EXPLORATION OF VIRGINIA GOLD MINES. 379 



tmtary reports of the servants, that the sufferer was a negro 

 man whom we had seen about the barn where our horses 

 were stabled. His offence was being seen near the jail, 

 where two negroes were imprisoned for an assault on their 

 master. It did not appear that he held any communication 

 with them, and it would appear very improbable that he 

 should attempt it in broad daylight, and in full view of all 

 passers-by. Slavery, begun in wrong, is sustained by a 

 cruel despotism. 



