James Redpath, The Roving Editor: or, Talks with Slaves in the Southern States.

Ii. Virginia.

• Talk with a Virginia slave
-- Contentment with slavery -- treatment of slaves on plantations -- an unbelieving negro -- Canada negroes -- treatment of Free negroes North and South -- concerning linen,

Talk with a Virginia slave.

“ What time do you think it is?” I asked.

“The sun is up ‘bout half an hour,” he said, politely touching his hat.

“At what hour does the sun rise just now?”

“Dunno, mass'r.”

“How old are you?”

“ Forty-five year old, mass'r.”

“Are you married?”

“ Yes, mass'r, I is.”

“ Have you got any children?”

“ Yes, mass'r I's got five.”

“ Did you ever try to run away?”

“No, mass'r, I neber did.”

“ Would n't you like to go to the North?” I asked, closely watching the expression of his eye. He hesitated. I knew, from experience, why. I therefore added:

“ I come from the North.”

“ Does you, mass'r?” said the slave, as he eyed me semi-suspiciously.

“ Yes,” I replied, “would n't you like to go there?”