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MANUEL PEREIRA;

OR, The Sovereign Rule of South Carolina. 

WITH VIEWS OF SOUTHERN LAWS, LIFE, AND HOSPITALITY. 

BY F. C. ADAMS. 

WRITTEN IN CHARLESTON, SOUTH CAROLINA. WASHINGTON, D. C. :

1853. 

CONTENTS. 

CHAPTER I. THE Unlucky ShipCHAPTER II. The Steward's BraveryCHAPTER III. The Second StormCHAPTER IV. The Charleston PoliceCHAPTER V. Mr. Grimshaw, the Man of the CountyCHAPTER VI. The Janson in the OffingCHAPTER VII. Arrival of the JansonCHAPTER VIII. A New Dish of SecessionCHAPTER IX. A few Points of the LawCHAPTER X. The Prospect DarkeningCHAPTER XI. The Sheriff's OfficeCHAPTER XII. The Old JailCHAPTER XIII. How it isCHAPTER XIV. Manuel Pereira CommittedCHAPTER XV. The Law's IntricacyCHAPTER XVI. Plea of Just Consideration and Mistaken Constancy of the LawsCHAPTER XVII. Little George, the Captain, and Mr. GrimshawCHAPTER XVIII. Little Tommy and the PoliceCHAPTER XIX. The Next Morning, and the Mayor's VerdictCHAPTER XX. Emeute among the StewardsCHAPTER XXI. The Captain's Interview with Mr. GrimshawCHAPTER XXII. Copeland's Release and Manuel's close ConfinementCHAPTER XXIII. Imprisonment of John Paul, and John Baptiste PamerlieCHAPTER XXIV. The Janson CondemnedCHAPTER XXV. George the Secessionist, and his Father's ShipsCHAPTER XXVI. A Singular ReceptionCHAPTER XXVII. The Habeas CorpusCHAPTER XXVIII. The Captain's Departure and Manuel's ReleaseCHAPTER XXIX. Manuel's Arrival in New YorkCHAPTER XXX. The Scene of AnguishCONCLUSIONAPPENDIX

INTRODUCTION. 

OUR generous friends in Georgia and South Carolina will not add amongtheir assumptions that we know nothing of the South and Southern life. Aresidence of several years in those States, a connection with the press, and associations in public life, gave us opportunities which we did notlose, and have not lost sight of; and if we dipped deeper into thevicissitudes 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 welfareof the South. 

Perhaps we should say, to support the true interests of the South, weshould and must abandon many of those errors we so strenuously supportedin years past; and thus we have taken up the subject of our book, basedupon the practical workings of an infamous law, which we witnessed uponthe individual whose name forms a part of the title. 

Imprisoning a shipwrecked sailor, and making it a penal offence for afreeman to come within the limits of a republican State, whethervoluntarily or involuntarily, seems to be considered commonplace, instead of barbarous in South Carolina. This may be accounted for by thefact that the power of a minority, created in wrong, requiring barbarousexpedients to preserve itself intact, becomes an habitual sentiment, which usage makes right. 

This subject has been treated with indifference, even by the press, which has satisfied itself in discussing the abstract right as aquestion of law, rather than by disclosing the sufferings of those whoendure the wrong and injustice. When we are called upon to support, andare made to suffer the penalty of laws founded in domestic fear, andmade subservient to various grades of injustice, it becomes our duty tolocalize the wrong, and to point out the odium which attaches to theState that enacts such laws of oppression. 

A "peculiar-institution" absorbs and takes precedence of every thing;its protection has become a sacred element of legislative and privateaction; and fair discussion is looked upon as ominous, and proclaimed asincendiary. But we speak for those who owe no allegiance to thatdelicate institution; citizens to all intents and, purposes(notwithstanding their dark skins) of the countries to which theyseverally belong; peaceable persons, pursuing their avocations, toprovide a respectable maintenance for their families, and worthy of thesame protective rights claimed by the more fortunate citizens of suchcountries. In doing this we shall give a practical illustration of theimprisonment of four individuals in South Carolina, and ask those whospeculate in the abstract science of State sovereignty, to reflect uponthe issue of that lamentable injustice which inflicts punishment uponpersons guiltless of crime. We prefer to be plain, and we know ourSouthern friends will not accuse us of misconstruction, for we havetheir interests at heart, as well as the cause of humanity, which weshall strive to promote, in spite of the struggles of modern barbarism, seeking to perpetuate itself. Fear, the inventor of such pretexts as areset up, and mantled in Southern modesty, must remodel its code for SouthCarolinians, before it can assert a power unknown to law, or trampleupon the obligations of treaty, or enforce nullification of individualrights. 

CHARLESTON, S. C. , July 17, 1852. 

MANUEL PEREIRA. 

CHAPTER I. 

THE UNLUCKY SHIP. 

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 agenuine son of the "Land o' Cakes, " concluded to take the insidepassage, and run through the gulf. This might have been questionedby seamen better acquainted with the windward passage; but as everyScotchman likes to have his own way, the advice of the firstofficer--an experienced salt in the West India waters--went toleeward. On rounding Cape Antoine, it was evident that a strong blowwas approaching. The clouds hung their dark curtains in threateningblackness; and, as the sharp flashes of lightning inflamed thegloomy scene, the little bark seemed like a speck upon the bosom ofthe sea. It was the first mate's watch on deck. The wind, thenblowing from the W. S. W. , began to increase and veer into thewestward; from whence it suddenly chopped into the northward. Themate paced the quarter wrapt in his fearnought jacket, and at everyturn giving a glance aloft, then looking at the compass, and againto the man at the wheel, as if he had an instinct of what wascoming. 

He was a fearless navigator, yet, like many others who had yieldedto the force of habit, was deeply imbued with that prevalentsuperstition so common to sailors, which regards a particular shipas unlucky. Imagine an old-fashioned boatswain, with north-countryfeatures strongly marked, a weather-beaten face, and a paintedsouth-wester on his head, and you have the "Mister Mate" of the oldbrig Janson. 

"Keep her full, my hearty. We must take in our light sails and go onthe other tack soon. If we don't catch it before daylight, I'll missmy calculation. She's an unlucky old craft as ever I sailed in, andif 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 acrossin her this time, I'll bid her good-by; and if the owners don't giveme a new craft, they may get somebody else. We're just as sure tohave bad luck as if we had cats and parsons aboard. " 

Thus saying, he descended the companion-way, and reported theappearance of the weather to the skipper, who arose quickly, and, consulting his barometer, found it had fallen to near the lowestscale. 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 stowthe flying-jib--dressed himself, and came on deck. Just as he puthis head above the slide of the companion, and stopped for a minutewith his hands resting upon the sides, a vivid flash of lightninghung its festoons of fire around the rigging, giving it theappearance of a chain of livid flame. 

"We'll catch the but-end of a gulf sneezer soon. Tell the boys tobear a hand with them sails. We must get her snug, and stand by tolay her under a double-reefed maintop-sail and jib, with her head tothe northward and eastward. We may make a clear drift--chance if itlasts long, " said Skipper Thompson, as he stood surveying thehorizon and his craft. Scarcely had he given the orders before thestorm burst upon them with all its fury. Its suddenness can only beappreciated by those who have sailed in the West India passages, where the sudden shocks of the short-chopping sea acts with atremendous strain upon the hull of a heavy-laden vessel. The captainran to the windward gangway, hurrying his men in the discharge oftheir duty, and giving another order to clew up the coursers andforetop-sail. Just as the men had executed the first, and were aboutto pull on the clew-lines of the latter, a sudden gust took effectupon the bag of the sail and carried it clean from the bolt-ropes. The halyards were lowered and the yards properly braced up, whilethe 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 thesailors say, several times the old craft "wouldn't look at it. "Several times we had to put her helm up, and as many times sheshipped those forcing cross seas which drive every thing beforethem, and sweep the decks. At length a piece of canvas was lashed tothe fore-rigging which gave her a balance, and she rode easy untilabout five o'clock in the morning, when by a sudden broach thecanvas was carried away, and a tremendous sharp sea boarded herforward; starting several stanchions, carrying away part of herstarboard bulwark and rail, and simultaneously theforetop-gallant-mast, which snapped just above the withe. As anatural consequence, every thing was in the utmost confusion--the oldhull worked in every timber. The wreck swayed to and fro, retardingthe working of the vessel and endangering the lives of those whoattempted to clear it from obstruction. Thus she remained for morethan half an hour, nearly on her beam-ends, and at the mercy of eachsucceeding sea that threatened to engulf her. 

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 wasfound necessary to remove the fore-hatch in order to get out somespare sails that had been stowed away near the forward bulkhead, instead of a more appropriate place. The mate, after trying thepumps in the early part of the gale, reported that she had started aleak; which, however, was so trifling as to require but one man tokeep her free, until she broached, and carried away hertopgallant-mast. The man on duty then reported the water increasing, and another was ordered to assist him. On an examination in themorning, it was found that she was strained in the fore-channels, and had started a but. 

"She's an unlucky concern, skipper, " said the mate as he brought theaxe to take the battons off the forehatch. "A fellow might as welltry to work a crab at low tide as to keep her to it in a blow likethat. She minds her helm like a porpoise in the breakers. Old Davymust have put his mark upon her some time, but I never know'd alucky vessel to be got as she was. She makes a haul on theunderwriters every time she drifts across; for I never knew her tosail clear since I shipped in the old tub. If she was mine, I'd finda place for her at somebody's expense. " 

The sea became smooth, the water was found to have receded, thewind, light, had hauled to W. S. W. , and Cape Antoine was judged bydead reckoning to bear S. S. W. About thirty miles distant. Thelarboard fore-shrouds were found to have been scorched by thelightning, which had completely melted the tar from theafter-shroud. All hands were now busily employed repairing thewreck, which by two o'clock P. M. They had got so far completed as tostand on their course in the gulf, at the rate of six knots an hour. 

The skipper now consulted in his mind as to the expediency of makingfor Havana or proceeding on his cruise. The leak had materiallydiminished, and, like all old vessels, though she gave a goodportion of work at the pumps, a continuation of good weather mightafford an opportunity to shove her across. Under these feelings, hewas inclined to give the preference to his hopes rather than yieldto his fears. He considered the interest of all concerned--consultedhis mate, but found him governed by his superstition, and lookingupon the issue of his life about as certain whether he jumpedoverboard or "stuck by the old tub. " He considered again theenormous port-charges imposed in Havana, the nature of his cargo inregard to tariff, should his vessel be condemned, and the ruinousexpenses of discharging, &c. &c. Together with the cost of repairs, providing they were ordered. All these things he considered with themature deliberation of a good master, who has the general interestsof all concerned at heart. So, if he put away for a port, inconsideration of all concerned, his lien for general average wouldhave strong ground in maritime law; yet there were circumstancesconnected with the sea-worthy condition of the craft--known tohimself, if not to the port-wardens, and which are matters ofcondition between the master and his owners--which might, uponcertain technicalities of law, give rise to strong objectionablepoints. With all these glancing before him, he, with commendableprudence, resolved to continue his voyage, and trust to kindProvidence for the best. 

"Captain, " said the mate, as he stood viewing the prospect, with amarlinespike in one hand and a piece of seizing in the other--"Iverily think, if that blow had stuck to us two hours longer, the oldtub would a' rolled her futtocks out. Ye don't know her as well as Ido. She's unlucky, anyhow; and always has been since she sot uponthe water. I've seen her top-sides open like a basket when we'vebeen trying to work her into port in heavy weather: and a craft thatwon't look nearer than nine points close-hauled, with a stiffbreeze, ought to be sent into the Clyde for a coal-droger. An oldvessel's a perfect pickpocket to owners; and if this old thinghasn't opened their purses as bad as her own seams, I'll miss myreckonin'. I've had a strong foreknowledge that we wouldn't getacross in her. I saw the rats leaving in Jamaica--taking up theirline of march, like marines on the fore. It's a sure sign. And thenI'd a dream, which is as sure as a mainstay--never deceives me. I candepend on its presentiment. I have dreamed it several times, and wealways had an awful passage. Twice we come within a bobstay of allgoin' to Old Davy's store-house. I once escaped it, after I'd had mymysterious dream; but then I made the cook throw the cat overboardjust after we left port, and 'twas all that saved us. " 

Thus saying, he went forward to serve a topgallant-stay that wasstretched across the forecastle-hatch from the cat-heads, and hadjust been spliced by the men, followed by an old-fashionedsea-urchin, a miniature of the tar, with a mallet in his hand. Thecaptain, although a firm, intelligent man, and little given to suchnotions of fate as are generally entertained by sailors, who nevershake off the spiritual imaginings of the forecastle, displayed somediscomfiture of mind at the strong character of the mate'smisgivings. He knew him to be a good sailor, firm in his duty, andunmoved by peril. This he had proved on several occasions whensailing in other vessels, when the last ray of hope seemed to begone. He approached the mate again, and with a pretence of makinginquiries about the storage of the cargo, sounded him further inregard to his knowledge of the Bahamas, and with special referenceto the port of Nassau. 

"Six-tenths of her timbers are as rotten as punk, " said the mate;"this North American timber never lasts long; the pump-wells aredefective, and when we carry sail upon her, they don't affect thewater in the lee-bilge, and she rolls it through her air-streakslike a whale. She'll damage the best cargo that ever floated, inthat way. Take my word for it, skipper, she'll never go across theBanks; she'll roll to splinters as soon as she gets into them longseas; and if we get dismasted again, it's gone Davy. " 

"I know the old scow before to-day, and wouldn't shipped in her, ifI hadn't been lime-juiced by that villanous landlord that advancedme the trifle. But I seen she was as deep as a luggerman'ssand-barge, and I popped the old cat overboard, just as we roundedthe point coming out o' Kingston harbour, " said a fine, active-looking sailor, who bore every trait of a royal tar, andboasted of serving five years in the East-India service, to hisshipmate, while he continued to serve the stay. His words werespoken in a whisper, and not intended for the captain's ears. Thecaptain overheard him, however; and, as a vessel is a world to thoseon board, the general sentiment carries its weight in controllingits affairs. Thus the strong feeling which prevailed on board couldnot fail to have its effect upon the captain's mind. 

"Well, we'll try her at any rate, " said the captain, walking aft andordering the cabin-boy to bring up his glass; with which he took asharp look to the southward. 

"I'd shape her course for a southern Yankee port. I haven't beenmuch in them, but I think we'll stand a better chance there than inthese ports where they make a speculation of wrecking, and wouldtake a fellow's pea-jacket for salvage. " "We're always better underthe protection of a consul than in a British port, " said the mate, coming aft to inform the skipper that they had carried away thechains of the bobstay, and that the bowsprit strained her in theknight-heads. 

CHAPTER II. 

THE STEWARD'S BRAVERY. 

DURING the worst of the gale, a mulatto man, with prominentfeatures, indicating more of the mestino than negro character, wasmoving in busy occupation about the deck, and lending a willing handwith the rest of the crew to execute the captain's orders. He wasrather tall, well formed, of a light olive complexion, with dark, piercing eyes, a straight, pointed nose, and well-formed mouth. Hishair, also, had none of that crimp so indicative of negroextraction, but lay in dark curls all over his head. As he answeredto the captain's orders, he spoke in broken accents, indicating butlittle knowledge of the English language. From the manner in whichthe crew treated him, it was evident that he was an establishedfavourite with them as well as the officers, for each appeared totreat him more as an equal than a menial. He laboured cheerfully atsailor's duty until the first sea broke over her, when, seeing thatthe caboose was in danger of being carried from the lashings, andswept to leeward in the mass of wreck, he ran for that all-importantapartment, and began securing it with extra lashings. He worked awaywith an earnestness that deserved all praise; not with the mostsatisfactory effect for an angry sea immediately succeedingcompletely stripped the furnace of its woodwork, and in its forcecarried the gallant fellow among its fragments into thelee-scuppers, where he saved himself from going overboard only byclinging to a stanchion. 

The second mate, a burly old salt, ran to his assistance, but, before he reached him, our hero had recovered himself, and wasmaking another attempt to reach his coppers. It seemed to him asmuch a pending necessity to save the cooking apparatus as it did thecaptain to save the ship. 

"He no catch me dis time, " said he to the mate, smiling as he liftedhis drenched head from among the fragments of the wreck. "I fix a decoffee in him yet, please God. " 

After securing the remains of his cooking utensils, he might be seenbusily employed over a little stove, arranged at the foot of thestairs that led to the cabin. The smoke from the funnel severaltimes annoyed the captain, who laboured under the excitementconsequent upon the confusion of the wreck and peril of his vessel, bringing forth remonstrances of no very pleasant character. Itproved that the good steward was considering how he could best serveJack's necessities; and while they were laboring to save the ship, lie was studiously endeavoring to anticipate the craving of theirstomachs. For when daylight appeared and the storm subsided, thesteward had a bountiful dish of hot coffee to relieve Jack'sfatigued system. It was received with warm welcome, and manyblessings were heaped upon the head of the steward; A good "doctor"is as essential for the interests of owners and crew as a goodcaptain. So it proved in this instance, for while he had a carefulregard for the stores, he never failed to secure the praises of thecrew. 

"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. 

This individual, reader, was Manuel Pereira, or, as he was called byhis shipmates, Pe-rah-re. Manuel was born in Brazil, an extract ofthe Indians and Spanish, claiming birthright of the Portuguesenation. It mattered but very little to Manuel where he was born, forhe had been so long tossed about in his hardy vocation that he hadalmost become alienated from the affections of birthplace. He hadsailed so long under the protection of the main-jack of old Englandthat he had formed a stronger allegiance to that country than to anyother. He had sailed under it with pride, had pointed to its emblem, as if he felt secure, when it was unfurled, that the register-ticketwhich that government had given him was a covenant between it andhimself; that it was a ticket to incite him to good behavior in aforeign country; and that the flag was sure to protect his rights, and insure, from the government to which he sailed respect andhospitality. He had sailed around the world under it--visited savageand semi-civilized nations--had received the hospitality ofcannibals, had joined in the merry dance with the Otaheitian, hadeaten fruits with the Hottentots, shared the coarse morsel of theGreenlander, been twice chased by the Patagonians--but what shall wesay?--he was imprisoned, for the olive tints of his color, in a landwhere not only civilization rules in its brightest conquests, butchivalry and honor sound its fame within the lanes, streets, andcourt-yards. Echo asks, Where--where? We will tell the reader. Thatflag which had waved over him so long and in so many of hiswayfarings--that flag which had so long boasted its rule upon thewave, 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. 

CHAPTER III. 

THE SECOND STORM. 

ON the fourth night succeeding the perilous position of the Jansonoff Cape Antoine, the brig was making about seven knots, current ofthe gulf included. The sun had set beneath heavy radiant clouds, which rolled up like masses of inflamed matter, reflecting in athousand mellow shades, and again spreading their gorgeous shadowsupon the rippled surface of the ocean, making the picture serene andgrand. 

As darkness quickly followed, these beautiful transparencies of aWest-India horizon gradually changed into murky-looking monitors, spreading gloom in the sombre perspective. The moon was in itssecond quarter, and was rising on the earth. The mist gatheredthicker and thicker as she ascended, until at length she becametotally obscured. The Captain sat upon the companion-way, anxiouslywatching the sudden change that was going on overhead; and, withoutspeaking to any one, rose, took a glance at the compass, and thenwent forward to the lookout, charging him to keep a sharp watch, asthey were not only in a dangerous channel, but in the track ofvessels bound into and out of the gulf. After this, he returnedamidship, where the little miniature salt we have described beforelay, with his face downward, upon the main-hatch, and ordering himto bring the lead-line, he went to leeward and took a cast; andafter paying out about twenty-five fathoms without sounding, hauledaboard again. The wind was southward and light. As soon as he hadexamined the lead he walked aft and ordered the sheets eased and thevessel headed two points farther off. This done, he went below, andshaking his barometer several times, found it had begun to fall veryfast. Taking down his coast-chart, he consulted it very studiouslyfor nearly half an hour, laying off an angle with a pair of dividersand scale, with mathematical minuteness; after which he pricked hiscourse along the surface to a given point. This was intended as hiscourse. 

"Where do you make her, Captain?" said the mate, as he lay in hisberth. 

"We must be off the Capes--we must keep a sharp look out for themreefs. They are so deceptive that we'll be on to them before we knowit. There's no telling by sounding. We may get forty fathoms oneminute and strike the next. I've heard old West-India coasters saythe white water was the best warning, " replied the Captain. 

"I'm mighty afraid of that Carysfort reef, since I struck upon it in1845. I was in a British schooner then, bound from Kingston, Jamaica, to New York. We kept a bright lookout, all the way throughthe passage, and yet struck, one morning just about day-light; and, five minutes before, we had sounded without getting bottom. When itcleared away, that we could see, there was two others likeourselves. One was the ship John Parker, of Boston, and the otherwas a 'long-shoreman. We had a valuable cargo on board, but thecraft wasn't hurt a bit; and if the skipper--who was a littlecolonial man, not much acquainted with the judicial value of awrecker's services--had a' taken my advice, he wouldn't got into thesnarl he did at Key West, where they carried him, and charged himthirty-six hundred dollars for the job. Yes, and a nice littlecommission 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 thegeneral average account for the relief of the underwriters' bigchest, " continued the mate. 

"We must have all hands ready at the call, " said the Captain. "Itlooks dirty overhead, and I think we're going to catch it from thenorth-east to-night. If we do, our position is not as good asbefore. I don't feel afraid of her, if we only get clear of thisinfernal coast, " said the Skipper, as he rolled up his chart, andrepaired on deck again. 

During this time, Manuel, who, had given the crew some veryacceptable hot cakes for supper, was sitting upon the windlass, earnestly engaged, with his broken English, recounting an adventurehe had on the coast of Patagonia, a few years previous, whileserving on board a whaleman, to a shipmate who sat at his left. Itwas one of those incidents which frequently occur to the menattached to vessels which visit that coast for the purpose ofproviding a supply of wood and water, and which would require toomuch space to relate here. 

"Did you run, Manuel?" said the listening shipmate. 

"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'tcare for flag--nor not'in' else--I trust--e my leg, an' he get to deboat jus' when cap-i-tan come to rescue. " 

"Was you on board an Englishman then, Manuel?" inquired theshipmate. 

"Yes, I'm always sail in English ship, because I can get protectionfrom flag and consul, where I go--any part of globe, " said he. 

"I never liked this sailing among barbarous nations; they've norespect for any flag, and would just as lief imprison an Englishmanor an American as they would a dog. They're a set of wildbarbarians, and if they kill a fellow, there's no responsibility forit. It's like a parcel of wolves chasing a lamb, and there's nofinding them after they've killed it. But they give a fellow hisrights in Old England and the States. A man's a man there, rich orpoor, and his feelings are just as much his own as anybody's. It's aglorious thing, this civilization, and if the world keeps on, there'll be no danger of a fellow's being imprisoned and killedamong these savages. They're a cowardly set, for nobody but cowardsare afraid of their own actions. Men neither imprison nor killstrangers, that don't fear the injustice of their own acts. You maysmoke 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 gothold o' you. " 

"Never catch Manuel among Patagonians, again; they not know what theflag be, nor they can't read de registrum ticket, if they know'dwhere England was, " said Manuel; and just as he was concluding thestory of his adventure, the little sailor-boy put his arm aroundManuel's waist, and, laying his head on his breast, fondled abouthim with an affectionate attachment. The little fellow had been ashipmate with Manuel on several voyages, and, through the kindnesshe had received at his hands, naturally formed an ardent attachmentto him. Taking advantage of the good treatment, he knew how todirect his attention to the steward whenever he wanted a snack fromthe cabin-locker of that which was not allowed in the forecastle. After holding him for a minute, encircling his arm around the littlefellow's shoulder, he arose, and saying, "I know what you want, Tommy, " proceeded to the cabin and brought him several littleeatables that had been left at the captain's table. 

The wind now began to veer and increase, her sails kept fillingaback; and as often as the man at the helm kept her off, the windwould baffle him, until finding it would be necessary to go on theother tack, or make some change of course, he called the Captain. The moment the latter put his foot upon deck, he found his previouspredictions were about to be verified. The rustling noise of thegulf, mingling its solemn sounds with the petrel-like music of thatforeboding wind that "whistles through the shrouds, " awakened themore superstitious sensations of a sailor's heart. The clouds hadgathered their sombre folds into potent conclaves, while thesparkling brine in her wake, seemed like a fiery stream, rolling itstroubled foam upon the dark waters. 

"Brace the yards up sharp-hard a-starboard!--and trim aft thesheets, " ordered the Captain, who had previously given the order, "All hands on deck!" 

The order was scarcely executed, before the noise of the approachinggale was heard in the distance. All hands were ordered to shortensail as quickly as possible; but before they could get aloft, itcame upon them with such fury from E. N. E. As to carry away theforetop-mast and topgallant-mast, together with its sails, and themain-topgallant-mast with the sail. The foretop-mast, in going bythe board, carried away the flying-jib-boom and flying-jibs. Thusthe ill-fated Janson was doomed to another struggle for her floatingexistence. The sea began to rise and break in fearful power; theleak had already increased so, that two men were continually keptworking the pumps. The crew, with commendable alacrity, cut away thewreck, which had been swaying to and fro, not only endangering thelives of those on board, but obstructing every attempt to get thevessel into any kind of working order. The main-sail had rent fromthe leash to the peak of the gaff, and was shaking into shreds. Thestarboard sheet of the maintop-sail was gone, and it had torn at thehead from the bolt-rope, flying at every gust like the shreds of amuslin rag in a hail-storm. Without the government of her helm, shelay 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 ateach pass. The officers and crew had now as much as they could do toretain their holds, without making any effort to save the wreck, while the men at the pumps could only work at each subsiding of thesea, and that under the disadvantage of being lashed to the frame. Amore perilous position than that in which the old brig Janson nowlay, it was impossible to imagine. 

"'Tis the worst hurricane I've ever experienced upon the West Indiacoast, Captain, but it's too furious to last long; and if she don'tgo to pieces before morning, I'll give her credit for what I'vealways swore against her. She can't keep afloat though, if it hangson another hour in this way, " said the mate, who, with the Captainand Manuel, had just made an ineffectual attempt to rig a stormstay-sail, to try and lay her to under it. For the mate swore by hisknowledge of her qualities, that to put her before it, would becertain foundering. The gale continued with unabated fury for abouttwo hours, and stopped about as suddenly as it commenced. The workof destruction was complete, for from her water-line to the stump ofthe remaining spars, the Janson floated a complete wreck. 

The captain gave orders to clear away the wreck, and get what littlesail they could patch up, upon her, for the purpose of working herinto the nearest port. The mate was not inclined to further theorder, evidently laboring under the strong presentiment that she wasto be their coffin. He advised that it was fruitless to stick by herany longer, or hazard an attempt to reach a port with her, in such aleaky and disabled condition. "If we don't abandon her, Skipper, "said he, "she'll abandon us. We'd better make signal for the firstvessel, and bid the old coffin good-by. " 

The captain was more determined in his resolution, and instead ofbeing influenced by the mate's fears, continued his order, and themen went to work with a cheerful willingness. None seemed moreanxious to lend a ready hand than Manuel, for in addition to isduties as steward, he had worked at sail-making, and both worked atand directed the repairing of the sails. Those acquainted withmaritime affairs can readily appreciate the amount of labornecessary to provide a mess with the means at hand that we havebefore described. And yet he did it to the satisfaction of all, andmanifested a restless anxiety lest he should not make everybodycomfortable, and particularly his little pet boy, Tommy. 

"We'll get a good observation at meridian, and then we shall shapeour course for Charleston, South Carolina. We'll be more likely toreach it than any other southern port, " said the captain to hismate. "That steward, Manuel, is worth his weight in gold. If we haveto abandon the old craft, I'll take him home; the owners respect himjust as much as a white man; his politeness and affability could notbut command such esteem, with a man that a'n't a fool. I neverbelieved in making equals of negroes, but if Manuel was to beclassed with niggers for all the nigger blood that's in him, seven-tenths of the inhabitants of the earth would go with him. Inever saw such an attachment between brothers, as exists between himand Tommy. I verily believe that one couldn't go to sleep withoutthe other. I should think they were brothers, if the lad wasn'tEnglish, and Manuel a Portuguese. But Manuel is as much anEnglishman at heart as the lad, and has sailed so long under theflag that he seems to have a reverence for the old jack when he seesthe bunting go up. He likes to tell that story about the Patagonianschasing him. I have overheard him several times, as much amused inhis own recital as if he was listening to the quaint jokes of an oldtar. But he swears the Patagonians will never catch him on theirshores again, for he says he doesn't believe in making 'drum-head ofman-skin, '" said the Captain, evidently with the intention ofaffecting the mate's feelings, and drawing his mind from its darkforebodings. 

"Well, Skipper, I pray for a happy deliverance, " said the mate, "butif we make Charleston with her, it'll be a luck that man nor mermaidever thought of. I hearn a good deal o' tell about Charleston, andthe Keys. That isn't one of the places our stewards are so 'fraidof, and where owners don't like to send their ships when they canfind freight in other ports?" 

"I expect it is, sir; but I apprehend no such trouble with any of mycrew, " answered the Captain promptly. "I sail under the faith of mynation's honor and prowess, the same as the Americans do undertheirs. We're both respected wherever we go, and if one little Statein the Union violates the responsibility of a great nation likethat, I'm mistaken. Certainly, no nation in Christendom could befound, that wouldn't open their hearts to a shipwrecked sailor. Ihave too much faith in what I have heard of the hospitality ofSoutherners, to believe any thing of that kind. " 

"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 thingcouldn't be had for love nor money, and the colored ones wouldn'tship for ports in Slaves States. The Thebis got a colored man, butthe owners had to pay him an enormous advance, and this, too, withthe knowledge of his being locked up the whole time he was in port;thus having to incur the very useless expense of supplying hisplace, or find boarding-house accommodations for the officers andcrew. If it be true, what I've hearn 'em say in the Mersey, the mandoesn't only suffer in his feelings by some sort of confinement theyhave, but the owners suffer in pocket. But it may be, Skipper, andI'm inclined to think with you, our case is certainly deplorableenough to command pity instead of imprisonment. The government mustbe found cutting a dirty figure on the national picture, that wouldill-treat sailors who had suffered as much as our boys have. I wouldhate to see Manuel shut up or ill-used. He's as brave a fellow asever buckled at a handspike or rode a jib-boom. Last night, while inthe worst of the gale, he volunteered to take Higgins's place, and, mounting the jib-boom, was several times buried in the sea; yet heheld on like a bravo, and succeeded in cutting away the wreck. Ithought he was gone once or twice, and I own I never saw more perilat sea; but if he hadn't effected it, the foot of the bowsprit wouldhave strained her open in the eyes, and we'd all been sharks'-baitbefore 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 alittle while, and went cheerily to work again, " continued Mr. Mate, who though pleased with the Captain's determination to make thenearest port, seemed to dread that all would not be right inCharleston--that the bar was a very intricate one--water very shoal inthe ship-channel, and though marked with three distinctive buoys, numbered according to their range, impossible to crops without askilful pilot. The mate plead a preference for Savannah, asserting, according to his own knowlege, that a ship of any draft could crossthat bar at any time of tide, and that it was a better port for thetransaction of business. 

The Janson was headed for Charleston, the queen city of the sunnySouth, and, as may be expected from her disabled condition, madevery slow progress on her course. During the gale, her stores hadbecome damaged, and on the third day before making Charleston light, Manuel Pereira came aft, and with a sad countenance reported thatthe last cask of good water was nearly out; that the others had allbeen stove during the gale, and what remained, so brackish that itwas unfit for use. From this time until their arrival at Charleston, they suffered those tortures of thirst, which only those who haveendured them can estimate. 

CHAPTER IV. 

THE CHARLESTON POLICE. 

MR. DURKEE had said in Congress, that a negro was condemned to behung in Charleston for resisting his master's attempts upon thechastity of his wife; and that such was the sympathy expressed forthe negro, that the sheriffs offer of one thousand dollars couldinduce no one present to execute the final mandate. Now, had Mr. Durkee been better acquainted with that social understanding betweenthe slave, the pretty wife, and his master, and the acquiescingpleasure of the slave, who in nineteen cases out of twentycongratulates himself on the distinguished honor, he would havesaved himself the error of such a charge against the tenor of sociallife in Charleston. Or, had he been better acquainted with thecharacter of her police, he certainly would have saved the talent ofMr. Aiken its sophomore display in that cumbrous defence. In thefirst place, Mr. Durkee would have known that such attempts are socommon among the social events of the day, and so well understood bythe slave, that instead of being resented, they are appreciated to agreat extent. We speak from long experience and knowledge of theconnection between a certain class of slaves and their masters. Inthe second place, Mr. Durkee would have known that any man connectedwith the city police--save its honorable mayor, to whose character wewould pay all deference--would not for conscience' sake scruple tohang a man for five dollars. We make no exception for color orcrime. A qualification might be called for, more adapted to ourknowledge of it as it has existed for the last four or five years;but we are informed by those whose lives and fortunes have beenspent for the moral elevation of the city police, that it was evenworse at the time referred to. 

The reader may think we are making grave charges. Let us say, without fear of refutation, they are too well known in the communitythat tolerates them. As a mere shadow of what lays beneath thesurface, we would refer to the only independent speech we everlistened to in Charleston, --except when self-laudation was thetheme, --made by G. R--, Esq. , in one of her public halls a few weeksago. Mr. R--is a gentleman of moral courage and integrity, and, without fear or trembling, openly denounced the corruption anddemoralization of the police department. Even the enemies of hisparty, knowing the facts, appreciated his candor as a man, whilethey denounced the publicity, (for his speech was paraded by thepress, ) lest the fair name of the queen city should suffer abroad. Abeautiful farce followed this grave exposition. The board ofaldermen, composed of fourteen men of very general standing, remained mum under the accusation for a long time. Its object was toshow up the character of a class of officials, whose character andnefarious arts have long disgraced the city. But in order to make adisplay of his purity, Mr. C--, a gentleman entitled to high moralconsideration, chose to make it a personal matter; yet, not contentwith a private explanation given by Mr. R--, he made a call throughthe press. Mr. R--responded in a proper and courteous manner, acknowledging the due respect to which Mr. C--'s private characterwas entitled; thus increasing the ambition of the board generally, who, with the expectation of Mr. R--making a like acknowledgment tothem as a body, (not excepting their honorable head, ) made a demandin joint-officio. This being duly signalized through the columns ofthe Courier and Mercury, Mr. R--met it with a response worthy of agentleman. He referred them to the strongest evidence of hisassertions, in the countenance which they gave to a class ofofficials too well known to the community for the honor of its nameand the moral foundation of its corporate dignity. Thus ended agreat municipal farce, to prolong which the principal performersknew would disclose the intriguing scenes of their secondaryperformers. The plot of this melo-comic concern was in the sequel, and turned upon the very grave fact of Mr. C--having some timeprevious withdrawn from the honorable board, to preserve some verydelicate considerations for conscience' sake. 

How much spiritual consolation Mr. C--realized through theacknowledgment of Mr. R--, or the honorable board in joint-officiofrom the firm admonition, we leave for the secondary considerationof proper wives and daughters. 

But the reader will ask, what has this to do with poor ManuelPereira, --or the imprisonment of free citizens of a friendly nation?We will show him that the complex system of official spoliation, andthe misrepresentations of the police in regard to the influence ofsuch persons upon the slave population, is a principal feature inits enforcement. To do this, we deem it essentially necessary toshow the character of such men and the manner in which this law iscarried out. We shall make no charges that we cannot sustain by theevidence of the whole city proper, and with the knowledge that truthis stronger than fiction. 

What will the reader say when we tell him that, among the leadingminds of the city--we say leading minds, for we class those who areconsidered foremost in the mercantile sphere among them--are threebrothers, unmarried, but with mistresses bought for the purpose, whose dark skins avert the tongue of scandal;--that, twice, men weresold, because of the beauty of their wives, to distant traders, thatthe brothers might cast off their old mistresses, and appropriatenew ones to an unholy purpose; that these men enjoy their richlyfurnished mansions, are known for their sumptuous entertainments, set an example of mercantile honor and integrity, are flatteredamong the populace, receive the attentions of very fine and veryvirtuous ladies, wield a potential voice in the city government, andlead in the greatest development of internal improvements;--thatthese men even whisper high-sounding words of morality, and theestablished custom considers their example no harm when color ismodified. 

What will the reader think, when we tell him that there is nocity-marshal in Charleston, but innumerable marshalled men, supported by an onerous tax upon the people, to quiet the fears of afew. And what will they think, when we tell them that the man whosename is so frequently sounded through the columns of the press asthe head of police, and applauded for his activity among thieves, isthe well-known prince-officio of a voluptuous dwelling, wheredazzling licentiousness fills his pockets with the spoils ofallurement. This man has several counterparts, whose acts are nosecrets to the public ear, and who turn their office into a mart ofintrigue, and have enriched themselves upon the bounty of espionageand hush-money, and now assert the dignity of their purse. It may beasked, why are these men kept in office?--or have these officesbecome so disgraced that honest men will not deign to accept them?No! such is not the case. It is that moral integrity is notconsidered in its proper light, and is not valued as it should be;that these men have a secret influence which is well known, and arecountenanced and retained for the weight of their control among acertain class; and, strange to say, that the party ex-officio makethese demoralizing things the basis of their complaints against the"powers that be;" yet such is their feeble dependence, that nosooner are they in office than we have the repetition of the samethings. 

Now, how far his honor is answerable for these things we must leavethe reader to judge. The leading characteristics of his natureconflict with each other; his moral character is what is consideredsound here; and truly he is entitled to much respect for hisexemplary conduct, whether it be only exerted as an example, or theheartfelt love of Christian purity. Some people are pious fromimpulse, and become affected when purpose serves to make itprofitable. We, however, are not so uncharitable as to charge suchpiety to our worthy head of the city government, but rather to ahighly developed organ of the love of office, which has outgrown thebetter inclinations of his well-established Christianity. 

We must invite the reader's attention to another and still moreglaring evidence of the demoralization of social life in Charleston. A notorious woman, who has kept the worst kind of a brothel foryears, where harlots of all shades and importations break thequietude of night with their polluted songs, becomes so bold in herinfamy that she appeals to the gracious considerations of the citycouncil, (board of aldermen. ) How is this? Why, we will tell thereader:--She remained unmolested in her trade of demoralization, amassed a fortune which gave her boldness, while her open displaywas considered very fine fun for the joking propensities ofofficials and gallants. With her wealth she reared a splendidmansion to infamy and shame, where she, and such as she, whose stepsthe wise man tells us "lead down to hell, " could sway their victoryover the industrious poor. So public was it, that she openly boastedits purpose and its adaptation to the ensnaring vices of passion. Yes, this create in female form had spread ruin and death throughthe community, and brought the head of many a brilliant young man tothe last stage of cast-off misery. And yet, so openly tolerated andcountenanced by leading men are these things, that on the 31st ofJuly, 1852, this mother of crime appeals to the honorable board ofaldermen, as appeared in the "Proceedings of Council" in theCharleston Courier of that date, in the following manner: 

"Laid over until a monied quorum is present. 

"Letter from Mrs. G. Pieseitto, informing Council that havingrecessed her new brick building in Berresford street at least twofeet, 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 assoon as possible. Referred to the Aldermen, Ward No. 4. " The streetis narrow and little used, except for purposes known to thelanterns, when honest people should sleep. The information mighthave been couched with more modesty, when the notoriety of the womanand the dedication of her tabernacle of vice was so public. How farthe sensitive aldermen of the fourth ward have proceeded in thedelicate mission, or how much champagne their modest considerationhas cost, the public have not yet been informed. Rumor says everything is favorable. We are only drawing from a few principal points, and shall leave the reader to draw his own inference of the moralcomplexion of our social being. We make but one more view, andresume our story. 

An office connected with the judiciary, so long held as one of highresponsibility and honorable position, is now held merely as amedium of miserable speculation and espionage. It is an electiveoffice, the representative holding for four years. The presentincumbent was elected more through charity than recompense for anyamiable qualities, moral worth, or efficient services to party ends. A more weak man could not have been drawn from the lowest scale ofparty hirelings, though he had abdicated the office once before tosave his name and the respectability of the judiciary. It may besaid, he was elected in pity to speculate on misery; and thus itproved in the case of MANUEL PEREIRA. This functionary was electedby a large majority. Could his moral worth have been taken intoconsideration? We should think not! For several times have we beenpointed to two interesting girls, --or, if their color was notshaded, would be called young ladies--promenading the shady side ofKing street, with their faces deeply vailed, and informed who wastheir father. The mother of these innocent victims had been a motherto their father, had nursed him and maintained him through hisadversity, and had lived the partner of his life and affections formany years, and had reared to him an interesting but fatal family. But, no sooner had fortune begun to shed its smiling rays, than heabandoned the one that had watched over him for the choice of onewho could boast no more than a white skin. 

If men who fill high places live by teaching others to gratify theirappetites and pleasures alone, instead of setting a commendableexample for a higher state of existence, by whom can we expect thatjustice and moral worth shall be respected? 

Connected with the city constabulary are two men whose duty it is tokeep a sharp lookout for all vessels arriving, and see that allnegroes or colored seamen are committed to prison. One is a SouthCarolinian, by the name of Dusenberry, and the other an Irishman, bythe name of Dunn. These two men, although their office is despicablein the eyes of many, assume more authority over a certain class ofpersons, who are unacquainted with the laws, than the mayor himself. The former is a man of dark, heavy features, with an assassin-likecountenance, more inclined to look at you distrustfully than to meetyou with an open gaze. He is rather tall and athletic, but never hasbeen known to do any thing that would give him credit for bravery. Several times he has been on the brink of losing his office forgiving too much latitude to his craving for perquisites; yet, bysome unaccountable means, he manages to hold on. The other is arobust son of the Emerald Isle, with a broad, florid face, lowforehead, short crispy hair very red, and knotted over his forehead. His dress is usually very slovenly and dirty, his shirt-collarbespotted with tobacco-juice, and tied with an old striped bandanahandkerchief. This, taken with a very wide mouth, flat nose, viciouseye, and a countenance as hard as ever came from Tipperary, and alame leg, which causes him to limp as he walks, gives our man Dunnthe incarnate appearance of a fit body-grabber. A few words willsuffice 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 afree-trader, meaning, to save the rascality of a husband, sellsliquor by small portions, to suit the Murphys and the O'Neals. But, as it pleases our Mr. Dunn, he very often becomes a more thanprofitable customer, and may be found snoring out the penalty insome sequestered place, too frequently for his own character. Between the hours of ten and twelve in the morning, Dunn, if not toomuch incapacitated, may be seen limping his way down Broad street, to watch vessels arriving and departing, carrying a limp-cane in onehand, and a large covered whip in the other. We were struck with theappearance of the latter, because it was similar to those carried inthe hands of a rough, menial class of men in Macon, Georgia, whocalled themselves marshals, under a misapplication of the term. Their office was to keep the negro population "straight, " and do thewhipping when called upon, at fifty cents a head. They also did thewhipping at the jails, and frequently made from five to six dollarsa day at this alone; for it is not considered fashionable for agentleman to whip his own negro. We noticed the universal carryingof this whip, when we first visited Macon, some four years ago, andwere curious to know its purport, which was elucidated by a friend;but we have since seen the practical demonstrations painfullycarried out. Those who visited Boston for the recovery of Crafts andEllen--whose mode of escape is a romance in itself--were specimens ofthese "marshals. " How they passed themselves off for gentlemen, weare at a loss to comprehend. 

During the day, the Messrs. Dusenberry and Dunn may be seen at timeswatching about the wharves, and again in low grog-shops--then pimpingabout the "Dutch beer-shops and corner-shops"--picking up, here andthere, a hopeful-looking nigger, whom they drag off to limbo, orextort a bribe to let him go. Again, they act as monitors over theDutch corner-shops, the keepers of which pay them large sums to savethemselves the heavy license fine and the information docket. Whenthey are no longer able to pay over hush-money, they find themselveswalked up to the captain's office, to be dealt with according to thesevere penalty made and provided for violating the law whichprohibits the sale of liquor to negroes without an order. Thefailure to observe this law is visited with fine andimprisonment, --both beyond their proportionate deserts, when the lawwhich governs the sale of liquor to white men is considered. Thingsare very strictly regulated by complexions in South Carolina. Themaster sets the most dissipated and immoral examples in his ownperson, and allows his children not only to exercise their youthfulcaprices, but to gratify such feelings as are pernicious to theirmoral welfare, upon his slaves. Now, the question is, that knowingthe negro's power of imitation, ought not some allowance to be madefor copying the errors of his master? Yet such is not the case; forthe slightest deviation from the strictest rule of discipline bringscondign punishment upon the head of the offender. 

CHAPTER V. 

MR. GRIMSHAW, THE MAN OF THE COUNTY. 

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-tailcoat, loose-cut pants, a straight-breasted vest, with a veryextravagant shirt-collar rolling over upon his coat, with a blackribbon tied at the throat, stood at the east corner of Broad andMeeting street, holding a very excited conversation with officersDusenberry and Dunn. His visage was long, very dark--much more sothan many of the colored population--with pointed nose and chin, standing in grim advance to each other; his face narrow, with highcheek-bones, small, peering eyes, contracted forehead, recliningwith a sunken arch between the perceptive and intellectualorgans--or, perhaps, we might have said, where those organs shouldhave been. His countenance was full of vacant restlessness; and ashe stared at you through his glasses, with his silvery gray hairhanging about his ears and neck in shaggy points, rolling a largequid of tobacco in his mouth, and dangling a little whip in hisright 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 chinto adjust his enormous quid--the drawling tone in which he spoke gavea picture not easily forgotten. 

"You must pay more attention to the arrivals, " said he in acommanding tone. "The loss of one of these fellers is a seriousdrawback to my pocket; and that British consul's using theinfernalest means to destroy our business, that ever was. He's worsethan the vilest abolitionist, because he thinks he's protected bythat flag of their'n. If he don't take care, we'll tar-and-featherhim; and if his government says much about it, she'll larn what andwho South Carolina is. We can turn out a dozen Palmetto regimentsthat'd lick any thing John Bull could send here, and a troop o' themd--d Yankee abolitionists besides. South Carolina's got to show herhand yet against these fellers, afore they'll respect the honor andstanding of her institutions. They can't send their navy to hurt us. And it shows that I always predicts right; for while thesecommercial fellers about the wharves are telling about digging outthe channel, I've al'ays said they didn't think how much injury theywere doing; for it was our very best protection in war-time. SouthCarolina can lick John Bull, single-fisted, any time; but if thatpack of inconsiderate traders on the wharves get their own way, awaygoes our protection, and John Bull would bring his big ships in andblow 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 lawfor the sake of the fees. Now, if I only knew that the consul wasthe means of that Nassau nigger getting away, I'd raise a mob, andteach him a lesson that South Carolinians ought to have teached himbefore. It took about seventeen dollars out of my pocket, and if Iwas to sue him for it, I could get no recompense. The next time youallow one to escape, I must place some other officer over the port, "said our man whom, we shall continue to call Mr. Grimshaw. 

