The author inserts a few testimonials from Southern men, not without some pride in being thus kindly8 judged by those who might have been naturally expected to read her book with prejudice against it.
The Jefferson Inquirer, published at Jefferson City, Missouri, Oct. 23, 1852, contains the following communication:
UNCLE TOM’S CABIN.
I have lately read this celebrated9 book, which, perhaps, has gone through more editions, and been sold in greater numbers, than any work from the American press, in the same length of time. It is a work of high literary finish, and its several characters are drawn10 with great power and truthfulness12, although, like the characters in most novels and works of fiction, in some instances too highly colored. There is no attack on slave-holders as such, but, on the contrary, many of them are represented as highly noble, generous, humane14 and benevolent15. Nor is there any attack upon them as a class. It sets forth17 many of the evils of slavery, as an institution established by law, but without charging these evils on those who hold the slaves, and seems fully18 to appreciate the difficulties in finding a remedy. Its effect upon the slave-holder is to make him a kinder and better master; to which none can object. This is said without any intention to endorse19 everything contained in the book, or, indeed, in any novel, or work of fiction. But, if I mistake not, there are few, excepting those who are greatly prejudiced, that will rise from a perusal20 of the book without being a truer and better Christian21, and a more humane and benevolent man. As a slave-holder, I do not feel the least aggrieved22. How Mrs. Stowe, the authoress, has obtained her extremely accurate knowledge of the negroes, their character, dialect, habits, &c., is beyond my comprehension, as she never resided—as appears from the preface—in a slave state, or among slaves or negroes. But they are certainly admirably delineated. The book is highly interesting and amusing, and will afford a rich treat to its reader.
Thomas Jefferson.
The opinion of the editor himself is given in these words:
UNCLE TOM’S CABIN.
Well, like a good portion of “the world and the rest of mankind,” we have read the book of Mrs. Stowe bearing the above title.
From numerous statements, newspaper paragraphs and rumors23, we supposed the book was all that fanaticism24 and heresy25 could invent, and were therefore greatly prejudiced against it. But, on reading it, we cannot refrain from saying that it is a work of more than ordinary moral worth, and 60is entitled to consideration. We do not regard it as “a corruption26 of moral sentiment,” and a gross “libel on a portion of our people.” The authoress seems disposed to treat the subject fairly, though, in some particulars, the scenes are too highly colored, and too strongly drawn from the imagination. The book, however, may lead its readers at a distance to misapprehend some of the general and better features of “Southern life as it is” (which, by the way, we, as an individual, prefer to Northern life); yet it is a perfect mirror of several classes of people “we have in our mind’s eye, who are not free from all the ills flesh is heir to.” It has been feared that the book would result in injury to the slave-holding interests of the country; but we apprehend27 no such thing, and hesitate not to recommend it to the perusal of our friends and the public generally.
Mrs. Stowe has exhibited a knowledge of many peculiarities28 of Southern society which is really wonderful, when we consider that she is a Northern lady by birth and residence.
We hope, then, before our friends form any harsh opinions of the merits of “Uncle Tom’s Cabin,” and make up any judgment29 against us for pronouncing in its favor (barring some objections to it), that they will give it a careful perusal; and, in so speaking, we may say that we yield to no man in his devotion to Southern rights and interests.
The editor of the St. Louis (Missouri) Battery pronounces the following judgment:
We took up this work, a few evenings since, with just such prejudices against it as we presume many others have commenced reading it. We have been so much in contact with ultra abolitionists,—have had so much evidence that their benevolence30 was much more hatred31 for the master than love for the slave, accompanied with a profound ignorance of the circumstances surrounding both, and a most consummate32, supreme33 disgust for the whole negro race,—that we had about concluded that anything but rant34 and nonsense was out of the question from a Northern writer upon the subject of slavery.
Mrs. Stowe, in these delineations of life among the lowly, has convinced us to the contrary.
She brings to the discussion of her subject a perfectly37 cool, calculating judgment, a wide, all-comprehending intellectual vision, and a deep, warm, sea-like woman’s soul, over all of which is flung a perfect iris-like imagination, which makes the light of her pictures stronger and more beautiful, as their shades are darker and terror-striking.
We do not wonder that the copy before us is of the seventieth thousand. And seventy thousand more will not supply the demand, or we mistake the appreciation38 of the American people of the real merits of literary productions. Mrs. Stowe has, in “Uncle Tom’s Cabin,” set up for herself a monument more enduring than marble. It will stand amid the wastes of slavery as the Memnon stands amid the sands of the African desert, telling both the white man and the negro of the approach of morning. The book is not an abolitionist work, in the offensive sense of the word. It is, as we have intimated, free from everything like fanaticism, no matter what amount of enthusiasm vivifies every page, and runs like electricity along every thread of the story. It presents at one view the excellences39 and the evils of the system of slavery, and breathes the true spirit of Christian benevolence for the slave, and charity for the master.
The next witness gives his testimony40 in a letter to the New York Evening Post:
LIGHT IN THE SOUTH.
The subjoined communication comes to us postmarked New Orleans, June 19, 1852:
“I have just been reading ‘Uncle Tom’s Cabin, or, Scenes in Lowly Life,’ by Mrs. Harriet Beecher Stowe. It found its way to me through the channel of a young student, who purchased it at the North, to read on his homeward passage to New Orleans. He was entirely41 unacquainted with its character; he was attracted by its title, supposing it might amuse him while travelling. Through his family it was shown to me, as something that I would probably like. I looked at the author’s name, and said, ‘O, yes; anything from that lady I will read;’ otherwise I should have disregarded a work of fiction without such a title.
“The remarks from persons present were, that it was a most amusing work, and the scenes most admirably drawn to life. I accepted the offer of a perusal of it, and brought it home with me. Although I have not read every sentence, I have looked over the whole of it, and I now wish to bear my testimony to its just delineation36 of the position that the slave occupies. Colorings in the work there are, but no colorings of the actual and real position of the slave worse than really exist. Whippings to death do occur; I know it to be so. Painful separations of master and slave, under circumstances creditable to the master’s feelings of humanity, do also occur. I know that, too. Many families, after having brought up their children in entire dependence7 on slaves to do everything for them, and after having been indulged in elegances42 and luxuries, have exhausted43 all their means; and the black people only being left, whom they must sell, for further support. Running away, everybody knows, is the worst crime a slave can commit, in the eyes of his master, except it be a humane master; and from such few slaves care to run away.
“I am a slave-holder myself. I have long been dissatisfied with the system; particularly since I have made the Bible my criterion for judging of it. I am convinced, from what I read there, slavery is not in accordance with what God delights to honor in his creatures. I am altogether opposed to the system; and I intend always to use whatever influence I may have against it. I feel very bold in speaking against it, though living in the midst of it, because I am backed by a powerful arm, that can overturn and overrule the strongest efforts that the determined44 friends of slavery are now making for its continuance.
“I sincerely hope that more of Mrs. Stowes may be found, to show up the reality of slavery. It needs master minds to show it as it is, that it may rest upon its own merits.
