when I returned, I was attended in like manner. At this gentleman's summer seat, washed by the ocean, I met with an agreeable dinner in the English style. But as I, in the execution of the objects of my mission, had called on Mr. G. to give an account of his long stewardship, in the affairs of the Rugeley property, and wanted money from him, I was not a very welcome guest, nor he to me the most agreeable host. His lady seemed a superior woman.
9th.—On my return to the city, this morning, I found a silly and ill-natured epistle in the Times paper on the subject of my negro letter. It is certainly honourable to this state that so much excitement is seen, on touching its sore and vulnerable part. Judge King regrets that I should have so written, and says I must not answer my opponents in the way I wish. It will be thought time-*serving, and be read to my prejudice on both {80} sides of the water. "And moreover," says he, "the Carolinians are chivalrous, and will pursue you with the most determined animosity, if you continue to provoke and wound them on this tender point." Such being the state of public feeling, in this free country, I was cautioned against being out late in the evening. "Take care of yourself," said my friends, "for dirking is the fashion." I therefore declined further controversy; merely saying, that though the paupers of England were by the planters thought to be worse off than their negroes, yet in England, bad as things are, not even a lord may kill a man without being hanged for it; a specific which I could recommend to all negro-killers in America.
10th.—I visited the high court of justice, where but little talent seems necessary, and where the judge upon the bench and the counsel and crier below, all seem upon an easy, familiar footing of equality; consulting together,