"Sure I heard the same consul, when spakin to a gintleman, say thatthe law was only an abuse of power, to put money into the pockets ofyourself and a few like ye. And whin meself and Flin put the ironson a big nigger that the captain was endeavoring to skulk by keepinghim in the forecastle of the ship, he interfered between me and meduty, and began talking his balderdash about the law. Sure, with hisown way, he'd have every nigger in the city an abolitionist in threeweeks. And sure, Mr. Sheriff, and ye'd think they were babies, ifye'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 liveon the jail fare, " said officer Dunn, who continued to pledgehimself to the sheriff that the wharves should not be neglected, nora hopeful English darky escape his vigilant eye. 

"For my own part, I think they're better off in jail than they wouldbe on the wharf, " continued Grimshaw. "They're a worthless set, andha'n't half the character that a majority of our slaves have; andinstead of attending the captain on board, they'd be into Elliotstreet, spending their money, getting drunk, and associating withour worst niggers. And they all know so much about law, that they'realways teaching our bad niggers the beauties of their government, which makes them more unhappy than they are. Our niggers are like ashoal of fish--when one becomes diseased, he spreads it among all therest; and before you know where you are, they're done gone. " 

"They're not very profitable customers for us, Sheriff, " saidDusenberry. "We have a deal of watching, and a mighty smart lot oftrouble after we get them fellows; and if we get a perquisite, itnever amounts to much, for I seldom knew one that had money enoughto treat as we took him up. These Britishers a'n't like us; theydon't pay off in port and if the fellows get any thing in jail fromthe consul, it's by drib-drabs, that a'n't no good, for it all goesfor liquor. And them criminals make a dead haul upon a blacksteward, as soon as he is locked up. But if these sympathizing foolsfollow up their bugbears about the treatment at the jail, they'llget things so that our business won't be worth a dollar. For my ownpart, I'm not so much beholdin', for I've made myself comfortablewithin the last few years, but I want my son to succeed me in theoffice. But if this consul of their'n keeps up his objections, appeals, and his protests in this way, and finds such men as hishonor the district-attorney to second him with his nonsense and hisnotions, folks of our business might as well move north of Mason andDixon's. " 

"I can wake him up to a point, " said Grimshaw, "that that abolitionconsul ha'n't learnt before; and if he'd stuck his old petition inCharles Sumner's breeches pocket instead of sending it to ourlegislature, he might have saved his old-womanish ideas from theshowing' up that Myzeck gave 'em. It takes Myzeck to show theseblue-skin Yankees how to toe the mark when they come to SouthCarolina. If South Carolina should secede, I'd say give us Myzeckand Commander to lead our war, and we'd be as sure to whip 'em as wewon the Mexican war for the Federal Government. There is threethings about an Englishman, Dusenberry, which you may mark forfacts. He is self-conceited, and don't want to be advised;--hethinks there is no law like the law of England, and that the oldunion-jack is a pass-book of nations;--and he thinks everybody'sbound to obey his notions of humanity and the dictates of hispositive opinions. But what's worse than all, they've never seen thesovereignty of South Carolina carried out, and according to ConsulMathew's silly notions, they think we could be licked by a gun-boat. 

"It's no use arguing this thing, you must keep a keen eye upon theEnglish niggers; and when a man pretends to dispute the right, tellhim its 'contrary to law, ' and to look at the statute-books; tellhim it costs more to keep them than they're all worth; and if theysay the law was never intended for foreign citizens, tell 'em its'contrary to law. ' South Carolina's not bound to obey the voice ofthe General Government, and what does she care for the federalcourts? We'll pursue a course according to the law; and any thingthat is contrary to it we will take care of for the betterprotection of our institutions. Now, don't let one pass, upon theperil of your office, " continued Mr. Grimshaw. 

"It's not a button I'd care for the office, " said Dunn. "Sure it'syerself be's makin' all the fees, and ourselves getting the paltrydollar; and yerself gives us as much trouble to get that as we'd beearning two dollars at magistrate Jiles' beyant. Sure! himself'sliberal and doesn't be afraid to give us a division of the fees whenthe business is good. And sure ye make yer ten times the fees on anEnglish nigger, and never gives us beyant the dollar, " continued he, moving off in high dudgeon, and swearing a stream of oaths that madethe very blood chill. There was a covert meaning about Mr. Grimshaw's language that was not at all satisfactory to Mr. Dunn'sIrish; especially when he knew Mr. Grimshaw's insincerity so well, and that, instead of being liberal, he pocketed a large amount ofthe fees, to the very conscientious benefit of his own dear self. The reader must remember that in Charleston, South Carolina, thereis a large majority of men who care little for law, less forjustice, and nothing for Christianity. Without compunction ofconscience, and with an inherited passion to set forward theall-absorbing greatness of South Carolina, these men act as a checkupon the better-disposed citizens. The more lamentable part is, thatforming a large portion of that species of beings known as bar-roompoliticians, they actually control the elections in the city; andthus we may account for the character of the incumbents of office, and for the tenacity with which those oppressive laws are adheredto. 

This almost incompatible conversation between a high sheriff and twomenial constables, may to many seem inconsistent with the dignitythat should be observed between such functionaries. Nevertheless, all restraint is not only annihilated by consent, but so prominentlyis this carried out, and so well understood by that respectableclass of citizens whose interests and feelings are for maintaining agood name for the city and promoting its moral integrity, that inall our conversation with them, we never heard one speak well ofthose functionaries or the manner in which the police regulations ofthe city were carried out. 

CHAPTER VI. 

THE JANSON IN THE OFFING. 

AFTER several days' suffering for want of wafer and fatigue oflabor, 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, andsucceeded, as far as the means were at hand, in making everybody onboard comfortable. He had attended upon those who gave up first, like a good nurse, ready at the call, whether night or day, and witha readiness that seemed pleasure to him. From the captain to thelittle boy Tommy, his loss was felt with regret; and the latterwould often go into the forecastle where he lay, lean over him witha child-like simplicity, and smooth his forehead with his littlehand. "Manuel! I wish poor Manuel was well!" he would say, and againhe would lay his little hand on his head and smooth his hair. Hewould whisper encouragement in his ear; and having learned asmattering of Portuguese, would tell him how soon they would be inport, and what pleasant times they would have together. 

On the 21st they descried land, which proved to be Stono, abouttwenty-five miles south of Charleston. Tommy announced the news toManuel, which seemed to cheer him up. His sickness was evidentlycaused by fatigue, and his recovery depended more upon rest andnourishment than medical treatment. That night at ten o'clock thewind came strong north-west, and drove the Janson some distance tosea again; and it was not until the morning of the 23d that she madeCharleston light, and succeeded in working up to the bar. Signal wasmade for a pilot, and soon, a very fine cutter-looking boat, "Palmetto, No. 4, " was seen shooting out over the bar in the mainchannel. Manuel, somewhat recovered, had a few minutes before beenassisted on deck, and through the captain's orders was laid upon amattrass, stretched on the starboard side of the companion-way. Byhis side sat little Tommy, serving him with some nourishment. 

The boat was soon alongside, and the pilot, a middle-sized man, welldressed, with a frank, open countenance, rather florid andsun-stained, and a profusion of gold chain and seal dangling fromhis fob, came on board. After saluting the captain, he surveyed theweather-beaten condition of the craft, made several inquiries inregard to her working, and then said in a sang-froid manner, "Well!I reckon you've seen some knocking, anyhow. " Then turning again andgiving some orders in regard, to getting more way upon her, heviewed the laborious working at the pumps, and walking aboutmidships on the larboard side, took a sharp survey of her waist. "Don't she leak around her topsides, Captain?" said he. 

Receiving an answer in the affirmative, he gave a glance aloft, andthen at the sky to windward; asked how long he had worked her inthat condition, and where he took the gale. "It's a wonder shehadn'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 likethis on. She reminds me of one o' these down-east sugar-box craftswhat trade to Cuba, " he continued. Then walking across themain-hatch to the starboard side, he approached the men who werepumping, and after inquiring about freeing her, suddenly caught aglimpse of Manuel, as he lay upon the mattrass with his faceuncovered. 

"Heavens! What! have you got the yellow fever on board at thisseason of the year?" he inquired of the mate, who had just come aftto inquire about getting some water from the pilot-boat. 

"No, we've had every thing else but the yellow fever; one might aswell 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 beover it. He only wants rest, poor fellow! He's bin a bully at workever since the first gale. He'll mend before he gets to town, " wasthe reply. 

"Ah! then you've had a double dose of it. It gives a fellow bringeroff them capes once in a while. --The steward's a nigger, isn't he?"inquired the pilot. 

"Nigger!--not he, " said the mate. "He's a Portuguese mixed breed; akind o' sun-scorched subject, like a good many of you Southerners. Anigger'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, onlythem Portuguese are dark-lookin' fellers. He's no fool--his name'sManuel, a right clever feller, and the owners think as much of himas they do of the Skipper. " 

"Gammon, " said the pilot to himself. "What would he think if we wereto show him some specimens of our white niggers in Charleston?" Andturning, he walked past Manuel with a suspicious look, and took aposition near the man at the wheel, where he remained for some timefingering the seals of his watch-chain. The Captain had gone intothe cabin a few minutes before, and coming on deck again, walkedtoward the place where the pilot stood, and took a seat upon an oldcamp-stool. 

"Cap, " said the pilot, "ye'll have trouble with that nigger ofyour'n when ye git to town. If you want to save yerself and theowners a d--d site o' bother and expense, y' better keep him closewhen y' haul in; and ship him off to New York the first chance. I'veseen into the mill, Cap, and y' better take a friend's advice. " 

"Nigger!" said the Captain indignantly, "what do they call niggersin Charleston? My steward's no more a nigger than you are!" 

"What, sir?" returned the pilot in a perfect rage. "Do you know theinsulting nature of your language? Sir, if the law did not subjectme, I would leave your vessel instantly, and hold you personallyresponsible as soon as you landed, sir. " 

The Captain, unconscious of the tenacity with which the chivalrousblood of South Carolina held language that mooted a comparison ofcolors, considered his answer; but could see nothing offensive init. 

"You asked me a question, and I gave you a proper answer. If youconsider such a man as my steward--poor fellow--a nigger, in yourcountry, I'm glad that you are blessed with so many good men. " 

"We polishes our language, Captain, when we speak of niggers inSouth Carolina, " said the pilot. "A South Carolinian, sir, is agentleman all over the world. It don't want nothin' further than thename of his State to insure him respect. And when foreign folks andNortherners from them abolition States bring free niggers into SouthCarolina, and then go to comparing them to white folks, they betterbe mighty careful how they stir about. South Carolina ought to'veseceded last year, when she talked about it, and sent every Yankeehome to make shoe-pegs. We wouldn't bin insulted then, as we arenow. 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 hundredand thirty-two times, them fellers what come here to feed upon SouthCarolina, put the devil in the heads of the niggers, and then gohome again, would see stars and feel bullet-holes. " 

The Captain listened to the pilot's original South Carolina talk, or, as the pilot himself had called it, polished language, withoutexhibiting any signs of fear and trembling at its sublime dignity;yet, finding that the pilot had misconstrued the tenor of hisanswer, said, "You must have mistaken the intention of my reply, sir; and the different manner in which you appropriate its importmay be attributed to a custom among yourselves, which makes languageoffensive that has no offensive meaning. We never carry pistols orany such playthings in my country. We have a moral security for ourlives, and never look upon death as so great an enemy that we mustcarry deadly weapons to defend it. In fact, pilot, " he said in ajoking manner, "they're rather cumbersome little bits for a feller'spocket: I'd rather carry my supper and breakfast in my pocket. Nowtell us, who do you call niggers in South Carolina?" 

"Why, Captain, we call all what a'n't white folks. Our folks cantell 'em right smart. They can't shirk out if it's only marked bythe seventeenth generation. You can always tell 'em by the way theylook--they can't look you in the face, if they are ever so white. Thelaw snaps 'em up once in a while, and then, if they're ever sowhite, it makes 'em prove it. I've known several cases where thedoubt was in favor of the nigger, but he couldn't prove it, and hadto stand aside among the darkies. Dogs take my skin, Cap, iftheren't a Jew feller in town as white as anybody, and his father'sa doctor. It got whispered round that he was a nigger, and theboarders where he stayed raised a fuss about it. The nigger's fatherhad two of them sued for slander, but they proved the nigger by aquirk of law that'd make a volume bigger than Blackstone; andinstead of the old Jew getting satisfaction, the judges, as a matterof policy, granted him time to procure further proof to show thathis son wasn't a nigger. It was a very well-considered insinuationof the judges, but the young-un stands about A 1 with a primenigger-feller. " 

"I should like to have 'em try me, to see whether I was a nigger ora white man. It must be a funny law, 'nigger or no nigger. ' If afeller's skin won't save him, what the devil will?" said theCaptain. 

"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 suchthings--can tell in the twinkling of an eye, " said the pilot. 

"I should think the distinguishing points would be to show thattheir mother had nothing to do with a nigger. Do your judges makethis a particular branch of jurisprudence? If they do, I'd like toknow what they took for their text-books. If the intermixture is ascomplex as what you say, I should think some of the judges would beafraid of passing verdict upon their own kin. " 

"Not a whit!" said the pilot; "they know enough for that. " 

"Then you admit there's a chance. It must be an amusing affair, 'ponmy soul! when a nice little female has to draw aside her vail beforea court of very dignified judges, for the purpose of having herpedigree examined, " said the Captain. 

"Oh! the devil, Cap; your getting all astray--a woman nigger neverhas the advantage of the law. They always go with the niggers, ah!ha! ha!!" 

"But suppose they're related to some of your big-bugs. What then?Are your authorities so wise and generous that they make allowancefor these things, " asked the Captain, innocently. 

"Oh! poh! there you're again: you must live in Charleston a year ortwo, but you'll have to be careful at first that you don't fall inlove with some of our bright gals, and think they're white, beforeyou know it. It doesn't matter seven coppers who they're got by, there's no distinction among niggers in Charleston. I'll put youthrough some of the bright houses when we get up, and show you somescions of our aristocracy, that are the very worst cases. It's afact, Cap, these little shoots of the aristocracy invariably makebad niggers. If a fellow wants a real prime, likely nigger wench, hemust get the pure African blood. As they say themselves, 'WhereverBuckra-man bin, make bad nigger. '" 

"Well, Pilot, I think we've had enough about mixed niggers for thepresent. Tell me! do you really think they'll give me trouble withmy steward? He certainly is not a black man, and a better fellownever lived, " inquired the Captain earnestly. 

"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'tlast long; ye can't pass him off for a white man nohow, for thething's 'contrary to law, ' and pays so well that them contemptibleland-sharks of officers make all the fuss about it, and never letone pass. Just take the infernal fees off, and nobody'd troublethemselves about the stewards. It all goes into old Grimshaw'spocket, and he'd skin a bolt-rope for the grease, and sell thesteward if he could get a chance. He has sold a much nearerrelation. I'm down upon the law, you'll see, Cap, for I know itplays the dickens with our business, and is a curse to the commerceof the port. Folks what a'n't acquainted with shipping troubles, anda shipowner's interests, think such things are very small affairs. But it's the name that affects us, and when an owner stands at everyitem 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, andeither begins to think about another port, or making the rate offreight in proportion to the annoyance. It has an effect that wefeel, but don't say much about. I'm a secessionist, but I don'tbelieve in running mad after politics, and letting our commercialinterests suffer. " 

"But what if I prove my steward a'n't a colored man?" said theCaptain; "they surely won't give me any trouble then. It would painmy feelings very much to see Manuel locked up in a cell for nocrime; and then to be deprived of his services, is more than I canstand. If I'd known it before, I'd suffered the torments of thirst, and put for a port farther north. " 

"It'll cost more than it's worth, " said the pilot. "Take my plainadvice, Cap; never try that; our lawyers are lusty fellows uponfees; and the feller'd rot in that old nuisance of a jail aforeyou'd get him out. The process is so slow and entangled, nobody'dknow how to bring the case, and ev'ry lawyer'd have an opinion ofhis own. But the worst of all is that it's so unpopular, you can'tget a lawyer worth seven cents to undertake it. It would be asdangerous as an attempt to extricate a martyr from the burningflames. Public opinion in Charleston is controlled by politicians;and an attempt to move in a thing so unpopular would be like a manattempting to speak, with pistols and swords pointed to his head. " 

"Then it's folly to ask justice in your city, is it?" asked theCaptain. "But your people are generous, a'n't they? and treatstrangers with a courtesy that marks the character of everyhigh-minded society?" 

"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 yourideas to the way our folks manage their own affairs. I'm opposed tothis law that imprisons stewards, because it affects commerce, butthen our other laws are tip-top. It was the law that our legislaturemade to stop free niggers from coming from the abolition States todestroy the affections of our slaves. Some say, the constructiongiven 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, --thestewards a'n't legislators, and the judges know it wouldn't bepopular, and there's nobody dare meddle with it, for fear he may becalled an abolitionist. You better take my advice, Cap: ship thenigger, and save yourself and Consul Mathew the trouble of anotherfuss, " continued the pilot. 

"That I'll never do! I've made up my mind to try it, and won't bedriven out of a port because the people stand in fear of a harmlessman. If they have any souls in them, they'll regard with favor apoor sailor driven into their port in distress. I've sailed nearlyall over the world, and I never got among a people yet that wouldn'ttreat a shipwrecked sailor with humanity. Gracious God! I've knownsavages to be kind to poor shipwrecked sailors, and to share theirfood 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 indistress. We've said enough about it for the present. I'll appeal toMr. Grimshaw's feelings, when I get to the city; and I know, if he'sa man, he'll let Manuel stay on board, if I pledge my honor that hewon't leave the craft. " 

"Humph!--If you knew him as well as I do, you'd save your ownfeelings. His sympathies don't run that way, " said the pilot. 

The Janson had now crossed the bar, and was fast approaching FortSumpter. Manuel had overheard enough of the conversation to awakenfears for his own safety. Arising from the mattrass, in a mannerindicating his feeble condition, he called Tommy, and walkingforward, leaned over the rail near the fore-rigging, and inquiredwhat the Captain and the pilot were talking about. Observing hisfears, the little fellow endeavoured to quiet him by telling himthey were talking about bad sailors. 

"I think it is me they are talking about. If they sell me for slavein Charleston, I'll kill myself before a week, " said he in hisbroken English. 

"What's that you say, Manuel?" inquired the first mate as he camealong, clearing up the decks with the men. 

"Pilot tell Captain they sell me for slave in South Carolina. I'djump overboard 'fore I suffer him, " said he. 

"Oh, poh! don't be a fool; you a'n't among Patagonians, Manuel; youwon't have to give 'em leg for your life. They dont sell foreignersand outlandish men like you for slaves in Carolina--it's only blackfolks what can't clothe the'r words in plain English. Yercopper-colored hide wouldn't be worth a sixpence to anigger-trader--not even to old Norman Gadsden, that I've heard 'emtell so much about in the Liverpool docks. He's a regular JonathanWild in nigger-dealing; his name's like a fiery dragon among theniggers all over the South; and I hearn our skipper say once when Isailed in a liner, that niggers in Charleston were so 'fraid of himthey'd run, like young scorpions away from an old he-devil, whenthey saw him coming. He sells white niggers, as they call 'em, andblack niggers--any thing that comes in his way, in the shape ofsaleable folks. But he won't acknowledge the corn when he goes awayfrom 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, histrade must be very bad at home, or I'm no sailor, " said the mate. 

"Ah, my boys!" said the pilot in a quizzical manner, as he came towhere several of the men were getting the larboard anchor ready tolet go, --"if old Norman Gadsden gets hold of you, you're a gonesucker. A man what's got a bad nigger has only got to say OldGadsden to him, and it's equal to fifty paddles. The mode ofpunishment most modern, and adopted in all the workhouses and placesof punishment in South Carolina, is with the paddle, a woodeninstrument in, the shape of a baker's peel; with a blade from threeto five inches wide, and from eight to ten long. This is laid on theposteriors--generally by constables or officers connected with thepolice. Holes are frequently bored in the blade, which gives theapplication a sort of percussive effect; The pain is much more acutethan with the cowhide; and several instances are known where amaster ordered an amount of strokes beyond the endurance of theslave, and it proved fatal. At the workhouse. They tell a prettygood story about the old fellow. I don't know if it's true, but theold fellow's rich now, and he does just what he pleases. It was thatsomebody found one of those little occasional droppings of thearistocracy, very well known among the secrets of the chivalry, andcalled foundlings, nicely fixed up in a basket. --It's among thesecrets though, and mustn't be told abroad. --The finders labelledit, 'Please sell to the highest bidder, ' and left it at his door. There was a fund of ominous meaning in the label; but Norman verycoolly took the little helpless pledge under his charge, and, withthe good nursing of old Bina, made him tell to the tune of twohundred and thirty, cash, 'fore he was two year old. He went by thename of Thomas Norman, the Christian division of hisfoster-father's, according to custom. The old fellow laughs at thejoke, as he calls it, and tells 'em, when they stick it to him, theydon't understand the practice of making money. You must keep abright look out for him, Manuel--you'll know him by the niggersrunning when they see him coming. " 

The pilot now returned to the quarter, and commenced dilating uponthe beauty of Charleston harbor and its tributaries, the Astley andCooper Rivers--then upon the prospects of fortifications to beat theUnited States in the event of South Carolina's seceding and raisingan independent sovereignty, composed of her best blood. The Captainlistened to his unsolicited and uninteresting exposition of SouthCarolina's prowess in silence, now and then looking up at the pilotand nodding assent. He saw that the pilot was intent uponastonishing him with his wonderful advancement in the theory ofgovernment, and the important position of South Carolina. Again helooked dumbfounded, as much as to acknowledge the pilot'sprofundity, and exclaimed, "Well! South Carolina must be a devil ofa State: every thing seems captivated with its greatness: I'd liketo live in Carolina if I didn't get licked. " 

"By scissors! that you would, Captain; you ha'n't an idee what amighty site our people can do if they're a mind to! All SouthCarolina wants is her constitutional rights, which her great menfought for in the Revolution. We want the freedom to protect our ownrights and institutions--not to be insulted and robbed by theGeneral Government and the abolitionists. " 

"Do you practice as a people upon the same principles that you askof the General Government!" inquired the Captain. 

"Certainly, Captain, as far as it was intended for the judiciousgood of all white citizens!" 

"Then you claim a right for the whites, but withhold the right whenit touches on the dark side. You'll have to lick the FederalGovernment, as you call it, for they won't cut the constitution upto suit your notions of black and white. " * * * 

"That's just the thing, Cap, and we can do it just as easy as we nowprotect our own laws, and exterminate the niggers what attemptinsurrections. South Carolina sets an example, sir, of honor andbravery that can't be beat. Why, just look a-yonder, Cap: theFederal Government owns this 'er Fort Sumpter, and they insulted usby building it right in our teeth, so that they could command theharbor, block out our commerce, and collect the duties down here. But, Cap, this don't scare South Carolina nohow. We can show 'em twofigures in war tactics that'd blow 'em to thunder. Ye see yonder!"said he, with an earnest look of satisfaction, pointing to thesouth, "That's Morris Island. We'd take Fort Moultrie for abreakfast spell, and then we'd put it to 'em hot and strong fromboth sides, until they'd surrender Fort Sumpter. They couldn't standit from both sides. Yes, sir, they shut Fort Moultrie against us, and wouldn't let us have it to celebrate independence in. There's asmouldering flame in South Carolina that'll burst forth one of thesedays in a way that must teach the Federal Government someastonishing and exciting lessons. There's old Castle Pinckney, sir;we could keep it for a reserve, and with Generals Quattlebum andCommander, from Georgetown and Santee Swamp, we could raise an armyof Palmetto regiments that would whip the Federal Government troopand gun-boat. " 

We have given this singular conversation of the pilot with a strangeCaptain, which at the time was taken as an isolated case ofgasconade peculiar to the man; but which the Captain afterward foundto harmonize in sentiment, feeling, and expression with the generalcharacter of the people--the only exceptions being the coloredpeople. 

CHAPTER VII. 

ARRIVAL OF THE JANSON. 

ABOUT five o'clock on the evening of the 23d, the Janson passedCastle Pinckney, ran up to the wharf with the flood-tide, let go heranchor, and commenced warping into the dock. Her condition attractedsundry persons to the end of the wharf, who viewed her with a sortof commiseration that might have been taken for sincere feeling. Theboarding officer had received her papers, and reported her characterand condition, which had aroused a feeling of speculative curiosity, that was already beginning to spread among ship-carpenters andoutfitters. 

Conspicuous among those gathered on the wharf was a diminutivelittle dandy, with an olive-colored frock-coat, black pants, embroidered vest, and an enormous shirt-collar that endangered hisears. This was secured around the neck with a fancy neckcloth, verytastefully set off with a diamond pin, He was very slender, with anarrow, feminine face, round popeyes--requiring the application of apocket-glass every few minutes--and very fair complexion, with littlepositive expression of character in his features. His nose waspointed; his chin, projected and covered with innumerable littlepimples, gave an irregular and mastiff-shaped mouth a peculiarexpression. He wore a very highly-polished and high-heeled pair ofboots, and a broad-brimmed, silk-smooth hat. He seemed very anxiousto display the beauty of two diamond rings that glittered upon hisdelicate little fingers, made more conspicuous by the wristbands ofhis shirt. Standing in a very conspicuous place upon the capsill ofthe wharf, he would rub his hands, then running from one part of thewharf to another, ordering sundry niggers about making fast thelines, kicking one, and slapping another, as he stooped, with hislittle hand. All paid respect to him. The Captain viewed him with asmile of curiosity, as much as to say, "What important specimen of amiss in breeches is that?" But when the little fellow spoke, thesecret was told. He gathered the inflections of his voice, as if hewere rolling them over the little end of a thunderbolt in his mouth. As the vessel touched the wharf, he sprang to the corner and criedout at the top of his voice, "Yer' welcome to Charleston, CaptainThompson! Where did you get that knocking?--where are ye boundfor?--how many days are you out?--how long has she leaked in thatway?" and a strain of such questions, which it would be impossibleto trace, such was the rapidity with which he put them. The Captainanswered him in accordance with the circumstances; and supposing himclothed with authority, inquired where he should find some hands towork 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 towork your pumps. Get niggers, Captain, there's lots on 'em abouthere. They're as thick as grasshoppers in a cotton-patch. " 

"Yes, but I want 'em now, my men are worn out; I must get someIrishmen, if I can't get others at once, " said the Captain, viewinghis man again from head to foot. 

"Oh! don't employ Paddies, Captain; 'ta'n't popular; they don'tbelong to the secession party; Charleston's overrun with them andthe Dutch! Why, she won't hurt to lay till to-morrow morning, andthere'll be lots o' niggers down; they can't be out after bell-ringwithout a pass, and its difficult to find their masters after dark. Haul her up 'till she grounds, and she won't leak when the tideleaves her. We can go to the theatre and have a right good supperafter, 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 goto-night. " The little fellow seemed so extremely polite, and soanxious to "do the genteel attention, " that the Captain entirelyforgot the tenor of his conversation with the pilot, while hisfeelings changed with the prospect of such respectful attention; andyet he seemed at a loss how to analyze the peculiar character of hislittle, pedantic friend. 

"You must not think me intrusive, Captain, " said he, pulling out hissegar-pouch and presenting it with at Chesterfieldian politeness. "It's a pleasure we Carolinians take in being hospitable andattentive to strangers. My name, sir, is--! My niggers call meMaster George. Yes, sir! our family!--you have heard of my fatherprobably--he belongs to one of the best stocks in Carolina--owns alarge interest in this wharf, and is an extensive cotton-broker, factors, we call them here--and he owns a large plantation of niggerson Pee-Dee; you must visit our plantation. Captain, certain! beforeyou leave the city. But you mustn't pay much attention to the gossipyou'll hear about the city. I pledge you my honor, sir, it don'tamount to any thing, nor has it any prominent place in our society. "

"Really, sir, " replied the Captain, "I shall do myself the honor toaccept of your hospitable kindness, and hope it may be my goodfortune to reciprocate at some future day. I'm only too sorry thatour wrecked condition affords me no opportunity to invite you to mytable to-night; but the circumstances which you see everywherepresenting themselves are my best apology. " 

"Oh, dear me! don't mention it, I pray, Captain. Just imagineyourself perfectly at home. We will show you what Southernhospitality is. We don't go upon the Yankee system of Mr. So-and-soand What-do-ye-call-'um. Our feelings are in keeping with our Statepride, which, with our extreme sensibility of honor, forbids thecountenance of meanness. South Carolinians, sir, are at the very topof the social ladder--awake to every high-minded consideration ofjustice and right. We are not moved by those morbid excitements andnotions that so often lead people away at the North. Make nounnecessary preparation, Captain, and I will do myself the honor tocall upon you in an hour. " Thus saying, he shook his hand and left. 

The pilot had delivered his charge safe, and was about to, bid theCaptain good-by for the night. But in order to do the thing inaccordance with an English custom, that appears to have lost none ofits zest in South Carolina, he was invited into the Captain's cabinto take a little prime old Jamaica. Manuel, who had somewhatrecovered, brought out the case from a private locker, and settingit before them, they filled up, touched glasses, and drank the usualstanding toast to South Carolina. "Pilot, " said the Captain, "whois my polite friend--he seems a right clever little fellow?" 

"Well, Captain, he's little, but he's first-rate blood, and agenuine 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 thehead of a good mercantile house here; 'twouldn't be a bad idea toconsign to him. But I must bid you good-night, Captain; I'll calland see you to-morrow, " said the pilot, leaving for his home. 

The Janson was hauled well up the dock, and grounded on theebb-tide. Manuel prepared supper for the officers and crew, whilethe 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 megood. You don't think anybody will trouble me, if I walk peaceablyalong?" 

"Nobody would trouble you if they knew you, Manuel; but I am afraidthey will mistake you in the night. You had better keep ship untilmorning; take a good rest, and to-morrow will be a fine day--you canthen take some exercise. " 

Manuel looked at the Captain as if he read something doubtful in hiscountenance, and turned away with a pitiful look of dissatisfaction. It seems that through his imperfect knowledge of English, he hadmisconceived the position of the celebrated Thomas Norman Gadsden, whom he imagined to be something like an infernal machine, made andprovided 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 meno make trouble in no part de world where me sail, Oh! no, Cap-i-tan, Manuel know how to mine dis bisness, " said he returningagain to the Captain. 

"Yes, yes, Manuel, but we can't let the crew go ashore 'till we getthrough the custom-house; you must content yourself to-night, and inthe morning 'twill be all right. I'm afraid you'll get sickagain-the night-air is very bad in this climate; old Gadsden won'ttrouble you. He don't walk about at night. " 

Manuel walked forward, not very well satisfied with the manner inwhich the Captain put him off. The latter felt the necessity ofcaution, fearing he might infringe upon some of the municipalregulations that the pilot had given him an account of, whichaccounted for his refusal Manuel sat upon the main-hatch fondlingTommy, and telling him what good things they would have in themorning for breakfast, and how happy they ought to be that they werenot lost during the gales, little thinking that he was to be thevictim of a merciless law, which would confine him within the irongrates of a prison before the breakfast hour in the morning. "I likeCharleston, Tommy, " said Manuel; "it looks like one of our oldEnglish towns, and the houses have such pretty gardens, and thepeople they say are all so rich and live so fine. Tommy, we'll havea long walk and look all around it, so that we can tell the folkswhen we get home. The ship, owes me eleven pounds, and I mean totake some good things home for presents, to show what they have inSouth Carolina. " 

"You better buy a young nigger, and take him home as a curiosity toshow 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 himin a band-box, lug him across, and you'll make a fortune in theNorth country. But I'd rather buy a young wife, for the youngniggers are more roguish than a lot o' snakes, and al'a's eat theirheads off afore they're big enough to toddle. They sell gals herefor 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 ofsupersensual sensibility; they give you a wife of any color orbeauty, and don't charge you much for her, providing you're theright stripe. What a funny thing it would be to show the Glasgowfolks a bright specimen of a bought wife from the renowned State ofSouth Carolina, with genuine aristocratic blood in her veins; yes, apure descendant of the Huguenots!" said the mate, who was leaningover the rail where Manuel and Tommy were seated, smoking a segarand viewing the beautiful scenery around the harbor. 

"Ah!" said Manuel, "when I get a wife and live on shore, I don'twant to buy one-it might be a dangerous bargain. Might buy the body, but not the soul-that's God's. " 

CHAPTER VIII. 

A NEW DISH OF SECESSION. 

ABOUT a quarter past eight o'clock in the evening, Master George, ashe called himself, the little pedantic man, came skipping down thewharf. As soon as he approached the brig, he cried out at the top ofhis voice, "Captain! Captain!!" 

The Captain stepped to the gangway, and the little fellow, who hadstood crossing and working his fingers, reached out his hand toassist him ashore. This done, he took the Captain's arm, andcommencing a discourse upon the wonderful things and people of SouthCarolina they wended their way to the Charleston Theatre. Thecompany then performing was a small affair, and the building itselfperfectly filthy, and filled with an obnoxious stench. The play wasa little farce, which the Captain had seen to much perfection in hisown country, and which required some effort of mind to sit out itspresent mutilation. Yet, so highly pleased was Master George, thathe kept up a succession of applauses at every grimace made by thecomedian. Glad when the first piece was over, the Captain made amotion to adjourn to the first good bar-room and have a punch. Itwas agreed, upon the condition that the little man should "do thehonor, " and that they should return and see the next piece out. TheCaptain, of course, yielded to the rejoinder, though it wasinflicting a severe penalty upon his feelings. There was anotherpiece to come yet, which the little fellow's appetite was as readyto devour as the first. The Captain, seeing this, could not refrainexpressing his surprise. This was taken as a charge against histaste, and George immediately commenced a discussion upon thesubject of the piece, the intention of the author, and the merits ofthe principal performers, whose proper adaptation he admired. TheCaptain 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 uponthe profoundness of their own opinions, he asserted that it could beonly the different views which individuals entertained ofdelineating character, and that the Charlestonians were proverbiallycorrect in their judgment of music and dramatic performances. 

"I pity the judgment that would award merit to such a performance asthat, " said the Captain. 

"How strange, that you Englishmen and Scotchmen always find faultwith every thing we Americans do. Your writers manifest it in theirbooks upon us and the people seem of necessity to copy from them, and echo their grumblings, " rejoined Master George. 

"You judge from the common saying, instead of a knowledge frontobservation, I fear, " said the Captain. 

"Lord, sir! you must not judge me by that rule. Carolinians, sir, always appreciate intelligent strangers, for they always exert ahealthy influence, and never meddle with our institutions; so yousee it wouldn't do to follow the pestilent notions of pettyscribblers, lest we should form wrong opinions. " 

"But tell me, " said the Captain, "do you consider yourselvesAmericans in South Carolina?--the pilot must have led me astray. " 

"Americans! yes, indeed, the true blood at that, and no man oftip-top judgment ever questioned it. But you must mark thedifference; we ha'n't Yankees, nor we don't believe in theirinfernal humbuggery about abolition. If it wasn't for South Carolinaand Georgia, the New-Englanders would starve for want of our cottonand rice. It's the great staple what keeps the country together; andas much as they talk about it, just take that away, and what wouldthe United States be? We South Carolinians give no symptoms orexpressions of what we mean to do that we cannot maintain. We havebeen grossly insulted by the Federal Government, but it dar'n't comeat us and just give us a chance at fair fight. We'd show 'em thethunder of the Palmetto, that they'd never trouble our sovereigntyagain. Captain, I pledge you my honor that if there wasn't so manyinfernal 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'tpluck, and has no chivalry at all among her people. She allows suchprivileges to them Yankees-gives them power to control hermanufacturing interests-and this is just what will uproot thefoundation of their slave institution. Georgians a'n't a bit likeus; first, they are too plebeian in their manners-have no bond ofguardianship for their laws, and exert no restraints for the properprotection of good society. But, Captain, their stock has adifferent origin, and the peculiarity which now marks our charactermay be traced to the offspring of early settlement. We derived ourcharacter and sentiments from the Huguenots; they, from anuncharacterized class of coarse adventurers, whose honesty wastinctured with penal suspicion. This, sir, accounts for thedifferences so marked in our character. " 

The little fellow pressed this kind of conversation in the lobby ofthe theatre, and at the same time took the very particular pleasureof introducing the Captain to several of the young bloods, as hecalled them, while they walked to and from the boxes. At length theCaptain found himself in a perfect hornet's nest, surrounded byvicious young secessionists, so perfectly nullified in the growththat they were all ready to shoulder muskets, pitchforks, anddaggers, and to fire pistols at poor old Uncle Sam, if he shouldpoke his nose in South Carolina. The picture presented was that ofan unruly set of children dictating their opinions to a hoary-headedold daddy-accusing him of pragmatism, and threatening, if he wastwice as old, they'd whip him unless he did as they directed. Theknowledge of South Carolina's power and South Carolina'sdifficulties with the Federal Government he found so universally setforth as to form the atmosphere of conversation in the parlor, thepublic-house, the school and the bar-room, the lecture-room and thetheatre. 

The little man extended his invitation to a party of the bloods. TheCaptain was taken by the arms in a kind of bond fellowship, andescorted into Baker's eating-saloon, a place adjacent to thetheatre, and, to a man unaccustomed to the things that are inCharleston, a very rowdy place. This is considered by Charlestoniansone of the finest places in the Southern country; where good suppersand secession (the all-engrossing subjects with Charles-tonians)form the only important element of conversation. It may be set downas a fact, that among seven-tenths of the people of Charleston, thestandard of a gentleman is measured according to his knowledge ofsecession and his ability to settle the question of hot suppers. Wesay nothing of that vigorous patriotism so often manifested in along string of fulsome toasts that disgrace the columns of theMercury and Courier. 

At Baker's the place was literally crowded with all kinds andcharacters, graded from the honorable judge down to the pot-boy; apot-pouri of courtesy and companionship only exhibited in England onthe near approach of elections. The reader may think this strange, but we can assure him that distinctions are strangely maintained; anexclusive arrogance being observed in private life, while a toofrequent and general resort to bar-rooms has established plebeianismin public. Voices were sounding at all parts of the counter, and foras many different voices as many different mixtures were named. TheCaptain received a great many introductions, and almost as manyinvitations to drink; but the little man, Master George, claimed theexclusive honor, and keeping an eye wide awake, took the advantageof his own dimensions, and began working his way through a barricadeof bodies and elbows, until he had reached the counter. His partyfollowed close, at his heels. Altogether, they called for cocktails, smashes, toddies, cobblers, juleps, and legitimates. These disposedof, the company repaired to what is called a "box up-stairs. "Scarcely seated, Master George rang the bell with such violence thathe disjointed the cord and tassel, and gave such an alarm that threeor four darkies came poking their alarmed countenances through thecurtains at once. 

"There's nothing like making the fellows mind; they've got soinfernal independent here, and old Tom thinks so much of his youngwife, that his niggers have begun to imitate him. One's enough at atime!" said Master George, with all the importance of his character. A "bright boy, " with his hair nicely parted on the middle of hishead, and frizzed for the occasion, made a polite bow, while theothers retired. 

"What have you choice for supper, to-night? We want something ripefor the palate-none of your leavings, now, you infernal nigger, anddon't tell us none of your lies. " 

"Birds, sir, grouse, woodcock, partridge, canvas-backs, and quails;meats, venison, and oysters, master-did up in any shape what thegentlemen wish. Wines, &c. , if they want, " replied the servant, without any of the negro dialect, at the same time making a low bowto Master George. 

"Name it! name your dishes, gentlemen! Don't be backward. I supposehis birds are as usual, without age to flavor them. It's perfectlyheathenish to eat birds as they are served here: we never get a birdhere that is sufficiently changed to suit a gentleman o' taste;their beef's tough, and such steak as they make is only fit forshoemakers and blacksmiths. I never come into the place but I thinkof my journey in France, where they know the style and taste of agentleman, and things are served to suit your choice. " Thus ourlittle friend continued his connoisseur remarks, to give the Captaina particular idea of his proficiency in the requisite qualities, age, and time of keeping necessary to make the adjuncts of a supperfit 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 moretaste than a cow. Our folks ought to all go to France for a year ortwo, to learn the style of cooking. It's perfect murder to eat abird the very day after it's killed; yes, sir! no man that considershis stomach will do it, " said George. 

The servant waited impatiently-the Captain rubbed his eyes, andbegan 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, andchampagne of his favourite brand-none other. There was also abilliard-room, reading-room, a room for more important gambling, anda bar-room, up-stairs. All these were well filled with very well-dressed and very noisy people; the latter being a very convenientplace, the party sent to it for tipplers to fill up time. 

"This is but a small portion of what constitutes life in Charleston, Captain. We live for living's sake, and don't stand upon thoseblueskin theories of temperance and religion that Yankees do, andblame the Father of generations for not making the world better. Inever saw one of them that wasn't worse than we Southerners beforehe'd been in Charleston a year, and was perfect death on niggers. Yes, sir, it's only the extreme goodness of the Southern people'shearts that makes the niggers like them so. I never saw a Northerneryet 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 everbeen in France, sir?" said he, suddenly breaking off. The Captainreplied in the affirmative. 

"Ah! then you can speak French! the most polished language known torefined society. I wouldn't part with my French for the world. Allthe first families in Charleston are familiar with it. It's themodern gentleman's curt-blanche to society here. There's no languagelike it for beauty and flexibility; but one must go to France andlearn to acquire its grace and ease, " said he, in rapid succession, rolling out his words in imitation of a London sprig of the InnerTemple, and working his little mastiff mouth. 

"No, sir, " said the Captain quaintly. "I never stopped long enoughin France to get hold of the lingo. " 

"God bless me, what a misfortune! and can't speak it yet, ah? Why, Captain, if you wanted to court a petit‚ madmoselle, you'd be in asad fix-she wouldn't understand what you were talking about andwould take your love-pledges for gammon. " 

"You're mistaken there, my good fellow. Love grows on trees inFrance, and a French woman can see it. Before you begin to tell herabout it!" retorted the Captain, which brought a "Good! good! hithim again!" from the whole party. At this, Master George commencedreading the Captain a disquisition upon the best mode of acquiringthe French language. Supper was brought-in old Tom Baker's bestflourish-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 sove-reignty of South Carolina, which they continued to pour out until alate hour, every man backing his sayings by the authority of thegreat and wonderful Calhoun. 

The Captain sat eating away, and seeming more disposed to enjoy thephysical consolation of his supper than to elevate his ideas uponSouth Carolina's politics. 

"Now, Captain, " said Master George, in a very serious tone, after hehad been striking his hand upon the marble table for more than anhour to confirm the points of his reasoning, --"what is your opinionof the great question at issue between the Federal Government andSouth Carolina? And what do you think of the Old Dominion? how willshe stand upon the test-question?" 

The poor Captain looked confounded-took another oyster, and began toget his mouth. In a fix, while little George worked his fingersthrough his nice curly hair, and the young bloods awaited therejoinder with anxiety. 

"Really, sir, you have the advantage of me in your question. It isso much beyond my profession that I am entirely ignorant of thesubject-therefore could not give an opinion. In truth, sir, I do notknow the purport of the question. It has given me pleasure andinformation to listen to your conversation and the ability youdisplayed in argument, but, as a stranger, I could take no part, "replied the Captain very sincerely. 

Not content with this, Master George wished to be more direct. "It'sthe right of secession, Captain-the power to maintain the right bythe constitution. " 

"Probably; but may I expose my ignorance by inquiring what is meantby secession? and to what it is applied so frequently?" inquired theCaptain. 

"Oh! murder Captain; have you never heard of nullification times!Well, sir, you must be posted on the affairs of our government. " Sohe commenced an analysis of nearly an hour long, and in it gave someastonishing accounts of the wonderful statesmanship of Calhoun, Butler, and Rhett, tapering down with a perfect fire-and-thunderaccount of the military exploits of General Quattlebum and CaptainBlanding. The Captain began to stretch and gape, for he laboredunder the fatigue of a perilous voyage, and repose was the onlysovereign remedy. He felt that the limits of propriety were entirelyoverstepped, and that he would have reason to remember the firstnight spent with little George the secessionist. 

"But, Captain! my dear fellow. I see you don't understand ourposition yet. We've been insulted; yes, most rascally insulted bythe Federal Government, and they keep it up every year. We can't getour rights. Oh! no, sir, there's no such thing in the knowledge ofthe Federal officers as justice for South Carolina; and you mustunderstand, Captain, that she is the greatest State in the Union, and there a'n't nothing like her people for bravery. The politicalpower's got North and West, the old constitution is being dissectedto suit the abolitionists, and they're drawing the cordon around usfaster and faster; and they're now out like a warrior boldly to theconquest, sounding their voices in the halls of Congress, appealingto human and divine power to protect their nonsense, and biddingdefiance to our constitutional rights, Our slaves are our property, protected by the law of God-by that inspired and superhuman wisdomthat founded our great and glorious constitution. Yes, sir! it wasan institution entailed upon us by our forefathers, and a wiseprovidence has provided proper laws by which we shall protect andsee these poor miserable devils of helpless slaves, that can't takecare of themselves, straight through. " 

"But how does this affect you and the Federal Government?" inquiredthe Captain. 

"Why, sir, most directly!" replied Master George, screwing his mouthand giving his head a very learned attitude. "Directly, sir!--theFederal Government is acquiescing in every abolition scheme that isput forward by that intriguing Northern compact for theestablishment of new governments in the territories. She is grantingunconstitutional privileges to designing politicians, whose chiefaim is to uproot our domestic institution and destroy the allegianceof the slave to his master, by which the slaves would be cast uponthe world unprotected, and we disarmed of power to protect them. Ah!sir, I tell you, of all fruits of the imagination that would be themost damnable, and the slave would be the sufferer. It would beworse for him, poor fellow; it would be an abuse of human powerwithout precedent. So far as political power is concerned, we arenearly disarmed. The influx of population finds its way into theopened avenues of the North and West. And with opinions predisposedagainst our institutions, and the contaminating influence standingready with open arms to embrace the great current, what can weexpect? It's the increasing power made by foreign influx that'sgiving tone to our government. If our Southern Convention stand firmwe are saved; but I'm fearful there's too many doubtful shadows init that won't stand to the gun. That's what's always played thedevil 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 ofmaking the issue, and standing to the question with our coffins onour backs. These condescensions of thought and feeling arise fromthe misconceived notions of a few, who are always ready to join, butnever willing to march to action, and must not be taken as aspecimen of South Carolina bravery. The Federal Government hasbecome vicious and even puerile toward South Carolina; and since theHerculean power of the great Calhoun is gone, it treats us like asemi-barbarous and secluded people, mistaking our character. Butwe'll learn the Federal Government a lesson yet. " 

"Do not your legislators make laws for your government, or how is itthat you express such a restive dissatisfaction? Do not the samelaws which govern you, govern the whole of the slave States?" 

