his departure for his Scottish + home. + </p> + <p> + Time passed heavily at the jail, and day after day Manuel awaited his fate + with anxiety. At every tap of the prison-bell he would spring to the door + and listen, asserting that he heard the consul's voice in every passing + sound. Day after day the consul would call upon him and quiet his fears, + reassuring him that he was safe and should not be sold as a slave. At + length, on the seventeenth day of May, after nearly two months' + imprisonment, the glad news was received that Manuel Pereira was not to be + sold, according to the statutes, but to be released upon payment of all + costs, &c. &c., and immediately sent beyond the limits of the + State. We leave it to the reader's fancy, to picture the scene of joy on + the reception of the news in the “stewards' cell.” + </p> + <p> + The consul lost no time in arranging his affairs for him, and at five + o'clock on the afternoon of the 17th of May, 1852, Manuel Pereira, a poor, + shipwrecked mariner, who, by the dispensation of an all-wise Providence, + was cast upon the shores of South Carolina, and imprisoned because + hospitality to him was “contrary to law,” was led forth, pale and + emaciated, by two constables, thrust into a closely covered vehicle, and + driven at full speed to the steamboat then awaiting to depart for New + York. This is but a faint glimpse, of the suffering to which colored + stewards are subjected in the Charleston jail. + </p> + <p> + There were no less than sixty-three cases of colored seamen imprisoned on + this charge of “contrary to law,” during the calendar year ending on the + twelfth of September, 1852. And now that abuses had become so glaring, a + few gentlemen made a representation of the wretched prison regimen to his + Excellency, Governor Means, who, as if just awoke from a dream that had + lasted a generation, addressed a letter to the Attorney-General, dated on + the seventh of September, 1852, requesting a statement in regard to the + jail-how many prisoners there were confined on the twelfth day of + September, under sentence and awaiting trial, the nature of offences, who + committed by, and how long they had awaited trial; what the cost of the + jail was, how much was paid by prisoners, and how much by the State, &c. + &c. In that statement, the number of colored seamen was, for reasons + best known to Mr. Grimshaw, kept out of the statement; so also was the + difference between thirty cents and eight cents a day, paid for the ration + for each man. The real statement showed a bounty to the sheriff of + fourteen hundred and sixty-three dollars on' the provisions alone-a sad + premium upon misery. Now add to this a medium amount for each of these + sixty-three sailors, and we have between eight and nine hundred dollars + more, which, with sundry jail-fees and other cribbage-money, makes the + Charleston jail a nice little appendage to the sheriff's office, and will + fully account for the tenacity with which those functionaries cling to the + “old system.” + </p> + <p> + We conclude the bills by giving Manuel's as it stands upon the books:—“Contrary + to law.” British brig “Janson,” Capt. Thompson. For Manuel Pereira, + Colored Seaman. 1852. To Sheriff of Charleston District. + </p> + <p> + May 15th. To Arrest, $2; Register, $2, $4.00” “Recog., $1.31; Constable, + $1, 2.31” “Commitment and Discharge, 1.00” “52 Days' Maintenance of Manuel + Pereira, at 30 cents per day, 15.60 + </p> + <p> + $22.81 Rec' payment, J. D—, S. C. D. Per Chs. Kanapeaux, Clerk. + </p> + <p> + This amount is exclusive of all the long scale of law charges and + attorney's fees that were incurred, and is entirely the perquisite of the + sheriff. + </p> + <p> + Now, notwithstanding that high-sounding clamor about the laws of South + Carolina, which every South Carolinian, in the redundance of his feelings, + strives to impress you with the sovereignty of its justice, its sacred + rights, and its pre-eminent reputation, we never were in a country or + community where the privileges of a certain class were so much abused. + Every thing is made to conserve popular favor, giving to those in + influence power to do what they please with a destitute class, whether + they be white or black. Official departments are turned into depots for + miserable espionage, where the most unjust schemes are practised upon + those whose voices cannot be heard in their own defence. A magistrate is + clothed with, or assumes a power that is almost absolute, committing them + without a hearing, and leaving them to waste in jail; then releasing them + before the court sits, and charging the fees to the State; or releasing + the poor prisoner on receiving “black mail” for the kindness; giving one + man a peace-warrant to oppress another whom he knows cannot get bail; and + where a man has served out the penalty of the crime for which he was + committed, give a peace-warrant to his adversary that he may continue to + vent his spleen upon him. In this manner, we have known a man who had + served seven months' imprisonment for assault and battery, by an + understanding between the magistrate and the plaintiff, continued in jail + for several years upon a peace-warrant, issued by the magistrate from