A Virginian in New England Thirty-Five Years Ago: Fifth Paper

PRESIDENT WAYLAND.—ABOLITIONISM.

PROVIDENCE, July, 1834.

“THE visible objects of curiosity I saw were the Arcade, — the Market, — the broad, nay double bridge, over the Pawtucket which runs thro’ the city’s heart, — Brown University, — the Quaker College, — The Dexter Asylum for the Poor,—the windmill, for working machinery in the comb manufacture. From the top of the windmill house had an excellent view of nearly the whole city. Ascended the Hill to the University, to see Dr. and Presid’t Wayland ; but he

was engaged in a Bible class.....

“ After supper, visit to Dr. Wayland. A hundred things — defendit mumerus. But I ’ll try a few.

“ 130 students. Most board and sleep in the college ; which Dr. W. much disapproves, because it engenders many bad habits and principles, to herd so many youngsters together, away from the parental roof. He discourages the town students from living in college, but they all desire it. No Law, Physic, or Divinity taught. In his lectures, he likes for students to interrupt him with questions. They often do so — sometimes point out, and ask him to explain apparent discrepancies in his own doctrines. He

is pleased at this.....

“ Dr. W. has the most just ideas anent college discipline, — the social footing proper between professors and pupils, — the mildness in modo, the energy in re, by which even refractory spirits are be ruled.

“In Rh. I. not nearly so much has been done for popular education as in Mass, and Conn. For 7 or 8 years, $ 10,000 a year have been given by the Legislature for common schools. Dr. W. does not know its exact mode of disbursement—but the effect salutary, in diffusing knowledge, and a love of it, among the lower and middling classes. Under its indirect influence, several good Academies have arisen ; and a growing demand for good teachers, A singular fact as to teachers — that of all who go hence seeking employment, few or none find it in Conn. — Tho’ many do in the adjoining states. Ascribable to the usage in Conn., of choosing teachers solely or chiefly by their cheapness. The man for their money, is he who will teach for the least pay— i. e. for $10 or $ 12 a month — the common rate in many towns of that state.

“Abolitionism has few partisans here. But colonization, too, has not many decided friends. The million are neutral — unknowing, and unthinking, on the subject. Dr. W, is anti-abolition. Knows Garrison slightly — a Presbyterian — a young man, of ardent temperament, but rude, coarse, and fanatical.

“We tabled various other topics — slavery — gradual and sudden emancipation— ditto by Legislative enactments, or by appeals to the reason, justice, and humanity of the owners — ditto by exciting discontent, and the spirit of revolt, among the slaves — Mr. Leigh— Mr. Chapman Johnson — Mr. Madison — John Randolph — Patrick Henry — Mr. Wirt — Fisher Ames — &c. &c. Having spun out to 2 hours a visit which I had almost sworn should last but half an hour, I left Dr. Wayland at 1/2 past 9, with mutual regret,—if his earnest professions were not merer words than one would expect from his roughbuilt, country bred look and manner. I have scarcely met with a man, so much to my mind. He is a Baptist.” “ Off for Boston. A fellow passenger, just from N. Y., lent me a paper containing accounts of the mob there, on the 10.and II.,directed against the free negroes and their synonymes, the abolitionists. The Tappans, especially Arthur, to whom I have now a letter of introduction from my kind, dear old friend Tommy Kite,—are among the main objects of mob-fury. All in the stage seem rather pleased at the outrage, and would render a verdict ‘sarved ’em right,’ — except my single self; who am sorry, and indignant, at the use of such means to put down even the atrocity of Abolitionism. Non tali auxilio, nec defensoribus istis, tempus eget. Would that the mayor had charged upon the mob with his cavalry ! . . . .

THE TAPPAN MOB.—ARRIVAL IN BOSTON.

July 13.

“The vicinity of Boston, even before entering Roxbury, is a continued village : And the city itself, viewed from several points without the Neck, is imposingly grand. There seem 50 steeples at once within the eye’s ken.

“The driver not knowing that I meant to go to the Tremont House, drove me to the postoffice, and almost all around the city, to points at which he had to set down other passengers ; affording me an unexpected opportunity of seeing many streets. But I do not understand their plan, if any. The Tremont House (called by Fame the finest in the U. S.) is so full that I am lodged tonight in a large room, with 5 or 6 others. But a single room is promised me tomorrow.”

MESSRS. THATCHER, GILMAN, FESSENDEN, AND LEE.

“ BOSTON, Monday, July 14.

“Up at 1/2 past 5 — after slumbers much disturbed by the rumbling of carriages thro’ the livelong night, on the stone paved street, just under the window, close to which my little camp-bed is placed. Found several letters in the postoffice. Directly after breakfast moved into a single-room, in the 4th story; commanding, from its one window, a noble prospect of perhaps a third of Boston, one of the Islands in the Harbor, Fort Wrn, and some of the country beyond the Peninsula.

