RESIDENCE IN NEW YORK.--FIRES.--NEGROES--BOARDING HOUSES.--DRESS.
Fires are here alarmingly numerous, and frequently of unprecedented
magnitude. The firemen are a body of volunteers amounting to between
three and four hundred. They are viewed by their fellow citizens, as a
class of respectable men; and as occupying a station somewhat similar to
our local cavalry. They spend their time in the execution of their
arduous duties, and supply their own clothes, without receiving any
remuneration, except the municipal privileges with which they are
rewarded at the completion of their septennial term of servitude. I
endeavoured to discover, if possible, what was the chief cause of these
fires; but could arrive at no positive conclusion on the subject. I
conceive the half smoked cigars, so plentifully disseminated in every
direction, by men and boys of all ages, conditions, and colours, may be
one reason; and I know of no other, unless it be the carelessness
naturally produced by the eternal use of the spirit decanter.
The rates and premiums of Insurance companies are perhaps higher here
than in any other part of the world; yet, in consequence of the numerous
demands made upon them, these public bodies are continually failing.
Custom reconciles us to all things; and fires are here so common, that
these good citizens have no idea of the sensations such calamities
produce with us. I remember an English gentleman venturing to state in
public company, that in a large market town near the place of his birth,
he only recollected one fire occurring in the space of above twenty
years. I myself have no doubt of the truth of this assertion; yet it was
received by those present, with marks of suspicion so glaringly evident,
that I felt sorry that the narrator had hazarded his credit for
veracity, without calculating upon the chances against producing proof.
Strange as it may appear, during our residence in New York and in the
country, I never heard any well authenticated case of death occasioned
by any of these fires: although first from motives of humanity, and
afterwards, from curiosity, we constantly subjected this matter to a
very close investigation. This appeared to me the more astonishing,
because it is well known that in Europe, loss of life is too frequently
the melancholy concomitant of these awful visitations.
I noticed some of their many fire engines; they are very handsome, and
very, very small. They are universally acknowledged to be more powerful
than ours. Indeed, the good citizens are very loud in their praises, and
claim the honour of some inventions or improvements connected with them;
and I will not pluck a single leaf or acorn from their civic crown, for
which they pay so dearly, but will cheerfully acknowledge that their
engines are of superior construction, and are kept in better condition
than any other in the world.
They have hit upon a very ingenious device to direct the firemen to that
part of the city where their assistance is required. Those who first
give the alarm hasten to the City Hall, whose site occupies the highest
ground in the city. The heavy alarm bell is instantly rung, and its
sound is re-echoed by most of the ting-tangs in the steeples. A ball of
crimson glass, containing a light, is then immediately exposed at the
very apex of the observatory on the hall; and its relative position to
the cupola serves as an index to point out the direction of the fire.
It is impossible to convey an exact idea of the frequency and magnitude
of these awful incidents. From the flat roof of our residence, one
evening, I saw three fires at the same time; two of them appeared to be
of considerable magnitude; the other was only an oil and turpentine
store. This united demand upon the exertions of the firemen was very
perplexing to all parties. The people at the City Hall were undecided in
what direction to place their crimson index; and so, with a view of
directing to all the three points, they kept perpetually shifting it.
The firemen, consequently, altered their course, in a corresponding
direction to that pointed out by the ball; till the confusion became
general, and the fires raged so alarmingly, that fears were entertained
for the safety of the city. At length, the municipal authorities sent
messengers, who sought out the firemen and dispersed them in proper
directions; and thus happily averted the dreadful consequences.
The removing of wooden houses with brick chimney-stacks, _en masse_, is
so commonly effected here, that to question its practicability would be
the height of absurdity: yet I understand, that even this is treated by
us with ridicule, as being a matter beyond the range of human
possibility. How then can I hope for belief, in asserting that there are
substantial brick houses in the city of New York, that have been removed
from one side of the street to the other, without in the least degree,
impeding the diurnal arrangements of their respective occupants? I will
make no such assertion--I will only state, that such houses have been
pointed out to me, and described as having been removed from a station
on the opposite side of the street; and I freely confess I am
sufficiently weak to believe it. I shall therefore content myself with
inserting one of the many advertisements I have seen, which I copy from
the _New York Gazette_, now before me; and leave my readers to conclude
as they think proper.