time + to time, until at length he shot himself in jail. The man was a peaceable + man, and of a social temperament. He had been offered the alternative of + leaving the State, but he scorned to accept it. To show that we are + correct in what we say respecting some of the Charleston officials, we + insert an article which appeared in the Charleston Courier of Sept. 1, + 1852:—[For the Courier.] + </p> + <p> + “Many of the quiet and moral portion of our community can form no adequate + conception of the extent to which those who sell liquor, and otherwise + trade with our slaves, are now plying their illegal and demoralizing + traffic. At no period within our recollection has it prevailed to such an + alarming extent; at no period has its influence upon our slave population + been more palpable or more dangerous; at no period has the municipal + administration been so wilfully blind to these corrupt practices, or so + lenient and forgiving when such practices are exposed.” + </p> + <p> + * * * * + </p> + <p> + “We have heard it intimated that when General Schnierle is a candidate for + the mayoralty, they are regularly assessed for means to defray the + expenses of the canvass. Instances are not wanting where amounts of money + are paid monthly to General Schnierle's police as a reward for shutting + their eyes and closing their lips when unlawful proceedings are in + progress. We have at this moment in our possession a certificate from a + citizen, sworn to before Mr. Giles, the magistrate, declaring that he, the + deponent, heard one of the city police-officers (Sharlock) make a demand + for money upon one of these shop-keepers, and promised that if he would + pay him five dollars at stated intervals, 'none of the police-officers + would trouble him.' This affidavit can be seen, if inquired for, at this + office. Thus bribery is added to guilt, and those who should enforce the + laws are made auxiliaries in their violation. Said one of these + slave-destroyers to us, 'General Schnierle suits us very well. I have no + trouble with General Schnierle'—remarks at once repugnant and + suggestive. * * * We are told by one, that Mr. Hutchinson, when in power, + fined him heavily (and, as he thought, unjustly) for selling liquor to a + slave; hence he would not vote for him. An additional reason for this + animosity toward Mr. Hutchinson arises from the fact that the names of + offenders were always published during that gentleman's administration, + while under that of General Schnierle they are screened from public view. + On any Sunday evening, light may be seen in the shops of these dealers. If + the passer-by will for a few moments stay his course, he will witness the + ingress and egress of negroes; if he approach the door, he will hear noise + as of card-playing and revelry within. And this is carried on + unblushingly; is not confined to a shop here and a shop there, but may be + observed throughout the city. The writer of this article, some Sundays + since, witnessed from his upper window a scene of revelry and gambling in + one of these drinking-shops, which will scarcely be credited. A party of + negroes were seen around a card-table, with money beside them, engaged in + betting; glasses of liquor were on the table, from which they ever and + anon regaled themselves with all the nonchalance and affected mannerism of + the most fashionable blades of the beau monde. + </p> + <p> + “This may not be a 'desecration of the Sabbath' by the municipal + authorities themselves, but they are assuredly responsible for its + profanation. Appointed to guard the public morals, they are assuredly + censurable if licentiousness is suffered to run its wild career unnoticed + and unchecked. We do not ask to be believed. We would prefer to have + skeptical rather than credulous readers. We should prefer that all would + arise from the perusal of this article in doubt, and determine to examine + for themselves. We believe in the strength and sufficiency of ocular + proof, and court investigation. + </p> + <p> + * * * + </p> + <p> + “We are abundantly repaid if we succeed in arousing public attention to + the alarming and dangerous condition of our city. * * * Let inquiry be + entered into. We boldly challenge it. It will lead to other and more + astonishing developments than those we have revealed. (Signed) + </p> + <p> + “A RESPONSIBLE CITIZEN.” <a name="link2HCH0029" id="link2HCH0029"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXIX. MANUEL'S ARRIVAL IN NEW YORK. + </h2> + <p> + WHEN we left Manuel, he was being hurried on board the steamship, as if he + was a bale of infected goods. Through the kindness of the clerk in the + consul's office, he was provided with a little box of stores to supply his + wants on the passage, as it was known that he would have to “go forward.” + He soon found himself gliding over Charleston bar, and took a last look of + what to him had been the city of injustice. On the afternoon of the second + day, he was sitting upon the forward deck eating an orange that had been + given to him by the steward of the ship, probably as a token of sympathy + for his sickly appearance, when a number of passengers, acting upon the + information of the clerk of the ship, gathered