“Like Mrs. Stowe, I feel that, since so many and good people, too, at the North, have quietly consented to leave the slave to his fate, by acquiescing45 in and approving the late measures of government, those who do feel differently should bestir themselves. Christian effort must do the work; and soon it would be done, if Christians46 would unite, not to destroy the union states, but honestly to speak out, and speak freely, against 61that they know is wrong. They are not aware what countenance47 they give to slave-holders to hold on to their prey48. Troubled consciences can be easily quieted by the sympathies of pious49 people, particularly when interest and inclination50 come in as aids.
“I am told there is to be a reply made to ‘Uncle Tom’s Cabin,’ entitled ‘Uncle Tom’s Cabin as It Is.’ I am glad of it. Investigation51 is what is wanted.
“You will wonder why this communication is made to you by an unknown. It is simply made to encourage your heart, and strengthen your determination to persevere52, and do all you can to put the emancipation53 of the slave in progress. Who I am you will never know; nor do I wish you to know, nor any one else. I am a
“Republican.”
The following facts make the fiction of “Uncle Tom’s Cabin” appear tame in the comparison. They are from the New York Evangelist.
UNCLE TOM’S CABIN.
Mr. Editor: I see in your paper that some persons deny the statements of Mrs. Stowe. I have read her book, every word of it. I was born in East Tennessee, near Knoxville, and, we thought, in an enlightened part of the union, much favored in our social, political and religious privileges, &c. &c. Well, I think about the year 1829, or, perhaps, ‘28, a good old German Methodist owned a black man named Robin54, a Methodist preacher, and the manager of farm, distillery, &c., salesman and financier. This good old German Methodist had a son named Willey, a schoolmate of mine, and, as times were, a first-rate fellow. The old man also owned a keen, bright-eyed mulatto girl; and Willey—the naughty boy!—became enamored of the poor girl. The result was soon discovered; and our good German Methodist told his brother Robin to flog the girl for her wickedness. Brother Robin said he could not and would not perform such an act of cruelty as to flog the girl for what she could not help; and for that act of disobedience old Robin was flogged by the good old German brother, until he could not stand. He was carried to bed; and, some three weeks thereafter, when my father left the state, he was still confined to his bed from the effects of that flogging.
Again: in the fall of 1836 I went South, for my health, stopped at a village in Mississippi, and obtained employment in the largest house in the county, as a book-keeper, with a firm from Louisville, Ky. A man residing near the village—a bachelor, thirty years of age—became embarrassed, and executed a mortgage to my employer on a fine, likely boy, weighing about two hundred pounds,—quick-witted, active, obedient, and remarkably56 faithful, trusty and honest; so much so, that he was held up as an example. He had a wife that he loved. His owner cast his eyes upon her, and she became his paramour. His boy remonstrated57 with his master; told him that he tried faithfully to perform his every duly; that he was a good and faithful “nigger” to him; and it was hard, after he had toiled58 hard all day, and till ten o’clock at night, for him to have his domestic relations broken up and interfered60 with. The white man denied the charge, and the wife also denied it. One night, about the first of September, the boy came home earlier than usual, say about nine o’clock. It was a wet, dismal61 night; he made a fire in his cabin, went to get his supper, and found ocular demonstration62 of the guilt63 of his master. He became enraged64, as I suppose any man would, seized a butcher-knife, and cut his master’s throat, stabbed his wife in twenty-seven places, came to the village, and knocked at the office-door. I told him to come in. He did so, and asked for my employer. I called him. The boy then told him that he had killed his master and his wife, and what for. My employer locked him up, and he, a doctor and myself, went out to the house of the old bachelor, and found him dead, and the boy’s wife nearly so. She, however, lived. We (my employer and myself) returned to the village, watched the boy until about sunrise, left him locked up, and went to get our breakfasts, intending to take the boy to jail (as it was my employer’s interest, if possible, to save the boy, having one thousand dollars at stake in him). But, whilst we were eating, some persons who had heard of the murder broke open the door, took the poor fellow, put a log chain round his neck, and started him for the woods, at the point of the bayonet, marching by where we were eating, with a great deal of noise. My employer, hearing it, ran out, and rescued the boy. The mob again broke in and took the boy, and marched him, as before stated, out of town.
My employer then begged them not to disgrace their town in such a manner; but to appoint a jury of twelve sober men, to decide what should be done. And twelve as sober men as could be found (I was not sober) said he must be hanged. They then tied a rope round his neck, and set him on an old horse. He made a speech to the mob, which I, at the time, thought if it had come from some senator, would have been received with rounds of applause; and, withal, he was more calm than I am now, in writing this. And, after he had told all about the deed, and its cause, he then kicked the horse out from under him, and was launched into eternity65. My employer has often remarked that he never saw anything more noble, in his whole life, than the conduct of that boy.
Now, Mr. Editor, I have given you facts, and can give you names and dates. You can do what you think is best for the cause of humanity. I hope I have seen the evil of my former practices, and will endeavor to reform.
Very respectfully,
James L. Hill.
Springfield, Ill., Sept. 17th, 1852.
“The Opinion of a Southerner,” given below, appeared in the National Era, published at Washington. This is an anti-slavery journal, but by its generous tone and eminent66 ability it commands the respect and patronage67 of many readers in the slave states:
The following communication comes enclosed in an envelope from Louisiana.—Ed. Era.
THE OPINION OF A SOUTHERNER.
To the Editor of the National Era:
I have just been reading, in the New York Observer of the 12th of August, an article from 62the Southern Free Press, headed by an editorial one from the Observer, that has for its caption68, “Progress in the Right Quarter.”
The editor of the New York Observer says that the Southern Free Press has been an able and earnest defender69 of Southern institutions; but that he now advocates the passage of a law to prohibit the separation of families, and recommends instruction to a portion of slaves that are most honest and faithful. The Observer further adds: “It was such language as this that was becoming common, before Northern fanaticism ruined the prospects70 of emancipation.” It is not so! Northern fanaticism, as he calls it, has done everything that has been done for bettering the condition of the slave. Every one who knows anything of slavery for the last thirty years will recollect71 that about that time since, the condition of the slave in Louisiana—for about Louisiana only do I speak, because about Louisiana only do I know—was as depressed72 and miserable73 as any of the accounts of the abolitionists that ever I have seen have made it. I say abolitionists; I mean friends and advocates of freedom, in a fair and honorable way. If any doubt my assertion, let them seek for information. Let them get the black laws of Louisiana, and read them. Let them get facts from individuals of veracity74, on whose statements they would rely.
