TheGreatWarbetweentheNorthernandSouthernStatesofAmericapossessesapeculiarinterestforus，notonlybecauseitwasastrugglebetweentwosectionsofapeopleakintousinraceandlanguage，butbecauseoftheheroiccouragewithwhichtheweakerparty，withill-fed，ill-clad，ill-equippedregiments，forfouryearssustainedthecontestwithanadversarynotonlypossessedofimmensenumericalsuperiority，buthavingthecommandofthesea，andbeingabletodrawitsarmsandmunitionsofwarfromallthemanufactoriesofEurope。Authoritiesstilldifferastotherightsofthecase。TheConfederatesfirmlybelievedthattheStateshavingvoluntarilyunited，retainedtherightofwithdrawingfromtheUnionwhentheyconsidereditfortheiradvantagetodoso。
TheNorthernerstooktheoppositepointofview，andanappealtoarmsbecameinevitable。Duringthefirsttwoyearsofthewarthestrugglewasconductedwithoutinflictingunnecessaryhardshipuponthegeneralpopulation。Butlateronthecharacterofthewarchanged，andtheFederalarmiescarriedwide-spreaddestructionwherevertheymarched。Upontheotherhand，themomentthestrugglewasovertheconductoftheconquerorswasmarkedbyaclemencyandgenerosityaltogetherunexampledinhistory，acompleteamnestybeinggranted，andnone，whethersoldiersorcivilians，beingmadetosufferfortheirshareintherebellion。
ThecreditofthismagnanimousconductwastoagreatextentduetoGeneralsGrantandSherman，theformerofwhomtookuponhimselftheresponsibilityofgrantingtermswhich，althoughtheywerefinallyratifiedbyhisgovernment，wereatthetimereceivedwithangerandindignationintheNorth。Itwasimpossible，inthecourseofasinglevolume，togiveevenasketchofthenumerousandcomplicatedoperationsofthewar，andIhavethereforeconfinedmyselftothecentralpointofthegreatstruggle——theattemptsoftheNorthernarmiestoforcetheirwaytoRichmond，thecapitalofVirginiaandtheheartoftheConfederacy。Eveninrecountingtheleadingeventsinthesecampaigns，Ihaveburdenedmystorywithasfewdetailsaspossible，itbeingmyobjectnow，asalways，toamuseaswellastogiveinstructioninthefactsofhistory。
\"IWON\'Thaveit，Pearson；soit\'snouseyourtalking。IfIhadmywayyoushouldn\'ttouchanyofthefieldhands。AndwhenIgetmyway-thatwon\'tbesoverylong-Iwilltakegoodcareyousha\'n\'t。
Butyousha\'n\'thitDan。\"
\"Heisnotoneoftheregularhousehands，\"wasthereply；\"andI
shallappealtoMrs。WingfieldastowhetherIamtobeinterferedwithinthedischargeofmyduties。\"
\"Youmayappealtomymotherifyoulike，butIdon\'tthinkthatyouwillgetmuchbyit。Itellyouyouareadealtoofondofthatwhip，Pearson。Itneverwasheardofontheestateduringmyfather\'stime，anditsha\'n\'tbeagainwhenitcomestobemine，I
cantellyou。Comealong，Dan；Iwantyouatthestables。\"
Sosaying，VincentWingfieldturnedonhisheel，andfollowedbyDan，anegroladofsomeeighteenyearsold，bewalkedofftowardthehouse，leavingJonasPearson，theoverseeroftheOrangeryestate，lookingafterhimwithanevilexpressionofface。
VincentWingfieldwasthesonofanEnglishofficer，who，makingatourintheStates，hadfalleninlovewithandwonthehandofWinifredCornish，arichVirginianheiress，andoneofthebellesofRichmond。AfterthemarriagehehadtakenherhometovisithisfamilyinEngland；butshehadnotbeentheremanyweeksbeforethenewsarrivedofthesuddendeathofherfather。AmonthlatersheandherhusbandreturnedtoVirginia，asherpresencewasrequiredthereinreferencetobusinessmattersconnectedwiththeestate，ofwhichshewasnowthemistress。
TheOrangery，socalledfromalargeconservatorybuiltbyMrs。
Wingfield\'sgrandfather，wasthefamilyseat，andthebroadlandsarounditweretilledbyupwardoftwohundredslaves。TherewereinadditionthreeotherpropertieslyingindifferentpartsoftheState。HereVincent，withtwosisters，oneolderandoneyoungerthanhimself，hadbeenborn。WhenhewaseightyearsoldMajorandMrs。WingfieldhadgoneoverwiththeirchildrentoEngland，andhadleftVincentthereforfouryearsatschool，hisholidaysbeingspentatthehouseofhisfather\'sbrother，acountrygentlemaninSussex。Thenhehadbeensentforunexpectedly；hisfathersayingthathishealthwasnotgood，andthatheshouldlikehissontobewithhim。Ayearlaterhisfatherdied。
Vincentwasnownearlysixteenyearsold，andwoulduponcomingofageassumethereinsofpowerattheOrangery，ofwhichhismother，however，wouldbetheactualmistressaslongasshelived。
ThefouryearsVincenthadpassedintheEnglishschoolhaddonemuchtorendertheinstitutionofslaveryrepugnanttohim，andhisfatherhadhadmanyserioustalkswithhimduringthelastyearofhislife，andhadshownhimthattherewasagooddealtobesaiduponbothsidesofthesubject。
\"Therearegoodplantationsandbadplantations，Vincent；andtherearemanymoregoodonesthanbadones。Therearebrutestobefoundeverywhere。TherearebadmastersintheSouthernStatesjustastherearehadlandlordsineveryEuropeancountry。
\'Butevenfromself-interestalone，aplanterhasgreaterreasonforcaringforthehealthandcomfortofhisslavesthananEnglishfarmerhasincaringforthecomfortofhislaborers。Slavesarevaluableproperty，andiftheyareoverworkedorbadlycaredfortheydecreaseinvalue。Whereasifthelaborerfallssickorisunabletodohisworkthefarmerhassimplytohireanotherhand。
Itisasmuchtheinterestofaplantertokeephisslavesingoodhealthandspiritsasitisforafarmertofeedandattendtohishorsesproperly。
