THE TRANSPORT, THE great eye of day was wide open, and a joyful light filled air, heaven, and ocean. The marbled clouds lay motionless far and wide over the deepblue sky, and all memory of storm and hurricane had vanished from the magnificence of that immense calm, There was but a gentle fluctuation on the bosom of the deep, and the sea-birds floated steadily there, or dipped their wings for a moment in the wreathed foam, and again wheeled sportively away into the sunshine. One Shiponly one single Ship-was within the encircling horizon, and she had lain there as if at anchor since the morning light; for, although all her sails were set, scarcely a wandering breeze touched her canvass, and her flags hung dead on staff and at peak, or lifted themselves uncertainly up at intervals, and then sunk again into motionless repose. The crew paced not her deck, for they knew that no breeze would come till after meridian,-and it was the Sabbath-day. A small congregation were singing praises to God in that Chapel, which rested almost as quietly on the sea as the house of worship in which they had been used to pray, then rested far off on a foundation of rock in a green valley of their forsaken Scotland. They were Emigrants--nor hoped ever again to see the mists of their native mountains. But as they heard the voice of their psalm, each singer half forgot that it blended with the sound of the sea, and almost believed himself sitting in the kirk of his own beloved parish. But hundreds of billowy leagues intervened between them and the little tinkling bell that was now tolling their happier friends to the quiet house of God. And now an old grey-headed man rose to pray, and held up his withered hands in fervent supplication for all around, whom, in good truth, he called his children-for three generations were with the patriarch in that tabernacle. There, in one group, were husbands and wives standing to gether, in awe of Him who held the deep in the hollow of his hand,- there, youths and maidens, linked together by the feeling of the same destiny, some of them perhaps hoping, when they reached the shore, to lay their heads on one pillow,there, children hand in hand, happy in the wonders of the ocean,—and there, mere infants smiling on the sunny deck, and unconscious of the meaning of hymn or prayer. A low, confined, growling noise was heard struggling beneath the deck, and a sailor called with a loud voice, "Fire-Fire,-the Ship's on fire!" Holy words died on the prayer's tongue the congregation fell asunder-and pale faces, wild eyes, groans, shrieks, and outcries, rent the silence of the lonesome sea. No one for a while knew the other, as all were hurried as in a whirlwind up and down the ship. A dismal heat, all unlike the warmth of that beautiful sun, came stiflingly on every breath.-Mothers, who in their first terror had shuddered but for themselves, now clasped their infants to their breasts, and lifted up their eyes to heaven. Bold, brave men grew white as ashes, and hands, strengthened by toil and storm, trembled like the aspen-leaf. "Gonegone,-we are all gone! was now the cry; yet no one knew whence that cry came; and men glared reproachfully on each other's countenances, and strove to keep down the audible beating of their own hearts. The desperate love of life drove them instinctively to their stations, and the water was poured, as by the strength of giants, down among the smouldering flames. But the devouring element roared up into the air; and deck, masts, sails, and shrouds, were one crackling and hissing sheet of fire. "Let down the boat!" was now the yell of hoarse voices; and in an instant she was filled with life. Then there was frantic leaping into the sea; and all who were fast drowning, moved convulsively towards that little ark. Some sank down at once into oblivion-some grasped at nothing with their disappearing hands-some seized in vain unquenched pieces of the fiery wreck-some would fain have saved a friend almost in the last agonies; and some, strong in a savage despair tore from them the clenched fingers that would have dragged them down, and forgot in fear both love and pity. Enveloped in flames and smoke, yet insensible as a corpse to the burning, a frantic mother flung down her baby among the crew; and as it fell among the upward oars unharmed, she shrieked out a prayer of thanksgiving. Go, husband, go; for I am content to die. -Oh! live-live- my husband, for our darling Willy's sake." But in the prime of life, and with his manly bosom full of health and hope, the husband looked but for a moment till he saw his child was safe: and then taking his young wife in his arms, sat down beneath the burning fragments of the sail, with the rest that were resigned, never more to rise up till the sound of the last trumpet, when the faithful and the afflicted shall be raised to breathe for ever empyrean air. EMYLYE. By Sir W. Rawleigh. O thou who werte alle deare toe mee, And as thy spotlesse sowle doth shene, Farre, farre, above this Earthlie scene; Pitie the teare that falls for thee; Relicfe of poore Mortalitie. And tho removed soe farre from alle, Thou lovedst on this terrestiale Balle, Yette lette thy spyryte smyle onu mee, Ane Aungel's smyle,-mie Emylye! Thy love to mee was ayelic pure, For as the littel dove doth crie, From Bayley's records of the Tower. Tuesday, 3, at Camelford, Mr. T. Evelyn, aged 44 years. Saturday, 7, at Launceston, Mrs. Lethbridge aged 66 years, wife of C. Lethbridge, Esq. Sunday, 1, at Falmouth, Mrs. Mitchell, aged 70 years. Monday, 9, at Penzance, Miss S. Satterwaite, Sunday, 10, Lower St. Columb, Mr. R. Cotton, aged 83 years. Wednesday, 11, at Liskeard, Mrs. Moon, aged 65 years. Wednesday, 11, Trembray, near, Liskeard, Mr. F. Crocker, aged 85 years. Friday, 6, at Carharrack, near Redruth, Mrs. Carvosso, aged 60 years. Wednesday, 11, at Redruth, Mr. James Lauksbury. Wednesday, 11, at Redruth, Mr. Richard Matthews. Wednesday, 11, at Redruth, Joseph