This wretched condition of slaves roused the friends of humanity, who, like men, and Christian men, came fearlessly forward, and told truths, indignantly expressing their abhorrence75 of their oppressors. Such measures, of course, brought forth strife76, which caused the cries of humanity to sound louder and louder throughout the land. The friends of freedom gained the ascendency in the hearts of the people, and the slave-holders were brought to a stand. Some, through fear of consequences, lessened77 their cruelties, while others were made to think, that, perhaps, were not unwilling78 to do so when it was urged upon them. Cruelties were not only refrained from, but the slave’s comforts were increased. A retrograde treatment now was not practicable. Fears of rebellion kept them to it. The slave had found friends, and they were watchful79. It was, however, soon discovered that too many privileges, too much leniency80, and giving knowledge, would destroy the power to keep down the slave, and tend to weaken, if not destroy, the system. Accordingly, stringent81 laws had to be passed, and a penalty attached to them. No one must teach, or cause to be taught, a slave, without incurring82 the penalty. The law is now in force. These necessary laws, as they are called, are all put down to the account of the friends of freedom—to their interference. I do suppose that they do justly belong to their interference; for who that studies the history of the world’s transactions does not know that in all contests with power the weak, until successful, will be dealt with more rigorously? Lose not sight, however, of their former condition. Law after law has since been passed to draw the cord tighter around the poor slave, and all attributed to the abolitionists. Well, anyhow, progress is being made. Here comes out the Southern Press, and makes some honorable concessions83. He says: “The assaults upon slavery, made for the last twenty years by the North, have increased the evils of it. The treatment of slaves has undoubtedly84 become a delicate and difficult question. The South has a great and moral conflict to wage; and it is for her to put on the most invulnerable moral panoply85.” He then thinks the availability of slave property would not be injured by passing a law to prohibit the separation of slave families; for he says, “Although cases sometimes occur which we observe are seized by these Northern fanatics86 as characteristic of the system,” &c. Nonsense! there are no “cases sometimes” occurring—no such thing! They are every day’s occurrences, though there are families that form the exception, and many, I would hope, that would not do it. While I am writing I can call before me three men that were brought here by negro traders from Virginia, each having left six or seven children, with their wives, from whom they have never heard. One other died here, a short time since, who left the same number in Carolina, from whom he had never heard.
I spent the summer of 1845 in Nashville. During the month of September, six hundred slaves passed through that place, in four different gangs, for New Orleans—final destination, probably, Texas. A goodly proportion were women; young women, of course; many mothers must have left not only their children, but their babies. One gang only had a few children. I made some excursions to the different watering places around Nashville; and while at Robinson, or Tyree Springs, twenty miles from Nashville, on the borders of Kentucky and Tennessee, my hostess said to me, one day, “Yonder comes a gang of slaves, chained.” I went to the road-side, and viewed them. For the better answering my purpose of observation, I stopped the white man in front, who was at his ease in a one-horse wagon87, and asked him if those slaves were for sale. I counted them and observed their position. They were divided by three one-horse wagons88, each containing a man-merchant, so arranged as to command the whole gang. Some were unchained; sixty were chained, in two companies, thirty in each, the right hand of one to the left hand of the other opposite one, making fifteen each side of a large ox-chain, to which every hand was fastened, and necessarily compelled to hold up,—men and women promiscuously89, and about in equal proportions,—all young people. No children here, except a few in a wagon behind, which were the only children in the four gangs. I said to a respectable mulatto woman in the house, “Is it true that the negro traders take mothers from their babies?” “Missis, it is true; for here, last week, such a girl [naming her], who lives about a mile off, was taken after dinner,—knew nothing of it in the morning,—sold, put into the gang, and her baby was given away to a neighbor. She was a stout90 young woman, and brought a good price.”
The annexation91 of Texas induced the spirited traffic that summer. Coming down home in a small boat, water low, a negro trader on board had forty-five men and women crammed92 into a little spot, some handcuffed. One respectable-looking man had left a wife and seven children in Nashville. Near Memphis the boat stopped at a plantation93 by previous arrangement, to take in thirty more. An hour’s delay was the stipulated94 time with the captain of the boat. Thirty young men and women came down the bank of the Mississippi, looking wretchedness personified—just from the field; in appearance dirty, disconsolate95 and oppressed; some with an old shawl under their arm, 63a few had blankets; some had nothing at all—looked as though they cared for nothing. I calculated, while looking at them coming down the bank, that I could hold in a bundle all that the whole of them had. The short notice that was given them, when about to leave, was in consequence of the fears entertained that they would slip one side. They all looked distressed,—leaving all that was dear to them behind, to be put under the hammer, for the property of the highest bidder96. No children here! The whole seventy-five were crammed into a little space on the boat, men and women all together.
I am happy to see that morality is rearing its head with advocates for slavery, and that a “most invulnerable moral panoply” is thought to be necessary. I hope it may not prove to be like Mr. Clay’s compromises. The Southern Press says: “As for caricatures of slavery in ‘Uncle Tom’s Cabin’ and the ‘White Slave,’ all founded in imaginary circumstances, &c., we consider them highly incendiary. He who undertakes to stir up strife between two individual neighbors, by detraction97, is justly regarded, by all men and all moral codes, as a criminal.” Then he quotes the ninth commandment, and adds: “But to bear false witness against whole states, and millions of people, &c., would seem to be a crime as much deeper in turpitude98 as the mischief99 is greater and the provocation100 less.” In the first place, I will put the Southern Press upon proof that Mrs. Harriet Beecher Stowe has told one falsehood. If she has told truth, it is, indeed, a powerful engine of “assault on slavery,” such as these Northern fanatics have made for the “last twenty years.” The number against whom she offends, in the editor’s opinion, seems to increase the turpitude of her crime. That is good reasoning! I hope the editor will be brought to feel that wholesale101 wickedness is worse than single-handed, and is infinitely102 harder to reach, particularly if of long standing103. It gathers boldness and strength when it is sanctioned by the authority of time, and aided by numbers that are interested in supporting it. Such is slavery; and Mrs. Harriet Beecher Stowe deserves the gratitude104 of “states and millions of people” for her talented work, in showing it up in its true light. She has advocated truth, justice and humanity, and they will back her efforts. Her work will be read by “states and millions of people;” and when the Southern Press attempts to malign105 her, by bringing forward her own avowal106, “that the subject of slavery had been so painful to her, that she had abstained107 from conversing108 on it for several years,” and that, in his opinion, “it accounts for the intensity109 of the venom110 of her book,” his really envenomed shafts111 will fall harmless at her feet; for readers will judge for themselves, and be very apt to conclude that more venom comes from the Southern Press than from her. She advocates what is right, and has a straight road, which “few get lost on;” he advocates what is wrong, and has, consequently, to tack13, concede, deny, slander112, and all sorts of things.
With all due deference113 to whatever of just principles the Southern Press may have advanced in favor of the slave, I am a poor judge of human nature if I mistake in saying that Mrs. Stowe has done much to draw from him those concessions; and the putting forth of this “most invulnerable moral panoply,” that has just come into his head as a bulwark114 of safety for slavery, owes its impetus115 to her, and other like efforts. I hope the Southern Press will not imitate the spoiled child, who refused to eat his pie for spite.
The “White Slave” I have not seen. I guess its character, for I made a passage to New York, some fourteen or fifteen years since, in a packet-ship, with a young woman whose face was enveloped116 in a profusion117 of light brown curls, and who sat at the table with the passengers all the way as a white woman. When at the quarantine, Staten Island, the captain received a letter, sent by express mail, from a person in New Orleans, claiming her as his slave, and threatening the captain with the penalty of the existing law if she was not immediately returned. The streaming eyes of the poor, unfortunate girl told the truth, when the captain reluctantly broke it to her. She unhesitatingly confessed that she had run away, and that a friend had paid her passage. Proper measures were taken, and she was conveyed to a packet-ship that was at Sandy Hook, bound for New Orleans.
“Uncle Tom’s Cabin,” I think, is a just delineation of slavery. The incidents are colored, but the position that the slave is made to hold is just. I did not read every page of it, my object being to ascertain118 what position the slave occupied. I could state a case of whipping to death that would equal Uncle Tom’s; still, such cases are not very frequent.