\"Ofthetwo，IconsiderthattheslavewithafairlykindmasteristothefullashappyastheordinaryEnglishlaborer。Hecertainlydoesnotworksohard，ifheisillheiscarefullyattendedto，heiswellfed，hehasnocaresoranxietieswhatever，andwhenoldandpastworkhehasnofearoftheworkhousestaringhimintheface。AtthesametimeIamquitereadytograntthattherearehorribleabusespossibleunderthelawsconnectedwithslavery。
\"Thesellingofslaves，thatistosay，thebreakingupoffamiliesandsellingthemseparately，ishorribleandabominable。Ifanestateweresoldtogetherwithalltheslavesuponit，therewouldbenomorehardshipinthematterthanthereiswhenanestatechangeshandsinEngland，andthelaborersuponitworkforthenewmasterinsteadoftheold。WereItoliberatealltheslavesonthisestateto-morrowandtosendthemNorth，Idonotthinkthattheywouldbeinanywaybenefitedbythechange。Theywouldstillhavetoworkfortheirlivingastheydonow，andbeingnaturallyindolentandshiftlesswouldprobablyfaremuchworse。
ButagainstthesellingoffamiliesseparatelyandtheuseofthelashIsetmyfacestrongly。
\"Atthesametime，myboy，whateveryoursentimentsmaybeonthissubject，youmustkeepyourmouthclosedastothem。OwingtotheattemptsofNorthernAbolitionists，whohavecomedownherestirringuptheslavestodiscontent，itisnotadvisable，indeeditisabsolutelydangerous，tospeakagainstslaveryintheSouthernStates。Theinstitutionishere，andwemustmakethebestwecanofit。PeoplehereareverysoreatthefoulslandersthathavebeenpublishedbyNorthernwriters。Therehavebeenmanyatrocitiesperpetratedundoubtedly，bybruteswhowouldhavebeenbruteswhenevertheybadbeenborn；buttocollectaseriesofsuchatrocities，tostringthemtogetherintoastory，andtoholdthemup，asMrs。BeecherStowehas，asapictureofslave-lifeintheSouthernStates，isasgrossalibelasifanyoneweretomakeacollectionofallthewife-beatingsandassaultsofdrunkenEnglishruffians，andtopublishthemasapictureoftheaveragelifeofEnglishpeople。
\"SuchlibelsasthesehavedonemoretoembitterthetwosectionsofAmericaagainsteachotherthananythingelse。Therefore，Vincent，myadvicetoyouis，bealwayskindtoyourslaves-notover-indulgent，becausetheyareverylikechildrenandindulgencespoilsthem-butbeatthesametimefirmandkindtothem，andwithotherpeopleavoidenteringintoanydiscussionsorexpressinganyopinionwithregardtoslavery。Youcandonogoodandyoucandomuchharm。Takethingsasyoufindthemandmakethebestofthem。Itrustthatthetimemaycomewhenslaverywillbeabolished；butIhope，forthesakeoftheslavesthemselves，thatwhenthisisdoneitwillbedonegraduallyandthoughtfully，forotherwiseitwouldinflictterriblehardshipandsufferinguponthemaswellasupontheirmasters。\"
Thereweremanysuchconversationsbetweenfatherandson，forfeelingonthesubjectranveryhighintheSouthernStates，andtheformerfeltthatitwasoftheutmostimportancetohissonthatheshouldavoidtakinganystronglineinthematter。AmongtheoldfamiliesofVirginiatherewasindeedfarlessfeelingonthissubjectthaninsomeoftheotherStates。Knowingthegoodfeelingthatalmostuniversallyexistedbetweenthemselvesaidtheirslaves，thegentryofVirginiaregardedwithcontemptthecalumniesofwhichtheywerethesubject。Secureintheaffectionoftheirslaves，anaffectionwhichwasafter-wardabundantlyprovedduringthecourseofthewar，theyscarcelysawtheuglysideofthequestion。Theworstmasterswerethesmallestones；
themanwhoownedsixslaveswasfarmoreapttoextorttheutmostpossibleworkfromthemthantheplanterwhoownedthreeorfourhundred。Andtheworstmastersofallwerethosewho，havingmadealittlemoneyintradeorspeculationinthetowns，purchasedadozenslaves，asmallpieceofland，andtriedtosetupasgentry。
InVirginiathelifeofthelargeplanterswasalmostapatriarchalone；theindoorslavesweretreatedwithextremeindulgence，andwerepermittedafarhigherdegreeoffreedomofremarkandfamiliaritythanisthecasewithservantsinanEnglishhousehold。
Theyhadbeenthenursesorcompanionsoftheownerswhenchildren，hadgrownupwiththem，andregardedthemselves，andwereregardedbythem，asalmostpartofthefamily。Therewas，ofcourse，lessconnectionbetweentheplantersandtheirfieldhands；
butthesealsohadforthemostpartbeenbornontheestate，hadaschildrenbeentaughttolookuptotheirwhitemastersandmistresses，andtoreceivemanylittlekindnessesattheirhands。
Theyhadbeencaredforinsickness，andknewthattheywouldbeprovidedforinoldage。Eachhadhislittleallotment，andcouldraisefruit，vegetables，andfowlsforhisownuseorforsaleinhisleisuretime。Thefearoflossofemploymentorthepressureofwant，everpresenttoEnglishlaborers，hadneverfallenuponthem。
Theclimatewasalovelyone，andtheirworkfarlessseverethanthatofmenforcedtotoilincoldandwet，winterandsummer。
Theinstitutionofslaveryassuredlywascapableofterribleabuses，andwasmarkedinmanyinstancesbyabominablecrueltyandoppression；buttakenallinall，thenegroesonawell-orderedestate，underkindmasters，wereprobablyahappierclassofpeoplethanthelaborersuponanyestateinEurope。
JonasPearsonhadbeenoverseerinthetimeofMajorWingfield，buthisauthorityhadatthattimebeencomparativelysmall，forthemajorhimselfpersonallysupervisedthewholeworkingoftheestate，andwasgreatlylikedbytheslaves，whosechiefaffectionswere，however，naturallybestowedupontheirmistress，whohadfromchildhoodbeenbroughtupintheirmidst。MajorWingfieldhadnotlikedhisoverseer，buthehadneverhadanygroundtojustifyhimmakingachange。Jonas，whowasaNorthernman，wasalwaysactiveandenergetic；allMajorWingfield\'sorderswerestrictlyandpunctuallycarriedout，andalthoughhedislikedtheman，hisemployeracknowledgedhimtobeanexcellentservant。
