IN Charleston, such an adjournment1 at a bar-room or an eating-house, when parties are enjoying what is termed a "pleasant occasion," does not mean an adjournment to the domestic fireside; nor are the distinctions between married and single men regarded, though domestic attachments2 may be considered as governing the thoughts and feelings. The practical definition of such an adjournment means to some place where beauty secludes3 itself to waste in shame.
The party descended4 into the lower bar-room, which, though rather thinned, presented a picture of characters stimulated5 to the tottering6 point. A motion had been made and strongly seconded to visit the voluptuous7 house of a certain lady, which it is considered a stranger has not seen Charleston until he has visited. The Captain remonstrated8 against this, assuring the party that he must go to the ship and needed rest. Again and again they insisted, setting forth9 the charms and beauty of the denizens10, but he as often declined in the most positive manner. Unable to move him in his resolution, one by one began to give him a hearty11 shake of the hand and bid him good-night, leaving little Master George to the exclusive honor of seeing him home.
Standing12 in the centre of the room, surrounded by five or six persons well-dressed but very weak in the knees, was a portly-looking gentleman; with very florid countenance13, keen dark eyes, and aquiline14 nose which he frequently fingered. There was an air of respectability about him, though his countenance was not marked with any particularly prominent feature to distinguish him from the ordinary class of respectable men. He spoke15 well, yet without taste or discrimination in his language, was rather bald and gray, with small head and low perceptive17 powers; and judging from the particular tone of his voice and the cant18 terms he used, we should think he had figured among the Kentucky horse-traders, or made stump19 speeches in Arkansas. His dress was inclined to the gaudy20. He wore a flashy brown-colored frock-coat with the collar laid very far back, a foppish21 white vest exposing his shirt-bosom22 nearly down to the waistbands of his pants, which were of gray stripes. But the more fanciful portions of his dress were a large and costly23 fob-chain, which hung very low and supported an immense seal containing a glistening24 stone, which he seemed very fond of dangling25 with his left hand. Attached to this was a very prominently displayed black ribbon, answering the purpose of a guard-chain, and laid with great contrasting care over the bosom of his shirt. This, with a neckerchief of more flashy colors than Joseph's coat, and a late style Parisian hat, with the rim16 very exquisitely26 turned upon the sides, make up our man.
He was discussing politics, with a great many sensible sayings, though nothing like close reasoning; and strange as it may seem, he was strongly opposed to the rabid views of several staggering secessionists, who surrounded him, and advocated the views set forth in convention 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 fanaticism28 of secession. A more amusing scene than that presented by the attitudes-the questions in regard to South Carolina licking the Federal Government-the strange pomp-ribald gasconade, and high-sounding chivalry29 of the worthies30, cannot be imagined. They were in a perfect ecstasy31 with themselves and South Carolina, and swore, let whatever come, they were ready to meet it.
Little Master George seemed very anxious that the Captain should become acquainted with him, and commenced giving him a monstrous32 account of his distinguished33 abilities. "And that's not all!" said George; "he's not only one of the greatest characters in Charleston, or perhaps the State, but he's a right good fellow."
We will interrupt, by informing the reader that he was one of the good fellows-a numerous family in Charleston-who never use fine instruments when they select their company; and pay a large amount of worthy34 tribute to the liquor-dealers. There is no discriminating35 latitude36 attached to the good-fellow family, for its members may be found with alike gratifying inclinations37, from the highest aristocracy to the negro population.
"That, sir, is Col. S--e; belongs to one of the first families, sir. He can beat old Pettigru all hollow; his eloquence38 is so thrilling that he always reminds me of Pericles. He can beat little Thomas Y. Simmons, Jr., all to pieces-make the best stump speech-address a public assemblage, and rivet39 all their minds-can make a jury 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 he says what he pleases, and old Judge Withers41, whose will is as arbitrary as Julius Caesar's, and has got the obstinacy42 of Tom Boyce's mule43, dar'n't attempt to control the tenor44 of his plea. And he can tell the best invented story of any man in town. He cleared the villanous Doctor Hines once upon the color of his pantaloons."
George waited impatiently for the end of the political controversy45, determined46 to introduce his friend to the colonel. He soon had an opportunity, for the colonel, finding himself beset47 by a set of unreasonable48 secessionists, made a sweeping49 declaration. "Gentlemen," said he, "let me tell you a modest fact: seven-eighths of the secession fire-eaters don't know what the proper meaning of government is: I make the charge against my own people-but it is true." "Traitor50! traitor!--traitor to South Carolina," was sounded at the top of a dozen voices.
