Page:Early western travels, 1748-1846 (1907 Volume 11).djvu/101

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their prejudice in the northern states. I saw and ate ripe figs, pears, apples, and plums in abundance, the rich productions of this generous climate, which now fill the markets, as though it were Autumn instead of June. Terribly stung by mosquitoes, fleas, and bugs. Feeling inflammatory symptoms, something like bilious fever, I took two grains of calomel, and a very warm relaxing bath, and found relief. I drank also less toddy and punch, which, in this country, are certainly bilious.

I noticed to-day the galley-slaves all singing songs in chorus, regulated by the motion of their oars; the music was barbarously harmonious. Some were plaintive love-songs. The verse was their own, and abounding either in praise or satire, intended for kind or unkind masters.

8th.—This morning, at the command of the Governor, and under the direction of the Attorney-General, appeared in the Courier some vague paragraphs on the subject of my examination, before the latter gentleman on Sunday. It was a vain endeavour to obliterate the deep impression made, and still making by my negro letter. Soon after I began my morning walk, I was met and rather rudely catechised by a Mr. Bee, who much importuned me to accompany him to the Times Office, and see the above reply, which appeared in both papers. This tart republican {79} defender of slavery, seemed disposed to quarrel with me, but I had seen the article and declined his invitation. "Go," said he, "and do justice to injured Carolina." To do that would be to make negroes and planters, for a few years, exchange places and stations.

I dined, and spent the day and night on Sullivan's healthy island, four miles in the sea, east of the city. On landing I found the elegant chariot of Mr. Gregory, with two negroes in waiting on the beach to take me up, and