NOTES ON BRA5^IL. 



203 



places. Fortunately the men proved tractable, and gave us no occasion 

 or pretence for rougher measures. When on safe ground, and near the 

 town, we dismissed them with a liberal payment and an exhortation to 

 be always civil to our countrymen. Had they been encountered and 

 employed in the same way by a party of Brazilians, they would have 

 been sent back unpaid. Such is the lot of slavery ; and, wanting his 

 services, a despot will not take the trouble to inquire Avhether a black 

 man be bond or free. 