“The streets are complicated and irregular, past all my preconceptions. They well justify the origin attributed to them — the cow-paths, made through the woods that grew here, when the first settlers came. It is lucky for me, that I have been used to the intricate bridle-paths thro’ the chinquepin woods of Louisa and Goochland ; to say nothing of the no-paths, found in hunting squirrels and deer in Kentucky and Alabama.

“.... Went to see Mr. B. B. Thatcher, a lawyer, and staunch colonizationist— editor of a paper devoted to that cause — 'The Colonizationist.’ A young man, not over 26, by his looks. Thinks the Abolitionists few in Mass., and feebler still in intellect than in numbers. Garrison is not above 30 —

about to be married.....Saw in Mr.

T.’s office Mr. Gilman, a young lawyer of Bangor, Maine. He mentioned Fessenden (orator at Bangor on the 4th) as the most promising young man in Maine. F. was a Vice President of the young men’s convention at Washington a few years ago — is about 28 years old.....

“Called on Henry Lee, merchant — who has so great a name in the South, as a political economist—the first in the Union, we deem him. He has been run for Congress, and for the VicePresidency, on the Free Trade and State Rights Ticket. Doubtless, ’t is his being of our side on the Protection question, that makes us rate him so very high. He was at his counting room, on India Wharf. In reading my letter of introduction (from P. P. Barbour) he could not make out the signature : I had to tell him. He then welcomed me very cordially, and followed up general offers of service by proposing that we should go, tomorrow, to see some cotton Factories at Waltham, 7 ms. off; and immediately, to the Athenæum. To the Athenæum accordingly, we went. It is a collection of about 26,000 books, and a vast variety of engravings, etchings, lithographs, &c. in atlases and portfolios ; and of medals, and medallions ; with plaster casts of some famous statues — the Laocoon group, Apollo B., Venus de M. &c. &c. The collection is made by an association of gentlemen, subscribers. Mr. L. introd’d me to the Librarian (Dr. Bass) and had my name entered on the Strangers’ Book — which gives me ingress, &c., for a month. From the Athenæum proper, entered an exhibition-room of paintings, annexed : and stood 1 or 2 hours. Many pictures —and some very fine; but none equal to the Healing of the Sick, or the Descent from the Cross.”

MR. LEE ON NULLIFICATION.

“ Much talk with Mr. Lee, about the subjects which are his forte, and my favorites — Political Economy', and some branches of Politics.

“ He leans to Nullification, as the only practicable mode of restraining the encroachments of any interested majority which may for the time sway the Federal councils. A strict constructionist, and anti-U. S. Bank, tho’ he blames the Removal of the Deposits, as extremely ill-judged, and as having greatly aggravated the commercial distress which one or two other causes already made impending. Anti laws restraining usury ; and approves the partial repeal of them made by the last Mass. Legislature. (This Act, allows either unlimited, or a greatly increased interest, upon some sorts of mercantile paper.) Anti-Abolition. He says the abolitionists are imbecile and miserable fanatics ; but thinks they will multiply sufficiently to agitate the subject in Congress — that Abolition will in a few years be proposed, and carried there — and that whoever be President, Northman or Southron, he will sign the Bill, if a decided majority of the people be for it. The only defence, then, will be Nullification. He thinks Nullification alone, or chiefly, produced the reduction of the Tariff, and the compromise which now promises a nearly total abandonment of the protective system. Nothing else would have made Mr. Clay step forward, as he did ; and no other man could who would, or would who could. Mr. Webster’s opinions of the protective policy have not changed. He advocates it now, purely because it suits the will and interests of his constituents. They reluctantly, and even by Southern men (Mr. Calhoun, nay P. P. Barbour himself, in 1816) were morally compelled, i. e. irresistibly encouraged, — to engage in manufactures ; invested immense sums, and acquired great skill, in them; and were then converted into Tariff men by the most natural and powerful of all processes.”

WEBSTER ON THE TARIFF.

“ Mr. Webster, besides his duty of speaking the voice of those he represents, maintains that they having been thus drawn into manufacturirtg, justice and good policy both plead for a continuance of the protection which is now their life-blood. Mr. Lee says, this view at least establishes their claim to exemption from a sudden withdrawal of the hothouse warmth, which has thus far kept them alive.....

“ Dinner at the Tremont House lasted 50 minutes. I would describe the fooleries, by which it was so prolonged ; but they vex me too much, and time is too scarce. I sat them out with seeming patience, merely thro’ curiosity.”

CAMBRIDGE. MR. FELTON.