Little George had previously monopolized all the conversation, butat this juncture five or six voices broke out, each fired with areply to the Captain's question; and yet the answer was of the sameold stamp: What South Carolina had done-how she had fought andgained the Mexican war-how she was interested in slaves, and how sheyet feared to strike the blow because a set of mere adventurers hadgot the power to vote in her elections, and cowards through them hadgot into the legislature. 

"Why, gentlemen, listen to me in this particular. If"--

"Your oysters are getting cold, George, " interrupted a blood at hisleft, rather facetiously. 

"I claim the respect due a gentleman, sir! A South Carolinian willtransgress no rules of etiquette, " said George, grasping his tumblerin a passionate manner and smashing it upon the marble slab, causinga sudden emeute in the camp. "Order! order! order!" was sounded fromevery tongue. "You mustn't be afeard, Captain, " said one of theparty. "This is perfectly South Carolinian-just the oscillating ofthe champagne; it won't last long. " 

The noise was more loud than ordinary, and brought a score of peoplearound to hear the trouble. George had got in high dudgeon, and ittook several persons to hold him, while the remainder, not exceptingthe Captain, were engaged in a pacification. The scene was veryextravagant in folly; and through the kind interposition of friends, the matter was settled to the honorable satisfaction of bothparties-the question was called for-the Captain called for alegitimate, rubbed his eyes, and little George proceeded. "If myfriend Thomas Y. Simmons, Jr. , had been elected to the legislaturehe'd altered the position of things in South Carolina. All thesecorruptions would have been exposed, and the disparity of partywould have dwindled into obscurity. Every true Carolinian voted forhim 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!" Avoice answered, "Because he wasn't big enough!" "No, sir, " saidGeorge, "it was because there was intrigue in the party, and theYankee influence went to put him down. The world'll hear from himyet. He's my particular friend, and will stand in the halls ofCongress as great a statesman as ever lisped a political sentiment. "

George's account of his particular friend, Thomas Y. S--, Jr. , wasso extravagant, and not having heard of him before, the Captain'scuriosity was aroused to know who he was and where he resided. Wewill not tax the reader with George's wonderful memoir of hisfriend, but merely inform him that "little Tommy Simmons, " as he isusually styled in Charleston, is an exact pattern of Master George, with the exception of his mouth, which is straight and regular; andif we may be allowed to condescend to the extremes, we should saythat the cordwainer had done more for his heels. Otherwise, nodaguerreotype could give a counterpart more correct. Tommy is a verysmall member of the Charleston bar, who, though he can seldom beseen when the court is crowded, makes a great deal of noise withoutdisplaying power of elucidation or legal abilities, yet alwaysacquitting himself cleverly. Tommy was little George in twoparticulars-he had studied law, and was a great secessionist; and ifGeorge had never practised, it was only from inclination, which heasserted arose from a humane feeling which he never couldovercome-that he never wished to oppress anybody. But the greatestcontrast that the reader can picture to himself between mental andphysical objects existed between Tommy's aspirations and thephysical man. His mind was big enough, and so was his self-confidence, to have led the Assyrian and Chaldean army against theHebrews. To this end, and to further the formula of hisstatesmanship, no sooner was he twenty-one, and the corner justturned, than he sounded his war-trumpet-secession or death!--mountedthe rostrum and "stump'd it, " to sound the goodness and greatness ofSouth Carolina, and total annihilation to all unbelievers innullification. It was like Jonah and the whale, except theswallowing, which spunky Tommy promised should be his office, if theFederal Government didn't toe the mark. Yes, Tommy was a candidatefor the legislature, and for the Southern Congress, (which latterwas exclusively chivalrous;) and the reader must not be surprisedwhen we tell him that he lacked but a few votes of being elected tothe former. Such was the voice of the Charleston district. 

Supper had been discussed down to the fragments, and all expressedtheir satisfaction of the quantity and declined any more; but Georgecalled on another bottle of champagne, and insisted that the partyshould take a parting glass. The servant had begun to extinguish thelights-a sure sign that the success of the bar was ended for thenight. George reprimanded the negro-the sparkling beverage wasbrought, glasses filled up, touched, and drunk with the standingtoast of South Carolina. A motion to adjourn was made and seconded, and the party, feeling satisfied with their evening's recreation, moved off accordingly. 

CHAPTER VIII. 

A FEW POINTS OF THE LAW. 

IN Charleston, such an adjournment at a bar-room or an eating-house, when parties are enjoying what is termed a "pleasant occasion, " doesnot mean an adjournment to the domestic fireside; nor are thedistinctions between married and single men regarded, thoughdomestic attachments may be considered as governing the thoughts andfeelings. The practical definition of such an adjournment means tosome place where beauty secludes itself to waste in shame. 

The party descended into the lower bar-room, which, though ratherthinned, presented a picture of characters stimulated to thetottering point. A motion had been made and strongly seconded tovisit the voluptuous house of a certain lady, which it is considereda stranger has not seen Charleston until he has visited. The Captainremonstrated against this, assuring the party that he must go to theship and needed rest. Again and again they insisted, setting forththe charms and beauty of the denizens, but he as often declined inthe most positive manner. Unable to move him in his resolution, oneby one began to give him a hearty shake of the hand and bid himgood-night, leaving little Master George to the exclusive honor ofseeing him home. 

Standing in the centre of the room, surrounded by five or sixpersons well-dressed but very weak in the knees, was aportly-looking gentleman; with very florid countenance, keen darkeyes, and aquiline nose which he frequently fingered. There was anair of respectability about him, though his countenance was notmarked with any particularly prominent feature to distinguish himfrom the ordinary class of respectable men. He spoke well, yetwithout taste or discrimination in his language, was rather bald andgray, with small head. And low perceptive powers; and judging fromthe particular tone of his voice and. The cant terms he used, weshould think he had figured among the Kentucky horse-traders, ormade stump speeches in Arkansas. His dress was inclined to thegaudy. He wore a flashy brown-colored frock-coat with the collarlaid very far back, a foppish white vest exposing his shirt-bosomnearly down to the waistbands of his pants, which were of graystripes. But the more fanciful portions of his dress were a largeand costly fob-chain, which hung very low and supported an immenseseal containing a glistening stone, which he seemed very fond ofdangling with his left hand. Attached to this was a very prominentlydisplayed black ribbon, answering the purpose of a guard-chain, andlaid with great contrasting care over the bosom of his shirt. This, with a neckerchief of more flashy colors than Joseph's coat, and alate style Parisian hat, with the rim very exquisitely turned uponthe sides, make up our man. 

He was discussing politics, with a great many sensible sayings, though nothing like close reasoning; and strange as it may seem, hewas strongly opposed to the rabid views of several staggeringsecessionists, who surrounded him, and advocated the views set forthin convention by Mr. Butler. We remarked this more particularly, forit was about the only instance we witnessed of a public man beingindependent enough to denounce the fanaticism of secession. A moreamusing scene than that presented by the attitudes-the questions inregard to South Carolina licking the Federal Government-the strangepomp-ribald gasconade, and high-sounding chivalry of the worthies, cannot be imagined. They were in a perfect ecstasy with themselvesand South Carolina, and swore, let whatever come, they were ready tomeet it. 

Little Master George seemed very anxious that the Captain shouldbecome acquainted with him, and commenced giving him a monstrousaccount of his distinguished abilities. "And that's not all!" saidGeorge; "he's not only one of the greatest characters in Charleston, or perhaps the State, but he's a right good fellow. " 

We will interrupt, by informing the reader that he was one of thegood fellows-a numerous family in Charleston-who never use fineinstruments when they select their company; and pay a large amountof worthy tribute to the liquor-dealers. There is no discriminatinglatitude attached to the good-fellow family, for its members may befound with alike gratifying inclinations, from the highestaristocracy to the negro population. 

"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 thrillingthat he always reminds me of Pericles. He can beat little Thomas Y. Simmons, Jr. , all to pieces-make the best stump speech-address apublic assemblage, and rivet all their minds-can make a jury cryquicker than any other man-can clear the worst criminal that evercommitted crime-and he's good-hearted too-can draw the mostastonishing comparisons to confound the minds of stupid jurors, andmake them believe the d--dest nonsense that ever man invented. Yes, sir-when he makes a speech, everybody goes to hear him, for he sayswhat he pleases, and old Judge Withers, whose will is as arbitraryas Julius C‘sar'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 tellthe best invented story of any man in town. He cleared the villanousDoctor Hines once upon the color of his pantaloons. " 

George waited impatiently for the end of the political controversy, determined to introduce his friend to the colonel. He soon had anopportunity, for the colonel, finding himself beset by a set ofunreasonable secessionists, made a sweeping declaration. "Gentlemen, " said he, "let me tell you a modest fact: seven-eighthsof the secession fire-eaters don't know what the proper meaning ofgovernment is: I make the charge against my own people-but it istrue. " "Traitor! traitor!--traitor to South Carolina, " was sounded atthe top of a dozen voices. 

"Then, if I am such in your opinions, I'm gratified to know that myfeelings are my own. Good-night!" 

Thus saying, he withdrew from the party, and making his way for thedoor, was saluted by George, who introduced him to his friend, theCaptain. The colonel was a very sociable, communicative man; andtaking the Captain's arm, as they walked along, entered into aninteresting conversation about his voyage and first visit to thecity, at the same time displaying his good sense in not trying toforce the great things of South Carolina into his mind. 

We, a few weeks afterward, had the good fortune to hear the legalabilities of this gentleman displayed in a plea at the bar. Therewere many good points in it, which, if not legally pointed, were saidwell; yet we should class him as belonging to the loud school. 

The Captain, thinking it a good opportunity to make some inquiriesabout his steward, as they proceeded, commenced in the followingmanner: 

Your laws are very stringent in South Carolina, I believe, sir!" 

"Well, no sir, " said the colonel, "if we except those which governthe niggers; they of necessity must be so; we have had so manyemeutes with them, that no law can be made too strict in itsbearings. We have so many bad niggers poured in upon us, that thewhole class is becoming corrupted. " 

"Your laws, of course, make a distinction between good and badniggers, and free negroes?" interposed the Captain. 

"We make no distinction between the colors-some are as white as youare; but the grades are so complex that it would be impossible tomake a sliding-scale law for any fixed complexions. The law whichgoverns them is distinctive and comprehensive-made in order toshield the white population from their ignorance of law andevidence. We never could govern them in their respective spheres, unless the laws were made stringent in their effect. As for the freeniggers, they're the greatest nuisance we have; it is our policy toget rid of them, and to that end we tax them severely. The riddanceof this class of niggers would be an essential benefit to ourslaves, as upon account of their influence our negro-laws are mademore 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 canmarried to slaves, and the free women run off. You, that areaccustomed to the free institutions of your country, may think someof these things singular at first; but you would soon becomeaccustomed to them, and would really admire them when you saw howbeautifully they worked. " 

"Is there no discretionary power left?" inquired the Captain. "Itmust be oppressive, if carried out; Good men-whether they be whiteor black-are entitled to the advantages due them; but where lawssuch as you describe are carried out, a good man's evidence beingblack, the intention could not be made white. Now, according to myidea of the law of nature, a man's merits are in his moral integrityand behaviour; therefore I should establish the rule that a goodblack man was better than a bad white man, and was as much entitledto the respect and government of law. " 

"Hi!--oh! Captain; it won't do to talk so in South Carolina. Just leta nigger imagine himself as good as a white man, and all the sevencodes in Christendom wouldn't keep 'em under. Ah! you've got tolearn a thing or two about niggers yet, " interrupted Master George, before the Colonel had time to speak. 

"I only speak from my observation of human nature; but I may becomebetter acquainted with your laws, if I remain among you, " said theCaptain. 

"As I have said before sir, " replied the Colonel, "our nigger-lawsare such as to require a strict enforcement. If we allowed theprerogative of a discretionary power, it would open the way to anendless system of favoritism, just at the mercy and feelings ofthose exercising it. As it is now, the white or black nigger, maleor female, gets the same law and the same penalty. We make nodistinction even at the paddle-gallows. The paddle-gallows is aframe with two uprights, and a wrench screw at the top. The negro'shands are secured in iron wristlets-similar to handcuffs; a rope isthen attached to an eye in these, and passing over the wrench, whichbeing turned, the negro is raised in an agonizing position until thetips of his toes scarcely touch the floor. Thus suspended, with theskin stretched to its utmost tension, it not unfrequently parts atthe first blow of the paddle. Sometimes the feet are secured, whenthe effect of this modern science of demonstrating the tension ofthe human body for punishment becomes more painful under the paddle. South Carolinians deny this mode of punishment generally, and neverallow strangers to witness it. It is not, as some writers havestated, practised in Georgia, where, we are happy to say, that sofar as punishment is conducted in a legal manner, at the jails andprisons, it is administered in a humane manner; and instead ofturning modern barbarity into a science, as is, done in SouthCarolina, a strict regard for the criminal is observed. I willrelate some singular facts connected with the strictness with whichwe South Carolinians carry out our laws. And now that we are on thespot connected with it, its associations are more forcibly impressedon my mind. It brings with it many painful remembrances, and, werewe differently situated, I should wish the cause to be removed. Butit cannot be, and we must carry out the law without makingallowances, for in these little leniencies all those evils whichthreaten the destruction of our peculiar institution creep in. Infact, Captain, they are points of law upon which all our domesticquietude stands; and as such, we are bound to strengthen our meansof enforcing them to the strictest letter. Our laws are founded uponthe ancient wisdom of our forefathers, and South Carolina has nevertraduced herself or injured her legal purity. We have reduced oursystem almost to a practical science, so complete in its bearingsand points of government as to be worthy the highest and noblestpurposes of our country. And at the same time, such is the spiritand magnanimity of our people, that in framing laws to guard againstthe dangerous influences of that wing of our country that spreadsits ambitious fallacies--its tempting attractions-shallow criticismsupon minute and isolated cases-redundant theories without measure orobservation, and making a standard for the government of slaves uponfoolish and capricious prejudices, we have been careful to preservea conservative moderation toward the slave. But, to my remarks. " 

The party had now arrived opposite to what was formerly known asJones's Hotel, where the Colonel made a halt to relate the singularcase that had pained his feelings, though he held very tenaciouslyto the law as it was, because he believed strongly in the wisdom ofthe South Carolina judiciary. 

"Our first and great object is to prevent the interchange ofsentiment between our domestic niggers, whether bond or free, andniggers who reside abroad or have left our State; To do this, itbecame imperative to establish a law prohibiting free negroes fromcoming into the State, and those in the State from going out, underpenalty of imprisonment and fine, if they returned. The penaltyamounted to sale upon a peon form; and subjected the offender to theslave system in a manner that he seldom retrieved himself. You willobserve, Captain, the penalty is not desired by our people, theobject being to prevent them from returning, and as such it mustbe taken in the spirit of its origin. Another very wise provisionwas made by our legislators, and which has prevented a great deal ofsuffering on the part of the slave. A few years ago, our wiselegislature made a law to revert the power of emancipation from theboard of magistrates where it had been very much abused, to theHouse itself. And such is the law at the present day, that no mastercan give his slaves their freedom, except by special act of thelegislature, and that with such a multiplicity of provisions andconditions that few even attempt it. But I'm about to refer to casesin which some modification might be said to have been necessary, because in them are embodied the worst germs for abolitionspeculation. 

"That, Captain, is Jones's Hotel, " said the Colonel, pointing to anodd-looking house of antique and mixed architecture, with a largeconvex window above the hall-entrance, in the second story. Thishouse is situated in Broad street, next to the aristocratic St. Michael's Church, one of the most public places in the city. "Inyears past, that house was kept by Jones, a free nigger. Jones wasalmost white, a fine portly-looking man, active, enterprising, intelligent, honest to the letter, and whose integrity andresponsibility was never doubted. He lived in every way like a whiteman, and, I think, with few exceptions, never kept company with evenbright folks. His house was unquestionably the best in the city, andhad a widespread reputation. Few persons of note ever visitedCharleston without putting up at Jones's, where they found, not onlythe comforts of a private house, but a table spread with everyluxury that the county afforded. The Governor always put up atJones's; and when you were travelling abroad, strangers would speakof the sumptuous fare at Jones's in Charleston, and the elegance andcorrectness of his house. But if his house and fare were the boastof Carolinians, and the remark of strangers, his civility andcourteous attention could not be outdone. Jones continued in thepopularity of his house for many years, reared a beautiful, intelligent, and interesting family; at the same time accumulatedabout forty thousand dollars. The most interesting part of hisfamily was three beautiful daughters, the eldest of whom was marriedto a person now in New York. She was fairer than seven-eighths ofthose ladies who term themselves aristocracy in Charleston, andpromenade King street in the afternoon. 

"She removed to New York with her husband, who now resides in thatcity, engaged in lucrative and respectable business. A short timeafter, her second sister-not dreaming that the law would be sostringent as to class her with the lowest nigger, or even lay itspainful bearings at her door; for the family were very high-minded, and would have considered themselves grossly insulted to have theopprobrious name of nigger applied to them-paid her a visit. Thepublic became acquainted with the fact, and to his surprise, Joneswas informed by authority that upon no condition could she beallowed to return-that the law was imperative, and no considerationcould be given to the circumstances, for such would be virtuallydestroying its validity, and furnishing a precedent that would befollowed by innumerable cases. In spite of all the remonstranceswhich Jones could set forth, and the influence of several friends ofhigh standing, he was compelled to relinquish all hope of hisdaughter's being allowed to return to the family. The reasoning setforth 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, wemaintain the point and spirit of the law above every thing else. 

"But the end is not here! A few years after this, Jones received aletter, that his daughter was very sick and not expected tolive-accompanied with a desire to have the last soothing comfort ofseeing her parents. Jones being an affectionate man, and dotinglyfond 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 sowell known as himself trying to elude recognition. 

"His son-in-law, Lee, a noble fellow, kept the house, and when Joneswas inquired for, it was reported that he was confined to his room. It would have been well if Jones had kept himself secluded in NewYork; but he was recognised by a Charlestonian, and, as such reportshave uncommon wings, the news of it soon reached the authorities;when a mandate was issued accordingly, and Jones subjected to thefate of his daughter. There are many painful circumstances connectedwith the affair, which, if well told, would make quite a romance, "said the Colonel, all of which the Captain listened to with profoundattention. "His family all moved to New York, and his affairs wereput into the hands of attorneys here, for settlement, by his son-in-law, who continued the business for some years. " 

"Of course he got his property restored to him?" interrupted theCaptain. 

"Most certainly, Captain! The spirit of justice is coequal with thatof honorable law, in South Carolina, " said George, anxious torelieve the Colonel of the answer. 

"It is somewhat difficult to settle a man's business by legalprocess when the principal is not present. The law's delay andlawyers' spoils make time hallowed and costly, " said the Captain. 

"You're right there, Captain, " said the Colonel; "and I doubt-tospeak honestly-whether Jones ever got much of his property. There'sa good many stories told, and a great deal of mystery about itthat's got to be explained to my mind. But you're a stranger, Captain, and it would not be interesting to the feelings of aScotchman. I may give you the details more minutely at some futureday. " 

"Why, Colonel!" said George, "you should be considerate in yourstatements. Remember the immense difficulty that has attendedJones's affairs-they're not all settled yet. " 

"True, George; and I'm afraid they never will be;--but there aresome very singular appearances connected with it. I mean no personaldisrespect toward those cousins of yours who have figured in thecase. 'Tis bad to call names, but there is a mystery about a certainmember of our profession getting rich, when poor Jones declares he'sgot nothing, and Lee has had to give up the house, --I don't say whatfor. " * * * 

"Yes, strange things must be kept strangely secret in some parts ofthe world, and only whispered when there's no wind, " said theCaptain. 

"But that's the only case, Captain, " said George; "and the Colonelwas indiscreet in recounting it; for from that you may conceivewrong impressions of the best institutions and laws in the world. Jones was an old fool, led away by his nigger-like affections forthem gals of his. He never knew when he was well off, and alwayswanted to be with white folk when he was here. 'Twould been a greatdeal better if he'd let them youngest gals gone with Pingree andAllston. They'd have made the tip-top mistresses--been kept likeladies, and not been bothered, and brought all this trouble upontheir heads through these infernal abolitionists. I really believethe old fool thought some white man would marry them at one time. " 

"What harm would there've been in that, providing they're as whiteas anybody, and got plenty of money, and were handsome? There mustbe a singular sensibility, that I don't understand, exerting itselfin your society, " said the Captain laconically. 

"Harm! You'd find out the harm. Just live in South Carolina a yearor two. 'Tisn't the fair complexion-we don't dispute that-but it'sthe blood. " 

"Oh! then the legal objection, " said the Captain, "is what is sorevolting to society, eh! It may be sown broadcast inlicentiousness, then, and custom sustains an immoral element that isdevouring the essential bond of society. " 

"Excuse me, Captain, " interrupted the Colonel. "George, you arealways taking me upon suppositions. I only related it to the Captainin order to show the power and integrity of our law, and how SouthCarolinians frequently sacrifice their own interests to maintain itintact. Nothing could be more fatal to its vitality than to makeprovisions which would entail legal preferences. The law in regardto free niggers leaving the State should be looked upon in the lightof protection rather than alienation, for it is made to protectproperty and society. Yet where a case is attended with suchcircumstances as that of Jones's, some disposition to accommodatemight have been evinced without endangering the State's sovereignty. And I must also differ with you, George, so far as the girlsmaintained their self-respect. It was commendable in them to gethusbands whom they could live with in the bonds of matrimony. Myword for it, George, though I am a Southerner, and may give rein toimproprieties at times, nothing can be more pernicious to oursociety than this destructive system of our first people in keepingmistresses. It's a source of misery at best, depending uponexpediency instead of obligation, and results in bringing forthchildren and heirs with an entailed burden upon their lives, to bedisowned, cast off from paternal rights, and left to the tendermercies of the law. We see the curse, yet countenance it-and whileit devours domestic affections and has cankered the core of socialobligations, we look upon it as a flowery garden as we pass by thewayside. . There may be but a shadow between the rightful heir andthe doubtful son-the former may enjoy the bounty of his inheritance, but the latter is doomed to know not his sire nor his kinsman, butto suffer the doubts and fears and the dark gloom which broods overa bondman's life. " 

"By-je-w-hu! Colonel, what in scissors are you preaching about. Youmust a' got a pull too much at Bakers's. You're giving vent to realabolition sentiments. Exercise your knowledge of the provision thatis made for such children. The Captain will certainly draw incorrectnotions about us, " said George, with anxiety pictured on hiscountenance. He knew the Colonel's free, open, and frank manner ofexpressing himself, and feared lest the famous name of the chivalryshould suffer from his unconscious disclosures. 

"Provisions! George, you know my feelings concerning that vice whichis so universally practised in our community. If you know of anyprovision, it's more than I do. Perhaps you are older and have hadmore experience. 'Tis the want of such a provision that is justdestroying our institution of slavery!" 

At this juncture the Captain interrupted them, and begging that theColonel would finish the story about Jones, said he had a fewquestions to ask them after it was through. 

"Well, " said the Colonel, "Jones died, I believe; but his family areas industrious as ever, and have made money enough to livecomfortable; but the scamps have turned out perfect helpmates of theabolitionists, and make their intelligence figure at the bottom ofmany an escape. But Lee's case is as hard as Jones's. His son wentto New York to see his grandfather, and was debarred by the samestatute of limitations. Lee, however, was a very capable fellow, andafter trying for two years, and finding it would be impossible toreturn 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. Thefather is now in this city, making a living for his family atsomething or other. He has made several efforts to sell out hislittle property, but there's some trouble about the title; and if heleaves it to go and see his son, he knows what the consequences willbe; and to leave it for settlement would be to abandon it, to thesame fate that swallowed up Jones's. Thus the son cannot come tovisit his father, nor the father go to visit the son. This, in myopinion, is carrying a prohibition to an extreme point; and althoughI believe the law should be maintained, I cannot believe that anygood arises from it upon such people as the Jones's and Lee's, fromthe very fact that they never associated with niggers. Hence, wherethere is no grounds for fear there can be no cause for action, "continued the Colonel. 

"Just what I wanted to know, " said the Captain. "As I informed you, I am driven into your port in distress. Charleston, as you areaware, is in an advantageous latitude for vessels to refit that havemet with those disasters which, are frequent in the gulf and amongthe Bahamas. Thus I expected to find good facilities here, withoutany unkind feeling on the part of the people"--

"Oh! bless me, Captain, you will find us the most hospitable peoplein the world, " said the Colonel. 

"But your pilot told me I would have trouble with my steward, andthat the law would make no distinction between his being cast uponyour shores in distress and subject to your sympathy, and his comingin voluntarily. " 

"What!" said little George. "Is he a nigger, Captain? Old Grimshaw'sjust as sure to nab him as you're a white man. He'll buy and sell asaint for the fees, and gives such an extended construction to theterms 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 hisconduct as an index of that of our people, and I know him so wellthat I fear the consequences. " 

"No!" said the Captain. "My steward is a Portuguese, a sort ofmestino, and one of the best men that ever stepped foot aboard avessel. He is willing, intelligent, always ready to do his duty, andis a great favorite with his shipmates, and saves his wages like agood man-but he is olive complexion, like a Spaniard. He has sailedunder the British flag for a great many years, has been 'most allover the world, and is as much attached to the service as if he wasa Londoner, and has got a register ticket. Nothing would pain myfeelings more than to see him in a prison, for I think he has asproud a notion of honesty as any man I've seen, and I know hewouldn't commit a crime that would subject him to imprisonment forthe world. The boys have been pestering the poor fellow, and tellinghim about some old fellow they heard the pilot speak about, calledNorman Gadsden; they tell him if he catches him they'll sell him fora slave. " 

"The question is one about which you need give yourself no concern. Our people are not so inhuman but that they will shelter a castawaysailor, and extend those comforts which are due from all humanepeople. The act under which seamen are imprisoned is the lawprovided to prohibit free niggers from entering our port, and, in myopinion, was brought into life for the sake of the fees. It's nomore nor less than a tax and restriction upon commerce, and I doubtwhether it was ever the intention of the framers that it should beconstrued in this manner. However, so far as your steward is con-cerned, the question of how far his color will make him amenable tothe law will never be raised; the mere circumstance of his being aseaman in distress, thrown upon our sympathies, will be all you needamong our hospitable people. I'm not aware of a precedent, but Iwill guaranty his safety from a knowledge of the feelings of ourpeople. Our merchants are, with few exceptions, opposed to the lawin this sense, but such is the power and control of a class ofinexperienced legislators, prompted by a most trifling clique ofoffice-holders, that their voice has no weight. I am opposed to thissystem of dragging people into courts of law upon every pretext. Itis practised too much in our city for the good of its name. " 

Upon this the Colonel and little George accompanied the Captain tohis 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 hissteward, that he would see Mr. Grimshaw that night, and make allthings straight. 

Thus ended the Captain's first night in Charleston, and representeda picture from which he might have drawn conclusions somewhatdifferent from the actual result. Alas! that all the good fellowshipand pleasant associations of a people should be disgraced by anabsurdity arising from their fears. 

The Colonel might have given many other instances equally as painfulas that connected with the transportation of Jones and his family, and the fetters that were placed upon poor Lee. He might haveinstanced that of Malcome Brown, a wealthy, industrious, honest, high-minded, and straightforward man, now living at Aiken, in SouthCarolina. Brown conducts a profitable mechanical business, isunquestionably the best horticulturist in the State, and producesthe best fruit brought to the Charleston market. What has he done tobe degraded in the eyes of the law? Why is he looked upon as adangerous citizen and his influence feared? Why is he refused ahearing through those laws which bad white men take the advantageof? He is compelled to submit to those which were made to govern theworst slaves! And why is he subjected to that injustice which giveshim no voice in his own behalf when the most depraved whites are hisaccusers? Can it be the little crimp that is in his hair? for he hasa fairer skin than those who make laws to oppress him. If he inhaledthe free atmosphere from abroad, can it be that there is contagionin it, and Malcome Brown is the dreaded medium of its communication?And if the statement rung in our ears be true, "that the freecolored of the North suffer while the slave is cared for andcomfortable, " why belie ourselves? Malcome's influence is, andalways has been, with the whites, and manifestly good in thepreservation of order and obedience on the part of the slaves. Hepursues his avocation with spirit and enterprise, while he issubjected to menial and oppressive laws. His father visited NewYork, and was forbidden to return. He appealed again and again, setforth his claims and his integrity to the State and her laws, butall was of no avail. He was hopelessly banished, as it were, fromever seeing his son again, unless that son would sacrifice hisproperty and submit to perpetual banishment from the State. If wereflect upon the many paternal associations that would gladden thehearts of father and child to meet in happy affection, we mayrealize the effect of that law which makes the separation painfuland which denies even the death-bed scene its last cheeringconsolation. 

We have conversed with poor Brown on many occasions, found him avery intelligent man, full of humour, and fond of relating incidentsin the history of his family-even proud of his good credit inCharleston. He frequently speaks of his father and the gratifyinghope of meeting him at some future day, when he can give vent to hisfeelings in bursts of affection. He wants his father to return andlive with him, because he says he knows they would be more happytogether. "I suppose the law was made in justice, and it's right forme to submit to it, " he would say when conversing upon itsstringency; and it also seems a sort of comfort to him that he isnot the only sufferer. 

If South Carolina would awake to her own interest, she would findmore to fear from the stringency of her own laws than from theinfluence of a few men coming from abroad. 

CHAPTER X. 

THE PROSPECT DARKENING. 

AFTER the Colonel and little George left the Captain, as we havestated in the foregoing chapter, he descended into the cabin, andfound Manuel sitting upon one of the lockers, apparently in greatanxiety. He, however, waited for the mate to speak before headdressed the Captain. The mate awoke and informed the Captain thata slender, dark-complexioned man had been aboard a few minutes afterhe left, making particular inquiries about the steward; that hespoke like an official man, was dressed in black clothes, and worespectacles. 

"I asked him if we'd have any trouble with Manuel, and tried to makehim understand that he wasn't a black, and that our situation mightexcuse us from any annoyance through their peculiar laws. But theold chap seemed mighty stupid about every thing, and talked just asif he didn't know any thing about nothing. 'A nigger's a nigger inSouth 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'tblack?' 'It depends on how he was born, ' says he. 'Well, but yecan't make a white man a nigger nohow, whether it's in SouthCarolina or Scotland, ' says I. 'Well, we don't stand upon suchthings 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 makeyer 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 tolock 'em up to insure their good behavior and keep their badinfluence away from our slaves. 'Tis not my office. I observed yourarrival and wrecked condition, and merely came to take a look, ' saidhe. 'Well now, Mister, our steward thinks as much of himself asanybody and wouldn't mix with your niggers on any account. ButMister! won't it make a difference because we're cast upon yourshore in distress, ' says I. 'Not a whit! it's contrary to law, andthe law's got nothing to do with wind and weather. We love thesovereignty of our law too well to make any discrimination. We're ahospitable people, and always give folks plenty to eat, but we neverallow any favors in the law. I'll call and see you in the, morning, 'said he, and away he went. " 

This individual was Mr. Grimshaw, the principal mover of the powersthat be, notwithstanding he asserted that it was not his office, andthat he just walked round to take a look. 

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 theCharleston jail and the cruel treatment that was inflicted uponprisoners there by starvation. He told him that he was once put infor a trifling offence, and nearly starved to death before he gotout. "You will be sure to go there, Manuel, " said he, "for they makeno distinction; and if a man's a foreigner, and can't speak forhimself, he'll stand no chance at all. I'd give 'em the slip aforeI'd suffer such another punishment, " he continued. 

This so worked upon the poor fellow's mind, that it became a matterof little moment whether he jumped overboard or remained on theship. He waited until the mate had concluded, and commencedappealing to the Captain in a most pitiful manner. The disgrace ofbeing imprisoned seemed worse than the punishment; and he did notseem to comprehend the intention that he should be imprisoned for nocrime in the United States, when he had sailed around the world andvisited a majority of its ports, both barbarous and civilized, without molestation. He wanted the Captain to pay him off and lethim leave by some vessel in the morning. The Captain endeavored tosoothe his fears by assuring him that there was no danger of hisbeing imprisoned; that the people of Charleston had too much goodfeeling in them to be cruel to a distressed sailor; that the powerof the consul was a sufficient guarantee of protection. "You are notamong Patagonians, Manuel, " said he. "There's no use of working yourmind into a fever, you'll be as well taken care of here and bethought as much of as you would in London. " This assurance had theeffect to soothe his mind, upon which he left the cabin more atease, and went into the forecastle to turn in with his littlecompanion Tommy. Men had been detailed for the pumps as soon as theflood-tide made, and the Captain retired to his berth. 

It seemed there was a mutual understanding between the pilots andofficers in regard to the arrival of colored stewards; and thepilot, after leaving the vessel, went directly to Mr. Grimshaw'soffice and reported a nut for him to crack: this brought him to thewharf to "look around. " 

Early in the morning the crew were at their duty. The mate commencedgiving orders to clear away the deck, and Manuel to makepreparations for breakfast. He had scarcely commenced before twomen, Messrs. Dunn and Dusenberry walked up and down the wharf forseveral minutes, then they would stand together and gaze as if towatch the approach of some vessel in the offing. At length, Dusenberry, seeing Manuel come to the gangway with a bucket in hishand, walked to her side, and, stepping on board, seized him by thecollar, and drawing a paper from his pocket, said, "You're myprisoner! you must go to jail-come, be quick, sir; you must not stopto get your things; you must send for them after you're committed. " 

The mate and several of the crew being near, at once gathered aroundhim. At the same time Dunn, who was standing at the end of the wharfawaiting the result, thinking Dusenberry was opposed, came to hisassistance. The officers and crew knew the respect due to the lawstoo well to oppose any obstacles to the constables in executingtheir duty. The mate, in a very polite manner, asked as a favor thatthey would leave the man a few minutes until the Captain came ondeck. They yielded to his solicitation after a great deal ofgrumbling. The arrest made a deep feeling among the seamen, but nonefelt it more than little Tommy; he heard the noise upon deck, andcame running with tears in his eyes, and cried, "Oh! Manuel, whyManuel, what are they going to take you away for? Won't I see youagain, Manuel?" The little fellow's simplicity touched the feelingsof all present. But the lame officer, Dunn, stood with a pair ofhandcuffs in his hand, as unmoved as a stoic, while Dusenberryexpressed his impatience, and began to push the boy away, and motionto march him off. 

"Hold a bit!" said the mate. "The Captain will be on deck in a fewminutes; he wants a word or two with you. " 

"We can't stop unless we're compensated for our time. 'Tis no use todelay-'twon't do any good; he's a nigger to all intents andpurposes. I know by the curl in his hair-they can't escape me, I'vehad too much to do with them!" said Dunn. "Yes, to be sure, I cantell a nigger by his ear, if his skin's as white as chalk!" saidDusenberry. "It's all gammon this bringing bright outlandish menhere, and trying to pass them off for white folks. 'Twon't stick-youmust come up and be registered, and you'll have a good time at thejail, my boy; there's plenty of bright gals in there, and you canhave a wife, if you know how to do the courting. " 

The Captain now came upon deck; and began to intercede, begging thatthey would not take Manuel away until he had seen the BritishConsul. "I know I can make every thing straight. There is nooccasion 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, oreven go upon the wharf, if you will only allow me to see the Consulbefore you take any further action, " he continued. 

"That is beyond our power, sir; you must see the sheriff-you'll findhim in his office bright and early. But you might as well put yourappeal in your pocket, or send it to Queen Victoria, for all ConsulMathew 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 nonsenseabout English niggers to South Carolina. He'll get tarred andfeathered yet, if he a'n't mighty shy about his movements. Sorry, Captain, we can't accommodate you, but we're only actin' for thesheriff, and his orders are imperative to bring him right up. Wemust lock the fellow up. We don't make the law, nor we ha'n't thepower to control it. " Thus saying, Dunn took a little key from hispocket and begun to turn it in the handcuffs. 

"What!" said the Captain-"don't attempt to put them things on myman, upon your peril. Is that the way you treat a poor shipwreckedsailor in South Carolina, the State of boasted hospitality? No, sir!I will sacrifice my life before my man shall submit to such athing, " said the Captain, with his Scotch energy aroused. 

"Captain!" said Dunn, "we'd not be takin' the advantage of yebecause ye're a stranger, but 'tis the law; and if we accommodatesye, sure it'll be at our own risk. But anyhow, Captain, ye'd bekeepin' meself an' this gentleman a long time waiting, 'twouldn'tbe. 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 compinsatefor the accommodation we be's to give everybody-an' the loss oftime's the loss of money. " 

"Give you a perquisite!--no, indeed; I never pay for such favors. Wait a few moments; I will accompany you myself, if you will nottake my honor for his good conduct on the way to prison, " continuedthe Captain. 

"Captain, sure ye needn't trouble yerself anyhow; we'll take yerhonor that he don't run away, and if he does ye'll stand the odds atthe sheriff's. Sure a case would niver pass Mr. Grimshaw sobservation; but to plase ye, and considering' the wreck, meself andDusenberry 'll put him up without, " said Dunn. 

During the conversation, Manuel plead hard to be heard before theConsul, having a mistaken idea that the Consul could protect himfrom all danger; and that if he could get a hearing before him, hewas sure to be released. The Captain shook his hand and told him tobe contented until the Consul's office opened, when he would come tothe jail and see him. Manuel then turned to the crew, and shakingthe hands of each, took his little bundle in one hand, and holdinglittle Tommy by the other, (who accompanied him to the head of thewharf, ) was soon out of sight. 

But will the reader believe what was the practice of these pettyofficers? We can assure them that such instances as the one we shallrelate are not only practised in Charleston to an unlimited extent, but the fact is well known to both magistrates and the public; theformer treat it as moonshine, and the latter rail against it, butnever take proper action. 

Scarcely had little Tommy left them at the head of the wharf, beforethey intimated that it would be well to consider a morning dram. Tothis end, they walked into a "Dutch corner shop, " and passing intothe back room, gave sundry insinuations that could not bemisunderstood. "Well! come, who pays the shot?" said Dunn, steppingup to the counter, and crooking his finger upon his nose at adumpling-faced Dutchman, who stood behind the counter, waiting forhis man to name it. The Dutchman was very short and very thick, leaving the impression that he had been very much depressed in hisown country when young. He rubbed his hands and flirted his fingersin motion of anxiety, "Every ting vat de shentleman vant him--darenotin like to my zin and brondty vat him got mit ze zity, " saidDutchy. 

"Gentlemen, I should be glad to have you drink with me, if it beproper to ask, " said Manuel 

"Oh! yes--certainly, yes!--just what we come for, something to cutaway the cobwebs--'twouldn't do to go out in the morning fog withouta lining, " said Dunn. 

"Name it! name it! shentlemen, " exclaimed the Dutchman, as he rappedhis fingers upon the counter, and seemed impatient to draw forth hisfilthy stuff. They named their drinks, each with a different name. Manuel not being a Charleston graduate in the profession of mixingdrinks and attaching slang names to them, Mr. Dusenberry undertookto instruct him in a choice. The Dutchman was an adept at mixing, and the "morning pulls" were soon set out to the extremesatisfaction of Dunn and Dusenberry. "All right! tip her down, myold fellow; none o' yer screwed faces over such liquor as that. Wedrink on the legitimate, in Charleston, and can put it down until wesee stars, " said Dusenberry, addressing himself to Manuel, who wasmaking a wry face, while straining to swallow the cut-throat stuff. 

Dusenberry now left Manuel in charge of Dunn, saying he was goingout to attend to some business. Manuel drew from his pocket aquarter 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 avery unpretending manner, what its value was. He knew already, yetthis was only done to try Manuel. At the same moment he winked toDunn, who, stepping up, gave it a significant toss upon the counter. "The divil a bit more than two dollars; all right, Swizer, " said he. 

"'Tis four dollar, West Inge-I want my change, " said Manuel, shrugging his shoulders. "I no want no more than my own; and no manto cheat-e me. " 

"Don't be bothering with your four dollars-sure ye a'n't in the WestInges now; and money's plenty in Charleston, and I can't bring up somuch-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. Yemust learn that it won't do for a nigger to dispute a white man inCharleston; we'd twitch ye up by the same law; we'd put it to ourown niggers, and ye'd git trised up, and about fifty paddles on yerbare butt. " The Dutchman put down a dollar and seventy cents, butManuel refused to take it up; when this fellow, Dunn, pretending tobe the friend of Manuel, held out his hand, and telling thebar-keeper to put another dollar, which he did, he passed ithurriedly into Manuel's hand, and making a pass, told him to put itinto his pocket. 

It was now about good business time for the Dutchman, and hiscustomers were coming in with their bottles and pots in greatnumbers. The place was a little filthy hole, very black and dirty, about twelve feet long, and seven feet wide, with a high boardcounter almost in the centre. The only stock-in-trade that decoratedit, was a few barrels of lager beer; several kegs, with names to setforth the different qualities of liquors painted upon them; a bushelbasket about half full of onions, and a few salt fish in a keg thatstood by the door. Around the room were several benches similar tothose in guard-houses. Upon two of them were stretched two raggedand filthy-looking negroes, who looked as if they had been spendingthe night in debauchery. Dunn, as if to show his authority, limpedtoward them, and commenced fledging their backs with his hickorystick in a most unmerciful manner, until one poor old fellow, with alame hand, cried out for mercy at the top of his voice. 

"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, andcoming from behind the counter, slipped something into his hand, andstepping to the door, assumed some threatning language against thenegroes, should they ever came back to his store. A large portion ofthose who came for liquor were negroes, who looked as if they wereparting with their last cent for stimulant, for they were ragged anddirty, and needed bread more than liquor. Their condition seemedpitiful in the extreme, and yet the Dutch "corner-shop keeper"actually got rich from their custom, and so craving was he upontheir patronage, that he treated them with much more courtesy thanhis white customers. 

These "Dutch corner-shops" are notorious places in Charleston, andare discountenanced by respectable citizens, because they become therendezvous of "niggers, " who get into bad habits and neglect theirmasters' or mistresses' business. Yet the keepers exert such aninfluence at elections, that the officials not only fear them, butin order to secure their favors, leave their rascality unmolested. Well might a writer in the Charleston Courier of August 31, 1852, say--

"We were astonished, with many others, at the sweeping charges madein 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 beabandoned, ' 'truthfulness disregarded, ' 'reverence for religionobliterated, ' 'protection to religious freedom refused, ''licentiousness allowed, ' 'and a due administration for vice, neglected. '" These charges stand unrefuted, and with but one or twoexceptions, we have never known one of those unlawful corner shopsprosecuted by the present administration. And those single instancesonly where they were driven to notice the most flagrant abuses. 

It is strictly "contrary to law in Charleston, " to sell liquor to anegro without an order from a white man; the penalty being fine andimprisonment. Yet, so flagrant has become the abuse, that it isnotorious that hush-money is paid by a certain class of Dutchliquor-sellers to the officers. In nearly all the streets ofCharleston, where there is a shanty or nook large enough to hold acounter and some tumblers, these wretches may be found dealing outtheir poisonous drugs to a poor, half-starved class of negroes, whoresort to all kinds of dishonest means to get money to spend attheir counters. These places are nearly all kept by foreigners, whose merciless avarice scruples at nothing, however mean. They soonbecome possessed of considerable means, and through their courtesyand subserviency to the negro-for they are the only class of whitesthat will beg his pardon, if they have offended him-carry on a sortof active rivalry with each other for his custom. It is from thesemiserable hells that seven-tenths of the crimes arise for which thepoor negro is dragged to the work-house and made to suffer under thepaddle. 

And yet these very men, whose connivance at vice and crime isdisregarded by the law, rise and take position in society-not onlyentering into more respectable business-but joining in that phalanxwho are seeking the life-blood of the old Southerner, and like asilent moth, working upon his decay. There is a deep significance inthe answer so frequently given in Charleston to the interrogatory, "Who lives in that splendid dwelling-it seems to have been themansion of a prince, but is somewhat decayed?" 

"Oh! bless me, yes! It was once the mansion of the So-and-sos, oneof 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 onthe Bay, and made awful charges against poor So-and-so, and after along trial in Chancery he got his house. He's a big fellow; now, Itell you, and is going to fit the house up for himself!" 

Dunn told Manuel to be seated, that there was no occasion forhurrying; it would be all right if he got to the sheriffs office atnine o'clock; and then commenced descanting upon the fine time hewould 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 jollytime; and ye a'n't a criminal, ye know, so it won't be any thing atall, only keep up a stiff under-lip. Come, let us take anotherdrink; I feel mighty husky this morning!" said he. 

Just at this time Dusenberry re-entered, puffing and blowing as ifhe 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 himfrom the wharf, " said he, in perfect ecstasy, pulling out a penciland making a note in a little book. 

"Don't be a child, " said Dunn. "Come, we have just proposed anotherdrink; you join of course; ye niver says no, --eh, Duse?" Theystepped to the counter, and Dunn, again, pointing his finger uponhis nose at the Dutchman, who stood with his hands spread upon thecounter, called for gin and bitters, Stoughton light. Turning toManuel, who was sitting upon a bench with his head reclined upon hishand, apparently in deep meditation, he took him by the collar in arude manner, and dragging him to the counter, said, "Come, by thepipers, rouse up your spirits, and don't be sulking, my oldPortugee; take another O-be-joyful, and it'll put ye all right, andye'll dance a hornpipe like a jim-crack. " 

"Excuse me, sir; I think I have taken enough; do, please, eithertake me back to my vessel, or where you are going to. This is noplace for me!" said Manuel. 

"Sure, what signifies; don't be talking your botheration here; anigger 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. 

Manuel looked around him, and then closing up very reluctantly, theDutchman filled his glass with frothy beer, and the three touchedglasses and drank. They then retired to a bench and commenceddiscussing the propriety of some point of their official privileges, while Manuel was left standing at the counter. 

"Who pay de drink vat shu get?" inquired the Dutchman, anxious toserve two little niggers who had just come in with bottles in theirhands. 

"It was our friend's treat; come, my good fellow, do the clean thingaccording to Southern science. We'll put a good word in for you tothe jailer; you won't lose nothing by it, " said Dusenberry. 

"My friends, I work hard for my money, and have none to spendfoolishly. The small amount is of little consequence, but I wouldmuch sooner make you a present of it, than to be drugged bypretence. I've no desire to indulge the propensities of others. Whatever you are going to do with me, do it; and let me know myfate. I am sick and fatigued, and have need for the doctor. Take meto a prison or where you please. I have done no crime; I want sleep, not punishment. Next time I shipwrecked, I get plank and gooverboard 'fore I cum to Charleston. " So saying, he pulled out fiftycents and threw it upon the counter, and the Dutchman swept it intothe drawer, as if it was all right, and "just the change. " 

"Shut up, you black rascal, you; you musn't talk that way in SouthCarolina; we'll have you stretched on the frame and paddled forinsolence 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 toDunn, took the handcuffs from him and attempted to put them onManuel's wrists. The poor fellow struggled and begged for more thanten minutes, and was wellnigh overpowering them, when Dusenberrydrew a long dirk-knife from his bosom, and holding it in athreatening attitude at his breast, uttered one of those fierceyells such as are common to slave-hunters, whose business it is tohunt and run down runaway niggers with bloodhounds. "Submit, youblack villain, or I'll have your heart's blood; bring a rope, andwe'll trise him up here. Jump, be quick, Swizer!" said he, addressing himself to the Dutchman. The Dutchman ran into the frontapartment; brought out a cord similar to a clothes-line; andcommenced to undo it. 