around him. One gentleman + from Philadelphia, who seemed to take more interest in the man than any + other of the passengers, expressed his indignation in no measured terms, + that such a man should be imprisoned as a slave. “Take care,” said a + bystander, “there's a good many Southerners on board.” + </p> + <p> + “I don't care if every slaveholder in the South was on board, holding a + knife at my throat; I'm on the broad ocean, where God spreads the breezes + of freedom that man cannot enslave,” said he, sitting down beside Manuel, + and getting him to recount the details of his shipwreck and imprisonment. + The number increased around him, and all listened with attention until he + had concluded. One of the spectators asked him if he would have something + good to eat? but he declined, pulling out the little box that the consul + had sent him, and, opening it before them, showed it to be well-stored + with little delicacies. + </p> + <p> + The Philadelphian motioned that they take up a subscription for him, and + almost simultaneously took his hat off and began to pass it around; but + Manuel, mistaking the motive, told them that he never yet sought + charity-that the consul had paid him his wages, and he had money enough to + get home. But if he did not accept their contributions, he had their + sympathies and their good wishes, which were more prized by him, because + they were contrasted with the cold hospitality he had suffered in + Charleston. + </p> + <p> + On the morning of the twentieth he arrived in New York. Here things wore a + different aspect. There were no constables fettering him with irons, + aggravating his feelings, and dragging him to a miseerable cell overrun + with vermin. He had no scientific ordeal of the statutes to pass through, + requiring the measure of his form and features; and he was a man again, + with life and liberty, and the dark dread of the oppressor's power far + from him. He went to his comfortable boarding-house, and laid his weary + limbs down to rest, thanking God that he could now sleep in peace, and + awake to liberty. His system was so reduced that he was unable to do duty, + although he was anxious to proceed on his way to join the old owners, but + wanted to work his way in the capacity of steward. Thus he remained in New + York more than four weeks, gaining vigor and strength, and with a + lingering hope that he should meet his little companion. + </p> + <p> + On the twenty-first of June, being well recruited, he sailed for + Liverpool, and after a remarkably calm passage of thirty-four days, + arrived in the Mersey, and in forty-eight hours more the ship was safely + within the Princess' Dock, and all hands ready to go on shore. In the same + dock was a ship taking in cargo and passengers for Charleston, South + Carolina. Manuel went on board, and found, in conversation with the + steward, that she had sailed from that port on the 23d of May. A short + conversation disclosed that they had been old shipmates from the Thames, + on board of the Indiaman, Lord William Bentick, and were on board of that + ship when an unfortunate circumstance occurred to her on entering a + British North American port, many years ago. Here they sat recounting the + many adventures through which they had passed since that period, the ships + they had sailed in, the sufferings they had gone through, and the narrow + escapes they had had for their lives, until past midnight. Manuel wound up + by giving a detailed account of his sufferings in Charleston. + </p> + <p> + “What!” said the steward of the Charleston ship, “then you must have known + our cabin-boy, he belonged to the same vessel!” + </p> + <p> + “What was his name?” inquired Manuel. + </p> + <p> + “Tommy Ward! and as nice a little fellow as ever served the cabin; poor + little fellow, we could hardly get him across.” + </p> + <p> + “Gracious! that's my Tommy,” said Manuel. “Where is he? He loves me as he + does his life, and would run to me as a child would to its father. Little + as he is, he has been a friend through my severest trials, and a companion + in my pleasures.” + </p> + <p> + “Ah, poor child! I'm afraid you wouldn't know him now. He has suffered + much since you saw him.” + </p> + <p> + “Is he not aboard? Where can I find him?” inquired Manuel, hastily. + </p> + <p> + “No, he is not aboard; he is at the hospital in Dennison street. Go there + to-morrow, and you will find him.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0030" id="link2HCH0030"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXX. THE SCENE OF ANGUISH. + </h2> + <p> + WE are sorry, that having traced the details of our narrative as they + occurred, without adding for dramatic effect, we are constrained to + conclude with a picture at once painful and harrowing to the feelings. We + do this that we may be sustained by records, in what we have stated, + rather than give one of those more popular conclusions which restore + happiness and relieve the reader's feelings. + </p> + <p> + Manuel retired to his berth, full of meditation. His little companion was + before him, pictured in his child-like innocence and playfulness. He saw + him in the youthful zeal and freshness of the night when he brought the + well-laden