The stirring up of strife between neighbors, that the Southern Press complains of, deserves notice. Who are neighbors? The most explicit119 answer to this question will be found in the reply Christ made to the lawyer, when he asked it of him. Another question will arise, Whether, in Christ’s judgment, Mrs. Stowe would be considered a neighbor or an incendiary? As the Almighty120 Ruler of the universe and the Maker121 of man has said that He has made all the nations of the earth of one blood, and man in His own image, the black man, irrespective of his color, would seem to be a neighbor who has fallen among his enemies, that have deprived him of the fruits of his labor122, his liberty, his right to his wife and children, his right to obtain the knowledge to read, or to anything that earth holds dear, except such portions of food and raiment as will fit him for his despoiler’s purposes. Let not the apologists for slavery bring up the isolated123 cases of leniency, giving instruction, and affectionate attachment124, that are found among some masters, as specimens125 of slavery! It is unfair! They form exceptions, and much do I respect them; but they are not the rules of slavery. The strife that is being stirred up is not to take away anything that belongs to another,—neither their silver or gold, their fine linen127 or purple, their houses or land, their horses or cattle, or anything that is their property; but to rescue a neighbor from their unmanly cupidity128.
A Republican.
No introduction is necessary to explain the following correspondence, and no commendation will be required to secure for it a respectful attention from thinking readers:
{ Washington City, D. C.,
{ Dec. 6, 1852.
D. R. Goodloe, Esq.
Dear Sir: I understand that you are a North Carolinian, and have always resided in the South, 64you must, consequently, be acquainted with the workings of the institution of slavery. You have doubtless also read that world-renowned book, “Uncle Tom’s Cabin,” by Mrs. Stowe. The apologists for slavery deny that this book is a truthful11 picture of slavery. They say that its representations are exaggerated, its scenes and incidents unfounded, and, in a word, that the whole book is a caricature. They also deny that families are separated,—that children are sold from their parents, wives from their husbands, &c. Under these circumstances, I am induced to ask your opinion of Mrs. Stowe’s book, and whether or not, in your opinion, her statements are entitled to credit.
I have the honor to be,
Yours, truly,
A. M. Gangewer.
Washington, Dec. 8, 1852.
Dear Sir: Your letter of the 6th inst., asking my opinion of “Uncle Tom’s Cabin,” has been received; and there being no reason why I should withhold129 it, unless it be the fear of public opinion (your object being, as I understand, the publication of my reply), I proceed to give it in some detail.
A book of fiction, to be worth reading, must necessarily be filled with rare and striking incidents, and the leading characters must be remarkable130, some for great virtues131, others, perhaps, for great vices133 or follies134. A narrative135 of the ordinary events in the lives of commonplace people would be insufferably dull and insipid136; and a book made up of such materials would be, to the elegant and graphic137 pictures of life and manners which we have in the writings of Sir Walter Scott and Dickens, what a surveyor’s plot of a ten-acre field is to a painted landscape, in which the eye is charmed by a thousand varieties of hill and dale, of green shrubbery and transparent138 water, of light and shade, at a glance. In order to determine whether a novel is a fair picture of society, it is not necessary to ask if its chief personages are to be met with every day; but whether they are characteristic of the times and country,—whether they embody139 the prevalent sentiments, virtues, vices, follies, and peculiarities,—and whether the events, tragic140 or otherwise, are such as may and do occasionally occur.
Judging “Uncle Tom’s Cabin” by these principles, I have no hesitation141 in saying that it is a faithful portraiture142 of Southern life and institutions. There is nothing in the book inconsistent with the laws and usages of the slave-holding states; the virtues, vices, and peculiar hues143 of character and manners, are all Southern, and must be recognized at once by every one who reads the book. I may never have seen such depravity in one man as that exhibited in the character of Legree, though I have ten thousand times witnessed the various shades of it in different individuals. On the other hand, I have never seen so many perfections concentrated in one human being as Mrs. Stowe has conferred upon the daughter of a slave-holder. Evangeline is an image of beauty and goodness which can never be effaced144 from the mind, whatever may be its prejudices. Yet her whole character is fragrant145 of the South; her generous sympathy, her beauty and delicacy146, her sensibility are all Southern. They are “to the manor147 born,” and embodying148 as they do the Southern ideal of beauty and loveliness, cannot be ostracized149 from Southern hearts, even by the power of the vigilance committees.
The character of St. Clare cannot fail to inspire love and admiration150. He is the beau idéal of a Southern gentleman,—honorable, generous and humane, of accomplished151 manners, liberal education, and easy fortune. In his treatment of his slaves, he errs152 on the side of lenity, rather than vigor153; and is always their kind protector, from a natural impulse of goodness, without much reflection upon what may befall them when death or misfortune shall deprive them of his friendship.
Mr. Shelby, the original owner of Uncle Tom, and who sells him to a trader, from the pressure of a sort of pecuniary154 necessity, is by no means a bad character; his wife and son are whatever honor and humanity could wish; and, in a word, the only white persons who make any considerable figure in the book to a disadvantage are the villain155 Legree, who is a Vermonter by birth, and the oily-tongued slave-trader Haley, who has the accent of a Northerner. It is, therefore, evident that Mrs. Stowe’s object in writing “Uncle Tom’s Cabin” has not been to disparage156 Southern character. A careful analysis of the book would authorize157 the opposite inference,—that she has studied to shield the Southern people from opprobrium158, and even to convey an elevated idea of Southern society, at the moment of exposing the evils of the system of slavery. She directs her batteries against the institution, not against individuals; and generously makes a renegade Vermonter stand for her most hideous159 picture of a brutal160 tyrant161.
Invidious as the duty may be, I cannot withhold my testimony to the fact that families of slaves are often separated. I know not how any man can have the hardihood to deny it. The thing is notorious, and is often the subject of painful remark in the Southern States. I have often heard the practice of separating husband and wife, parent and child, defended, apologized for, palliated in a thousand ways, but have never heard it denied. How could it be denied, in fact, when probably the very circumstance which elicited162 the conversation was a case of cruel separation then transpiring163? No, sir! the denial of this fact by mercenary scribblers may deceive persons at a distance, but it can impose upon no one at the South.
In all the slave-holding states the relation of matrimony between slaves, or between a slave and free person, is merely voluntary. There is no law sanctioning it, or recognizing it in any shape, directly or indirectly164. In a word, it is illicit165, and binds166 no one,—neither the slaves themselves nor their masters. In separating husband and wife, or parent and child, the trader or owner violates no law of the state—neither statute167 nor common law. He buys or sells at auction168 or privately169 that which the majesty170 of the law has declared to be property. The victims may writhe171 in agony, and the tender-hearted spectator may look on with gloomy sorrow and indignation, but it is to no purpose. The promptings of mercy and justice in the heart are only in rebellion against the law of the land.
