Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1856-12-23
TOT NE E'H'
PATROLS, POLICE, &c.

Messrs. Editors:-The recent e1aortations put forth
by The new paplrs to magistrates slave owners ana
others. concerning the appointment OF patrol ponce
&C., must certainly meet the appreciation of all. and
trust, will universally be responded TO by prompt
action. But, l hasten ~ call tie attention ut all VII"
have any duty interest III connection with Ills bu-
sness to Que matter which |, in common with i:ia:y
others who own negroes, do EHohr 10 be Of the deep
est Importance. | nl.an the character OF those ap
pointed NJ pstrol. l have known, ever since was
boy, that it Was a common practice 10 appoiht tne
very rug, lag and hob tail OF society, the idle unte-
me- brutal .'poor white folks" inferior 10 the negro
in many qualities, and d-sp.ing hm-not qn'fc d,
cordially as he does NIn,: Shu clay IN inns SORT oi
temporary military authority with when lney arc
clothed, and, making il the occasiunul tro''c' their
bad passions stirred up by drink, they mareat nv
auief noireusive, home staying negro; tile lailh'u
old family servant; 10 fact they often perform thel
whole task with q noisy, 5waggerins vulSarliy Ve'!
offensive to the feelings Of humane MAJ
ter, and productive of more harm than good. can
truly cay, for my part, that would rather run
all the risk of Instruction kncr OF reaoi
indications Of ons-than to have my premises vsitel
by such gangs. There is nothing which contributes
more to the respeotabiIy and good coaIae'e[ ena
the happiness Of the negro, shan to know mat ne nus
n master who respects him. and who will protect MN
from matreatInent, whenever deserved; and It Ii
very hard upon such, as we'll a. grating to the mas:
ters feelings, when lie is thus outraged, while MS
master is asleep and unable to defend him. Nor is
bosom of even the most faithful thsn the idea that
their masters knowingly permit nay, conniVe at
this utter disregard Of their efforts TO serve him. and
their clear title to be treated with respect. Think OF
the faithful old groom or gardener or house servant
who bows low bis frosted head and inquiries after
.misss health, or brings, Of Sunday morning, his
woaied offering Of fresh, white eggs, glad 10
receive her smiling thanks Think OF the
mothers, with their flock of little ones; all
yes! lot me remember one, who recently, whils.
raving maniac, prorouncng curses loud and deep
upon all Others would draw IN her, and resting her
head upon my shoulder. seem for q moment, by her
affection for her Master" to exercise the foul spirit
that was in her. she exclaimed: ~ love the ground
you tread upon" II love my Misses az if che was
my own child" Thiuk OF these thngs, say, and Of
these faithful creatures rudely buffetrd rObJed Of
their tle me.s Of chickens or fruit, aud threatened
with the cowhiis
So willis earnestly invoke more attention TO pa
troll aud other police regulations; whilst desire TINT
my negro should bs punished If found from home At
night aud my colored visitor, similarly dealt with,
beg leave to urge upon the magistrates everywhere
to appoin: men of the right stamp, and especially
the captains If patro to Instruct them ne 20 the pro-
priey of making ;heir companies dcmean themselves
properly aud TO require rigidly, far they have
power, that there be no drinking.
Yours, truly, SHAREHOLDERS.