The Key to Uncle Tom's Cabin

Home > Fiction > The Key to Uncle Tom's Cabin > Page 45
The Key to Uncle Tom's Cabin Page 45

by Harriet Beecher Stowe


  zens of some place notoriously unhealthy will come to believe,

  and assert, with the utmost sincerity, that there is actually less

  sickness in their town than any other of its size in the known

  world. Thus parents often think their children perfectly imma-

  culate in just those particulars in which others see them to be

  most faulty. This solution of the phenomena is a natural and

  amiable one, and enables us to retain our respect for our

  Southern brethren.

  There is another circumstance, also, to be taken into account,

  in reading such assertions as these. It is evident, from the

  pamphlet in question, that the writer is one of the few who re-

  gard the possession of absolute irresponsible power as the highest

  of motives to moderation and temperance in its use. Such men

  are commonly associated in friendship and family connexion with

  others of similar views, and are very apt to fall into the error of

  judging others by themselves, and thinking that a thing may do

  for all the world because it operates well in their immediate

  circle. Also, it cannot but be a fact that the various circum-

  stances which from infancy conspire to degrade and depress the

  negro in the eyes of a Southern-born man--the constant habit

  of speaking of them, and hearing them spoken of, and seeing

  them advertised, as mere articles of property, often in connexion

  with horses, mules, fodder, swine, &c., as they are almost daily

  in every Southern paper--must tend, even in the best-constituted

  minds, to produce a certain obtuseness with regard to the inte-

  rests, sufferings, and affections, of such as do not particularly

  belong to himself, which will peculiarly unfit him for estimating

  their condition. The author has often been singularly struck

  with this fact, in the letters of Southern friends; in which, upon

  one page, they will make some assertion regarding the condition

  of Southern negroes, and then go on, and in other connexions

  state facts which apparently contradict them all. We can all be

  aware how this familiarity would operate with ourselves. Were

  we called upon to state how often our neighbours' cows were

  separated from their calves, or how often their household furni-

  ture and other effects are scattered and dispersed by executors'

  sales, we should be inclined to say that it was not a misfortune

  of very common occurrence.

  But let us open two South Carolina papers, published in the

  very State where this gentleman is residing, and read the adver-

  tisements FOR ONE WEEK. The author has slightly abridged

  them:--

  R. W. Murray and Wife and others

  v.

  William Wright and Wife and others In Equity.

  In pursuance of an order of the Court of Equity made in the above case at July

  Term, 1852, I will sell at public outcry,” to the highest bidder, before the Court

  House in Winnsboro', on the first Monday in January next,

  twelve very likely negroes.

  belonging to the estate of Micajah Mobley, deceased, late of Fairfield District.

  These negroes consist chiefly of young boys and girls, and are said to be very

  likely.

  Terms of Sale, &c.

  W. R. Robertson,

  C. E. F. D.

  Commissioners' Office,

  Winnsboro', Nov. 30. 1852,

  Dec. 2. 42 x4.

  Will be sold at public outcry, to the highest bidder, on Tuesday, the 21st day of

  December next, at the late residence of Mrs. M. P. Rabb, deceased, all of the per-

  sonal estate of said deceased, consisting in part of about--

  2,000 Bushels of Corn.

  25,000 Pounds of Fodder.

  Wheat--Cotton Seed.

  Horses, Mules, Cattle, Hogs, Sheep.

  There will, in all probability, be sold at the same time and place several likely

  Young Negroes.

  The Terms of Sale will be--all sums under Twenty-five Dollars, Cash. All

  sums of Twenty-five Dollars and over, twelve months' credit, with interest, from

  day of Sale, secured by note and two approved securities.

  William S. Rabb,

  Administrator.

  Nov. 11. 39 x2.

  James E. Caldwell, Administrator,

  with the Will annexed of

  Jacob Gibson, deceased,

  v.

  Jason D. Gibson and Others,

  In Equity.

