seen to labour. And can the liberties of a nation be thought secure, when we have removed this only firm basis-a conviction on the minds of the people, that their liberties are the gifts of God?-that they are not to be violated, except with his wrath? Indeed, I tremble for my countrymen when I reflect that God is just; that his justice cannot sleep for ever; that considering numbers, nature and natural means only, a revolution of the wheel of fortune, and an exchange of situations, is among probable events; that it may become probable by supernatural interference. The Almighty has no attribute that can take part with us in such a contest. But it is impossible to be temperate and pursue this matter through the various considerations of policy, of morals, of history, natural and civil; we must be contented that they will force themselves into every one's mind."

This extract from the writings of President Jefferson, who lived and died a slave-holder, and whose offspring is said to have been actually sold in the markets of his native State, would have done more honour to the head and heart of its distinguished author, had he regulated his practice more in accordance with his declared principles, and the morality which he so eloquently inculcates. The lesson, nevertheless, is rife with useful instruction, and every way entitled to the consideration of the American citizen for whom it is intended, but more especially of the south, whose ill-directed zeal on many recent occasions has exceeded all sound discretion, and well-nigh exposed the nation to the chances of a fierce and sanguinary convulsion.

The slave population of the United States, according to the returns of 1831, amounted to 2,009,031. It increased in 1840 to 2,486,113; and

68

AVERAGE TERM OF SLAVE LIFE.

is now estimated at somewhat about 2,700,000 of all ages, being an augmentation within the last ten years of about 700,000.

This increase, not only includes the children, the offspring of African parents, but all children born of slave mothers, whether the fathers were white, or free-coloured persons, including Mulattoes; and who, notwithstanding, became slaves at their birth, rendering it at all times a matter of some difficulty to determine with any degree of accuracy, the actual increase of slaves within the Union, though it has been well ascertained, that in various inland intersections of the country, particularly in the Slaveworking States of the south and south-west, the deaths among the slaves, have always considerably outnumbered the births, leaving the accustomed supply of slave labour to be made up from other

sources.

The average term of life of a slave, in the Southern States, from the time that he is put to work, is variously estimated from five to six, or at furthest eight years; whilst it is often made a subject of grave inquiry among the southern slave-holders, determinable by a strict analysis, especially of the profits and losses to the estate, whether it is not infinitely more advantageous to the interests of the slave proprietor, to work his slaves off, that is, to work them to death within this period, and purchase others in their stead, than by care, and moderate work, with restricted profits, to lengthen out the time of their miserable existence. The

CONTRABAND TRADE IN SLAVES.

69

former is the generally received opinion, and we shudder to think, the universally adopted practice throughout the south.

The laws of the United States, though encouraging the home market, have prohibited by statute the importation of African slaves into any part of the Republic. A contraband trade is nevertheless carried on to some extent from the island of Cuba, favoured by its proximity to the Floridas, and along the extended frontier of the Sabine and Red Rivers, from the adjoining territory of Texas, now recently annexed to the United States, and forming an integral part of this Republic. It was only within these last two years that this nest of American free-booters passed a law, prohibiting the residence of any free-coloured persons among them, and declaring in effect, all Negroes within their jurisdiction, slaves de facto, at the same time, that every encouragement and protection was given, and is still afforded to a traffic in this species of merchandise.

Independent of this means, from which the population of the United States receives an annual supply, there are other sources that assist to fill up the chasms occasioned by the great annual mortality amongst these unfortunate people. The lands of Virginia, Maryland-indeed those on the seaboard generally, have for many years past become partly exhausted, and to a considerable extent unproductive. To force crops in these States, either by means of an increased outlay of capital, or labour,

70

BREEDING OF NEGROES.

while an immense territory of rich and generative soil continues in its state of original waste in the south and south-western parts of the Republic, would neither accord with the usual pecuniary resources, or the shrewd intelligence of the generality of American citizens, who are no sooner compelled by the pressure of circumstances, to abandon any one pursuit, than they readily adopt another to supply its place. Many of the planters in these districts have consequently turned their attention from the forced culture of the land, to the breeding and rearing Negroes for the supply of the south, which has become of late years a source of enormous wealth to these States, and of profit to the individuals engaged in this debasing and demoralising practice.*

* Washington, the seat of the Federal Government and of Congress, and Alexandria in its vicinity, both of which are exclusively under their jurisdiction, are the principal places of export of these slaves, and from where regular slave vessels are constantly sailing for southern ports, of which due notice is usually given in the daily prints of these cities, as follows:"Alexandria (District of Columbia) and New Orleans

Packets.

:

"The Brig Tribune, Captain Smith, and Brig Uncas, Captain Boush, will resume their regular trips on 20th of October, one of which will leave this port every thirty days throughout the shipping season. They are vessels of the first class, commanded by experienced officers, and will at all times go up the Mississippi by steam, and every exertion used to promote the interest of shippers, and comforts of passengers. Apply to the Captain, or Franklin and Armfield."

The accommodation of the Tribune is thus described by an

IMPORTATION OF SLAVES.

71

The annual importation of African Slaves into the United States, is supposed to exceed fifteen thousand; while the number produced in each year in the States of Maryland, Virginia, North Carolina, &c., and driven away south, is variously

:

eyewitness The hold is appropriated to the slaves, and is divided into two departments. The after hold will carry about 80 women, and the other about 100 men. On either side were two platforms running the whole length, one raised a few inches, and the other half way up the deck. They were about 5 or 6 feet deep. On them they lie, as close as they can stow away. This house (Franklin and Armfield) has an extensive slave prison in Alexandria. Public prisons, built by Congress, are used by the slave dealers for their refractory slaves, and by licensed slave dealers as a depot for their wretched victims, under legislative supervision, both in Washington and Alexandria."

The following is of the usual advertisements that occupy a prominent part of the daily papers published in these cities :Negroes Wanted.

"The subscriber wishes to purchase from 25 to 50 young Negroes of both sexes, from 12 to 25 years of age.

"Persons having servants to dispose of, will find it their interest to give me a call, as I will give higher prices in cash than any other person in the market.-James Birch."

Cash for 200 Negroes.

"We will give cash for 200 likely young Negroes of both sexes, families included. Persons wishing to dispose of their slaves will do well to give us a call, as we will give higher prices in cash, than any other purchasers who are now or may hereafter come into this market. All communications will meet with attention. We can always be found at our residence on 7th Street, immediately south of the centre market-house, City of Washington (D. C.)—Joseph W. Neal, & Co."