I now propose to make a few remarks on the treatment of slaves.  As to the nature of that treatment, I have already given my calm and unbiased opinion.  My present observations refer to corporal punishment, and the implements for the infliction thereof.  Of the latter I have seen four; of course there may be many others; I speak only of those that have come under my own eye.  The four I have seen are first, the common hunting-whip, which is too well known to require description.  Secondly, the cowhide—­its name expresses its substance—­when wet, it is rolled up tightly and allowed to dry, by which process it becomes as hard as the raw hide commonly seen in this country; its shape is that of a racing-whip, and its length from four to five feet.  Thirdly, the strap, i.e., a piece off the end of a stiff heavy horse’s trace, and about three or three-and-a-half feet in length.  Fourthly, the paddle; i.e., a piece of white oak about an inch thick all through, the handle about two inches broad, and rather more than two feet long, the blade about nine inches long by four and a quarter broad.  The two latter implements I found, upon inquiry, were of modern date, and the reason of their introduction was, that the marks of the punishment inflicted thereby became more speedily effaced; and as upon the sale of a slave, if, when examined, marks of punishment are clearly developed, his price suffers from the impression of his being obstreperous, the above-named articles of punishment came into favour.

The foregoing observations—­without entering into the respective merits of the four instruments—­are sufficient to prove that no one definite implement for corporal punishment is established by law, and, consequently, that any enactment appointing a limit to the number of stripes which may he given is an absurdity, however well intended.  Forty stripes, is, I believe, the authorized number.  A certain number of blows, if given with a dog-whip, would inflict no injury beyond the momentary pain, whereas the same number inflicted with a heavy walking-stick might lame a man for life.  Again, I know of no law in the States prohibiting the corporal punishment of any slave, of whatever age or sex; at all events, grown-up girls and mothers of families are doomed to have their persons exposed to receive its infliction.  Of this latter fact, I am positive, though I cannot say whether the practice is general or of rare occurrence.

I have entered rather fully into a description of the implements of punishment, to show the grounds upon which I make the following proposals:—­First, that a proper instrument for flogging be authorized by law, and that the employment of any other be severely punished.  Secondly, that the number of lashes a master may inflict, or order to be inflicted, be reduced to a minimum, and that while a greater number of lashes are permitted for grave offences, they be only administered on the authority of a jury or a