"Then, if I am such in your opinions, I'm gratified to know that my feelings are my own. Good-night!"
Thus saying, he withdrew from the party, and making his way for the door, was saluted51 by George, who introduced him to his friend, the Captain. The colonel was a very sociable52, communicative man; and taking the Captain's arm, as they walked along, entered into an interesting conversation about his voyage and first visit to the city, at the same time displaying his good sense in not trying to force the great things of South Carolina into his mind.
We, a few weeks afterward53, had the good fortune to hear the legal abilities of this gentleman displayed in a plea at the bar. There were many good points in it, which, if not legally pointed54, were said well; yet we should class him as belonging to the loud school.
The Captain, thinking it a good opportunity to make some inquiries55 about his steward56, as they proceeded, commenced in the following manner:
"Your laws are very stringent57 in South Carolina, I believe, sir!"
"Well, no sir," said the colonel, "if we except those which govern the niggers; they of necessity must be so; we have had so many emeutes with them, that no law can be made too strict in its bearings. We have so many bad niggers poured in upon us, that the whole class is becoming corrupted58."
"Your laws, of course, make a distinction between good and bad niggers, and free negroes?" interposed the Captain.
"We make no distinction between the colors--some are as white as you are; but the grades are so complex that it would be impossible to make a sliding-scale law for any fixed59 complexions61. The law which governs them is distinctive62 and comprehensive-made in order to shield the white population from their ignorance of law and evidence. We never could govern them in their respective 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 severely63. 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 it is that they increase faster. But we make it a principal point to get all the free men we can married to slaves, and the free women run off. You, that are accustomed to the free institutions of your country, may think some of these things singular at first; but you would soon become accustomed to them, and would really admire them when you saw how beautifully they worked."
"Is there no discretionary power left?" inquired the Captain. "It must be oppressive, if carried out; Good men-whether they be white or black-are entitled to the advantages due them; but where 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 his moral integrity and behaviour; therefore I should establish the rule that a good black man was better than a bad white man, and was as much entitled to the respect and government of law."
"Hi!--oh! Captain; it won't do to talk so in South Carolina. Just let a nigger imagine himself as good as a white man, and all the seven codes in Christendom wouldn't keep 'em under. Ah! you've got to learn a thing or two about niggers yet," interrupted Master George, before the Colonel had time to speak.
"I only speak from my observation of human nature; but I may become better acquainted with your laws, if I remain among you," said the Captain.
"As I have said before sir," replied the Colonel, "our nigger-laws are such as to require a strict enforcement. If we allowed the prerogative64 of a discretionary power, it would open the way to an endless system of favoritism, just at the mercy and feelings of those exercising it. As it is now, the white or black nigger, male or female, gets the same law and the same penalty. We make no distinction even at the paddle-gallows. The paddle-gallows is a frame with two uprights, and a wrench65 screw at the top. The negro's hands are secured in iron wristlets-similar to handcuffs; a rope is then attached to an eye in these, and passing over the wrench, which being turned, the negro is raised in an agonizing66 position until the tips of his toes scarcely touch the floor. Thus suspended, with the skin stretched to its utmost tension, it not unfrequently parts at the first blow of the paddle. Sometimes the feet are secured, when the effect of this modern science of demonstrating the tension of the human body for punishment 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 humane67 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 situated68, 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 peculiar69 institution creep in. In fact, Captain, they are points of law upon which all our domestic quietude stands; and as such, we are bound to strengthen our means of enforcing them to the strictest letter. Our laws are founded upon the ancient wisdom of our forefathers70, and South Carolina has never traduced71 herself or injured her legal purity. We have reduced our system almost to a practical science, so complete in its bearings and points of government as to be worthy the highest and noblest purposes of our country. And at the same time, such is the spirit and magnanimity of our people, that in framing laws to guard against the dangerous influences of that wing of our country that spreads its ambitious fallacies--its tempting72 attractions-shallow criticisms upon minute and isolated73 cases-redundant theories without measure or observation, and making a standard for the government of slaves upon foolish and capricious prejudices, we have been careful to preserve a conservative moderation toward the slave. But, to my remarks."
The party had now arrived opposite to what was formerly74 known as Jones's Hotel, where the Colonel made a halt to relate the singular case that had pained his feelings, though he held very tenaciously75 to the law as it was, because he believed strongly in the wisdom of the South Carolina judiciary.