"Do you give up now?" said Dusenberry, still holding the knifepointed at him. Manuel was in the habit of carrying a poniard whenon shore in foreign countries, and put his hand to his breast-pocketto feel for it. He remembered that he had left it in his chest, andthat resistance would be useless against a posse giving expressionto such hostility to him. The shackles were put upon his hands withruffianly force. 

"Oh! am I a man, or am I a brute? What have I done to receive suchtreatment? May God look down upon me and forgive me mytransgressions; for in his hands are my rights, and he will give mejustice, " said Manuel, looking his cruel torturers in the face. 

"A man! No, by heavens, you're a nigger; an' it's that we'd heteaching you! Come, none of yer sermons here, trot off! We'll giveyou a handkerchief to cover your hands, if you're so d--d delicateabout walking through the streets, " said Dunn, throwing him an oldred handkerchief, and marching him along through Broad street. Dusenberry now left him entirely in the charge of Dunn; while, as hesaid, he went to Adger's Wharf to keep his eye on another vesselthat was approaching the dock. The tricks of this man Dunn were wellknown to those, connected with the police and sheriff's office; but, instead of being displaced for his many offences, he was looked uponby them as the best officer upon the rolls; and in fishing formischievous niggers he was held as a perfect paragon. In thisinstance he was not contented with the outrages he had inflictedupon Manuel at the Dutch grog-shop, which he had forced him into, but he would stop in the public street to hold conversation withevery cove he met, and keep the poor man standing for public gaze, like chained innocence awaiting the nod of a villain. The picturewould have been complete, if a monster in human form were placed inthe foreground applying the lash, according to the statute laws ofSouth Carolina. 

CHAPTER XI. 

THE SHERIFF'S OFFICE. 

IT is nine o'clock, on the morning of the 24th March, 1852. Manuelwas marched into the sheriff's office, situated in the court-house, on the corner of Broad and Meeting streets. A large table stood inthe centre of the room, covered with sundry old papers and aninkstand. At one side was an old sofa, bearing strong evidence ofits being worn out at the expense of the State. A few pine-wood andpainted book-stands, several tip-staffs, old broken-backed chairs, and last, but not least, a wood-sawyer's buck-saw, stood here andthere in beautiful disorder around the room; while, as if to displaythe immense importance of the office, a "cocked" hat with thejudicial sword hung conspicuously above the old sofa. A door openedupon the left hand, leading into the clerk's office, where the booksand archives of the office were kept. Mr. Kanapeaux, the incumbent, exhibited a great deal of good feeling, which it would have lost thesheriff none of his reputation to pattern after, and kept his officein very respectable order. 

"Come in 'ere, Manwell, or whatever yer name is, " said Dunn, as heled the way into the presence of Mr. Grimshaw, the lean, haggard-looking man we have before described. His dark, cravenfeatures, as he sat peering through his glasses at the morning news, gave him the appearance of a man of whom little was, to be expectedby those who had the misfortune to fall into his hands. 

"Ah! Dunn, you are the best officer in the city; 'pon my soul, thesefellows can't escape you! Where did you pick up that nigger?" saidhe, with a look of satisfaction. 

"A fat fee case, Mr. Grimshaw, 'contrary to law;' he's a Portugeenigger. Never had so much trouble with a nigger in my life; I didn'tknow but the fellow was going to preach a sermon. The Captain-hebelongs to a wrecked Englishman-wanted to come the gammon game withhim, and pass him for a white man; but sure he couldn't come thatgame over meself and Duse, anyhow, " said Dunn. 

Without saying a word, Manuel stood up before his accusers, uponthis strange charge of "contrary to law. " 

As he looked upon his accusers, he said, "What have I done to suffera murderer's fate? Am I to be sold as a slave, because of thevisitation of God? I have done no murder! No!--nor have I stolen inyour land! and why did these men decoy me into"--

"Silence! silence! You are in the sheriff's office, " said Dunn, pointing his finger at his nose. "You can't come your John Bullnigger in South Carolina. " 

This brought the sheriff's clerk to the door that led into thepassage. "Dunn, I have warned you about these things several times;the public are getting wind of them; they'll bring this office intodisrepute yet. You ought to know what effect the association ofofficials with these 'corner-shop keepers' is already having in thecommunity, " said he. 

"How the divil do ye know what yer talking about; sure it's hishonor's bisniss, and not yours at all, at all, " said Dunn, addressing himself to Mr. Kanapeaux, and then looking at Mr. Grimshaw. 

"Mr. Kanapeaux, you must not interfere with the officers and theirduty; attend to your business, and get, your book ready to registerthis nigger-boy, " said Grimshaw. 

"Well, now, my good fellow, " continued Grimshaw, "I dislike thisbusiness very much; it don't pay me enough for all the bother I havewith it. 'Tis just a little filtering of fees, which makes the dutyof my office exceedingly annoying. But we must respect the law. Wedo these things to protect our institutions and make them as lightas possible. I might give you a great deal of trouble; I have thepower, but I make it a point to consider men in your case, and we'llmake you so comfortable that you won't think of being imprisoned. You must understand that it is 'contrary to law' to come among ourniggers in this way; it gives them fanciful ideas. There's such aninfernal imperfect state of things as these abolitionists aregetting every thing into, behooves us to watch the communicationswhich are going on between, designing people and our slaves. We area hospitable people--the world knows that--and have a religiousrespect 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 tolaw. ' Make up your mind, my good fellow, that you are among humanepeople, who will seek to benefit you among men of your class. Makeyourself happy--and look upon me as a friend, and you will never bedeceived. I control the jail, and my prisoners are as much attachedto me as they would be to a father. " 

"It must be humanity that puts these symbols of ignominy upon myhands, " said Manuel; "that confines me in a dungeon lest I shouldbreathe a word of liberty to ears that know it only as a fable. " 

Nobody had asked him to sit down, and, feeling the effect of hissickness and fatigue, he turned around as if to look for somethingto rest against. "You must not sit down, --take off your hat!" saidGrimshaw. 

The poor fellow made an effort, but could not effect it with thefetters on his hands; at which, Dunn stepped up, and snatching itfrom his head, flung it upon the floor. "You should learn manners, my good fellow, " said Grimshaw, "when you come into a sheriff'soffice. It's a place of importance, and people always pay respect toit when they come into it; a few months in Charleston would make youas polite as our niggers. " 

"Had you not better take the irons off the poor fellow's hands?--helooks as if he was tired out, " said Mr. Kanapeaux, the clerk, whoagain came to the door and looked upon Manuel with an air of pity. The words of sympathy touched his feelings deeply; it was a simpleword in his favour, so different from what he had met since he leftthe vessel, that he felt a kind friend had spoken in his behalf, andhe gave way to his feeling in a gush of tears. 

"Good suggestion, Mr. Kanapeaux!" said Grimshaw. "Better take 'emoff, Mr. Dunn; I don't think he'll give you any more difficulty. Heseems like a 'likely fellow, ' and knows, if he cuts up any niggerrascality in Charleston, he'll be snapped up. Now, my good fellow, put on your best-natured countenance, and stand as straight as aramrod. Mr. Kanapeaux, get your book ready to register him, "continued Grimshaw. 

Manuel now stood up under a slide, and his height and generalfeatures were noted in the following manner, in order to appeasethat sovereign dignity of South Carolina law, which has so manystrange 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. 

Height, 5 feet 81/2 inches. 

Complexion, light olive, (bright. ) 

Features, sharp and aquiline. 

[Hair and eyes, dark and straight; the former inclined to curl. ] 

General remarks:--Age, twenty-nine; Portuguese by birth; speaksrather broken, but politely; is intelligent, well formed, and goodlooking. Fees to Sheriff: 

To arrest, $2-Registry, $2 $4 00 To Recog. $1. 31-Constable $1 2 31To Commitment and discharge, 1 00 

$7 31 

Jail fees to be added when discharged. 

After these remarks were duly entered, and Mr. Grimshaw read anotherlecture to him on the importance of South Carolina law, and thekindness he would receive at his hands if he made himself con-tented, he was told that he could go and be committed. The poorfellow had stood up until he was nearly exhausted; yet, it was notenough to gratify the feelings of that miserable miscreant, Dunn. Scarcely had he left the sheriff's office, or passed two squaresfrom the court-house, before he entered another Dutch grog-shop, alittle more respectable in appearance-but not in character. Theyentered by a side door, which led into a back apartment providedwith a table and two wooden settees. As Dunn entered, he wasrecognised by two negro-fellows, who were playing dominoes at thetable. They arose and ran through the front store, into the street, as if some evil spirit had descended among them. The Dutchman sprangfor the dominoes, and quickly thrust them into a tin measure whichhe secreted under the counter. 

"Ah! Drydez!" said Dunn; "you vagabond, you; up to the old tricksagain? Ye Dutchmen are worse than the divil! It's meself'll make yeput a five for that. Come, fork it over straight, and don't bemuttering yer Dutch lingo!" 

"Vat zue drink mit me dis morning? Misser Dunz' te best fellow vatcomez in my shop, " said Drydez. 

"Ah! stop yer botheration, and don't be comin' yer Dutch logger overan Irishman! put down the five dollars, and we'll take the drinkspresently; meself and me friend here'll drink yer health, " saidDunn, pointing to Manuel, who shook his head as much as to decline. The Dutchman now opened his drawer, and rolling a bill up in hisfingers, passed it as if unobserved into the hands of Dunn. 

"Now, Drydez, " said Dunn, "if ye want to do the clean thing, put acouple of brandy smashes-none of your d--d Dutch cut-throat brandy-the best old stuff. Come, me old chuck, (turning to Manuel andpulling him by the Whiskers, ) cheer up, another good stiff'ner willput you on your taps again. South Carolina's a great State, and aman what can't be happy in Charleston, ought to be put through bydaylight by the abolitionists. " 

The Dutchman soon prepared the smashes, and supplying them withstraws, put them upon the table, and seated chairs close at hand. "Excuse me!" said Manuel, "I've drunk enough already, and shouldlike to lie down. I am unwell, and feel the effect of what I havealready taken. I am too feeble. Pray tell me how far the prison isfrom here, and I will go myself. " 

"Go, is it?--the divil a go ye'll go from this until ye drink thesmash. None of yer Portugee independence here. We larn niggers thepoliteness of gintlemen in Charleston, me buck!" and seizing him bythe collar, dragged him to the table, then grasping the tumbler withthe 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 contentsin your phiz, " said he. 

Manuel took the glass, while the Dutchman stood chuckling over thevery nice piece of fun, and the spice of Mr. Dunn's wit, as hecalled it. "Vat zu make him vat'e no vants too? You doz make melaugh so ven zu comes 'ere, I likes to kilt myself, " said Drydez. 

A bright mulatto-fellow was now seen in the front store, makingquizzical signs to the Dutchman; who understanding itssignification, lost no time in slipping into his pocket a tumblernearly half full of brandy and water; and stepping behind thedivision door, passed it slily to the mulatto, who equally as slilypassed it down his throat; and putting a piece of money into theDutchman's hand, stepped up to the counter, as if to wait for hischange. "All right!" said the Dutchman, looking around at hisshelves, and then again under the counter. 

"No so!" said the mulatto; "I want fourpence; you done' dat befor'several times; I wants my money. " 

"Get out of my store, or I'll kick you out, " said the Dutchman, andcatching up a big club, ran from behind the counter and commencedbelaboring the negro over the head in a most unmerciful manner. Atthis, the mulatto retreated into the lane, and with a volley of thevilest epithets, dared the Dutchman to come out, and he would whiphim. 

Dunn ran to the scene, and ordered the negro to be off, and not usesuch language to a white man, that it was "contrary to law, " and hewould take him to the workhouse. 

"Why, massa, I knows what 'em respect white men what be gemmen likeyersef, but dat Dutchman stand da'h a'n't no gentlem', he done gonetieffe my money seven time; an' I whip him sure-jus' lef' him. Comeout here. I doesn't care for true, and God saw me, I be whip at thewukhouse next minute. He tief, an' lie, an 'e cheat me. " TheDutchman stood at the door with the big stick in his hand-the negroin the middle of the lane with his fists in a pugilistic attitude, daring and threatening, while the limping Dunn stood by the side ofthe Dutchman, acting as a mediator. Manuel, taking advantage of theopportunity, emptied his tumbler down a large opening in thefloor. 

It is a notorious fact in Charleston, that although the negro, whether he be a black or white one, is held in abject obedience tothe white man proper, no matter what his grade may be, yet such isthe covetous and condescending character of these groggery keepers, that they become courteous to the negro and submit to an equality ofsociability. The negro, taking advantage of this familiarity, willuse the most insulting and abusive language to this class ofDutchmen, who, either through cowardice, or fear of losing theirtrade, never resent it. We may say, in the language of Dunn, when hewas asked if negroes had such liberties with white men inCharleston, "A nigger knows a Dutch shopkeeper better than he knowshimself-a nigger dare not speak that way to anybody else. " 

The Dutchman gets a double profit from the negro, and with itdiffuses a double vice among them, for which they have to suffer theseverest penalty. It is strictly "contrary to law" to purchase anything from a negro without a ticket to sell it, from his master. Buthow is this regarded? Why, the shopkeeper foregoes the ticket, encourages the warehouse negro to steal, and purchases his stealingsindiscriminately, at about one-half their value. We might enumeratefifty different modes practised by "good" legal votingcitizens--totally regardless of the law--and exerting an influenceupon the negro tenfold more direful than that which could possiblyarise from the conversation of a few respectable men belonging to afriendly nation. 

Dunn, after driving the mulatto man from the door and upbraiding theDutchman for his cowardice, returned to the table, and pattingManuel 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 theDutchman nailed on his own hook. We must have another horn; it'sjust the stuff in our climate; the 'Old Jug's' close by, and they'llbe makin' a parson of you when you get there. We've had a rightjolly time; and ye can't wet your whistle when ye're fernint thegates. " 

"I don't ask such favors, and will drink no more, " said Manuel. 

"Fill her up, Drydez! fill her up! two more smashes-best brandy andno mistake. You must drink another, my old chuck-we'll bring thepious notions out o' ye in Charleston, " said Dunn, turning around toManuel. 

The Dutchman filled the glasses, and Dunn, laying his big hickorystick upon the counter, took one in each hand, and going directly toManuel, "There, take it, and drink her off-no humbugging; yer motherniver gave such milk as that, " said he. 

"Excuse me, sir; I positively will not!" said Manuel, and no soonerhad he lisped the words, than Dunn threw the whole contents in hisface. Enraged at such outrageous conduct, the poor fellow couldstand it no longer, and fetched him a blow that levelled him uponthe floor. 

The Dutchman ran to the assistance of Dunn, and succeeded inrelieving him from his unenviable situation. Not satisfied, however, they succeeded, after a hard struggle, in getting him upon thefloor, when the Dutchman-after calling the assistance of a miserablenegro, held him down while Dunn beat him with his stick. His criesof "Murder" and "Help" resounded throughout the neighbourhood, andnotwithstanding they attempted to gag him, brought several personsto the spot. Among them was a well-known master builder, inCharleston-a very muscular and a very humane man. The rascality ofDunn was no new thing to him, for he had had practicaldemonstrations of it upon his own negroes, --who had been enticedinto the "corner shops" for the double purpose of the Dutchmengetting their money, and the officers getting hush-money from theowner. 

The moment he saw Dunn, he exclaimed, "Ah! you vagabond!" andspringing with the nimbleness of a cat, struck the Dutchman a blowthat sent him measuring his length, into a corner among a lot ofempty boxes; then seizing Dunn by the collar, he shook him like apuppy, and brought him a slap with his open hand that double-dyedhis red face, and brought a stream of claret from his nose; whilethe 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 wasdisgusting in the extreme. Manuel arose, with his face cut inseveral places, his clothes bedaubed with filth from the floor, andhis neck and shirt-bosom covered with blood; while the aghastfeatures of Dunn, with his red, matted hair, and his glaring, vicious eyes, bespattered with the combined blood of his victim andhis own nasal organ, gave him the most fiendish look imaginable. 

The gentleman, after reprimanding the Dutchman for keeping up thesemiserable practices, which were disgracing the community, andbringing suffering, starvation, and death upon the slaves, turned toDunn, and addressed him. "You are a pretty officer of the law! Avillain upon the highway-a disgrace to your color, and a stain uponthose who retain you in office. A man who has violated the peace andevery principle of honest duty, a man who every day merits the worstcriminal punishment, kept in the favor of the municipal department, to pollute its very name. If there is a spark of honesty left in thepolice department, I will use my influence to stop your conduct. Thegallows will be your doom yet. You must not think because you areleagued in the same traffic. "

Dunn kept one of the worst and most notorious drinking-shops inCharleston, but, to reconcile his office with that strictrequirement which never allowed any thing "contrary to law" inCharleston, he made his wife a "free trader. " This special set ofSouth Carolina may in effect be classed among its many singularlaws. It has an exceedingly accommodating effect among bankrupthusbands, and acts as a masked battery for innumerable sins in abusiness or official line. It so happens, once in a while, that oneof the "fair free dealers" gets into limbo through the force of someruthless creditor; and the "Prison Bounds Act, " being very delicatein its bearings, frequently taxes the gallantry of the chivalrousgentlemen of the Charleston bar. That you are to go unpunished. Andyou, Drydez, " said he, turning to the Dutchman, "I shall enter youupon the information docket, as soon as I go down into the city. " 

"Zeu may tu vat zeu plas mit me-te mayor bees my friend, an' heknowz vot me ams. Yuz sees zel no bronty, no zin! Vot yu to mit define, ah?" * * * 

"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! Suremagistrate Gyles is a first-rate friend of me own, and he'd notsuffer me imposed on. The d--d nigger was obstinate and wouldn't goto jail, " said Dunn in a cowardly, whimpering manner. 

"Oh yez, me heard mit 'im swore, vat he no go to zale!" rejoined theDutchman anxiously. 

"Tell me none of your lies, " said he; "you are both the biggestrascals in town, and carry on your concerted villany as boldly as ifyou had the control of the city in your hands. " Manuel was tremblingunder the emotions of grief and revenge. His Portuguese blood wouldhave revenged itself at the poniard's point, but fortunately he hadleft it in his chest. He saw that he had a friend at his hand, andwith the earnestness of a child, resigned himself to his charge. 

In a few minutes quiet was produced, and the gentleman expressing adesire to know how the trouble originated, inquired of Manuel how itwas brought about. But no sooner had he commenced his story, than hewas interrupted by Dunn asserting his right, according to the lawsof South Carolina, to make his declaration, which could not berefuted by the negro's statement, or even testimony at law; and inanother moment jumped up, and taking Manuel by the collar, commandedhim to come along to jail; and turning to the gentleman, dared himto interfere with his duty. 

"I know how you take people to jail, very well. I'll now see thatyou perform that duty properly, and not torture prisoners from placeto place before you get there. You inflict a worse punishment intaking poor, helpless people to jail, than they suffer after theyget there!" said he; and immediately joined Manuel and walked to thejail with him. 

CHAPTER XII. 

THE OLD JAIL. 

THERE are three institutions in Charleston-either of which would bea stain upon the name of civilization-standing as emblems of thetime-established notions of a people, and their cherished love forthe ancestral relics of a gone-by age. Nothing could point with moreunerring aim than these sombre monuments do, to the distance behindthe age that marks the thoughts and actions of the Charlestonians. They are the poor-house, hospital, and jail; but as the latter onlypertains to our present subject, we prefer to speak of it alone, andleave the others for another occasion. The workhouse may be said toform an exception-that being a new building, recently erected upon aEuropean plan. It is very spacious, with an extravagant exterior, surmounted by lofty semi-Gothic watch-towers, similar to the oldcastles upon the Rhine. So great was the opposition to building thismagnificent temple of a workhouse, and so inconsistent, beyond theprogress of the age, was it viewed by the "manifest ancestry, " thatit caused the mayor his defeat at the following hustings. "YoungCharleston" was rebuked for its daring progress, and the building ismarked by the singular cognomen of "Hutchinson's Folly. " What issomewhat singular, this magnificent building is exclusively fornegroes. One fact will show how progressive has been the science oflaw to govern the negro, while those to which the white man issubjected are such as good old England conferred upon them somecenturies ago. For felonious and burglarious offences, a white manis confined in the common jail; then dragged to the market-place, stripped, and whipped, that the negroes may laugh "and go see buckracatch it;" while a negro is sent to the workhouse, confined in hiscell for a length of time, and then whipped according to modernscience, --but nobody sees it except by special permission. Thus thenegro has the advantage of science and privacy. 

The jail is a sombre-looking building, with every mark of antiquitystanding boldly outlined upon its exterior. It is surrounded by ahigh brick wall, and its windows are grated with double rows ofbars, sufficiently strong for a modern penitentiary. Altogether, itsdark, gloomy appearance strikes those who approach it, with thethought and association of some ancient cruelty. You enter throughan iron-barred door, and on both sides of a narrow portal leading tothe right are four small cells and a filthy-looking kitchen, resembling an old-fashioned smoke-house. These cells are thedebtors'; and as we were passing out, after visiting a friend, alame "molatto-fellow" with scarcely rags to cover his nakedness, andfilthy beyond description, stood at what was called the kitchendoor. "That poor dejected object, " said our friend, "is the cook. Heis in for misdemeanor-one of the peculiar shades of it, for which anigger is honored with the jail. " "It seems, then, that cooking is apunishment in Charleston, and the negro is undergoing the penalty, "said we. "Yes!" said our friend; "but the poor fellow has asovereign consolation, which few niggers in Charleston can boastof-and none of the prisoners here have-he can get enough to eat. " 

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 inour possession. 

On the left side, after passing the main iron door, are the jailer'sapartments. Passing through another iron door, you ascend a narrow, crooked stairs and reach the second story; here are some eight ornine miserable cells-some large and some small-badly ventilated, andentirely destitute of any kind of furniture: and if they are badlyventilated for summer, they are equally badly provided with means towarm 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. Thisfloor 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 thepositive murderer, burglar, and felon. We should have enumerated, among the rest, all stewards, (colored, ) whether foreign ordomestic, who are committed on that singular charge, "contrary tolaw. " 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 werepointed out to us, as very dangerous men, yet were allowed the favorof this floor and its associations. One was an Irish sailor, who wassentenced to three years and nine months' imprisonment by the UnitedStates court, for revolt and a desperate attempt to murder thecaptain of a ship; the next was a German, a soldier in the UnitedStates army, sentenced to one year and eight months' imprisonmentfor killing his comrade; and the third was an English sailor, whokilled a woman-but as she happened to be of doubtful character, thepresiding judge of the sessions sentenced him to a lightimprisonment, which the Governor very condescendingly pardoned aftera few weeks. 

The two former acted as attendants, or deputy jailers; with theexception of turning the key, which privilege the jailer reservedfor himself exclusively. The principle may seem a strange one, thatplaces men confined upon such grave charges in a superior positionover prisoners; and may be questionable with regard to thediscipline itself. 

From this floor, another iron door opened, and a winding passage ledinto the third and upper story, where a third iron door opened intoa vestibule, on the right and left of which were grated doorssecured with heavy bolts and bars. These opened into narrow portalswith dark, gloomy cells on each side. In the floor of each of thesecells was a large iron ring-bolt, doubtless intended to chainrefractory prisoners to; but we were informed that such prisonerswere kept in close stone cells, in the yard, which were commonlyoccupied by negroes and those condemned to capital punishment. Theominous name of this third story was "Mount Rascal, " intended, nodoubt, as significant of the class of prisoners it contained. It issaid that genius is never idle: the floor of these cells bore someevidence of the fact in a variety of very fine specimens of carvingand flourish work, done with a knife. Among them was a well-executedcrucifix; with the Redeemer, on Calvary-an emblem of hope, showinghow the man marked the weary moments of his durance. We spoke withmany of the prisoners, and heard their different stories, some ofwhich were really painful. Their crimes were variously stated, fromthat of murder, arson, and picking pockets, down to the felon whohad stolen a pair of shoes to cover his feet; one had stolen a pairof pantaloons, and a little boy had stolen a few door-keys. Threeboys were undergoing their sentence for murder. A man of genteelappearance, who had been sentenced to three years imprisonment, andto receive two hundred and twenty lashes in the market, at differentperiods, complained bitterly of the injustice of his case. Some hadbeen flogged in the market, and were awaiting their time to beflogged 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'sdelay, " was felt worse by those confined on the suspicion of somepaltry theft, who, even were they found guilty by a jury, would nothave been subjected to more than one week imprisonment. Yet such wasthe adherence to that ancient system of English criminaljurisprudence, that it was almost impossible for the most innocentperson to get a hearing, except at the regular sessions, "which sitseldom, and with large intervals between. " There is indeed a citycourt in Charleston, somewhat more modern in its jurisprudence thanthe sessions. It has its city sheriff, and its city officers, andholds its terms more frequently. Thus is Charleston doubly providedwith sheriffs and officials. Both aspire to a distinct jurisdictionin civil and criminal cases. Prisoners seem mere shuttlecocksbetween the sheriffs, with a decided advantage in favor of thecounty sheriff, who is autocrat in rei over the jail; and anycriminal who has the good fortune to get a hearing before the cityjudge, may consider himself under special obligation to the countysheriff for the favor. 

We noticed these cells were much cleaner than those below, yet therewas a fetid smell escaping from them. This we found arose from thetubs being allowed to stand in the rooms, where the criminals wereclosely confined, for twenty-four hours, which, with the action ofthe damp, heated atmosphere of that climate, was of itself enough tobreed contagion. We spoke of the want of ventilation and the noxiousfumes that seemed almost pestilential, but they seemed to havebecome habituated to it, and told us that the rooms on the southside were lighter and more comfortable. Many of them spokecheerfully, and endeavored to restrain their feelings, but thefurrows upon their haggard countenances needed no tongue to utterits tale. 

Hunger was the great grievance of which they complained; and iftheir stories were true--and we afterward had strong proofs thatthey were--there was a wanton disregard of common humanity, and anabuse of power the most reprehensible. The allowance per day was aloaf of bad bread, weighing about nine ounces, and a pint of thin, repulsive soup, so nauseous that only the most necessitated appetitecould be forced to receive it, merely to sustain animal life. Thiswas served in a dirty-looking tin pan, without even a spoon to serveit. One man told us that he had subsisted on bread and water fornearly five weeks-that he had lain down to sleep in the afternoonand dreamed that he was devouring some wholesome nourishment to staythe cravings of his appetite, and awoke to grieve that it was but adream. In this manner his appetite was doubly aggravated, yet hecould get nothing to appease its wants until the next morning. Toadd to this cruelty, we found two men in close confinement, the mostemaciated and abject specimens of humanity we have ever beheld. Weasked ourselves, "Lord God! was it to be that humanity shoulddescend so low?" The first was a forlorn, dejected-looking creature, with a downcast countenance, containing little of the human to markhis features. His face was covered with hair, and so completelymatted with dirt and made fiendish by the tufts of coarse hair thathung over his forehead, that a thrill of horror invaded ourfeelings. He had no shoes on his feet; and a pair of raggedpantaloons, and the shreds of a striped shirt without sleeves, secured around the waist with a string, made his only clothing. Intruth, he had scarce enough on to cover his nakedness, and that sofilthy and swarming with vermin, that he kept his shoulders andhands busily employed; while his skin was so incrusted with dirt asto leave no trace of its original complexion. In this manner he waskept closely confined, and was more like a wild beast who saw nonebut his keepers when they came to throw him his feed. Whether he waskept in this manner for his dark deeds or to cover the shame ofthose who speculated upon his misery, we leave to the judgment ofthe reader. 

We asked this poor mortal what he had done to merit such apunishment? 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, " saidhe in a low, murmuring tone, "Gracious, man!" said we, "a pair of boots! and is that all you arehere for?" 

"Yes, sir! he lives on the wharf, is very wealthy, and is a goodman: 't wasn't his fault, because he tried to get me out if I'd payfor the boots, but they wouldn't let him. " 

"And how long have you been thus confined?" said we. 

"Better than five months-but it's because there a'n't room upstairs. They've been promising me some clothes for a long time, butthey don't come, " he continued. 

"And how much longer have you to stop in this condition?" 

"Well, they say 'at court sets in October; it's somethin' like twomonths off; the grand jury'll visit the jail then, and maybe they'llfind a bill' against me, and I'll be tried. I dont't care if theyonly don't flog me in that fish-market. " 

"Then you have not been tried yet? Well, may God give that man peaceto enjoy his bounty, who would consign a poor object like thee tosuch cruelty!" said we. 

"I was raised in Charleston-can neither read nor write-I have nofather, and my mother is crazy in the poor-house, and I work aboutthe city for a living, when I'm out!" said he. There was food forreflection in this poor fellow's simple story, which we found to becorrect, as corroborated by the jailer. 

"Do you get enough to eat?" we asked. 

"Oh no, indeed! I could eat twice as much-that's the worst on't: 'twouldn't be bad only for that. I git me loaf' in the mornin', and mesoup at twelve, but I don't git nothin' to eat at night, and afeller's mighty hungry afore it's time to lay down, " said he. 

We looked around the room, and not seeing any thing to sleep upon, curiosity led us to ask him where he slept. 

"The jail allows us a blanket-that's mine in the corner: I spread itat night when I wants to go to bed, " he answered, quite contentedly. We left the poor wretch, for our feelings could withstand it nolonger. The state of society that would thus reduce a human being, needed more pity than the calloused bones reduced to such a bed. Hisname was Bergen. 

The other was a young Irishman, who had been dragged to jail in hisshirt, pantaloons, and hat, on suspicion of having stolen sevendollars 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. Adeath-like smell, so offensive that we stopped upon the threshold, escaped from the room as soon as the door opened, enough to destroya common constitution, which his emaciated limbs bore the strongestevidence of. 

The prisoners upon the second story were allowed the privilege ofthe yard during certain hours in the day, and the debtors at allhours in the day; yet, all were subjected to the same fare. In theyard were a number of very close cells, which, as we have saidbefore, were kept for negroes, refractory criminals, and thosecondemned to capital punishment. These cells seemed to be held as aterror over the criminals, and well they might, for we neverwitnessed any thing more dismal for the tenement of man. 

CHAPTER XIII. 

HOW IT IS. 

IT is our object to show the reader how many gross abuses of powerexist in Charleston, and to point him to the source. In doing this, the task becomes a delicate one, for there are so many things wecould wish were not so, because we know there are many good men inthe community whose feelings are enlisted in the right, but theirpower is not coequal; and if it were, it is checked by an oppositeinfluence. 

The more intelligent of the lower classes look upon the subject ofpolitics in its proper light--they see the crashing effect thedoctrine of nullification has upon their interests; yet, thoughtheir numbers are not few, their voice is small, and cannot soundthrough the channels that make popular influence. Thus all castes ofsociety are governed by impracticable abstractions. 

The jail belongs to the county--the municipal authorities have novoice in it; and the State, in its legislative benevolence, hasprovided thirty cents a day for the maintenance of each prisoner. This small sum, in the State of South Carolina, where provision isextremely high, may be considered as a paltry pittance; but moreespecially so when the magnificent pretensions of South Carolina aretaken into consideration, and a comparison is made between thismeagre allowance and that of other States. Even Georgia, her sisterState, and one whose plain modesty is really worthy of herenterprising citizens, takes a more enlightened view of a criminal'scircumstances-allows forty-four cents a day for his maintenance, andtreats him as if he was really a human being. But for this disparityand the wanton neglect of humane feelings South Carolinians excusethemselves upon the ground that they have no penitentiary; nor dothey believe in that system of punishment, contending that itcreates an improper competition with the honest mechanic, and givescountenance to crime, because it attempts to improve criminals. Thecommon jail is made the place of confinement, while thewhipping-post and starvation supply the correctives. 

The sheriff being created an absolute functionary, with unlimitedpowers to control the jail in all its varied functions, withouteither commissioners or jail-committee, what state of management maybe expected? The court gives no specific direction as to theapartment or mode of confinement when sentencing a criminal;consequently, it becomes an established fact that the legislativeconfidence deposed in the sheriff is used as a medium of favors, tobe dispensed as best suits the feelings or interests of theincumbent. Such power in the hands of an arbitrary, vindictive, oravaricious man, affords unlimited means of abuse, and without fearof exposure. 

It may be inferred from what we have said that the jailer was relaxin his duty. This is not the case, for we have good authority that amore kind-hearted and benevolent man never filled the office. Buthis power was so restricted by those in absolute control, that hisoffice became a mere turnkey's duty, for which he was paid thepittance of five hundred dollars a year or thereabouts. Thus hedischarged his duty according to the instructions of the sheriff, who, it was well known, looked upon the jail as a means ofspeculation; and in carrying out his purposes, he would give verybenevolent instructions in words, and at the same time withhold themeans of carrying them out, like the very good man who alwayspreached but never practised. 

Now, how is it? What is the regimen of this jail-prison and how isit provided? We will say nothing of that arduous duty which thejailer performs for his small sum; nor the report that the sheriff'soffice is worth fourteen thousand dollars a year: these things aretoo well established. But the law provides thirty cents a day forthe prisoner's maintenance, which shall be received by the sheriff, who is to procure one pound of good bread, and one pound of goodbeef per day for each man. Now this provision is capable of a veryelastic construction. The poor criminal is given a loaf of badbread, costing about three cents, and a pound of meat, the mostunwholesome and sickly in its appearance, costing five cents. Allowing a margin, however, and we may say the incumbent has a verynice profit of from eighteen to twenty cents per day on eachprisoner. But, as no provision is made against the possibility ofthe criminal eating his meat raw, he is very delicately forced to analternative which has another profitable issue for the sheriff; thatof taking a pint of diluted water, very improperly called soup. Thusis carried out that ancient law of England which even she is nowashamed to own. Our feelings are naturally roused against theperpetration of such abuses upon suffering humanity. We strugglebetween a wish to speak well of her whose power it is to practisethem, and an imperative duty that commands us to speak for those whocannot speak for themselves. 

These things could not exist if the public mind was properlyenlightened. It is unnecessary to spend many words in exposing suchpalpable abuses, or to trace the cause of their existence andcontinuance. One cause of this is the wilful blindness and sillygasconade of some of those who lead and form public opinion. WithSouth Carolinians, nothing is done in South Carolina that is notgreater than ever was done in the United States-no battles were everfought that South Carolina did not win-no statesman was ever equalto Mr. Calhoun-no confederacy would be equal to the Southern, withSouth Carolina at its head-no political doctrines contain so muchvital element as secession, and no society in the Union is equal toSouth Carolina for caste and elegance-not excepting the worthy andlearned aristocracy of Boston. 

A will to do as it pleases and act as it pleases, without nationalrestraint, is the great drawback under which South Carolina sendsforth her groaning tale of political distress. Let her look upon herdubious glory in its proper light-let her observe the rights ofothers, and found her acts in justice!--annihilate her graspingspirit, and she will find a power adequate to her own preservation. She can then show to the world that she gives encouragement to themasses, and is determined to persevere in that moderate andforbearing policy which creates its own protection, meritsadmiration abroad, instead of rebuke, and which needs no gorgeousmilitary display to marshal peace at the point of the bayonet. 

CHAPTER XIV. 

MANUEL PEREIRA COMMITTED. 

IT was nearly eleven o'clock as they ascended the jail steps andrang the bell for admittance. The jailer, a stout, rough-lookingman, opened the iron door, and as Manuel was about to step over thestone sill, Dunn gave him a sudden push that sent him headlong uponthe floor. "Heavens! what now?" inquired the jailer with a look ofastonishment, and at the next moment Dunn raised his foot to kickManuel in the face. 

"You infernal beast!" said the jailer, "you are more like a savagethan a man-you are drunk now, you vagabond, " and jumped in betweenthem to save him from the effect of the blow. As he did this, thegentleman who accompanied them from the "corner-shop, " as aprotection against Dunn's cruelty, fetched Dunn a blow on the backof the neck that made him stagger against a door, and created suchconfusion as to arouse the whole jail. Turning to Manuel, he, withthe assistance of the jailer, raised him from the ground and led himinto the jail-office. "Mister jailer, " said Dunn, "the prisoner ismine until such times as you receipt the commitment, and I demandprotection from you against this man. He has committed two violentassaults upon me, when I'd be doing me duty. " 

"You have violated all duty, and are more like an incarnate fiend. You first decoy men into rum-shops, and then you plunder and abusethem, because you think they are black and can get no redress. Youabused that man unmercifully, because you knew his evidence was notvalid against you!" said the gentleman, turning to the jailer, andgiving him the particulars of what he saw in the "corner-shop, " andwhat cruelties he had seen practised by Dunn on former occasions. 

The jailer looked upon Manuel with commiseration, and handed him achair to sit down on. The poor fellow was excited and fatigued, forhe had eaten nothing that day, and been treated more like a brutethan a human being from the time, he left the ship until he arrivedat the jail. He readily accepted the kind offer, and commenced totell the story of his treatment. 

"You need' not tell me, --I know too much of that man already. It haslong been a mystery to me why he is retained in office. "--

Here Dunn interrupted. "Sure it's yer master I'd obey and notyerself, an' I'd do what I'd plase with prisoners, and, it's hisbusiness and not yeers. If ye had yer way, sure you'd be makin'white men of every nigger that ye turned a key upon. " 

"Give me none of your insolence, " said the jailer. "You have noauthority beyond my door. Your brutal treatment to prisoners hascaused me an immense deal of trouble-more than my paltry pay wouldinduce me to stay for. Suppose you were indicted for these outrages?What would be the result?" asked the jailer. 

"Sure it's meself could answer for the sheriff, without yerbothering yerself. I'd not work for yer, but for him; and he's yermaster anyhow, and knows all about it. Give me the receipt, andthat's all I'd ax yer. When a nigger don't mind me, I just makes himfeel the delight of a hickory stick. " 

"Yes, if you had the shame of a man in you, you'd not make a beastof yourself with liquor, and treat these poor stewards as if theywere dogs, " said the jailer. 

"Indeed, ye might learn a thing or two if ye was a politician likemeself, and belonged to the secession party. An' if his honor thesheriff-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, andmake much of the nigger; ye have him there. " 

The jailer unlocked the door and allowed him to pass out, with apertinent rebuke. This was but a trifling affair in Dunn's ear, forhe knew his master's feelings too well, and was backed by him in hismost intolerable proceedings. Returning to the office, he looked atthe commitment, and then again at Manuel. "This is a 'contrary tolaw' case, I see, Mr. Manuel; you are a likely fellow too, to comewithin that, " said he. 

"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 whocomes here voluntarily; but it seems beyond all manner of precedentto imprison a shipwrecked man like this, especially when he seems sorespectable. There are no circumstances to warrant the enforcementof such a law. " Thus saying, he left the jail. 

Be it said of the jailer, to his honor, so far as personal kindnesswent, he did his utmost--brought him water to wash himself, and gavehim some clean clothes. After which, he was registered upon thecriminal calendar as follows:--

"March 24, 1852. --Manuel Peirire. --[Committed by] Sheriff--Sheriff. Crime--Contrary to law. " 

Now the jailer had done his duty, so far as his feelings wereconcerned; but, such were the stern requirements of the law, and hisfunctions so restricted by Mr. Grimshaw, that he dare not makedistinctions. He called Daley, one of the criminal assistants, andordered him to show the prisoner his room. 

"Here, my boy, take yer blanket, " said Daley; and throwing him acoarse, filthy-looking blanket, told him to roll it up and followhim. "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 ajolly time, my boy. " Manuel followed through the second iron dooruntil 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 worstof it. Bad luck to old Grimshaw, an' himself thinks everybody'sbones be's as tuf as his own, " said Daley, and threw open the heavydoors, sending forth those ominous prison sounds. "All here? Ah! yera pretty set of lambs, as the British consul calls yees. Have yeever a drop to spare?" At this, three or four respectable-lookingblack 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 confinedstewards, a tall, good-looking mulatto man, ran his hand into alarge opening in the wall, and drew forth a little soda-bottlefilled with Monongahela whisky. Without giving reasonable time forpoliteness, Daley seized the bottle, and putting it to his mouth, gauged about half its contents into his homony dep“t, smacked hislips, 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 theState or the sheriff had made for the comfort of these poor men, oneof whom was imprisoned because it was "contrary to law" to be driveninto the port of Charleston in distress, and the rest, peaceable, unoffending citizens belonging to distant States and countries, andguilty of no crime, when we describe the room and regimen to whichthey were subjected. The room was about twenty-six feet long and tenfeet wide. The brick walls were plastered and colored with some kindof blue wash, which, however, was so nearly obliterated with dirtand the damp of a southern climate, as to leave but little to showwhat its original color was. The walls were covered with thecondensed moisture of the atmosphere, spiders hung their festoonednetwork overhead, and cockroaches and ants, those domesticated pestsof South Carolina, were running about the floor in swarms, andholding all legal rights to rations in superlative contempt. Twosmall apertures in the wall, about fourteen inches square, anddouble-barred with heavy flat iron, served to admit light and air. The reader may thus judge of its gloomy appearance, and what amiserable unhealthy cell it must have been in which to place menjust arrived from sea. There was not the first vestige of furniturein the room, not; even a bench to sit upon, for the State, with itsgracious hospitality, forgot that men in jail ever sit down; but itwas in keeping with all other things that the State left to thecontrol of its officials. 

"Am I to be punished in this miserable place? Why, I cannot seewhere I'm going; and have I nothing to lay down upon but the floor, and that creeping with live creatures?" inquired Manuel of those whowere already inured to the hardship. 

"Nothing! nothing! Bring your mind to realize the worst, and forgetthe cruelty while you are suffering it; they let us out a part ofthe day. We are locked up to-day because one of the assistants stolemy friend's liquor, and he dared to accuse him of the theft, becausehe was a white man, " said a tall, fine-looking mulatto man by thename of James Redman, who was steward on board a Thomastown (Maine)ship, and declared that he had visited Charleston on a formeroccasion, and by paying five dollars to one of the officers, remained on board of the ship unmolested. 

"And how long shall I have to suffer in this manner?" inquiredManuel. "Can I not have my own bed and clothing?" 

"Oh, yes, " said Redman; "you can have them, but if you bring themhere, they'll not be worth anything when you leave; and theprisoners upon this floor are so starved and destitute, thatnecessity forces them to steal whatever comes in their way; and theassistants are as much implicated as the prisoners. You'll farehard; but just do as we do in a calm, wait for the wind to blow, andpray for the best. If you say any thing, or grumble about it, thesheriff will order you locked, up on the third story, and that'sworse than death itself. The first thing you do, make preparationsfor something to eat. We pay for it here, but don't get it; andyou'd starve afore you'd eat what they give them poor whiteprisoners. They suffer worse than we do, only they have cleanerrooms. " 

"I pray for my deliverance from such a place as this. " 

His manners and appearance at once enlisted the respect of thosepresent, and they immediately set to work, with all the means athand, to make him comfortable. Joseph Jociquei, a young man who hadbeen taken from a vessel just arrived from Rio, and was morefortunate than the rest, in having a mattrass, seeing Manuel's weakcondition, immediately removed it from its place, and spreading itupon the floor, invited him to lay down. The invitation was asacceptable as it was kind on the part of Jociquei, and the poorfellow laid his weary limbs upon it, and almost simultaneously fellinto a profound sleep. Manuel continued to sleep. His face and headwere scarred in several places; which were dressed and covered withpieces of plaster that the jailer had supplied. His companions, forsuch we shall call those who were confined with him, sat around him, discussing the circumstances that brought him there, and the mannerin which they could best relieve his suffering. "It's just as I wassarved, " said Redman. "And I'll bet that red-headed constable, Dunn, brought him up: and abused him in all them Dutch shops. I didn'tknow the law, and he made me give him three dollars not to put thehandcuffs upon me, and then I had to treat him in every grog-shop wecame to. Yes, and the last shop we were in, he throw'd liquor in meface, cursed the Dutchman that kept the shop, kick'd me, and triedevery way in the world to raise a fuss. If I hadn't know'd the lawhere too well, I'd whipt him sure. I have suffered the want of thatthree dollars since I bin here. 'Twould sarved me for coffee. Wehave neither coffee nor bread to-night, for we gave our allowance ofbad bread to the white prisoners, but we must do something to makethe poor fellow comfortable. I know the constable has kept him allday coming up, and he'll be hungry as soon as he awakes. " 

"Won't he receive his allowance to-day like another prisoner?"inquired Copeland, a thick-set, well made, dark-skinned negrosteward, who had formerly conducted a barber shop in Fleet street, Boston, but was now attached to the schooner Oscar Jones, Kellogg, master. 

"Oh! no, sir, " said Redman, "that's against the rules of thejail-every thing is done by rule here, even to paying for what wedon't get, and starving the prisoners. A man that don't come inbefore 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 wasbrought in; but he gin me a loaf out of his own house. The oldsheriff never allows any thing done outside the rules, for he'stighter than a mantrap. 'T a'n't what ye suffers in this cell, butit's what ye don't get to eat; and if that poor feller a'n't gotmoney, he'll wish himself alongside the caboose again 'fore he getsout. " The poor fellows were driven to the extreme of providingsustenance to sustain life. They mustered their little meanstogether, and by giving a sum to the sheriff's black boy, (a manmore intelligent, gentlemanly, and generous-hearted than hismaster, ) had a measure of coffee, sugar, and bread brought in. Necessity was the mother of invention with them, for they hadprocured a barrel for twenty-five cents, and made it supply theplace of a table. With a few chips that were brought to them by akind-hearted colored woman that did their washing, and bestowed manylittle acts of kindness, they made a fire, endured the annoyance ofa dense smoke from the old fire-place, and prepared their littlesupper. As soon as it was upon the table, they awoke Manuel, andinvited him to join in their humble fare. The poor fellow arose, andlooking around the gloomy, cavern-like place, heaved a deep sigh. "It's hard to be brought to this for nothing!" said he; "and mybones are so sore that I can scarcely move. I must see the Captainand consul. " 

"That won't do any good; you might as well keep quiet and drink yourcoffee. A prisoner that says the least in this jail is best off, "returned Redman. 