“THE SUBSCRIBER, respectfully informs the public, that he carries
on, extensively, the business of
MOVING HOUSES
_of any description_; and with the utmost expedition and safety;
having every necessary apparatus for the purpose.
J. ACKERMAN.
220, Division-St., Sept. 22.”
This removal of houses reminds me of the removal of household furniture,
which annually takes place on the first of May. By an established
custom, houses are let from this day for the term of one year certain;
and, as the inhabitants in general love variety, and seldom reside in
the same house for two consecutive years, those who have to change,
which appears to be nearly the whole city, must be all removing
together. Hence, from the peep of day till twilight, may be seen carts
which go at a rate of speed astonishingly rapid, laden with furniture of
every kind, racing up and down the city, as if its inhabitants were
flying from a pestilence, pursued by death with his broad scythe just
ready to mow them into eternity.
I found the negroes much more numerous, and presenting a much better
appearance than I ever expected; and I am happy to say, that although
still retained in bondage in the Southern States, they are all now free
in this and the five New England States, and have been so for upwards of
fifteen years. They invariably excite a feeling of deep interest in the
minds of all Europeans. But I beheld, with acute sensations of sorrow,
their late task-masters regarding them with feelings of hatred mingled
with contempt, and as a class far below the rest of the human species in
point of moral rectitude and intellectual power. I was not prepared to
find this in a nation who are taught to lisp, with their infantile
breath, that monstrous falsehood--“All men are born free and equal.”
This maxim, the pole star of the republic, was first promulgated by
Thomas Jefferson, whose writings are acknowledged by all Democrats as
the standard of political authority. About the commencement of the
present century this same Thomas Jefferson filled the office of
President of the United States for the period of eight years; and his
memory is still held in profound veneration by a large section of the
Americans. Yet it is well known here, that this sublime character had,
by his Quadroon slaves a vast number of children of both sexes; whom he
retained on his plantation in a state of vassalage, and dying left them
so!!
It is with no feelings of pleasure that I drag the crimes of this
atrocious wretch before the public; but, I believe this fact is not
known in England, and it may serve to give some idea of the charming
things that are transacted in those regions of slavery, where both the
framer and the violator of the law are found united in the person of the
planter. Surely it may here be said, that licentiousness and tyranny
have met together; democracy and slavery have kissed each other.
The existing slavery of these “free and independent” States, combined
with the atrocious conduct of Jefferson, the progenitor of whole gangs
of slaves, forms a beautiful comment on his favourite apopthegm--
“All men are born free and equal.”
An expression which declares precisely the same doctrine, occupies a
prominent position in their national manifesto--the famous Declaration
of Independence.
The projectors of this, their _magna charta_, must have known that this
motto is founded on a fallacious basis, and will not endure the
touchstone of common sense, particularly when applied to natal
circumstances. Were the base-born progeny of that “illustrious champion
of liberty”, Jefferson, born _free_, and endowed with privileges and
advantages _equal_ to the children of his amiable contemporary,
Hamilton?[A] Or are the sons of those slaves who now groan in fetters in
the southern States of this “land of liberty”, born _free_ and invested
with _equal_ rights to the children of those Molochs, their masters? A
common understanding revolts at the comparison. Away with such sophistry
to the dark dominions of that being whence it emanated!
I regard this, not in a political point of view, but purely as a case of
Liberty and Equality, _versus_ Negro Slavery and Oppression. And were it
not for the sake of humanity, I should have viewed the whole affair with
indifference, and left the Americans to shout praises to the Goddess of
Liberty, with as much clamour as did the Ephesians of old, to their good
customer the Goddess Diana.
This despised class, the Negroes, seems to be regarded as being
destitute, not only of mental endowments, but also of the sensibilities
of our common nature. They are considered as fair subjects for the
bitterest sarcasm and contempt. Children, catching the contagion by
example and sympathy, regard them as beings that may be annoyed and
insulted with impunity; dogs are encouraged to bark at them; and, as a
crowning point, parrots are taught to curse them. I could scarcely have
believed this, but I know one elegant house, where a bird of this kind
was much admired for the charming accomplishment of thundering a
degrading curse at the head of every passing negro.
