250 
LETTERS FROM ALABAMA. 
LETTEE XIL 
September 1st. 
The manners of these Southerners differ a good 
deal from those of their more calculating com- 
patriots, the Yankees of the north and east. In 
many respects the diversity is to the advantage of 
the former ; there is a bold gallant bearing, a 
frank free cordiality, and a generous, almost bound- 
less hospitality, in the southern planter, which are 
pleasing. But the abiding thought that “ the 
people/’ as being the source of law, are therefore 
above law, which is deep-seated throughout this 
land of free institutions,” is much more frequently 
made operative in the south than in the north. 
Here every man is his own law-maker and law- 
breaker, judge, jury, and executioner,” * 
The darkest side of the southerner is his quar- 
relsomeness, and recklessness of human life. The 
terrible bowie-knife is ever ready to be drawn, and 
* Not long ago a travelling menagerie arrived at the neigh- 
bouring village ; the proprietor, in some way or other, offended 
an overseer, who called together a few of his companions, and 
rolled the caravans over, down a steep ravine. The iron cages 
of the beasts were scattered on every hand ; fortunately they 
were too strong to give way, or these forests might have become 
stocked with lions and tigers, in addition to bears and panthers. 
The cries and howlings of the wild beasts are said to have been 
fearful. 