Manuel took his bowl of coffee and a piece of bread, eating it witha good appetite, and asking what time they got breakfast. "It's thefirst time I was abused in a foreign country. I'm Portuguese, but acitizen of Great Britain, and got my protection. -When it won't saveme, I'll never come to South Carolina again, nor sail where a flagwon'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'tknow what they do, because I expect good people. " * * * 

"Never mind, my good fellow, " said Redman; "cheer up, take it as agood sailor would a storm, and in the morning you'll get a smallloaf of sour bread and a bucket of water for breakfast, if you go tothe pump for it. Be careful to moderate your appetite when youbreakfast according to the State's rules; for you must save enoughto last you during the day, and if you can keep "banyan day, " as theBluenose calls it, you're just the man for this institution, and nomistake. Come, I see you're hungry; drink another bowl of coffee, and eat plenty of bread; then you'll be all right for another goodsleep. " 

"Yes, but I don't expect to be in here long. But tell me, do we getnothing more than a loaf? didn't the jail give us this supper?" heinquired with surprise. 

"Supper, indeed!--it's against the rules for prisoners to havecoffee; that's our private fixings; but you'll get a pound of bloodyneck-bone, they call beef, in the morning. I have twice thrown mineto the dog, but he doesn't seem to thank me for it; so I told thecook he needn't trouble his steelyards for me again. " 

Redman's conversation was interrupted by a noise that seemed to be aring of the prison bell, and an anxious expression which Manuel gaveutterance to, indicated that he expected somebody would come to seehim. He was not disappointed, for a few minutes after, the boltswere heard to withdraw and the heavy door swung back. There, true tohis charge, was little Tommy, in his nicest blue rig, tipped off ala man-o'-war touch, with his palmetto-braid hat, --a long blackribbon displayed over the rim, --his hair combed so slick, and hislittle round face and red cheeks so plump and full of the sailor-boypertness, 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. Helooked the very picture and pattern of a Simon-Pure salt. He hadwended his way through strange streets and lanes, with a bighaversack under his arm, which Daley had relieved him of at thedoor, and brought into the room under his arm. As soon as Manuelcaught a glimpse of him, he rose and clasped the little fellow inhis arms with a fond embrace. No greeting could be more affecting. Manuel exulted at seeing his little companion; but Tommy lookedgrieved, and asked, "But what has scarred your face so, Manuel? Youdidn't look that way when you left the brig. We have had a site o'folks down to see us to-day. " 

"Oh, that's nothing!--just a little fall I got; don't tell theCaptain: it'll all be well to-morrow. " 

"Here, Jack, take your knapsack; did yer bring ever a drop o' liquorfor the steward?" said Daley, addressing himself to Tommy, andputting the package upon the floor. 

"Yes, Manuel!" said Tommy, "the Captain sent you some nice bread andham, some oranges and raisins, and a bottle of nice claret, --for hewas told by the consul that they didn't give 'em nothing to eat atthe jail. And I had a tug with 'em, I tell you. I got lost once, andgot a good-natured black boy to pilot me for a Victoriathreepence, --but he did not like to carry the bundle to the jail, for fear of his master. Captain 'll be up first thing in themorning, if he can get away from business, " said the little tar, opening the haversack and pulling out its contents to tempt thehungry appetites of those around him. 

Daley very coolly took the bottle of claret by the neck, and holdingit between himself and the light, took a lunar squint at it, as ifdoubting its contents; and then, putting it down, exclaimed, "Ah!the divil a red I'd give you for your claret. Sure, why didn't yebring a token of good old hardware?" "Hardware! what is hardware?"inquired Manuel. "Ah! botheration to the bunch of yees--a drap ofold whiskey, that 'd make the delight cum f'nent. Have ye ne'er adrap among the whole o' yees?" Receiving an answer in the negative, he turned about with a Kilkenny, "It don't signify, " and toddled forthe door, which he left open, to await Tommy's return. Redman knewDaley's propensity too well, and having ocular proof that he had wett'other eye until it required more than ordinary effort to makeeither one stay open, he declined recognising his very significanthint. 

As soon as Daley withdrew, Manuel invited his companions to partakeof the Captain's present, which they did with general satisfaction. 

CHAPTER XV. 

THE LAW'S INTRICACY. 

WHILE the scenes we have described in the foregoing chapter werebeing performed, several very interesting ones were going throughthe course of performance at the consul's office and other places, which we must describe. The British Government, in its instructionsto Mr. Mathew, impressed upon him the necessity of being verycautious lest he should in any manner prejudice the interests of thelocal institutions within his consular jurisdiction; to make norequests that were incompatible with the local laws; but to pursue ajudicious course in bringing the matter of Her Majesty's subjectsproperly to the consideration of the legal authorities, and to pointto the true grievance; and as it involved a question of rightaffecting the interests and liberties of her citizens, to ask theexercise of that judicial power from which it had a right to expectjustice. The main object was to test the question whether thispeculiar construction given to that local law which prohibits freecolored men from coming within the limits of the State, was legal inits application to those who come into its ports connected with theshipping interests, pursuing an honest vocation, and intending toleave whenever their ship was ready. The consul was censured by thepress in several of the slaveholding States, because he dared tobring the matter before the local legislature. We are bound to saythat Consul Mathew, knowing the predominant prejudices of theCarolinians, acted wisely in so doing. First, he knew the tenaciousvalue they put upon courtesy; secondly, the point at issue betweenSouth Carolina and the Federal Government, (and, as a learned friendin Georgia once said, "Whether South Carolina belonged to the UnitedStates, or the United States to South Carolina;") and thirdly, theright of State sovereignty, which South Carolina held to be of thefirst importance. To disregard the first, would have been consideredan insult to the feelings of her people; and if the question hadfirst been mooted with the Federal Government, the ire of SouthCarolinians would have been fired; the slur in placing her in asecondary position would have sounded the war-trumpet of Abolitionencroachments, while the latter would have been considered a breachof confidence, and an unwarrantable disregard of her assertion ofState rights. The Executive transmitted the documents to theAssembly, that body referred them to special committees, and theMessrs. Mazyck and McCready, reported as everybody in South Carolinaexpected, virtually giving the British consul a very significantinvitation to keep his petitions in his pocket for the future, andhis "black lambs" out of the State, or it might disturb theirdomesticated ideas. Thus was the right clearly reserved tothemselves, and the question settled, so far as the StateLegislature was concerned. The next course for Mr. Mathew was toappeal to the Judiciary, and should redress be denied, make it themedium of bringing the matter, before the Federal courts. 

We cannot forbear to say, that the strenuous opposition wagedagainst this appeal of common humanity arose from politicalinfluence, supported by a set of ultra partisans, whose theoreticalrestrictions, assisted by the voice of the press, catered to thewar-spirit of the abstractionists. 

The British consul, as the representative of his government, knowingthe personal suffering to which the subjects of his country weresubjected by the wretched state of the Charleston prison, and itsmanagement, sought to remove no restriction that might be necessaryfor protecting their dangerous institutions, but to relieve thatsuffering. He had pointed the authorities to the wretched state ofthe prison, and the inhuman regimen which existed within it; but, whether through that superlative carelessness which has become somaterialized in the spirit of society--that callousness tomisfortune so strongly manifested by the rich toward the industriouspoor and the slaves-or, a contempt for his opinions, because he hadfollowed out the instructions of his government, things went on inthe same neglected manner and no attention was paid to them. 

Now, we dare assert that a large, portion of the excitement whichthe question has caused has arisen from personal suffering, consequent upon that wretched state of jail provisions which existsin South Carolina, and which, to say the least, is degrading to thespirit and character of a proud people. If a plea could be made, forexcuse, upon the shattered finances of the State, we might toleratesomething of the abuse. But this is not the case; and when itsprivileges become reposed in men who make suffering the means toserve their own interests, its existence becomes an outrage. 

A stronger evidence of the cause of these remonstrances on the partof the British Government, is shown by the manner in which it hasbeen submitted to in Georgia. The British consul of the port ofSavannah, a gentleman whose intelligence and humane feelings are noless remarkable than Mr. Mathew's, has never had occasion to callthe attention of the Executive of Georgia to the abuse of powerconsequent upon the imprisonment of colored seamen belonging to theships of Great Britain in that port. The seaman was imprisoned, consequently deprived of his liberty; but there was no sufferingattendant beyond the loss of liberty during the stay of the vessel;for the imprisonment itself was a nominal thing; the imprisoned waswell cared for; he had good, comfortable apartments, cleanly andwell ordered, away from the criminals, and plenty of good, wholesomefood to eat. There was even a satisfaction in this, for the man gotwhat he paid for, and was treated as if he were really a humanbeing. Thus, with the exception of the restriction on the man'sliberty, and that evil, which those interested in commerce wouldreflect upon as a tax upon the marine interests of the port tosupport a municipal police, because it imposes a tax and burdensomeannoyance upon owners for that which they have no interest in andcan derive no benefit from, the observance of the law had morepenalty in mental anxiety than bodily suffering. We have sometimesbeen at a loss to account for the restriction, even as it existed inGeorgia, and especially when we consider the character of thosecontrolling and developing the enterprising commercial affairs ofSavannah. 

But we must return to South Carolina. If we view this law as apolice regulation, it only gives us broader latitude. If a communityhas that within itself which is dangerous to its well-being, itbecomes pertinent to inquire whether there is not an imperfect stateof society existing, and whether this policy is not injurious to thewell-being of the State. The evil, though it be a mortifying fact, we are bound to say, arises from a strange notion of caste andcolor, which measures sympathy according to complexion. There is noproof that can possibly be adduced, showing that colored seamen havemade any infections among the slaves, or sought to increase thedangers of her peculiar institution. 

CHAPTER XVI. 

PLEA OF JUST CONSIDERATION AND MISTAKEN CONSTANCY OF THE LAWS. 

THE consul's office opened at nine o'clock, --the Captain, with hisregister-case and shipping papers under his arm, presented himselfto Mr. Mathew, handed him his papers, and reported his condition. That gentleman immediately set about rendering every facility torelieve his immediate wants and further his business. The consul wasa man of plain, unassuming manners, frank in his expressions, andstrongly imbued with a sense of his rights, and the faith of hisGovernment, --willing to take an active part in obtaining justice, and, a deadly opponent to wrong, regardless of the active hostilitythat surrounded him. After relating the incidents of his voyage, andthe circumstances connected with Manuel's being dragged toprison, --"Can it be possible that the law is to be carried to suchan extreme?" said he, giving vent to his feelings. 

"Your people seem to have a strange manner of exhibiting theirhospitality, " said the Captain, in reply. 

"That is true; but it will not do to appeal to the officials. " Thussaying, the consul prepared the certificate, and putting on his hat, repaired to the jail. Here he questioned Manuel upon thecircumstances of his arrest, his birthplace, and several otherthings. "I am not sure that I can get you out, Manuel, but I will domy best; the circumstances of your being driven in here in distresswill warrant some consideration in your case; yet the feeling is notfavorable, and we cannot expect much. " 

From thence he proceeded to the office of Mr. Grimshaw, where he metthat functionary, seated in all the dignity of his office. 

"Good morning, Mr. Consul. Another of your darkies in my place, thismorning, " said Mr. Grimshaw. 

"Yes; it is upon that business I have called to see you. I think youcould 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 canrelieve him?" inquired the consul, expecting little at his hands, but venturing the effort. 

"Sir! I never do any thing inconsistent with my office. The lawgives me power in these cases, and I exercise it according to myjudgment. It makes no exceptions for shipwrecks, and I feel that youhave no right to question me in the premises. It's contrary to lawto bring niggers here; and if you can show that he is a white man, there's the law; but you must await its process. " 

"But do you not make exceptions?" inquired the consul. "I do notwish to seek his relief by process of law; that would increaseexpense and delay. I have made the request as a favor; if you cannotconsider it in that light, I can only say my expectations aredisappointed. But how is it that the man was abused by your officersbefore he was committed?" 

"Those are things I've nothing to do with; they are between theofficers and your niggers. If they are stubborn, the officers mustuse force, and we have a right to iron the whole of them. Yourniggers give more trouble than our own, and are a set of unrulyfellows. We give 'em advantages which they don't deserve, inallowing them the yard at certain hours of the day. You Englishmenare never satisfied with any thing we do, " returned Mr. Grimshaw, with indifference, appearing to satisfy himself that the law gavehim the right to do what he pleased in the premises. There seemedbut one idea in his head, so far as niggers were concerned, norcould any mode of reasoning arouse him: to a consideration of anyextenuating circumstances. A nigger was a nigger with him, whetherwhite or black-a creature for hog, homony, and servitude. 

"I expected little and got nothing. I might have anticipated it, knowing the fees you make by imprisonment. I shall seek relief forthe man through a higher tribunal, and I shall seek redress for therepeated abuses inflicted upon these men by your officers, " said theconsul, turning to the door. 

"You can do that, sir, " said Mr. Grimshaw; "but you must rememberthat it will require white evidence to substantiate the charge. Wedon't take the testimony of your niggers. " 

Just as the consul left the office, he met Colonel S--entering. Thecolonel always manifested a readiness to relieve the many cases ofoppression and persecution arising from bad laws and abused officialduty. He had called upon Mr. Grimshaw on the morning of the arrest, and received from him an assurance that the case would beconsidered, the most favorable construction given to it, and everything done for the man that was in his power. Notwithstanding thisto show how far confidence could be put in such assurances, we haveonly to inform the reader that he had despatched the officers anhour previously. 

The colonel knew his man, and felt no hesitation at speaking hismind. Stepping up to him, "Mr. Grimshaw, " said he, "how do youreconcile your statement and assurances to me this morning with yoursubsequent conduct?" 

"That's my business. I act for the State, and not for you. Are youcounsel for these niggers, that you are so anxious to set them atliberty among our slaves? You seem to have more interest in it thanthat interfering consul. Just let these Yankee niggers and Britishniggers out to-night, and we'd have another insurrection beforemorning; it's better to prevent than cure, " said Grimshaw. 

"The only insurrection would have been in your heart, for the lossof fees. If you did not intend what you said, why did you deceive mewith such statements? I know the feelings of our people, as well asI do yours for caging people within that jail. Upon that, Iintimated to the Captain what I thought would be the probableresult, and this morning I proceeded to his vessel to reassure him, upon your statement. Imagine my mortification when he informed methat 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 torelieve this man, and I ask it as a favor, and on behalf of what Iknow to be the feelings of the citizens of Charleston. " 

"Your request, colonel, " said Mr. Grimshaw, with a little morecomplacency, "is too much in the shape of a demand. There's nodiscretion left me by the State, and if you have a power superior tothat, you better pay the expenses of the nigger, and take themanagement into your own hands. I never allow this triflingphilanthropy about niggers to disturb me. I could never follow outthe laws of the State and practise it; and you better not burdenyourself with it, or your successors may suffer for adequate meansto support themselves. Now, sir, take my advice. It's contrary tolaw for them niggers to come here; you know our laws cannot beviolated. South Carolina has a great interest at stake inmaintaining the reputation of her laws. Don't excite the nigger'sanxiety, and he'll be better off in jail than he would running aboutamong the wenches. He won't have luxuries, but we'll make himcomfortable, and he must suit his habits to our way of living. Wemust not set a bad example before our own niggers; the whiter theyare the worse they are. They struggle for their existence now, andthink they're above observing our nigger laws. We want to get rid ofthem, and you know it, " returned Grimshaw. 

"Yes; I know it too well, for I have had too many cases to protectthem from being 'run off' and sold in the New Orleans market. Butwhen you speak of white niggers, I suppose you mean our brightest; Idispute your assertion, and point you to my proof in the many men ofwealth among them now pursuing their occupations in our city. Canyou set an example more praiseworthy? And notwithstanding they areimposed upon by taxes, and many of our whites take the advantage oflaw to withhold the payment of debts contracted with them, they makeno complaint. They are subject to the same law that restricts theblackest slave. Where is the white man that would not have yieldedunder such inequality? No! Mr. Grimshaw, I am as true aSoutherner-born and bred-as you are; but I have the interests ofthese men at heart, because I know they are with us, and theirinterests and feelings are identical with our own. They are NativeAmericans by birth and blood, and we have no right to dispossessthem by law of what we have given them by blood. We destroy theirfeelings by despoiling them of their rights, and by it we weaken ourown cause. Give them the same rights and privileges that we extendto that miserable class of foreigners who are spreading pestilenceand death over our social institutions, and we would have nothing tofear from them, but rather find them our strongest protectors. Iwant to see a law taking from that class of men the power to lord itover and abuse them. "

A friend, who has resided several years in Charleston, strong in hisfeelings of Southern rights, and whose keen observation could notfail to detect the working of different phases of the slaveinstitution, informed us that he had conversed with a great manyvery intelligent and enterprising men belonging to that large classof "bright" men in Charleston, and that which appeared to pain themmost was the manner they were treated by foreigners of the lowestclass; that rights which they had inherited by birth and blood weretaken away from them; that, being subjected to the same law whichgoverned the most abject slave, every construction of it went todegrade them, while it gave supreme power to the most degraded whiteto impose upon them, and exercise his vindictive feelings towardthem; that no consideration being given to circumstances, the leastdeviation from the police regulations made to govern negroes, wastaken advantage of by the petty guardmen, who either extorted a feeto release them, or dragged them to the police-office, where theiroath was nothing, even if supported by testimony of their own color;but the guardman's word was taken as positive proof. Thus the lawsof South Carolina forced them to be what their feelings revolted at. And I want to see another making it a penal offence for those menholding slaves for breeding purposes. Another, which humanity callsfor louder than any other, is one to regulate their food, punishthese grievous cases of starvation, and make the offender suffer forwithholding proper rations. " 

"Well-pretty well!" said Grimshaw, snapping his fingers verysignificantly. "You seem to enjoy the independence of your ownopinion, colonel. Just prove this nigger's a white, and I'll giveyou a release for him, after paying the fees. You better move toMassachusetts, and preach that doctrine to William Lloyd Garrisonand Abby Kelly. " 

"Give me none of your impudence, or your low insults. You mayprotect yourself from personal danger by your own consciousness thatyou are beneath the laws of honor; but that will not save you fromwhat you deserve, if you repeat your language. Our moderation is ourprotection, while such unwise restrictions as you would enforce, fanthe flame of danger to our own households, " said the colonel, evidently yielding to his impulses; while Mr. Grimshaw sattrembling, and began to make a slender apology, saying that thelanguage was forced upon him, because the colonel had oversteppedthe bounds of propriety in his demands. 

"I'm somewhat astonished at your demand, colonel, for you don't seemto comprehend the law, and the imperative manner in which I'm boundto carry it out. Shipowners should get white stewards, if they wantto avoid all this difficulty. I know the nature of the case, but wecan't be accountable for storms, shipwrecks, old vessels, and allthese things. I'll go and see the fellow to-morrow, and tell thejailer-he's a pattern of kindness, and that's why I got him forjailer-to give him good rations and keep his room clean, " saidGrimshaw, getting up and looking among some old books that lay on adusty shelf. At length he found the one, and drawing it forth, commenced brushing the dust from it with a dust-brush, and turninghis 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. 

"It's in here, somewhere, " said he, wetting his finger and thumb atevery turn. 

"What's in there, pray? You don't think I've practised at theCharleston bar all my life without knowing a law which has called upso many questions?" inquired the colonel. 

"Why, the act and the amendments. I believe this is the right one. Ia'n't practised so long, that I reckon I've lost the run of theappendix and everything else, " adding another stream of tobacco-spitto the puddle on the floor. 

"That's better thought than said. Perhaps you'd better get aschoolboy to keep his finger on it, " continued the colonel, laconically. 

"Well, well; but I must find it and refresh your memory. Ah! here itis, and it's just as binding on me as it can be. There's no mistakeabout it-it's genuine South Carolina, perfectly aboveboard. " Thussaying, he commenced reading to the colonel as if he was about toinstruct a schoolboy in his rudiments. "Here it is-a very prettyspecimen of enlightened legislation-born in the lap of freedom, cradled in a land of universal rights, and enforced by the strongarm of South Carolina. " 

"An Act for the better regulation and government of free negroes andpersons of color, and for other purposes, " &c. &c. &c. , Mr. Grimshawread; but as the two first sections are really a disgrace to thedelegated powers of man, in their aim to oppress the man of color, we prefer to pass to the third section, and follow Mr. Grimshaw ashe reads:--

"That if any vessel shall come into any port or harbor of thisState, (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 saidvessel, such free negroes or persons of color shall be liable to beseized and confined in jail until said vessel shall clear out anddepart from this State; and that when said vessel is ready to sail, the captain of said vessel shall be bound to carry away the saidfree 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 liableto be indicted, and, on conviction thereof, shall be fined in a sumnot less than one thousand dollars, and imprisoned not less than twomonths; and such free negroes or persons of color shall be deemedand taken as absolute slaves, and sold in conformity to theprovisions of the act passed on the twentieth day of December, onethousand eight hundred and twenty aforesaid. '" 

Mr. Grimshaw's coolness in the matter became so intolerable, thatthe colonel could stand it no longer; so, getting up while Mr. Grimshaw was reading the law, he left the office, perfectlysatisfied that further endeavors at that source would be fruitless. 

After Mr. Grimshaw had concluded, he looked up, perfectly amazed tofind that he was enjoying the reading of the act to himself. "Had Inot given it all the consideration of my power, and seen thecorrectness of the law, I should not have given so much importanceto my opinion. But there it is, all in that section of the Act, andthey can't find no convention in the world to control theLegislature of South Carolina. There's my principles, and all theEnglishmen and Abolitionists in Christendom wouldn't change me. Now, I've the power, and let 'em get the nigger out of my place, if theycan, " said Grimshaw, shutting the book, kicking a good-sized, peaceable-looking dog that lay under the table, and deliberatelytaking his hat and walking into the street. 

Here is an Act, bearing on its face the arrogant will of SouthCarolina, setting aside all constitutional rights, and denying thevalidity of stipulations made by the United States in her generalcommercial laws. She asserts her right to disregard citizenship, tomake criminals of colored men, because they are colored, and to sellthem for slaves to pay the expenses which she had incurred to makethem such. And what is still worse, is, that the exercise of thismisconceived and unjust law is so unrelentingly enforced, and soabused by those who carry it out. 

During this time the consul had been unremitting in his endeavors toprocure the man's release. The mayor had no power in the premises;the attorney-general was not positive in regard to the extent of hispower in such a case, though he admitted the case to be anaggravated one; the judges could only recognise him as a nigger, consequently must govern their proceedings by legislative acts. Uponthe whole, he found that he was wasting his time, for while they alltalked sympathy, they acted tyranny. Cold, measured words aboutniggers, "contrary to law, " constitutional rights, inviolable laws, State sovereignty and secession, the necessary police regulations toprotect a peculiar institution, and their right to enforce them, everywhere greeted his ears. There was about as much in it torelieve Manuel, as there would have been had a little bird perchedupon the prison-wall and warbled its song of love to him whilestrongly secured in his cell-more tantalizing because he could hearthe notes, but not see the songster. 

Notwithstanding the commendable energy of the consul, he had thesatisfaction of knowing that several very improbable reportstouching his course, and construing it into an interference with theinstitution of slavery, had been widely circulated, and werecreating a feeling against him among a certain class of"fire-eating" secessionists. He was too well aware of the sourcefrom which they originated to awaken any fears, and instead ofdaunting his energy they only increased it, and brought to his aidthe valuable services of the Hon. James L. Petigru, a gentleman ofwhom it is said, (notwithstanding his eminence at the bar, ) that hadit not been for his purity of character, his opinions in oppositionto the State would have long since consigned him to a traitor'sexile. The truth was-and much against Mr. Petigru's popularity inhis own State-that he was a man of sound logic, practical judgment, and legal discrimination. Thus endowed with the requisite qualitiesof a good statesman, and pursuing a true course to create aconservative influence in the State, he failed to become popularbeyond his legal sphere. Had he espoused that most popular of alldoctrines in South Carolina-nullification and secession-and carriedabstraction to distraction, James L. Petigru would have addedanother "Roman name" to that which has already passed from SouthCarolina's field of action. 

The consul did his duty, but effected nothing; and such was theopposition manifested by the officials who were interested in thespoils of law, and politicians who could not see any thing importantbeyond secession, that there was no prospect of it. And, as the lastresort, he appealed to the Judiciary through the "habeas corpus, "the result of which we shall show in a subsequent chapter. 

CHAPTER XVII. 

LITTLE GEORGE, THE CAPTAIN, AND MR. GRIMSHAW. 

THE consul had returned to his office rather discomfited at notbeing able to relieve Manuel, yet satisfied that he had placedmatters in their proper light before the public. The Captainreported and left his manifest at the custom-house, after enteringhis protest and making the necessary arrangements for survey, &c. &c. And Colonel S--became so well satisfied of the affectation oflaw protectors, and that his services in behalf of humanity werelike straws contending against a foaming current, that, acknowledging his regrets to the Captain, he preferred to make up inattention what he could not do for Manuel through the law. 

Little George paid his respects to the Janson between ten and eleveno'clock, duly dressed. "Mr. Mate, where's your, skipper?" heinquired, with an air of consequence that put an extra pucker on hislittle twisting mouth. 

"Gone to jail, or to see Doctor Jones, I expect, not giving ye anill answer, " replied the old mate, gruffly. 

"Perhaps you don't know who I am, sir. Your answer's not polite. Youmust remember, sir, you're in South Carolina, the sunny city of theSouth, " said the little secessionist. 

"I al'a's make my answer to suit myself. I study hard work andhonesty, 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 youhadn't said a word about it, for no other nation under the sky woulda dragged a poor cast-away sailor to prison because he had themisfortune to have a tawny hide. It's a ten-to-one, my hearty, ifyou don't find the skipper in jail, and all the rest of us, beforewe leave. I'm lookin' now to see some body-grabber coming down witha pair of handcuffs, " continued the mate. 

"What! do you mean to insult me again, Mr. Mate? Explain yourself!I'm not accustomed to this ironical talk!" 

"Well, it's something like your laws. They dragged our steward offto jail this morning, without judge or jury, and with about as muchceremony as a Smithfield policeman would a pickpocket. " 

"What! you don't say. Well, I was afraid of that. Our officers aremighty quick, but I'd hoped differently. But, sir, give mycompliments 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 thecity--tells mightily here. I have promised my services to theCaptain, and I'll see him through. Just pledging my word to Grimshawwill be enough to satisfy the judicial requisites of the law, " saidGeorge, switching his little cane on his trowsers. 

"My good fellow, " said the mate, "if you can get our steward out alimbo, you'll be doing us all a good turn, and we'll remember you aslong as we pull a brace. " 

"You may reckon on me, Mister Mate; and if I a'n't down before sixo'clock, my father will certainly take the matter in hand; and heand Mazyck belong to the secession party, and control things just asthey please at Columbia. " So saying, George bid the old mate goodmorning, and bent his course for the head of the wharf. 

"There, " said the old mate, "it's just what I thought all along; Iknew my presentiment would come true. I'll wager a crown they treatManuel like a dog in that old prison, and don't get him out until heis mildewed; or perhaps they'll sell him for a slave a'cos he's gotcurly black hair and a yellow skin. Now I'm a hardy sailor, but I'vesailed around the world about three times, and know something ofnature. Now ye may note it as clear as the north star, prisons inslave 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'sproperty, a piece of merchandise, his chattel, or hisfootball-thankful for what his master may please to give him, andinured to suffer the want of what he withholds. Yes, he must havehis thinking stopped by law, and his back lashed at his master'swill, if he don't toe the mark in work. Men's habits andassociations form their feelings and character, and it's just sowith them fellers; they've become so accustomed to looking upon anigger as a mere tool of labor--lordin' it over him, starving him, and lashing him-that they associate the exercise of the samefeelings and actions with every thing connected with labor, withoutpaying any respect to a poor white man's feelings, " continued themate, addressing himself to his second, as they sat upon thecompanion, waiting for the Captain to come on board and give furtherorders. 

Never were words spoken with more truth. The negro is reduced to thelowest and worst restrictions, even by those who are consideredwealthy planters and good masters. We say nothing of those whoseabuse of their negroes by starvation and punishment forms the themeof complaint among slaveholders themselves. His food is not only thecoarsest that can, be procured, but inadequate to support the systemfor the amount of labor required. Recourse to other means becomesnecessary. This is supplied by giving the slave his task, which, sofar as our observation extends, is quite sufficient for any common, laborer's day's-work. This done, his master is served; and as an actof kindness, (which Sambo is taught to appreciate as such, ) he isallowed to work on his own little cultivated patch to raise a fewthings, which mass'r (in many cases) very condescendingly sells inthe market, and returns those little comforts, which are so muchappreciated by slaves on a plantation-tea, molasses, coffee, andtobacco-and now and then a little wet of whiskey. This is theallowance of a good man doing a good week's work, and getting twopounds of bacon and a peck of corn as his compensation. But, ingrateful consideration, his good master allows him to work nightsand Sundays to maintain himself. In this way was "Bob's bale ofcotton" raised, which that anxious child of popular favor, theeditor of the "Savannah Morning News, " so struggled to herald to theworld as something magnificent on the part of the Southernslave-masters. At best, it was but a speck. If the many extra hoursof toil that poor Bob had spent, and the hours of night that he hadwatched and nursed his plants, were taken into account, there wouldbe a dark picture connected with "Bob's bale of cotton, " which theeditor forgot to disclose. 

Every form of labor becomes so associated with servitude, that wemay excuse the Southerner for those feelings which condemn thosedevoted to mechanical pursuits as beneath his caste and dignity. Arrogance and idleness foster extravagance, while his pride induceshim to keep up a style of life which his means are inadequate tosupport. This induces him to subsist his slaves on the coarsestfare, and becoming hampered, embarrassed, and fretted in his fast-decaying circumstances, his slaves, one by one, suffer the penaltyof his extravagance, and finally he himself is reduced to such acondition that he is unable to do justice to himself or his childrenany longer; his slaves are dragged from him, sold to the terrors ofa distant sugar-plantation, and he turned out of doors a miserableman. 

We see this result every day in South Carolina; we hear the commentsin the broadways and public places, while the attorney and bailiff'soffices and notices tell the sad tale of poverty's wasting struggle. 

George, in passing from the wharf into the bay, met the Captain, whowas shaping his course for the brig. He immediately ran up to him, and shook his hands with an appearance of friendship. "Captain, I'mright sorry to hear about your nigger. I was not prepared for such adecision on the part of Mr. Grimshaw, but I'm determined to have himout, " said he. 

"Well!" said the Captain, "I'm sorry to say, I find things verydifferent from what I anticipated. My steward is imprisoned, fornothing, except that he is a Portuguese, and everybody insists thathe's a nigger. Everybody talks very fine, yet nobody can do anything; and every thing is left to the will of one man. " 

"Why, Captain, we've the best system in the world for doingbusiness; you'd appreciate it after you understood it! Just comewith me, and let me introduce you to my father. If he don't put youright, I'll stand convicted, " said little George. 

Accepting the invitation, they walked back to the "old man's"counting-room. George had given the Captain such an extended accountof his father's business and estates, that the latter had made uphis mind to be introduced to an "India Palace' counting-room. Judgeof his surprise, then, when George led the way into an old, dirty-looking counting-room, very small and dingy, containing twodilapidated high desks, standing against the wall. They were made ofpitch pine, painted and grained, but so scarred and whittled as tohave the appearance of long use and abuse. In one corner was anold-fashioned low desk, provided with an ink-stand, sundry pieces ofblotting-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, andexposed to view, was an enormous dust-brush. A venerable-lookingsubject of some foreign country stood writing at one desk, a littleboy at the other, and George's veritable "old man" at the low desk. Here and there around the floor were baskets and papers containingsamples of sea-island and upland cotton. George introduced theCaptain to his father with the suavity of a courtier. He was agrave-looking man, well dressed, and spoke in a tone that at onceenlisted respect. Unlike George, he was a tall, well-formed man, with bland, yet marked features, and very gray hair. He received theCaptain in a cold, yet dignified manner-inquired about his voyage, and who he had consigned to, and what steps he had taken to proceedwith his business, --all of which the Captain answered according tothe circumstances. 

"What! then you have consigned already, have you?" said littleGeorge, with surprise. 

"Oh yes, " returned the Captain, "I have left my business in thehands of the consul, and shall follow his directions. It's accordingto my sailing orders. But there's so much difficulty, I shouldn'twonder if I had to leave the port, yet!" 

"Not so, Captain; I'll take care of that!" said George, giving hisfather a statement of the Captain's trouble about Manuel'simprisonment, and begging that he would bestow his influence inbehalf of his friend the Captain. Although George coupled hisrequest with a seeming sincerity, it was evident that he feltsomewhat disappointed at the consignment. The old gentleman lookedvery wise upon the subject, lifted his gold-framed spectacles uponhis forehead, gratified his olfactory nerves with a pinch of snuff, and then said in a cold, measured tone, "Well, if he's a nigger, Isee no alternative, --the circumstances may give a coloring ofseverity to the law; but my opinion has always been, that theconstruction of the law was right; and the act being founded uponnecessity, I see no reason why we should meddle with itsprerogative. I think the interference of the consul unwarrantable, and pressed upon mere technical grounds. These stories about the badstate of our jail, and the sufferings of criminals confined in it, arise, I must think, from the reports of bad prisoners. I have neverbeen in it. Our people are opposed to vice, and seldom visit such aplace; but the sheriff tells me it is comfortable enough foranybody. If this be so, and I have no reason to doubt his word, wecan exercise our sympathy and kindness for his shipwreckedcircumstances, and make him as comfortable there as we couldanywhere else. There are many different opinions, I admit, touchingthe effect of this law; but I'm among those who support stringentmeasures for better protection. His color can form no excuse, Captain, so long as there is symptoms of the negro about him. Wemight open a wide field for metaphysical investigation, if weadmitted exceptions upon grades of complexion; for many of our ownslaves are as white ar the brightest woman. Consequently, when weshut the gates entirely, we save ourselves boundless perplexity. Norwould it be safe to grant an issue upon the score of intelligence, for experience has taught us that the most intelligent 'brightfellows' are the worst scamps in creating discontent among theslaves. 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 peculiarinstitution, --but it would be a false principle to make him anexception, setting an example that would be entirely incompatiblewith our greatest interests. So far as my word will affect thesheriff, and enlist his better feelings in making him comfortable, Iwill use it, " said the 'old man, ' again adjusting his specs. 

Little George seemed dumbfounded with mortification, and the Captainfelt as though he would give a guinea to be on board his brig. Itwas no use for him to enter into the extenuating circumstance of hisvoyage, or the character of the man, Manuel. The same cold opinionsabout the law, and the faith and importance of South Carolina andher peculiar institutions, met his ears wherever he went. TheCaptain arose, took his hat, and bidding the old gentleman goodmorning, again left for his brig. 

"Don't be worried about it-I'll do what I can for you, " said the oldman, as the Captain was leaving. George followed him into thestreet, and made a great many apologies for his father's opinionsand seeming indifference, promising to do himself what his fatherdid not seem inclined to undertake. The Captain saw no more of himduring his stay in Charleston, and if his influence was exerted inManuel's behalf, he did not feel its benefits. 

Business had so occupied the Captain's attention during the day, that he had no time to visit Manuel at the jail; and when hereturned to the vessel, a message awaited him from the Britishconsul. One of the seamen had been detailed to fill Manuel's place, who, with his dinner all prepared, reminded the Captain that it wasawaiting him. He sat down, took dinner, and left to answer theconsul's call. Arriving at the office, he found the consul had leftfor his hotel, and would not return until four o'clock. As he passedthe post-office, a knot of men stood in front of it, apparantly inanxious discussion. Feeling that their conversation might beinteresting to him, or have some connection with his case, he walkedslowly back, and as he approached them, observed that theconversation had become more excited. The principals were Mr. Grimshaw, and a factor on the bay, deeply interested in shipping. 

"A man acting in your capacity, " said the factor, "should never makeuse of such expressions-never give encouragement to mob law. It'snot only disgraceful to any city, but ruinous to its interests. Officials never should set or encourage the example. Want of orderis already in the ascendant, and if the populace is to be led on toriot by the officials, what check have we? God save us from thedireful effects!" 

"Well, perhaps I went too far, " said Mr. Grimshaw, "for I think asmuch of the name of our fair city as you do. But we ought to teachhim 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 fromMassachusetts, and let the invitation be given outside of officialcharacter, to save the name; then, if he did not move off, I'd gofor serving him as they did the Spanish consul, in New Orleans. These English niggers and Yankee niggers are fast destroying thepeace of Charleston. " 

"You would, would you?" said another. "Then you would incite thefury of an ungovernable mob to endanger the man's life for carryingout the instructions of his government. " 

"That don't begin to be all that he does, for he's meddling withevery thing, and continually making remarks about our society, " saidGrimshaw, evidently intending to create ill feeling against theconsul, and to make the matter as bad as possible. 

"Now, Mr. Grimshaw, " said the factor, "you know your jail is not fitto 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 stenchis enough to strike disease into the strongest constitution; and youaggravate men's appetites with food that's both insufficient andunwholesome, I know, because I visited a friend who was put in thereon 'mesne process. '" 

"There is little confidence to be placed in the stories ofprisoners; they all think they must be treated like princes, insteadof considering that they are put there for cause, and that a jailwas intended for punishment, " interrupted Grimshaw, anxious tochange the subject of conversation, and displaying an habitualcoldness to misfortune which never can see the gentleman in aprisoner. 

"Yes, but you must not measure men by that standard. Circumstanceswhich bring them there are as different as their natures. I've knownmany good, honest, and respectable, citizens, who once enjoyedaffluence in our community, put in there, month after month, andyear after year, suffering the persecution of creditors and theeffects of bad laws. Now these men would not all complain if therewas 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 arestriction confining them to the wharf, which could be easily done, and with but small expense to the city? Niggers on the wharves couldhave no communication with them, because each is occupied in hisbusiness, and ours are too closely watched and driven during workinghours. As soon as those hours end, they are bound to leave, and thedanger ends. Again, those niggers who work on the wharves aregenerally good niggers, while, on the other hand, bad niggers areput into jail; and during the hours these stewards are allowed theprivilege of the yard, they mix with them without discrimination orrestraint. Their feelings, naturally excited by imprisonment, findrelief in discoursing upon their wrongs with those of their owncolor, and making the contamination greater, " said the factor, whoseemed inclined to view the matter in its proper light. 

"Oh! what sir? That would never do. You mistake a nigger's feelingsentirely. Privileges never create respect with them. Just make a lawto leave 'em upon the wharf, and five hundred policemen wouldn'tkeep 'em from spoiling every nigger in town, just destroying thesovereignty of the law, and yielding a supreme right that we havealways contended for. It's 'contrary to law, ' and we must carry outthe law, " replied Grimshaw. 

"Pshaw! Talk such stuff to me! Just take away the sixteen hundred ortwo thousand dollars that you make by the law; and you'd curse itfor a nuisance. It would become obsolete, and the poor devils ofstewards would do what they pleased; you'd never trouble your headabout them. Now, Grimshaw, be honest for once; tell us what youwould do if circumstances compelled the Captain to leave that niggerboy here?" 

"Carry out the letter of the law; there's no alternative. But theCaptain swears he's a white man, and that would give him anopportunity to prove it. " 

"How is he to prove it, Grimshaw? We take away the power, and thenask him to do what we make impossible. Then, of course, you wouldcarry 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 kindcarried out upon an English nigger. It would be more of a curse uponour slave institution than every thing else that could be raised, "said the factor. 

"Gentlemen, you might as well preach abolition at once, and then thepublic would know what your sentiments were, and how to guardagainst you. I must bid you good-by. " So saying, Mr. Grimshawtwisted his whip, took a large quid of tobacco, and left the companyto discuss the question among themselves. 

CHAPTER XVIII. 

LITTLE TOMMY AND THE POLICE. 

WE must take the reader back to the old jail, and continue our scenefrom where we left little Tommy spreading the Captain's presentbefore the imprisoned stewards, whose grateful thanks were showeredupon the head of the bestower. Kindness, be it ever so small, to aman in prison, is like the golden rays of the rising sun lighting upthe opening day. They all partook of the refreshments provided forthem with grateful spirits. 

It was near ten o'clock when Daley came to announce that it was timeto close the prison, and all strangers must withdraw. Tommy hadinsisted upon stopping with Manuel during the night, but Daley, This man Daley was a proverbial drunkard, a tyrant in the exerciseof his "little brief authority, " and a notorious--. Singular as itmay seem, considering his position, he would quarrel with the menfor a glass of whiskey, had given the jailer more trouble than anyother man, and been several times confined in the cells for hisincorrigible vices. If any thing more was wanting to confirm ournote, we could refer to Colonel Condy, the very gentlemanly UnitedStates marshal. In a very rude manner, told him it was against therules, and putting his hand to his back, pushed him out of the celland secured the bolts. The little fellow felt his way through thepassage and down the stairs in the dark until he reached thecorridor, where the jailer stood awaiting to let him pass the outeriron-gate. "You've made a long stay, my little fellow. You'll havea 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'sorders, " said the jailer, as, he passed into the street, at the sametime giving him a list of imperfect directions about the course toproceed. 

The jail is in a distant and obscure part of the city, surrounded bynarrow streets and lanes, imperfectly laid out and undefined. Inleaving the walls of the prison, he mistook his direction, and thenight being very dark, with a light, drizzling rain, which commencedwhile he was in the prison, the whole aspect of things seemedreversed. After travelling about for some time, he found himselfupon a narrow strip of land that crossed a basin of water and led toChisholm's mill. The different appearance of things here convincedhim of his error. Bewildered, and not knowing which way to proceed, he approached a cross road, and sitting down upon a log, weptbitterly. He soon heard a footstep, and as it approached, his careslightened. It proved to be a negro man from the mill, These mills are worked all night, and the poor negroes, wishing tofollow an example which massa sets on a grand scale, save that theyhave an excuse in the fatigue of labor, will delegate some shrewdone of their number to proceed to a Dutch "corner-shop" in thesuburbs, run the gauntlet of the police, and get a bottle ofwhiskey, When interrogated, they are always "going for a bottle ofmolasses. " They keep a keen watch for the police, and their cunningmodes of eluding their vigilance forms many amusing anecdotes. Theyare bound to have a pass from master, or some white man; but if theycan reach the shop in safety, the Dutchman will always furnish themwith one to return. It not unfrequently happens that the guard-menare much more ignorant than the slaves. The latter knowing this, will endeavor to find their station and approach by it, taking withthem either an old pass or a forged one, which the guard-man makes awonderful piece of importance about examining and countersigning, though he can neither read nor write. Thus Sambo passes on to gethis molasses, laughing in his sleeve to think how he "fool ignorantbuckra. " A change of guard often forms a trap for Sambo, when he islugged to the guard-house, kept all night, his master informed inthe morning, and requested to step up and pay a fine, or Sambo'sback catches thirty-nine, thus noting a depression of value upon theproperty. Sometimes his master pays the municipal fine, andadministers a domestic castigation less lacerating. Bound into thecity on the usual errand of procuring a little of molasses. Whenhe first discovered Tommy, he started back a few paces, as if infear; but on being told by Tommy that he was lost, and wanted tofind his way to the wharves, he approached and recovering, confidence readily, volunteered to see him to the corner of Broadstreet. So, taking him by the hand, they proceeded together untilthey reached the termination of the Causeway, and were about toenter Tradd street, when suddenly a guard-man sprang from behind anold shed. The negro, recognising his white belt and tap-stick, madethe best of his time, and set off at full speed down a narrow lane. The watchman proceeded close at his heels, springing his rattle atevery step, and pouring out a volley of vile imprecations. Tommystood for a few moments, but soon the cries of the negro and thebeating of clubs broke upon his ear; he became terrified, and ran atthe top of his speed in an opposite direction. Again he had lost hisway, and seemed in a worse dilemma than before; he was weary andfrightened, and hearing so many stories among the sailors aboutselling white children for slaves, and knowing the imprisonment ofManuel, which he did not comprehend, his feelings were excited tothe highest degree. After running for a few minutes, he stopped tosee if he could recognize his position. The first thing that caughthis eye was the old jail, looming its sombre walls in the gloomycontrast of night. He followed the walls until he reached the maingate, and then, taking an opposite direction from his former route, proceeded along the street until he came to a lantern, shedding itsfeeble 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 turnwhich ever way he would, darkness and obstacles rose to impede hisprogress. At length he turned down the lane, and proceeded until hecame to another junction of streets; taking one which he thoughtwould lead him in the right direction, he wandered through it andinto a narrow, circuitous street, full of little, wretched-lookinghouses. A light glimmered from one of them, and he saw a femalepassing to and fro before the window. He approached and rappedgently upon the door. Almost simultaneously the light wasextinguished. He stood for a few minutes, and again rapped louderthan before; all was silent for some minutes. A drenching shower hadcommenced, adding to the already gloomy picture; and the rustlingleaves on a tree that stood near gave an ominous sound to theexcited feelings of the child. He listened at the door with anxietyand fear, as he heard whispers within; and as he was about to repeathis rapping, a window on the right hand was slowly raised. Thefemale who had been pacing the floor protruded her head with acaution that bespoke alarm. Her long, black hair hanging about hershoulders, and her tawny, Indian countenance, with her ghost-likefigure dressed in a white habiliment, struck him with a sort ofterror that wellnigh made him run. 

"Who is that, at this time of night?" inquired the woman, in a lowvoice. 

"It's only me. I'm lost, and can't find my way to our vessel, " saidTommy, in a half-crying tone. 

"Mother, " said the woman, shutting the window, "it's only a littlesailor-boy, a stranger, and he's wet through. " 

She immediately unbarred and opened the door, and invited him tocome in. Stepping beyond the threshold, she closed the door againstthe storm, and placing a chair at the fire, told him to sit down andwarm himself. They were mulatto half-breeds, retaining all theIndian features which that remnant of the tribe now in Charlestonare distinguished by a family well known in the city, yet under thestrictest surveillance of the police. Every thing around the littleroom denoted poverty and neatness. The withered remnant of an agedIndian mother lay stretched upon a bed of sickness, and thedaughter, about nineteen years old, had been watching over her, andadministering those comforts, which her condition required. "Why, mother, it's a'most twelve o'clock. I don't believe he'll cometo-night. " 

She awaited her friend, or rather he whose mistress she hadcondescended to be, after passing from several lords. The history ofthis female remnant of beautiful Indian girls now left inCharleston, is a mournful one. The recollection of their noblesires, when contrasted with their present unhappy associations, affords a sad subject for reflection. And this little boy can stoptill morning in our room up-stairs, " said she, looking up at an oldConnecticut clock that adorned the mantel-piece. 

"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 Icouldn't stop, " said Tommy. 

"But you never can find the bay on such a night as this; and I've nopass, or I would show you into Broad street, and then you could findthe way. I am afraid of the guardmen, and if they caught me and tookme 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 feelhis wet clothes. 

He now arose from the chair, and putting on his hat, she followedhim to the door and directed him how to proceed to find Broadstreet. 

He proceeded according to her directions, and soon found it. Now, hethought, he was all right; but the wind had increased to a gale, andhaving a full sweep through the street, it was as much as he coulddo to resist it. He had scarcely reached half the distance of thestreet when it came in such sudden gusts that he was forced to seeka refuge against its fury in the recess of a door. He sat down upona step, and buttoning his little jacket around him, rested his headupon his knees, and while waiting for the storm to abate, fell intoa deep sleep. From this situation he was suddenly aroused by aguardman, who seized him by the collar, and giving him an unmercifultwitch, brought, him headlong upon the sidewalk. 