“ At 4, set off in an omnibus from Brattle Street, to Cambridge. Crossed Charles River on a bridge 1/2 a mile long — thro’ Cambridgeport, to Harvard University, where I was set down. Had letters to Mr. C. C. Felton, the Greek Professor. After a troublesome search, found him closeted with President Quincy, in his study. So just handed my letters, received offers and promises of attentions tomorrow ; and went forth, to stroll, unguided, over any accessible parts of the college grounds and buildings. “ Entered the Law-Library ; where 2 students were reading and writing. They received me very courteously ; and one, of admirable physiognomy, manners, and good sense, was at great pains to tell all I wanted to know, and show all I wanted to see. This Law Library has above 3000 volumes —including a full and valuable collection of writers on the Civil Law, presented by Sam’l Livermore. They cost over $ 7000.”

JUDGE STORY.

“ The Law school has two professors — Judge Story, Dane professor (so called after Nathan Dane, who founded and endowed the Law school) — and Mr. Simon Greenleaf, College professor. Much talk about the Judge, who is a rare compound of learning, loquacity, labour - loving, bonhomie, and vanity. His indefatigableness as a book-builder. His work on Bailments highly praised in England — where a recent editor of Jones on Bailments owns himself indebted to Judge S. for nearly all of many large additions to that text. The Judge himself, as the clever student archly informed me, told this to the class.

“ The 2 professors do not lecture, but hear recitations and examine the class on its reading, day by day — alternately.”

THE LAW SCHOOL.

“This Law school has 40 odd students. The whole college, 300 or more, of whom 240 board and lodge in college. Mr. G. presides over the Jr. and Judge Story over the Sr. Law-class. They encourage students to ask questions and moot points with them in the Lecrure Room. A moot court is held once a week. A law point is given out for argument — usually, one which Judge S. has met with in practice or on the bench — often, one which he has, at the time, under consideration as judge : in which case, he sometimes decides a question here, before he does in Washington, where it arose and was submitted to him. Four students, in rotation, are appointed to argue causes in the moot court: 2 on each side. No others ever engage in the argument. Jury cases are very seldom given.”

PROF. GREENLEAF ON ABOLITIONISM.

“ When I rose to go, Mr. Greenleaf proposed to walk with me about the grounds, and show me the notable things. After the several college buildings, he pointed out the place where General Washington’s tent stood first, in 1775, near a huge elm, probably as large then as now — i. e. of 15 or 20 feet girth : and the very spot on which Washington is supposed first to have drawn his sword before his army, as Commander in chief.

“ Slavery and abolition being mentioned on our walk, Mr. G. very earnestly assured me of the abolition sect’s worthlessness, and contemptibleness : that it embraced none of the enlightened, and exceedingly little of the respectable, of New England society : that here, as in other communities, there is always floating a certain quantity of moral virus, like a noxious gas, which embodies itself continually in some such form as this of Abolitionism. Once, it was anti-masonry ; Abolitionism, in 2 years, would be prostrate as anti-masonry is now. It may spread fast and boldly, meanwhile ; it may create great disturbances and alarms : it may prevail so far in some districts as to have representatives on the floor of Congress, who will there bring forward some scheme of emancipation : but triumph finally, or even extensively in the North, it never can.

“In truth, putting together all the testimonies that meet me on this subject, I am satisfied N. England is essentially sound : that the disposition is well nigh universal, to let us alone ; to meddle not with the ulcer, which is too irritable for any but our own hands to touch.

“At parting, Mr. G. invited me to attend the delivery of an Oration, and a Poem by 2 graduating students, in the chapel here, tomorrow morning. Walk home (to Tremont House) — 3 miles. Arrived a little before 8.....

“ BOSTON, Tuesday, July 15.

“ . . . . After breakfast, call on Mr. Thatcher. He took me to see the New Market, 300 feet long — of granite — built in the mayoralty of Josiah Quincy, in a style of great elegance. Then visited Faneuil Hall — about 70 feet square, to judge by the eye —can hold 2000 people — requires a very strong voice to fill it. Ours in loud colloquial tone, were lost in the vast space, as in the open air.”

A BROTHER EDITOR ON MR. GARRISON.

“ Repaired to No. 45, Brattle Street, at 10, to enter omnibus for Cambridge. Mr. Thatcher introduced me to a Mr. Adams, editor of a daily paper (the Columbian Centinel), — who was also going to Cambridge, to hear the oration and poem. On the way, in the carriage with a dozen people the promiscuous, chance-crowd of such a vehicle, Mr. Adams told me aloud, that Garrison was a miserable fan'atic, held in no sort of respect here. No one, by look or word, gainsaid the remark. This seemed the best evidence I had yet had, of a prevailing anti-Garrisonism. Mr. A. pronounced fan'atic as I have marked it — accent on the 1st syllable.”

COLLEGE AFFAIRS.

