Page:The Homes of the New World- Vol. III.djvu/25

Rh After this came an elderly woman, who had also one of those good-natured, excellent countenances so common among the black population, and whose demeanour and general appearance showed that she too had been in the service of a good master, and having been accustomed to gentle treatment had become gentle and happy. All these slaves, as well as the young girl, who looked pert rather than good, bore the impression of having been accustomed to an affectionate family life.

And now what was to be their future fate? How bitterly, if they fell into the hands of the wicked, would they feel the difference between then and now, how horrible would be their lot! The mother in particular, whose whole soul was centred in her child, and who perhaps would have soon to see that child sold away, far away from her, what would then be her state of mind!

No sermon, no anti-slavery oration could speak so powerfully against the institution of slavery as this slave-auction itself!

The master had been good, the servants good also, attached and faithful, and yet they were sold to whoever would buy them—sold like brute beasts!

In the evening.—New-year's day is at an end. I too have had visits from pplite gentlemen, hitherto strangers to me. Among them I shall remember, with especial pleasure, two brothers of the name of D., bankers of the city, earnest and cordial men, who are said to be remarkable for their brotherly affection and public spirit. My countryman, Herr Charles S., has sate and talked with me this evening. He has lived long in New Orleans, and knows many circumstances of great interest, is frank and agreeable, so that his society is extremely pleasant to me.

I am as comfortable in this house as I can desire, I have even enjoyed the bad weather, because it has enabled me to read a little, and to draw, and the latter is a necessary repose and refreshment to me. I have sketched