Afterthemajor\'sdeath，JonasPearsonhadnaturallyobtainedgreatlyincreasedpowerandauthority。Mrs。Wingfieldhadgreatconfidenceinhim，hisaccountswerealwaysclearandprecise，andalthoughtheprofitsoftheestatewerenotquitesolargeastheyhadbeeninherhusband\'slifetime，thiswasalwayssatisfactorilyexplainedbyafallinprices，orbyapartofthecropsbeingaffectedbytheweather。Sheflatteredherselfthatsheherselfman。
agedtheestate，andattimesrodeoverit，madesuggestions，andissuedorders，butthiswasonlyinfitsandstarts；andalthoughJonascameuptwoorthreetimesaweektothehousenominallytoreceiveherorders，hemanagedhersoadroitlythatwhileshebelievedthateverythingwasdonebyherdirections，sheinrealityonlyfollowedoutthesuggestionswhich，inthefirstplace，camefromhim。
Shewasaware，however，thattherewaslesscontentandhappinessontheestatethantherehadbeenintheoldtimes。Complaintshadreachedherfromtimetotimeofoverworkandharshtreatment。
Butuponinquiringintothesematters，Jonashadalwayssuchplausiblereasonstogivethatshewasconvincedhewasintheright，andthatthefaultwasamongtheslavesthemselves，whotriedtotakeadvantageofthefactthattheyhadnolongeramaster\'seyeuponthem，andaccordinglytriedtoshirkwork，andtothrowdiscredituponthemanwholookedaftertheinterestsoftheirmistress；andsograduallyMrs。WingfieldleftthemanagementofaffairsmoreandmoreinthehandsofJonas，andreliedmoreimplicitlyuponhim。
Theoverseersparednopainstogainthegood-willofVincent。
Whenthelatterdeclaredthatthehorseherodehadnotsufficientlifeandspiritforhim，Jonashadsetinquiriesonfoot，andhadselectedforhimahorsewhich，forspeedandbottom，hadnosuperiorintheState。OneofMrs。Wingfleld\'sacquaintances，however，uponhearingthatshehadpurchasedtheanimal，toldherthatitwasnotoriousforitsvicioustemper，andshespokeangrilytoJonasonthesubjectinthepresenceofVincent。Theoverseerexcusedhimselfbysayingthathehadcertainlyheardthatthehorsewashighspiritedandneededagoodrider，andthatheshouldnothavethoughtofselectingithadhenotknownthatMr。Vincentwasafirst-classrider，andwouldnotcaretohaveahorsethatanychildcouldmanage。
Thepraisewasnotundeserved。ThegentlemenofVirginiawerecelebratedasgoodriders；andMajorWingfield，himselfacavalryman，hadbeenanxiousthatVincentshouldmaintainthecreditofhisEnglishblood，andhadplacedhimonaponyassoonashewasabletositonone。Aponyhadbeenkeptforhisuseduringhisholidaysathisuncle\'sinEngland，anduponhisreturnVincenthad，exceptduringthehourshespentwithhisfather，almostlivedonhorseback，eitherridingabouttheestate，orpayingvisitstothehousesofotherplanters。
Foranhourormoreeverydayheexercisedhisfather\'shorsesinapaddocknearthehouse，themajorbeingwheeleddowninaneasy-chairandsuperintendinghisriding。Asthesehorseshadlittletodoandwerefullofspirit，Vincent\'spowerswereoftentaxedtotheutmost，andhehadmanyfalls；butthesoilwaslight，andhehadlearnedtheknackoffallingeasily，andfromconstantpracticewasableattheageoffourteentostickonfirmlyevenwithoutasaddle，andwasabsolutelyfearlessastoanyanimalhemounted。
Inthetwoyearswhichhadfollowedhehadkeptuphisriding。
EverymorningafterbreakfastherodetoRichmond，sixmilesdistant，putuphishorseatsomestablethere，andspentthreehoursatschool；therestofthedaywashisown，andhewouldoftenrideoffwithsomeofhisschoolfellowswhohadalsocomeinfromadistance，andnotreturnhometilllateintheevening。VincenttookafterhisEnglishfatherratherthanhisVirginianmotherbothinappearanceandcharacter，andwaslikelytobecomeastallandbrawnyamanastheformerhadbeenwhenhefirstwontheloveoftherichVirginianheiress。
Hewasfulloflifeandenergy，andinthisrespectofferedastrongcontrasttomostofhisschoolfellowsofthesameage。Foralthoughsplendidridersandkeensportsmen，theplantersofVirginiawereinotherrespectsinclinedtoindolence；theresultpartlyoftheclimate，partlyoftheirbeingwaiteduponfromchildhoodbyattendantsreadytocarryouteverywish。Hehadhisfather\'scheerfuldispositionandgoodtemper，togetherwiththedecisivemannersofrequentlyacquiredbyaserviceinthearmy，andatthesametimebehadsomethingofthewarmthandenthusiasmoftheVirginiancharacter。
Goodriderashewashewassomewhatsurprisedatthehorsetheoverseerhadselectedforhim。Itwascertainlyasplendidanimal，withgreatboneandpower；buttherewasnomistakingtheexpressionofitsturned-backeye，andtheearsthatlayalmostflatontheheadwhenanyoneapproachedhim。
\"Itisasplendidanimal，nodoubt，Jonas，\"hesaidthefirsttimelieinspectedit；\"buthecertainlylooksasifliehadabeastofatemper。Ifearwhatwastoldmymotherabouthimisnoexaggeration；forMr。Markhamtoldmeto-day，whenIrodedowntherewithhisson，andsaidthatwehadboughtWildfire，thatafriendofhishadhadhimonce，andonlykepthimforaweek，forhewasthemostviciousbruteheeversaw。\"
\"IamsorryIhaveboughthimnow，sir，\"Jonassaid。\"OfcourseI
shouldnothavedonesoifIhadheardthesethingsbefore；butI
wastoldhewasoneofthefinesthorsesinthecountry，onlyalittletricky，andashispricewassoreasonableIthoughtitagreatbargain。ButIseenowIwaswrong，andthatitwouldn\'tberightforyoutomounthim；soIthinkwehadbestsendhiminonSaturdaytothemarketandletitgoforwhatitwillfetch。Yousee，sir，ifyouhadbeenthreeorfouryearsolderitwouldhavebeendifferent；butnaturallyatyourageyoudon\'tliketoridesuchahorseasthat。\"