“ At Cambridge, after fine music, vocal and organic, and a prayer, the oration began in the Chapel at 1/2 past II, — lasting rather more than 1/2 an hour. A very neat — even handsome, and tolerably appropriate performance. It was a valedictory. Orator, J. H. Williams, of Maine. The student who had been selected to write and recite a poem, and who had written, and was quite ready to recite it if permitted,— now rose from his seat on the rostrum beside the orator (they were both in long, black-silk robes), and with sulky look and angry tone read to his classmates a note from the ruling powers, prohibiting the recital, because of some indecorous reflections in the poem, upon the Faculty. He made a brief and wrathful comment upon this act of authority, and sat down, amidst tremendous and long continued applause. A riot was expected ; but none ensued. Another interview with my yesterday’s friend; whom, on asking him the name of one who had laid me under such obligations, I find to be of Louisiana, named Bullard — nephew to a member of Congress from that state.”

PROFESSOR FELTON.

“ He now attended me again to Professor Felton, — whose reception was the most cordial I ever met with from a stranger. He shook my hand with both of his. No two heroines of romance ever were more instantaneously friends. Mr. F. said he boarded at Mr. Asahel Stearns’ (whom I mentioned yesterday): to whom he would fain introduce me, if I would go to dinner with him there — which was just then ready— I o'clock. Went, nothing loth, tho’ engaged to Mr. Lee’s at 1/2 past 2. Enjoyed a most pleasing half hour with Mr. and Mrs. Stearns ; ending with an invitation that I should return, stay all night, and tomorrow go with Mr. S. in his chaise to the Lexington Battle ground. Agreed, gratefully and eagerly. Then, walked 3 1/2 miles to Mr. Lee’s — arriving 1/4 before 3. Dinner waiting. Kindly received by host and hostess. Two young gentlemen at dinner—Mr. Lee’s son, and Mr. Eustis, nephew of Dr. and Govr. Eustis — both students of Harvard. Dinner till past 4. Thunder shower hindered our drive to Waltham ; so we went to Bunker Hill. By a spiral stairs, ascended the Monument, of which only about a 5th or 6th is finished — 30 or 40 feet. It is a square obelisk ; of hewn granite. Cost, hitherto, $60,000, including the ground.”

BUNKER HILL.

“Mr. L. pointed the place where the British landed to the attack ; Copps’ Hill, whence their batteries played on the little redoubt ; the positions of the men of war that bombarded it ; and that, whence other ships swept Charlestown Neck with grape shot, to preclude reinforcements ; the site of the forlorn little fortress itself, still marked by distinctly visible mounds, rising in oblong form, 3 or 4 feet high ; the ground where stood the Provincials whom the redoubt would not hold, — rather veiled than protected, by two post-and-rail fences, interfilled with hay ; and the spot where Warren fell! — Gracious Heavens ! with what a coolness, that smote upon my conscience as well nigh impious, did I survey a scene, the thought of which, and of the events it displayed, has so often made my tears flow, my hair rise up, and the blood trickle almost audibly along my arteries ! — But now, at my elbow stood my calm and shrewd guide — around lay piles of hewn and squared granite, speaking the presence of peaceful industry —yonder were Charlestown and Boston alive and roaring with “ the busy hum of men,” all too matter-offact to suggest or tolerate a single touch of sentimentality. I had not a tear to shed.....

“ CAMBRIDGE and LEXINGTON, Wednesday, July 16.

“Breakfast at 7. Directly after, Mr. S. and I set out in his chaise for Lexington, 6 miles off. Cambridge common. The Elm where Gen. W.’s tent is said to have stood, is on the Common. Mr. S. questions if the tent was there : but points me more accurately to the spot where W.’s sword was first drawn — between the elm, and Mr. S’s house — 50 or 100 yards from the elm.....

“ As we drew near Lexington, thoughts of the great 19th of April excluded every other topic. My most kind guide told numerous incidents of that day, tho’ he was a boy, too young to know them personally.

“ The speed with which the various bodies of militia gathered to the scene of battle, when they heard that blood had been shed at Lexington, was incredible. Indeed, the march of British troops out of Boston, on the morning of the 19th, for which a sharp look out was kept, and tidings of it carried as by the wind, was the signal for many companies of minutemen to get under arms and push away to the expected point of attack. A company at Lunenburg (40 odd miles off), Mr. Stearns’ and Miss S.’s native place — got the news towards noon that day; were under arms at 2 or 3 p. m., and reached Concord that night. The battle ground in Lexington. The church, and its yard where Capt. Parker’s company of militia were assembled. The spot was shown me. His men were about 70 in all. The place where Lord Percy’s cannon fired and checked the Provincials, when they were chasing the tired and badly beaten troops back towards Boston. We had with us an eyewitness of the scene, one Hastings, who was a boy of 14, and saw the British approach, heard Major Pitcairn’s order ‘ Disperse, you d—d rebels, disperse ! ’ saw him fire his pistol at them, followed by an immediate discharge from the troops — saw the American 70, slowly scatter and then break into a run, some of them, however, returning the fire — saw one man killed, as he was clambering over a stone fence, where a wooden one now is; and several others, as they were making off. The British fired as long as they could see any Americans within their reach : and certainly fired first. Hastings told us many other particulars. The meeting house was not the same which is now there : but some parts of the old were used in building the new ; and various bullet holes and other signs of battle are visible about it. In the yard stands a monument erected to those who fell; giving their names.”

