_January_ 31st, 1820. Went last evening to attend service at the African Church: a charity sermon was preached and the whole very decently conducted. Contemplating however the sable countenances around us, the observation that the black forms a grade just below the white again occurred; 'tis true the former seems capable of all the common mental exertions, so nearly equal with the white man that it must be confessed he treads close upon his heels, yet notwithstanding, perhaps the result of a close examination and comparison of their mental faculties might shew as much difference between them as may be observed in the features of the countenance. On whichever side the truth of the question may lie, the general opinion in those States which have formally and publicly called the men of colour "Men and Brothers" is pretty clearly shewn in various ways--separate churches--civil disabilities, besides such common advertisements in the daily papers as the following; which I copy from the Aurora[61] of Friday, 25th March, 1820:-- {177} BAKER'S EXCHANGE AND INTELLIGENCE-OFFICE For SALE:--A black girl 20 years old, and 8 to serve. Ditto 17 and 11 ditto. Ditto 13 and 15 ditto, from the country. Ditto 18 and 10 ditto. Ditto 13 and 15 ditto. A black boy 16 and 15 ditto, &c. &c. To BIND:--White boys 11, 12, 13, &c. years of age. White girls 8, 11, 12, &c. Thus in free Pensilvania are blacks positively sold for a limited period, and though the law does not allow the purchaser the power of life and death over this sort of slave, yet to all other intents and purposes he is in as complete subjection as any slave in Virginia or Kentucky.