The Soldiers' journal. (Rendezvous of Distribution, Va.) 1864-1865, 1865-01-04
;" Mrs. Leigh went away, and


Mr.. Byers was shown in.
tall, good-lookng man, in fine animal con-
dition, and not at all brutal repulsive in
aspect, as you might expect slave-trader to be.
Indeed, that was an epithet which he declined to
apply to himself, as well the exquisite.
one of speculator. He was merely the agent in
certain little domestic interchanges, such
might be supposed necessary in gentlemen's ,
families, where society is patriarchally const-
tuted.
CT assure you, Colonel Leigh-or should say
General
"I have claim to any military title,' an
swered Mr.. Leigh, yet evidently fiattered.
"Ah I beg pardon-natural mistake--you
have remarkably military air. I assure you,
sir, that you've sold her at high figure That
| is more money than would have paid any other
man of my acquaintance, but 1 don't like to
higgle about prices with gentlemen. If Pm
dealing with low, sharp fellow, don't allow
myself to be outwitted; but in my transactions
with gentlemen don't stand for few hundreds.
Mr.. Leigh hope we shall trade again.
q hope not, sir" said Mr.. Leigh, decidedly.
e The truth is, Mr.. Byers, this whole matter OF
disposing OF servants is painful to me, as well
as to Mrs. Leigh and, as 1 told you before
nothing but extreme necessity would have driven
me to it,
+" Exactly, sir. Circumstances will arise to
make these changes necessary. Like death, you
know, hard but inevitable. L sympathize with
you, sir, and honor your humanity. If there's
anything pride myself upon, it's my humanity.
Some folks go for whippin' and drivin' but
tell 'em, what's the use? Nature is nature i
go on the humane principle. give 'em enough
to eat and drink, and if they're down in the
mouth, there's no man freer with his whiskey
than am. talk to 'em and make em dance
try tn oh r
Mr.. Leigh, the humane principle pays best in the
long rum
u hope you'll be kind to Lettuce. She's
great favorite with my wife,
"PIl treat her we'll, sir. AS 1 intimated ]
think know where can dispose of her. If
didn't shouldn't have liked to make that in
vestment. That kind is like a china tea-cup-
pretty to look at but easily broken, and poor
property in these times. Yes sir; ornamental
niggers amt worth fifty per cent, because, you
see they're too expensive to keep, don't bring
in anything, and are mighty uncertain. Why,
sir, know scores and of families that
used to live like princes, who cook their own
victuals now, and earn it, too. Tell you what.
sir, secession leads to glorythere amt no doubt
about that-but it's mighty hard road to travel.''
Mr. Leigh did not endorse this sentiment but
simply said:
Il hope you'll try to get Lettice off quietly, so
as not to make any sensation. Mrs. Leigh ie
very much attached to her, and
Exactly, understand. Women are delight
full creatures, but little impracticable. Yes.
I'll get her off quietly. I'm up to that kind of
thing. Nothing would please me better, sir.
than to say, keep your girl-for I'm humane
man. but cannot indulge my feelings. owe
duty to my wife and children, Mr.. Leigh
Mr.. Leghat last bowed the gentleman out and
returned to his library thoughtfullv - 49,.
WELL" he exclaimed, rubbing his hands,