Besides their intellectual deficiencies, they are charged with a long
catalogue of moral misdoings, which more properly spring from a
neglected education than a depraved disposition. I have frequently
conversed with the females, and have always found them remarkably civil,
and grateful for any trivial act of kindness. They generally express
themselves in good language, and with an enunciation, as bold and as
clear as any Englishman. This struck me with surprise, as I had formed
my judgement of their conversational capabilities, from the dialogues
given in broken English, that I had met with in the course of my
reading. Their voices are rich and melodious, and their singing is much
admired at church, but all those that I ever saw there, sat by
themselves; and I never heard of a white man, however low in station he
might be, that would condescend to sit at the same table with a black.
There is something peculiarly interesting in the appearance of their
children, when between the ages of three and eight. I know not by what
laws blackness of skin and sinuosity of hair should, when associated,
produce an effect at once droll and agreeable. But such is the case in
an uncommon degree. All European ladies, with whom I conversed,
acknowledged this; and even the Americans were compelled to allow, that
these sable Psyches and Cupids of the kitchen are very entertaining.
But I soon found, that to converse in accents of kindness with negroes,
was not the way to secure the estimation of American society; it is
considered shockingly coarse and vulgar. On some occasions, the negro
children themselves have stood in mute astonishment, while I have patted
the head of one of their companions; and such an action has sometimes
produced a remark, on the strange taste that could induce a lady to take
notice of _such creatures_.
A fracas took place one day, at our boarding-house, arising out of a
dispute between two gentlemen; the one a German, and the other an
American. In the heat of argument, the German expressed himself thus: “I
will wager a hundred dollars, that I produce a negro that is a better
calculator than you.”--The American rose in high anger, and immediately
left the room; declaring that he would not sit at the same table with
any one, who esteemed him no better than a negro. Indeed he carried his
threat further, for he removed to another house with all possible
precipitation. The general opinion was, that the proposal of the German
was a most degrading one; and I doubt not, a more fashionable display of
resentment would have met with unequivocal approbation.
Until the Americans consent entirely to loose the yoke and let the
oppressed go free, they should cashier the stars and stripes, and adopt
the following device and motto, which would more effectually represent
the piebald character of their Republic.
Let this device be, the representation of a man wearing the cap of
liberty, and brandishing a slave whip in his right hand, while his left
displays the _Declaration of Independence_; his right foot, at the same
time resting on the naked back of a prostrate negro.--With this motto:
“All men are born free and equal.”
Negro slavery is the foulest blot on the character of the American
government, and their spiteful treatment of those who have obtained
their freedom, represents the “free-borns” in a most ungracious point of
view. It justifies a stranger in concluding that the strong arm of
compulsion has wrested these oppressed creatures from their iron grasp;
and that, like the Egyptians of old, their bond slaves have departed
much against their will. What! are these blacks indebted to their
neighbours, and is it for the purpose of obtaining satisfaction, that
all classes unite in heaping reproaches on their heads? Truth compels me
to declare, that the christian whites owe to their sable brethren a debt
that they can never, never liquidate; and those who have laboured to
rivet their galling fetters, will answer for it in that day, when some
from among the most abject negroes in the States, shall shine in the
splendour of coronation garments.
But a haughty spirit of contemptuousness seems to prevail among those,
in whose composition dulness and ill nature predominate. Thus the
Americans of this order, despise the English; the resident English
despise the Irish; the Irish unite with all the rest in despising the
Negroes: whom these despise I cannot tell, but probably all the rest
together.
A magnanimous mind will seek no excuse for treating the defenceless with
cruel contempt; and, while I freely admit the vanity of these negroes is
boundless, I contend that it is not to be cured by an indiscriminate
administration of ill treatment. Their advance in civilization will be
marked by a corresponding contempt for those frivolities, which they now
so much admire, and no doubt, they will ultimately lay them aside.
A peep into a negro ball room, as at present conducted, would certainly
provoke the risibility of a philosopher. I myself, was never so highly
favoured, but shall present my readers with a description, as nearly as
I can recollect it, given by a gentleman; just observing from what I
have seen of their mode of dressing on occasions of festivity, that I
believe the representation to be correct.--“Dark dandies, so starched
and stayed as to appear perfectly inflexible, dressed in the very tip of
fashion, with their poor heads beaming with all the lustre that
Rowland’s Macassar can dispense, may here be seen paying their devoirs
to their sable belles. These last, arrayed in fashionables fresh from
France; the articles of dress themselves preposterous, and ill adapted
to display the _attractions_ of the wearers, by their tasteless
combination, magnify the absurdity ten-fold. Here, some nymph, assuming
the name of Thalia or Aurora, may be observed, with fingers, ears, and
wrists, ringed and jewelled with a sample of all the tinsel trumpery of
Birmingham; on her head waves a huge plume of _white_ ostrich feathers;
while her dark ancles are dimly visible through a pair of _British
flesh-coloured_ silk stockings; and her waist so tightly compressed, as
to give her figure the contour of an hour-glass.” Poor creatures! they
will some day know better--till then, these things may be regarded with
the passing tribute of a smile.