  In pursuance of the order of sale made in the above case, I will sell at public

  outcry, to the highest bidder, before the Court House in Winnsboro', on the first

  Monday in January next, and the day following, the following real and personal

  estate of Jacob Gibson, deceased, late of Fairfield District, to wit:

  The plantation on which the testator lived at the time of his death, containing

  661 acres, more or less, lying on the waters of Wateree Creek, and bounded by

  lands of Samuel Johnston, Theodore S. du Bose, Edward P. Mobley, B. R. Cock-

  rell. This plantation will be sold in two separate tracts, plats of which will be

  exhibited on the day of sale:

  forty-six prime likely negroes,

  Consisting of Waggoners, Blacksmiths, Cooks, House Servants, &c.

  W. R. Robertson,

  C. E. F. D.

  Commissioners' Office,

  Winnsboro', 29th Nov., 1852.

  On the first Monday in January next I will sell, before the Court House in

  Columbia, 50 of as likely Negroes as have ever been exposed to public sale,

  belonging to the estate of A. P. Vinson, deceased. The Negroes have been well

  cared for, and well managed in every respect. Persons wishing to purchase will

  not, it is confidently believed, have a better opportunity to supply themselves.

  J. H. Adams,

  Executor.

  Nov. 18. 40 x3

  Will be sold on the 15th December next, at the late residence of Samuel

  Moore, deceased, in York District, all the personal property of said deceased,

  consisting of

  thirty-five likely negroes;

  a quantity of Cotton and Corn, Horses and Mules, Farming Tools, Household

  and Kitchen Furniture, with many other articles.

  Samuel E. Moore,

  Administrator.

  Nov. 18. 40 x4t

  Will be sold at public outcry to the highest bidder, on Tuesday, the 14th day

  of December next, at the late residence of Robert W. Durham, deceased, in Fair-

  field District, all of the personal estate of said deceased; consisting in part as

  follows:

  50 PRIME LIKELY NEGROES.

  About 3000 Bushels of Corn.

  A large quantity of Fodder.

  Wheat, Oats, Cow Peas, Rye, Cotton Seed, Horses, Mules, Cattle, Hogs, Sheep.

  C. H. Durham,

  Administrator.

  Nov. 23.

  By virtue of sundry executions to me directed, I will sell at Fairfield Court

  House, on the first Monday, and the day following, in December next, within the

  legal hours of sale, to the highest bidder, for cash, the following property. Pur-

  chasers to pay for titles.

  2 Negroes, levied upon as the property of Allen R. Crankfield, at the suit of

  Alexander Brodie, et al.

  2 Horses and 1 Jennet, levied upon as the property of Allen R. Crankfield, at

  the suit of Alexander Brodie.

  2 Mules, lev
ied upon as the property of Allen R. Crankfield, at the suit of Tem-

  perance E. Miller and J. W. Miller.

  1 pair of Cart Wheels, levied upon as the property of Allen R. Crankfield, at

  the suit of Temperance E. Miller and J. W. Miller.

  1 Chest of Drawers, levied upon as the property of Allen R. Crankfield, at the

  suit of Temperance E. Miller and J. W. Miller.

  1 Bedstead, levied upon as the property of Allen R. Crankfield, at the suit of

  Temperance E. Miller and J. W. Miller.

  1 Negro, levied upon as the property of R. J. Gladney, at the suit of James

  Camak.

  1 Negro, levied upon as the property of Geo. McCormick, at the suit of W. M.

  Phifer.

  1 Riding Saddle, to be sold under an assignment of G. W. Boulware to J. B.

  Mickle, in the case of Geo. Murphy, Jr., v. G. W. Boulware.

  R. E. Ellison,

  S. F. D.

  Sheriff's Office, Nov. 19, 1852.

  Nov. 20. 37 †xtf

  John A Crumpton and others

  v.

  Zachariah C. Crumpton.

  In Equity.