The law itself not unfrequently performs the most cruel separations of families, almost without the intervention172 of individual agency. This happens in the case of persons who die insolvent173, or who become so during lifetime. The estate, real and personal, must be disposed of at auction to the highest bidder, and the executor, administrator174, sheriff, trustee, or other person whose duty it is to dispose of the property, although he may possess the most humane intentions in the world, 65cannot prevent the final severance175 of the most endearing ties of kindred. The illustration given by Mrs. Stowe, in the sale of Uncle Tom by Mr. Shelby, is a very common case. Pecuniary embarrassment176 is a most fruitful source of misfortune to the slave as well as the master; and instances of family ties broken from this cause are of daily occurrence.
It often happens that great abuses exist in violation177 of law, and in spite of the efforts of the authorities to suppress them; such is the case with drunkenness, gambling178, and other vices. But here is a law common to all the slave-holding states, which upholds and gives countenance to the wrong-doer, while its blackest terrors are reserved for those who would interpose to protect the innocent. Statesmen of elevated and honorable characters, from a vague notion of state necessity, have defended this law in the abstract, while they would, without hesitation, condemn2 every instance of its application as unjust.
In one respect I am glad to see it publicly denied that the families of slaves are separated; for while it argues a disreputable want of candor, it at the same time evinces a commendable179 sense of shame, and induces the hope that the public opinion at the South will not much longer tolerate this most odious180, though not essential, part of the system of slavery.
In this connection I will call to your recollection a remark of the editor of the Southern Press, in one of the last numbers of that paper, which acknowledges the existence of the abuse in question, and recommends its correction. He says:
“The South has a great moral conflict to wage; and it is for her to put on the most invulnerable moral panoply. Hence it is her duty, as well as interest, to mitigate181 or remove whatever of evil that results incidentally from the institution. The separation of husband and wife, parent and child, is one of these evils, which we know is generally avoided and repudiated182 there—although cases sometimes occur which we observe are seized by these Northern fanatics as characteristic illustrations of the system. Now we can see no great evil or inconvenience, but much good, in the prohibition183 by law of such occurrences. Let the husband and wife be sold together, and the parents and minor184 children. Such a law would affect but slightly the general value or availability of slave property, and would prevent in some cases the violence done to the feelings of such connections by sales either compulsory185 or voluntary. We are satisfied that it would be beneficial to the master and slave to promote marriage, and the observance of all its duties and relations.”
Much as I have differed with the editor of the Southern Press in his general views of public policy, I am disposed to forgive him past errors in consideration of his public acknowledgment of this “incidental evil,” and his frank recommendation of its removal. A Southern newspaper less devoted186 than the Southern Press to the maintenance of slavery would be seriously compromised by such a suggestion, and its advice would be far less likely to be heeded187. I think, therefore, that Mr. Fisher deserves the thanks of every good man, North and South, for thus boldly pointing out the necessity of reform.
The picture which Mrs. Stowe has drawn of slavery as an institution is anything but favorable. She has illustrated188 the frightful189 cruelty and oppression that must result from a law which gives to one class of society almost absolute and irresponsible power over another. Yet the very machinery190 she has employed for this purpose shows that all who are parties to the system are not necessarily culpable191. It is a high virtue132 in St. Clare to purchase Uncle Tom. He is actuated by no selfish or improper192 motive193. Moved by a desire to gratify his daughter, and prompted by his own humane feelings, he purchases a slave, in order to rescue him from a hard fate on the plantations194. If he had not been a slave-holder before, it was now his duty to become one. This, I think, is the moral to be drawn from the story of St. Clare, and the South have a right to claim the authority of Mrs. Stowe in defence of slave-holding, to this extent.
It may be said that it was the duty of St. Clare to emancipate195 Uncle Tom; but the wealth of the Rothschilds would not enable a man to act out his benevolent instincts at such a price. And if such was his duty, is it not equally the duty of every monied man in the free states to attend the New Orleans slave-mart with the same benevolent purpose in view? It seems to me that to purchase a slave with the purpose of saving him from a hard and cruel fate, and without any view to emancipation, is itself a good action. If the slave should subsequently become able to redeem196 himself, it would doubtless be the duty of the owner to emancipate him; and it would be but even-handed justice to set down every dollar of the slave’s earnings197, above the expense of his maintenance, to his credit, until the price paid for him should be fully restored. This is all that justice could exact of the slave-holder.
Those who have railed against “Uncle Tom’s Cabin” as an incendiary publication have singularly (supposing that they have read the book) overlooked the moral of the hero’s life. Uncle Tom is the most faithful of servants. He literally198 “obeyed in all things” his “masters according to the flesh; not with eye-service, as men-pleasers, but in singleness of heart, fearing God.” If his conduct exhibits the slightest departure from a literal fulfilment of this injunction of Scripture199, it is in a case which must command the approbation200 of the most rigid201 casuist; for the injunction of obedience55 extends, of course, only to lawful202 commands. It is only when the monster Legree commands him to inflict203 undeserved chastisement204 upon his fellow-servants, that Uncle Tom refuses obedience. He would not listen to a proposition of escaping into Ohio with the young woman Eliza, on the night after they were sold by Mr. Shelby to the trader Haley. He thought it would be bad faith to his late master, whom he had nursed in his arms, and might be the means of bringing him into difficulty. He offered no resistance to Haley, and obeyed even Legree in every legitimate205 command. But when he was required to be the instrument of his master’s cruelty, he chose rather to die, with the courage and resolution of a Christian martyr206, than to save his life by a guilty compliance207. Such was Uncle Tom—not a bad example for the imitation of man or master.
I am, sir, very respectfully,
Your ob’t serv’t,
Daniel R. Goodloe.
A. M. Gangewer, Esq.,
Washington, D. C.
The writer has received permission to publish the following extract from a letter received by a lady at the North from the 66editor of a Southern paper. The mind and character of the author will speak for themselves, in the reading of it:
Charleston, Sunday, 25th July, 1852.
* * * The books, I infer, are Mrs. Beecher Stowe’s “Uncle Tom’s Cabin.” The book was furnished me by —— ——, about a fortnight ago, and you may be assured I read it with an attentive208 interest. “Now, what is your opinion of it?” you will ask; and, knowing my preconceived opinions upon the question of slavery, and the embodiment of my principles, which I have so long supported, in regard to that peculiar institution, you may be prepared to meet an indirect answer. This my own consciousness of truth would not allow, in the present instance. The book is a truthful picture of life, with the dark outlines beautifully portrayed209. The life—the characteristics, incidents, and the dialogues—is life itself reduced to paper. In her appendix she rather evades the question whether it was taken from actual scones210, but says there are many counterparts. In this she is correct, beyond doubt. Had she changed the picture of Legree, on Red river, for —— ——, on —— Island, South Carolina, she could not have drawn a more admirable portrait. I am led to question whether she had not some knowledge of this beast, as he is known to be, and made the transposition for effect.
My position in connection with the extreme party, both in Georgia and South Carolina, would constitute a restraint to the full expression of my feelings upon several of the governing principles of the institution. I have studied slavery, in all its different phases,—have been thrown in contact with the negro in different parts of the world, and made it my aim to study his nature, so far as my limited abilities would give me light,—and, whatever my opinions have been, they were based upon what I supposed to be honest convictions.
