Wheat per bushel, 1 to 75
Rye, 50
Corn, (Maize) 37¹⁄₂
{115} Oats, -- 33¹⁄₃
Potatoes, -- 33¹⁄₃
Flour per 100 lbs. 3 --
Beef, per pound, from 5 to 6
Pork, ditto, from 4 to 5
Mutton, ditto, from -- 3 to 4
Turkeys, from 50 cents to 1 --
Hens and Ducks, 12¹⁄₂
Eggs per dozen, -- 12¹⁄₂
Butter per lb. -- 25
Cheese, ditto, -- 18
Whisky per gallon, -- 40
Tobacco, per 100 lbs. 5 --
Hemp, 8 --
Wool, per lb. 33¹⁄₃
The indolence and disorderly conduct of slaves, together with their
frequent elopements, occasion much uneasiness to their holders. It is
not uncommon to hear the master, in ill humour, say that he wishes
there was not a slave in the country; but the man who is tenacious of
this sort of stock, or who purchases it at a high price, will always
find it difficult to convince other people, that his pretensions to
humanity towards slaves are in earnest. Some say that the fault is with
the British, who first introduced them. Others reprobate the practice;
but affirm that, while the laws of the country permit it, and while
slaves must be somewhere, _we may have them as well as our neighbours_;
and there are a few who vindicate both principle and practice, by
declaring, that the negro is a being of an inferior species formed for
servitude: and allege that slave-keeping has the divine sanction, as in
the case of the Jews.
Negroes, even in America, are said to be more prolific than the white
variety of the species. They do not delay marriage because they are
not in possession of lands, slaves, horses, and the other essentials
of their masters: nor does the support of {116} their progeny give
them much concern; the coloured children being held as the property
of the owner of the mother. By him they are reared with more or less
tenderness, or sold to another, as he thinks fit.
The treatment of slaves is understood to be much milder in Kentucky
than in the south-easterly part of the Union, where provisions are
dearer, and blacks sell at a lower price. At Lexington slaves are well
fed, and have a healthy appearance, and the greater part of them are
well clothed. Some of the abettors of the system assert, that negroes
are happier here than the free poor of other countries; but there are
several circumstances which may be opposed to this position. The happy
Kentuckian slave lives under the danger of being cow-hided, (a term
signifying a whipping, with a stripe of half tanned leather, which is
twisted into the form of a tapered switch of a very rigid texture,)
for the slightest real or imaginary offence. His evidence is not
received in court when he is opposed to a white man. Thus he has not
the protection of the law, and less hope of bettering his condition.
The practice disregards the strongest ties of kindred and of nature.
The husband is torn from the wife, and the child from the parent, to be
sold into an unhealthy region, where a more galling yoke is imposed. He
must not eat nor even converse in the room where white men are. Every
degrading mark is set upon him. While white men ransack the Christian
volume, that they may find fit names to their children, heathenish
appellations, such as Pompey, Nero, &c. usually given to dogs, are
bestowed on the coloured infant. The ordinary names of dogs and horses,
the days of the week, and the months of the year, seem now exhausted in
the negro nomenclature.
{117} It does not require a high degree of philanthropic feeling to
regret the numerous obstacles which oppose their amelioration. The
governments of new territories are allowing vast tracts of country to
become markets; and the older slave-keeping states are converted into
nurseries, from which multitudes of slaves are procured. If this course
of policy is persisted in, the humane exertions of individuals, and the
benevolent associations in Britain, and elsewhere, cannot counteract
the growing abuse. Emancipation can scarcely be contemplated, where
its objects are multiplied with such rapidity. Amalgamation with the
whites, extermination, or ultimate preponderance, present themselves to
the penetrating mind.
The baneful effects of slave-keeping are not confined to negroes, but
are widely diffused amongst white people. The necessity of personal
labour being removed from the master, he either indulges in idleness,
or spends his time in amusements that are incompatible with industrious
habits. His progeny, seeing that every sort of useful labour is
performed by the slaves, whom they are taught to regard as an inferior
class of beings, naturally conceive that the cultivation of the earth
is a pursuit too degrading for white men. Where such early impressions
are entertained, we need not be surprised with the multitudes of
idlers, hunters, horse-racers, gamesters and dissipated persons, that
are here so prevalent. Were it not for the immaculate purity of the
female constitution, the most invaluable half of the human character
would be rendered susceptible of receiving a tinge. Fortunately for
white Miss, she is able to turn to her own advantage the apparently
adverse circumstances under which she is placed. The sable domestics
with whom she is constantly surrounded, and {118} who obey her every
nod, serve as a foil, or back ground, which, by drawing a contrast,
greatly enhances her charms. The female slaves performing every menial
and almost every household service, she has on this account much
leisure for the decoration of her person. She is also at her ease, and
acquires all the tenderness of frame which forms the delicate lady.
