Manuel Pereira; Or, The Sovereign Rule of South Carolina

djournment to the domestic fireside; nor are the distinctions between married and single men regarded, though domestic attachments may be considered as

considered a stranger has not seen Charleston until he has visited. The Captain remonstrated against this, assuring the party that he must go to the ship and needed rest. Again and again they insisted, setting forth the charms and beauty of the den

nd gray, with small head and low perceptive powers; and judging from the particular tone of his voice and the cant terms he used, we should think he had figured among the Kentucky horse-traders, or made stump speeches in Arkansas. His dress was inclined to the gaudy. He wore a flashy brown-colored frock-coat with the collar laid very far back, a foppish white vest exposing his shirt-bosom nearly down to the waistbands of his pants, which were of gray stripes. But the more fanciful portions of his dress w

ention by Mr. Butler. We remarked this more particularly, for it was about the only instance we witnessed of a public man being independent enough to denounce the fanaticism of secession. A more amusing scene than that presented by the attitudes-the questions in regard

giving him a monstrous account of his distinguished abilities. "And that's not all!" said George; "he's n

when they select their company; and pay a large amount of worthy tribute to the liquor-dealers. There is no discriminating latitude attached t

y cry quicker than any other man-can clear the worst criminal that ever committed crime-and he's good-hearted too-can draw the most astonishing comparisons to confound the minds of stupid jurors, and make them believe the d-dest nonsense that ever man invented. Yes, sir-when he makes a speech, everybody goes to hear him, for

et by a set of unreasonable secessionists, made a sweeping declaration. "Gentlemen," said he, "let me tell you a modest fact: seven-eighths of the secession fire-eaters don't know wha

ons, I'm gratified to know that m

lonel was a very sociable, communicative man; and taking the Captain's arm, as they walked along, entered into an interesting conversation about his v

leman displayed in a plea at the bar. There were many good points in it, which, if not l

make some inquiries about his steward, as the

tringent in South Car

must be so; we have had so many emeutes with them, that no law can be made too strict in its bea

ion between good and bad niggers, and

e spheres, unless the laws were made stringent in their effect. As for the free niggers, they're the greatest nuisance we have; it is our policy to get rid of them, and to that end we tax them severely. The riddance of this class of niggers would be an essential benefit to our slaves, as upon account of their influence our negro-laws are made more stringent. And the worst of

re laws such as you describe are carried out, a good man's evidence being black, the intention could not be made white. Now, according to my idea of the law of nature, a man's merits are in

as a white man, and all the seven codes in Christendom wouldn't keep 'em under. Ah! you've got to le

re; but I may become better acquainted with you

ishment becomes more painful under the paddle. South Carolinians deny this mode of punishment generally, and never allow strangers to witness it. It is not, as some writers have stated, practised in Georgia, where, we are happy to say, that so far as punishment is conducted in a legal manner, at the jails and prisons, it is administered in a humane manner; and instead of turning modern barbarity into a science, as is, done in South Carolina, a strict regard for the criminal is observed. I will relate some singular facts connected with the strictness with which we South Carolinians carry out our laws. And now that we are on the spot connected with it, its associations are more forcibly impressed on my mind. It brings with it many painful remembrances, and, were we differently situated, I should wish the cause to be removed. But it cannot be, and we must carry out the law without making allowances, for in these little leniencies all those evils which threaten the destruction of our peculiar institution c

ade a halt to relate the singular case that had pained his feelings, though he held very tenaciousl

ve system in a manner that he seldom retrieved himself. You will observe, Captain, the penalty is not desired by our people, the object being to prevent them from returning, and as such it must be taken in the spirit of its origin. Another very wise provision was made by our legislators, and which has prevented a great deal of suffering on the part of the slave. A few years ago, our wise legislature made a law to revert the power of emancipation from the boar

white man, and, I think, with few exceptions, never kept company with even bright folks. His house was unquestionably the best in the city, and had a widespread reputation. Few persons of note ever visited Charleston without putting up at Jones's, where they found, not only the comforts of a private house, but a table spread with every luxury that the county afforded. The Governor always put up at Jones's; and when you were travelling abroad, strangers would speak of the sumptuous fare at Jones's in Charleston, and the elegance and correctness of his house. But if his hou

paid her a visit. The public became acquainted with the fact, and to his surprise, Jones was informed by authority that upon no condition could she be allowed to return-that the law was imperative, and no consideration could be given to the circumstances, for such would be virtually destroying its validity, and furnishing a precedent that would be followed by innumerable cases. In spite of all the remonstrances which Jones could set fo

last soothing comfort of seeing her parents. Jones being an affectionate man, and dotingly fond of his children, without regarding the former admonition, immediately pr

reports have uncommon wings, the news of it soon reached the authorities; when a mandate was issued accordingly, and Jones subjected to the fate of his daughter. There are many painful circumstances connected with the affair, which, if well told, would make quite

operty restored to him?"