MR. EVERETT.—COMMODORE ELLIOTT.

“Returned to Cambridge about II. Dinner at Mr. S.’s. Survey of Harvard Library with Mr. Felton. 42,000 vols. Drive with him to Charlestown. Call on “ Professor” Everett, whose manners appeared to me freezing and haughty. He walked with us to the navy yard near his house, and seemed willing to play chaperone to a reasonable extent: but upon my intimating a design to visit Com. Elliott, with a letter of introduction which I had (from Com. Barron) Mr. E. begged to be excused from joining in that call — with quite an air. Mr. Felton had, or manifested, no such scruple ; and in we went to the Commodore’s. He was a very round bodied, bluff visaged man, in a short jacket; with as little ceremony in his manners as in his dress. Little was said, beyond an expression of my wish to see the Navy yard. Ringing up a servant, he ordered him to call the officer of the day. That officer made his appearance, — Mr. Walker (Lieutenant). The commodore gave us in charge to him ; ordering him to show us whatever we desired about the yard. Mr. W. did so, very handsomely — The Columbus 74, the Frigate Constitution, &c. Arms room

— a dazzling spectacle. We saw the outsides of the Vermont 74, the Boston Frigate, — and the drydock.”

LOWELL.

“July 13.

“ Carried a letter of introduction from Mr. Stearns to Mr. Luther Lawrence, a large proprietor in some factories here. Found him at the R'road bank. He devoted himself to me for some hours, driving me in his chaise to the several Factories. Cotton Factory— Woollens, ditto—Calico printing— Carpets — rugs at 5 to $ 11. Brussels, Wilton, and Kidderminster Carpets, 1 to $ 3. A weaver does 3 or 4 yards a day, at 37 1/2 cents a yard. Carpet weaving is a mystery insoluble to me ; as indeed what sort of weaving is not — or even common knitting ? One cotton Factory has 3,500 spindles

— 136 looms. I went all over it. From the numbers visible in the houses I entered, I can easily credit Major Downing’s story about the ‘ miles of gals,’ that went in procession to honor Gineral Jackson. Their wages are low. A girl (shown me) who attends 2 looms, receives but 58 cents a day, and finds herself. .... Materials used in scouring cottons for calico — woollens.

“ School for operatives — Sunday Schools — Lyceums — Lectures. Mr. Lawrence gives a very favorable account of the morals and intellectual culture of the factory hands. Lowell has 13,000 inhabitants. In 1822, it was little better than a waste piece of ground......

“ Friday, July 18.

“ Up at 1/2 past four, and off at 25' past 6 — after a hard scuffle to get breakfast in time. The Merrimac House apes the Tremont in grandeur of style ; but succeeds (like all imitators) in catching only the faults of its model — its exorbitancy of bill, and its want of good waiting upon. For $ 1.50 per diem, a single biped unfeathered never found much less of solid comfort than at the M. House. Our stage road ran for several miles up the bank of the Merrimac. Saw the small steamboat, Herald, plying between Lowell and Nashua — a distance of but 15 miles.”

TEMPERANCE REFORM.

“ From Lowell to Fitchburg, a young man and his sister, of Keene, N. Hampshire, were passengers. Temperance flourishes much in N. H. A periodical at Concord, sent to every family in the state. Some will not receive it. Samuel Kittridge, a lawyer (one of whose addresses I had read some years ago), once a great drunkard, is now a regular and powerful advocate of the Reformation. He is paid $ 400 a year by the Temperance Society, for going about, and lecturing on Temperance. He is a married man, and now aged 40 or upwards. Abolition rife in Concord, N. H.”

GOVERNOR DAVIS.

“At Fitchburg, was transferred to another stage, in which was Gov. Davis. Sickened somewhat, I rode outside ; and so had no opportunity of handing him a letter of introduction I had, till we reached Leominster, 6 miles on the way to Worcester. Passed thro’ Leominster, Stirling, West Boylston. At Stirling, strengthened my stomach with some cheese and crackers (for stage sickness is aggravated by fasting), and then got inside. Had much talk with Gov. L), He is plainer in speech and manners than any man of his degree that 1 have hitherto met with : especially in New England, — where, it seems to me, they do not wear official rank so easily and unvauntingly as in the S. and West.....