During the last three years you well know what my opportunities have been to examine all the sectional bearings of an institution which now holds the great and most momentous211 question of our federal well-being212. These opportunities I have not let pass, but have given myself, body and soul, to a knowledge of its vast intricacies,—to its constitutional compact, and its individual hardships. Its wrongs are in the constituted rights of the master, and the blank letter of those laws which pretend to govern the bondman’s rights. What legislative213 act, based upon the construction of self-protection for the very men who contemplate214 the laws,—even though their intention was amelioration,—could be enforced, when the legislated215 object is held as the bond property of the legislator? The very fact of constituting a law for the amelioration of property becomes an absurdity216, so far as carrying it out is concerned. A law which is intended to govern, and gives the governed no means of seeking its protection, is like the clustering together of so many useless words for vain show. But why talk of law? That which is considered the popular rights of a people, and every tenacious217 prejudice set forth to protect its property interest, creates its own power, against every weaker vessel218. Laws which interfere59 with this become unpopular,—repugnant to a forceable will, and a dead letter in effect. So long as the voice of the governed cannot be heard, and his wrongs are felt beyond the jurisdiction219 or domain220 of the law, as nine-tenths are, where is the hope of redress221? The master is the powerful vessel; the negro feels his dependence, and, fearing the consequences of an appeal for his rights, submits to the cruelty of his master, in preference to the dread222 of something more cruel. It is in those disputed cases of cruelty we find the wrongs of slavery, and in those governing laws which give power to bad Northern men to become the most cruel taskmasters. Do not judge, from my observations, that I am seeking consolation223 for the abolitionists. Such is not my intention; but truth to a course which calls loudly for reformation constrains224 me to say that humanity calls for some law to govern the force and absolute will of the master, and to reform no part is more requisite225 than that which regards the slave’s food and raiment. A person must live years at the South before he can become fully acquainted with the many workings of slavery. A Northern man not prominently interested in the political and social weal of the South may live for years in it, and pass from town to town in his every-day pursuits, and yet see but the polished side of slavery. With me it has been different. Its effect upon the negro himself, and its effect upon the social and commercial well-being of Southern society, has been laid broadly open to me, and I have seen more of its workings within the past year than was disclosed to me all the time before. It is with these feelings that I am constrained226 to do credit to Mrs. Stowe’s book, which I consider must have been written by one who derived227 the materials from a thorough acquaintance with the subject. The character of the slave-dealer, the bankrupt owner in Kentucky, and the New Orleans merchant, are simple every-day occurrences in these parts. Editors may speak of the dramatic effect as they please; the tale is not told them, and the occurrences of common reality would form a picture more glaring. I could write a work, with date and incontrovertible facts, of abuses which stand recorded in the knowledge of the community in which they were transacted228, that would need no dramatic effect, and would stand out ten-fold more horrible than anything Mrs. Stowe has described.
I have read two columns in the Southern Press of Mrs. Eastman’s “Aunt Phillis’ Cabin, or Southern Life as It Is,” with the remarks of the editor. I have no comments to make upon it, that being done by itself. The editor might have saved himself being writ35 down an ass16 by the public, if he had withheld229 his nonsense. If the two columns are a specimen126 of Mrs. Eastman’s book, I pity her attempt and her name as an author.
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1
condemnatory
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| adj. 非难的，处罚的 | |
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condemn
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| vt.谴责，指责；宣判(罪犯)，判刑 | |
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candor
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| n.坦白，率真 | |
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avow
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| v.承认，公开宣称 | |
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peculiar
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| adj.古怪的，异常的；特殊的，特有的 | |
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manly
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| adj.有男子气概的；adv.男子般地，果断地 | |
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dependence
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| n.依靠，依赖；信任，信赖；隶属 | |
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kindly
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| adj.和蔼的，温和的，爽快的；adv.温和地，亲切地 | |
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celebrated
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| adj.有名的，声誉卓著的 | |
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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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truthful
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| adj.真实的，说实话的，诚实的 | |
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truthfulness
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| n. 符合实际 | |
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tack
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| n.大头钉；假缝，粗缝 | |
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humane
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| adj.人道的，富有同情心的 | |
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benevolent
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| adj.仁慈的，乐善好施的 | |
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ass
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| n.驴；傻瓜，蠢笨的人 | |
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forth
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| adv.向前；向外，往外 | |
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fully
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| adv.完全地，全部地，彻底地；充分地 | |
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endorse
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| vt.(支票、汇票等)背书，背署；批注；同意 | |
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perusal
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| n.细读，熟读；目测 | |
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Christian
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| adj.基督教徒的；n.基督教徒 | |
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aggrieved
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| adj.愤愤不平的，受委屈的；悲痛的；（在合法权利方面）受侵害的v.令委屈，令苦恼，侵害( aggrieve的过去式)；令委屈，令苦恼，侵害( aggrieve的过去式和过去分词) | |
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rumors
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| n.传闻( rumor的名词复数 )；[古]名誉；咕哝；[古]喧嚷v.传闻( rumor的第三人称单数 )；[古]名誉；咕哝；[古]喧嚷 | |
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fanaticism
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| n.狂热，盲信 | |
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heresy
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| n.异端邪说；异教 | |
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corruption
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| n.腐败，堕落，贪污 | |
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apprehend
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| vt.理解，领悟，逮捕，拘捕，忧虑 | |
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peculiarities
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| n. 特质, 特性, 怪癖, 古怪 | |
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judgment
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| n.审判；判断力，识别力，看法，意见 | |
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benevolence
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| n.慈悲，捐助 | |
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hatred
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| n.憎恶，憎恨，仇恨 | |
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consummate
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| adj.完美的；v.成婚；使完美 [反]baffle | |
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supreme
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| adj.极度的，最重要的；至高的，最高的 | |
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rant
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| v.咆哮；怒吼；n.大话；粗野的话 | |
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writ
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| n.命令状，书面命令 | |
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delineation
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| n.记述；描写 | |
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perfectly
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| adv.完美地，无可非议地，彻底地 | |
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appreciation
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| n.评价；欣赏；感谢；领会，理解；价格上涨 | |
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excellences
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| n.卓越( excellence的名词复数 )；（只用于所修饰的名词后）杰出的；卓越的；出类拔萃的 | |
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testimony
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| n.证词；见证，证明 | |
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entirely
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| ad.全部地，完整地；完全地，彻底地 | |
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elegances
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| n.高雅( elegance的名词复数 )；（举止、服饰、风格等的）优雅；精致物品；（思考等的）简洁 | |
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exhausted
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| adj.极其疲惫的，精疲力尽的 | |
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determined
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| adj.坚定的；有决心的 | |
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acquiescing
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| v.默认，默许( acquiesce的现在分词 ) | |
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Christians
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| n.基督教徒( Christian的名词复数 ) | |
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47
countenance
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| n.脸色，面容；面部表情；vt.支持，赞同 | |
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48
prey
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| n.被掠食者，牺牲者，掠食；v.捕食，掠夺，折磨 | |
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49
pious
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| adj.虔诚的；道貌岸然的 | |
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50
inclination
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| n.倾斜；点头；弯腰；斜坡；倾度；倾向；爱好 | |
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investigation
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| n.调查，调查研究 | |
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persevere
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| v.坚持，坚忍，不屈不挠 | |
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53
emancipation
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| n.（从束缚、支配下）解放 | |
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54
robin
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| n.知更鸟，红襟鸟 | |
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55
obedience
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| n.服从，顺从 | |
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remarkably
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| ad.不同寻常地，相当地 | |
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57
remonstrated
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| v.抗议( remonstrate的过去式和过去分词 )；告诫 | |
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58
toiled
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| 长时间或辛苦地工作( toil的过去式和过去分词 )； 艰难缓慢地移动，跋涉 | |
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59