haversack into his dreary cell, and which kind act was repaid + by a night of suffering in the guard-house. There was too much of life and + buoyancy in the picture his imagination called up, to reconcile the belief + that any thing serious had befallen him; and yet the man spoke in a manner + that aroused the intensity of his feelings. It was a whisper full of + fearful forebodings, and filled his mind with anxious expectation. He + could not sleep-the anxiety of his feelings had awakened a nervvous + restlessness that awaited the return of morning with impatience. + </p> + <p> + Morning came. He proceeded to the hospital and rang the bell. An aged + gentleman came to the door, and to his questions about Tommy being there, + answered in the affirmative, and called an attendant to show him the ward + in which the little sufferer lay. He followed the attendant, and after + ascending several flights of stairs and following a dark, narrow passage + nearly to its end, was shown into a small, single-room on the right. The + result was suggestive in the very atmosphere, which had a singular effect + upon the senses. The room, newly-whitewashed, was darkened by a green + curtain tacked over the frame of the window. Standing near the window were + two wooden-stools and a little table, upon which burned the faint light of + a small taper, arranged in a cup of oil, and shedding its feeble flickers + on the evidences of a sick-chamber. There, on a little, narrow cot, lay + the death-like form of his once joyous companion, with the old nurse + sitting beside him, watching his last pulsation. Her arm encircled his + head, while his raven locks curled over his forehead, and shadowed the + beauty of innocence even in death. + </p> + <p> + “Is he there? is he there?” inquired Manuel in a low tone. At the same + time a low, gurgling noise sounded in his ears. The nurse started to her + feet as if to inquire for what he came. “He is my companion-my companion,” + said Manuel. + </p> + <p> + It was enough. The woman recognised the object of the little sufferer's + anxiety. “Ah! it is Manuel. How often he has called that name for the last + week!” said she. + </p> + <p> + He ran to the bedside and grasped his little fleshless hand as it lay upon + the white sheet, bathing his cold brow with kisses of grief. Life was + gone-the spirit had winged its way to the God who gave it. Thus closed the + life of poor Tommy Ward. He died as one resting in a calm sleep, far from + the boisterous sound of the ocean's tempest, with God's love to shield his + spirit in another and brighter world. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_CONC" id="link2H_CONC"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CONCLUSION. + </h2> + <p> + IN a preceding chapter, we left the poor boy on the plantation of Colonel + Whaley, affected by a pulmonary disease, the seeds of which were planted + on the night he was confined in the guard-house, and the signs of gradual + decay evinced their symptoms. After Captain Williams—for such was + the name of the captain of the Three Sisters—left the plantation, no + person appeared to care for him, and on the second day he was attacked + with a fever, and sent to one of the negro cabins, where an old mulatto + woman took care of him and nursed him as well as her scanty means would + admit. The fever continued for seven days, when he became convalescent and + able to walk out; but feeling that he was an incumbrance to those around + him, he packed his clothes into a little bundle and started for Charleston + on foot. He reached that city after four days' travelling over a heavy, + sandy road, subsisting upon the charity of poor negroes, whom he found + much more ready to supply his wants than the opulent planters. One night + he, was compelled to make a pillow of his little bundle, and lay down in a + corn-shed, where the planter, aroused by the noise of his dogs, which were + confined in a kennel, came with a lantern and two negroes and discovered + him. At first he ordered him off, and threatened to set the dogs upon him + if he did not instantly comply with the order; but his miserable + appearance affected the planter, and before he had gone twenty rods one of + the negroes overtook him, and said his master had sent him to bring him + back. He returned, and the negro made him a coarse bed in his cabin, and + gave him some homony and milk. + </p> + <p> + His hopes to see Manuel had buoyed him up through every fatigue, but when + he arrived, and was informed at the jail that Manuel had left three days + before, his disappointment was extreme. A few days after he shipped as + cabin-boy on board a ship ready for sea and bound to Liverpool. Scarcely + half-way across, he was compelled to resign himself to the sick-list. The + disease had struck deep into his system, and was rapidly wasting him away. + The sailors, one by one in turns, watched over him with tenderness and + care. As soon as the ship arrived, he was sent to the hospital, and there + he breathed his last as Manuel entered the sick-chamber. We leave Manuel + and a few of his shipmates following his remains to the last resting-place + of man. