282 



SOUTHERN STATES. 



those which they do not feel ; that is, the moral ones, which condemn their whole race to ig- 

 norance and degradation. 



In describing the character of the people, we refer principally to the planters, who have 

 the most influence in forming the state of society. The inferior cultivators, or those who 

 have no slaves, are in some parts of a grade hardly above that of the slaves themselves ; 

 but in the upper country, or in the northern portion of the section, and some other dis- 

 tricts, they are a more respectable class. All are agricultural, for they have little com- 

 merce, and few manufactures. In different States these are called foresters, or crackers, 

 from an imputed custom of cracking their whips when they arrive in their wagons at a 

 town or inn. They are ignorant, but they can generally read, though their houses contain lit- 

 tle to be read, except newspapers and Methodist tracts. They live within themselves, and 

 consume litue .I.at they do not raise or manufacture, except sugar. They are not unsocial ; 

 they grow up with more individuality of character, than men have who live in towns, where the 

 particular character is sometimes merged in the general one. They are sallow, and though it 

 would be unjust to call them ugly, they are certainly not distinguished for beauty. What the 

 French call the deviVs beauty^ or youth and health, even this they seem to have not. The 

 young look old, and the old are not lightly marked with the trace of years. 



Perhaps the character of Virginia and South Carohna is in some respects superior to that 

 of the other Southern States ; yet the principal traits are common to all. In Virginia, many 

 of the old English habits of life are retained, and the domains of the landed proprietors have 

 the extent of EngUsh baronies. Tfie country residences have particular names, as Hunter's 

 Hill, Mount Pleasant, Monticello, and Mount Vernon. The people seldom travel beyond the 

 few places of resort within the Commonwealth ; they are therefore more attached to their 

 home, and to all the things which make up the complex idea of home. They are, of 

 course, strongly marked in character, but not unfavorably. They are hospitable, to a degree 

 unknown in New England, generous, and honorable. 



The people of Carolina, who dwell in the lower country, are annually compelled to leave 

 their homes, however attached to them. None can travel without gaining knowledge, and los- 

 ing prejudices, and the Carolinians are to a great degree, liberal and intelligent. To remain in 

 summer on the plantations, is at the risk of life ; and they are therefore found at that season, 

 in the Northern and Eastern States, and in Europe. They are social, and in general closely 

 united. In New England, gentlemen of neighboring towns are often unacquainted with each 

 other ; but in Carolina, the acquaintance extends over the State. This arises from the mter- 

 course of the capital, where all are found in spring, and from the fellowships that are formed in 

 packets, or while residing or traveling in other States. 



It may be thought, that the life of a southern agriculturist is one of indolence and ease. It 

 is the very reverse ; it is one of far greater activity than is led by gentlemen of wealth else- 

 where. The cares of a plantation are sufficient to consume the day, and the planter is often 

 on horseback in his fields till evening. His notions of space are so hberal, that he will readily 

 ride a dozen miles to dine, and he engages in the chase with his characteristic ardor. No men 

 ride so fearlessly ; and the game is followed at full speed in thick woods, among holes, hori- 

 zontal branches, and prostrate trunks. The social relations are admirable. The season for 

 visiting is never over, and as the social is as much increased as any other principle, by cultiva- 

 tion, here it attains to its best growth. There is, among relatives, great kindliness of feeling, 

 and the circle it embraces is wider than in New England. Any one may, as far as affinity can 

 be traced, 



" Claim kindred there, and have his claim allowed." 

 Gentlemen meet at frequent intervals in club houses, often built in the woods, where the enter- 

 tainment is furnished by each one in turn. 



The people of the South have more haughtiness, courtesy, and a higher estimation of person- 

 al dignity, than those of the North. Pride is the natural consequence of superiority of station, 

 though it is generally incompatible with meanness. A planter would be more apt to do what 

 he would be sorry for, than what he would be ashamed of. A slight wound of pride is more 

 strictly avenged, than a greater injury to property ; and a lack of courtesy is, perhaps, as much 

 reprobated as a breach in morals. Duelling is the natural growth of such a state, and though 

 it is not frequent, it is but too well established by custom. The challenged is held to fight, 

 even if he feel no resentment, or has done no injustice ; and he sometimes perils his life for 

 mere expediency ; as he would put it to some risk to preserve his property, he is led to believe 

 that he must do it also to save his character. 



