32 
SLAVES. 
1 Jan. 
It certainly softens some part of the horrid idea of slavery, to see 
that slaves possess, notwithstanding ttieir humiliated condition, a 
mind which allows them to enjoy happiness whenever it may fall 
within their reach ; or whenever their masters are fortunately of so 
humane and just a disposition as to look upon them as fellow- 
creatures, and to consider them as entitled to some reasonable share 
of the comforts of life. It would be unjust not to add, that this 
disposition in their rnasters is very common, especially in Cape 
Town, And though, probably, their humanity may often be attri- 
butable to self-interest, which bids them take every care of so valu- 
able a part of their property, yet it is not for us to make a nice 
distinction in the motives, so long as the benefit which the poor 
slave enjoys from it, is equal in both cases. 
The most valuable slaves are the Malays ; especially such as have 
been born at Cape Town. These are instructed in all the common 
mechanical arts, and in every useful employment for which they 
may be found to have suitable capacities. The males are taught to 
be carpenters, cabinet-makers, masons, shoemakers, tailors, cooks, 
coachmen, valets, or handicraftsmen of any kind : while the females 
fill the stations of mantua-maker, cook, nurse, or of various other 
domestic servants. In dexterity these coachmen excel all our 
boasted and most accomplished " whips," even of the first rate ; 
for it is a common sight in Cape Town, to see a Malay standing in a 
long paardewagen, driving six horses at full trot, and turning the 
corners of the streets with the greatest facility. 
The Malays consider themselves superior to all other slaves ; 
and look down on the Hottentots as a very inferior race, who, they 
say, are descended from orang-outangs. They pride themselves not 
a little on their fine, long, glossy, black hair ; and, notwithstanding 
their swarthy complexion, their countenances are often handsome. 
Some of them, whose fathers during several generations have been 
whites, are quite as fair as any European. They are clever, good, 
and generally faithful servants ; but very sensible of insult, and 
mindful and revengeful of past injuries. 
