e no alternative,--the circumstances may
give a coloring of severity to the law; but my opinion has always been,
that the construction of the law was right; and the act being
founded upon necessity, I see no reason why we should meddle with its
prerogative. I think the interference of the consul unwarrantable, and
pressed upon mere technical grounds. These stories about the bad state
of our jail, and the sufferings of criminals confined in it, arise, I
must think, from the reports of bad prisoners. I have never been in it.
Our people are opposed to vice, and seldom visit such a place; but the
sheriff tells me it is comfortable enough for anybody. If this be so,
and I have no reason to doubt his word, we can exercise our sympathy and
kindness for his shipwrecked circumstances, and make him as comfortable
there as we could anywhere else. There are many different opinions, I
admit, touching the effect of this law; but I'm among those who support
stringent measures for better protection. His color can form no excuse,
Captain, so long as there is symptoms of the negro about him. We
might open a wide field for metaphysical investigation, if we admitted
exceptions upon grades of complexion; for many of our own slaves are
as white ar the brightest woman. Consequently, when we shut the gates
entirely, we save ourselves boundless perplexity. Nor would it be safe
to grant an issue upon the score of intelligence, for experience has
taught us that the most intelligent 'bright fellows' are the worst
scamps in creating discontent among the slaves. I only speak of these
things, Captain, in a general sense. Your man may be very good, noble,
generous, and intelligent; and, more than all, not inclined to meddle
with our peculiar institution,--but it would be a false principle
to make him an exception, setting an example that would be entirely
incompatible with our greatest interests. So far as my word will affect
the sheriff, and enlist his better feelings in making him comfortable, I
will use it," said the 'old man,' again adjusting his specs.

Little George seemed dumbfounded with mortification, and the Captain
felt as though he would give a guinea to be on board his brig. It was no
use for him to enter into the extenuating circumstance of his voyage, or
the character of the man, Manuel. The same cold opinions about the
law, and the faith and importance of South Carolina and her peculiar
institutions, met his ears wherever he went. The C