  In pursuance of the Decretal order made in this case, I will sell at public outcry

  to the highest bidder before the Court House door in Winnsboro', on the first

  Monday in December next, three separate tracts or parcels of land, belonging to

  the estate of Zachariah Crumpton, deceased.

  I will also sell, at the same time and place, five or six likely young

  negroes, sold as the property of the said Zachariah Crumpton, deceased, by

  virtue of the authority aforesaid.

  The terms of sale are as follows, &c. &c.

  W. R. Robertson,

  C. E. F. D.

  Commissioners' Office, Winnsboro', Nov. 8, 1852.

  Nov. 11. 30 x3

  The undersigned, as Administrator of the Estate of Col. T. Randell, deceased,

  will sell, on Monday, the 20th December next, all the personal property belonging

  to said estate, consisting of

  56 Negroes,

  stock, corn, fodder, etc. etc.

  Terms of Sale, &c. &c.

  Samuel J. Randell.

  Sept. 2. 29 x16

  The Tri-Weekly South Carolinian, published at Columbia,

  S. C., has this motto:--

  “Be just and fear not; let all the ends thou aim'st at be thy Country's, thy God's, and Truth's.”

  In the number dated December 23, 1852, is found a “Reply

  of the Women of Virginia to the Women of England,” con-

  taining this sentiment:--

  Believe us, we deeply, prayerfully, study God's Holy Word; we are fully

  persuaded that our institutions are in accordance with it.

  After which, in other columns, come the ten advertisements

  following:--

  By virtue of sundry writs of fieri facias, to me directed, will be sold before the

  Court House in Columbia, within the legal hours, on the first Monday and

  Tuesday in January next--

  Seventy-four acres of Land, more or less, in Richland District, bounded on the

  north and east by Lorick's and on the south and west by Thomas Trapp.

  Also, Ten Head of Cattle, Twenty-five Head of Hogs, and Two Hundred

  Bushels of Corn, levied on as the property of M. A. Wilson, at the suit of

  Samuel Gardner v M. A. Wilson.

  Seven Negroes, named Grace, Frances, Edmund, Charlotte, Emuline, Thomas,

  and Charles, levied on as the property of Bartholomew Turnipseed, at the suit of

  A. F. Dubard, J. S. Lever, Bank of the State and others v. B. Turnipseed.

  450 acres of Land, more or less, in Richland District, bounded on the north,

  &c. &c.

  On Monday, the (7th) seventh day of February next, I will sell at Auction,

  without reserve, at the Plantation, near Linden, all the Horses, Mules, Waggons,

  Farming Utensils, Corn, Fodder, &c.

  And on the following Monday (14th), the fourteenth day of February next, at

  the Court House, at Linden, in Marengo County, Alabama, I will sell at public

  auction, without reserve, to the highest bidder,

  one hundred and ten prime and likely negroes,

  belonging to the Estate of the late John Robinson, of South Carolina.

  Among the negroes are four valuable Carpenters and a very superior Black-

  smith.

  By permission of Peter Wylie, Esq., Ordinary for Chester District, I will sell, at

  public auction, before the Court House, in Chesterville, on the first Monday in

  February next,

  forty likely negroes,

  belonging to the Estate of F. W. Davie.

  W. D. De Saussure,

  Executor.

  Dec. 23. 56 †tds.

  Will be sold, at our Store, on Thursday, the 6th day of January next, all the

  Household and Kitchen Furniture belonging to the Estate of B. L. McLaughlin,

  deceased, consisting in part of

  Hair-seat Chairs, Sofas, and Rockers, Piano--Mahogany, Dining, Tea, and Card-

  Tables; Carpets, Rugs, Andirons, Fenders, Shovel and Tongs, Mantel Ornaments,

  Clocks, Side Board, Bureaus, Mahogany Bedsteads, Feather Beds and Mattresses,

  Wash Stands, Curtains, fine Cordial Stand, Glassware, Crockery, and a great

  variety of articles for family use.

