the path widened.  On they came, cheered by the loud cries of their drivers, and passed rapidly forward, one after another, with the headlong stupidity which animals, claiming more wisdom than quadrupeds, not unfrequently manifest.  When they came up to us, however, they showed that they were not unaccustomed to such encounters, and, although the space between us and the brow of the precipice, was not three feet wide, they all contrived to sway their bodies and heavy sacks in such a manner as to pass us safely, except one.  He, more stupid or more unlucky than the rest, struck us a full broad-side as he went by jolting us hard against the hill, and well-nigh jolting himself down the craggy descent into the abyss below.  One leg hung a moment over the precipice, but the poor beast suddenly threw his whole weight forward, and by a desperate leap, obtained sure foothold in the path, and again trudged along with his coffee-bags.

On our way we called at two plantations, but found no complaints.  At one of them we had some conversation with the overseer.  He has on it one hundred and thirty apprentices, and produces annually thirty thousand pounds of coffee.  He informed us that he was getting along well.  His people are industrious and obedient, as much so, to say the least, as under the old system.  The crop this year is not so great as usual, on account of the severe drought.  His plantation was never better cultivated.  Besides the one hundred and thirty apprentices, there are forty free children, who are supported by their parents.  None of them will work for hire, or in any way put themselves under his control, as the parents fear there is some plot laid for making them apprentices, and through that process reducing them to slavery.  He thinks this feeling will continue till the apprenticeship is entirely broken up, and the people begin to feel assured of complete freedom, when it will disappear.

We reached Silver Hill about noon.  This plantation contains one hundred and ten apprentices, and is under the management of a colored man, who has had charge of it seven years.  He informed us that it was under as good cultivation now as it was before emancipation.  His people are easily controlled.  Very much depends on the conduct of the overseer.  If he is disposed to be just and kind, the apprentices are sure to behave well; if he is harsh and severe, and attempts to drive them, they will take no pains to please him, but on the contrary, will be sulky and obstinate.

There were three overseers from other estates present.  One of them had been an overseer for forty years, and he possessed the looks and feelings which we suppose a man who has been thus long in a school of despotism, must possess.  He had a giant form, which seemed to be breaking down with luxury and sensualism.  His ordinary voice was hoarse and gusty, and his smile diabolical.  Emancipation had swept away his power while it left the love of it ravaging his heart.