347 



of underftandlng and ability which claim re- 

 fped. In principle, and in fentiment, (he 

 appeared virtuous; and, from the franknefs 

 of her replies, it was evident that fhe knew 

 no fenfe of wrong in her condud. We 

 could not but lament that the imperious 

 habits of the country did not allow of her 

 being placed as a more refpedable member 

 ' of fociety. 



This woman Is the great fupport of 

 the houfe — the bar-maid, and leading ma- 

 nager of the family. Her miftrefs had re- 

 fufed to take a hundred guineas for her ; 

 which, fhe aflured us, had been offered by 

 a gentleman who would have purchafed 

 her. She has a very lively interefting little 

 daughter, a Meftee about four years old. 

 Of this child (he fpake with great tendernefs, 

 and appeared to bear it all the fond attachment 

 of an affedionate parent. Yet, as the infant 

 was born in flavery, fhould the mother, by 

 any means, obtain her own freedom, fhe can- 

 not claim her child ; but muft leave it, ftill the 

 difpofable property of her miftrefs, equally 



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