

SLAVERY. 



251 



species of relationship exists between the in- 

 dividuals who have been imported in the same 

 ship ; they call each other malungos^ and this 

 term is much regarded among them. The pur- 

 chaser gives to each of his newly-bought slaves a 



purpose, singled out among others a handsome woman, and 

 a beautiful boy of ahout six years old. The woman had 

 been a slave at Loanda upon the coast of Africa, and she 

 spoke a little Portuguese. Whilst the selection was going 

 on, the slave-dealer had happened to leave the room ; but 

 after it was concluded he returned, and seeing the persons 

 who had been set apart to be purchased, said, he was sorry 

 the woman and child could not be sold, for they formed part 

 of a lot which could not be separated. The purchaser en- 

 quired the reason of the formation of a lot in this instance, 

 and was answered that it consisted of a family, the husband, 

 wife, and three children. The dealer was then requested to 

 point out the individuals which composed it, and they were 

 all bought together. How few slave-merchants would havo 

 acted in this manner ! The whole family was present during 

 the greatest part of the time, but there was no change of 

 countenance in either the husband or the wife, — both of 

 them understood the Portuguese language ; the children 

 were almost too young to know what was about to happen ; 

 and besides we spoke in a language which they did not under- 

 stand. That their parents did feel deeply the separation 

 which they must have apprehended as being upon the point 

 of taking place, I have not the slightest doubt, because 1 

 frequently saw these slaves afterwards, and knew how much 

 they were attached to each other and to their children. But 

 whether it proceeded from resignation, from despair, from 

 tear, or from being ashamed to show what they felt before 

 so many strangers, there was no demonstration of feeling. 

 Negroes may have feelings, and yet not allowjbe standers-by 

 to know what they feel. 