"Our first and great object is to prevent the interchange of sentiment between our domestic niggers, whether bond or free, and niggers who reside abroad or have left our State; To do this, it became imperative76 to establish a law prohibiting free negroes from coming into the State, and those in the State from going out, under penalty of imprisonment77 and fine, if they returned. The penalty amounted to sale upon a peon form; and subjected the offender78 to the slave system in a manner that he seldom retrieved79 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 revert80 the power of emancipation81 from the board of magistrates82 where it had been very much abused, to the House itself. And such is the law at the present day, that no master can give his slaves their freedom, except by special act of the legislature, and that with such a multiplicity of provisions and conditions that few even attempt it. But I'm about to refer to cases in which some modification83 might be said to have been necessary, because in them are embodied84 the worst germs for abolition85 speculation86.
"That, Captain, is Jones's Hotel," said the Colonel, pointing to an odd-looking house of antique and mixed architecture, with a large convex window above the hall-entrance, in the second story. This house is situated in Broad street, next to the aristocratic St. Michael's Church, one of the most public places in the city. "In years past, that house was kept by Jones, a free nigger. Jones was almost white, a fine portly-looking man, active, enterprising, intelligent, honest to the letter, and whose integrity and responsibility was never doubted. He lived in every way like a 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 sumptuous87 fare at Jones's in Charleston, and the elegance88 and correctness of his house. But if his house and fare were the boast of Carolinians, and the remark of strangers, his civility and courteous89 attention could not be outdone. Jones continued in the popularity of his house for many years, reared a beautiful, intelligent, and interesting family; at the same time accumulated about forty thousand dollars. The most interesting part of his family was three beautiful daughters, the eldest90 of whom was married to a person now in New York. She was fairer than seven-eighths of those ladies who term themselves aristocracy in Charleston, and promenade91 King street in the afternoon.
"She removed to New York with her husband, who now resides in that city, engaged in lucrative92 and respectable business. A short time after, her second sister-not dreaming that the law would be so stringent as to class her with the lowest nigger, or even lay its painful bearings at her door; for the family were very high-minded, and would have considered themselves grossly insulted to have the opprobrious93 name of nigger applied94 to them-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 precedent95 that would be followed by innumerable cases. In spite of all the remonstrances96 which Jones could set forth, and the influence of several friends of high standing, he was compelled to relinquish97 all hope of his daughter's being allowed to return to the family. The reasoning set forth had every plausibility98; but such is our respect for the law, that we were compelled to forego our hospitality, and maintain it, even though the case was painful to our feelings. Thus, you see, we maintain the point and spirit of the law above every thing else.
"But the end is not here! A few years after this, Jones received a letter, that his daughter was very sick and not expected to live-accompanied with a desire to have the last soothing99 comfort of seeing her parents. Jones being an affectionate man, and dotingly fond of his children, without regarding the former admonition, immediately prepared himself, and left in disguise for New York. Mature consideration would have convinced him of the error of one so well known as himself trying to elude100 recognition.
"His son-in-law, Lee, a noble fellow, kept the house, and when Jones was inquired for, it was reported that he was confined to his room. It would have been well if Jones had kept himself secluded101 in New York; but he was recognised by a Charlestonian, and, as such reports have uncommon102 wings, the news of it soon reached the authorities; when a mandate103 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 a romance," said the Colonel, all of which the Captain listened to with profound attention. "His family all moved to New York, and his affairs were put into the hands of attorneys here, for settlement, by his son-in-law, who continued the business for some years."
"Of course he got his property restored to him?" interrupted the Captain.
"Most certainly, Captain! The spirit of justice is coequal with that of honorable law, in South Carolina," said George, anxious to relieve the Colonel of the answer.
"It is somewhat difficult to settle a man's business by legal process when the principal is not present. The law's delay and lawyers' spoils make time hallowed and costly," said the Captain.
"You're right there, Captain," said the Colonel; "and I doubt-to speak honestly-whether Jones ever got much of his property. There'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, Captain, and it would not be interesting to the feelings of a Scotchman. I may give you the details more minutely at some future day."
"Why, Colonel!" said George, "you should be considerate in your statements. Remember the immense difficulty that has attended Jones's affairs-they're not all settled yet."
"True, George; and I'm afraid they never will be;--but there are some very singular appearances connected with it. I mean no personal disrespect 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 our profession getting rich, when poor Jones declares he's got nothing, and Lee has had to give up the house,--I don't say what for." * * *
"Yes, strange things must be kept strangely secret in some parts of the world, and only whispered when there's no wind," said the Captain.
