Wilmington journal. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1844-1895, 1850-12-06


St. Francis CO., Mo-, Oct. 10th, 1850. W.BS
From the New York Herald.
Our Southern Correspondence.
COLUMBUS, MISSISSIPPI, Nov. g. 1850
The Past and Present Condition of Slavery at the
SouM-Hhat the AbolHion't has done for the Stare
Opinion of a Northern Misrepresentation
-Happine&S ofhe Blacks--An incident of Northern
kiddness to &aves-Treason and Non-intercourse.
One of the great leading questions on which the
North determined take issue with the South
is that arising out of the passage of the Fugitive
Slave bill The course pursued by the fanatics of
the North is rendering pOwercss the efforts of all
lovers of the Union, and everything begins to wear
most alarming aspect From the actions of those
who pretend so deep an interest and great love for
the slave it appears that they know nothing what
of the institution of slavery. We did not bring
slavery here therefore, if any wrong existed, the
sin lies not at door. The Northern States for
merly held slaves. and continued to hold them as
long as it continued profitable. When it ceased to
be they did not lberate but sold them, to be
moved to States where slave labor was profitable.
The progress of slavery in the United States from
its frstintrOducton, shows gradual movementsouth
ward and it would have continued, till eventual
ly it would have gone into Mexico and South Ameri
ca, and become mixed and lost with the population
of the tropics. This was and is the only means by
which slavery would have ever become extinct in
the United States. But unfortunately, the actions
of misguided persons have forever broken down and
DESTROYED the very object they desired to accomplish
The same causes which operated in New York New
Jersey and other States formerly slave, but
free, would have continued and Delaware, Mary
land, Kentucky, and perhaps Virginia, would have
abolished slavery within their limits after certain
time, and other States might ultimately have follow
ed their example. Mississippi had passed law,
that after the LIST of January 1850 no slaves should
be broug hit within the borders of the State for sale
but the law is repealed The actions of the
abotionists have awakened and aroused the South,
and they are determined to- and will maintain their
rights.
AS very few at the North know anything about
slavery, let for moment briefly inquire into the
condition of the slave before the aboltionists
menced their course of action.
In former years, the slave allowed every priv
ilege in the power of the master to give them and
they far surpassed those enjoyed by the white APP
prentice at the North. They permitted to
have their garden, to rase fruit, poultry, and
various articles of produce for sale, and many
plantations, parcel of ground allotted them
which they raised cotton for themselves for THEN
own benefit; and have known many a slave tc
have more money of his own, arising out of his Ia
bOrs, than many poor family at the North have tc
support them for a whole year. A portion of time
allotted them for this purpose. They had thei1
parties dances, and frocs could visit, when not
poyed, where they chose. and were contented anc
happy,
clothe feed and support the slaves in their old age
and they could not, and cannot cast them out upor
the world. when age and infrmties shall proven
their working and being profitable. They knew NJ
better condition; they were contented and happy
and looked with pity upon any of their race VIII
was SO unfortunate as to be Free and had no maste
to provide for, protect, and take care of them. Blu
III evil hour the abolitonists commenced thei
mad career and what has been the result? TIL
shareholders have in their defence, been com
PEELED to pass laws, and adopt measures for thei
own preservation and protection, which had neve
before been thought Of Now, a negro cannot pur
chase sell any article, without he has the write
permission of his master they cannot visit thei
friends and ncighbors, or be out after nine o'cloc
at night without q written pass 1t is unlawful fo
more than hve slaves to meet at any time plac
any OCCASION except under the supervision of pro
per officers. 1t is unlawful to teach q negro to rea
and write. This is what the abolitonist has don
for the slave these the benefits he has aided
comforting upon them.
am no fanatic, calmly write what have see,
was born and raised at the North, in your ow
city. Nine years since, came to the South, an
here shall max my grave, when the trials of cart
are over, and the voyage of life shall have ended
Here have lived in the midst of slavery: here
have seen it in all its forms and sOlemniy assu1
you, that there a subject SO greatly an
grossly msrepresented, as slavery is by the fanatic
of the North.
Much has been said on the subject of the trea
mens of the slave. have before alluded to wha
tho law imposes the master; but apart fro
that let US tor moment calmly reflect on the sui
Ject. What does the master hold the slave for 2
You will reply for the purpose of gain by his labo
Now, how is nc to gain the most by the labor
the slave--by starving, half clothing and abusir
plenty to eat, good clothing and shelter to preserv
health, and by kind treatment If you had fir
horse, how would you render him the most valuable
by feeding him WELL giving him good stable, ar
working him easily? or by half starring giving
shelter, and constantly driving him at the utmo
speed! You at once answer, by the former cour
of treatment. Man is in this respect like the hors
and good treatment will get far more out of hi
than bad. So, if the master be influenced mere
by desire of gain, apart from all other reasons h
interests make him good and kind master. tt
slaves furnished with warm log houses, have
con- bread and vegetables much as they can ca
and plenty of strong clothing Now, sir, are the
not thousands of white persons at the North wi
would gladly exchange conditions with them
there terms! l look upon the slave as the happie
mortal upon EARTH without trouble or care, and ha
ing no thought for the morrow. They are alwa
sure of enough to eat, even if the master is not;