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_APPE" id="link2H_APPE"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + APPENDIX. + </h2> + <p> + SINCE the foregoing was written, Governor Means, in his message to the + Legislature of South Carolina, refers to the laws under which “colored + seamen” are imprisoned. We make the subjoined extract, showing that he + insists upon its being continued in force, on the ground of + “self-preservation”—a right which ship-owners will please regard for + the protection of their own interests:— + </p> + <p> + “I feel it my duty to call your attention to certain proceedings which + have grown out of the enforcement of that law of our State which requires + the Sheriff of Charleston to seize and imprison colored seamen who are + brought to that port. You will remember that the British Consul addressed + a communication to the legislature in December, 1850, on the subject of a + modification of this law. A committee was appointed by the House and + Senate to report upon it at the next session of the legislature. These + committees reported adverse to any modification. On the 24th March, 1852, + Manuel Pereira was imprisoned in accordance with the law alluded to. The + vessel in which he sailed was driven into the port of Charleston in + distress. This was looked upon as a favorable case upon which to make an + issue, as so strong an element of sympathy was connected with it. + Accordingly, a motion was made before Judge Withers for a writ of 'habeas + corpus,' which was refused by him. These proceedings were instituted by + the British Consul, it is said, under instructions from his government, to + test the constitutionality of the Act. I think it here proper to state, + that Pereira was at perfect liberty to depart at any moment that he could + get a vessel to transport him beyond the limits of the State. In truth, in + consideration of the fact that his coming into the State was involuntary, + the Sheriff of Charleston, with his characteristic kindness, procured for + him a place in a ship about to sail for Liverpool. Early in April, Pereira + was actually released, and on his way to the ship, having himself signed + the shipping articles, when, by interposition of the British Consul, he + was again consigned to the custody of the sheriff. A few days after this, + the British Consul insisted no longer on his detention, but voluntarily + paid his passage to New York. This was looked upon as an abandonment of + that case. The statement of Mr. Yates, together with the letter of the + British Consul, are herewith transmitted. + </p> + <p> + “While these proceedings were pending, the Sheriff of Charleston had my + instructions not to give up the prisoners even if a writ of habeas corpus + had been granted. I considered that the 'Act of 1844,' entitled, 'An Act + more effectually to prevent negroes and other persons of color from + entering into this State, and for other purposes,' made it my duty to do + so. + </p> + <p> + “On the 19th May, Reuben Roberts, a colored seaman, a native of Nassau, + arrived in the steamer Clyde, from Baracoa. The Sheriff of Charleston, in + conformity with the law of the State, which has been in force since 1823, + arrested and lodged him in the district jail, where he was detained until + the 26th of May, when, the Clyde being ready to sail, Roberts was put on + board, and sailed the same day. + </p> + <p> + “On the 9th of June, a writ in trespass, for assault and false + imprisonment, from the Federal Court, was served upon Sheriff Yates, + laying the damage at $4000. + </p> + <p> + “The Act of 1844, I take it, was intended to prevent all interference on + the part of any power on the face of the earth, with the execution of this + police regulation, which is so essential to the peace and safety of our + community. Had the legislature which passed it ever dreamed that the + sheriff was to be subjected to the annoyance of being dragged before the + Federal Court for doing his duty under a law of the State, I am sure it + would have provided for his protection. As no such provision has been made + for so unexpected a contingency, I recommend that you so amend this Act of + 1844, that it may meet any case that may arise. + </p> + <p> + “It is certainly wrong to tolerate this interference with the laws enacted + for the protection of our institution. In the general distribution of + power between the Federal and State Governments, the right to make their + own police regulations was clearly reserved to the States. In fact, it is + nothing more nor less than the right of self-preservation-a right which is + above all constitutions, and above all laws, and one which never was, nor + never will be, abandoned by a people who are worthy to be free. It is a + right which has never yet been attempted to be denied to any people, + except to us. + </p> + <p> + “The complaint against this law is very strange, and the attempt to bring + us in conflict with the General Government on account of it, is still more + remarkable; when, so far from its being at variance with the laws of the + United States, it is only requiring the State authorities to enforce an + Act of Congress, approved February 28th, 1803, entitled, An Act to prevent + the importation of certain persons into certain States, where, by the laws + thereof, their importation is prohibited. By referring to this Act, you + will see that the plaintiff in the action alluded to was prohibited by it + from entering into this State. I deem it unnecessary, however, to enter + fully into the argument. If any doubt should be entertained by you, as to + its constitutionality, I beg leave to refer to the able opinion of the + Hon. J. McPherson Berrien, delivered at the time he was Attorney-General + of the United States, which I herewith send you. + </p> + <p> + “On the subject of the modification of this law, I am free to say, that + when Her B. M.'s Government, through its consul, made a respectful request + to our legislature to that effect, I was anxious that it should be made. + It was with pleasure that I transmitted his first communication to the + last legislature. I would have made a recommendation of its modification a + special point in my first message, but that I thought it indelicate to do + so, as the matter was already before the legislature, and committees had + been appointed to report upon it. Another reason for the neglect of this + recommendation, was the then excited state of party politics, which might + have precluded the possibility of a calm consideration of the subject. But + for the proceedings instituted in the premises, I would even now recommend + a modification of the law, so as to require captains to confine their + colored seamen to their vessels, and to prevent their landing under heavy + penalties. For while I think the State has a perfect right to pass + whatever laws on this subject it may deem necessary for its safety, yet + the spirit of the age requires that while they should be so formed as to + be adequate to our protection, they should be at the same time as little + offensive as possible to other nations with whom we have friendly + relations. But since an attempt has been made to defy our laws, and bring + us in conflict with the Federal Government, on a subject upon which we are + so justly sensitive, our own self-respect demands that we should not abate + one jot or tittle of that law, which was enacted to protect us from the + influence of ignorant incendiaries.” + </p> + <p> + We are under many obligations to Governor Means for his remarks upon this + subject. We esteem his character too highly to entertain an idea that he + would knowingly make an incorrect statement; but, with a knowledge of the + facts, we can assure him that he was misled by those whom he depended upon + for information. And also, though his name deserves to stand pre-eminent + among the good men of Carolina, for recurring to that frightful state of + things which exists in the Charleston prison, that he did not receive a + correct statement in regard to it. In this want, his remarks lose much of + their value. Subjects and grievances exist there which he should know most + of, and yet he knows least, because he intrusts them to the caretakers, + who make abuses their medium of profit. + </p> + <p> + Under the influence of that exceedingly suspicious, and yet exceedingly + credulous characteristic of a people, few know the power that is working + beneath the sunshine of South Carolina, and those who do, stand upon that + slaveworn ostentation which considers it beneath notice. + </p> + <p> + We have no interest nor feeling beyond that of humanity, and a right to + expose the mendacity of those who have power to exercise it over the + prisoners in Charleston. That mendacity has existed too long for the honor + of that community, and for the feelings of those who have suffered under + it. + </p> + <p> + It may be true that this case was considered a favorable one to try the + issue upon, but no elements of sympathy were sought by the consul. That + functionary to whom the Governor has attributed “characteristic kindness,” + said, in our presence, and we have the testimony of others to confirm what + we say, that if Judge Withers had granted the habeas corpus, he would not + have given up the prisoner, but rather gone to jail and suffered the same + regimen with the prisoners. Had he tried the accommodations, he would have + found the “profits” more than necessary to appease common hunger. + </p> + <p> + The Governor says, “Pereira was at liberty to depart at any moment that he + could get a vessel to transport him beyond the limits of the State.” How + are we to reconcile this with the following sentence, which appears in the + next paragraph:—“While these proceedings were pending,” (meaning the + action instituted by the consul to release the prisoner,) “the sheriff of + Charleston had my instructions not to give up the prisoner, even if a writ + of habeas corpus had been granted?” According to this, the sheriff assumed + a power independent of and above the Governor's prerogative. We have + attempted to picture the force of this in our work, and to show that there + are official abuses cloaked by an honorable dishonesty, which dignifies + the business of the local factor and vendor of human property, and which + should be stayed by the power of the Executive. + </p> + <p> + The singular fact presents itself, that while Judge Withers was + deliberating upon the question of granting the “habeas corpus,” the + proceedings