"But that's the only case, Captain," said George; "and the Colonel was indiscreet in recounting it; for from that you may conceive wrong impressions of the best institutions and laws in the world. Jones was an old fool, led away by his nigger-like affections for them gals104 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 made the tip-top mistresses--been kept like ladies, and not been bothered, and brought all this trouble upon their heads through these infernal abolitionists. I really believe the old fool thought some white man would marry them at one time."
"What harm would there've been in that, providing they're as white as anybody, and got plenty of money, and were handsome? There must be a singular sensibility, that I don't understand, exerting itself in your society," said the Captain laconically105.
"Harm! You'd find out the harm. Just live in South Carolina a year or two. 'Tisn't the fair complexion60-we don't dispute that-but it's the blood."
"Oh! then the legal objection," said the Captain, "is what is so revolting to society, eh! It may be sown broadcast in licentiousness106, then, and custom sustains an immoral107 element that is devouring108 the essential bond of society."
"Excuse me, Captain," interrupted the Colonel. "George, you are always taking me upon suppositions. I only related it to the Captain in order to show the power and integrity of our law, and how South Carolinians frequently sacrifice their own interests to maintain it intact. Nothing could be more fatal to its vitality109 than to make provisions which would entail110 legal preferences. The law in regard to free niggers leaving the State should be looked upon in the light of protection rather than alienation111, for it is made to protect property and society. Yet where a case is attended with such circumstances as that of Jones's, some disposition112 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 commendable113 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 rein114 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 misery115 at best, depending upon expediency116 instead of obligation, and results in bringing forth children and heirs with an entailed117 burden upon their lives, to be disowned, cast off from paternal118 rights, and left to the tender mercies of the law. We see the curse, yet countenance it-and while it devours119 domestic affections and has cankered the core of social obligations, we look upon it as a flowery garden as we pass by the wayside.. There may be but a shadow between the rightful heir and the doubtful son-the former may enjoy the bounty120 of his inheritance, but the latter is doomed121 to know not his sire nor his kinsman122, but to suffer the doubts and fears and the dark gloom which broods over a bondman's life."
"By-je-w-hu! Colonel, what in scissors are you preaching about. You must a' got a pull too much at Bakers's. You're giving vent27 to real abolition sentiments. Exercise your 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 countenance. He knew the Colonel's free, open, and frank manner of expressing himself, and feared lest the famous name of the chivalry should suffer from his unconscious disclosures.
"Provisions! George, you know my feelings concerning that vice123 which is so universally practised in our community. If you know of any provision, it's more than I do. Perhaps you are older and have had more experience. 'Tis the want of such a provision that is just destroying our institution of slavery!"
At this juncture124 the Captain interrupted them, and begging that the Colonel would finish the story about Jones, said he had a few questions to ask them after it was through.
"Well," said the Colonel, "Jones died, I believe; but his family are as industrious125 as ever, and have made money enough to live comfortable; but the scamps have turned out perfect helpmates of the abolitionists, and make their intelligence figure at the bottom of many an escape. But Lee's case is as hard as Jones's. His son went to New York to see his grandfather, and was debarred by the same statute126 of limitations. Lee, however, was a very capable fellow, and after trying for two years, and finding it would be impossible to return to his father, very shrewdly set about some kind of business, and is now largely engaged in the preserve and pickle127 business. Lee's celebrated128 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 would be to abandon it, to the same fate that swallowed up Jones's. Thus the son cannot come to visit his father, nor the father go to visit the son. This, in my opinion, is carrying a prohibition129 to an extreme point; and although I believe the law should be maintained, I cannot believe that any good arises from it upon such people as the Jones's and Lee's, from the very fact that they never associated with niggers. Hence, where there is no grounds for fear there can be no cause for action," continued the Colonel.
"Just what I wanted to know," said the Captain. "As I informed you, I am driven into your port in distress130. Charleston, as you are aware, is in an advantageous131 latitude for vessels132 to refit that have met with those disasters which, are frequent in the gulf134 and among the Bahamas. Thus I expected to find good facilities here, without any unkind feeling on the part of the people"--
"Oh! bless me, Captain, you will find us the most hospitable135 people in the world," said the Colonel.
"But your pilot told me I would have trouble with my steward, and that the law would make no distinction between his being cast upon your shores in distress and subject to your sympathy, and his coming in voluntarily."