Nicholas, aged 30 years. Sunday, 8, at Nanswhyden, St. Columb, Mr. M. Cardell, aged 20 years. Wednesday, 11, at Launceston, Mr. S, Symons, Innkeeper. Friday, 13, St. Stephens, by Launceston, Rev. C. Orchard, Rector of Laneast. Tuesday, 17, at Helston, Mrs. Colliver, Widow. Monday, 16, at Loe, near Truro, Lieutenant Elliot. Printed and Published by J. Philp, Falmouth, and sold by most Booksellers in the County. The Selector. "WE CULL THE CHOICEST." No. 3.] ON SLAVERY. To the Editor of the Selector. SIR, MARCH, 1826. Ir is deeply to be regretted, that so much indifference to the situation of the West India slaves obtains in the present day, and that exertions to emancipate the degraded and insulted African from his cruel bondage, are regarded as wild enthusiastic schemes, deserving little support. A noble effort, however, appears to have been made by the friends of this injured people, prior to the commencement of the present session of Parliament: may it be crowned with abundant success! It is, certainly, not to be disputed, that the public feels less concerned than it ought, on a question which involves the happiness and liberties of such an extensive portion of the human race. Whether this indifference arises from the want of proper information on the subject, or from an improper estimate of the blessings of freedom, is not easily determined; nor does it appear necessary to the present discussion. But the fact, that 800,000 of our fellow-creatures are slaves, and pass their existence, which is only prolonged misery and wretchedness, without any excitation of general sympathy for their suffering condition, or the least abhorrence at this outrage upon all right both human and divine being discovered, is one which reflects disgrace upon the inhabitants of this country, who boast of their freedom ;-and calls loudly for the voice of the press, to awaken men of every class and degree, to a just sense of the wrongs endured by this unhappy race of human beings! It therefore, becomes the friends of the D VOL. I. [Price 3d. negro slave, to excite by every laudable means, all that detestation which every one who views the case in a proper light, either would or ought to feel; for I am persuaded, that the details we continually hear of the cruelty practiced towards the negro in the West Indies, are quite free from any colouring; in fact do not tell half the horrid tale! Notwithstanding the effrontery with which we are informed, that the slaves are better fed, and clothed, and are happier than the peasantry of our own country,-notwithstanding the repeated assertions, that they are not treated with harshness and cruelty,and flogged with merciless severity, we know too much of the sources whence issue these correct statements, to be gulled into a belief which is contrary to fact. Men, the most impartial individuals, characterized for integrity and veracity, upon whose testimony the most unbounded dependance may be safely placed, inform us, that in this country, it is impossible to form a correct idea of the horrors and wretchedness of that state of hard and interminable bondage! It is idle now to tell us of their excellent food,—and comfortable cloathing;-these statements have been too frequently proved to be false, to require any further comment or argument: and it is only to those who are reckless of the blessings of liberty, and therefore unable to appreciate its value, and unworthy its enjoyment, that we are obliged to state our facts in disproof of these averments. But allow that they are well fed and cloathed-what of this? Are these any compensation for the loss of freedem? Who would insult us so grossly, as to dare assert the impertinent opinion? A man could do no less for a brute which he has domesticated, then protect it from the inclemency of the weather, and provide food proper for its sustenance! Really honest indignation purples on the cheek at this miserable juggling;-and feels the utmost contempt, for a mind so despicable, as to attempt to excuse so foul and flagrant an outrage upon humanity, by a pretext at once so paltry and deceptive! To be satisfied of this, we inquire, what is the crime committed? We reply Robbery! Robbery of the worst description! for property is not stolen in this case :-but they steal the man! they fasten fetters on a fellow being, "and bind the prince of creation in chains!" On such a subject, abused by such base, and deceitful sophistry, "twere madness to be calm!" The slave holder, is equally guilty with the slave stealer! he is an accessory before the fact; he perpetuates that, which the man stealer begins, inflicts a deeper wound-and perpetrates a more aggravated crime. If however the slave were treated with the utmost kindness; if his appetite were satisfied with every delicacy; and he were "clothed in purple and fine linen, and fared sumptuously every day;" yet as long as he is a slave, liable to be sold, at any time, as goods and chattels, and separated from his dearest earthly friends, at the caprice of his cruel master, it is enough for us; it is sufficient to kindle all our hostility to this state of bondage, and animate us to the annihilation of a practice, so hostile to the dignity of man,-and so inimical to personal freedom! Our abhorrence is not more against the fact, than against the principle of slavery! In opposition to these arguments we are told to look to our own country, to consider the condition of our soldiers and seamen; to reflect on the nature and operation of the law of impressment; and we are asked, do not these furnish parallel cases?