satisfaction to know that their property is dead, than to know that it is alive without being able to get it.  Some slaves run away who never mean to be taken alive.  I will mention one.  He run off and was pursued by the dogs, but having a weapon with him he succeeded in killing two or three of the dogs; but was afterwards shot.  He had declared, that he never would be taken alive.  The people rejoiced at the death of the slave, but lamented the death of the dogs, they were such ravenous hunters.  Poor fellow, he fought for life and liberty like a hero; but the bullets brought him down.  A negro can hardly walk unmolested at the south.—­Every colored stranger that walks the streets is suspected of being a runaway slave, hence he must be interrogated by every negro hater whom he meets, and should he not have a pass, he must be arrested and hurried off to jail.  Some masters boast that their slaves would not be free if they could.  How little they know of their slaves!  They are all sighing and groaning for freedom.  May God hasten the time!

VII.  CONFINEMENT AT NIGHT.

When the slaves have done their day’s work, they must be herded together like sheep in their yards, or on their plantations.  They have not as much liberty as northern men have, who are sent to jail for debt, for they have liberty to walk a larger yard than the slaves have.  The slaves must all be at their homes precisely at eight o’clock, P.M.  At this hour the drums beat in the cities, as a signal for every slave to be in his den.  In the country, the signal is given by firing guns, or some other way by which they may know the hour when to be at home.  After this hour, the guard in the cities, and patrols in the country, being well armed, are on duty until daylight in the morning.  If they catch any negroes during the night without a pass, they are immediately seized and hurried away to the guard-house, or if in the country to some place of confinement, where they are kept until nine o’clock, A.M., the next day, if not called for by that time, they are hurried off to jail, and there remain until called for by their master and his jail and guard house fees paid.  The guards and patrols receive one dollar extra for every one they can catch, who has not a pass from his master, or overseer, but few masters will give their slaves passes to be out at night unless on some special business:  notwithstanding, many venture out, watching every step they take for the guard or patrol, the consequence is, some are caught almost every night, and some nights many are taken; some, fleeing after being hailed by the watch, are shot down in attempting their escape, others are crippled for life.  I find I shall not be able to write out more at present.  My ministerial duties are pressing, and if I delay this till the next mail, I fear it will not be in season.  Your brother for those who are in bonds,

HORACE MOULTON