Page:Letters on the condition of the African race in the United States.djvu/5



, Sept. 15, 1851.

, our native State, my dear brother, was one or two centuries ago the pet of royalty. It was settled by the Cavaliers under the promise of large grants of land from the king; and our own family, it seems, was induced to emigrate there from the stimulant of the same pledges. I do not remember whether the titles you still hold in your possession of the large grant we received, was dated in the reign of George II. or his predecessor. Be sure, when you come to Washington this winter to make us a visit, to bring all these old land titles, etc. to me; they will be valued relics of a bygone age. This grant to us was situated in what is now called Beaufort District. It was a neck of land not very far from Broad River, surrounded by rich islands, which our ancestors by their enterprise and energy, finally converted into a nourishing cotton, rice, and corn growing plantation. They were literally "monarchs of all they surveyed." They courted no man's favor, they feared no man's frown; and neither tradition nor the malice of enemies has ever, even up to the present generation, accused them of a disgraceful, lawless, or criminal act.

Believe me, that the spirit of lordly independence they always developed, was generated more or less, by their owning so much land, upon which they could produce every necessary of life without extraneous patronage. I am proud, very proud, my brother, that