Page:The Homes of the New World- Vol. III.djvu/167

Rh drummers, and in particular Carlo Congo, in the manner which I knew was most agreeable to them.

I am now again in my quiet chamber. The sugar-mill is clamouring and smoking, and the slaves are carrying la bagaza.

I see above the walls of the bohea, but far beyond them, the magnificent guadarajah of palms below the hills of Camerioca. These hills also have deep caverns and concealed tracts, which serve as the retreats of fugitive slaves. They dig pitfalls at the mouths of the caverns to preserve them from their pursuers. But the pursuit of them is now given up, as it is not only unavailing but attended by great peril to the pursuers. Sometimes they will come down in the night-time to the plantations for sustenance, which they obtain from the negroes of the plantation who never betray the fugitives of the mountains. The negroes, it is said, never betray one another except under the torture of the whip.

March 26th.—I have visited with my kind hostess some of the plantations in the neighbourhood. The most agreeable of these visits was to that of a handsome young couple, M. and Madame Belle C., French creoles. An enchanting expression of human kindness was portrayed on their countenances. They are said to be very kind to their slaves, and I understand that M. Belle C. is thinking of taking a sugar-plantation in Florida, on which he will employ only free negroes. May he succeed! One single successful experiment of this kind would effect a great change in American slavery. The man who does this may be reckoned as among the greatest benefactors of humanity.

I saw at M. and Mdme. Belle C.'s two of the sweetest little children, and a well-kept garden, in which were many beautiful plants. I saw some remarkably fine Provence roses, but without any sign of fragrance. The great heat, it is said, destroys the scent of this and many other flowers. This handsome young couple have invited me to spend some time with them, but I must decline the invitation.