"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 yeto be round stealing at this time o' night. " 

"No, sir! no, sir! I didn't do nothing"--

"Shut up! None of your lyin' to a policeman, you young rascal. Idon't want to hear, nor I won't stand your infernal lies. " 

"Oh do, mister, let me tell you all about it, and I know you won'thurt me. I'm only going to the vessel, if you'll show me the way, "said the little fellow imploringly. 

"Stop yer noise, ye lying young thief, you. Ye wouldn't be prowlingabout at this time o' night if ye belonged to a vessel. 'Pon mesoul, 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, Ireckon, but yer a strolling vagrant, and that's worse, " hecontinued, after examining his face very minutely. So, dragging himto the guardhouse as he would a dog, and thrusting him into a sortof barrack-room, the captain of the guard and several officialssoon gathered around him to inquire the difficulty. The officerslistened to the guardman's story, with perfect confidence in everything he said, but refused to allow the little fellow to reply inhis own behalf. "I watched him for a long time, saw him fumblingabout people's doors, and then go to sleep in Mr. T--'s recess. These boys are gettin' to be the very mischief-most dangerousfellows we have to deal with, " said the policeman. 

"Oh, no! I was only goin' to the brig, and got turned round. I'vebeen more than two hours trying to find my way in the storm. I'msure I a'n't done no harm. If ye'll only let me tell my story, " saidTommy. 

"Shut up! We want no stories till morning. The mayor will settleyour hash to-morrow; and if you belong to a ship, you can. Tell himall about it; but you'll have the costs to pay anyhow. Just lay downupon that bench, and you can sleep there till morning; that's betterthan loafing about the streets, " said the captain of the guard, alarge, portly-looking man, as he pointed Tommy to a long benchsimilar to those used in barrack-rooms. 

The little fellow saw it was no use to attempt a hearing, and goingquietly to the bench, he pulled off his man-a-war hat, and laying itupon a chair, stretched himself out upon it, putting his littlehands under his head to ease it from the hard boards. 

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 peltingfury of the storm, like one in agonizing distress. 

"Heavens! what is that!" said the captain of the guard, suddenlystarting from his seat, and running for the door, followed by thewhole posse. The groans grew louder and more death-like in theirsound, accompanied by strange voices, giving utterance to horribleimprecations, and a dragging upon the floor. The large door opened, and what a sight presented itself! Three huge monsters, withside-arms on, dragged in the poor negro who proffered to show Tommyinto Broad street. His clothes were nearly torn from his back, besmeared with mud, from head to foot, and his face cut and mangledin the most shocking manner. His head, neck, and shoulders, werecovered with a gore of blood, and still it kept oozing from hismouth and the cuts on his head. They dragged him in as if he was adying dog that had been beaten with a club, and threw him into acorner, upon the floor, with just about as much unconcern. 

"Oh! massa! massa! kill me, massa, den 'em stop sufferin'!" said thepoor fellow, in a painful murmur, raising his shackled hands to hishead, and grasping the heavy chain that secured his neck, in theagony of pain. 

"What has he done?" inquired the officer. 

"Resisted the guard, and ran when we told him to stop!" responded atrio of voices. "Yes, and attempted to get into a house. Ah! youvagabond you; that's the way we serve niggers like you!--Attempt torun again, will you? I'll knock your infernal daylights out, younigger you, " said one of the party. 

"It does seem tome that you might have taken him, and brought him upwith less severity, " said the officer. 

"What else could we do, sure? Didn't we catch him prowling aboutwith a white fellow, and he runn'd till we couldn't get him. Indeedit was nothing good they were after, and it's the like o' them thatbees doing all the mischief beyant the city. " 

"An' 'imself, too, struck Muldown two pokes, 'efore he lave dehancuffs be pat upon him, at all!" said another of the guardmen; andthen turning around, caught a glimpse of poor little Tommy, who hadbeen standing up near a desk, during the scene, nearly "frightenedout of his wits. " 

"By the pipers, --what! and is't here ye are? The same that was withhimself beyant! Come here, you spalpeen you. Wasn't ye the same whatrunn'd whin we bees spaken to that nigger?" said the same guardman, taking hold of Tommy's arm, and drawing him nearer the light. 

"Yes, he was coming along with me, to show me"--

"Stop!--you know you are going to lie already. Better lock 'em bothup for the night, and let them be sent up in the morning, " saidanother. 

"Then you won't let me speak for myself--" 

"Hush, sir!" interrupted the officer; "you can tell your story inthe morning! but take care you are not a vagrant. If it's provedthat you were with that nigger at the improper hour, you'll get yourback scarred. Come, you have owned it, and I must lock you up. " 

Without attempting to wash the blood off the negro, or dress hiswounds, they unlocked the handcuffs, and loosened the chain from hisneck, handling him with less feeling than they would a dumb brute. Relieved of his chains, they ordered him to get up. 

The poor creature looked up imploringly, as if to beg them to sparehis 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 thathad streamed from his mounds. "None of your infernal humbuggery-youcould run fast enough. Just get up, and be spry about it, or I'llhelp you with the cowhide, " said the officer, calling to one of theguardmen to bring it to him. He now made an effort, and had got uponhis knees, when the guardman that seemed foremost in his brutalityfetched him a kick with his heavy boots in the side, that againfelled him to the ground with a deep groan. 

"Ot-tut! that will not do. You mus'n't kill the nigger; his masterwill come for him in the morning, " said the officer, stooping downand taking hold of his arm with his left hand, while holding acowhide in his right. "Come, my boy, you must get up and go into thelock-up, " he continued. 

"Massa! oh, good massa, do-don't! I's most dead now, wha'for ye nolef me whare a be?" said he in a whining manner; and making a secondattempt, fell back upon the floor, at which two of them seized himby the shoulders, and dragging him into a long, dark, cell-likeroom, threw him violently upon the floor. Then returning to theroom, the officer took Tommy by the arm, and marching him into thesame room, shut the door to smother his cries. The little fellow wasso frightened, that he burst into an excitement of tears. The roomwas dark, and as gloomy as a cavern. He could neither lie down, sleep, nor console himself. He thought of Manuel, only to envy hislot, and would gladly have shared his imprisonment, to be relievedfrom such a horrible situation. Morning was to bring, perhaps, worseterrors. He thought of the happy scenes of his rustic home inDunakade, and his poor parents, but nothing could relieve theanguish of his feelings. And then, how could he get word to hisCaptain? If they were so cruel to him now, he could not expect themto be less so in the morning. In this manner, he sat down upon thefloor with the poor negro, and, if he could do nothing more, sympathized with his feelings. The poor negro murmured and groanedin a manner that would have enlisted the feelings of a Patagonian;and in this way he continued until about three o'clock in themorning, when his moaning became so loud and pitiful, that theofficer of the guard came to the door with an attendant, andunbolting it, entered with a lantern in his hand. He held the lighttoward 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 pileo' cuts on him, " said he, putting his hand to his head. The officerpassed the lantern to his attendant, and after putting a pair ofgloves on his hands, began to feel his head, turn aside his tornclothes, and wipe the dirt from the places where the blood seemed tobe clotted. "Good gracious! I didn't conjecture that you were cut sobad. Here, my good fellow, (addressing himself to Tommy, ) hold thelantern. 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. 

Water and cloths were soon brought. The attendant, Michael, commenced to strip his clothes off, but the poor fellow was so sorethat he screeched, in the greatest agony, every time he attempted totouch him. "Be easy, " said the officer, "he's hurt pretty badly. Hemust a' been mighty refractory, or they'd never beaten him in thismanner, " he continued, opening a roll of adhesive plaster, andcutting it into strips. After washing, him with water and whiskey, they dressed his wounds with the plaster, and bound his head with anold silk handkerchief which they found in his pocket, after whichthey left the light burning and retired. 

After they retired, Tommy inquired of the negro how they came tokeep him so long, before they brought him to the guard-house? Itproved, that as soon as they came up with him, the first one knockedhim down with a club; and they all at once commenced beating himwith their bludgeons, and continued until they had satisfied theirmad fury. And while he lay groaning in the streets, they left one oftheir number in charge, while the others proceeded to get handcuffsand chains, in which they bound him, and dragged him, as it were, the distance of four squares to the guard-house. What a sublimepicture for the meditations of a people who boast of their braveryand generosity! 

CHAPTER XIX. 

THE NEXT MORNING, AND THE MAYOR'S VERDICT. 

SHORTLY after daylight, Tommy fell into a dozing sleep, from whichhe was awakened by the mustering of the prisoners who had beenbrought up during the night, and were to appear before the mayor atnine o'clock. A few minutes before eight o'clock, an officer openedthe cell-door, and they were ordered to march out into a long room. In this room they found all the prisoners gathered. There were threeblacks and five whites, who had been arrested on different charges;and as the mayor's court was merely a tribunal of commitment-notjudgment-if the charges upon which the prisoners were brought upwere sustained-which they generally were, because the policeman whomade the arrest was the important witness, they were committed toawait the tardy process of the law. 

Considerable uneasiness had been felt on board of the Janson forTommy, and the Captain suggested that he might have got astray amongthe dark lanes of the city, and that the mate had better send someof the crew to look for him. The mate, better acquainted withTommy's feelings and attachment for Manuel than he was with therules of the prison and Mr. Grimshaw's arbitrary orders, assured theCaptain that such a course would be entirely unnecessary, for heknew when he left that he would stop all night with Manuel. Thisquieted the Captain's apprehensions, and he said no more about ituntil he sat down to breakfast. "I miss Tommy amazingly, " said theCaptain. "If he stopped all night, he should be here by this time. Ithink 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 thecompanion that a person on deck wished to see the Captain. On goingup, he found a policeman, who informed him that a little boy hadbeen arrested as a vagrant in the street, last night, and whenbrought before the mayor a few minutes ago, stated that he belongedto his vessel, and the mayor had despatched him to notify themaster. "Circumstances are suspicious; he was seen in company with anegro of very bad habits; but if you can identify the boy, you hadbetter come quick, or he'll be sent to jail, and you'll have sometrouble to get him out, " said the messenger, giving the Captain adescription of the boy. 

"Oh yes!" said the Captain, "that's my Tommy. I verily believethey'll have us all in jail before we get away from the port. "Numerous appointments engrossed his time, and he had promised tomeet the consul at an early hour that morning. Notwithstanding this, he gave a few orders to the mate about getting the hatches ready andreceiving the port-wardens, and then immediately repaired to theall-important guard-house. He was just in time to receive themortifying intelligence that the mayor's court had concluded itssitting, and to see little Tommy, with a pair of handcuffs on hishand, in the act of being committed to jail by a Dutch constable. Hestopped the constable, and being told that his honor was yet in theroom, put a couple of dollars into his hand to await hisintercession. Another fortunate circumstance favored him; just as hestopped 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. 

We must now return to the arraignment, as it proceeded after themessenger had been despatched. 

The negro confined with Tommy presented a wretched picture whenbrought into the light room among the other prisoners. His head wasso swollen that no trace of feature was left in his face. Cuts andgashes were marked with plaster all over his neck and face; his headtied up with an old red handkerchief; his eyes, what could be seenof them, more like balls of blood than organs of sight; while thewhiskey and water with which his head had been washed, had mixedwith the blood upon his clothes, and only served to make itsappearance more disgusting. Altogether, a more pitiful object neverwas presented to human sight. 

Some minutes before the clock struck nine, an intelligent-lookinggentleman, very well dressed, and portly in his appearance, enteredthe room. He was evidently kindly disposed, but one of those menwhose feelings prompt them to get through business with despatch, rather than inquire into the circumstances of aggravated cases. Heheld a consultation with the officer for some minutes with referenceto the prisoners. After which he mounted a little tribune, andaddressing a few words to the white prisoners, (a person who actedthe part of clerk announced court by rapping upon a desk with alittle mallet, ) inquired whether the officers had notified theowners of the negroes. Being informed that they had, he proceededwith the negroes first. One, by some good fortune, was taken away byhis master, who paid the usual fee to swell the city treasury;another was sentenced to receive twenty paddles on the frame at theworkhouse; and the third, the man we have described, being broughtforward, weak with the loss of blood, leaned his hand upon the backof a chair. "Stand up straight!" said the officer, in a commandingtone. 

"Now, my boy, this is twice you have been before this court. Yourmaster has left you to the mercy of the law, and given strict ordersto the police in the event that you were caught a third time. Yourcrime is worse now, for you were caught in company with that whiteboy-probably on some errand of villany, prowling about the streetsafter drum-beat. I shall, in consideration of the facts here statedby the police, whose evidence I am bound to recognise, sentence youto nineteen paddles on the frame, and to be committed to jail, inaccordance with your master's orders, there to await his furtherdirections. 

"Arraign the white prisoners according to the roll, Mr. --. Have yousent a message to the Captain about that boy?" inquired the mayor. 

"No, yer honor; but I will send at once, " said the officer, steppinginto the passage and calling an attendant. 

The little fellow was arraigned first. He stood up before the mayorwhile the ruffianly policeman who arrested him preferred the chargesand 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. Ihave sent for your captain, " said the mayor, looking as if he reallyfelt pity for the little fellow. 

He commenced to tell his simple story, but soon became so convulsedwith tears that he could proceed no further. "I only went to thejail to see Manuel, the steward, and I got lost, and begged theblack man to show me the way"--said he, sobbing. 

"Well, I have heard enough, " said the mayor, interrupting him. "Youcould not have been at the jail at that time o' night-impossible. Itwas after hours-contrary to rules-and only makes the matter worsefor yourself. You can stand aside, and if the Captain comes beforecourt is through, we will see further; if not, you must be committedas a vagrant. I'm afraid of you young strollers. " 

The officer of the guard, as if the poor boy's feelings were notalready sufficiently harassed, took him by the arm, and pushing himinto a corner, said, "There, you young scamp, sit down. You'll getyour deserts when you get to the jail. " 

He sat down, but could not restrain his feelings. The presence ofthe Captain was his only hope. He saw the prisoners arraigned one byone, and join him as they were ordered for committal. He washandcuffed like the rest, and delivered to the constable. The readercan imagine the smile of gladness that welcomed the Captain's timelyappearance. The latter's exhibition of feeling, and the simpleexclamation of the child's joy, formed a striking picture of thatfondness which a loving child manifests when meeting its parentsafter a long absence. 

"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 youthlike that. " 

"I would do any thing to oblige you, colonel; but I cannot withoutorders from the mayor, " returned the man, very civilly. 

"I'll see that you do, very quick, " rejoined the colonel, impatiently; and taking the little fellow by the arm in acompassionate manner, led him back into the presence of the mayor, followed by the Captain. 

"I want to know what you are committing this lad for, " said thecolonel, setting his hat upon the table, while his face flushed withindignation. 

"Vagrancy, and caught prowling about the streets with a negro atmidnight. That is the charge, colonel, " replied the mayor, withparticular condescension and suavity. 

"Was there any proof adduced to substantiate that fact?" 

"None but the policeman's; you know we are bound to take that asprima facie. " 

"Then it was entirely ex parte. But you know the character of thesepolicemen, and the many aggravated circumstances that have arisenfrom their false testimony. I wish to cast no disrespect, yourhonor; but really they will swear to any thing for a fee, whiletheir unscrupulous bribery has become so glaring, that it is adisgrace to our police system. Have you heard the boy's story?" saidthe colonel. 

"Well, he began to tell a crooked story, so full of admissions, andthen made such a blubbering about it, that I couldn't make head ortail of it. " 

"Well, here is the Captain of his vessel, a friend of mine, whom Iesteem a gentleman-for all captains ought to be gentlemen, notexcepting Georgia captains and majors, " said the colonel, jocosely, turning round and introducing the Captain to his honor. "Now, yourhonor, you will indulge me by listening to the little fellow'sstory, which will be corroborated in its material points by thestatements of the Captain, which, I trust, will be sufficient; ifnot, we shall recur to the jailer. " 

"It will be sufficient. I am only sorry there has been so muchtrouble about it, " said the mayor. 

The boy now commenced to tell his story, which the mayor listened towith all learned attention. No sooner had Tommy finished, and theCaptain arose to confirm his statements, than the mayor declaredhimself satisfied, apologized for the trouble it had caused, anddischarged the boy upon paying the costs, the amount of which thecolonel took from his pocket and threw upon the table. Thus wasTommy's joy complete; not so the poor negro whose ill luck heshared. This high-sounding mayor's court was like C‘sar's court, with the exceptions in C‘sar's favor. 

CHAPTER XX. 

EMEUTE AMONG THE STEWARDS. 

SEVERAL days had passed ere we again introduce the reader to thecell of the imprisoned stewards. The captain of the Janson had beenassured by Mr. Grimshaw that every thing was comfortable at thejail, and Manuel would be well cared for. Confiding in this, theactivity of the consul to bring the matter before the properauthorities-and the manner in which his own time was engrossed withhis business-left him no opportunity to visit Manuel at the jail. Tommy and one of the sailors had carried him his hammock, and a fewthings from the ship's stores; and with this exception, they had butlittle to eat for several days. Copeland had but a few days more toremain, and, together with those who were with him, had exhaustedtheir means, in providing from day to day, during theirimprisonment. The poor woman who did their washing, agenerous-hearted mulatto, had brought them many things, for whichshe asked no compensation. Her name was Jane Bee, and when the rulesof the jail made every man his own washerwoman, she frequentlywashed for those who had nothing to pay her. But her means weresmall, and she worked hard for a small pittance, and had nothing tobring them for several days. They were forced to take the allowanceof bread, but could not muster resolution to eat the sickly meat. 

Those who had suffered from it before, took it as a naturalconsequence, looking to the time of their release, as if it was tobring a happy change in their lives. But Manuel felt that it was anunprecedented outrage upon his feelings, and was determined toremonstrate against it. He knocked loudly at the door, and some ofthe prisoners hearing it, reported to the jailer, who sent Daley toanswer it. As soon as the door was opened, he rushed past, andsucceeded in gaining the iron door that opened into the vestibule, where he could converse with the Jailer, through the grating, beforeDaley could stop him. 

The jailer seeing him at the grating, anticipated his complaint. "Well, Pereira, --what's the matter up-stairs?" said he. 

"For God's sake, jailer, what am I put in here for-to starve? Wecannot eat the meat you send us, and we have had little else thanbread and water for three days. Do give us something to eat, andcharge it to consul, or Captain, an' I'll pay it from my wages whenI get out, if I ever do, " said he. 

"My dear fellow!" said the jailer, "no one knows your case betterthan I do; but I am poor, and the restrictions which I am underallow me no privileges. You had all better take your meat in themorning-if you won't take soup-and try to cook it, or get Jane to doit 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 ifGrimshaw hears it, he may lock you up. " 

"Do, I shall be very thankful, for we are really suffering fromhunger, in our cell, and I pay you when I get money from Captain, "said Manuel, manifesting his thankfulness at the jailer's kindness. 

"I will send it up in a few minutes, but you needn't troubleyourself about pay-I wouldn't accept it!" said the jailer; and asgood 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 seatedthemselves upon the floor, around the faint glimmer of a tin lamp, while Copeland read the twentieth and twenty-first chapters of theActs of the Apostles. Copeland was a pious negro, and his behaviourduring his imprisonment enlisted the respect of every one in jail. Singular as the taste may seem, he had his corner in the celldecorated with little framed prints. Among them we noticed one ofthe crucifixion, and another of the Madonna. After reading thechapters, they retired to their hard beds. About nine o'clock thenext morning, Daley came to the door with a piece of neck meat, sotainted and bloody that its smell and looks more than satisfied thestomach. 

"Here it is, boys, " said he; "yer four pound, but ye's better takesoup, cos ye'll niver cook that bone, anyhow. " 

"Do you think we're like dogs, to eat such filth as that? No! I'drather starve!" said Manuel. 

"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 getmuch nohow, " replied Daley, dropping the bloody neck upon the floor, and walking out. 

"Better take it, " said Copeland. "There's no choice, and hungerdon't stand for dainties, especially in this jail, where everybodyis famished for punishment. If we don't eat it, we can give it tosome of the poor prisoners up-stairs. " 

"While I have good ship-owners, and a good Captain, I never will eatsuch stuff as that; oh! no, " returned Manuel. 

The meat was laid in a corner for the benefit of the flies; and whendinner time arrived, the same hard extreme arrived with it-bread andwater. And nobody seemed to have any anxieties on their behalf; fortwo of them had written notes to their Captains, on the dayprevious, but they remained in the office for want of a messenger tocarry them. Fortunately, Jane called upon them in the afternoon, andbrought a nice dish of rice and another of homony. 

We will here insert a letter we received from a very worthy friend, who, though he had done much for the Charleston people, and beenrepaid in persecutions, was thrown into jail for a paltry debt by aruthless creditor. Cleared by a jury of twelve men, he was held inconfinement 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 satisfyjustice, for it was well understood that he did not owe the debt. His letter speaks for itself. Charleston Jail, March 31, '52. 

MY DEAR FRIEND, --I could not account for your absence during thelast few days, until this morning, when Mr. F***** called upon mefor a few moments, and from him I learnt that you had been quiteunwell. If you are about to-morrow, do call upon me; for a moredreary place, or one where less regard is paid to the calls ofhumanity, cannot be found among the nations of the earth. 

Such is the ordinary condition of suffering within thisestablishment, that men, and even women, are forced to all kinds ofextremes to sustain life; and, to speak what experience has taughtme, crime is more increased than reduced by this wretched system. There seems to be little distinction among the prisoners, and nomeans to observe it, except in what is called Mount Rascal on thethird story. Pilfering is so common, that you cannot leave your roomwithout locking your door. The jailer is a good, kind-hearted oldman, very often giving from his own table to relieve the wants ofdebtors, many of whom repay him with ingratitude. I have sufferedmany privations from shipwreck and cold, but never until I came toSouth Carolina was I compelled to endure imprisonment and subsistseveral days upon bread and water. 

Talk about chivalry and hospitality! How many men could join with meand ask, "Where is it?" But why should I demur, when I see thoseabroad who have been driven from this State to seek bread; when Ihear the many voices without tell of struggling to live, for want ofsystem in mechanical employment, and when I look upon several withinthese sombre walls who are even worse than me. Here is a physician, with a wife and large family, committed for a debt which he wasunable to pay. His father's name stands among the foremost of theState--a General of distinction, who offered his life for her intime of war, and whose name honors her triumphs, and has sincegraced the councils of state. 

General Hammond, whose name occupies such a conspicuous place in themilitary history of South Carolina. The father's enthusiasm for hiscountry's cause led him to sacrifice his all, and by it he entailedmisfortune upon his descendants. When I consider the case ofShannon, whose eleven years and seven months' imprisonment for debt, as it was called, but which eventually proved to be a questionturning upon technicalities of law, gave him, body and soul, to thevindictiveness of a persecutor, whose unrelenting malignity was keptup during that long space of time. It was merely a breach oflimitation between merchants, the rights of which should be governedby commercial custom. Shannon had, amassed about twenty thousanddollars by hard industry; his health was waning, and he resolved toretire with it to his native county. The gem proved too glaring forthe lynx eye of a "true Carolinian, " who persuaded him to invest hismoney in cotton. Moved by flattering inducements, he authorized afactor to purchase for him upon certain restrictions, which, unfortunately for himself, were not drawn up with regard to legalenforcement-one of those singular instruments between a merchant andan inexperienced man which a professional quibbler can takeadvantage of. Cotton was at the tip-top, and very soon Shannon waspresented with an account of purchase, and draft so far beyond hislimits, that he demurred, and rejected the purchase entirely; butsome plot should be laid to entrap him. The factor undertook theforce game, notified him that the cotton was held subject to hisorder, and protested the draft for the appearance ofstraightforwardness. Cotton shortly fell to the other extreme, thelot was "shoved up" for sale on Shannon's account, Shannon was suedfor the balance, held to bail, and in default committed to prison. His confinement and endurance of it would form a strange chapter inthe history of imprisonment for debt. Carrying his money with him, he closed the door of his cell, and neither went out nor would allowany one but the priest to enter for more than three years; and foreleven years and seven months he paced the room upon a diagonal linefrom corner to corner, until he wore the first flooring, of two-and-a-quarter-inch pine, entirely through. 

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 havedigressed. I must relate an amusing affair which took place thismorning between Manuel Pereira, the steward of the English brigJanson, which put into this port in distress, and the jailer. He isthe man about whom so much talk and little feeling has beenenlisted--a fine, well-made, generous-hearted Portuguese. He isolive-complexioned--as light as many of the Carolinians--intelligentand obliging, and evidently unaccustomed to such treatment as hereceives here. 

Manuel appeared before the jailer's office this morning with twojunks of disgusting-looking meat, the neck-bones, tainted andbloody, in each hand. His Portuguese ire was up. "Mister Poulnot, what you call dis? In South Carolina you feed man on him, ah? In mycountry, ah yes! we feed him to dog. What you call him? May-besomethin' what me no know him. In South Carolina, prison sailor whenhe shipwreck, starve him on nosin', den tell him eat this, ah! Isails 'round ze world, but never savage man gives me like zat toeat! No, I starve 'fore I eat him, be gar! Zar, you take him, " saidhe, throwing the pieces of meat upon the floor in disdain. 

"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 thejailer, with an expression of mortification on his countenance. 

"Meat, ah! You call dat meat in South Carolina? I call himbull-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 agreat excitement. 

"You'd better be careful how you talk, or you may get locked up whenthe sheriff comes. " 

It seems that the Captain had received a note from him, addressed byone of the white prisoners on the same floor, and reached the jailjust as Manuel had ascended the stairs. He rang the bell andrequested to see Manuel. 

"Manuel Pereira?" inquired the jailer. 

"Yes, " said the Captain, "he is my steward. " 

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 inimprisonment. Tell me what is the matter. Don't they use you wellhere?" inquired the Captain. 

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 lawno 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 twoneck. Ils sont r‚duits … l'extr‚mit‚, " said he, concluding withbroken French. 

"That cannot be; it's against the law to kill bulls in SouthCarolina, " interrupted the jailer jocosely. 

"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 ondat, Capitan?" said he, in reply to the Captain's questions. 

The Captain felt incensed at such treatment, and excused himself fornot calling before; yet he could not suppress a smile that stoleupon his countenance in consequence of Manuel's quaint earnestness. 

"That is certainly strange fare for a human being; but the supperseems rather a comical one. Did you drink the bucket of water, Manuel?" inquired the Captain, retaining a sober face. 

"Capitan, you know me too well for dat. I not ask 'em nozin' what heno get, but I want my coffee for suppe'. I no eat him like zat, "throwing the putrid meat upon the floor again. 

"Hi, hi! That won't do in this jail. You're dirtying up all myfloor, " said the jailer, calling a negro boy and ordering him tocarry the bull-necks, as Manuel called them, into the kitchen. 

"You call him dirt, ah, Miser Jailer? Capitan, just come my room; Ishown him, " said Manuel, leading the way up-stairs, and the Captainfollowed. A sight at the cell was enough, while the sickly stenchforbid him to enter beyond the threshold. He promised Manuel that hewould provide for him in future, and turning about suddenly, retreated into the lower lobby. 

"Jailer, what does all this mean? Do you allow men to starve in aland of plenty, and to suffer in a cell like that?" asked theCaptain in a peremptory tone. 

"I feel for the men, but you must enter your complaints to thesheriff-the ration of the jail is entirely in his hands. " 

"But have you no voice in it, by which you can alleviate theirsituation?" 

"Not the least! My duty is to keep every thing-every thing torights, as far as people are committed. You will find the sheriff inhis office, any time between this and two o'clock, " said the jailer. And the Captain left as suddenly as he came. 

You will think I have written you an essay, instead of a letterinviting you to come and see me. Accept it for its intention, andexcuse the circumstances. Your obedient servant, CHAPTER XXI. 

THE CAPTAIN'S INTERVIEW WITH MR. GRIMSHAW. 

THE appearance of things at the jail was forlorn in the extreme. TheCaptain knew the integrity of Manuel, and not only believed hisstatement, but saw the positive proofs to confirm them. He repairedto the sheriff's office, and inquiring for that functionary, waspointed to Mr. Grimshaw, who sat in his large chair, with his feetupon the table, puffing the fumes of a very fine-flavored Havana, asunconcerned as if he was lord in sovereignty over every thing aboutthe city. "I am captain of the Janson, and have called to inquireabout my steward?" said the Captain. 

"Ah! yes, --you have a nigger fellow in jail. Oh! by-the-by, that'sthe one there was so much fuss about, isn't it?" said Mr. Grimshaw, looking up. 

"It is an imperative duty on me to seek the comfort of my officersand 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 timein 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 whenI first arrived, I was led to believe that he would be madecomfortable; and that the mere confinement was the only feature ofthe law that was a grievance. Now I find that to be the onlytolerable part of it. When a man has committed no crime, and isimprisoned to satisfy a caprice of public feeling, it should beaccompanied with the most favoring attendants. To couple it with themost disgraceful abuses, as are shown here, makes it exceedinglyrepugnant. If we pay for confining these men, and for their livingwhile they are confined, in God's name let us get what we pay for!" 

The reader will observe that Mr. Grimshaw was a man of coarsemanners and vulgar mind, with all their traces preserved on theouter 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 usa mighty site of trouble, Captain. He doesn't seem to understandthat he must be contented in jail, and live as the other prisonersdo. He gets what the law requires, and if he gives us any furthertrouble, we shall lock him up in the third story. " 

"You cannot expect him to be contented, when you furnish the meansof discontent. But I did not come here to argue with you, nor to askany thing as a favour, but as a right. My steward has been left tosuffer! Am I to pay for what he does not get? Or am I to pay you forthe pretence, and still be compelled to supply him on account of theowners? You must excuse my feelings, for I have had enough toprovoke them!" returned the Captain. 

"That business is entirely my own! He gets what the State allows, and I provide. Your steward never wrote that note; it was dictatedby some of them miserable white prisoners. I can hear no complaintsupon such cases as them. If I were to listen to all thesenonsensical complaints, it would waste all my time. I wish the devilhad all the nigger stewards and their complaints; the jail's in afuss with them all the time. I can hear nothing further, sir-nothingfurther!" said Grimshaw emphatically, interrupting the Captain as heattempted to speak; at which the Captain became so deeply incensed, that he relieved his feelings in that sort of plain English which aScotchman can best bestow in telling a man what he thinks of hischaracter. 

"You must remember, sir, you are in the office of the sheriff of thecounty-parish, I mean, --and I am, sir, entitled to proper respect. Begone!--avaunt! you have no right to come here and traduce mycharacter in that way. You musn't take me for a parish beadle, " saidGrimshaw, contorting the unmeaning features of his visage, andletting fly a stream of tobacco juice in his excitement. 

"If you have no laws to give me justice, you have my opinion of yourwrongs, " returned the Captain, and taking his hat, left the officewith the intention of returning to the jail. On reflection, heconcluded to call upon Colonel S--, which he did, and finding him inhis office, stated the circumstances to him. 

"These things are the fruits of imbecility; but I am sorry to saythere is no relief from them. We are a curious people, and do agreat many curious things according to law, and leave a great manythings undone that the law and lawmakers ought to do. But I will gowith you to the jail, and whatever my influence will effect is atyour service, " said the Colonel, putting on his hat, andaccompanying the Captain to the jail. 

Mr. Grimshaw had forestalled them, and after having given the jailerparticular instructions to lock Manuel up if he made any furthercomplaint, and to carry out his orders upon the peril of hissituation, met them a few steps from the outer gate, on his return. "There, Captain!" said Grimshaw, making a sort of halt, "I havegiven the jailer particular orders in regard to your grumblingnigger!" 

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 himthere, and begged the jailer's kind consideration in his behalf. Thejailer told them what his orders had been, but promised to do as faras was in his power, and to see any thing that was sent to himsafely delivered. 

After leaving the jail, Colonel S--proposed a walk, and theyproceeded along a street running at right angles with the jail, until they came to a corner where a large brick building was inprocess of erection. The location was not in what might strictly becalled "the heart of the city, " nor was it in the suburbs. Carpenters and masons, both black and white, were busily employed intheir avocations, and from the distance all seemed fair and movingwith despatch. As they approached nearer, cries and moans soundedupon the air, and rose high above the clatter of the artisans' work. The Captain quickened his pace, but the colonel, as if from aconsciousness of the effect, halted, and would fain have retracedhis steps. "Come!" said the Captain, "let us hasten-they are killingsomebody!" They approached the building, and entered by an open doorin the basement. The passage, or entry-way, was filled with allsorts of building materials; and on the left, another door openedinto a long basement apartment, with loose boards laid upon thefloor-joists overhead. Here in this dark apartment was the sufferingobject whose moans had attracted their attention. A large billet ofwood, about six feet long and three feet square, which had theappearance of being used for a chopping-block, laid near. A poornegro man, apparently advanced in years, was stripped naked and bentover the block, in the shape of a horse-shoe, with his hands andfeet closely pinioned to stakes, driven in the ground on each side. His feet were kept close together, and close up to the log, while hewas 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 eachend carried to the pinion where his hands were secured, his head andneck were drawn down to the tightest point. The very position wasenough to have killed an ordinary human being in less than sixhours. His master, a large, robust man, with a strong Irish brogue, started at their appearance, as if alarmed at the presence ofintruders, while holding his hand in the attitude of administeringanother blow. "There! you infernal nigger; steal again, will you?"said he, frothing at the mouth with rage--with his coat off, hisshirt-sleeves rolled up, and his face, hands, arms and shirt-bosomso bespattered with blood, that a thrill of horror ran through theCaptain. On the ground lay several pieces of hoop, broken andcovered with blood, while he held in his hand another piece, (whichhe had torn from a lime-cask, ) reeking with blood, presenting thepicture of a murderer bestained with the blood of his victim. Butthe poor sufferer's punishment had wasted his strength, --his moanshad become so faint as to be scarcely perceptible. His posteriorswere so cut and mangled that we could compare them to nothing but apiece of bullock's-liver, with its tenacity torn by craven dogs. Hisbody was in a profuse perspiration, the sweat running from his neckand shoulders, while the blood streamed from his bruises, down hislegs, and upon some shavings on the ground. Just at this moment aboy brought a pail of water, and set it down close by the tyrant'sfeet. "Go away, boy!" said he, and the, boy left as quick aspossible. The Captain stood dismayed at the bloody picture. 

"Unmerciful man!" said the colonel in a peremptory tone; "what haveyou been doing here? You fiend of hell, let the man up! You ownslaves to bring disgrace upon us in this manner! Epithets ofcontempt and disgust are too good for you. It is such beasts as youwho are creating a popular hatred against us, and souring thefeelings of our countrymen. Let the man up instantly; the veryposition you have him in is enough to kill him, and, if I'm notmistaken, you've killed him already. " 

"Indeed, he's me own property, and it's yerself won't lose aha'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. Badluck to the nager, an' it's the second time he'd be doin' that samething, " said he, as unconcernedly as if he had just been killing acalf. 

"I'll 'your own' you, you miserable wretch! Your abuse and crueltreatment of your slaves is becoming a public thing; and if youa'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; theyhave feeling, if you have no compassion. Be quick! release him atonce!" demanded the colonel, feeling the man's wrist and head. 

The tyrant vent deliberately to work, unloosing the cords. Thisprovoked the colonel still more, and taking his knife from hispocket, he severed the cords that bound his hands and feet, while assuddenly the Captain sprang with his knife and severed those thatbound his hands and neck. "Stop, Captain, stop! take no part, " saidthe colonel, with a significant look. 

"Gintlemen, I wish yes wouldn't interfere with my own business, "said the master. 

"Take him up, you villanous wretch! I speak to you as you deserve, without restraint or respect, " again the colonel repeated. 

He called to the boy who was bringing the pail of water when theyentered. He came forward, and taking the poor fellow by theshoulders, this beast in human form cried out, "Get up now, yemiserable thief, ye. " The poor fellow made a struggle, but as theblack man raised his head-which seemed to hang as a deadweight-exhaustion had left him without strength, and he fell backamong the bloody shavings like a mutilated mass of lifeless flesh. 

"None of your humbugging; yer worth a dozen dead niggers anyhow, "said he, taking up the pail of water and throwing nearly half of itover him; then passing the bucket to the black man and ordering himto get more water and wash him down; then to get some saltpetre anda sponge to sop his flesh. 

"Well, " said the colonel, "I have seen a good deal of cruelty toslaves, but this is the most beastly I have ever beheld. If youdon't send for a doctor at once, I shall report you. That man willdie, to a moral certainty. Now, you may depend upon what I say-ifthat man dies, you'll feel the consequences, and I shall watch youclosely. " 

"Sure I always takes care of me own niggers, an' it's himself thatwon't be asked to do a stroke of work for a week, but have the sameto git well in, " said the tyrant as the colonel and Captain wereleaving. 

"God be merciful to us, and spare us from the savages of mankind. That scene, with its bloody accompaniment, will haunt me throughlife. Do your laws allow such things?" said the Captain, evidentlyexcited. 

"To tell the truth, Captain, " said the colonel, "our laws do notreach them. These men own a few negroes, which, being property, theyexercise 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 tosecond the cry, that he must have a peculiar position if he does notprejudice his own interests and safety. I am sorry it is so; but itis too true, and while it stigmatizes the system, it works againstourselves. The evil is in the defects of the system, but the remedyis a problem with diverse and intricate workings, which, I own, arebeyond my comprehension to solve. The reason why I spoke to you as Idid when you cut the pinions from the man's hands, was to give you aword of precaution. That is a bad man. Negroes would rather be soldto a sugar plantation in Louisiana any time than be sold to him. Hesoon works them down; in two years, fine, healthy fellows becomelame, infirm, and sickly under him; he never gives them a holiday, and seldom a Sunday, and half-starves them at that. If his feelingshad been in a peculiar mood at the instant you cut that cord, and hehad not labored under the fear of my presence, he would have raiseda gang of his stamp, and with the circumstance of your being astranger, the only alternative for your safety would have been inyour leaving the city. " 

"That vagabond has beaten the poor creature so that he will die; itcan't be otherwise, " said the Captain. 

"Well, no; I think not, if he is well taken care of for a week orso; 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, sofar as the law is concerned, that the lash was abolished and thepaddle substituted--the former mangled in the manner you saw justnow, while the latter is more acute and bruises less. I have seen anigger taken from the paddle-frame apparently motionless andlifeless, very little bruised, and not much blood drawn; but hewould come to and go to work in three or four days, " said thecolonel as they passed along together. 

We would print the name of this brute in human form, that the worldmight read it, were it not for an amiable wife and interestingfamily, whose feelings we respect. We heard the cause of this crueltorture a short time after, which was simply that he had stolen afew pounds of nails, and this fomented the demon's rage. In themanner we have described, this ferocious creature had kept hisvictim for more than two hours, beating him with the knotty hoopstaken from lime-casks. His rage would move at intervals, like gustsof wind during a gale. Thus, while his feelings raged highest, hewould vent them upon the flesh of the poor pinioned wretch; then hewould stop, rest his arm, and pace the ground from wall to wall, andas soon as his passion stormed, commence again and strike the blowswith all his power, at the same time keeping the black boy standingwith a bucket of water in his hand ready to pour upon the wretchwhenever signs of fainting appeared. Several times, when the copiousshower came over him, it filled his mouth, so that his criesresounded with a gurgling, death-like noise, that made everysensation chill to hear it. During this space of time, he inflictedmore than three hundred blows. Our information is from the man whodid his master's bidding--poured the water--and dared not say, "Goodmassa, spare poor Jacob. " We visited the place about a monthafterward, on a pretext of examining the basement of the building, and saw the unmistakable evidences of civilized torture yetremaining in the ground and upon the shavings that were scatteredaround. 

"Captain, you must not judge the institution of slavery by what yousaw there; that is only one of those isolated cases so injurious inthemselves, but for which the general character of the institutionshould not be held answerable, " said the colonel. 

"A system so imperfect should be revised, lest innocent men be madeto suffer its wrongs, " said the Captain. 

They continued their walk through several very pretty parts of thecity, where fine flowering gardens and well-trimmed hedges werenicely laid out; these, however, were not the habitations of the"old families. " They occupied parts of the city designated bymassive-looking old mansions, exhibiting an antiqueness and mixedarchitecture, with dilapidated court-yards and weather-stainedwalls, showing how steadfast was the work of decay. 

The colonel pointed out the many military advantages of the city, which would be used against Uncle Sam if he meddled with SouthCarolina. He spoke of them ironically, for he was not possessed ofthe 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 goodcomponent parts-eloquent, but moved by fancied wrongs; Rhett, renouncer of that vulgar name of Smith, who hated man because hespoke, yet would not fight because he feared his God; and betwixtthem, a host of worthies who made revenge a motto; and last, but notleast, 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 deceptionin the political dealings of this circle of great names. 

Returning to the market, they took a social glass at Baker's, wherethe colonel took leave of the Captain; and the latter, intending torepair to his vessel, followed the course of the market almost toits lowest extreme. In one of the most public places of the market, the Captain's attention was attracted by a singular object ofmechanism. It seemed so undefined in its application, that he wasreminded of the old saying among sailors when they fall in with anyindescribable thing at sea, that it was a "fidge-fadge, to pry thesun up with in cloudy weather. " It was a large pedestal about sixfeet high, with a sort of platform at the base for persons to standupon, supplied with two heavy rings about eight inches apart. It wassurmounted by an apex, containing an iron shackle long enough for asloop-of-war's best bower chain, and just, beneath it was anicely-turned moulding. About three feet from the ground, and twelveinches from the pedestal, were two pieces of timber one above theother, with a space of some ten inches between them, the upper oneset about five inches nearest the pedestal, also containing tworings, and both supported by posts in the ground. Above the wholewas a framework, with two projecting timbers supplied with rings, and standing about fourteen inches in a diagonal direction above thebig ring in the apex of the shaft. It was altogether a curiousinstrument, but it designated the civilization of the age, upon thesame principle that a certain voyager who, on landing in a distantcountry, discovered traces of civilization in the decaying remainsof an old gallows. 

He viewed the curious instrument for some time, and then turning toan old ragged negro, whose head and beard were whitened with theflour of age, said, "Well, old man, what do you call that?" 

"Why, massa, him great t'ing dat-what big old massa judge sendbuckra-man to get whip, so color foke laugh when 'e ketch 'im on deback, ca' bim; an' massa wid de cock-up hat on 'e head put on bigvip jus' so, " said the old negro. 

It was the whipping-post, where white men, for small thefts, werebranded with ignominy and shame. 

"Are you a slave, old man?" inquired the Captain. 

The old man turned his head aside and pulled his ragged garments, asif shame had stung his feelings. 

"Do, good massa-old Simon know ye don'e belong here-give him pieceof 'bacca, " replied the hoary-headed veteran evidently intending toevade the question. The Captain divided his "plug" with him, andgave him a quarter to get more, but not to buy whiskey. "Tank-e, massa, tank-e; he gone wid ole Simon long time. " 

"But you haven't answered my question; I asked you if you were aslave. " 

"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'twoff 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; goodmassa make her free, " said he. 

"How old are you, old man?" inquired the Captain. 

"Ah, Massa Stranger, ye got ole Simon da! If me know dat, den 'imknow somefin' long time ago, what buckra-man don' larn. Icon'try-born nigger, massa, but I know yonder Massa Pringle housefo' he built 'im. " Just at this moment several pieces of cannon andother ordnance were being drawn past on long, low-wheeled drays. "Ah, massa, ye don'e know what 'em be, " said the old negro, pointingto them. "Dem wa' Massa South Ca'lina gwan to whip de 'Nited Stateswid Massa Goberna' order 'em last year, an 'e jus' come. Good massegwan' to fight fo' we wid 'em. " The poor old man seemed to take agreat interest in the pieces of ordnance as they passed along, andto have inherited all the pompous ideas of his master. The negroesabout 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. 

"Then I suppose you've a home anywhere, and a master nowhere, oldman?" said the Captain, shaking him by the hand, as one who had wornout his slavery to be disowned in the winter of life. 

CHAPTER XXII. 

COPELAND'S RELEASE, AND MANUEL'S CLOSE CONFINEMENT. 

THE Captain of the Janson, finding that no dependence was to beplaced upon the statements of the officials, after returning to hisvessel, gave orders that Tommy should be sent to the jail every daywith provisions for Manuel. The task was a desirable one for Tommy, and every day about ten o'clock he might be seen trudging to thejail with a haversack under his arm. There were five stewardsconfined in the cell, and for some days previous to this attentionon the part of the Captain they had been reduced to the last stageof necessity. The quantity may be considered as meagre when dividedamong 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 anycasual circumstance might affect. For several days they madethemselves as contented and happy as the circumstances would admit;and always being anxious to enjoy the privilege of their time in theyard, they would leave their cell together, and mix with theprisoners of their own color under the stoop. 

After a few days, they found that their cell had been entered, andnearly all their provisions stolen. Not contented with this, the actwas repeated for several days, and all the means they provided todetect the thief proved fruitless. The jailer made several searchesthrough their remonstrances, but without effecting any thing. Theykept their provisions in a little box, which they locked with apadlock; but as Daley had the keys of the cell, they had no means oflocking the door. At length Manuel set a trap that proved effectual. One morning Tommy came puffing into the jail with a satchel over hisback. "I guess Manuel won't feel downhearted when he sees this--doyou think he will?" said the little fellow, as he put the satchelupon the floor and looked up at the jailer. "An' I've got somecigars, too, the Captain sent, in my pocket, " said he, nodding hishead; and putting his hand into a side-pocket, pulled out one andhanded it to the jailer. 

"Ah! you are a good little fellow-worth a dozen of our boys. Sitdown and rest yourself, " said the jailer, and called a monstrousnegro wench to bring a chair and take the satchel up to the cell. Then turning to the back-door, he called Manuel; and, as ifconscious of Tommy's arrival, the rest of the stewards followed. Hesprang from the chair as soon as he saw Manuel, and running towardhim, commenced telling him what he had got in the satchel and atthe same time pulled out a handful of segars that the Captain hadsent for himself. Manuel led the way up-stairs, followed by Tommyand the train of stewards. Tommy opened the satchel, while Manuellaid the contents, one by one, on the table which necessity hadfound in the head of a barrel. 

"Now eat, my friends, eat just as much as you want, and then I'llcatch the thief that breaks my lock and steals my meat. I catchhim, " said Manuel. After they had all done, he locked the balance upin his box, and sent everybody down-stairs into the yard, firstcovering himself with two mattrasses, and giving orders to Copelandto lock the door after him. Every thing was ready to move at theword. In this position he remained for nearly half an hour. Atlength he heard a footstep approach the door, and then the lockclink. The door opened slowly, and the veritable Mr. Daley limpedin, and taking a key from his pocket, unlocked the little box, andfilling his tin pan, locked it, and was walking off as independentas a wood-sawyer, making a slight whistle to a watch that wasstationed 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 headthat sent him and the contents of the pan into a promiscuous pile onthe floor. Daley gathered himself up and made an attempt to reachthe door, but Manuel, fearing what might be the consequence if theother prisoners came to his assistance, shut the door before him andfastened it on the inside. 

