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Note C—Page 236.
A late accurate writer, from whom the author has taken several
of the extracts contained in this appendix, relating to Louisiana,
thus speaks of slavery in that state.
“As this state contains a greater number of slaves, in proportion
to its population, than any other in the western country, we shall
bring into one compass all the general remarks, which we shall
make upon the aspect and character of slavery in the Mississippi
valley. It will be seen, from the table of population, that considerably
more than one half of the whole population of this state in 1820
was coloured people, and nearly one half slaves. Formerly they did
not increase in this state, and required importations from abroad, to
keep up the number. But since experience and humanity have dictated
more rational and humane modes of managing the sick and
the children, by carrying them, during the sickly months, to the
same places of healthy retirement to which their masters resort, they
are found to increase as rapidly here, as they do elsewhere. It is
well known, that under favourable circumstances, they are more
prolific than the whites.
It is not among the objects of this work to discuss the moral character
of slavery, or to contemplate the subject in any of its abstract
bearings. We can pronounce, from what we consider a thorough
knowledge of the subject, that the condition of the slaves here, the
treatment which they receive, and the character of their masters,
have been much misrepresented in the non-slave holding states.
We pretend to none but historical knowledge of the state of things,
which has existed here in past time. At present, we are persuaded
there are but few of those brutal and cruel masters, which the greater
portion of the planters were formerly supposed to be. The masters
now study popularity with their slaves. There is now no part of
the slave-holding country in the south-west where it would not be a
being now diverted by the war, he scoured the gulf at his
pleasure, and so tormented the coasting traders, that Governor Claiborne
of Louisiana set a price on his head.
This daring outlaw, thus confronted with the American government,
appeared likely to promote the designs of its enemies. He
was known to possess the clue to all the secret windings and entrances
of the many-mouthed Mississippi; and in the projected
attack upon New-Orleans it was deemed expedient to secure his
assistance.
The British officer then heading the forces landed at Pensacola
for the invasion of Louisiana, opened a treaty with the Barritarian,
to whom he offered such rewards as were best calculated to tempt
his cupidity and flatter his ambition. The outlaw affected to relish
the proposal; but having artfully drawn from Colonel N—the
plan of his intended attack, he spurned his offers with the most
contemptuous disdain, and instantly despatched one of his most
trusty corsairs to the governor who had set a price for his life, advising
him of the intentions of the enemy, and volunteering the aid
of his little band, on the single condition that an amnesty should be
granted for their past offences. Governor Claiborne, though touched
by this proof of magnanimity, hesitated to close with the offer.
The corsair kept himself in readiness for the expected summons,
and continued to spy and report the motions of the enemy. As
danger became more urgent, and the steady generosity of the outlaw
more assured, Governor Claiborne granted to him and his followers
life and pardon, and called them to the defence of the city.
They obeyed with alacrity, and served with a valour, fidelity, and
good conduct, not surpassed by the best volunteers of the republic.”
—Flint's Miss. Valley.
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