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290 



SLAVERY. 



Oh ! system accursed, which thus damps the 

 hopes and prospects of a whole life. 



Some of the negroes who escape determine 

 to shun the haunts of man, they conceal them- 

 selves in the woods, instead of attempting to be 

 received into some distant village as free per- 

 sons. They form huts, which are called mocam- 

 bos, in the most unfrequented spots, and live 

 upon the game and fruit whicli their places of 

 retreat afford. These persons sometimes assem- 

 ble to the number of ten or twelve, and then their 

 disiodgement is difficult ; for their acquaintance 

 with the woods around gives them the advan- 

 tage over any party which may be sent to attack 

 them. * Sometimes a whole neighbourhood is 



* A slave belonging to a colonel of militia, who was a 

 planter of great wealth, was in the frequent practice of con- 

 cealing himself in the woods for some days at a time ; on being 

 brought back, he was punished, and soon again ran away ; 

 and this behaviour continued for some time. In one of his 

 rambles he met his master, who was riding alone in one of 

 the narrow roads of the country. The slave placed himself 

 in the middle of the path, and taking off his hat, saluted his 

 master as if he had been only slightly acquainted with him, 

 and addressed him, begging that he would give him some 

 money. The colonel was much alarmed, and granted his 

 request, upon which he was suffered to proceed, but was ad- 

 monished to be silent upon the subject. The slave was soon 

 taken ; but he continued to run away, to be brought home, 

 to be punished, and again to go through the same proceed- 

 ing so frequently and for so many years, that at last his 

 master allowed him to do as he pleased ; indeed he was some- 