Respecting this treatment of negroes, by their former owners, the whites
of America, I desire to be understood as speaking in general terms.
Some, I know, have kind masters, but all general rules admit of
individual exceptions. That negro enjoys a great advantage who lives
under kind superiors; but, if his race be held in contempt by the whole
neighbourhood, he has still the mortifying consciousness of knowing that
he will be obnoxious to indignity and insult, so long as he retains his
colour.
The greater part of the negroes are servants still. Those of them that
are steady receive excellent wages--from eight to twelve dollars per
month, with board, for a man; and from six to ten for a woman. Those who
are not in service, chiefly wander about the city carrying their
convenient apparatus for sawing wood for fuel, and, as they are seldom
employed for a longer period than two hours together, this is a lazy
life. I am sure the very bones of some must ache with idleness. Thus it
will appear that although they are the hewers of wood and drawers of
water to the whole community, they are not generally overworked. Under
existing circumstances, they are not likely to rise in the scale of
society: I did not notice a negro among the hundreds of carmen employed
in this city.
This numerous class, the carmen, keep each a horse and cart, which they
own and drive; and, as the merchants keep neither horses nor vehicles,
they do all the commercial conveyance work in the city. They are not
hired by any particular employer for any specified time, but like
hackney coachmen with us, are called when required. Their carts are much
lighter than ours; and with the assistance of four moveable posts and a
chain, they contrive to dispense with both sides and ends. Their horses
are generally very good; they appear light, and when occasion requires,
move as swiftly as our coach horses.
The heavier kind of goods are usually disposed in smaller packages, and
the whole of the business equipage seems, to my judgement, much lighter
and more convenient than with us. Their porters, carmen, and helpers of
all kinds move with greater alacrity; and, although I admit I am not a
competent judge in such matters, I consider the Americans surpass us in
these affairs.
Their vessels of all descriptions appear much cleaner and handsomer than
ours; and this superiority is maintained throughout all classes, from a
Liverpool Packet to a Long Island market boat. A Yankee vessel, see her
where you may, can be told among a thousand others; she lies upon the
water like a swan, and in the midst of shipping from all nations, she
appears like a swallow among other birds.
Their steam ships are also very large, and most beautifully fitted up
and furnished. But now a passage across the Atlantic may be effected by
steam, the naval affairs of the whole world will, perhaps, undergo a
complete revolution: yet this would be more speedily effected, were the
steam apparatus perfectly free from danger.
The city is well supplied with provisions of every kind. On a fair
average, they are about half the price that they are with us; though the
markets are subject to considerable fluctuations. They are procured
every morning from the city markets; the two principal of which are the
Washington and the Fulton; and these are again supplied most plentifully
from the country, with every thing the land produces in all parts of
the Union: together with abundance of fish, in the greatest perfection.
During the winter, the inhabitants providentially secure a good supply
of ice for summer use. Insignificant as this article may appear to us
who seldom use it, even as a luxury, it is an object of paramount
importance in a city, where the thermometer ranges for four months in
the year, between eighty and a hundred degrees. During this broiling
season, neither meat, fish, poultry, milk, nor butter, could be
preserved without its cooling influence; and as a luxury at such a
season, it is grateful beyond conception.
One of the principal causes of domestic disquietude in this part of the
world, arises from servants. Whether this be the result of the peculiar
form of the American government or not, I pretend not to determine; but
most certainly, the saying of Jefferson is as well known by this class
as their own proper names, by some of them it is as frequently repeated,
and is taken advantage of by all. If a lady requires a servant, she
usually makes her wants known at one of the many register offices that
abound in the city; or she sends an advertisement to the newspaper
office, which will be inserted for an English shilling. In either case,
she is sure of having a numerous assemblage, from which she can make a
selection. The applicants will seem innumerable, comprising individuals
of almost every nation under heaven, but chiefly from Ireland: and it
will be a wonder, if any one among them have lived in her last place
more than a month. As to character, the whole affair generally proves a
farce: I myself, could never obtain any thing more than a mere outline.