\"Isha\'n\'tgiveitupwithoutatrial，\"Vincentsaidshortly。\"ItisaboutthefinesthorseIeversaw；andifithadn\'tbeenforitstemper，itwouldbecheapatfivetimesthesumyougaveforit。I
haveriddenagoodmanybad-temperedhorsesformyfriendsduringthelastyear，andtheworstofthemcouldn\'tgetmeoff。\"
\"Well，sir，ofcourseyouwilldoasyouplease，\"Jonassaid；\"butpleasetorememberifanyharmcomesofitthatIstronglyadvisedyounottohaveanythingtodowithit，andIdidmybesttodissuadeyoufromtrying。\"
Vincentnoddedcarelessly，andthenturnedtotheblackgroom。
\"Jake，getoutthatcavalrysaddleofmyfather\'s，withthehighcantleandpommel，andtherollsfortheknees。It\'slikeanarmchair，andifonecan\'tstickononthat，onedeservestobethrown。\"
Whilethegroomwasputtingonthesaddle，Vincentstoodpattingthehorse\'sheadandtalkingtoit，andthentakingitsreinleditdownintotheinclosure。
\"No，Idon\'twantthewhip，\"hesaid，asJakeofferedhimone。\"I
havegotthespurs，andlikelyenoughthehorse\'stempermayhavebeenspoiledbyknockingitaboutwithawhip；butwewilltrywhatkindnesswilldowithitfirst。\"
\"Menolikehislook，MassaVincent；hedebbieobahossdat。\"
\"Idon\'tthinkhehasanicetemper，Jake；butpeoplelearntocontroltheirtemper，andIdon\'tseewhyhorseshouldn\'t。Atanyratewewillhaveatryatit。Helooksasifheappreciatesbeingpattedandspokentoalready。Ofcourseifyoutreatahorselikeasavagehewillbecomesavage。Now，standoutoftheway。\"
Gatheringthereinstogether，andplacingonehanduponthepommel，Vincentsprangintothesaddlewithouttouchingthestirrups；thenhesatforaminuteortwopattingthehorse\'sneck。
Wildfire，apparentlydisgustedathavingallowedhimselftobemountedsosuddenly，lashedoutviciouslytwoorthreetimes，andthenrefusedtomove。ForhalfanhourVincenttriedtheeffectofpatientcoax-jug，butinvain。
\"Well，ifyouwon\'tdoitbyfairmeansyoumustbyfoul，\"Vincentsaidatlast，andsharplyprickedhimwithhisspurs。
Wildfiresprangintotheair，andthenbeganadesperateseriesofeffortstoridhimselfofhisrider，rearingandkickinginsuchquicksuccessionthatheseemedhalfthetimeintheair。Findingafterawhilethathiseffortswereunavailing，hesubsidedatlastintosulkyimmovability。AgainVincenttriedcoaxingandpatting，butasnosuccessattendedtheseefforts，heagainappliedthespursharply。Thistimethehorserespondedbyspringingforwardlikeanarrowfromabow，dashedatthetopofhisspeedacrosstheinclosure，clearedthehighfencewithoutaneffort，andthensetoffacrossthecountry。
Hehadattemptedtotakethebitinhisteeth，butwithasharpjerkashedrovethespursin，Vincenthaddefeatedhisintention。Henowdidnotattempttocheckorguidehim，butkeepingalighthandonthereinslethimgohisowncourse。Vincentknewthatsolongasthehorsewasgoingfullspeeditcouldattemptnotricktounseathim，andhethereforesateasilyinhissaddle。
ForsixmilesWildfirecontinuedhiscourse，clearingeveryobstaclewithoutabatementtohisspeed，anddelightinghisriderwithhispowerandjumpingqualities。Occasionally，onlywhenthecoursehewastakingwouldhaveledhimtoobstaclesimpossibleforthebestjumpertosurmount，Vincentattemptedtoputtheslightestpressureupononereinortheother，soastodirectittoaneasierpoint。
Attheendofsixmilesthehorse\'sspeedbeganslightlytoabate，andVincent，abstainingfromtheuseofhisspurs，presseditwithhiskneesandspoketoitcheerfullyurgingitforward。Henowfromtimetotimebentforwardandpattedit，andforanothersixmileskeptitgoingataspeedalmostasgreatasthatatwhichithadstartedThenhealloweditgraduallytoslackenitspace，untilatlastfirstthegallopandthenthetrotceased，anditbrokeintoawalk。
\"Youhavehadafinegallop，oldfellow，\"Vincentsaid，pattingit；
\"andsohaveI。There\'sbeennothingforyoutoloseyourtemperabout，andthenextroadwecomeuponwewillturnourfacehomeward。Halfadozenlessonslikethis，andthennodoubtweshallbegoodfriends。\"
Thejourneyhomewasperformedatawalk，Vincenttalkingthegreaterpartofthetimetothehorse。IttookagooddealmorethansixlessonsbeforeWildfirewouldstartwithoutapreliminarystrugglewithhismaster，butintheendkindnessandpatienceconquered。Vincentoftenvisitedthehorseinthestables，and，takingwithhimanappleorsomepiecesofsugar，spentsometimetheretalk。mgtoandpettingit。Henevercarriedawhip，andneverusedthespursexceptinforcingittomakeitsfirststart。
Hadthehorsebeennaturallyill-temperedVincentwouldprobablyhavefailed，but，ashehappenedafterwardtolearn，itsfirstownerhadbeenahot-temperedandpassionateyoungplanter，who，insteadofbeingpatientwithit，hadbeatitaboutthehead，andsorendereditrestiveandbad-tempered。HadVincentnotlaidasidehiswhipbeforemountingitforthefirsttime，heprobablywouldneverhaveeffectedacure。Itwasthefactthattheanimalhadnolongerafearofhisoldenemythewhipasmuchasthegeneralcourseofkindnessandgoodtreatmentthathadeffectedthechangeinhisbehavior。
ItwasjustwhenVincenthadestablishedagoodunderstandingbetweenhimselfandWildfirethathehadthealtercationwiththeoverseer，whomhefoundabouttoflogtheyoungnegroDan。
Pearsonhadsenttheladhalfanhourbeforeonamessagetosomeslavesatworkattheotherendoftheestate，andhadfoundhimsittingonthegroundwatchingatreeinwhichhehaddiscoveredapossum。ThatDandeservedpunishmentwasundoubted。HehadatpresentnoregularemploymentupontheestateJake，hisfather，washeadofthestables，andDanhadmadehimselfusefulinoddjobsaboutthehorses，andexpectedtobecomeoneoftheregularstablehands。Theoverseerwasofopinionthattherewerealreadymorenegroesinthestablethancouldfindemployment，andhadurgeduponMrs。WingfieldthatoneofthehandsthereandtheboyDanshouldbesentouttothefields。She，however，refused。
