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CHAP.  VI.

We come now to the third order of involuntary slaves, “to convicts.”  The only argument that the sellers advance here, is this, “that they have been found guilty of offences, and that the punishment is just.”  But before the equity of the sentence can be allowed two questions must be decided, whether the punishment is proportioned to the offence, and what is its particular object and end?

To decide the first, we may previously observe, that the African servitude comprehends banishment, a deprivation of liberty, and many corporal sufferings.

On banishment, the following observations will suffice.  Mankind have their local attachments.  They have a particular regard for the spot, in which they were born and nurtured.  Here it was, that they first drew their infant-breath:  here, that they were cherished and supported:  here, that they passed those scenes of childhood, which, free from care and anxiety, are the happiest in the life of man; scenes, which accompany them through life; which throw themselves frequently into their thoughts, and produce the most agreeable sensations.  These then are weighty considerations; and how great this regard is, may be evidenced from our own feelings; from the testimony of some, who, when remote from their country, and, in the hour of danger and distress, have found their thoughts unusually directed, by some impulse or other, to their native spot; and from the example of others, who, having braved the storms and adversities of life, either repair to it for the remainder of their days, or desire even to be conveyed to it, when existence is no more.

But separately from these their local, they have also their personal attachments; their regard for particular men.  There are ties of blood; there are ties of friendship.  In the former case, they must of necessity be attached:  the constitution of their nature demands it.  In the latter, it is impossible to be otherwise, since friendship is founded on an harmony of temper, on a concordance of sentiments and manners, on habits of confidence, and a mutual exchange of favours.

We may now mention, as perfectly distinct both from their local and_ personal_, the national attachments of mankind, their regard for the whole body of the people, among whom they were born and educated.  This regard is particularly conspicuous in the conduct of such, as, being thus nationally connected, reside in foreign parts.  How anxiously do they meet together! how much do they enjoy the fight of others of their countrymen, whom fortune places in their way! what an eagerness do they show to serve them, though not born on the same particular spot, though not connected by consanguinity or friendship, though unknown to them before!  Neither is this affection wonderful, since they are creatures of the same education; of the same principles; of the same manners and habits; cast, as it were, in the same mould; and marked with the same impression.