"Bad luck to yer infernal eyes, will ye strike a white man, ye nagerye, in a country like this same?" said Daley, as he was gatheringhimself up. This incensed Manuel's feelings still more. To haveinsult added to injury, and a worthless drunkard and thief abusehim, was more than he could bear. He commenced according to asailor's rule of science, and gave Daley a systematic threshing, which, although against the rules of the jail, was declared byseveral of the prisoners to be no more than he had long deserved. Asmay have been expected, Daley cried lustily for help, adding thevery convenient item of murder, to make his case more alarming. Several persons had crowded around the door, but none could gainadmittance. The jailer had no sooner reached the door, than (mostunfortunately for Manuel) he was called back to the outer door, toadmit Mr. Grimshaw, who had just rung the bell. The moment heentered, Daley's noise was loudest, and reached his ears before hehad gained the outside gate. He rushed up-stairs, followed by thejailer, and demanded entrance at the cell door, swearing at the topof his voice that he would break it in with an axe if the commandwas not instantly obeyed. 

The door opened, and Manuel stood with his left hand extended atDaley. "Come in, gentlemen, I catch him, one rascal, what steal myprovision every day, and I punish him, what he remember when Ileave. " 

Daley stood trembling against the wall, bearing the marks of seriousinjury upon his face and eyes. "At it again, Daley? Ah! I thoughtyou had left off them tricks!" said the jailer. 

Daley began to tell a three-cornered story, and to give as manypossible 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'sgiven us more trouble than he's worth. He tried to pass himself offfor a white man, but he couldn't come that, and now he's had theimpudence to strike a white man; lock him up! lock him up!! and keephim locked up until further orders from me. I'll teach him a lessonthat he never learnt before he came to South Carolina; and then letConsul Mathew sweat over him, and raise another fuss if he can. " 

"If he's guilty of violating the rules of the jail, Daley is guiltyof misdemeanour, and the thieving has been aggravatingly continued. If we put one, we must put both up, " said the jailer. 

"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, " saidGrimshaw peremptorily. 

"You may lock me up in a dungeon, do with me as you will, if thepower is yours; but my feelings are my own, and you cannot crushthem. I look to my consul, and the country that has protected mearound the world, and can protect me still, " said Manuel, resigninghimself to the jailer, whose intentions he knew to be good. 

Poor little Tommy stood begging and crying for his friend andcompanion, for he heard Mr. Grimshaw give an imperative order to thejailer not to allow visitors into his cell. "Never mind, Tommy, weshall soon meet again, and sail companions for the old owners. Don'tcry; the jailer will let you see me to-morrow, " said Manuel. 

"No, I can't do that; you heard my orders; I must obey them. Ishould like to do it, but it's out of my power, " returned thejailer, awaiting with a bunch of keys in his hand. 

Manuel turned to the little fellow, and kissing him as he would anaffectionate child, bade him adieu, and ascended, the steps leadingto the third story (Mount Rascal) in advance of the jailer, to beconfined in a dark, unhealthy cell, there to await the caprice ofone man. To describe this miserable hole would be a task tooharrowing to our feelings. We pass it for those who will come afterus. He little thought, when he shook the hand of his littlecompanion, that it was the last time he should meet him for manymonths, and then only to take a last parting look, under the mostpainful circumstances. But such is the course of life! 

Copeland had received notice to hold himself in readiness, as hisvessel would be ready for sea the next morning. He was not long ingetting his few things in order, and when morning came he was onhand, prepared to bound from the iron confines of the Charlestonjail, like a stag from a thicket. As he bade good-by to hisfellow-prisoners in the morning, he said, "This is my lastimprisonment in Charleston. I have been imprisoned in Savannah, butthere I had plenty to eat, comfortable apartments, and every thing Iasked 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 seeManuel, but being refused, upon the restraint of orders, he left thejail. It was contrary to law; and thus in pursuing his vocationwithin the limits of South-Carolina, his owners were made to pay thefollowing sum, for which neither they nor the man who suffered theimprisonment received any compensation. "Contrary to Law. " Schooner"Oscar Jones, " Captain Kelly, For William H. Copeland, ColoredSeaman. To Sheriff of Charleston District. 1852, 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 Maintenanceof Wm. H. Copeland, at 80 cts. Per day, 4. 50 Received payment, $11. 81 J. D--, Per Charles E. Kanapeaux, Clerk. 

God save the sovereignty of South Carolina, and let her mercy andhospitality be known on earth! 

CHAPTER XXIII. 

IMPRISONMENT OF JOHN PAUL, AND JOHN BAPTISTE PAMERLIE. 

IN order to complete the four characters, as we designed in theoutset, we must here introduce the persons whose names fill thecaption. The time of their imprisonment was some two months laterthan Manuel's release; but we introduce them here for the purpose offurnishing a clear understanding of the scenes connected withManuel's release. 

John Paul was a fine-looking French negro, very dark, withwell-developed features, and very intelligent, --what would be calledin South Carolina, "a very prime feller. " He was steward on board ofthe French bark Senegal, Captain--. He spoke excellent French andSpanish, and read Latin very well, --was a Catholic, and paidparticular respect to devotional exercises, --but unfortunately hecould not speak or understand a word of English. In all ourobservation of different characters of colored men, we do notremember to have seen one whose pleasant manner, intelligence, andcivility, attracted more general attention. But he could notcomprehend the meaning of the law imprisoning a peaceable manwithout crime, and why the authorities should fear him, when hecould not speak their language. He wanted to see the city-what sortof people were in it-if they bore any analogy to their good oldforefathers in France; and whether they had inherited the samecapricious feelings as the descendants of the same generation on theother side of the water. There could be no harm in that; andalthough he knew something of French socialism, he was ignorant ofCarolina's peculiar institutions, her politics, and her fears ofabolition, as a "Georgia cracker" 

A sort of semi-civilized native, wearing a peculiar homespun dress;with a native dialect strongly resembling many of the Yorkshirephrases. They are generally found located in the poorer parishes anddistricts, where their primitive-looking cabins are easilydesignated from that of the more enterprising agriculturist. But fewof them can read or write, --and preferring the coarsest mode oflife, their habits are extremely dissolute. Now and then one may befound owning a negro or two, --but a negro would rather be sold tothe torments of hell, or a Louisiana sugar-planter, than to aGeorgia cracker. You will see them approaching the city onmarket-days, with their travelling-cart, which is a curiosity initself. It is a two-wheeled vehicle of the most primitivedescription, with long, rough poles for shafts or thills. Sometimesit is covered with a blanket, and sometimes with a white rag, underwhich are a few things for market, and the good wife, with sometimesone or two wee-yans; for the liege lord never fails to bring hiswife to market, that she may see the things of the city. Thedejected-looking frame of some scrub-breed horse or a half-starvedmule 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 ofwool-tanned sheep-skin, the lord of the family, with peculiardress, a drab slouched hat over his eyes, and a big whip in hishand, mounts on the back of the poor animal, and placing his feetupon 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 theman will sit upon their backs with perfect unconcern. Remonstratewith them in regard to the sufficient draught added to theinsupportable weight upon their backs, and they will immediatelycommence demonstrating how he can draw easier when there is animmense weight upon his back. The husband generally exchanges histhings for whiskey, rice, and tobacco, while the wife buys calicoand knick-knacks. Sometimes they get "a right smart chance o'things" together, and have a "party at home, " which means a blow-outamong themselves. Sometimes they have a shucking, which is a greataffair, 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 orfifteen miles, who repay the compliment with their presence, andjoin in the revelry. There are two classes of the cracker inGeorgia, according to our observation, differing somewhat in theirdialect, but not in their habits. One is the upper, and the otherthe 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, andis designated by the sobriquet of "wire-grass man. " would be ofGreek. Like his predecessors in confinement, he fell into the handsof the veritable Dunn, without the assistance of his friend Duse, ashe called him; but had it not been for the timely appearance of aclerk in the French consul's office, who explained the nature of thearrest, in his native tongue, Mr. Dunn would have found some troublein making the arrest. Already had the officers and crew of the barkgathered around him, making grimaces, and gibbering away like aflock 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 abit ye'll understand me. Why don't yees spake so a body canunderstand 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 wasever in before wid yer John o' crapue's an' yer chatter. Ye saywe-we-we; sure it's but one I wants. Ah! whist now, captain, anddon'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 overit, and herself's such a great State, wid so many great gintlemen init, " said Dunn, talking his green-island Greek to the Frenchman. 

"We, we! mon Dieu, ah!" said the Frenchman. 

"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'tallow the likes o' him to be comin ashore and playing the divil widher slaves, " continued Dunn, stretching himself up on his lame leg. 

The clerk stepped up at this moment. "It's 'imself'll be telling yesall about it, for yer like a parcel of geese makin' a fuss about agoslin. " Mr. Dunn had got his Corkonian blood up; and although thematter was explained, he saw the means at hand, and fixed hisfeelings for a stiff compensation. The clerk, after explaining tothe captain, turned to John Paul and addressed him. As soon as hewas done, John commenced to pack up his dunnage and get money fromthe captain, as if he was bound on an Arctic Expedition. Dunn's eyesglistened as he saw the money passing into Paul's hand; but he wasnot to be troubled with the dunnage, and after hurrying him a fewtimes, marched him off. He went through the regular system ofgrog-shop sponging; but his suavity and willingness to acquiesce inall Mr. Dunn's demands, saved him some rough usage. There was thisdifference between John Paul and Manuel, that the former, notunderstanding the English language, mistook Dunn's deception forfriendship, and moved by that extreme French politeness and warmthof feeling, which he thought doing the gentleman par excellence;while the latter, with a quicker perception of right and wrong, andunderstanding our language, saw the motive and disdained itsnefarious object. For when Paul arrived at the jail he was minus afive-dollar gold-piece, which his very amiable official companiontook particular care of, lest something should befall it. Poor JohnPaul! He was as harmless as South Carolina's secession andchivalry-two of the most harmless things in the world, not exceptingCongressional duelling. 

As soon as he entered the jail and found that the jailer could speakFrench, he broke out in a perfect tornado of enthusiasm. "Je seraicharm‚ de lier connaissance avec un si amiable compagnon, " said he, and continued in a strain so swift and unabated that it would havebeen impossible for an Englishman to have traced the inflections. 

The jailer called Daley, and telling him to take his blanket, theState's allotment, ordered him shown to his cell. Daley took theblanket under his arm and the keys in his hand, and Paul soonfollowed him upstairs to be introduced to his cell. "There, that'sthe place for yees. We takes the shine off all ye dandy niggers whinwe gets ye here. Do ye see the pair of eyes in the head o' me?" saidDaley, pointing to his blackened eyes; "an' he that done that sameis in the divil's own place above. Now, if ye have ever a drap ofwhiskey, don't be keepin' it shy, an' it'll be tellin' ye a goodmany favors. " 

"Ah! mon Dieu! Cela fait dresser les cheveux … la tˆte, " said Paul, shrugging his shoulders. 

"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?" 

"C'est ma grande consolation d'avoir. * * * Les Etats-Unis est unemod‚le de perfection r‚publicaine, " said he, taking the blanket fromDaley and throwing it upon the floor. He was but a poor companionfor his fellow-prisoners, being deprived of the means to exercisehis social qualities. He went through the same course of sufferingthat Manuel did; but, whether from inclination or necessity, bore itwith more Christian fortitude, chanting vespers every morning, andreading the Latin service every evening. The lesson which Manueltaught Daley proved of great service to Paul, who gave Daley thejail-ration which it was impossible for him to eat, and was savedfrom his pilfering propensities. Thus, after John Paul had sufferedthirty-five days' imprisonment, in mute confinement, to satisfy themajesty of South Carolina, he was released upon the followingconditions, and taken to his vessel at early daylight, lest heshould 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 SheriffCharleston Dist. 

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 

Recd. Payment, $17. 81 J. D--, S. C. D. Per Chs. E. Kanapeaux, Clerk. 

A very nice item of disbursements to present to the owners-a premiumpaid for the advanced civilization of South Carolina! 

We have merely noticed the imprisonment of John Paul, our limitsexcluding the details. We must now turn to a little, pert, saucyFrench boy, eleven years old, who spoke nothing but Creole French, and that as rotten as we ever heard lisped. The French bark NouvelleAmelie, Gilliet, master, from Rouen, arrived in Charleston on thetwenty-ninth of July. The captain was a fine specimen of a Frenchgentleman. He stood upon the quarter-deck as she was being"breasted-in" to the wharf, giving orders to his men, while thelittle child stood at the galley looking at the people upon thewharf, making grimaces and pointing one of the crew to severalthings that attracted his attention. Presently the vessel hauledalongside of the dock, and Dusenberry, with his companion Dunn, whohad been watching all the movements of the vessel from ahiding-place on the wharf, sprang out and boarded her ere she hadtouched the piles. 

The "nigger, " seeing Dusenberry approach him, waited until he sawhis hand extended, and then, as if to save himself from impendingdanger, ran aft and into the cabin, screaming at the top of hisvoice. The crew began to run and move up into close quarters. Theissue was an important one, and rested between South Carolina andthe little "nigger. " Dusenberry attempted to descend into the cabin. "Vat you vant wid my John, my Baptiste? No, you no do dat, 'z mycabin; never allow stranger go down 'im, " said the captain, placinghimself in the companionway, while the little terrified niggerpeeped above the combing, and rolled his large eyes, the whiteglowing in contrast, from behind the captain's legs. In thistempting position the little darkie, knowing he was protected by thecaptain and crew, would taunt the representative of the State withhis bad French. Dunn stood some distance behind Dusenberry, upon thedeck, and the mission seemed to be such a mystery to both captainand crew, that their presence aroused a feeling of curiosity as wellas anxiety. Several of the sailors gathered around him, and madeantic grimaces, pointing their fingers at him and swearing, so thatDunn began to be alarmed by the incomprehensible earnestness oftheir gibberish, turned pale, and retreated several steps, to theinfinite amusement of those upon the wharf. 

Vat 'e do, ah, you vant 'im? Vat you do vid 'im ven zu gets him, ah?Cette affaire d‚licate demande, " said one of the number, who washonored with the title of mate, and who, with a terrific blackmoustache and beard, had the power of contorting his face into themost repugnant grimaces. And, at the moment, he drew hissheath-knife and made a pretended plunge at Dunn's breast, causinghim to send forth a pitiful yell, and retreat to the wharf withquicker movements than he ever thought himself capable of. 

"Il n'y a pas grand mal … cela, " said the Frenchman, laughing atDunn as he stood upon the capsill of the wharf. 

"Bad luck to ye, a pretty mess a murderous Frinchmin that ye are. Doyees be thinkin' ye'd play that trick in South Carolina? Ye'll getthe like o' that taken out o' ye whin yer before his honor in themornin', " said Dunn. 

Dusenberry had stood parleying with the captain at thecompanion-door, endeavoring to make the latter understand that itwas not a case which required the presence of the silver oar. Thereis a prevailing opinion among sailors, that no suit in Admiralty canbe commenced, or seaman arrested while on board, without thepresence of the silver oar. And thus acting upon this impression, the captain and officers of the Nouvelle Amelie contended for whatthey considered a right. The mate and crew drew closer and closertoward Dusenberry, until he became infected with the prevailingalarm. "Captain, I demand your protection from these men, in thename of the State of South Carolina, " said he. 

"Who he? De State Souf Ca'lina, vat I know 'bout him, ah? Bring desilver oar when come take my man. II y a de la malhomm‚, tet‚ danssou proc‚s, " said Captain Gilliet, turning to his mate. 

"Avaunt! avaunt!" said the big man with the large whiskers, and theyall made a rush at Dusenberry, and drove him over the rail and backto the wharf, where he demanded the assistance of those anxiousspectators, for and in the name of the State. It was a right goodvaudeville comique, played in dialogue and pantomime. The point ofthe piece, which, with a little arrangement, might have made anexcellent production, consisted of a misunderstanding between anIrishman and a Frenchman about South Carolina, and a law so peculiarthat no stranger could comprehend its meaning at first and asneither could understand the language of the other, the more theyexplained the more confounded the object became, until, from piquantcomique, the scene was worked into the appearance of a tragedy. Onerepresented his ship, and to him his ship was his nation; theother represented South Carolina, and to him South Carolina was theUnited States; and the question was, which had the best right to thelittle darkie. 

The spectators on the wharf were not inclined to move, either notwishing to meddle themselves with South Carolina's affairs-wantinglarger game to show their bravery-or some more respectable officerto act in command. The little darkie, seeing Dusenberry driven tothe wharf, ran to the gangway, and protruding his head over therail, worked his black phiz into a dozen pert expressions, showinghis ivory, rolling the white of his eyes, and crooking his fingerupon his nose in aggravating contempt. 

"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. 

A gentleman, who had been a silent looker-on, thinking it no morethan proper to proffer his mediation, perceiving where thedifficulty lay, stepped on board and introducing himself to thecaptain, addressed him in French, and explained the nature of theproceeding. The captain shook his head for some time, and shruggedhis shoulders. "La police y est bien administr‚e, " said he, with anair of politeness; and speaking to his mate, that officer againspoke to the men, and Dusenberry was told by the gentleman that hecould come on board. Without further ceremony, he mounted the railand made a second attempt at the young urchin, who screamed and raninto the cook's galley, amid the applause of the seamen, who madeall sorts of shouts inciting him to run, crying out, "Run, Baptiste!run, Baptiste!" In this manner the little darkie kept the officer atbay for more than fifteen minutes, passing out of one door as theofficer entered the other, to the infinite delight of the crew. Atlength his patience became wearied, and as he was about to call Dunnto his assistance, the captain came up, and calling the child tohim-for such he was-delivered him up, the little fellow roaring atthe top of his voice as the big officer carried him over the railunder his arm. This ended the vaudeville comique on board of theFrench bark Nouvelle Amelie, Captain Gilliet. 

The dignity of the State was triumphant, and the diminutive niggerwas borne off under the arm of its representative. What a beautifultheme for the painter's imagination! And how mutely sublime wouldhave been the picture if the pencil of a Hogarth could have touchedit. The majesty of South Carolina carrying a child into captivity! 

After carrying John Baptiste about halfway up the wharf, they puthim down, and made him "trot it" until they reached the Dutchgrog-shop we have described in the scene with Manuel. Here theyhalted to take a "stiff'ner, " while Baptiste was ordered to sit downupon a bench, Dunn taking him by the collar and giving him a heartyshake, which made the lad bellow right lustily. "Shut up, ye whelpof 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 anddrinking toddies, Mr. Dunn got very amiably fuddled, and was forhaving a good-natured quarrel with every customer that came; intothe shop. He laboured under a spirit-inspired opinion that they musttreat or fight; and accordingly would attempt to reduce his opinionsto practical demonstrations. At length the Dutchman made a courteousremonstrance, but no sooner had he done it, than Dunn drew hishickory stick across the Dutchman's head, and levelled him upon thefloor. The Dutchman was a double-fisted fellow, and springing upalmost instantly, returned the compliment. Dusenberry was moresober, and stepped in to make a reconciliation; but before he hadtime to exert himself, the Dutchman running behind the counter, Dunnaimed another blow at him, which glanced from his arm and swept atin drench, with a number of tumblers on it, into a smash upon thefloor. This was the signal for a general mel‚e, and it began inright earnest between the Dutch and the Irish, --for the Dutchmancalled the assistance of several kinsmen who were in the frontstore, and Dunn, with the assistance of Dusenberry, musteredrecruits from among a number of his cronies, who were standing at acorner on the opposite side, of the street. Both came to the rescue, but the O'Nales and Finnegans outnumbering the Dutch, made aDonnybrook onset, disarming and routing their adversaries, andcapsizing barrels, boxes, kegs, decanters, and baskets of onions, into one general chaos, --taking possession of the Dutchman'scalabash, and proclaiming their victory with triumphant shouts. 

They had handcuffed the boy Baptiste as soon as they entered thestore, and in the midst of the conflict he escaped without beingobserved, and ran for his vessel, handcuffed, and crying at the topof his voice. He reached the Nouvelle Amelie, to the consummatesurprise of the officers and crew, and the alarm of pedestrians ashe passed along the street. "Mon Dieu!" said the mate, and takingthe little fellow to the windlass-bits, succeeded in severing thehandcuffs with a cold-chisel, and sent him down into the forecastleto secrete himself. 

When Dunn's wild Irish had subsided, Dusenberry began to reason withhim upon the nature of the affair, and the matter was reconciledupon the obligations that had previously existed, and a promise toreport no violations of the ordinances during a specified time. Looking around, Dunn exclaimed, "Bad manners till ye, Swizer, whata' ye done with the little nager? Where did ye put him?--Be dad, Duse, he's gone beyant!" An ineffectual search was made amongbarrels and boxes, and up the old chimney. "Did ye see him?"inquired Dunn, of a yellow man that had been watching the affray atthe door, while Dusenberry continued to poke with his stick amongthe boxes and barrels. 

"Why, massa, I sees him when he lef de doo, but I no watch him 'till'e done gone, " said the man. 

Dunn was despatched to the vessel in search, but every thing therewas serious wonderment, and carried out with such French nav‹et‚, that his suspicions were disarmed, and he returned with perfectconfidence that he was not there. A search was now made in all thenegro-houses in the neighborhood; but kicks, cuts, and other abusesfailed to elicit any information of his whereabouts. At length Dunnbegan to feel the deadening effects of the liquor, and was somuddled that he could not stand up; then, taking possession of a bedin one of the houses, he stretched himself upon it in superlativecontempt of every thing official, and almost simultaneously fellinto a profound sleep. In this manner he received the attention ofthe poor colored woman whose bed he occupied, and whom he had abusedin searching for the boy. In this predicament, Dusenberry continuedto search alone, and kept it up until sundown, when he wasconstrained to report the case to the sheriff, who suspended Mr. Dunn for a few days. The matter rested until the next morning, whenthe case of the little saucy nigger vs. South Carolina was renewedwith fresh vigor. Then Mr. Grimshaw, accompanied by Dusenberry, proceeded to the barque, and there saw the boy busily engaged in thegalley. Mr. Grimshaw went on board, followed by Duse, andapproaching the cabin door, met the captain ascending the stairs. "Captain, I want that nigger boy of yourn, and you may just as wellgive him up peaceably, " said he. 

"Yes, monsieur, --but you no treat 'im like child wen you get 'im, "said the captain. Retiring to the cabin, and bringing back thebroken manacles in his hand, he held them up to Mr. Grimshaw, "Youput such dem thing on child like 'im, in South Carolina, ah? Whatyou tink 'im be, young nigger, ox, horse, bull, ah! what? Now youtake'e him! treat him like man, den we no 'struct to laws wat SouthCarolina got, " continued he. 

Mr. Grimshaw thanked the captain, but made no reply about themanacles; taking them in his hand, and handing the boy over into thecharge of Dusenberry. In a few minutes he was ushered into thesheriff's office, and the important points of his dimensions andfeatures noted in accordance with the law. We are not advisedwhether the pert characteristics of his nature wereemblazoned, --if they were, the record would describe a singularspecimen of a frightened French darkie, more amusing than judicial. But John Baptiste Pamerlie passed the ordeal, muttering some rottenCreole, which none of the officials could understand, and wasmarched off to the jail, where the jailer acted as his interpreter. Being so small, he was allowed more latitude to ware and haul thanthe others, while his peculiar bon point and pert chatter afforded afund of amusement for the prisoners, who made him a particular butt, and kept up an incessant teasing to hear him jabber. The second dayof his imprisonment he received a loaf of bread in the morning, anda pint of greasy water, misnamed soup. That was the allowance whenthey did not take meat. He ran down-stairs with the pan in hand, raising an amusing fuss, pointing at it, and spitting out his Creoleto the jailer. He was disputing the question of its being soup, andhis independent manner had attracted a number of the prisoners. Justat the moment, the prison dog came fondling against his legs, and todecide the question, quick as thought, he set the pan before him;and as if acting upon an instinctive knowledge of the point atissue, the dog put his nose to it, gave a significant scent, shookhis head and walked off, to the infinite delight of the prisoners, who sent forth a shout of acclamation. Baptiste left his soup, andgot a prisoner, who could speak Creole, to send for his captain, whocame on the next morning and made arrangements to relieve hiscondition from the ship's stores. The following day he whipped oneof the jailer's boys in a fair fight; and on the next he killed aduck, and on the fourth he cut a white prisoner. Transgressing therules of the jail in rejecting his soup-violating the laws of SouthCarolina making it a heinous offence for a negro to strike or insulta white person--committing murder on a duck--endeavoring to get up afandango among the yard niggers, and trying the qualities of coldsteel, in a prisoner's hand, thus exhibiting all the versatility ofa Frenchman's genius with a youthful sang-froid, he was considereddecidedly dangerous, and locked up for formal reform. Here heremained until the seventeenth of August, when it was announced thatthe good barque Nouvelle Amelie, Captain Gilliet, was ready for sea, and he was forthwith led to the wharf between two officers, andordered to be transferred beyond the limits of the State, theCaptain paying the following nice little bill, of costs. "Contraryto Law. " "French Barque Nouvelle Amelie, Captain Gilliet, fromRouen, For John Baptiste Pamerlie, Colored Seaman. 1852. To Sheriffof Charleston District. August 26th, To Arrest, $2; Registry, $2, $4. 00"

"Recog. 1. 31; Constable, $1, 2. 31"

"Commitment and Discharge, 1. 00"

"20 days' Jail Maintenance of John Baptiste Pamerlie, at 30 cts. Per day, $6. 00 

"Received payment, 13. 31 J. D. , S. C. D. Per Charles E. Kanapeaux, Clerk. "

Thus ended the scene. The little darkie might have said when he wasin jail, "Je meurs de faim, et l'on ne m'apport‚ rien;" and when heleft, "Il est faufite avec les chevaliers d'industrie. " 

CHAPTER XXIV. 

THE JANSON CONDEMNED. 

WE must now return to Manuel. He was in close confinement, throughMr. Grimshaw's orders. Tommy continued to bring him food from day today, but was not allowed to see him. The mate and several of thecrew were also refused admittance to him. This was carrying power toan unnecessary limit, and inflicting a wanton punishment withoutproper cause, at the same time exhibiting a flagrant disrespect forpersonal 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 theinformation in his power concerning the affair, and his orders. Thisthey reported to the Captain, who immediately repaired to theconsul's office, where he found Mr. Mathew reading a note which hehad just received from Manuel. It stated his grievances in a clearand distinct manner, and begged the protection of that governmentunder whose flag he sailed, but said nothing about his provisions. The consul, accompanied by the Captain, proceeded to the sheriff'soffice, but could get no satisfaction. "I never considercircumstances when prisoners violate the rules of the jail, --he mustawait my orders! but I shall keep him closely confined for twoweeks, at least, " said Mr. Grimshaw. 

This incensed the consul still more, for he saw the manner in whicha 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 ofpunishment to which he had been subjected was evidently excited byvindictive feelings. He applied for a writ of habeas corpus, --butmark the result. 

The Captain proceeded to the jail, and demanded to see his steward;the jailer hesitating at first, at length granted his permission. Hefound Manuel locked up in a little, unwholesome cell, with scarcelya glimmer of light to mark the distinction of day and night; and sopale and emaciated, that had he met him in the street he shouldscarcely have recognised him. "Gracious God! What crime could havebrought such an excess of punishment upon you?" inquired theCaptain. 

Manuel told him the whole story; and, added to that, the thingswhich had been sent to him during the seven days he had beenconfined in that manner, had seldom reached him. He had lost hisgood friend Jane, and the many kind acts which she was wont tobestow upon him, and had been compelled to live upon bread and waternearly the whole time, suffering the most intense hunger. Uponinquiry, it was ascertained that the few things sent to make himcomfortable had been intrusted to Daley to deliver, who appropriatednearly the whole of them to his own use, as a sort of retaliatorymeasure for the castigation he received from Manuel. He had notfailed to carry him his pan of soup at twelve o'clock every day, butmade the "choice bits" serve his own digestion. The jailer felt thepain of the neglect, and promised to arrange a safer process offorwarding his things by attending to it himself, which he did withall the attention in his power, when Manuel's condition became moretolerable. The Captain told Manuel how his affairs stood-that heshould probably have to leave him in charge of the consul, but tokeep up good spirits; that he would leave him plenty of means, andas soon as his release was effected, to make the best of his way toScotland and join the old owners. And thus he left him, with a heavyheart, for Manuel did read in his countenance what he did not speak. 

The Janson had been discharged, a survey held upon the cargo, protest extended, and the whole sold for the benefit of whom itmight concern. Necessary surveys were likewise held upon the hull, and finding it so old and strained as to be unworthy of repair, itwas condemned and sold for the benefit of the underwriters. Thus theregister "de novo" was given up to the consul, the men discharged, and paid off according to the act of William IV. , which providesthat each man shall receive a stipend to carry him to the port inGreat Britain from which he shipped, or the consul to providepassage for him, according to his inclination, to proceed to a pointwhere the voyage would be completed. The consul adopted the bestmeans in his power to make them all comfortable and satisfied withtheir discharge. Their several register-tickets were given up tothem, and one by one left for his place of destination; Tommy andthe second mate only preferring to remain and seek some new voyage. The old chief mate seemed to congratulate himself in thecondemnation of the unlucky Janson. He shipped on board an Englishship, laden with cotton and naval stores, and just ready for sea. When he came on board to take a farewell of the Captain, he stoodupon deck, and looking up at the dismantled spars, said, "Skipper, ashadow may save a body after all. I've always had a presentment thatthis unlucky old thing would serve us a trick. I says to meself thatnight in the Gulf, 'Well, old craft, yer goin' to turn yer old ribsinto a coffin, at last, ' but I'll praise the bridge that carries mesafe 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 honestdeath to die in debt to the underwriters. I hope her old bones willrest in peace on terra-firma. Good-by, Captain, --remember me toManuel; and let us forget our troubles in Charleston by keeping awayfrom it. " 

CHAPTER XXV. 

GEORGE THE SECESSIONIST, AND HIS FATHER'S SHIPS. 

AS we have said, the second mate and little Tommy remained to seeknew voyages. Such was the fact with the second mate; but Tommy hadcontracted a violent cold on the night he was locked up in theguard-house, and had been a subject for the medicine-chest for sometime; and this, with his ardent attachment for Manuel, and hopes tojoin him again as a sailing companion, was the chief inducement forhis remaining. The Captain gave them accommodations in the cabin solong as he had possession of the ship, which afforded the means ofsaving their money, of which Tommy had much need; fornotwithstanding he received a nice present from the consul, andanother from the Captain, which, added to the few dollars that werecoming to him for wages, made him feel purse-proud, though it wasfar from being adequate to sustain him any length of time, or toprotect him against any sudden adversity. 

The Captain had not seen little George, the secessionist, since hisassurance that he would make every thing right with Mr. Grimshaw, and have Manuel out in less than twenty-four hours. It was now thefourteenth of April, and the signs of his getting out were not sogood as they were on the first day he was committed, for the vesselbeing condemned, if the law was carried to the strictest literalconstruction, Manuel would be tied up among the human things thatare articles of merchandise in South Carolina. He was passing fromthe wharf to the consul's office about ten o'clock in the morning, when he was suddenly surprised in the street by little George, whoshook his hand as if he had been an old friend just returned after along absence. He made all the apologies in the world for beingcalled away suddenly, and consequently, unable to render thatattention to his business which his feelings had prompted. Like allsecessionists, George was very fiery and transitory in his feelings. He expressed unmeasurable surprise when the Captain told him thecondition of his man in the old jail. "You don't say that men arerestricted like that in Charleston? Well, now, I never was in thatjail, but it's unsuited to the hospitality of our society, " said he. 

"Your prison groans with abuses, and yet your people never hearthem, " replied the Captain. 

George seemed anxious to change the subject, and commenced givingthe Captain a description of his journey to the plantation, hishunting and fishing, his enjoyments, and the fat, saucy, slickniggers, the fine corn and bacon they had, and what they said aboutmassa, ending with an endless encomium of the "old man's" oldwhiskey, and how he ripened it to give it smoothness and flavor. Hisdescription of the plantation and the niggers was truly wonderful, tantalizing the Captain's imagination with the beauties of a growingprincipality in itself. "We have just got a new vessel added to ourships, and she sails for the Pedee this afternoon. We got the rightstripe of a captain, but we have made him adopt conditions to betrue to the secession party. As soon as I get another man, we'lldespatch her in grand style, and no mistake. " 

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, andthey returned directly to the Janson, where they found the secondmate lashing his dunnage. The proposition was made and readilyaccepted. Again the Captain parted with little George, leaving himto take the mate to his father's office, while he pursued hisbusiness at the consul's. 

George led the mate into the office. "Here, father, here's a man togo in our vessel, " said he. The old man looked upon him with aserene importance, as if he was fettered with his own greatness. 

"My shipping interests are becoming very extensive, my man; I ownthe whole of four schooners, and a share in the greatest steamshipafloat-I mean screw-ship, the South Carolina--you've heard of her, Isuppose?" said the old man. 

Jack stood up with his hat in his hand, thinking over what he meantby big interests, and "reckoning he hadn't seen the establishment ofthem ship-owners about Prince's Dock, what owned more ships apiecethan there were days in the month. " 

"Now, my man, " continued the old man, "I'm mighty strict about mydiscipline, for I want every man to do his duty for the interests ofthe owners. But how many dollars do you want a month, my man?" 

"Nothing less than four pounds starling; that's twenty dollars yourcurrency, if I reckon right, " said Jack, giving his hat a twirl uponthe floor. 

"Wh-e-w! you belong to the independent sailors. You'll come downfrom 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. " 

Jack concluded not to sail in any of the old man's big ships, andsaid, "Yes, I joined them a long time ago, and I ha'n't regrettedit, neither; wouldn't pull a bow-line a penny less. I don't likedrogging, no-how. Good morning, sir, " said he, putting on his hat. And backing out of the door. 

"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 thedoor. 

"The like o' that don't signify. I've been skipper in the West Ingietrade years ago. There isn't much difference between a nigger and aschooner's captain, " said Jack, as he walked off to the Janson, preparatory to taking lodgings ashore. 

That afternoon about five o'clock, a loud noise was heard on board alittle schooner, of about sixty tons' register, that lay in a bendof the wharf a few lengths ahead of the Janson. Captain Thompson andhis second mate were seated on a locker in the cabin, conversingupon the prospects ahead, when the noise became so loud that theyran upon deck to witness the scene. 

George stood upon the capsill of the wharf, with mortificationpictured in his countenance. "Well, captain, you needn't make somuch noise about it; your conduct is decidedly ungentlemanly. If youdon't wish to sail in father's employ, leave like a gentleman, " saidGeorge, pulling up the corners of his shirt-collar. 

It was the great craft that George had distended upon, and theveritable captain of the right stripe, who promised to toe the markaccording to secession principles, but made no stipulations for thenigger feed that was the cause of the excitement. The captain, aBaltimore coaster, and accustomed to good feed in his vessels athome, had been induced by a large representations to take charge ofthe craft and run her in the Pedee trade, bringing rice toCharleston. On being told the craft was all ready for sea, herepaired on board, and, to his chagrin, found two black men for acrew, and a most ungainly old wench, seven shades blacker thanEgyptian darkness, for a cook. This was imposition enough to arousehis 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, whenwe tell him that all and singular the stores consisted of a shoulderof rusty Western bacon, a half-bushel of rice, and a jug ofmolasses; 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 thatit was what they always provided for their work-people. 

"Take your' little jebacca-boat and go to thunder with her, " saidthe captain, commencing to pick up his duds. 

"Why, captain, I lent you my gun, and we always expect our captainsto make fresh provision of game as you run up the river, " saidGeorge. 

"Fresh provisions, the devil!" said the captain. "I've enough to doto mind my duty, without hunting my living as I pursue my voyage, like a hungry dog. We don't do business on your nigger-allowancesystem in Maryland. " And here we leave him, getting one of thenegroes to carry his things back to his boarding-house. 

A few days after the occurrence we have narrated above little Tommy, somewhat recovered from his cold, shipped on board a littlecentre-board schooner, called the Three Sisters, bound to the EdistoRiver for a cargo of rice. The captain, a little, stubby man, rathergood looking, and well dressed, was making his maiden voyage ascaptain of a South Carolina craft. He was "South Carolina born, "but, like many others of his kind, had been forced to seek hisadvancement in a distant State, through the influence of thoseformidable opinions which exiles the genius of the poor in SouthCarolina. For ten years he had sailed out of the port of Boston, hadheld the position of mate on two Indian voyages under the well-knownCaptain Nott, and had sailed with Captain Albert Brown, and receivedhis recommendation, yet this was not enough to qualify him for thenautical ideas of a pompous South Carolinian. 

Tommy got his baggage on board, and before leaving, made anotherattempt at the jail to see his friend Manuel. He presented himselfto the jailer, and told him how much he wanted to see his old friendbefore he left. The jailer's orders were imperative. He was told ifhe 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 otherstewards. Recognising one of the stewards that had joined with themwhen they enjoyed their social feelings around the festive barrel, he walked into the piazza to meet him and bid him good-by. While hestood shaking hands with him, the poor negro 

The name of this poor fellow was George Fairchild. After being sentto the workhouse to receive twenty blows with the paddle when he wasscarcely able to stand, he was taken down from the frame andsupported to the jail, where he remained several weeks, fed at acost of eighteen cents a day. His crime was "going for whiskey atnight, " and the third offence; but there were a variety of pleadingsin his favor. His master worked his negroes to the very last tensionof their strength, and exposed their appetites to all sorts oftemptation, especially those who worked in the night-gang. Hismaster flogged him once, while he was in the jail, himself, givinghim about forty stripes with a raw hide on the bare back: notsatisfying his feelings with this, he concluded to send him to NewOrleans. He had an affectionate wife and child, who were forbiddento see him. His master ordered that he should be sent to theworkhouse and receive thirty-nine paddles before leaving, and on themorning he was to be shipped, his distressed wife, hearing the sadnews, came to the jail; but notwithstanding the entreaties ofseveral debtors, the jailer could not allow her to come in, butgranted, as a favor, that she should speak with him through thegrated door. The cries and lamentations of that poor woman, as shestood upon the outside, holding her bond-offspring in her arms, taking a last sorrowing farewell of him who was so dearly cherishedand beloved, would have melted a heart of stone. She could notembrace him, but waited until he was led out to torture, when shethrew her arms around him, and was dragged away by a ruffian's hand. 

Poor George Fairchild! We heard him moaning under the acute pain ofthe paddle, and saw him thrust into a cart like a dog, to be shippedas a bale of merchandise for a distant port. Who had suffered withhim in the guard-house came up and saluted him with a friendlyrecognition. Some two weeks had passed since the occurrence, and yethis head presented the effects of bruising, and was bandaged with acloth. "Good young massa, do give me a' fo' pence, for Is'e mosestarve, " he said in a suppliant tone. Tommy put his hand into hispocket, and drawing out a quarter, passed it to the poor fellow, andreceived his thanks. Leaving a message for Manuel that he would besure to call and see him when he returned, he passed from the houseof misery and proceeded to his vessel. 

The captain of the schooner had been engaged by parties inCharleston, who simply acted as agents for the owners. He had beenmoved to return to Charleston by those feelings which are soinherent in our nature, inspiring a feeling for the place of itsnativity, and recalling the early associations of childhood. Eachlonging fancy pointed back again, and back he came, to furtherfortune on his native soil. His crew, with the exception of Tommy, consisted of three good, active negroes, one of whom acted as piloton the Edisto River. Accustomed to the provisioning of Boston ships, he had paid no attention to his supplies; for, in fact, he only tookcharge of the little craft as an accommodation to the agents, andwith the promise of a large vessel as soon as he returned; andsailing with a fine stiff breeze, he was far outside the light whenthe doctor announced dinner. "What have you got that's good, oldchap?" said he to the cook. 

"Fust stripe, Massa Cap'en. A right good chance o' homony and baconfry, " returned the negro. 

"Homony and what? Nothing else but that?" 

"Why, massa! gracious, dat what Massa Whaley give all he cap'en, an'he tink 'em fust-rate, " said the negro. 

As they were the only whites on board, the captain took little Tommyinto the cabin with him to sit at the same table; but there was toomuch truth in the negro's statement, and instead of sitting down toone of those nice dinners which are spread in Boston ships, bothgreat and small, there, on a little piece of pine board, swung witha preventer, was a plate of black homony covered with a few piecesof fried pork, so rank and oily as to be really repulsive to acommon stomach. Beside it was an earthen mug, containing about apint of molasses, which was bedaubed on the outside to show itsquality. The captain looked at it for a minute, and then taking upthe iron spoon which stood in it, and letting one or two spoonfulsdrop back, said, "Old daddie, where are all your stores? Fetch themout here. " 

"Gih, massa! here 'em is; 'e's jus' as Massa Stoney give 'em, " saidthe negro, drawing forth a piece of rusty and tainted bacon, weighing about fifteen pounds, and, in spots, perfectly alive withmotion; about a half-bushel of corn-grits; and a small keg ofmolasses, with a piece of leather attached to the bung. 

"Is that all?" inquired the captain peremptorily. 

"Yes, massa, he all w'at 'em got now, but git more at Massa Whaleyplantation win 'em git da. " 

"Throw it overboard, such stinking stuff; it'll breed pestilence onboard, " said the captain to the negro, (who stood holding thespoiled bacon in his hand, with the destructive macalia dropping onthe floor, ) at the same time applying his foot to the table, andmaking wreck of hog, homony, molasses, and plates. 

"Gih-e-wh-ew! Massa, I trow 'im o'board, Massa Whaley scratch 'emback, sartin. He tink 'em fust-rate. Plantation nigger on'y gitsbacon twice week, Massa Cap'en, " said he, picking up the wreck andcarrying it upon deck, where it was devoured with great gusto by thenegroes, who fully appreciated the happy God-send. 

The captain had provided a little private store of crackers, cheese, segars, and a bottle of brandy, and turning to his trunk, he openedit and drew them out one by one, passing the crackers and cheese toTommy, and imbibing a little of the deacon himself, thus satisfyingthe cravings of nature. Night came on; they were crossing the barand approaching the outlet of the Edisto, which was broad in sight;but there was neither coffee. Nor tea on board, and no prospect ofsupper-nothing but a resort to the crackers and cheese remained, thestock of which had already diminished so fast, that what was leftwas treasured among the things too choice to be eaten withoutlimitation. They reached the entrance, and after ascending a fewmiles, came to anchor under a jut of wood that formed a bend in theriver. The baying of dogs during the night intimated the vicinity ofa settlement near, and in the morning the captain sent one of thenegroes on shore for a bottle of milk. "Massa, dat man what liveyonder ha'n't much no-how, alwa's makes 'em pay seven-pence, " saidthe negro. Sure enough it was true; notwithstanding he was a planterof some property, he made the smallest things turn to profit, andwould charge vessels going up the river twelve and a half cents perbottle for milk. 

The captain had spent a restless night, and found himself blotchedwith innumerable chinch-bites; and on examining the berths andlockers, he found them swarming in piles. Calling one of the blackmen, he commenced overhauling them, and drew out a perfectstorehouse of rubbish, which must have been deposited there, withoutmolestation, from the day the vessel was launched up to the presenttime, as varied in its kinds as the stock of a Jew-shop, and rottenwith age. About nine o'clock they got under weigh again, andproceeding about twenty miles with a fair wind and tide, they cameto another point in the river, on which a concourse of men hadassembled, armed to the teeth with guns, rifles, and knives. As hepassed up, they were holding parley with a man and boy in a canoe afew rods from the shore. At every few minutes they would point theirrifles at him, and with threatening gestures, swear vengeanceagainst him if he attempted to land. The captain, being excited bythe precarious situation of the man and his boy, and anxious toascertain the particulars, let go his anchor and "came to" a fewlengths above. 

Scarcely had his anchor brought up than he was hailed from the shoreby 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 wealthyplanter. 

"Don't take that man on board of your vessel, at the peril of yourlife, captain. He's an abolitionist, " said he, accompanying hisimperative command with a very Southern rotation of oaths. 

The man paddled his canoe on the outside of the vessel, and beggedthe captain "for God's sake to take him on board and protect him;that an excitement had been gotten up against him very unjustly, andhe would explain the circumstances if he would allow him to come onboard. " 

"Come on board, " said the captain. "Let you be abolitionist or whatyou will, humanity will not let me see you driven out to sea in thatmanner; you would be swamped before you crossed the bar. " 

He came on board, trembling and wet, the little boy handing up acouple of carpet-bags, and following him. No sooner had he done so, than three or four balls whizzed past the captain's head, causinghim to retreat to the cabin. A few minutes intervened, and hereturned to the deck. 

"Lower your boat and come on shore immediately, " they cried out. 

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--kstepped forward, and the following dialogue ensued:--

"Who owns that vessel, and what right have you to harbor a d--dabolitionist?" 

"I don't know who owns the vessel; I know that I sail her, and thelaws 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 wasan abolitionist; offers to prove it if you will hear him, and onlyasks that you allow him to take away his property, " rejoined thecaptain. 

"What! then you are an abolitionist yourself?" 

"No, sir. I'm a Southern-born man, raised in Charleston, where myfather was raised before me. " 

"So much, so good; but just turn that d--d scoundrel ashore as quickas seventy, or we'll tie your vessel up and report you to theExecutive Committee, and stop your getting on more freight on theEdisto. " 

"That I shall not do. You should have patience to investigate thesethings, and not allow your feelings to become so excited. If I turnhim and his son adrift, I'm answerable for their lives if anyaccident should occur to them, " rejoined the captain. 

"Are you a secessionist, captain, or what are your politicalprinciples? You seem determined to protect abolitionists. Thatscoundrel has been associating with a nigger, and eating at hishouse ever since he has been here. " 

"Yes, yes, and we'll be d--d if he isn't an abolitionist, " joined ina dozen voices, "for he dined at Bill Webster's last Sunday on awild-turkey. Nobody but an infernal abolitionist would dine with anigger. " 

"As for politics, I never had much to do with them, and care aslittle about secession as I do about theology; but I like to see menact reasonably. If you want any thing more of me, you will find meat Colonel Whaley's plantation to-morrow. " Thus saying, he steppedinto his boat and returned on board of his vessel. Just as he wasgetting under-weigh again, whiz! whiz! whiz! came three shots, onein quick succession after the other, the last taking effect andpiercing the crown of his hat, at which they retired out of sight. Fearing a return, he worked his vessel about two miles farther upand came to anchor on the other side of the channel, where he waitedthe return of the tide, and had an opportunity to put his affrightedpassengers on board a schooner that was passing down, bound toCharleston. 