pending, and the Governor's instructions to the contrary + before him, the sheriff takes it upon himself to smuggle the prisoner out + of port. Now what was the object of this Secret and concerted movement? + Was it “kindness” on the part of that functionary, who has grasped every + pretence to enforce this law? We think not. The reader will not require + any extended comments from us to explain the motive; yet we witnessed it, + and cannot leave it without a few remarks. + </p> + <p> + It is well known that it has been the aim of that functionary, whose + “characteristic kindness” has not failed to escape the Governor's notice, + to thwart the consul in all his proceedings. In this instance, he engaged + the services of a “shipping master” as a pretext, and with him was about + to send the man away when his presence was essential to test his right to + the habeas corpus, and at this very time, more than two months wages, due + him from the owners, lay in the hands of the consul, ready to be paid on + his release. + </p> + <p> + The nefarious design speaks for itself. + </p> + <p> + The consul was informed of the proceeding, and very properly refused to + submit to such a violation of authority, intended to annul his + proceedings. He preferred to await the “test,” demanding the prisoner's + release through the proper authorities. That release, instead of being “a + few days after this,” as the message sets forth, was-not effected until + the fifteenth of May. + </p> + <p> + Let the Governor institute an inquiry into the treatment of these men by + the officials, and the prison regimen, and he will find the truth of what + we have said. Public opinion will not credit his award of “characteristic + kindness” to those who set up a paltry pretext as an apology for their + wrong-doing. + </p> + <p> + If men are to be imprisoned upon this singular construction of law, (which + is no less than arming the fears of South Carolina,) is it any more than + just to ask that she should pay for it, instead of imposing it upon + innocent persons? Or, to say the least, to make such comfortable provision + for them as is made in the port of Savannah, and give them what they pay + for, instead of charging thirty cents a day for their board, and making + twenty-two of that profit? + </p> + <p> + Had the Governor referred to the “characteristic kindness” of the jailer, + his remarks would have been bestowed upon a worthy man, who has been a + father to those unfortunates who chanced within the turn of his key. + </p> + <p> + In another part of his message, commenting upon the existence of + disgraceful criminal laws, the management and wretched state of prisons, + he says, “The attorney-general, at my request, has drawn up a report on + the subject of prisons and prison discipline.” Now, if such were the + facts, the reports would be very imperfect to be drawn up by one who never + visits the prisons. + </p> + <p> + We are well aware that he called for this report, and further, that the + attorney-general, in a letter to the sheriff, (of which we have a copy,) + propounded numerous questions in regard to the jail, calling for a + statement in full, particularly the amount of fees paid to certain + functionaries; those charged to the State, and the average number of + prisoners per month, from Sept. 1851, to Sept. 1852, &c. &c. That + letter was transmitted to the jailer-a man whose character and integrity + is well known, and above reproach in Charleston-with a request that he + would make out his report. He drew up his report in accordance with the + calendar and the facts, but that report was not submitted. Why was it not + submitted? Simply because it showed the profit of starving men in South + Carolina prisons. + </p> + <p> + We have the evidence in our possession, and can show the Executive that he + has been misled. We only ask him to call for the original statement, made + out in the jailer's handwriting, and compare it with the calendar; and + when he has done that, let us ask, Why the average of prisoners per month + does not correspond? and why the enormous amount of fees accruing from + upward of fifty “colored seamen,” imprisoned during the year, and entered + upon the calendar “contrary to law,” was not included? + </p> + <p> + It is a very unhealthy state of things, to say the least; but as the + sheriff considers it his own, perhaps we have no right to meddle with it. + </p> + <p> + All this clamor about the bad influence of “colored seamen” is kept up by + a set of mendicant officials who harvest upon the fees, and falls to + naught, when, at certain hours of the day during their imprisonment, they + are allowed to associate with “bad niggers,” committed for criminal + offences and sale. If their presence is “dangerous,” it certainly would be + more dangerous in its connection with criminals of the feared class. + </p> + <p> + Take away the fees—the mercantile community will not murmur, and the + official gentry will neither abuse nor trouble themselves about enforcing + the law to imprison freemen. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + + + + + +End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Manuel Pereira, by F. C. 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