\"Iknowyouarequiteright，Jonas，inwhatyousay。Buttherewerealwaysfourhandsinthestableinmyfather\'stime，andtherealwayshavebeenuptonow；andthoughIknowtheyhaveaneasytimeofit，Icertainlyshouldnotliketosendanyofthemouttothefields。AstoDan，wewillthinkaboutit。WhenhisfatherwasabouthisageheusedtoleadmyponywhenIfirsttooktoriding，andwhenthereisavacancyDanmustcomeintothestable。I
couldnotthinkofsendinghimoutasafieldhand，inthefirstplaceforhisfather\'ssake，butstillmoreforthatofVincent。Danusedtobetoldofftoseethathedidnotgetintomischiefwhenhewasalittleboy，andhehasrunmessagesandbeenhisspecialboysincehecameback。Vincentwantedtohavehimashisregularhouseservant；butitwouldhavebrokenoldSam\'sheartif，afterbeingmyfather\'sboyandmyhusband\'s，anotherhadtakenhisplaceasVincent\'s。\"
AndsoDanhadremainedinthestable，butregardingVincentashisspecialmaster，carryingnotesforhimtohisfriends，ordoinganyoddjobshemightrequire，andspendingnosmallportionofhistimeinsleep。Thushewasanobjectofspecialdisliketotheoverseer；inthefirstplacebecausehehadnotsucceededinhavinghiswaywithregardtohim，andinthesecondbecausehewasauselesshand，andtheoverseerlovedtogetasmuchworkaspossibleoutofeveryoneontheestate。Themessagehadbeenasomewhatimportantone，ashewantedtheslavesforsomeworkthatwasurgentlyrequired；andhelosthistemper，orhewouldnothavedoneanactwhichwouldcertainlybringhimintocollisionwithVincent。
Hewaswellawarethattheladdidnotreallylikehim，andthathiseffortstogainhisgood-willhadfailed，andhehadforeseenthatsoonerorlatertherewouldbeastruggleforpowerbetweenthem。
However，herelieduponhisinfluencewithMrs。Wingfield，anduponthefactthatshewasthelife-owneroftheOrangery，andbelievedthathewouldbeabletomaintainhispositionevenwhenVincentcameofage。Vincentonhissideobjectedaltogethertotheoverseer\'streatmentofthehands，ofwhichheheardagooddealfromDan，andbadalreadyremonstratedwithhismotheronthesubject。He，however，gainednothingbythis。Mrs。Wingfieldhadrepliedthathewastooyoungtointerfereinsuchmatters，thathisEnglishideaswouldnotdoinVirginia，andthatnaturallytheslavesweresetagainsttheoverseer；andthatnowPearsonhadnolongeramastertosupporthim，hewasobligedtobemoreseverethanbeforetoenforceobedience。AtthesametimeitvexedheratheartthatthereshouldbeanyseverityontheOrangeryestate，wherethebestrelationshadalwaysprevailedbetweenthemastersandslaves，andshehadherselfspokentoJonasonthesubject。
Hehadgivenherthesameanswerthatshehadgivenherson:\"Theslaveswillworkforamaster，Mrs。Wingfield，inawaytheywillnotforastranger。Theysetthemselvesagainstme，andifIwerenotseverewiththemIshouldgetnoworkatallcutofthem。Ofcourse，ifyouwishit，theycandoastheylike；butinthatcasetheymusthaveanotheroverseer。Icannotseeafineestategoingtoruin。IbelievemyselfsomeoftheseAbolitionfellowshavebeengettingamongthemanddoingthemmischief，andthatthereisabadspiritgrowingupamongthem。IcanassureyouthatIamaslenientwiththemasispossibletobe。Butiftheywon\'tworkI
mustmakethem，solongasIstayhere。\"
Andsotheoverseerhadhadhisway。Sheknewthatthemanwasagoodservant，andthattheestatewaskeptinexcellentorder。
Afterall，theseventiesofwhichshehadheardcomplaintswerebynomeansexcessive；anditwasnottoheexpectedthataNorthernoverseercouldruleentirelybykindness，astheownerofanestatecoulddo。Achangewouldbemostinconvenienttoher，andshewouldhavedifficultyinsuitingherselfsowellanothertime。
Besides，themanhadbeenwithhersixteenyears，andwas，asshebelieved，devotedtoherinterests。ThereforesheturnedadeafeartoVincent\'sremonstrances。
ShehadalwaysbeensomewhatopposedtohisbeingleftinEnglandatschool，urgingthathewouldlearnideastherethatwouldclashwiththoseofthepeopleamongwhomhislifewastobespent；andshestillconsideredthatherviewshadbeenjustifiedbytheresult。
TheoverseerwasthefirsttogivehisversionofthestoryshoutDan\'sconduct；forongoingtothehouseVincentfoundhissisters，RosaandAnnie，inthegarden，havingjustreturnedfromatwodays\'visittosomefriendsinRichmond，andstayedchattingwiththemandlisteningtotheirnewsforanhour，andinthemeantimeJonashadgoneinandseenMrs。Wingfieldandtoldhisstory。
\"Ithink，Mrs。Wingfield，\"hesaidwhenhehadfinished，\"thatitwillbebetterformetoleaveyou。ItisquiteevidentthatIcanhavenoauthorityoverthehandsifyoursonistointerferewhenI
amabouttopunishaslaveforanactofgrossdisobedienceandneglect。Ifoundthatallthetobaccorequiredturning，andnowitwillnotbedonethisafternoonowingtomyordersnotbeingcarriedout，andthetobaccowillnotimprobablybeinjuredinquality。Mypositionisdifficultenoughasitis；butiftheslavesseethatinsteadofbeingsupportedIamthwartedbyyourson，myauthorityisgonealtogether。Nooverseercancarryonhisworkproperlyundersuchcircumstances。\"
\"Iwillseetothematter，Jonas，\"Mrs。Wingfieldsaiddecidedly。
\"Beassuredthatyouhavemyentiresupport，andIwillseethatmysondoesnotagaininterfere。\"
When，therefore，Vincententeredthehouseandbeganhiscomplainthefoundhimselfcutshort。
