27t . 



kind of proceflion, we followed tlie multi- 

 tude, and foon found ourfelves in the traia 

 of a negro funeral. Wifhing to wltnefs the 

 ceremony of Interment we proceeded to the 

 burial ground, with the throng. The corpfe 

 was conveyed in a neat fmall hearfe, drawn 

 by one horfe. Six boys, twelve men, and 

 forty-eight women walked behind, in pairs, 

 as followers, but I cannot fay as deeply afflic- 

 ted mourners. The females were neatly 

 clad, for the occafion, and moftly in white. 

 Grief and lamentations were not among 

 them : nor was even the femblance thereof 

 afliimed. No folemn dirge was heard — no 

 deep-founding bell was tolled— no fearful 

 filence held. It feemed a period of mirth 

 and joy, Inftead of weeping and bewailing^ 

 the followers jumped and fported, as they 

 pafTed along, and talked and laughed, with 

 each other, in high feflivity. The proceflion 

 was clofed by five robuft negro fifhermen, 

 who followed behind playing antic gambols, 

 and dancing all the way to the grave. 



At the gate of the burying ground the 

 corpfe was taken from the hearfe, and borne 



