156 SELFISHNESS OF MASTERS AND SERVANTS. 



in such a situation, that he had not been accustomed to 

 service at home, and that he wouldn t stay with his 

 master, but that he was a very kind man though his 

 master had found him begging and in rags, and out of 

 compassion had clothed and pampered him. 



This is the same complaint which, in one form or 

 another, we hear in all free North America. Irish or 

 coloured people are almost the only servants to be pro 

 cured. There are, indeed, so many outlets for superior 

 industry and intelligence, and men are all so anxious to 

 be their own masters, that necessity alone makes a man 

 engage himself to another ; and as soon as he thinks he 

 can in any way better himself, he has no hesitation in 

 trying a change. 



There are meritorious points and things to be praised 

 in this desire of self-dependence and advancement, but 

 the want of heart and conscience it displays is not to be 

 excused. I suppose it must have arisen from this con 

 duct of those who serve, that among masters there is 

 also a more pure selfishness in many cases, at least in 

 New England, than is seen at home. I had occasion, 

 while at New York, to speak in a merchant s office of 

 the case of a young man who. after fourteen years 

 faithful service, and refusing, for his master s sake, more 

 favourable offers, had been dismissed from his situation, 

 with a good character, and without a reason being 

 assigned. I observed that I should have thought such 

 long service would have given the young man a claim to 

 the consideration of his master. u Oh, sir,&quot; was the 

 answer, &quot; that goes for nothing here.&quot; One rarely sees 

 in free North America that kindly and long-continued 

 relation between master and servant which is the source 

 of so many of our comforts at home. 



Several small streams fall into the St Croix on the 

 way to St Stephens, two of which, the Waweig and the 

 Gallop, empty themselves into bays, or broad armlets of 