ual with that of honorable law, in South Carolina," sai

rocess when the principal is not present. The law's delay and l

's a good many stories told, and a great deal of mystery about it that's got to be explained to my mind. But you're a stranger, Ca

n your statements. Remember the immense difficulty that h

spect toward those cousins of yours who have figured in the case. 'Tis bad to call names, but there is a mystery about a certain member of

cret in some parts of the world, and only whis

r-like affections for them gals of his. He never knew when he was well off, and always wanted to be with white folk when he was here. 'Twould been a great deal better if he'd let them youngest gals gone with Pingree and Allston. They'd have

got plenty of money, and were handsome? There must be a singular sensibility, that

th Carolina a year or two. 'Tisn't the fair comp

o society, eh! It may be sown broadcast in licentiousness, then, and custom

ones's, some disposition to accommodate might have been evinced without endangering the State's sovereignty. And I must also differ with you, George, so far as the girls maintained their self-respect. It was commendable in them to get husbands whom they could live with in the bonds of matrimony. My word for it, George, though I am a Southerner, and may give rein to improprieties at times, nothing can be more pernicious to our society than this destructive system of our first people in keeping mistresses. It's a source of misery at best, depending upon expediency instead of obligation, and results in bringing fort

knowledge of the provision that is made for such children. The Captain will certainly draw incorrect notions about us," said George, with anxiety pictured on his countenanc

ur community. If you know of any provision, it's more than I do. Perhaps you are older and have had m

g that the Colonel would finish the story about Jones, sa

impossible to return to his father, very shrewdly set about some kind of business, and is now largely engaged in the preserve and pickle business. Lee's celebrated pickle and preserve establishment, New York. The father is now in this city, making a living for his family at something or other. He has made several efforts to sell out his little property, but there's some trouble about the title; and if he leaves it to go and see his son, he knows what the consequences will be; and to leave it for settlement wou

are aware, is in an advantageous latitude for vessels to refit that have met with those disasters which, are frequent in the

find us the most hospitable peopl

he law would make no distinction between his being cast upon your shores

the fees, and gives such an extended construction to the terms of the act that you need expect no special favor at his hands. The law's no fictio

ard. He has sailed under the British flag for a great many years, has been 'most all over the world, and is as much attached to the service as if he was a Londoner, and has got a register ticket. Nothing would pain my feelings more than to see him in a prison, for I think he has as proud a notion of honesty as a

commerce, and I doubt whether it was ever the intention of the framers that it should be construed in this manner. However, so far as your steward is con-cerned, the question of how far his color will make him amenable to the law will never be raised; the mere circumstance of his being a seaman in distress, thrown upon our sympathies, will be all you need among our hospitable people. I'm not aware of a precedent, but I will guaranty hi

at her appearance, bid him good-night-George promising to call upon him in the morning, and the Colonel charging him

ave drawn conclusions somewhat different from the actual result. Alas! that all the good fellowship

ubmit to those which were made to govern the worst slaves! And why is he subjected to that injustice which gives him no voice in his own behalf when the most depraved whites are his accusers? Can it be the little crimp that is in his hair? for he has a fairer skin than those who make laws to oppress him. If he inhaled the free atmosphere from abroad, can it be that there is contagion in it, and Malcome Brown is the dreaded medium of its communication? And if the statement rung in our ears be true, "that the free colored of the North suffer while the slave is cared for and comfortable," why belie ourselves? Malcome's influence is, and always has been, with the whites, and manifestly good in the preservation of order and obedience on the

ks of his father and the gratifying hope of meeting him at some future day, when he can give vent to his feelings in bursts of affection. He wants his father to return and live with him, because he says he knows they would be

uld find more to fear from the stringency of her own laws