"What!" said little George. "Is he a nigger, Captain? Old Grimshaw's just as sure to nab him as you're a white man. He'll buy and sell a saint for 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 fiction with him. I'm sorry, Captain: you may judge his conduct as an index of that of our people, and I know him so well that I fear the consequences."
"No!" said the Captain. "My steward is a Portuguese136, a sort of mestino, and one of the best men that ever stepped foot aboard a vessel133. He is willing, intelligent, always ready to do his duty, and is a great favorite with his shipmates, and saves his wages like a good man-but he is olive complexion, like a Spaniard. 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 any man I've seen, and I know he wouldn't commit a crime that would subject him to imprisonment for the world. The boys have been pestering137 the poor fellow, and telling him about some old fellow they heard the pilot speak about, called Norman Gadsden; they tell him if he catches him they'll sell him for a slave."
"The question is one about which you need give yourself no concern. Our people are not so inhuman138 but that they will shelter a castaway sailor, and extend those comforts which are due from all humane people. The act under which seamen139 are imprisoned140 is the law provided to prohibit free niggers from entering our port, and, in my opinion, was brought into life for the sake of the fees. It's no more nor less than a tax and restriction141 upon commerce, and I doubt whether it was ever the intention of the framers that it should be construed142 in this manner. However, so far as your steward is con-cerned, the question of how far his color will make him amenable143 to the law will never be raised; the mere144 circumstance of his being a seaman145 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 his safety from a knowledge of the feelings of our people. Our merchants are, with few exceptions, opposed to the law in this sense, but such is the power and control of a class of inexperienced legislators, prompted by a most trifling146 clique147 of office-holders, that their voice has no weight. I am opposed to this system of dragging people into courts of law upon every pretext148. It is practised too much in our city for the good of its name."
Upon this the Colonel and little George accompanied the Captain to his ship, and, expressing their heartfelt regrets at her appearance, bid him good-night-George promising149 to call upon him in the morning, and the Colonel charging him to give himself no trouble about his steward, that he would see Mr. Grimshaw that night, and make all things straight.
Thus ended the Captain's first night in Charleston, and represented a picture from which he might have drawn150 conclusions somewhat different from the actual result. Alas151! that all the good fellowship and pleasant associations of a people should be disgraced by an absurdity152 arising from their fears.
The Colonel might have given many other instances equally as painful as that connected with the transportation of Jones and his family, and the fetters153 that were placed upon poor Lee. He might have instanced that of Malcome Brown, a wealthy, industrious, honest, high-minded, and straightforward154 man, now living at Aiken, in South Carolina. Brown conducts a profitable mechanical business, is unquestionably the best horticulturist in the State, and produces the best fruit brought to the Charleston market. What has he done to be degraded in the eyes of the law? Why is he looked upon as a dangerous citizen and his influence feared? Why is he refused a hearing through those laws which bad white men take the advantage of? He is compelled to submit to those which were made to govern the worst slaves! And why is he subjected to that injustice155 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 inhaled156 the free atmosphere from abroad, can it be that there is contagion157 in it, and Malcome Brown is the dreaded158 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 belie40 ourselves? Malcome's influence is, and always has been, with the whites, and manifestly good in the preservation159 of order and obedience160 on the part of the slaves. He pursues his avocation161 with spirit and enterprise, while he is subjected to menial and oppressive laws. His father visited New York, and was forbidden to return. He appealed again and again, set forth his claims and his integrity to the State and her laws, but all was of no avail. He was hopelessly banished162, as it were, from ever seeing his son again, unless that son would sacrifice his property and submit to perpetual banishment163 from the State. If we reflect upon the many paternal associations that would gladden the hearts of father and child to meet in happy affection, we may realize the effect of that law which makes the separation painful and which denies even the death-bed scene its last cheering consolation164.
We have conversed165 with poor Brown on many occasions, found him a very intelligent man, full of humour, and fond of relating incidents in the history of his family-even proud of his good credit in Charleston. He frequently speaks 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 more happy together. "I suppose the law was made in justice, and it's right for me to submit to it," he would say when conversing166 upon its stringency167; and it also seems a sort of comfort to him that he is not the only sufferer.
If South Carolina would awake to her own interest, she would find more to fear from the stringency of her own laws than from the influence of a few men coming from abroad.