Here also, as in some other places, the society of the two sexes is
strictly regulated. Private interviews are guarded against with the
most jealous care. The suitor must announce the object of his first
visit, and the courtship must proceed under the eye of a parent, or
of some other confidential person. In this happy seclusion from the
scandalous affairs of the world, it is only through the medium of a
female negro secretary that evasions can be conveniently practised when
sentiment prevails over prudence. Married ladies also are relieved from
the drudgery of giving suck to their own children. It sometimes happens
that the infant boy entertains a stronger affection for his black nurse
than for his white mother; and that his affection for the sooty hue
may not be altogether effaced in maturer life. If the feeling is not
directly conducive to the happiness of slaves, it has, at least, a
tendency to abate prejudices arising from their colour.
How far parental prerogative applies to intercourse between young
people of different colours, I am not prepared to say; but the great
numbers of mulattoes to be seen furnish sufficient evidence to preclude
all indiscreet inquiry on this very delicate point. One striking fact
is not to be omitted. An instance of a semi-coloured person whose
origin is derived from a white mother, is exceedingly rare.
{119} You have frequently heard the adherents of an illiberal faction
pouring out a copious torrent of invective against the American people,
and their democratic form of government, on account of slave-keeping.
Such declamation must proceed from ignorance of the history of this
country, or from a degree of malignity, ill calculated to promote
the national character of Britain, or the reputation of the system
they adore. It is for these people to be told a few facts, or to keep
them in recollection, if they knew them previously. Thirteen North
American provinces were once British colonies, principally settled
by a British people. These colonies, like others subject to the same
parent country, were, at an early period, the resort of English
slave traders, who introduced a large proportion of African captives
amongst the white population. The colonists soon became sensible of
the moral evil, or of the future consequences to be derived from the
cupidity of the inhuman sellers, and the indolence of unprincipled
buyers amongst themselves. So early as the year 1703,[66] the colony
of Massachusetts (only seventy-four years after its first settlement,
and probably a much shorter time after the first introduction of
slaves) imposed a tax to prevent further importations. This same
settlement made attempts to prevent the import altogether in 1767
and 1774. Previous to the year 1772, no less than twenty-three acts
were passed by the legislature of Virginia, for applying taxes to the
trade, with a view to its restriction. In 1772, Virginia petitioned
the throne on the same subject; but obtained no redress. Several other
colonies made remonstrances at different times; but were repressed by
the opposition of British Governors. In these days the grand discovery
that taxation and representation ought to {120} be inseparable, was
first discussed between governors and the governed. A doctrine so
appalling to privileged orders was not to be adopted merely because it
was sanctioned by reason. War, the last reasoning of Tory ministration
was resorted to,--a war which terminated in the best soldiers of the
old world throwing down their arms before the husbandmen of the new.
The Americans, no longer the vassals of England, were at liberty to
pursue an independent course of policy. The subject of negro slavery
engaged their attention at an early period; but, unhappily for the new
government, their territory was overspread with an unfortunate race,
who, by education, habits, and resentment of former injuries, were the
enemies rather than the members of the social compact. In this state
of affairs, an immediate emancipation would have tolerated a free
communication of hostile feelings amongst a people whose antipathies
were as universal as their colour. In 1780, the State of Pennsylvania,
although then occupied in the struggle for independence, passed an
act for gradual manumission. Subsequently the whole country, north of
Virginia, consisting of eight States, has either effected the total
extinction of slavery, or obtained the very near prospect of it. In
1787, a law was passed, prohibiting slave-keeping in the vast tract of
country north of the Ohio, and east of the Mississippi.[67] By these
means the United States have, in thirty-eight years, almost produced a
total liberation of negroes, over half their jurisdiction,--a progress
vastly more rapid than England made in the introduction of a similar
system of release, in her dependencies. It is unnecessary to enter
here on the spirit and tendency of British domination in every quarter
of the globe. If the contrast between the policy of the governments
of the United {121} States and England is not sufficient to restrain
antijacobin tongues within the bounds of decorum, the common interest
of their faction may, perhaps, be a stronger inducement to silence, as
the subject affords a most striking example of popular representation
operating as a most admirable corrective of an abuse that has grown up
under the fostering care of aristocracy.
_December 19._ The inauguration of the professors of the university of
Lexington occasioned much stir to-day.[68] They paraded the streets
accompanied by music, the students, and a numerous assemblage of the
people. I witnessed a similar procession at New York; and am told that
this practice is usual at the commencement of college sessions in
America.