\"Ihaveheardthestoryalready，Vincent。Danactedingrossdisobedience，andthoroughlydeservedthepunishmentJonaswasabouttogivehim。Theworkoftheestatecannotbecarriedonifsuchconductistobetolerated；andonceforall，IwillpermitnointerferenceonyourpartwithJonas。Ifyouhaveanycomplaintstomake，cometomeandmakethem；butyouarenotyourselftointerfereinanywaywiththeoverseer。AsforDan，IhavedirectedJonasthatthenexttimehegivescauseforcomplaintheistogointothefields。\"
Vincentstoodsilentforaminute，thenhesaidquietly:
\"Verywell，mother。Ofcourseyoucandoasyoulike；butatanyrateIwillnotkeepmymonthshutwhenIseethatfellowill-treatingtheslaves。Suchthingswereneverdoneinmyfather\'stime，andIwon\'tseethemdonenow。YousaidtileotherdayyouwouldgetmeanominationtoWestPointassoonasIwassixteen。
Ishouldbegladifyouwoulddoso。BythetimeIhavegonethroughtheschool，youwillperhapsseethatIhavebeenrightaboutJonas。\"
Sosaying，heturnedandlefttheroomandagainjoinedhissistersinthedrawing-room。
\"IhavejusttoldmotherthatIwillgotoWestPoint，girls，\"hesaid。
\"FathersaidmorethanoncethathethoughtitwasthebesteducationIcouldgetinAmerica。\"
\"ButIthoughtyouhadmadeupyourmindthatyouwouldratherstopathome，Vincent？\"
\"SoIhad，andsoIwouldhavedone，butmotherandIdifferinopinionThatfellowJonaswasgoingtoflogDan，andIstoppedhimthismorning，andmothertakeshispartagainstme。Youknow，Idon\'tlikethewayhegoesonwiththeslaves。Theyarenothalfsomerryandhappyastheyusedtobe，andIdon\'tlikeit。Weshallhaveoneofthemrunningawaynext，andthatwillbeanicethingonwhatusedtobeconsideredoneofthehappiestplantationsinVirginia。Ican\'tmakemotherout；Ishouldhavethoughtthatshewouldhavebeenthelastpersonintheworldtohaveallowedtheslavestobeharshlytreated。\"
\"Iamsurewedon\'tlikeJonasmorethanyoudo，Vincent；butyouseemammahastodependuponhimsomuch。No，Idon\'tthinkshecanlikeit；butyoucan\'thaveeverythingyoulikeinaman，andIknowshethinksheisaverygoodoverseer。Isupposeshecouldgetanother？\"
Vincentsaidhethoughtthattherecouldnotbemuchdifficultyaboutgettinganoverseer。
\"Theremightbeadifficultyingettingoneshecouldrelyonsothoroughly，\"Rosasaid。\"Youseeagreatdealmustbelefttohim。
Jonashasbeenhereagoodmanyyearsnow，andshehaslearnedtotrusthim。Itwouldbealongtimebeforeshehadthesameconfidenceinastranger；andyoumaybesurethathewouldhavehisfaults，though，perhaps，notthesameasthoseofJonas。Ithinkyoudon\'tmakeallowanceenoughformamma，Vincent。IquiteagreewithyouastoJonas，andIdon\'tthinkmammacanlikehisharshnesstotheslavesanymorethanyoudo；buteveryonesayswhatadifficultyitistogetareallytrustworthyandcapableoverseer，and，ofcourse，itisalltheharderwhenthereisnomastertolookafterhim。\"
\"Well，inafewyearsIshallbeabletolookafteranoverseer，\"
Vincentsaid。
\"Youmightdoso，ofcourse，Vincent，ifyouliked；butunlessyouchangeagooddeal，Idon\'tthinkyoursupervisionwouldamounttomuch。Whenyouarenotatschoolyouarealwaysonhorsebackandaway，andweseelittleenoughofyou，andIdonotthinkyouarelikelyforalongtimeyettogiveupmostofyourtimetolookingaftertheestate。\"
\"Perhapsyouareright，\"Vincentsaid，afterthinkingforaminute；
\"hutIthinkIcouldsettledowntoo，andgivemostofmytimetotheestate，ifIwasresponsibleforit。Idaresaymotherisinadifficultyoverit，andIshouldnothavespokenasIdid；Iwillgoinandtellherso。\"
Vincentfoundhismothersittingashehadlefther。AlthoughshehadsidedwithJonas，itwasagainstherwill；foritwasgrievoustohertohearcomplaintsofthetreatmentoftheslavesattheOrangery。Still，asRosahadsaid，shefelteveryconfidenceinheroverseer，andbelievedthathewasanexcellentservant。Shewasconsciousthatsheherselfknewnothingofbusiness，andthatshemustthereforegiveherentireconfidencetohermanager。ShegreatlydislikedthestrictnessofJonas；butif，ashesaid，theslaveswouldnotobeyhimwithout，hemustdoasliethoughtbest。
\"IthinkIspoketoohastily，mother，\"Vincentsaidasheentered；
\"andIamsurethatyouwouldnotwishtheslavestobeill-treatedmorethanIshould。IdaresayJonasmeansforthebest。\"
\"Ifeelsurethathedoes，Vincent。Amaninhispositioncannotmakehimselfobeyedlikeamaster。Iwishitcouldbeotherwise，andIwillspeaktohimonthesubject；butitwillnotdotointerferewithhimtoomuch。Agoodoverseerisnoteasytoget，andtheslavesarealwaysreadytotakeadvantageofleniency。Aneasymastermakesbadwork，butaneasyoverseerwouldmeanruintoanestate。IamconvincedthatJonashasourinterestsatheart，andIwilltellhimthatIparticularlywishthathewilldevisesomeothersortofpunishment，suchasdeprivingmenwhowon\'tworkofsomeoftheirprivilegesinsteadofusingthelash。\"
\"Thankyou，mother。Atanyrate，hemighthetoldthatthelashisnevertobeusedwithoutfirstappealingtoyou。\"
\"Iwillseeaboutit，Vincent，andtalkitoverwithhim。\"AndwiththatVincentwassatisfied。
CHAPTERII。BUYINGASLAVE。
MRS。WINGFIELDdidtalkthematteroverwiththeoverseer，andthingswentoninconsequencemoresmoothly。Vincent，however，adheredtohiswish，anditwasarrangedthatassoonashecouldgetanominationheshouldgotoWestPoint，whichistotheAmericanarmywhatSandhurstandWoolwicharetoEngland。