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adjournment
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| 休会； 延期； 休会期； 休庭期 | |
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attachments
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| n.（用电子邮件发送的）附件( attachment的名词复数 )；附着；连接；附属物 | |
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secludes
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| v.使隔开，使隔绝，使隐退( seclude的第三人称单数 ) | |
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descended
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| a.为...后裔的，出身于...的 | |
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stimulated
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tottering
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| adj.蹒跚的，动摇的v.走得或动得不稳( totter的现在分词 )；踉跄；蹒跚；摇摇欲坠 | |
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voluptuous
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remonstrated
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forth
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denizens
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| n.居民，住户( denizen的名词复数 ) | |
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hearty
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| adj.热情友好的；衷心的；尽情的，纵情的 | |
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standing
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| n.持续，地位；adj.永久的，不动的，直立的，不流动的 | |
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13
countenance
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| n.脸色，面容；面部表情；vt.支持，赞同 | |
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14
aquiline
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| adj.钩状的，鹰的 | |
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15
spoke
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| n.（车轮的）辐条；轮辐；破坏某人的计划；阻挠某人的行动 v.讲，谈（speak的过去式）；说；演说；从某种观点来说 | |
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16
rim
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| n.(圆物的)边，轮缘；边界 | |
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17
perceptive
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| adj.知觉的，有洞察力的，感知的 | |
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18
cant
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| n.斜穿，黑话，猛扔 | |
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19
stump
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| n.残株，烟蒂，讲演台；v.砍断，蹒跚而走 | |
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20
gaudy
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| adj.华而不实的；俗丽的 | |
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21
foppish
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| adj.矫饰的，浮华的 | |
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22
bosom
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| n.胸，胸部；胸怀；内心；adj.亲密的 | |
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23
costly
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| adj.昂贵的，价值高的，豪华的 | |
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24
glistening
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| adj.闪耀的，反光的v.湿物闪耀，闪亮( glisten的现在分词 ) | |
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25
dangling
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| 悬吊着( dangle的现在分词 )； 摆动不定； 用某事物诱惑…； 吊胃口 | |
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26
exquisitely
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| adv.精致地；强烈地；剧烈地；异常地 | |
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27
vent
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| n.通风口，排放口；开衩；vt.表达，发泄 | |
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28
fanaticism
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| n.狂热，盲信 | |
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29
chivalry
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| n.骑士气概，侠义；（男人）对女人彬彬有礼，献殷勤 | |
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30
worthies
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| 应得某事物( worthy的名词复数 )； 值得做某事； 可尊敬的； 有（某人或事物）的典型特征 | |
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31
ecstasy
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| n.狂喜，心醉神怡，入迷 | |
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32
monstrous
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| adj.巨大的；恐怖的；可耻的，丢脸的 | |
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33
distinguished
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| adj.卓越的，杰出的，著名的 | |
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34
worthy
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| adj.(of)值得的，配得上的；有价值的 | |
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35
discriminating
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| a.有辨别能力的 | |
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36
latitude
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| n.纬度，行动或言论的自由(范围)，(pl.)地区 | |
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37
inclinations
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| 倾向( inclination的名词复数 )； 倾斜； 爱好； 斜坡 | |
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38
eloquence
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| n.雄辩；口才，修辞 | |
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39
rivet
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| n.铆钉；vt.铆接，铆牢；集中(目光或注意力) | |
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40
belie
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| v.掩饰，证明为假 | |
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41
withers
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| 马肩隆 | |
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42
obstinacy
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| n.顽固；（病痛等）难治 | |
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43
mule
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| n.骡子，杂种，执拗的人 | |
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44
tenor
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| n.男高音（歌手），次中音（乐器），要旨，大意 | |
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45
controversy
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| n.争论，辩论，争吵 | |
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46
determined
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| adj.坚定的；有决心的 | |
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47
beset
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| v.镶嵌；困扰，包围 | |
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48
unreasonable
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| adj.不讲道理的，不合情理的，过度的 | |
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49
sweeping
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| adj.范围广大的，一扫无遗的 | |
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50
traitor
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| n.叛徒，卖国贼 | |
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51
saluted
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| v.欢迎，致敬( salute的过去式和过去分词 )；赞扬，赞颂 | |
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52
sociable
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| adj.好交际的，友好的，合群的 | |
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53
afterward
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| adv.后来；以后 | |
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54
pointed
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| adj.尖的，直截了当的 | |
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55
inquiries
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| n.调查( inquiry的名词复数 )；疑问；探究；打听 | |
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56
steward
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| n.乘务员，服务员；看管人；膳食管理员 | |
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57
stringent
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| adj.严厉的；令人信服的；银根紧的 | |
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58
