It was a grand opportunity for the low whites, who had no negroes of their own to scourge.  They exulted in such a chance to exercise a little brief authority, and show their subserviency to the slaveholders; not reflecting that the power which trampled on the colored people also kept themselves in poverty, ignorance, and moral degradation.  Those who never witnessed such scenes can hardly believe what I know was inflicted at this time on innocent men, women, and children, against whom there was not the slightest ground for suspicion.  Colored people and slaves who lived in remote parts of the town suffered in an especial manner.  In some cases the searchers scattered powder and shot among their clothes, and then sent other parties to find them, and bring them forward as proof that they were plotting insurrection.  Every where men, women, and children were whipped till the blood stood in puddles at their feet.  Some received five hundred lashes; others were tied hands and feet, and tortured with a bucking paddle, which blisters the skin terribly.  The dwellings of the colored people, unless they happened to be protected by some influential white person, who was nigh at hand, were robbed of clothing and every thing else the marauders thought worth carrying away.  All day long these unfeeling wretches went round, like a troop of demons, terrifying and tormenting the helpless.  At night, they formed themselves into patrol bands, and went wherever they chose among the colored people, acting out their brutal will.  Many women hid themselves in woods and swamps, to keep out of their way.  If any of the husbands or fathers told of these outrages, they were tied up to the public whipping post, and cruelly scourged for telling lies about white men.  The consternation was universal.  No two people that had the slightest tinge of color in their faces dared to be seen talking together.

I entertained no positive fears about our household, because we were in the midst of white families who would protect us.  We were ready to receive the soldiers whenever they came.  It was not long before we heard the tramp of feet and the sound of voices.  The door was rudely pushed open; and in they tumbled, like a pack of hungry wolves.  They snatched at every thing within their reach.  Every box, trunk, closet, and corner underwent a thorough examination.  A box in one of the drawers containing some silver change was eagerly pounced upon.  When I stepped forward to take it from them, one of the soldiers turned and said angrily, “What d’ye foller us fur?  D’ye s’pose white folks is come to steal?”

I replied, “You have come to search; but you have searched that box, and I will take it, if you please.”