I cannot well conceive how servants can be more fickle than they are
here. Their love of liberty prompts them to change their places, almost
as frequently as they change their dresses; and as to equality, they
always demand a seat at the same table with the heads of the family, in
the country; and in many instances, in the city. Seldom indeed, can a
girl be prevailed upon to remain on the premises after tea time; for, as
her mistress spends the evening out whenever _she_ pleases, the girl
thinks she cannot do better than imitate her example. But the latter
frequently forgets to return at the time appointed, and the worst of it
is, want of punctuality arising from this cause is not always the
greatest annoyance. But, I forget myself--servants they will not submit
to be called; this term is especially resisted by the free-born
sisterhood; they are therefore, denominated _helps_, _helpers_, or
_hands_.
So much for a single servant; and a plurality is sure to increase the
perplexity. I was frequently reminded of that saying of old Elwes, “If
you keep one servant, your work is done; if you keep two, it is half
done; if three are kept you may do it yourself.” Yet, the first section
of this aphorism does not correctly apply; for the work of a mistress is
never completely done here, by either one servant or more, and must in
many parts for ever go undone, unless she do it herself.
The perplexity arising from servants, has influenced many small families
to prefer residing from year to year, in a boarding-house. Although this
custom appears very singular at first, as do all domestic arrangements
with which we are unacquainted; yet I must confess, it has its
recommendations, and upon the whole, I liked it as well as occupying a
house of my own. As our apartments in Beekman-street were not, in all
respects, suited to our convenience, we removed to a boarding-house
situated in the immediate vicinity of the City Hall, where we were
provided with permanent accommodation; and remained here during our
continuance in the city. The inmates of the house have, of course, their
own sleeping rooms; and these, according to the number of the party, or
the kind of accommodation desired. The whole company, with the exception
of the children, assemble in the public room at meal times; besides
which, there is a public sitting room; and, should a private apartment
be required for any temporary purpose, it can always be obtained in an
establishment of any pretensions.
The order of the house is (for in describing one I describe all,) to
breakfast in summer at eight, dine at two, and take tea at six. The
breakfast table is furnished with tea, coffee, and chocolate, besides
viands of various kinds, both hot and cold, and also with fish and fruit
when in season. Dinner presents nothing remarkable; the table is
supplied with much about the same fare as with us, only with a little
more attention to variety. Tea is the last repast, and a massive one it
is. Besides tea and coffee, and a second edition of the substantial cold
fare that figured at the breakfast table, there are sweetmeats and
preserves in every variety, with a countless display of cakes, the very
naming of which would appear upon paper like a confectioner’s catalogue;
while melons, or pine apples, when in season, bring up the rear. After
this, what more is required? Being accustomed to take supper in Europe
we fancied we required it here, and were accommodated, but as we found
we were the only party who partook of that meal, we felt somewhat
uncomfortable, and learned in course of time to adopt the custom of our
neighbours, which we found by experience, in this respect to be
preferable to our own.
The quality of the fare provided is usually of the very best. I have
often thought that the Americans, as a nation, sacrifice the pleasures
of intellectual taste to mere animal gratification; and notwithstanding
the variety displayed at their repasts, I found it difficult to make a
selection of food safficiently plain for myself and my children. They
rally us on our partiality for the pleasures of the table, and we
receive it with hearty good nature; but really the national joke of the
roast beef of old England comes with a very bad grace from transatlantic
epicures. Like all other establishments, boarding houses are various in
character. They differ very little from each other in the fare they
provide, but the description of the house, and the terms, are considered
a just criterion of the circumstances and quality of the company they
entertain. The terms are of every variety, from three dollars per week,
to--I know not what sum. My husband and myself paid a hundred dollars
per month; in this sum I have not included any thing connected with the
children. Perhaps, some may think the mention of this an unnecessary
display of personal parade. My reason for it is this. I have so often
heard individuals who have written on America, charged with associating
with the _canaile_ of the nation, and their testimony, on this
assumption, has been rejected by numbers, that in order to rebut this
anticipated charge I have furnished the reader with an acknowledged
standard in order to assist him in the formation of his judgement.