  Terms cash.

  also,

  A Negro Man, named Leonard, belonging to same.

  Terms, &c.

  also,

  At same time, a quantity of New Brick, belonging to Estate of A. S. Johnstone,

  deceased.

  Dec. 21. 53 ‡tds.

  On Thursday, December 30, at 11 o'clock, will be sold at the Court House in

  Columbia,

  one hundred valuable negroes.

  It is seldom such an opportunity occurs as now offers. Among them are only

  four beyond 45 years old, and none above 50. There are twenty-five prime young

  men, between 16 and 30; forty of the most likely young women, and as fine a set

  of children as can be shown!!

  Terms, &c. Dec. 18, '52.

  Will be sold, on Monday, the 3rd January next, at the Court House at 10 o'clock,

  22 likely negroes, the larger number of which are young and desirable.

  Among them are Field Hands, Hostlers, and Carriage Drivers, House Servants, &c.,

  and of the following ages: Robinson 40, Elsey 34, Yanky 13, Sylla 11, Anikee 8,

  Robinson 6, Candy 3, Infant 9, Thomas 35, Die 38, Amey 18, Eldridge 13,

  Charles 6, Sarah 60, Baket 50, Mary 18, Betty 16, Guy 12, Tilla 9, Lydia 24,

  Rachel 4, Scipio 2.

  The above negroes are sold for the purpose of making some other investment

  of the proceeds; the sale, will, therefore, be positive.

  Terms.--A credit of one, two, and three years, for notes payable at either of the

  Banks, with two or more approved endorsers, with interest from date. Purchasers

  to pay for papers.

  Dec. 8, '43.

  * Black River Watchman will copy the above, and forward bill to the

  auctioneers for payment.

  Poor little Scip!

  A likely girl, about seventeen years old (raised in the up-country), a good

  Nurse and House Servant, can wash and iron, and do plain cooking, and is

  warranted sound and healthy. She may be seen at our office, where she will

  remain until sold.

  Allen & Phillips,

  Auctioneers and Com. Agents.

  Dec. 15, '49.

  The subscriber, having located in Columbia, offers for sale his Plantation in St.

  Matthew's Parish, six miles from the
Railroad, containing 1,500 acres, now in a

  high state of cultivation, with Dwelling House and all necessary Out-buildings.

  also,

  50 likely Negroes, with provisions, &c.

  The terms will be accommodating. Persons desirous to purchase can call upon

  the subscriber in Columbia, or on his son at the Plantation.

  T. J. Goodwyn.

  Dec. 6, '41.

  A likely Negro Boy, about twenty-one years old, a good waggoner and field

  hand. Apply at this office.

  Dec. 20, '52.

  Now, it is scarcely possible that a person who has been

  accustomed to see such advertisements from boyhood, and to

  pass them over with as much indifference as we pass over

  advertisements of sofas and chairs for sale, could possibly

  receive the shock from them which one wholly unaccustomed to

  such a mode of considering and disposing of human beings

  would receive. They make no impression upon him. His own

  family servants, and those of his friends, are not in the market,

  and he does not realise that any are. Under the advertisements,

  a hundred such scenes as those described in “Uncle Tom” may

  have been acting in his very vicinity. When Mr. Dickens drew

  pictures of the want and wretchedness of London life, perhaps

  a similar incredulity might have been expressed within the silken

  curtains of many a brilliant parlour. They had never seen such

  things, and they had always lived in London. But, for all that,

  the writings of Dickens awoke in noble and aristocratic bosoms

  the sense of a common humanity with the lowly, and led them

  to feel how much misery might exist in their immediate vicinity,

  of which they were entirely unaware. They have never accused

  him as a libeller of his country, though he did make manifest

  much of the suffering, sorrow, and abuse which were in it. The

  author is led earnestly to entreat that the writer of this very

  paper would examine the “statistics” of the American internal

 

‹ Prev