Another musical practice gained ground here some time ago. A newly
married couple procured a band of instrumental musicians to play before
their house on the evening of their marriage day. In a late instance
a great number of boys procured small conical tubes of tinned iron,
and joined in the concert, by blowing vehemently. The disconcerted
performers were overpowered by a more intense sound, and desisted. No
fair bride of Lexington has been since greeted by a serenade. This is
one of the few instances where the manners of this country are not to
be traced to British origin; but seem to be formed on the model of the
true Castilian.
_December 24._ Left Lexington. On this occasion I was the only
passenger in the mail coach. Clear frosty weather allowed the sides of
the carriage to be kept open, so that I enjoyed a view of the country.
The expedition in travelling is great, considering the badness of the
roads. The land that was beautifully verdant a short time ago, is {122}
now withered by the cold. No green herbage is to be seen.
A part of the country by Licking River is hilly, poor, and almost
covered over with detached pieces of limestone. The clearing of this
land waits for a more dense population than the present. In the spots
where the woods are cut down, crops of Indian corn are repeated without
intermission. Economical agriculture has no place here. The rude
implements are left to rot in the field; and the scythe allowed to hang
on a tree from one season to another.
_December 25._ The coach stopped at Washington, from seven o’clock,
last night, till three this morning. It overset on my way hither, and
though I received no injury, I resolved upon going no further with that
vehicle in the dark, and over such bad roads. About five o’clock I was
awakened by the firing of guns and pistols, in celebration of Christmas
day. I heard no one speak of the nature of the event that they were
commemorating. So universal was the mirth and conviviality of the
people, that I could not procure a person to carry my portmanteau to
Limestone. It remained for me to stop all day at Washington, or sling
my baggage over my own shoulders. I preferred the latter alternative,
and proceeded on my way.
At Limestone, negroes and boys continued their firing till late in the
afternoon.--Every sort of labour without doors was suspended.
A watermark on the beach showed that the Ohio had lately risen to the
height of fourteen or fifteen feet. It had now subsided to half that
quantity, and had more than a third part of its surface covered with
ice, in brisk motion downwards.
_December 26._ Two large family boats (tied end to end) were about to
leave Limestone for Cincinnati. {123} I agreed to go with them, and
moved off in the afternoon. Sailing amongst moving ice is not attended
with much danger, except at the commencement of the flood, when the
accumulation is sometimes very great. In other cases the boat acquires
nearly the same velocity with the ice.
The two boats contained upwards of forty New Englanders. Their activity
in this (to them) new way of travelling, shewed a considerable degree
of enterprise and ingenuity.
In the evening we moored by the margin of the river. In this situation
the craft were exposed to collision with the moving ice. The men were
sagacious enough to know, that lying ashore was more unsafe than
keeping in motion, but generously yielded to the mistaken timidity of
the females, who were much averse to sailing in the night.
_December 27._ The ice continued to float downward, and surrounded us
so much, that we could derive but little facility from rowing. Passed
Augusta, a neat village on the Kentucky side of the river.[69] Its
court house denotes that it is a county town.
_December 29._ This morning the frost was intense. A wild duck, frozen
to a large mass of ice floated past our mooring. A young man, who
accompanied me in a canoe in pursuit of it, had one of his hands wet;
the part was slightly frostbit.
New Richmond is a thriving town, on the north bank of the river.[70]
It consists of about a hundred houses. Four years ago there was not a
house.
We have seen some farming on the sides of the hills, near the river,
that is performed in a most slovenly manner. Indian corn is the only
crop, and is repeated continually. No part of the manure {124} is
returned to the fields. The houses are rude log cabins, built as
near the river as is consistent with security from the floods. Their
children are dirty and ragged in the extreme. The comforts of these
people must consist chiefly in having enough to eat and drink, and in
having no fear of the exactions of the landholder, the tytheholder, or
the collector of taxes.
FOOTNOTES:
[65] For a brief account of the origin of Lexington, see A. Michaux’s
_Travels_, volume iii of our series, note 28.--ED.
[66] The date of this law was December 5, 1705.--ED.
[67] Flint here refers to the Northwest Ordinance, passed by the
Congress of the Confederation, July 13, 1787.--ED.
[68] For a brief sketch of Transylvania University, see Cuming’s
_Tour_, volume iv of our series, note 126.--ED.
[69] Augusta, at that time the seat of Bracken County, is eighteen and
a half miles below Maysville.--ED.
[70] New Richmond, twenty miles above Cincinnati, was platted in 1814
by a former resident of Richmond, Virginia, hence its name. It was
incorporated in 1828.--ED.
LETTER X
Cincinnati--Situation--Manufactures--Settlement and
Progress--Weather--Credulity and Want of Education--Descend the
Ohio--Islands--Jeffersonville--Louisville--Falls of the Ohio--Taverns
and Accommodations--Expedition for Exploring the Missouri Country and
Forming a Military Post there--Miscellaneous Observations interspersed.
