New-York daily tribune. [volume] (New-York [N.Y.]) 1842-1866, 1856-01-09

language and ideas ascribed 20 them indicate de-
gree Of intelligence which is never found among the
slaves Of the South, the writer remarks:
Til, il a very great error. We draw the picture Of
the thoughts and feelings Of these two unfortunate
beings from actual life. There ID class of negroes in
the SOuth-generally the children Of white men and
mulattO women-whO possess and display degree of
natural intelligence, refinement and decacy of feeling
fully equal to anything exhibited by the white race.
They, Of course want the finishing touch, which edu-
cation alone can give, 10 natural qualities OF that
kind. Their minds, naturally gifted, and apt to re-
ceive impressions and accessions of knowledge from
without are not polished and adorned with the various
graces and beauties which learning bestOws-whch
knowledge Of history and science and antiquity and
poetry mpars. But so far as their inherent and
natural impulses and conception Of things are con-
cemed, they are a. gifted and a. elevated a. the
whites and often indeed, far superior to those rude
and savage wretches in whose hands their own fate
sometimes happens unfortunately TO be placed.
II is two persons Of this clas-heir history, their
struggles and their fatewhich propose to portray
in this work. OF course, the reader should bear in
mind that while this class Of slaves exists, and tolls
and suffers, it is comparatively small class; yet their
career is often of melancholy interest," surprising
even the greatest marves Of fiction.
OF his manner of handling the more tragic ele-
ments of his subject, let the subjoined passage be
taken as an example,
Richard Dudley very soon took occasion to put his
threats of veng6 ance into execution.
He had now given up all idea of accomplishing his
brutal purpose in reference TO Caroline He could not
degrade her in the way which his lust had dictated;
but be could abase and crush her in another manner,
and that was, by the cruelty of his punishments He
had only despared of accomplishing his former purpose,
because he saw in Carolnes virtuous conduct, such
proofs of nsumountable opposition and repugnance: 20
Lis wishes rendered her willing acquescence forever
hopeless and out of the question.
Besides, George, his slave, had stepped in def
any between himself and the attainment of his pur-
pose; and now the conquest had lost all it, charms.
Another passion wholly took possession of his fiery and
malignant soul; no longer lust, but revenge, reigned
within him, and kept up continual storm and tempest
Of conflicting emotions, which gave him no rest.
He looked about him for fit instrument of his
wrath, and he had not long far to look. Robinson,
the exYankee save-drver was at hand, and had even
already been aptly tutored to his will.
He sent for Robinson, and reminded him of their
former conversation; he told him what had occurred
since that interview how Caroline had resisted him;
how George had refused to give her up; how the two
had afterward married in despite of him. how Caroline
has since then persisted in her Obstnacy and how ne
determined to crafty his rage and revenge.
"Im on hand, Richard, for anything, said Robin
son gayly as Dudley had ended his statement
of the case. "Tm on hand, and wide awakep
Richard reflected for some time, upon the best way
of Furnishing both bis disobedient slaves. Several
modes of torture suggested themselves to him. Indeed
the resources of the slave abundant Ill this
respect.
Robinson suggested several different kinds of pun
ishment, either of which, one would suppose, would
have been sufficiently severe. At length, after some
deliberations il resolved that both of the offenders
should be publicly and severely whipped IL was also
determined, that it should be openly announced to all
the slaves the plantation that the punishment about
TO be inflicted on George and Caroline was the penalty
of their dsobedence in getting married without the
permission of their master.
Thus an opportunity was taken TO impress upon the
minds of the slaves sautary lesson of obedience to
bis orders. Richard determined that all his slaves
should learn that they should not marry hereafter with
out his express permission. Such, indeed is the gen
eral law of save-Owners this subject; but it had
never been made the subject of such general and pub
lie attention before, the Dudley estate, as 1t was
now TO become But the assignment of this reason for
the penalty to be inflicted was merely a sham, an ex
cuse; for the real reason the bitter hatred felt by
Richard toward his successful rival George and his
anger at Caroline for her vtuous obstinacy and dis
obedience.
Richard informed Robinson of the conclusion to
which he had come.
Whip EN- both Ell? Whip 'em both together r.
be inquired. "Wall, III do it for you, and do itnght,
toO!'
ayes, want no mercy shown them, Robinson; none
whatever. | want these two obstinate mlscreants
soundy and thoroughly whipped.
"When do you want the Job done, Sir I" inquired
Robinson.
"To.monow afternoon Saturday; let all the hands
come home from work hour before sundown so that
they NAV all sec il DONE" Richard sulenly answered
Every good; shall be done. Ill show the rascals
few scientific touches with my lash, warrant them.
Tomorrow afternoon, eh They won't want another
taste of NV whip in good long time" And Robinson
went about his business, leaving Richard in state OF
f,ndish exuatOn at his anticipated qualification
The announcement of the approaching punishment
of Caroline and George filled every soul On the plana-
tion with sorrow and dsmay. Beloved by all the poor
slaves ON account of the innocence and amabity OF
their department, it TO each one as If beloved
brother or sister were about TO suffer the pahgs Wch
the lash ef the driver would inhct upon them Every
one sympahized with them.
But what good did the sympathy OF their fellow
slaves DO the unhappy victims OF Richards fury
Alas nothing. 1t could but aggravate their misery.
They could but be silent and unwilling witnesses OF
q horrd and cruel scene, which would harrow up thelr
own feelings while they possessed powerto alleviate
or help the sufferers.
George and Caroline heard their sentence with terror
and despair Caroline, in consequence OF her appre-
bension of the severity of the punishment and George
from tender sympathy for the agony which she must
endure who was dearer to him than life Itself. lie
cared but little for his own suifenngs; be was strong
and vigorous; he could bear what his master would
infict upon himself but oh how could he endure 10
see his beloved torn, scathed and SCARED, by the
bloody thong of the relentless savedrlver.
HAPPILY the two victims did not know their cruel
fate till the morning of the day on which was 10 De
inflicted Richard took the precaution not TO conmu-
ncate ANYTHING to them on the previous day. fearful
lest they might attempt to escape during the inerven-
ing night. ,..,.
At length the hour arrived at which this horrible
scene was to be enacted. Richard ordered two large
stakes TO be driven deep into the earth IN the barn
ward This yard was at some considerable distance
from the house, so that the and groans OF his
victims might not reach the ears OF the ladies OF his
family.
Tom and Jerry, two of the strongest and stoutest
slaves on the patation, compelled to perform this
task When the stakes were well driven, he ordered
George and Caroline TO be tied fast, one to each post
The stakes were about five feet apart and about SIX
feet high above the surface of the ground. The VIC
tins had their hands tied together fast TO the top of the
post so that they stood poe; and their feet were