“ Reached Worcester (called Wooster) at nearly 5 p, m. — 50 m.s from Lowell as we came, tho’ but 45 by another route. Gov. D. makes me such strong instances to stay here (his place of abode) tomorrow, and let him show me the town, its environs, and curiosities, that (it being o’er late, too, to see any tonight) I must stay. And next day affording no stage to Northampton, this involves a stay till Monday. I’m afraid, if there were a stage on Sunday, that would “shine no Sabbath day to me.” Shaved, and supped. Then came a note from “ Mr. Davis,” asking my company at his house this evening. It was brought by a tall, coal black negro servant — truly, rara avis, nigroque S&c., here. At meeting with a Southron, (being himself from the D. of Columbia) his broad mouth dilated into a grin of pleasure, displaying two rows of the whitest teeth.

“ I went to Gov. D.’s, soon after 7 ; and staid 2 hours. His introduction of me to Mrs. D. was, ‘my wife, Mr. Minor ! ’ and his usual address to her was ‘ wife.’ —Capital. She is a daughter of Dr. Aaron Bancroft, a venerable minister who still has charge of the Unitarian Church here, and who wrote a Life of Washington that I read some years ago ; and she is sister to Mr. George Bancroft, who lives in Northampton, and is writing a History of the U. S. of which one volume is out. Mrs. D. is dark complexioned, and plain spoken and mannered ; but evidently intelligent and tinctured with letters. So is her husband, when you come to probe him. He seems about 45 — perhaps 48 — she, 40. I plead guilty of 2 glasses of wine, — one, because I was tired of refusing; and the other, to wash down whortleberry cake — very good cake, however.

“ Gov. D. tells me of the factory hands here (about 1000 in number) what Mr. Lawrence did of those at Lowell. They are as moral as any other class of the population. The females watch each other’s deportment with most jealous vigilance ; and the smallest slip is at once exposed, and punished by expulsion. There is a Lyceum, for their improvement — lectures by amateurs — the Drs., Lawyers, &c. about town — on a great variety of subjects, physical and moral.

“ WORCESTER, Sunday, July 20.

“.....Attended the Unitarian Church,

Mr. Hill, Dr. Bancroft’s alternate, preached a neat, sensible discourse, rather a moral disquisition than a sermon (more to my taste) — on the importance of family prayer. Text, Joshua 34, 15. “As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” The music, before sermon, struck me as very fine.

I doubted not that it was an organ, till, looking up to the gallery, I saw a gentleman in black plying a violin, and another a violoncello, with might and main. ‘ Our armies swore terribly in Flanders ’; but it was all nothing to the pother that some of our rigidly righteous would make, could they see this abomination. My thoughts ran upon the dance of witches and warlocks in Kirk Alloway ; the gentleman in black, to my fancy, represented auld Nick,

and I did not know what horrid catastrophe might come, from the profanation. Happily, however, nothing dreadful occurred ; and we all got home unhurt.”

DOMESTIC SERVICE.

“ Mrs. B. says, the white servants are far more unmanageable and useless, since factories multiplied, and wages grew so high. Two dollars a week must be given for a female house servant. The vexation attending them is hardly less than that resulting from slaves in Va. The worst part, is insolent language. Mrs. Rice has just parted with one “ help,” (they wont bear to be called servants) and been treating with another. She will engage, only upon condition of being considered a member of the family: which implies, that she is to sit at meals with the family, sit in the parlor, &c. ' But how can she wait on the ta-

ble, if she sits down to it with you ?’ ' O, she will have to jump up, when any thing is wanted.’ It is usual, for one help to do all work — cook, bring water, clean up the house, &c. Those who can afford it, hire a second for these and other jobs. The carriage driver is commonly a distinct personage— takes care of the horses, &c., &c.”

RELIGIOUS STATE.

“WORCESTER, Monday, July 21.

“_.....Gov. D. told me, there is no long-

er any legal obligation upon any person in Mass. to give a penny for Religious uses — towards keeping a church or minister. The old Law, requiring such tribute, was repealed last year, or the year before. Almost every body is a member of some religious Society ; which, however, is not the same thing as communicant of a church. And all such members have to contribute for church-support, under the by-laws of the Society. These religious Societies have a corporate existence and corporate faculties given, not by a special law for each of them, but by a general law, saying that whenever one is organized, by appointing officers, assessor, collector, &c. for building a church and employing a minister, it shall be, ipso facto, a body corporate, with power to levy contributions, &c. The contributions are prescribed by an assessor, elected in a general meeting of the members ; and are collected by a collector, similarly appointed, who can distrain for nonpayment.”

