Page:The Homes of the New World- Vol. III.djvu/19

Rh brought hither, chained together two and two, in long rows, after many days' fatiguing marches.

I observed among the men some really athletic figures, with good countenances and remarkably good foreheads, broad and high. The slightest kind word or joke called forth a sunny smile, full of good-humour, on their countenances, and revealed a shining row of beautiful pearl-like teeth. There was one negro in particular, his price was two thousand dollars, to whom I took a great fancy, and I said aloud, that “I liked that boy, and I was sure we should be good friends.”

“Oh yes, missis!” with a good, cordial laugh.

Among the women, who were few in number in comparison with the men (there might be from seventy to eighty of them), there were some very pretty, light mulattoes. A gentleman took one of the prettiest of them by the chin, and opened her mouth to see the state of her gums and teeth, with no more ceremony than if she had been a horse. Had I been in her place I believe that I should have bitten his thumb, so much did I feel myself irritated by his behaviour, in which he evidently, no more than she, found anything offensive. Such is the custom of the place.

My inquiries from these poor human chattels confined themselves to the question of whence they came. Most of them came from Missouri and Kentucky. As I was constantly attended by the slave-keeper, I could not ask for any biographical information, nor could I, in any case, have been certain that what I here received was to be relied upon.

In another of these slave-houses I saw a gentleman whose exterior and expression I shall never forget. He seemed to be the owner of the slaves there, and my companion requested permission for himself and me to see them. He consented, but with an air, and a glance at me, as if he would annihilate me. He was a man of unusual