222 
HISTORY OF THE [book iv. 
to write or read. Profitable instruction therefore, 
from those who are capable of giving it, is with¬ 
held from them; and unhappily, the young men of 
their own complexion, are in too low a state of de¬ 
gradation, to think of matrimony. On the other 
hand, no white man of decent appearance, unless 
urged by the temptation of a considerable fortune, 
will condescend to give his hand in marriage to a 
mulatto! The very idea is shocking. Thus exclu¬ 
ded as they are from all hope of ever arriving to 
the honour and happiness of wedlock, insensible of 
its beauty and sanctity; ignorant of all Christian and 
moral obligations j threatened by poverty, urged by 
their passions, and encouraged by example, upon 
what principle can we expect these ill-fated women 
to act otherwise than they do ? 
Neither should it be forgotten, at the same time, 
that very few of these poor females, in comparison 
of the whole, are guilty of that infamous species of 
profligacy and prostitution, which flourishes, with¬ 
out principle or shame, and in the broad eye of 
day, throughout all the cities of Europe. In their 
dress and carriage they are modest, and in conver¬ 
sation reserved; and they frequently manifest a fide¬ 
lity and attachment towards their keepers, which, 
if it be not virtue, is something very like it. The 
terms and manner of their compliance too are com¬ 
monly as decent, though perhaps not as solemn, as 
those of marriage; and the agreement they consi¬ 
der equally innocent; giving themselves up to the 