POLITICAL USAGES.

“ My Lowell friend in the cambray frock has been elected to the State Legislature (the H. of R. in the ‘ General Court’); and has, besides, taken an active part in getting others elected. He gave me much insight of the machinery by which elections are carried here. No man ever proclaims himself a candidate, or comes forward as one, of his own mere will; much less electioneers, either by going about, or making stump speeches, or otherwise. To do any of these things would be inevitable death to his aspirations. His way is, to convey his wishes, in some indirect method, to an influential friend who sounds others ; and all his favorers make interest for him till a caucus Can be assembled, which is carefully formed of the kindliest possible materials for him. This caucus usually speaks the will of one or a few leading men, who are now, we will suppose, in favor of our aspirant. Of course lie is nominated, as the people’s candidate, or at least as the party’s ; and is elected in the former case perhaps without opposition, or in the latter by such majority as his party can give him.

“ The tendency of this system to direct all the courtship of aspiring men to the wireworkers of the caucus, instead of to the people, is obvious : and consequently to deprive the people of that respectful demeanor towards them, which a sense of dependence upon them would otherwise insure. Further — it prevents those oral discussions of public measures, before the masses, which are the best means of rousing and fixing their attention, and of enlightening their minds, as to such measures. It therefore at once lessens the people’s agency in government, and impairs their capacity to do their part in it. My shrewd acquaintance evidently regards the caucus system as thus striking at the foundations of popular government. Our old Virginia fashion for me ! —of every man’s bringing himself forward as a candidate ; and, in stump speeches, showing what stuff he is made of. .... “To see Mr. Geo, Bancroft, on Roundhill, with Mr. Felton’s letter of introduction. (He is Mrs. Govr. Davis’ brother, as I said.) A deal of talk. He is ravenous for information upon various Virginia topics whereon, for my pretensions, I find myself very scantily furnished. He is full charged ; and gives it off like an electric jar. Voice a thin treble, or tenor at least; but clear, and not unpleasing. In 1763, there were upwards of 5000 slaves in Massachusetts, In 1780 some hundreds less. That year, the Constitution was adopted, with the Bill of Rights declaring “ all men born free and equal.” Upon this, some slaves demanded their freedom, and their masters yielded it. One (in 1781) sued his master for trespass, assault and battery, and false imprisonment. The master pleaded that the plaintiff was his slave. This plea was demurred to, and held naught. A decision which virtually abolished slavery in Mass. No Legislative Act ever passed, for doing so. Abolition was effected similarly in N. Hampshire. There never were any slaves in Vermont. It was a mistake of the last census, to mention slaves in Mass. Explanation of it, and correction by Gov. Davis. Slavery was abolished by Legislation in N. York, 179-, when there were 21,000 slaves, in a whole population of 340,000. (Va. has 460000 slaves, in a whole population of about 1,100,000.)

MR. BANCROFT.

“ NORTHAMPTON,-

“ Mr. B. thought it might be so effected in Virginia ; by declaring all to be free, born after a specified time. He did not know that this idea (called the post-nati principle) had been discussed in the Va. Legislature, and had been as obnoxious as any other plan whatever, to our anti - abolitionists. Left him, after an hour, agreeably spent. Invitation to a family dinner, at 1 o’clock. Excused myself. Then to tea, at 6. Agreed.”

ABOLITIONISM.

“ Mr. Stearns in his visit this morn-

ing, introd’d me to a youngish lawyer, Mr. Charles Huntington — sensible. Disposed, I think, to abolition. Indeed Miss S. has mentioned the family to me, as thither inclined. He asked, if one going into Va. to speak on the subject not to slaves, but to the whites, would be heard ? I tho’t not, — unless they felt assured that he did not design, directly or indirectly, to operate upon the slaves, or to stir up the nonslaveholders against the owners.”

MR. BANCROFT.

“ Descended the mountain after 1/2 an hour’s stay ; and got back to town just time enough for me to reach Mr. Bancroft’s a little after the appointed tea hour. Introduced to his wife, mother, and sister. The mother a very good looking, affable old lady.