Beforethatcouldhedone，however，agreatpoliticalagitationsprangup。TheslavesStatesweregreatlyexcitedovertheprospectofaRepublicanpresidentbeingchosen，fortheRepublicansweretoagreatextentidentifiedwiththeabolitionmovement；andpublicfeeling，whichhadforsometimerunhigh，becameintensifiedasthetimeapproachedfortheelectionofanewpresident，andthreatsthatiftheDemocratswerebeatenandaRepublicanelectedtheslaveStateswouldsecedefromtheUnion，werefreelyindulgedin。
InVirginia，whichwasoneofthemostnorthernoftheslaveStates，opinionwassomewhatdivided，therebeingastrongminorityagainstanyextrememeasuresbeingtaken。AmongVincent\'sfriends，however，whowereforthemostpartthesonsofplanters，theDemocraticfeelingwasverystronglyintheascendant，andtheirsympathieswerewhollywiththeSouthernStates。Thatthesehadarighttosecedewasassumedbythemasbeingunquestionable。
Butinpointoffacttherewasagreatdealtobesaidonbothsides。
TheStateswhichfirstenteredtheUnionin1776consideredthemselvestobeseparateandsovereignStates，eachpossessingpowerandauthoritytomanageitsownaffairs，andformingonlyafederationinordertoconstructacentralpower，andsotooperatewithmoreeffectagainstthemothercountry。TwoyearslatertheconstitutionoftheUnitedStateswasframed，eachStategivingupacertainportionofitsauthority，reservingitsownself-governmentandwhateverrightswerenotspecificallyresigned。
NomentionwasmadeintheconstitutionoftherightofaStatetosecedefromtheUnion，andwhilethosewhoinsistedthateachStatehadarighttosecedeifitchosetodosodeclaredthatthisrightwasreserved，theiropponentsaffirmedthatsuchacasecouldneverhavebeencontemplated。Thusthequestionofabsoluterighthadneverbeensettled，anditbecamepurelyoneofforce。
EarlyinNovember，1860，itbecameknownthattheelectionofMr。Lincoln，theRepublicancandidate，wasassured，andontheninthofthatmonththerepresentativesofSouthCarolinametatCharleston，andunanimouslyauthorizedtheholdingofaStateconventiontomeetinthethirdweekinDecember。Theannouncementcausedgreatexcitement，foritwasconsideredcertainthattheconventionwouldpassavoteofsecession，andthusbringthedebatedquestiontoanissue。AlthoughopinioninVirginiawaslessunanimousthaninthemoresouthernStates，itwasgenerallythoughtthatshewouldimitatetheexampleofSouthCarolina。
Onthedayfollowingthereceiptofthenews，Vincent，whohadriddenovertotheplantationsofseveralofhisfriendstotalkthematterover，wasreturninghomeward，whenheheardthesoundofheavyblowswithawhipandloudcurses，andamomentlaterashrillscreaminawoman\'svoiceroseintheair。
Vincentcheckedhishorsemechanicallywithanexclamationofauger。Heknewbuttoowellwhatwasgoingonbeyondthescreenofshrubsthatgrewontheothersideofthefenceborderingtheroad。Foramomenthehesitated，andthenmuttering，\"What\'stheuse!\"wasabouttotouchthehorsewiththewhipandgallopon，whentheshriekagainroselouderandmoreagonizingthanbefore。
WithacryofrageVincentleapedfromhishorse，threwthereinsoverthetopofthefence，climbedoveritinamoment，andbursthiswaythroughtheshrubbery。
Closebyanegrowasbeingheldbyfourothers，twohavingholdofeachwristandholdinghisarmsextendedtofulllength，whileawhitelad，sometwoyearsVincent\'ssenior，wasshoweringblowswithaheavywhipuponhim。Theslave\'sbackwasalreadycoveredwithweals，andthebloodwasflowingfromseveralplaces。Afewyardsdistantablackgirl，withababyinherarms，waskneelingonthegroundscreamingformercyfortheslave。
JustasVincentburstthroughthebushes，theyoungfellow，irritatedathercries，turnedroundanddeliveredatremendousblowwiththewhiponherbareshoulders。
Thistimenocrycamefromherlips，buttheslave，whohadstoodimmovablewhilethepunishmentwasbeinginflicteduponhimself，madeadesperateefforttobreakfromthemenwhoheldhim。Hewasunsuccessful，butbeforethewhipcouldagainfallonthewoman\'sshoulders，Vincentsprangforward，andseizingit，wresteditfromthehandsofthestriker。Withanoathoffuryandsurpriseatthissuddeninterruption，theyoungfellowturneduponVincent。
\"Youareacowardandablackguard，AndrewJackson!\"Vincentexclaimed，whitewithauger。\"YouareadisgracetoVirginia，youruffian!\"
Withoutawordtheyoungplanter，madwithrageatthisinterference，rushedatVincent；buttheatterhadlearnedtheuseofhisfistsathisEnglishschool，andridingexerciseshadstrengthenedhismuscles，andashisopponentrushedathim，hemethimwithablowfromtheshoulderwhichsenthimstaggeringbackwiththebloodstreamingfromhislips。Heagainrushedforward，andheavyblowswereexchanged；thentheyclosedandgrappled。Foraminutetheyswayedtoandfrombutalthoughmuchtaller，theyoungplanterwasnostrongerthanVincent，andatlasttheycametothegroundwithacrash，Vincentuppermost，Jackson\'sheadashefellcomingwithsuchforceagainstalowstumpthathelayinsensible。
Thecontesthadbeensosuddenandfuriousthatnonehadattemptedtointerfere。IndeedthenegroesweresoastonishedthattheyhadnotmovedfromthemomentwhenVincentmadehisappearanceuponthescene。Theladrosetohisfeet。
\"Youhadbettercarryhimuptothehouseandthrowsomewateronhim，\"hesaidtothenegroes，andthenturnedtogoaway。Ashedidso，theslavewhohadbeenfloggedbrokefromtheothers，whohadindeedloosenedtheirhold，andranuptoVincent，threwhimselfonhisknees，andtakingthelad\'shandpressedittohislips。
\"IamafraidIhaven\'tdoneyoumuchgood，\"Vincentsaid。\"Youwillbenonethebetteroffformyinterference；butIcouldn\'thelpit。\"Sosayinghemadehiswaythroughtheshrubbery，clearedthefence，mounted，androutehomeward。