interfere
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| v.(in)干涉，干预；(with)妨碍，打扰 | |
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interfered
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| v.干预( interfere的过去式和过去分词 )；调停；妨碍；干涉 | |
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61
dismal
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| adj.阴沉的，凄凉的，令人忧郁的，差劲的 | |
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62
demonstration
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| n.表明，示范，论证，示威 | |
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guilt
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| n.犯罪；内疚；过失，罪责 | |
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64
enraged
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| 使暴怒( enrage的过去式和过去分词 )； 歜； 激愤 | |
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65
eternity
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| n.不朽，来世；永恒，无穷 | |
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66
eminent
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| adj.显赫的，杰出的，有名的，优良的 | |
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patronage
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| n.赞助，支援，援助；光顾，捧场 | |
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68
caption
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| n.说明，字幕，标题；v.加上标题，加上说明 | |
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69
defender
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| n.保卫者，拥护者，辩护人 | |
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prospects
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| n.希望，前途(恒为复数) | |
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71
recollect
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| v.回忆，想起，记起，忆起，记得 | |
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depressed
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| adj.沮丧的，抑郁的，不景气的，萧条的 | |
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miserable
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| adj.悲惨的，痛苦的；可怜的，糟糕的 | |
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74
veracity
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| n.诚实 | |
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75
abhorrence
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| n.憎恶；可憎恶的事 | |
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76
strife
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| n.争吵，冲突，倾轧，竞争 | |
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77
lessened
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| 减少的，减弱的 | |
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unwilling
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| adj.不情愿的 | |
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79
watchful
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| adj.注意的，警惕的 | |
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80
leniency
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| n.宽大（不严厉） | |
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81
stringent
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| adj.严厉的；令人信服的；银根紧的 | |
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82
incurring
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| 遭受，招致，引起( incur的现在分词 ) | |
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83
concessions
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| n.（尤指由政府或雇主给予的）特许权( concession的名词复数 )；承认；减价；（在某地的）特许经营权 | |
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84
undoubtedly
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| adv.确实地，无疑地 | |
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85
panoply
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| n.全副甲胄，礼服 | |
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86
fanatics
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| 狂热者，入迷者( fanatic的名词复数 ) | |
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87
wagon
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| n.四轮马车，手推车，面包车；无盖运货列车 | |
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88
wagons
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| n.四轮的运货马车( wagon的名词复数 )；铁路货车；小手推车 | |
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89
promiscuously
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| adv.杂乱地，混杂地 | |
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91
annexation
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| n.吞并，合并 | |
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92
crammed
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| adj.塞满的，挤满的；大口地吃；快速贪婪地吃v.把…塞满；填入；临时抱佛脚( cram的过去式) | |
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93
plantation
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| n.种植园，大农场 | |
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94
stipulated
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| vt.& vi.规定；约定adj.[法]合同规定的 | |
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95
disconsolate
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| adj.忧郁的，不快的 | |
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96
bidder
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|
| n.(拍卖时的)出价人，报价人，投标人 | |
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97
detraction
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| n.减损；诽谤 | |
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98
turpitude
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| n.可耻；邪恶 | |
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99
mischief
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|
| n.损害，伤害，危害；恶作剧，捣蛋，胡闹 | |
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100
provocation
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| n.激怒，刺激，挑拨，挑衅的事物，激怒的原因 | |
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101
wholesale
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| n.批发；adv.以批发方式；vt.批发，成批出售 | |
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102
infinitely
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| adv.无限地，无穷地 | |
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103
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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104
gratitude
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|
| adj.感激，感谢 | |
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105
malign
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|
| adj.有害的；恶性的；恶意的；v.诽谤，诬蔑 | |
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106
avowal
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| n.公开宣称，坦白承认 | |
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107
abstained
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| v.戒（尤指酒），戒除( abstain的过去式和过去分词 )；弃权（不投票） | |
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108
conversing
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|
| v.交谈，谈话( converse的现在分词 ) | |
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109
intensity
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| n.强烈，剧烈；强度；烈度 | |
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110
venom
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| n.毒液，恶毒，痛恨 | |
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111
shafts
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|
| n.轴( shaft的名词复数 )；（箭、高尔夫球棒等的）杆；通风井；一阵（疼痛、害怕等） | |
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112
slander
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| n./v.诽谤，污蔑 | |
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113
deference
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| n.尊重，顺从；敬意 | |
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114
bulwark
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| n.堡垒，保障，防御 | |
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115
impetus
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|
| n.推动，促进，刺激；推动力 | |
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116
enveloped
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| v.包围，笼罩，包住( envelop的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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117
profusion
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| n.挥霍；丰富 | |
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118
ascertain
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| vt.发现，确定，查明，弄清 | |
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119
explicit
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| adj.详述的，明确的；坦率的；显然的 | |
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120
almighty
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| adj.全能的，万能的；很大的，很强的 | |
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121
maker
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| n.制造者，制造商 | |
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122
labor
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| n.劳动，努力，工作，劳工；分娩；vi.劳动，努力，苦干；vt.详细分析；麻烦 | |
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123
isolated
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| adj.与世隔绝的 | |
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124
attachment
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|
| n.附属物，附件；依恋；依附 | |
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125
specimens
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|
| n.样品( specimen的名词复数 )；范例；（化验的）抽样；某种类型的人 | |
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126
specimen
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| n.样本，标本 | |
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127
linen
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|
| n.亚麻布，亚麻线，亚麻制品；adj.亚麻布制的，亚麻的 | |
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128
cupidity
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| n.贪心，贪财 | |
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129
withhold
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|
| v.拒绝，不给；使停止，阻挡 | |
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130
remarkable
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|
| adj.显著的，异常的，非凡的，值得注意的 | |
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131
virtues
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|
| 美德( virtue的名词复数 )； 德行； 优点； 长处 | |
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132
virtue
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| n.德行，美德；贞操；优点；功效，效力 | |
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133
vices
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| 缺陷( vice的名词复数 )； 恶习； 不道德行为； 台钳 | |
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134
follies
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|
| 罪恶，时事讽刺剧； 愚蠢，蠢笨，愚蠢的行为、思想或做法( folly的名词复数 ) | |
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135
narrative
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|
| n.叙述，故事；adj.叙事的，故事体的 | |
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136
insipid
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| adj.无味的，枯燥乏味的，单调的 | |
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137
graphic
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|
| adj.生动的，形象的，绘画的，文字的，图表的 | |
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138
transparent
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|
| adj.明显的，无疑的；透明的 | |
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139
embody
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|
| vt.具体表达，使具体化；包含，收录 | |
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140
tragic
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|
| adj.悲剧的，悲剧性的，悲惨的 | |
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141
hesitation
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| n.犹豫，踌躇 | |
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142
portraiture
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|
| n.肖像画法 | |
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143
hues
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| 色彩( hue的名词复数 )； 色调； 信仰； 观点 | |
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144
effaced
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|
| v.擦掉( efface的过去式和过去分词 )；抹去；超越；使黯然失色 | |
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145
fragrant
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|
| adj.芬香的，馥郁的，愉快的 | |
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146
