398 



April 30. 



A free mulatto of the name of Rolph had fre- 

 quently been mentioned to me by different magis- 

 trates, as remarkable for the numerous complaints 

 brought against him for cruel treatment of his 

 negroes. He was described to me as the son of a 

 white ploughman, who at his death left his son six 

 or seven slaves, with whom he resides in the heart 

 of the mountains, where the remoteness of the 

 situation secures him from observation or control. 

 His slaves, indeed, every now and then contrive 

 to escape, and come down to Savannah la Mar to 

 lodge their complaints; but the magistrates, hi- 

 therto, had never been able to get a legal hold upon 

 him. However, a few days ago, he entered the 

 house of a Mrs. Edgins, when she was from home, 

 and behaving in an outrageous manner to her 

 slaves, he was desired by the head-man to go 

 away. Highly incensed, he answered, " that if 

 the fellow dared to speak another word, it should 

 be the last that he should ever utter." The negro 

 dared to make a rejoinder ; upon which Rolph 

 aimed a blow at him with a stick, which missed 

 his intended victim, but struck another slave who 

 was interposing to prevent a scuffle, and killed him 

 upon the spot. The murder was committed in 

 the presence of several negroes ; but negroes are 

 not allowed to give evidence, and as no free per- 

 son was present, there are not only doubts whether 