corrupted
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| （使）败坏( corrupt的过去式和过去分词 )； （使）腐化； 引起（计算机文件等的）错误； 破坏 | |
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59
fixed
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| adj.固定的，不变的，准备好的；(计算机)固定的 | |
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60
complexion
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| n.肤色；情况，局面；气质，性格 | |
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61
complexions
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| 肤色( complexion的名词复数 )； 面色； 局面； 性质 | |
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62
distinctive
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| adj.特别的，有特色的，与众不同的 | |
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63
severely
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| adv.严格地；严厉地；非常恶劣地 | |
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64
prerogative
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| n.特权 | |
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65
wrench
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| v.猛拧；挣脱；使扭伤；n.扳手；痛苦，难受 | |
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66
agonizing
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| adj.痛苦难忍的；使人苦恼的v.使极度痛苦；折磨(agonize的ing形式) | |
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67
humane
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| adj.人道的，富有同情心的 | |
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68
situated
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| adj.坐落在...的，处于某种境地的 | |
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69
peculiar
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| adj.古怪的，异常的；特殊的，特有的 | |
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70
forefathers
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| n.祖先，先人；祖先，祖宗( forefather的名词复数 )；列祖列宗；前人 | |
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71
traduced
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| v.诋毁( traduce的过去式和过去分词 )；诽谤；违反；背叛 | |
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72
tempting
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| a.诱人的, 吸引人的 | |
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73
isolated
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| adj.与世隔绝的 | |
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74
formerly
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| adv.从前，以前 | |
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75
tenaciously
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| 坚持地 | |
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76
imperative
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| n.命令，需要；规则；祈使语气；adj.强制的；紧急的 | |
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77
imprisonment
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| n.关押，监禁，坐牢 | |
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78
offender
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| n.冒犯者，违反者，犯罪者 | |
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79
retrieved
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| v.取回( retrieve的过去式和过去分词 )；恢复；寻回；检索（储存的信息） | |
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80
revert
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| v.恢复，复归，回到 | |
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81
emancipation
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|
| n.（从束缚、支配下）解放 | |
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82
magistrates
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| 地方法官，治安官( magistrate的名词复数 ) | |
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83
modification
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| n.修改，改进，缓和，减轻 | |
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84
embodied
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| v.表现( embody的过去式和过去分词 )；象征；包括；包含 | |
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85
abolition
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| n.废除，取消 | |
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86
speculation
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| n.思索，沉思；猜测；投机 | |
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87
sumptuous
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| adj.豪华的，奢侈的，华丽的 | |
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88
elegance
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| n.优雅；优美，雅致；精致，巧妙 | |
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89
courteous
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| adj.彬彬有礼的，客气的 | |
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90
eldest
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| adj.最年长的，最年老的 | |
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91
promenade
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| n./v.散步 | |
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92
lucrative
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|
| adj.赚钱的，可获利的 | |
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93
opprobrious
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| adj.可耻的，辱骂的 | |
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94
applied
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| adj.应用的；v.应用，适用 | |
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95
precedent
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| n.先例，前例；惯例；adj.在前的，在先的 | |
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96
remonstrances
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| n.抱怨，抗议( remonstrance的名词复数 ) | |
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97
relinquish
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| v.放弃，撤回，让与，放手 | |
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98
plausibility
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| n. 似有道理, 能言善辩 | |
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99
soothing
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| adj.慰藉的；使人宽心的；镇静的 | |
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100
elude
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| v.躲避，困惑 | |
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101
secluded
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| adj.与世隔绝的；隐退的；偏僻的v.使隔开，使隐退( seclude的过去式和过去分词) | |
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102
uncommon
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| adj.罕见的，非凡的，不平常的 | |
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103
mandate
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| n.托管地；命令，指示 | |
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104
gals
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| abbr.gallons （复数）加仑（液量单位）n.女孩，少女( gal的名词复数 ) | |
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105
laconically
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| adv.简短地，简洁地 | |
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106
licentiousness
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| n.放肆，无法无天 | |
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107
immoral
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| adj.不道德的，淫荡的，荒淫的，有伤风化的 | |
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108
devouring
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| 吞没( devour的现在分词 )； 耗尽； 津津有味地看； 狼吞虎咽地吃光 | |
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109
vitality
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| n.活力，生命力，效力 | |
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110
entail
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| vt.使承担，使成为必要，需要 | |
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111
alienation
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| n.疏远；离间；异化 | |
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112
disposition
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| n.性情，性格；意向，倾向；排列，部署 | |
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113