-especially if we attend to the gangway or the halbert. Nothing can be more gratuitously insulting than this? Suppose the inference which they, (the advocates of slavery) would have us draw from these premises be correct; is an ap peal to one crime, an excuse for the infliction of another? is the comparison they institute between the bondage of the former, an apology for the latter? Is the act of taking a man from his home and his friends for a time, to fight his country's battles, and defend the interests of his native land, any palliation for stealing a man from the place of his birth, from his wife and children, and his home, and fastening chains on his limbs,-ferrying him over the ocean to a distant shore, never more to return, and there bind him in everlasting fetters, and compelling him to pass his miserable life in ceaseless slavery and bondage? Is this, we ask, to be met by a reference to the act of impressment? Certainly not! there is little or no analogy in the cases; and if there were, it is neither morally nor politically right, to justify one crime by an appeal to another. This only exhibits the miserable shifts to which the enemies of freedom descend, to bolster up their tottering and infamous cause! To set the matter at rest, we have to propose one simple enquiry; would the soldier or sailor exchange with the slave? Would our peasantry take their place?-Would they? They would feel too deeply the insult ever to forget, that such a question was even proposed to them! But put the same question to the poor slave;would he exchange? Methinks how transported he would be; how would he fly from those accursed shores, and rush into the enjoyment of liberty! How would his leaping heart rejoice, to partake of those blessings which can only be enjoyed by the free. To be so, is the birthright of man; it is the gift of heaven; he who dares wrest it from his fellow man, commits sacrilege of the vilest description; insults the Creator of the universe; and defies his maker and his God! On the question of emancipation the friends as well as the enemies of the measure, are unhappily, equally divided. The people of this country, have been too long deluded by false hopes of a speedy termination to the slavery of the West Indies. They have been outwitted by the invention of that hypocritical proposal "gradual abolition!" Here is the whirlpool in which have perished the best hopes of the nation; it has been the gulph which has swallowed up the expectations of the friends of this injured race. The success of this stratagem against the happiness and liberties of the negro population of the West Indies, has been, unhappily, but too evident. It has deceived the sagacity of our best friends, and most powerful advocates and driven them from the vantage ground they once possessed. We are asked with an insulting air of triumph, as if the argument deduced from the inquiry were invincible; "who would place a sumptuous banquet before a wretch who was famishing for want of food, whilst his stomach is incapable of digesting the food he eats?" "Who would bring to the broad glare of day-light, a miserable captive who had been deprived for years, of beholding the cheering beams of the orb of day, and buried in the lowest vault of a dungeon, visited only, with pestilence and darkness?" "No one certainly! Here the change must be gradual to prove in any way beneficial to the person in question." What then is the inference; that because slavery exists, is must be perpetual! Insolent violation of common sense! On this supposition, a suffering fellow-creature must not be rescued from the hand of oppression and tyranny. The friends of humanity and freedom, are to look quietly on, and behold the humiliating spectacle of a fellow man bound in chains, and compelled to labour like a brute, by the excitement of the lash! This they are to do, and make no effort to stay the hand of oppression and cruelty; or to rescue this wretched captive from the fangs of a monster who exhibits no passion, but the ferocity of a tiger! The slaves are in a situation which is aptly pourtrayed when we say, that they are fastened in the gripe of a beast of prey, ready to be devoured! Human blood-hounds are their enemies! Who would insult humanity so grossly, as to tell a man that was flying to rescue from the jaws of a lion, a friend or a brother, "Stop, Sir, your efforts must not be precipitate; the deliverance you would accomplish, must be gradually obtained." Should we hear any thing of gradual deliverance from such a situation No:-why then in the case of slavery? The man perishes before you, benefit him! "Liberty or death," is the only proper sound to which we can possibly listen, when the welfare of the negro slave is concerned ! Who are to be the objects of this boon, which is to be conferred so gradually and so mercifully? Not he that has endured the horrors of slavery. He is to taste none of the blessings of freedom! It is thus that our sympathy is diverted from the present sufferers, to their hapless progeny; and we are told the work must be gradually done, and they must out of regard to their ultimate happiness, be carefully and tenderly prepared for its possession!-Admirable logic! superlative compassion! What more strikingly illustrates those words of the sacred canon, "the tender mercies of the wicked are cruel!" It is in this manner, that an attempt is made to cajole us out of our senses upon this important question; it is thus we are deceived by repeated promises; but faith has been plighted too often, and as often disregarded, to trust any longer to gradual abolitionists. Whilst they have the cause in their hands, the planter knows he cannot put it in better keeping, or in safer custody; and the men, who would fam erase this foul blot from the annals of their country, see all their efforts rendered completely nugatory, by the neutralizing operation of that deceptive sound, "gradual emancipation." It has successfully succeeded in producing a moral amalgamation of philanthropy with cruelty; of benevolence with oppression;-of mercy with tyranny! But let us bring home the question to our own hearts! We may talk of this subject; and we may express our abhorrence of slavery in the most unmeasured language; but there must be something more than this, or the case of the African negro will ever remain "in statu quo." It behoves |