\"Ihavebeenafool，\"hesaidtohimselfasherodealong。\"Itwillbealltheworseforthatpoorbeggarafterward；stillIcouldnothelpit。Iwonderwilltherebeanyrowaboutit。Idon\'tmuchexpecttherewill，theJacksonsdon\'tstandwellnow，andthiswouldnotdothemanygoodwiththepeopleround；besidesIdon\'tthinkJacksonwouldliketogointocourttocomplainofbeingthrashedbyafellowaheadshorterthanhimself。It\'sblackguardslikehimwhogivetheAbolitionistsarighttoholduptheslave-ownersasbeingtyrantsandbrutes。\"
TheJacksonswerenewcomersinVirginia。Sixyearsbefore，theestate，ofwhichtheCedars，astheirplacewascalled，formedapart，wasputupforsale。Itwasaverylargeone，andhavingbeendividedintoseveralportionstosuitbuyers，theCedarshadbeenpurchasedbyJackson，who，havingbeenverysuccessfulasastorekeeperatCharleston，haddecidedupongivingupthebusinessandleavingSouthCarolina，andsettlingdownasaland-ownerinsomeotherState。Hisantecedents，however，weresoonknownatRichmond，andtheoldVirginianfamiliesturnedacoldshouldertothenewcomer。
Hadhebeenamanofpleasantmanners，hewouldgraduallyhavemadehisway；buthewasevidentlynotagentleman。Thehabitsoftradestucktohim，andinaveryshorttimetherewererumorsthattheslaves，whomhehadboughtwiththeproperty，foundhimaharshandcruelmaster。ThisinitselfwouldhavebeensufficienttobringhimdisreputeinVirginia，whereasaruletheslavesweretreatedwithgreatkindness，andindeedconsideredtheirpositiontobeinfinitelysuperiortothatofthepoorerclassofwhites。AndrewJacksonhadbeenforafewmonthsatschoolwithVincent；liewasunpopularthere，andfromtherumorscurrentastothetreatmentoftheslavesontheestate，wasknownbythenicknameofthe\"slave-driver。\"
HadVincentbeenthesonofawhitetrader，orasmallcultivator，heknewwellenoughthathispositionwouldheaveryseriousone，andthathewouldhavebadtoridetotheborderoftheStatewithallspeed。
HewouldhavebeendenouncedatonceasanAbolitionist，andwouldhavebeenaccusedofstirringuptheslavestorebellionagainsttheirmasters；acrimeofthemostseriouskindintheSouthernStates。Butplacedashewas，astheheirofagreatestateworkedbyslaves，suchacrycouldhardlyberaisedagainsthim。Hemightdoubtlessbefilledandadmonishedforinterferingbetweenamasterandhisslave；butthesympathyofthebetterclassesinVirginiawouldbeentirelywithhim。Vincent，therefore，wasbutlittleconcernedforhimself；buthedoubtedgreatlywhetherhisinterferencehadnotdonemuchmoreharmthangoodtotheslaveandhiswife，foruponthemAndrewJacksonwouldventhisfury。Herodedirecttothestablesinsteadofalightingasusualatthedoor。Dan，whohadbeensittingintheverandawaitingforhim，randowntothestablesashesawhimcoming。
\"Givethehorsetooneoftheothers，Dan；Iwanttospeaktoyou。
Dan，\"hewentonwhenhehadwalkedwithhimashortdistancefromthestables，\"IsupposeyenknowsomeofthebandsonJackson\'splantation。\"
Dangrinned，foralthoughtherewasnotsupposedtobeanycommunicationbetweentheslavesonthedifferentestates，itwasnotoriousthatatnighttheywereinthehabitofslippingoutoftheirhutsandvisitingeachother。
\"Iknowsomeohdem，MassaVincent。Whatyouwantobdem？
Berrybadmaster，MassaJackson。Wustmasterhereabouts。\"
Vincentrelatedwhathadhappened，toDan\'sintensedelight。
\"Now，Dan，\"hewenton，\"Iamafraidthataftermyinterferencetheywilltreatthatpoorfellowandhiswifeworsethanbefore。I
wantyentofindoutformewhatisgoingonatJackson\'s。IdonotknowthatIcandoanything，howeverbadlytheytreatthem；butI
havebeenthinkingthatiftheyill-treatthemverygrossly，IwillgettogetherapartyoffifteenortwentyofmyfriendsandwewillgoinabodytoJackson\'s，andwarnhimthatifhebehaveswithcrueltytohisslaves，wewillmakeitsohotforhimthathewillhavetoleavethestate。Idon\'tsaythatwecoulddoanything；butasweshouldrepresentmostofthelargeestatesroundhere，Idon\'tthinkoldJacksonandhissonwouldlikebeingsenttoCoventry。
Thefeelingisverystrongatpresentagainstill-treatmentoftheslaves。Ifthesetroublesleadtowaralmostallofuswillgointothearmy，andwedonotlikethethoughtofthepossibilityoftroublesamongthehandswhenthewhitesareallaway。\"
\"Iwillfindoutallaboutitforyouto-night，sah。Idon\'tsuspectdatdeywilldonuffinto-day。AndrewJacksontoosickafterdatknockagainstdetump。Hekeepquietadayortwo。\"
\"Well，Dan，yougooverto-nightandfindoutallaboutit。IexpectIhadbetterhaveleftthingsalone，butnowIhaveinterferedIshallgoonwithit。\"
Mrs。WingfieldwasmuchdispleasedwhenVincenttoldheratdinnerofhisincidentatJackson\'splantationandevenhissisterswereshockedatthisinterferencebetweenamasterandhisslave。
\"Youwillgetyourselfintoserioustroublewiththesefancifulnotionsofyours，\"Mrs。Wingfieldsaidangrily。\"YouknowaswellasIdohoweasyitistogetupacryagainstanyoneasanAbolitionistandhowdifficulttodisprovetheaccusation；andjustatpresent，whenthepassionsofeverymanintheSouthareinflamedtotheutmost，suchanaccusationwillbemostserious。
Inthepresentinstancetheredoesnotseemthatthereisashadowofexcuseforyourconduct。Yousimplyheardcriesofaslavebeingflogged。Youdeliberatelyleavetheroadandenterthesepeople\'splantationandinterferewithout，sofarasIcansee，theleastreasonfordoingso。Youdidnotinquirewhattheman\'soffensewas；andhemayforaughtyouknowhavehalfmurderedhismaster。Yousimplyseeaslavebeingfloggedandyouassaulthisowner。iftheJacksonalaycomplaintsagainstyouitisquiteprobablethatyoumayhavetoleavethestate。Whatonearthcanhaveinfluencedyoutoactinsuchamad-brainedway？\"