“ Mr. B. led me into his back piazza, to enjoy the view. It presents all the Northamptonward part of the prospect from Mt. Holyoke, with some additions and improvements. From Mr. B.’s the landscape is less picture-like, — more like reality. We see quite across the valley, to Mounts Tom and Holyoke, and their associate ranges — Mt. Tom more satisfactorily than from Mount H. —and away to the north, appears a range running at right angles with the Holyoke range, having one of its gaps filled by the dim blue mass of Monadnock mountain in New Hampshire, far in the background. Thus, North, East, and South, the mountains, in the gray twilight, seemed an evenly defined, close wall, bounding the spacious garden of the valley: A garden, filled with green meadows and cornfields, orchards, clumps of elms and sycamores, virgin forests, gay villages of white houses surmounted by beautiful churches (all white)

“ .... Mr. B. and I had much, and to me very interesting conversation. The 1st vol. of his History of the U. S. (just published) comes to 1660. The 2d will come to about 1745. The 3d just into the Revolution. The 4th will finish the Revolution, and tell of the forming of the present Constitution — 1787’8 — and the organization of the government under it. The 5th (and last) will extend thro’ President Jackson’s administration. The vols. will come about one a year — if life and health. — Mr. B. seems justly impressed with the importance of condensing his narrative — of avoiding details, except where necessary to show general results, or fulfil his general plan. Thus, the memoirs or adventures of individuals he will usually pretermit. But where they strikingly illustrate the spirit or character of the people or the times, — he will give them. Thus he thought 2 incidents which I told him, worthy of insertion — the hanging of 2 tories in my native neighborhood, by the country people — and a gallant feat of Thomas Pemberton (a cornet in Lee’s Legion) told me by his son-in-law, Mr. A. Bryce. Mr. B. listened eagerly to the recital of these 2 facts. The latter he said was the affair of Horatius Cocles over again. “ Thinks he can tread the delicate ground of contemporaneous history — even the history of our party-politics — steadily and impartially : and be able to set forth the Internal Improvem’t and Tariff questions, Nullification, Bank, and Indian question, all, so as to show the world their true aspects and merits, without giving umbrage to either party. He will put himself, in imagination, in the place of the party whose views he is explaining, and view the controverted ground with their eyes. Says he has ample materials for the Va. portion of his History. Finds Hening’s Statutes at Large very valuable. Has Stith’s History, Burke’s, and Girardin’s — The Life of Capt. Smith, that of Rd. H. Lee, &c. He caught voraciously at my mention of Sample’s Hist, of the Va. Baptists, and the Memoirs of Samuel Davies, as narrating some religious persecutions there, in the la: century ; and took down the names. He lately received a letter from Mr. Calhoun, giving suggestion as to the way Nullification ought to be treated, if it have justice. Has lately also received a letter from Mr. Leigh, offering any aid in his power towards Virginia History ; inquired if I thought Mr. L. possessed of much information concerning the early history of Va. I tho’t not particularly so, except the legislative and constitutional history. Mr. B. understands that Mr. Madison has many mss. shedding great light on the history of the country, which he designs one day to see the light ; and asked, if I tho’t Mr. M. w’d probably suffer them to be examined for Mr. B.’s purpose ? No doubt he would — but it must be at Mr. M.’s own house. Mr. B. contemplates a visit thither on purpose.

“ Came away at 20' before 10. Mr. B. keeps early hours, he says : never indulges in night studies. Goes to bed at 10. He is an example of the youthfulness of appearance usual among these northern people, — age considered. He is about 40, Mr. S. tells me ; yet looks much younger than I do, who want 8 years of that age. Has not a gray hair. This climate certainly has a something conservative of health and freshness ; when colds, and their offspring consumption do not interpose. But a still better conservative is the mode of life — especially the kinds and quantity of food. Cold light-bread does wonders, in preserving the teeth, complexion, and constitution. It has potent auxiliaries too, in other parts of diet — in warm dressing, comfortable houses, and frequent ablutions of the body.”

“ CONCLUSION.

“ Here the Notes of my Tour may as well end — since I now return upon my former footsteps, home.

“ No other 6 weeks of my life have had compressed into them half so much excitement, or half so much interest. Those Northern States have very far the start of us Virginians, in almost all the constituents of civilization : yes further than my State pride will even now let me own without a struggle. They are more public spirited than we. They are more charitable — they possess better organized social and civil institutions. Their usages are more favorable to health, to virtue, to intelligence — and in their thorough, practical understanding of the word COMFORT, (which is said to be unknown in any language, save the English) they are as far before us, as we are before the Hottentots or Esquimaux.

“ Great good — very great good — would result to Virginia or any other Southern State, if her farmers and planters, and their wives, would come often among the Yankees and observe their ways. Some things would be seen, to be shunned ; but many more, to be imitated. I shall always preach up to my countrymen and countrywomen the utility of such a jaunt. I shall particularly exhort them to quit the great highways of fashionable touring — the steam and stage lines — and explore the simple, rural districts ; for instance, Windham county in Connecticut, and Worcester and Berkshire, or even Hampshire or Hampden, in Massachusetts. There I w’d have them stay, for several days, in a village Inn, or (better still) enter as boarders in a farm House ; and, themselves in plain dresses and with no equipage, so as not to awe their entertainers into reserve, quietly note their ways. One day with my kind hostess in Windham (with whom I breakfasted so on the 11th of July) could not help being pleasant and profitable.’’