1832.] Notes on America. 643 



alluded to, was the most tremendous one I have ever seen. The houses 

 and stores were swept off on both sides of the way for nearly half a mile. 

 Many of the shops contained kegs of gunpowder, which every now and 

 then exploded fearfully. I cannot give an adequate idea of the excite- 

 ment and alarm occasioned by this conflagration. Every one was aware 

 that the negroes were constantly plotting our destruction, and that fire 

 was the auxiliary which they chiefly relied upon to effect it. To add to 

 our confusion, fires broke out in various other parts of the city, though, 

 fortunately, they were soon extinguished. 



At one time during the night, when the conflagration was at its height, 

 and roof after roof fell in with a tremendous crash, I was engaged in 

 conversation with an old gentleman, who, like myself, was for a time off 

 duty. He was quietly speculating on the chances of the street being re- 

 built, which, he said, the declining state of trade in Charleston would not 

 justify. Upon turning round to examine his features more closely, I re- 

 cognised the principal owner of the burning property, and the richest 

 Jew in Charleston. I complimented him upon his composed demeanour, 

 " O," said he, " I have lived long enough in this world, to take matters 

 coolly even in such a fiery night as this is." He was a Pole, and had re- 

 sided in Charleston some forty years. When he first arrived, he was 

 quite destitute, and borrowed half a dollar from a fellow countryman and 

 passenger, whom he lived to see reduced to great poverty, and whom, in 

 gratitude for this old obligation, he constantly and effectually befriended 

 in his time of need. I mention this as one among many instances of the 

 benevolence of the individual, who is well and honourably known in 

 Charleston. As I have before remarked, I was much struck by his 

 calmness, and have always considered him a real philosopher. When the 

 mansion of Joseph Buonaparte at Bordentown was burnt to the ground, 

 great praise was bestowed upon its distinguished proprietor, for the quiet 

 temper and sangfroid he displayed during the operation. But there was 

 this difference between the case of my old friend and that of king Joseph 

 the palace was insured ! 



About this time a circumstance occurred, which will serve to illustrate 

 in some degree the relative station of the two castes in the southern states. 

 It was found impossible to collect evidence sufficient to convict a negro of 

 incendiarism, though it prevailed so alarmingly. But it was thought neces- 

 sary to lay hold of some one, guilty or not, as it might happen, and punish 

 him in terror em. For this purpose a mulatto fellow was sentenced to be 

 hanged, upon very doubtful evidence. Two householders and a magis- 

 trate constituted the court. It was, I verily believe, the intention of 

 these parties to have procured a commutation of punishment, previously 

 to the day of execution, but no respite arrived from the governor. At the 

 appointed time, half the negroes in Charleston went to see the sport, for 

 such they appeared to consider the hanging of this poor devil, if we might 

 judge from the merriment in which they indulged on the occasion. The 

 streets resounded with the laughter of the sable crowd. My own servant, 

 a negro of course, requested my leave of absence to accompany them, 

 because, he said, that " Copenhagen and he had been fellow apprentices in 

 the same cooper's shop, and that he should therefore like very much to 

 see him hanged." The plea was irresistible, and he went with the rest. 

 It appeared, however, that the sheriff and his deputies refused to officiate 

 as hangman, alleging as their excuse the notorious innocence of the poor 



