The examiner. [volume] (Louisville, Ky.) 1847-1849, 1848-10-14
The Rx-Bla We.

The Rx-siave.
We have read with deep interest the follow
ing article from the Alabama Tribune. publish
ed at Mobile:
We hastily announced on Tuesday the death
Of Major Pierre Chastang. He was so remark
able man in many respects, that brief sketch
of his life will. we are sure, interest many of
our readers, and perhaps have abenehcial infiu-
ence upon his own caste. Pierre was born in
this city in 1873, and was consequently by years
old at his death. He was the slave of Jean Chas-
tang, and in 1910 or 1871 became the property
Of Regest Bernody. During the Indian war,
and at the time Jackson was in command Of the
troops in this city, Pierre, then known to the
citizens as a brave, honest, trustworthy man,
was appointed by Jackson PATRON, or captain
Of Government transport. 10 carry provisions
to the troops stationed at Fou Montgomery or
Fort Minis, and TO those in camp near the pres
ent site of Mount Vernon. The undertaking
was perilous, as at that tims the whole country
was infested with hostile Indians, and bur few
persons could be found to take charge of an ex-
peel attended with so great risk Of life
Pierre was, however, successful, and reached
the troops IN safety, with supply Of provis-
ions, &c.
In 1919, during the ravages of the yellow fe
yer Pierre rendered essential service 10 the city
property Of the citizens. He and one or two
other persons were compelled to act as nurses
and sexton. The sickness and mortality were
so great that il was difficult to have the patients
properly cared for-three, four, and five bodies
were taken at time in cart and deposited in
pit. As a matter Of course, all who could
get away precipitately fled from the pestence,
leaving their property in charge of Pierre. Tie
daily opened the stores for the purpose Of venti-
lation and securing the goods from damage. On
the return Of the merchants in the fall, they
found everything safe, and as some appreciation
of his services and honesty a subscription was
at once taken up for his emancipation, also to
purchase him horse and dray. Since that Pc
riod his avocation as drayman has enabled him
to support his family quite comfortably, and at
the same time amass a snug little property.
Pierre, until within year or two past, enjoy
ed throughout his long life uninterrupted health,
and always seemed happy and contented. No
person in this community, white or black, was
ever more highly esteemed and respected, and
no one in his sphere has been more conspicu-
Gus, honest, benevolent and upright man. He
always acted on the golden rule of doing unto
others az he would be done by.
A few thoughts have been suggasted to our
minds by this article, which we desire to present
to our readers.
And first, we were struck by the hearty re-
cognition which this paper, published in the
very midst Of slavery, makes Of the true man
hood Of one, who had been bought and sold as
piece Of property, and whose coun:enance
bore in its dark hue, the badge, the infalible
sign, as many consider IT, Of mental and moral
inferiority, as well as Of social deg radiation.
Pierre Chastang was black and he had been
slave, but these circumstances are forgotten by
the editor, or remembered by him only to in
crease his admiration Of one who had proved
himself so genuine, SO noble man. Not un-
frequently are such tributes paid, with all hear
tiness and sincerity, to coiored men Of mind and
character, even in those States over which sla-
very casts its blacklist cloud.
We rejoice at every such instance, not only
as a triumph Of justice and humanity over the
influence of unfortunate circumstances and
evil systems, but for the singing reproof which
il gives to the heartless men, whether in free or
slave States, who affect to regard the black man
ar incapable of moral and intellectual improve
ment and fit only for slaves. This false sent-
ment, which could commend itself only to men
ready to be enslaved themselves, or to enslave
others, finds no place in the heart of the Ala
bama editor. Unreservedly he pays his heart
felt tribute to the memory of one, thsa whom
emo person in this community, white or black,
was ever more highly esteemed and respected,
and no one, in his sphere, has been more con-
spicuous, honest, benevolent and upright man.
What higher eulogium could be pronounced on
any human being.
But the emotions caused by this article in the
Tribune are not of altogether pleasing char
acter. One train Of reflection to which II gives
rise, possesses an extremely painful interest,"
Here is man, genuine man, with truth Of
character which places him high In the scale Of
humanity, traits commanding the esteem and
winning the affection of all who knew him, and
yet that man, in fifteen States of our Union,
could legally be placed on an auction block and
sold as you would sell an OF or hog. Yes,
that active mind, that noble and honest heart,
that Christian character, could be knocked down
to the highest bidder, even though that bidder
should be negro-trader. dealer In human be-
ings.
Such is slavery, American slavery, in which.
some professed christians are troubled to find
anything inherently wrong, anything at variance
with our holy religion. A christian man may be
bought and sold as dumb beast is bought and
sold, and his fellow-christians can discern no
wrong in the transaction; in fact, many seriously
allege that the transaction is sanctioned by chns-