The Southern Literary Messenger, Vol. II., No. 8, July, 1836Various
General
The Southern Literary Messenger, Vol. II., No. 8, July, 1836
Various
American literature -- 19th century -- Periodicals
_Memoirs of an American Lady. With Sketches of Manners and Scenery in
America, as they existed previous to the Revolution. By the author of
“Letters from the Mountains.” New York: published by George Dearborn._
This work has been already a favorite with many of our readers—but has
long been out of print, and we are glad to see it republished. Mrs.
Grant of Laghan is a name entitled to the respect and affection of all
Americans. The book, moreover, is full of good things; and as a
memorial of the epoch immediately preceding our Revolution, is
invaluable. At the present moment too it will be well to compare the
public sentiment in regard to slavery, Indian affairs, and some other
matters, with the sentiments of our forefathers, as expressed in this
volume. In Albany and New York it will possess a local interest of no
common character. Every where it will be read with pleasure, as an
authentic and well written record of a most exemplary life. The
edition is well printed on fine paper, and altogether creditable to
Mr. Dearborn.
Some remarks on slavery, at page 41, will apply with singular accuracy
to the present state of things in Virginia.
In the society I am describing, even the dark aspect of slavery was
softened into a smile. And I must, in justice to the best possible
masters, say, that a great deal of that tranquillity and comfort, to
call them by no higher names, which distinguish this society from all
others, was owing to the relation between master and servant being
better understood here than in any other place. Let me not be detested
as an advocate for slavery, when I say that I think I have never seen
people so happy in servitude as the domestics of the Albanians. One
reason was, (for I do not now speak of the virtues of their masters,)
that each family had few of them, and that there were no field
negroes. They would remind one of Abraham's servants, who were all
born in the house, which was exactly their case. They were baptised
too, and shared the same religious instruction with the children of
the family; and, for the first years, there was little or no
difference with regard to food or clothing between their children and
those of their masters.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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