delicacy
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| n.精致，细微，微妙，精良；美味，佳肴 | |
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147
manor
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| n.庄园，领地 | |
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148
embodying
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| v.表现( embody的现在分词 )；象征；包括；包含 | |
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149
ostracized
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|
| v.放逐( ostracize的过去式和过去分词 )；流放；摈弃；排斥 | |
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150
admiration
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|
| n.钦佩，赞美，羡慕 | |
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151
accomplished
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|
| adj.有才艺的；有造诣的；达到了的 | |
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152
errs
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| 犯错误，做错事( err的第三人称单数 ) | |
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153
vigor
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| n.活力，精力，元气 | |
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154
pecuniary
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|
| adj.金钱的；金钱上的 | |
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155
villain
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| n.反派演员，反面人物；恶棍；问题的起因 | |
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156
disparage
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|
| v.贬抑，轻蔑 | |
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157
authorize
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| v.授权，委任；批准，认可 | |
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158
opprobrium
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| n.耻辱，责难 | |
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159
hideous
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|
| adj.丑陋的，可憎的，可怕的，恐怖的 | |
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160
brutal
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|
| adj.残忍的，野蛮的，不讲理的 | |
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161
tyrant
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| n.暴君，专制的君主，残暴的人 | |
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162
elicited
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| 引出，探出( elicit的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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163
transpiring
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|
| （事实，秘密等）被人知道( transpire的现在分词 )； 泄露； 显露； 发生 | |
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164
indirectly
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|
| adv.间接地，不直接了当地 | |
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165
illicit
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| adj.非法的，禁止的，不正当的 | |
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166
binds
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| v.约束( bind的第三人称单数 )；装订；捆绑；（用长布条）缠绕 | |
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167
statute
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| n.成文法，法令，法规；章程，规则，条例 | |
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168
auction
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| n.拍卖；拍卖会；vt.拍卖 | |
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169
privately
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|
| adv.以私人的身份，悄悄地，私下地 | |
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170
majesty
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| n.雄伟，壮丽，庄严，威严；最高权威，王权 | |
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171
writhe
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|
| vt.挣扎，痛苦地扭曲；vi.扭曲，翻腾，受苦；n.翻腾，苦恼 | |
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172
intervention
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| n.介入，干涉，干预 | |
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173
insolvent
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| adj.破产的，无偿还能力的 | |
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174
administrator
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| n.经营管理者，行政官员 | |
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175
severance
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| n.离职金；切断 | |
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176
embarrassment
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| n.尴尬；使人为难的人(事物)；障碍；窘迫 | |
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177
violation
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| n.违反(行为)，违背(行为)，侵犯 | |
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178
gambling
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| n.赌博；投机 | |
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179
commendable
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| adj.值得称赞的 | |
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180
odious
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| adj.可憎的，讨厌的 | |
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181
mitigate
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| vt.（使）减轻，（使）缓和 | |
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182
repudiated
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|
| v.（正式地）否认( repudiate的过去式和过去分词 )；拒绝接受；拒绝与…往来；拒不履行（法律义务） | |
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183
prohibition
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| n.禁止；禁令，禁律 | |
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184
minor
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| adj.较小(少)的，较次要的；n.辅修学科；vi.辅修 | |
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185
compulsory
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|
| n.强制的，必修的；规定的，义务的 | |
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186
devoted
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| adj.忠诚的，忠实的，热心的，献身于...的 | |
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187
heeded
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| v.听某人的劝告，听从( heed的过去式和过去分词 )；变平，使（某物）变平( flatten的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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188
illustrated
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|
| adj. 有插图的，列举的 动词illustrate的过去式和过去分词 | |
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189
frightful
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|
| adj.可怕的；讨厌的 | |
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190
machinery
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| n.(总称)机械，机器；机构 | |
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191
culpable
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|
| adj.有罪的，该受谴责的 | |
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192
improper
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| adj.不适当的，不合适的，不正确的，不合礼仪的 | |
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193
motive
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| n.动机，目的；adv.发动的，运动的 | |
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194
plantations
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| n.种植园，大农场( plantation的名词复数 ) | |
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195
emancipate
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| v.解放，解除 | |
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196
redeem
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| v.买回，赎回，挽回，恢复，履行（诺言等） | |
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197
earnings
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| n.工资收人；利润，利益，所得 | |
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198
literally
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| adv.照字面意义，逐字地；确实 | |
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199
scripture
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|
| n.经文，圣书，手稿；Scripture:(常用复数)《圣经》，《圣经》中的一段 | |
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200
approbation
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| n.称赞；认可 | |
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201
rigid
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|
| adj.严格的，死板的；刚硬的，僵硬的 | |
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202
lawful
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| adj.法律许可的，守法的，合法的 | |
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203
inflict
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| vt.(on)把…强加给，使遭受，使承担 | |
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204
chastisement
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| n.惩罚 | |
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205
legitimate
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|
| adj.合法的，合理的，合乎逻辑的；v.使合法 | |
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206
martyr
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| n.烈士，殉难者；vt.杀害，折磨，牺牲 | |
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207
compliance
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| n.顺从；服从；附和；屈从 | |
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208
attentive
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| adj.注意的，专心的；关心(别人)的，殷勤的 | |
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portrayed
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| v.画像( portray的过去式和过去分词 )；描述；描绘；描画 | |
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210
scones
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| n.烤饼，烤小圆面包( scone的名词复数 ) | |
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momentous
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| adj.重要的，重大的 | |
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212
well-being
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| n.安康，安乐，幸福 | |
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213
legislative
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| n.立法机构，立法权；adj.立法的，有立法权的 | |
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214
contemplate
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| vt.盘算，计议；周密考虑；注视，凝视 | |
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215
legislated
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| v.立法，制定法律( legislate的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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216
absurdity
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| n.荒谬，愚蠢；谬论 | |
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217
tenacious
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| adj.顽强的，固执的，记忆力强的，粘的 | |
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218
vessel
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| n.船舶；容器，器皿；管，导管，血管 | |
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219
jurisdiction
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| n.司法权，审判权，管辖权，控制权 | |
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220
domain
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| n.(活动等)领域，范围；领地，势力范围 | |
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221
redress
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| n.赔偿，救济，矫正；v.纠正，匡正，革除 | |
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222
dread
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| vt.担忧，忧虑；惧怕，不敢；n.担忧，畏惧 | |
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223
consolation
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| n.安慰，慰问 | |
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224
constrains
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| 强迫( constrain的第三人称单数 )； 强使； 限制； 约束 | |
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225
requisite
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| adj.需要的，必不可少的；n.必需品 | |
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226
constrained
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| adj.束缚的,节制的 | |
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227
derived
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| vi.起源；由来；衍生；导出v.得到( derive的过去式和过去分词 )；（从…中）得到获得；源于；（从…中）提取 | |
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228
transacted
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| v.办理（业务等）( transact的过去式和过去分词 )；交易，谈判 | |
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229
withheld
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| withhold过去式及过去分词 | |
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