_Jeffersonville, (Indiana,)
May 19, 1819._
I concluded my last letter, dated Cincinnati, 30th December last,
without taking any notice of the town; I shall therefore begin the
present one with some particulars respecting that place.
Cincinnati is no sooner seen than the importance of the town is
perceived. A large steam grist mill, three large steam boats on the
stocks, and two more on the Kentucky side of the river, and a large
ferry boat, wrought by horses, were the first objects which attracted
my attention. The {125} beach is lined with keel boats, large arks
for carrying produce, family boats, and rafts of timber. On shore the
utmost bustle prevails, with drays carrying imported goods, salt, iron,
and timber, up to the town, and in bringing down pork, flour, &c. to be
put aboard of boats for New Orleans.
The town is situated in north latitude 39° 5′ 54′′, and in west
longitude 85° 44′, according to the determination of Mr. Ellicott.[71]
The distance from Pittsburg is 305 miles by land, and 513¹⁄₄ miles by
the windings of the river. The streets are laid out in a rectangular
form, and are enlivened by drays, waggons, and an active people. The
houses are nearly all of brick and timber: about two hundred new
ones have been built in the course of the year. Merchants’ shops are
numerous, and well frequented. The noise of wheel carriages in the
streets, and of the carpenter, the blacksmith, and the cooper, make a
busy din. Such an active scene I never expected to see amongst the back
woods of America.[72]
The manufactories of this new place are more diversified than
extensive. An iron foundery, two breweries, several distilleries,
a woollen manufactory, a cotton-mill, an oil-mill, a grist-mill, a
nail-cutting machine, a tan-work, a glass-house, and a white-lead
factory, seem to be the principal ones. But the more numerous part
of the artizans are joiners, bricklayers, blacksmiths, plasterers,
shoemakers, tailors, hatters, bakers, tobacconists, cabinet-makers,
saddlers, &c. &c. Journeymen mechanics earn from one and three-fourths
to two dollars per day. Their board costs about three dollars per week.
Most of them dress well on the days they are not at work, and some of
them keep horses.
In the end of December, 1788, or beginning of January, 1789, Cincinnati
was first founded by about {126} twenty persons. For some time the
place was occupied more in the manner of a fort than of a town, the
neighbouring country being in the possession of hostile Indians, who,
on different occasions, killed several of the settlers. In 1790,
a governor, and the judges of a supreme court, for the territory,
arrived. In 1792, the first school and the first church were built. In
1799 the legislative authority of the governor was succeeded by that
of an assembly. In 1803, the State government of Ohio was instituted.
In 1806, the government was removed from Cincinnati to Chillicothe. In
1800, the town contained seven hundred and fifty people, and in 1805,
only nine hundred and sixty. It was subsequently to the last date that
Cincinnati showed indications of outgrowing a village and becoming a
town. Within three-and-a-half years past, the population is supposed
to have been doubled, and the amount is now believed to be nearly ten
thousand.
_January 1, 1819._ To-day the boys of the town made a great noise by
firing guns and pistols. They commenced last night about dusk. During
the night I heard much noise of fighting and swearing amongst adult
persons.
_January 3. (Sunday.)_ Works of necessity form a numerous class here.
To-day boats were loading pork, and drays carrying it down to the river.
_January 8._ To-day the river was almost covered with ice floating
downward. Many large pieces adhering together form boards of one or two
acres in extent. The pieces of hemlock tree intermixed make it plain
that these masses of ice are from the Allegany river.
_January 10. (Sunday.)_ Dealers in pork were (in one instance) busy
cutting up and salting. I {127} saw some young men in a small boat
examining the driftwood on the river; when pine logs came within their
reach they dragged them ashore. Others were intercepting timber of
every description, for fuel.
_January 11._ The weather frequently changes from frosty to humid.
Yesterday at two P.M. the thermometer stood at 76° in sunshine. The
hottest day since the ninth of December. To-day the temperature was 54°
in the shade.
_Jan. 13._ At seven o’clock in the morning, the thermometer indicated
21°. By mid-day, the sun’s rays softened the mud in the streets.
The people say that the winter has hitherto been milder than usual,
and some infer that we will have no severe cold during the season.
Last winter the thermometer was once observed to stand so low as 10°
below zero. The greatest cold from 1787 to 1806 was minus 18°. The
most intense frosts of this country have the effect of congealing
the moisture in forest trees, and splitting them with a loud noise.
Notwithstanding the moderation of the present season, the grasses
and weeds on the ground are withered to whiteness. In the woods no
evergreen plants are to be seen, except the tufts of mistletoe, which
are perched on the branches of the tallest trees.