commendable
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| adj.值得称赞的 | |
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114
rein
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| n.疆绳，统治，支配；vt.以僵绳控制，统治 | |
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115
misery
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| n.痛苦，苦恼，苦难；悲惨的境遇，贫苦 | |
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116
expediency
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| n.适宜；方便；合算；利己 | |
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117
entailed
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| 使…成为必要( entail的过去式和过去分词 )； 需要； 限定继承； 使必需 | |
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118
paternal
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| adj.父亲的，像父亲的，父系的，父方的 | |
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119
devours
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| 吞没( devour的第三人称单数 )； 耗尽； 津津有味地看； 狼吞虎咽地吃光 | |
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120
bounty
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| n.慷慨的赠予物，奖金；慷慨，大方；施与 | |
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121
doomed
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| 命定的 | |
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122
kinsman
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| n.男亲属 | |
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123
vice
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| n.坏事；恶习；[pl.]台钳，老虎钳；adj.副的 | |
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124
juncture
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| n.时刻，关键时刻，紧要关头 | |
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125
industrious
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| adj.勤劳的，刻苦的，奋发的 | |
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126
statute
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| n.成文法，法令，法规；章程，规则，条例 | |
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127
pickle
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| n.腌汁，泡菜；v.腌，泡 | |
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128
celebrated
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| adj.有名的，声誉卓著的 | |
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129
prohibition
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| n.禁止；禁令，禁律 | |
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130
distress
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| n.苦恼，痛苦，不舒适；不幸；vt.使悲痛 | |
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131
advantageous
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| adj.有利的；有帮助的 | |
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132
vessels
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| n.血管( vessel的名词复数 )；船；容器；（具有特殊品质或接受特殊品质的）人 | |
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133
vessel
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| n.船舶；容器，器皿；管，导管，血管 | |
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134
gulf
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| n.海湾；深渊，鸿沟；分歧，隔阂 | |
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135
hospitable
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| adj.好客的；宽容的；有利的，适宜的 | |
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136
Portuguese
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| n.葡萄牙人；葡萄牙语 | |
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137
pestering
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| 使烦恼，纠缠( pester的现在分词 ) | |
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138
inhuman
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| adj.残忍的，不人道的，无人性的 | |
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139
seamen
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| n.海员 | |
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140
imprisoned
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| 下狱，监禁( imprison的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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141
restriction
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| n.限制，约束 | |
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142
construed
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| v.解释（陈述、行为等）( construe的过去式和过去分词 )；翻译，作句法分析 | |
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143
amenable
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| adj.经得起检验的；顺从的；对负有义务的 | |
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mere
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| adj.纯粹的；仅仅，只不过 | |
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seaman
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| n.海员，水手，水兵 | |
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trifling
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| adj.微不足道的；没什么价值的 | |
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clique
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| n.朋党派系，小集团 | |
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pretext
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| n.借口，托词 | |
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promising
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| adj.有希望的，有前途的 | |
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drawn
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| v.拖，拉，拔出；adj.憔悴的，紧张的 | |
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alas
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| int.唉(表示悲伤、忧愁、恐惧等) | |
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absurdity
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| n.荒谬，愚蠢；谬论 | |
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fetters
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| n.脚镣( fetter的名词复数 )；束缚v.给…上脚镣，束缚( fetter的第三人称单数 ) | |
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straightforward
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| adj.正直的，坦率的；易懂的，简单的 | |
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injustice
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| n.非正义，不公正，不公平，侵犯（别人的）权利 | |
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inhaled
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| v.吸入( inhale的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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contagion
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| n.(通过接触的疾病)传染；蔓延 | |
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dreaded
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| adj.令人畏惧的；害怕的v.害怕，恐惧，担心( dread的过去式和过去分词) | |
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preservation
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| n.保护，维护，保存，保留，保持 | |
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obedience
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| n.服从，顺从 | |
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avocation
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| n.副业，业余爱好 | |
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banished
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| v.放逐，驱逐( banish的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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banishment
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| n.放逐，驱逐 | |
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consolation
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| n.安慰，慰问 | |
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conversed
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| v.交谈，谈话( converse的过去式 ) | |
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conversing
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| v.交谈，谈话( converse的现在分词 ) | |
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stringency
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| n.严格，紧迫，说服力；严格性；强度 | |
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