Slaves here, at all events in the cities, have a much better chance of acquiring money than in the American Slave States; and, as free negroes, they are able to carry on trade, to rent land, to pursue agriculture and other occupations; and many free negroes have acquired property by trade. On the other hand, the condition of the slaves on the plantations here is, in general, much worse; they are worked much harder, and they lack all religious instruction. They are regarded altogether as cattle, and the slave-trade with Africa is still carried on actively, although privately. A few days ago a cargo of seven hundred negroes was secretly conveyed from Africa to Havanna.[1] The government of the island received fifty dollars for each slave as “hush money,” and was silent. Pleasant and honourable!
The negroes in the cities look cheerful and healthy. One sees many handsome, well-grown, and not unfrequently splendidly dressed mulatto women on the promenades and in the churches. The fair mulattoes so nearly resemble the Spaniards in complexion and feature, that it is difficult to distinguish them. The Spaniards are said to be in general very kind to their domestic slaves, and not unfrequently indulgent to their weaknesses.
March 2nd.—Good morning, my little heart! I have just returned from mass in Matanzas church, for Matanzas has only one church, although it has a population of above thirty thousand souls. I heard there thundering music from the Spanish soldiery of the city, which greatly resembled the music of the dance, saw great parade of those occupying the centre aisle of the church; groups of ladies on their knees on splendid mats, many of
- ↑ These poor creatures are not sold here publicly, but in secret. They are said to be emaciated in a high degree, and look miserable when they are first landed, after the voyage from Africa, which is a three weeks' martyrdom for them; and they require to be fed up and brought into condition before they can tempt purchasers.