The secret of such an outrage is told in a few words. The man was atimber-getter from the vicinity of New Bedford, Massachusetts, who, with his son, a lad about sixteen years of age, had spent severalwinters in the vicinity of the Edisto, getting live-oak, what heconsidered a laudable enterprise. He purchased the timber on thestump of the inhabitants, at a price which left him very littleprofit, and had also been charged an exorbitant price for everything he got, whether labor or provisions; and so far had thatfeeling of South Carolina's self-sufficiency been carried outagainst him in all its cold repulsiveness, that he found much morehonesty and true hospitality under the roof of a poor colored man. This so enraged some of the planters, that they proclaimed againsthim, and that mad-dog cry of abolitionist was raised against him. His horse and buggy, books and papers were packed up and sent toCharleston-not, however, without some of the most important of thelatter being lost. His business was destroyed, and he and his childtaken 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 downthe river, he begging to be allowed the privilege of settling hisbusiness and leave respectably-they threatening to shoot him if heattempted to near the shore, or was caught in the vicinity. This washis position when the captain found him. He proceeded to Charleston, and laid his case before James L. Petigru, Esq. , United StatesDistrict Attorney, and, upon his advice, returned to the scene of"war on the banks of the Edisto, " to arrange his business; but nosooner had he made his appearance than he was thrown into prison, and there remained when we last heard of him. 

This is one of the many cases which afford matter for excitingcomment for the editors of the Charleston Mercury and the Courier, and which reflect no honor on a people who thus set law and order atdefiance. 

CHAPTER XXVI. 

A SINGULAR RECEPTION. 

IT was about ten o'clock on the night of the fifteenth of April whenthe schooner "Three Sisters" lay anchored close alongside of a darkjungle of clustering brakes that hung their luxuriant foliage uponthe bosom of the stream. The captain sat upon a little box near thequarter, apparently contemplating the scene, for there was afairy-like beauty in its dark windings, mellowed by the shadowingfoliage that skirted its borders in mournful grandeur, while starstwinkled on the sombre surface. 

The tide had just turned, and little Tommy, who had rolled himselfup in a blanket and laid down close to the captain, suddenly arose. "Captain, did you hear that?" said he. 

"Hark! there it is again, " said the captain. "Go and call themen, --we must get under weigh. " 

It was a rustling noise among the brakes; and when little Tommy wentforward to call the men, two balls came whistling over the quarter, and then a loud rustling noise indicated that persons wereretreating. The captain retired to the cabin and took Tommy withhim, giving orders to the negro pilot to stand to the deck, get heranchor up, and let her drift up stream with the tide, determinedthat if they shot any person, it should be the negroes, for whosevalue they would be held answerable. Thus she drifted up the stream, and the next morning was at the creek at Colonel Whaley'splantation. 

A number of ragged negroes came down to the bank in high glee at thearrival, and making sundry inquiries about corn and bacon. One oldpatriarchal subject cried out to the pilot, "Ah, Cesar, I 'now'd yewah cumin'. Massa, an' young Massa Aleck, bin promis' bacon mor' denweek, gess he cum' now. " 

"Got sum corn, but ven ye gets bacon out o' dis craf' ye kotchwesel, dat a'n't got no hair on 'im, " said Cesar. 

The scene around was any thing but promising-disappointing to thecaptain's exalted ideas of Colonel Whaley's magnificent plantation. The old farm-house was a barrack-like building, dilapidated, andshowing 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, butthey showed the unmistakable evidences of carelessness. At a shortdistance from this was a cluster of dirty-looking negro-huts, raiseda few feet from the ground on palmetto piles, and strung along fromthem to the brink of the river were numerous half-starved cattleand hogs, the latter rooting up the sod. 

It was now nearly slack water, on a high flood, and the schooner layjust above the bend of the creek. Presently a large, portly-lookingman, dressed like as Yorkshire farmer, came, to the bank, and in astentorious voice ordered the captain to haul into the creek atonce! The manner in which the order was given rather taxed thecaptain's feelings, yet he immediately set his men to work heavingup the anchor and carrying out "a line" to warp her in. But thatslow motion with which negroes execute all orders, caused somedelay, and no sooner had he, begun to heave on the line than thetide set strong ebb and carried him upon the lower point, where astrong eddy, made by the receding water from the creek, and thestrong undertow in the river, baffled all his exertions. There shestuck, and all the warps and tow-lines of a seventy-four, hove bythe combined strength of the plantation, would not have started her. When the tide left, she careened over toward the river, for therewas no means at hand to shore her up. 

One of the drivers went up and reported "Massa captain got 'im shipashore, " and down came Colonel Whaley, with all the pomp of sevenlord mayors in his countenance. "What sort of a feller are you tocommand a ship? I'd whip the worst nigger on the plantation, if hecouldn't do better than that. Rig a raft out and let me come o'board that vessel!" said he, accompanying his demands with a volleyof vile imprecations that would have disgraced St. Giles'. 

"Do you know who you're talking to? You mus'n't take me for anigger, sir! I know my duty, if you don't good manners, " rejoinedthe captain. 

"Do you know who owns that ship? you impudent feller, you! Take thesails off her, immediately-at once! or I'll shoot you, by heavens!"he bawled out again. 

"Why didn't you say mud-scow? Call such a thing as this a ship? Idon'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 mefor 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 footaboard her till you do!" 

This made the colonel rage worse. "I'll teach you a lesson how youdisobey my orders. Go get my rifle, Zeke, " said the colonel, turningto an old negro who stood close by. And then calling to the men onboard, he ordered them to take charge of the vessel and take thesails off her at once. 

"Don't you move a hand to unbend a sail, Cesar! I don't know thatman ashore there. This vessel is mine until further orders from thepersons who shipped me, " rejoined the captain with an imperativedemand to his men. 

"Why, la! massa, he own em dis ere vessel, an' he shoot em sartin ifwe done do him; ye done know dat massa, as I does, " said Cesar. 

"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 disobeymy orders. " Then turning to those on shore, he warned them that hewould shoot the first nigger that attempted to make a raft to comeon board. The reader will observe that the poor negroes were in aworse dilemma than the captain; goaded on the one side by a ruthlessmaster, who claims ownership and demands the execution of hisorders, while on the other extreme the hired master proclaims hisright, and warns them against the peril of varying one iota from hiscommands. Here the clashing feelings of arbitrary men come together, which have placed many a good negro in that complex position, thathe would be punished by one master for doing that which he wouldhave been punished by the other if he had left undone. 

It may be said to the colonel's credit, he did not return, rifle inhand, nor did the captain see him afterward; but a young gentleman, a son, who represented the father, came to the bank about an hourafter the occurrence, and making a lame apology for his father'stemper, requested the captain to come on shore. The latter hadconcluded to await the return of the tide, run the vessel back toCharleston, report his reception, and deliver the vessel up to theagents; but on further consideration, there was nothing to eat onboard, and what could he do? He went on shore, and held a parleywith the young man, whom he found much more inclined to respect hiscolor. "Your father took me for a nigger, and as such he presumedupon the dignity of his plantation. Now I know my duty, and havesailed in the finest ships and with the best masters in the country. All I want is proper respect, something to eat, what there is comingto me, and my passage paid back to Charleston by land. No! I willnot even request so much as that; give me something to eat, and mypassage to Charleston, and you may do what you please with thevessel, but I shall deliver the papers to nobody but the persons whoshipped 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, andcalling him to him. 

"Oh yes, " replied the young man, "we'll take care of the littlefellow, and see him sent safely back, " and took leave, promising tohave another interview in the afternoon. About twelve o'clock anegro 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. " Cesarbrought it aft and set it upon the companion. It contained somerice, a piece of bacon, corn-cake, and three sweet-potatoes. 

"Coarse fare, but I can get along with it. Come Tommy, I guessyou're hungry, as well as myself, " said the captain, and they satdown, and soon demolished the feast of Southern hospitality. Aboutfive o'clock in the evening, the young man not making hisappearance, the Captain sent Tommy ashore to inquire for him at thehouse, telling him (in order to test their feelings) that he couldstop and get his supper. Tommy clambered ashore, and up the bankwending his way to the house. The young man made his appearance, offering an apology for his delay and inattention, saying thepresence of some very particular friends from Beaufort was thecause. "My father, you are aware, owns this vessel, captain!--You gota good dinner, to-day, by-the-by, " said he. 

"Yes, we got along with it, but could have eaten more, " rejoined thecaptain. 

"Ah! bless me, that was the nigger's fault. These niggers are suchuncertain creatures, you must watch 'em over the least thing. Wellnow, captain, my father has sent you five dollars to pay yourpassage to Charleston!" 

"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 thebill and twisting it into his pocket, and giving particular chargesin regard to taking care of the boy. That night, a little aftersundown, he took passage in a downward-bound coaster, bid a longgood-by to the Edisto and Colonel Whaley's plantation, and arrivedin Charleston the next night. On the following morning he presentedhimself to the agents, who generously paid him, all his demands, andexpressed their regrets at the circumstance. Acting upon the smartof feeling, the captain enclosed the five-dollar bill and returnedit to the sovereign Colonel Whaley. 

The Savannah Republican, of the 11th September, says-"We have beenkindly furnished with the particulars of a duel which came off atMajor 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 sameColonel Whaley! Either 'of these journals might have giveparticulars more grievous, and equally as expressive of Southernlife. They might have described a beautiful wife, a Northern lady, fleeing with her two children, to escape the abuses of a faithlesshusband-taking shelter in the Charleston Hotel, and befriended byMr. Jenkins and another young man, whose name we shall notmention-and that famous establishment surrounded by the police on aSabbath night, to guard its entrances-and she dragged forth, andcarried back to the home of unhappiness. 

CHAPTER XXVII. 

THE HABEAS CORPUS. 

THE Captain of the Janson had settled his business, and was anxiousto return home. He had done all in his power for Manuel, andnotwithstanding the able exertions of the consul were combined withhis, he had effected nothing to relieve him. The law was imperative, and if followed out, there was no alternative for him, except uponthe ground of his proving himself entitled to a white man'sprivileges. To do this would require an endless routine of law, which would increase his anxiety and suffering twofold. Mr. Grimshawhad been heard to say, that if an habeas corpus were sued out, heshould stand upon the technicality of an act of the legislature, refuse to answer the summons or give the man up. No, he wouldhimself stand the test upon the point of right to the habeas corpus, and if he was committed for refusing to deliver up the prisoner, hewould take advantage of another act of the legislature, and afterremaining a length of time in jail, demand his release according tothe statutes. So far was Mr. Grimshaw impressed with his ownimportant position in the matter, and of the course which he shouldpursue, that he several times told the prisoners that he should be aprisoner among them in a few days, to partake of the same fare. 

Judge Withers, however, saved him the necessity of such importanttrouble. To those acquainted with Judge Withers it would be needlessto dwell upon the traits of his character. To those who are not, wecan say that his were feelings founded upon interest-moving in theforemost elements of secession-arbitrary, self-willed, and easilyswayed by prejudice-a man known to the public and the bar for hisfrigidity, bound in his own opinions, and yielding second to thewishes and principles of none-fearful of his popularity as a judge, yet devoid of those sterling principles which deep jurists bring totheir aid when considering important questions, where life orliberty is at stake-a mind that would rather reinstate monarchy thanspread the blessings of a free government. What ground have we hereto hope for a favorable issue? 

Thus when the consul applied for the writ of habeas corpus, theright was denied him, notwithstanding the subject was heir-inherentto all the rights of citizenship and protection, which the laws ofhis own nation could clothe him with. To show how this matter wastreated by the press-though we are happy to say the feelings of themercantile community are not reflected in it-we copy the leader fromthe "Southern Standard, " a journal published in Charleston, theeditor of which professes to represent the conservative views of adiminutive minority. Here it is:--"CHARLESTON, APRIL 23, 1852. "Colored Seamen and State Rights. 

" Our readers have not forgotten the correspondence which some timesince took place between His Excellency Governor Means and HerBritish Majesty's Consul, Mr. Mathew. We published in the Standard, of the 5th December last, the very temperate, dignified, andwell-argued report of Mr. Mazyck, chairman of the special committeeof the Senate, to whom had been referred the message of theGovernor, transmitting the correspondence. In our issue of the 16thDecember, we gave to our readers the able report of Mr. McCready, onbehalf of the committee of the other house, on the same subject. 

"We have now to call the attention of the public to the fact, thatthe practical issue has been made, by which the validity of the lawsin regard to colored seamen arriving in our port is to be submittedto the judicial tribunals of the country. For ourselves we have nofears for the credit of the State in such a controversy. The rightof the State to control, by her own legislation, the wholesubject-matter, can, as we think, by a full discussion, beestablished upon a basis which, in the South at least, will neverhereafter be questioned. If there be defects in the details of theregulations enacted, the consideration of them is now precluded, when the issue presented is the right of the State to act at alltimes in the premises. 

"The writ of habeas corpus was applied for before Judge Withers, during the term of the court which has just closed, by the Britishconsul, through his counsel, Mr. Petigru, in behalf of one ManuelPereira, a colored sailor, who claims to be a Portuguese subject, articled to service on board an English brig driven into this portby stress of weather; the said Manuel Pereira being then in jailunder 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 of1844, refused the writ of habeas corpus, and notice of appeal hasbeen given. Thus is the issue upon us. 

"We have but one regret in the matter, and that is that the casemade is one where the party asking his liberty has been driven intoour harbor involuntarily. Great Britain, it is true, is the lastpower which should complain on this account, with her own example inthe case of the Enterprise before her eyes; but we do not, weconfess, like this feature of the law. We have no doubt, however, that this fact being brought to the notice of the executive, he willinterfere promptly to release the individual in the present case, provided the party petitions for the purpose, and engages at once toleave the State. But we shall see nothing of this. Mr. ManuelPereira, like another John Wilkes, is to have settled in his persongreat questions of constitutional liberty. The posterity which inafter times shall read of his voluntary martyrdom and heroic self-sacrifice in the cause of suffering humanity, must be somewhatbetter informed than Mr. Pereira himself; for we observe that hisclerkly skill did not reach the point of enabling him to subscribehis name to the petition for habeas corpus, which is to figure soconspicuously in future history, it being more primitively witnessedby his 'mark. '" 

An appeal was taken from this refusal, and carried before the appealcourt, sitting at Columbia, the capital of the State. How was thistreated? Without enlisting common respect, it sustained the opinionof Judge Withers, who was one of its constituted members. Under sucha state of things, where all the avenues to right and justice wereclogged by a popular will that set itself above law or justice, where is the unprejudiced mind that will charge improper motives inasking justice of the highest judicial tribunal in the country. 

In the year 1445, a petition was presented, or entered on the rollsof the British Parliament, from the commons of two neighboringcounties, praying the abatement of a nuisance which promised fearfulinterruptions to the peace and quiet of their hamlets, inconsequence of the number of attorneys having increased from eightto twenty-four, setting forth that attorneys were dangerous to thepeace and happiness of a community, and praying that there shouldbe no more than six attorneys for each county. The king granted thepetition, adding a clause which left it subject to the approval ofthe judges. Time works mighty contrasts. If those peaceable oldcommoners could have seen a picture of the nineteenth century, withits judiciary dotted upon the surface, they would certainly have putthe world down as a very unhappy place. The people of Charlestonmight now inquire why they have so much law and so little justice? 

CHAPTER XXVIII. 

THE CAPTAIN'S DEPARTURE AND MANUEL'S RELEASE. 

AFTER remaining nearly three weeks in close confinement in a cell onthe third story, Manuel was allowed to come down and resume hisposition among the stewards, in the "steward's cell. " There was asad 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 whenManuel was confined in the cell. 

After little Tommy left, the Captain deposited a sum of money withthe jailer to supply Manuel's wants. The jailer performed his dutyfaithfully, but the fund was soon exhausted, and Manuel was forcedto appeal to his consul. With the care for its citizens that marksthe course of that government, and the characteristic kindness ofits representative in Charleston, the appeal was promptlyresponded to. The consul attended him in person, and even providedfrom his own purse things necessary to make him comfortable. Wecould not but admire the nobleness of many acts bestowed upon thishumble citizen through the consul, showing the attachment and faithof a government to its humblest subject. The question now was, wouldthe Executive release him? Mr. Grimshaw had interposed strongobjections, and made unwarrantable statements in regard to hishaving been abandoned by his captain, the heavy expenses incurred tomaintain the man, and questioning the validity of the Britishconsul's right to protect him. Under the effect of theserepresentations, the prospect began to darken, and Manuel becamemore discontented, and anxiously awaited the result. 

In this position, a petition was despatched to the Executive, askingthat the man might be released, on the faith of the BritishGovernment that all expenses be paid, and he immediately sent beyondthe limits of the State. 

But we must return and take leave of Captain Thompson, before wereceive the answer to the petition. The day fixed for his departurehad arrived. He had all his papers collected, and arose early totake his accustomed walk through the market. It was a little afterseven o'clock, and as he approached the singular piece of wood-workthat we have described in a previous chapter as the CharlestonWhipping-post, he saw a crowd collected around it, and negroesrunning to the scene, crying out, "Buckra gwine to get whip! buckraget 'e back scratch!" &c. &c. He quickened his pace, and, arrivingat the scene, elbowed his way through an immense crowd until he cameto where he had a fair view. Here, exposed to view, were sixrespectably dressed white men, to be whipped according to the lawsof South Carolina, which flog in the market for petty theft. Five ofthem were chained together, and the other scientifically secured tothe machine, with his bare back exposed, and Mr. Grimshaw (dressedwith his hat and sword of office to make the dignity of thepunishment appropriate) laying on the stripes with a big whip, andraising on tip-toe at each blow to add force, making the fleshfollow the lash. Standing around were about a dozen huge constableswith long-pointed tipstaffs in their hands, while two othersassisted in chaining and unchaining the prisoners. The spectacle wasa barbarous one, opening a wide field for reflection. It was saidthat this barbarous mode of punishment was kept up as an example forthe negroes. It certainly is a very singular mode of inspiringrespect for the laws. 

He had heard much of T. Norman Gadsden, whose fame sounded for beingthe greatest negro-seller in the country, yet he had not seen him, though he had witnessed several negro-sales at other places. Onlooking over the papers after breakfast, his eye caught a flamingadvertisement with "T. Norman Gadsden's sale of negroes" at thehead. There were plantation negroes, coachmen, house-servants, mechanics, children of all ages, with descriptions as various as thekinds. Below the rest, and set out with a glowing delineation, was adescription of a remarkably fine young sempstress, very bright andvery intelligent, sold for no fault. The notice should have added anexception, that the owner was going to get married. 

He repaired to the place at the time designated, and found themselling an old plantation-negro, dressed in ragged, gray clothes, who, after a few bids, was knocked down for three hundred and fiftydollars. "We will give tip-top titles to everything we sell hereto-day; and, gentlemen, we shall now offer you the prettiest wenchin town. She is too well-known for me to say more, " said thenotorious auctioneer. 

A number of the first citizens were present, and among them theCaptain recognised Colonel S--, who approached and began to descantupon 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. 

"Where is she? Bring her along! Lord! gentlemen, her very curls areenough to start a bid of fifteen hundred, " said the auctioneer. 

"Go it, Gadsden, you're a trump, " rejoined a number of voices. 

The poor girl moved to the stand, pale and trembling, as if she wasstepping upon the scaffold, and saw her executioners around her. Shewas very fair and beautiful-there was something even in her gracefulmotions that enlisted admiration. Here she stood almost motionlessfor a few moments. 

"Gentlemen, I ought to charge all of you sevenpence a sight forlooking at her, " said the auctioneer. She smiled at the remark, butit was the smile of pain. 

"Why don't you sell the girl, and not be dogging her feelings inthis manner?" said Colonel S--. 

Bids continued in rapid succession from eleven hundred up tothirteen hundred and forty. A well-known trader from New Orleansstood behind one of the city brokers, motioning him at every bid, and she was knocked down to him. We learned her history and know thesequel. 

The Captain watched her with mingled feelings, and would fain havesaid, "Good God! and why art thou a slave?" 

The history of that unfortunate beauty may be comprehended in a fewwords, leaving the reader to draw the details from his imagination. Her mother was a fine mulatto slave, with about a quarter Indianblood. She was the mistress of a celebrated gentleman in Charleston, who ranked among the first families, to whom she bore threebeautiful children, the second of which is the one before us. Herfather, although he could not acknowledge her, prized her highly, and unquestionably never intended that she should be considered aslave. Alice, for such was her name, felt the shame of her position. She knew her father, and was proud to descant upon his honor andrank, yet must either associate with negroes or nobody, for it wouldbe the death of caste for a white woman, however mean, to associatewith her. At the age of sixteen she became attached to a younggentleman of high standing but moderate means, and lived with him ashis mistress. Her father, whose death is well known, died suddenlyaway from home. On administering on his estate, it proved thatinstead of being wealthy, as was supposed, he was insolvent, and thecreditors insisting upon the children being sold. Alice waspurchased by compromise with the administrator, and retained by herlord under a mortgage, the interest and premium on which he hadregularly paid for more than four years. Now that he was about toget married, the excuse of the mortgage was the best pretext inthe world to get rid of her. 

The Captain turned from the scene with feelings that left deepimpressions upon his mind, and that afternoon took his departure forhis Scottish home. 

Time passed heavily at the jail, and day after day Manuel awaitedhis fate with anxiety. At every tap of the prison-bell he wouldspring to the door and listen, asserting that he heard the consul'svoice in every passing sound. Day after day the consul would callupon him and quiet his fears, reassuring him that he was safe andshould not be sold as a slave. At length, on the seventeenth day ofMay, after nearly two months' imprisonment, the glad news wasreceived that Manuel Pereira was not to be sold, according to thestatutes, but to be released upon payment of all costs, &c. &c. , andimmediately sent beyond the limits of the State. We leave it to thereader's fancy, to picture the scene of joy on the reception of thenews in the "stewards' cell. " 

The consul lost no time in arranging his affairs for him, and atfive o'clock on the afternoon of the 17th of May, 1852, ManuelPereira, a poor, shipwrecked mariner, who, by the dispensation of anall-wise Providence, was cast upon the shores of South Carolina, andimprisoned because hospitality to him was "contrary to law, " was ledforth, pale and emaciated, by two constables, thrust into a closelycovered vehicle, and driven at full speed to the steamboat thenawaiting to depart for New York. This is but a faint glimpse, of thesuffering to which colored stewards are subjected in the Charlestonjail. 

There were no less than sixty-three cases of colored seamenimprisoned on this charge of "contrary to law, " during the calendaryear ending on the twelfth of September, 1852. And now that abuseshad become so glaring, a few gentlemen made a representation of thewretched prison regimen to his Excellency, Governor Means, who, asif just awoke from a dream that had lasted a generation, addressed aletter to the Attorney-General, dated on the seventh of September, 1852, requesting a statement in regard to the jail-how manyprisoners there were confined on the twelfth day of September, undersentence and awaiting trial, the nature of offences, who committedby, and how long they had awaited trial; what the cost of the jailwas, how much was paid by prisoners, and how much by the State, &c. &c. In that statement, the number of colored seamen was, for reasonsbest known to Mr. Grimshaw, kept out of the statement; so also wasthe difference between thirty cents and eight cents a day, paid forthe ration for each man. The real statement showed a bounty to thesheriff of fourteen hundred and sixty-three dollars on' theprovisions alone-a sad premium upon misery. Now add to this a mediumamount for each of these sixty-three sailors, and we have betweeneight and nine hundred dollars more, which, with sundry jail-feesand other cribbage-money, makes the Charleston jail a nice littleappendage to the sheriff's office, and will fully account for thetenacity with which those functionaries cling to the "old system. " 

We conclude the bills by giving Manuel's as it stands upon thebooks:--"Contrary to law. " British brig "Janson, " Capt. Thompson. For Manuel Pereira, Colored Seaman. 1852. To Sheriff of CharlestonDistrict. 

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 

$22. 81 Rec' payment, J. D--, S. C. D. Per Chs. Kanapeaux, Clerk. 

This amount is exclusive of all the long scale of law charges andattorney's fees that were incurred, and is entirely the perquisiteof the sheriff. 

Now, notwithstanding that high-sounding clamor about the laws ofSouth Carolina, which every South Carolinian, in the redundance ofhis feelings, strives to impress you with the sovereignty of itsjustice, its sacred rights, and its pre-eminent reputation, we neverwere in a country or community where the privileges of a certainclass were so much abused. Every thing is made to conserve popularfavor, giving to those in influence power to do what they pleasewith a destitute class, whether they be white or black. Officialdepartments are turned into depots for miserable espionage, wherethe most unjust schemes are practised upon those whose voices cannotbe heard in their own defence. A magistrate is clothed with, orassumes a power that is almost absolute, committing them without ahearing, and leaving them to waste in jail; then releasing thembefore the court sits, and charging the fees to the State; orreleasing the poor prisoner on receiving "black mail" for thekindness; giving one man a peace-warrant to oppress another whom heknows cannot get bail; and where a man has served out the penalty ofthe crime for which he was committed, give a peace-warrant to hisadversary that he may continue to vent his spleen upon him. In thismanner, we have known a man who had served seven months'imprisonment for assault and battery, by an understanding betweenthe magistrate and the plaintiff, continued in jail for severalyears upon a peace-warrant, issued by the magistrate from time totime, until at length he shot himself in jail. The man was apeaceable man, and of a social temperament. He had been offered thealternative of leaving the State, but he scorned to accept it. Toshow that we are correct in what we say respecting some of theCharleston officials, we insert an article which appeared in theCharleston Courier of Sept. 1, 1852:--[For the Courier. ] 

"Many of the quiet and moral portion of our community can form noadequate conception of the extent to which those who sell liquor, and otherwise trade with our slaves, are now plying their illegaland demoralizing traffic. At no period within our recollection hasit prevailed to such an alarming extent; at no period has itsinfluence upon our slave population been more palpable or moredangerous; at no period has the municipal administration been sowilfully blind to these corrupt practices, or so lenient andforgiving when such practices are exposed. 

* * * * 

"We have heard it intimated that when General Schnierle is acandidate for the mayoralty, they are regularly assessed for meansto defray the expenses of the canvass. Instances are not wantingwhere amounts of money are paid monthly to General Schnierle'spolice as a reward for shutting their eyes and closing their lipswhen unlawful proceedings are in progress. We have at this moment inour possession a certificate from a citizen, sworn to before Mr. Giles, the magistrate, declaring that he, the deponent, heard one ofthe city police-officers (Sharlock) make a demand for money upon oneof these shop-keepers, and promised that if he would pay him fivedollars at stated intervals, 'none of the police-officers wouldtrouble him. ' This affidavit can be seen, if inquired for, at thisoffice. Thus bribery is added to guilt, and those who should enforcethe laws are made auxiliaries in their violation. Said one of theseslave-destroyers to us, 'General Schnierle suits us very well. Ihave no trouble with General Schnierle'--remarks at once repugnantand suggestive. * * * We are told by one, that Mr. Hutchinson, whenin power, fined him heavily (and, as he thought, unjustly) forselling liquor to a slave; hence he would not vote for him. Anadditional reason for this animosity toward Mr. Hutchinson arisesfrom the fact that the names of offenders were always publishedduring that gentleman's administration, while under that of GeneralSchnierle they are screened from public view. On any Sunday evening, light may be seen in the shops of these dealers. If the passer-bywill for a few moments stay his course, he will witness the ingressand egress of negroes; if he approach the door, he will hear noiseas of card-playing and revelry within. And this is carried onunblushingly; is not confined to a shop here and a shop there, butmay be observed throughout the city. The writer of this article, some Sundays since, witnessed from his upper window a scene ofrevelry and gambling in one of these drinking-shops, which willscarcely be credited. A party of negroes were seen around acard-table, with money beside them, engaged in betting; glasses ofliquor were on the table, from which they ever and anon regaledthemselves with all the nonchalance and affected mannerism of themost fashionable blades of the beau monde. 

"This may not be a 'desecration of the Sabbath' by the municipalauthorities themselves, but they are assuredly responsible for itsprofanation. Appointed to guard the public morals, they areassuredly censurable if licentiousness is suffered to run its wildcareer unnoticed and unchecked. We do not ask to be believed. Wewould prefer to have skeptical rather than credulous readers. Weshould prefer that all would arise from the perusal of this articlein doubt, and determine to examine for themselves. We believe in thestrength and sufficiency of ocular proof, and court investigation. 

* * * 

"We are abundantly repaid if we succeed in arousing public attentionto the alarming and dangerous condition of our city. * * * Letinquiry be entered into. We boldly challenge it. It will lead toother and more astonishing developments than those we have revealed. (Signed)

"A RESPONSIBLE CITIZEN. " 

CHAPTER XXIX. 

MANUEL'S ARRIVAL IN NEW YORK. 

WHEN we left Manuel, he was being hurried on board the steamship, asif he was a bale of infected goods. Through the kindness of theclerk in the consul's office, he was provided with a little box ofstores to supply his wants on the passage, as it was known that hewould have to "go forward. " He soon found himself gliding overCharleston bar, and took a last look of what to him had been thecity of injustice. On the afternoon of the second day, he wassitting upon the forward deck eating an orange that had been givento him by the steward of the ship, probably as a token of sympathyfor his sickly appearance, when a number of passengers, acting uponthe information of the clerk of the ship, gathered around him. Onegentleman from Philadelphia, who seemed to take more interest in theman than any other of the passengers, expressed his indignation inno measured terms, that such a man should be imprisoned as a slave. "Take care, " said a bystander, "there's a good many Southerners onboard. " 

"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 Godspreads the breezes of freedom that man cannot enslave, " said he, sitting down beside Manuel, and getting him to recount the detailsof his shipwreck and imprisonment. The number increased around him, and all listened with attention until he had concluded. One of thespectators asked him if he would have something good to eat? but hedeclined, pulling out the little box that the consul had sent him, and, opening it before them, showed it to be well-stored with littledelicacies. 

The Philadelphian motioned that they take up a subscription for him, and almost simultaneously took his hat off and began to pass itaround; but Manuel, mistaking the motive, told them that he neveryet sought charity-that the consul had paid him his wages, and hehad money enough to get home. But if he did not accept theircontributions, he had their sympathies and their good wishes, whichwere more prized by him, because they were contrasted with the coldhospitality he had suffered in Charleston. 

On the morning of the twentieth he arrived in New York. Here thingswore a different aspect. There were no constables fettering him withirons, aggravating his feelings, and dragging him to a miseerablecell overrun with vermin. He had no scientific ordeal of thestatutes to pass through, requiring the measure of his form andfeatures; and he was a man again, with life and liberty, and thedark dread of the oppressor's power far from him. He went to hiscomfortable 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 hewas anxious to proceed on his way to join the old owners, but wantedto work his way in the capacity of steward. Thus he remained in NewYork more than four weeks, gaining vigor and strength, and with alingering hope that he should meet his little companion. 

On the twenty-first of June, being well recruited, he sailed forLiverpool, and after a remarkably calm passage of thirty-four days, arrived in the Mersey, and in forty-eight hours more the ship wassafely within the Princess' Dock, and all hands ready to go onshore. In the same dock was a ship taking in cargo and passengersfor Charleston, South Carolina. Manuel went on board, and found, inconversation with the steward, that she had sailed from that port onthe 23d of May. A short conversation disclosed that they had beenold shipmates from the Thames, on board of the Indiaman, LordWilliam Bentick, and were on board of that ship when an unfortunatecircumstance occurred to her on entering a British North Americanport, many years ago. Here they sat recounting the many adventuresthrough which they had passed since that period, the ships they hadsailed in, the sufferings they had gone through, and the narrowescapes they had had for their lives, until past midnight. Manuelwound up by giving a detailed account of his sufferings inCharleston. 

"What!" said the steward of the Charleston ship, "then you must haveknown our cabin-boy, he belonged to the same vessel!" 

"What was his name?" inquired Manuel. 

"Tommy Ward! and as nice a little fellow as ever served the cabin;poor little fellow, we could hardly get him across. " 

"Gracious! that's my Tommy, " said Manuel. "Where is he? He loves meas he does his life, and would run to me as a child would to itsfather. Little as he is, he has been a friend through my severesttrials, and a companion in my pleasures. " 

"Ah, poor child! I'm afraid you wouldn't know him now. He hassuffered much since you saw him. " 

"Is he not aboard? Where can I find him?" inquired Manuel, hastily. 

"No, he is not aboard; he is at the hospital in Dennison street. Gothere to-morrow, and you will find him. " 

CHAPTER XXX. 

THE SCENE OF ANGUISH. 

WE are sorry, that having traced the details of our narrative asthey occurred, without adding for dramatic effect, we areconstrained to conclude with a picture at once painful and harrowingto the feelings. We do this that we may be sustained by records, inwhat we have stated, rather than give one of those more popularconclusions which restore happiness and relieve the reader'sfeelings. 

Manuel retired to his berth, full of meditation. His littlecompanion was before him, pictured in his child-like innocence andplayfulness. He saw him in the youthful zeal and freshness of thenight when he brought the well-laden haversack into his dreary cell, and which kind act was repaid by a night of suffering in theguard-house. There was too much of life and buoyancy in the picturehis imagination called up, to reconcile the belief that any thingserious had befallen him; and yet the man spoke in a manner thataroused the intensity of his feelings. It was a whisper full offearful forebodings, and filled his mind with anxious expectation. He could not sleep-the anxiety of his feelings had awakened anervvous restlessness that awaited the return of morning withimpatience. 

Morning came. He proceeded to the hospital and rang the bell. Anaged gentleman came to the door, and to his questions about Tommybeing there, answered in the affirmative, and called an attendant toshow him the ward in which the little sufferer lay. He followed theattendant, and after ascending several flights of stairs andfollowing a dark, narrow passage nearly to its end, was shown into asmall, single-room on the right. The result was suggestive in thevery atmosphere, which had a singular effect upon the senses. Theroom, newly-whitewashed, was darkened by a green curtain tacked overthe frame of the window. Standing near the window were twowooden-stools and a little table, upon which burned the faint lightof a small taper, arranged in a cup of oil, and shedding its feebleflickers 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 hisforehead, and shadowed the beauty of innocence even in death. 

"Is he there? is he there?" inquired Manuel in a low tone. At thesame time a low, gurgling noise sounded in his ears. The nursestarted to her feet as if to inquire for what he came. "He is mycompanion-my companion, " said Manuel. 

It was enough. The woman recognised the object of the littlesufferer's anxiety. "Ah! it is Manuel. How often he has called thatname for the last week!" said she. 

He ran to the bedside and grasped his little fleshless hand as itlay upon the white sheet, bathing his cold brow with kisses ofgrief. Life was gone-the spirit had winged its way to the God whogave it. Thus closed the life of poor Tommy Ward. He died as oneresting in a calm sleep, far from the boisterous sound of theocean's tempest, with God's love to shield his spirit in another andbrighter world. 

CONCLUSION. 

IN a preceding chapter, we left the poor boy on the plantation ofColonel Whaley, affected by a pulmonary disease, the seeds of whichwere planted on the night he was confined in the guard-house, andthe signs of gradual decay evinced their symptoms. After CaptainWilliams--for such was the name of the captain of the ThreeSisters--left the plantation, no person appeared to care for him, andon the second day he was attacked with a fever, and sent to one ofthe negro cabins, where an old mulatto woman took care of him andnursed him as well as her scanty means would admit. The fevercontinued for seven days, when he became convalescent and able towalk out; but feeling that he was an incumbrance to those aroundhim, he packed his clothes into a little bundle and started forCharleston on foot. He reached that city after four days' travellingover a heavy, sandy road, subsisting upon the charity of poornegroes, whom he found much more ready to supply his wants than theopulent planters. One night he, was compelled to make a pillow ofhis 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 heordered him off, and threatened to set the dogs upon him if he didnot instantly comply with the order; but his miserable appearanceaffected the planter, and before he had gone twenty rods one of thenegroes overtook him, and said his master had sent him to bring himback. He returned, and the negro made him a coarse bed in his cabin, and gave him some homony and milk. 

His hopes to see Manuel had buoyed him up through every fatigue, butwhen he arrived, and was informed at the jail that Manuel had leftthree days before, his disappointment was extreme. A few days afterhe shipped as cabin-boy on board a ship ready for sea and bound toLiverpool. Scarcely half-way across, he was compelled to resignhimself to the sick-list. The disease had struck deep into hissystem, and was rapidly wasting him away. The sailors, one by one inturns, watched over him with tenderness and care. As soon as theship arrived, he was sent to the hospital, and there he breathed hislast as Manuel entered the sick-chamber. We leave Manuel and a fewof his shipmates following his remains to the last resting-place ofman. 

APPENDIX. 

SINCE the foregoing was written, Governor Means, in his message tothe 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 theground of "self-preservation"--a right which ship-owners will pleaseregard for the protection of their own interests:--

"I feel it my duty to call your attention to certain proceedingswhich have grown out of the enforcement of that law of our Statewhich requires the Sheriff of Charleston to seize and imprisoncolored seamen who are brought to that port. You will remember thatthe British Consul addressed a communication to the legislature inDecember, 1850, on the subject of a modification of this law. Acommittee was appointed by the House and Senate to report upon it atthe next session of the legislature. These committees reportedadverse to any modification. On the 24th March, 1852, Manuel Pereirawas imprisoned in accordance with the law alluded to. The vessel inwhich he sailed was driven into the port of Charleston in distress. This was looked upon as a favorable case upon which to make anissue, 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 wereinstituted by the British Consul, it is said, under instructionsfrom his government, to test the constitutionality of the Act. Ithink it here proper to state, that Pereira was at perfect libertyto depart at any moment that he could get a vessel to transport himbeyond the limits of the State. In truth, in consideration of thefact that his coming into the State was involuntary, the Sheriff ofCharleston, with his characteristic kindness, procured for him aplace in a ship about to sail for Liverpool. Early in April, Pereirawas actually released, and on his way to the ship, having himselfsigned the shipping articles, when, by interposition of the BritishConsul, he was again consigned to the custody of the sheriff. A fewdays after this, the British Consul insisted no longer on hisdetention, but voluntarily paid his passage to New York. This waslooked upon as an abandonment of that case. The statement of Mr. Yates, together with the letter of the British Consul, are herewithtransmitted. 

"While these proceedings were pending, the Sheriff of Charleston hadmy instructions not to give up the prisoners even if a writ ofhabeas corpus had been granted. I considered that the 'Act of 1844, 'entitled, 'An Act more effectually to prevent negroes and otherpersons of color from entering into this State, and for otherpurposes, ' made it my duty to do so. 

"On the 19th May, Reuben Roberts, a colored seaman, a native ofNassau, arrived in the steamer Clyde, from Baracoa. The Sheriff ofCharleston, in conformity with the law of the State, which has beenin force since 1823, arrested and lodged him in the district jail, where he was detained until the 26th of May, when, the Clyde beingready to sail, Roberts was put on board, and sailed the same day. 

"On the 9th of June, a writ in trespass, for assault and falseimprisonment, from the Federal Court, was served upon Sheriff Yates, laying the damage at $4000. 

"The Act of 1844, I take it, was intended to prevent allinterference on the part of any power on the face of the earth, withthe execution of this police regulation, which is so essential tothe peace and safety of our community. Had the legislature whichpassed it ever dreamed that the sheriff was to be subjected to theannoyance of being dragged before the Federal Court for doing hisduty under a law of the State, I am sure it would have provided forhis protection. As no such provision has been made for so unexpecteda contingency, I recommend that you so amend this Act of 1844, thatit may meet any case that may arise. 

"It is certainly wrong to tolerate this interference with the lawsenacted for the protection of our institution. In the generaldistribution of power between the Federal and State Governments, theright to make their own police regulations was clearly reserved tothe States. In fact, it is nothing more nor less than the right ofself-preservation-a right which is above all constitutions, andabove 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 whichhas never yet been attempted to be denied to any people, except tous. 

"The complaint against this law is very strange, and the attempt tobring us in conflict with the General Government on account of it, is still more remarkable; when, so far from its being at variancewith the laws of the United States, it is only requiring the Stateauthorities to enforce an Act of Congress, approved February 28th, 1803, entitled, An Act to prevent the importation of certain personsinto certain States, where, by the laws thereof, their importationis prohibited. By referring to this Act, you will see that theplaintiff in the action alluded to was prohibited by it fromentering into this State. I deem it unnecessary, however, to enterfully into the argument. If any doubt should be entertained by you, as to its constitutionality, I beg leave to refer to the ableopinion of the Hon. J. McPherson Berrien, delivered at the time hewas Attorney-General of the United States, which I herewith sendyou. 

"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 arespectful request to our legislature to that effect, I was anxiousthat it should be made. It was with pleasure that I transmitted hisfirst communication to the last legislature. I would have made arecommendation of its modification a special point in my firstmessage, but that I thought it indelicate to do so, as the matterwas already before the legislature, and committees had beenappointed to report upon it. Another reason for the neglect of thisrecommendation, was the then excited state of party politics, whichmight have precluded the possibility of a calm consideration of thesubject. But for the proceedings instituted in the premises, I wouldeven now recommend a modification of the law, so as to requirecaptains to confine their colored seamen to their vessels, and toprevent their landing under heavy penalties. For while I think theState has a perfect right to pass whatever laws on this subject itmay deem necessary for its safety, yet the spirit of the agerequires that while they should be so formed as to be adequate toour protection, they should be at the same time as little offensiveas possible to other nations with whom we have friendly relations. But since an attempt has been made to defy our laws, and bring us inconflict with the Federal Government, on a subject upon which we areso justly sensitive, our own self-respect demands that we should notabate one jot or tittle of that law, which was enacted to protect usfrom the influence of ignorant incendiaries. " 

We are under many obligations to Governor Means for his remarks uponthis subject. We esteem his character too highly to entertain anidea that he would knowingly make an incorrect statement; but, witha knowledge of the facts, we can assure him that he was misled bythose whom he depended upon for information. And also, though hisname deserves to stand pre-eminent among the good men of Carolina, for recurring to that frightful state of things which exists in theCharleston prison, that he did not receive a correct statement inregard 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. 

Under the influence of that exceedingly suspicious, and yetexceedingly credulous characteristic of a people, few know the powerthat is working beneath the sunshine of South Carolina, and thosewho do, stand upon that slaveworn ostentation which considers itbeneath notice. 

We have no interest nor feeling beyond that of humanity, and a rightto expose the mendacity of those who have power to exercise it overthe prisoners in Charleston. That mendacity has existed too long forthe honor of that community, and for the feelings of those who havesuffered under it. 

It may be true that this case was considered a favorable one to trythe issue upon, but no elements of sympathy were sought by theconsul. That functionary to whom the Governor has attributed"characteristic kindness, " said, in our presence, and we have thetestimony of others to confirm what we say, that if Judge Withershad granted the habeas corpus, he would not have given up theprisoner, but rather gone to jail and suffered the same regimen withthe prisoners. Had he tried the accommodations, he would have foundthe "profits" more than necessary to appease common hunger. 

The Governor says, "Pereira was at liberty to depart at any momentthat he could get a vessel to transport him beyond the limits of theState. " How are we to reconcile this with the following sentence, which appears in the next paragraph:--"While these proceedings werepending, " (meaning the action instituted by the consul to releasethe prisoner, ) "the sheriff of Charleston had my instructions not togive up the prisoner, even if a writ of habeas corpus had beengranted?" According to this, the sheriff assumed a power independentof and above the Governor's prerogative. We have attempted topicture the force of this in our work, and to show that there areofficial abuses cloaked by an honorable dishonesty, which dignifiesthe business of the local factor and vendor of human property, andwhich should be stayed by the power of the Executive. 

The singular fact presents itself, that while Judge Withers wasdeliberating upon the question of granting the "habeas corpus, " theproceedings pending, and the Governor's instructions to the contrarybefore him, the sheriff takes it upon himself to smuggle theprisoner out of port. Now what was the object of this Secret andconcerted movement? Was it "kindness" on the part of thatfunctionary, who has grasped every pretence to enforce this law? Wethink not. The reader will not require any extended comments from usto explain the motive; yet we witnessed it, and cannot leave itwithout a few remarks. 

It is well known that it has been the aim of that functionary, whose"characteristic kindness" has not failed to escape the Governor'snotice, to thwart the consul in all his proceedings. In thisinstance, he engaged the services of a "shipping master" as apretext, and with him was about to send the man away when hispresence was essential to test his right to the habeas corpus, andat this very time, more than two months wages, due him from theowners, lay in the hands of the consul, ready to be paid on hisrelease. 

The nefarious design speaks for itself. 

The consul was informed of the proceeding, and very properly refusedto submit to such a violation of authority, intended to annul hisproceedings. He preferred to await the "test, " demanding theprisoner'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. 

Let the Governor institute an inquiry into the treatment of thesemen by the officials, and the prison regimen, and he will find thetruth of what we have said. Public opinion will not credit his awardof "characteristic kindness" to those who set up a paltry pretext asan apology for their wrong-doing. 

If men are to be imprisoned upon this singular construction of law, (which is no less than arming the fears of South Carolina, ) is itany more than just to ask that she should pay for it, instead ofimposing it upon innocent persons? Or, to say the least, to makesuch comfortable provision for them as is made in the port ofSavannah, and give them what they pay for, instead of chargingthirty cents a day for their board, and making twenty-two of thatprofit? 

Had the Governor referred to the "characteristic kindness" of thejailer, his remarks would have been bestowed upon a worthy man, whohas been a father to those unfortunates who chanced within the turnof his key. 

In another part of his message, commenting upon the existence ofdisgraceful criminal laws, the management and wretched state ofprisons, he says, "The attorney-general, at my request, has drawn upa report on the subject of prisons and prison discipline. " Now, ifsuch were the facts, the reports would be very imperfect to be drawnup by one who never visits the prisons. 

We are well aware that he called for this report, and further, thatthe attorney-general, in a letter to the sheriff, (of which we havea copy, ) propounded numerous questions in regard to the jail, calling for a statement in full, particularly the amount of feespaid to certain functionaries; those charged to the State, and theaverage number of prisoners per month, from Sept. 1851, to Sept. 1852, &c. &c. That letter was transmitted to the jailer-a man whosecharacter and integrity is well known, and above reproach inCharleston-with a request that he would make out his report. He drewup his report in accordance with the calendar and the facts, butthat report was not submitted. Why was it not submitted? Simplybecause it showed the profit of starving men in South Carolinaprisons. 

We have the evidence in our possession, and can show the Executivethat he has been misled. We only ask him to call for the originalstatement, made out in the jailer's handwriting, and compare it withthe calendar; and when he has done that, let us ask, Why the averageof prisoners per month does not correspond? and why the enormousamount of fees accruing from upward of fifty "colored seamen, "imprisoned during the year, and entered upon the calendar "contraryto law, " was not included? 

It is a very unhealthy state of things, to say the least; but as thesheriff considers it his own, perhaps we have no right to meddlewith it. 

All this clamor about the bad influence of "colored seamen" is keptup by a set of mendicant officials who harvest upon the fees, andfalls to naught, when, at certain hours of the day during theirimprisonment, 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 connectionwith criminals of the feared class. 

Take away the fees--the mercantile community will not murmur, andthe official gentry will neither abuse nor trouble themselves aboutenforcing the law to imprison freemen. 

THE END.