The various grades of the coloured people are designated by the French as follows, according to the greater or less predominance of negro blood:—
Sacatra griffe and negress.
Griffe negro and mulatto.
Marabon mulatto and griffe.
Mulatto white and negro.
Quarteron white and mulatto.
Metif white and quarteron.
Meamelouc white and metif.
Quarteron white and meamelouc.
Sang-mele white and quarteron.
And all these, with the sub-varieties of them, French, Spanish, English, and Indian, and the sub-sub-varieties, such as Anglo-Indian-mulatto, I believe experts pretend to be able to distinguish. Whether distinguishable or not, it is certain they all exist in New Orleans.
They say that the cross of the French and Spanish with the African produces a finer and a healthier result than that of the more Northern European races. Certainly, the French quadroons are very handsome and healthy in appearance; and I should not be surprised if really thorough and sufficient scientific observation should show them to be—contrary to the common assertion—more vigorous than either of the parent races.
Some of the coloured women spoke French, Spanish, and English, as their customers demanded.[1]"Fifty Dollars Reward.—Ran away from the subscriber, about two months ago, a bright mulatto girl, named Mary, about twenty-five years of age, almost white, and reddish hair, front teeth out, a cut on her upper lip; about five feet five inches high; has a scar on her forehead; she passes for free; talks French, Italian, Dutch, English, and Spanish.
"Andre Grasso.
"Upper side of St. Mary's Market."]
- ↑ [From the New Orleans Picayune.