Besides ourselves, the inmates of this establishment consisted of two
married pairs, a brother and sister, and two single gentlemen: the
gentlemen were all either professional men or merchants. Frequently the
company was diversified, by the introduction of a lady or gentleman from
Virginia, or from some other of the southern states, who had taken a
trip hither, for the purpose of avoiding the excessive heat at home; and
sometimes two ladies would drop down the Hudson from the north for a few
week’s pleasure. Some one of the gentlemen also, would occasionally
introduce a friend fresh from the other side of the Atlantic; so that,
it was no uncommon occurrence for us to converse, on the same day, with
individuals from many different parts of the globe.
After breakfast, we used to withdraw to the sitting-room, and either
read or work with the needle; or, if more agreeable, we could retire to
our private apartments. We could spend our time either privately or in
public according to our inclinations: and with agreeable society, for
ours was remarkably so, what could be more desirable? But what became of
the children? will be a natural question. These were no source of
annoyance--they were sent to school, or attended in the nursery, or, if
of sufficient age, were admitted into the sitting-room. That woman is
not worthy of the name of either wife or mother, in whose vocabulary the
word ‘trouble’ has a place, when the comfort of her husband or her
children is the object.
So small a portion of time being occupied in affairs of a domestic
nature, leaves the ladies leisure for reading, and for the construction
of elaborate articles of fancy dress. Their fashions are imported from
Paris, which however, do not at all times appear to become them; but
here as in England, any absurdity has its charms, that is countenanced
by the recommendation of a French milliner. The gentlemen dress after
the English style, and plates of the newest London fashions, are
displayed in the shop windows of every tailor in New York.
The Americans are commonly charged with eating with voracious avidity, I
know this to be strictly true with some; but the charge does not apply
in all its disgusting details, against the members of, what is
considered, good society. The first exhibition I witnessed of this
national peculiarity was on a steam-ship tour; until then I do not
recollect that I had even heard of it. It is most true, they do not
indulge in conversation while dining; and this, not only detracts from
that sociability which at all times graces an English repast; but it
also throws a sombre shade over the whole affair.
Nothing can exceed the abhorrence with which European ladies view the
disgusting practices I now feel myself called upon to mention. The
disagreeable creatures, almost to a man, chew tobacco and spit most
incessantly. These odious practices are too universal to admit of any
palliation from individual exceptions. What pleasure can the
things--wretches I was going to write, find in this loathsome practice?
It unfits them for the society even of those females, who have the
lowest claims to respectability--it injures their health--it makes them
hateful and hated go where they may;--and I could almost wish for the
supremacy of the Pope, to predominate in America for the single purpose
of carrying into effect the edict of Urban VII. against the use of
tobacco.
It is painful to dwell on these things, but having coupled the above
foul practices and dismissed them with the thunders of the Vatican, it
would be unfair to let the master vice of the nation escape, without a
sentence of disapprobation; I mean the drinking of ardent spirits. I
will not call it the vice of drunkenness, for, all I could learn
inclines me to question the capability of the gentlemen of the Union to
commit this sin. As a nation, they are brought up from their very
infancy to drink ardent spirits, and by the time they arrive at years of
maturity they become so habituated to the practice, that spirits cease
to affect them in a manner similar to others. Who can sufficiently
estimate the blessings that flow from cheap rum? I have witnessed
infants washed in it--being attainable by all, boys have been known to
enter school under its influence--and it has slain its thousands in the
prime of manhood.
That temperance societies have improved these things, I cheerfully
admit; for the practice had produced effects so appaling, that even the
depraved shuddered to contemplate them. But still the use of the
solitary dram is not banished, even from among the higher orders of the
community.
These _evil spirits_ are here made to assume all the attractions that a
depraved ingenuity, guided by avarice, can possibly invent. The taste
is consulted either by bitter, sweet, or acid, or by a pleasing
combination of all. If the weather be cold, spices are in request; if
hot, ice is introduced to impart a grateful coolness.
I would by no means advise any young man whether ignorant or educated,
who has the least relish for these things, to cross the Atlantic; for, I
consider if he have only the slightest inclination for them here, his
life is not worth four years purchase, from the day he sets foot on the
coast of America. In the short space of two years, how many have I known
and heard of, who, by this destructive vice, have been cut off in the
flower of their days! The absent friends of such seldom know the real
cause of their death; and consumption, or some other disorder,
frequently serves as the mantle to cover the horrid aspect of the
_familiar spirit_ they have consulted, as a similar vesture veiled the
shade of the reputed prophet.[B]