This was a polite concession, but it was based on a false foundation; for it assumed that it was a mere matter of opinion whether slavery were right or wrong; whereas it is a palpable violation of immutable principles of justice.  They might as well have made the same remark about murder or robbery, if they had lived where a selfish majority were strong enough to get those crimes sanctioned by law and custom.  The Bedouin considers himself no robber because he forcibly takes as much toll as he pleases from all who pass through the desert.  His ancestors established the custom, and he is not one whit the less an Arab gentleman, because he perpetuates their peculiar institution.  Perhaps he also would say that if he held the same opinions as more honest Mahometans, he would do as they do.  In former days, custom made it honorable to steal a neighbor’s cattle, on the Scottish border; as many Americans now deem it respectable to take children from poor defenceless neighbors, and sell them like sheep in the market.  Sir Walter Scott says playfully, “I have my quarters and emblazonments free of all stain but Border Theft and High Treason, which I hope are gentlemanlike crimes” Yet the stealing of cattle does not now seem a very noble achievement in the eyes of honorable Scotchmen How will the stealing of children, within bounds prescribed by law and custom, appear to future generations of Americans?

THE UNITED STATES BOND.

A planter in Virginia, being pressed for money, sold one of his bondwomen, of sixteen years old, to a speculator who was buying up slaves for the markets of the South and South-west.  The girl was uncommonly handsome, with smooth hair, and a complexion as light as most white people.  Her new owner, allured by her beauty, treated her with great kindness, and made many flattering promises.  She understood his motives, and wished to escape from the degradation of such a destiny as he had in store for her.  In order to conciliate her good will, he imposed few restraints upon her.  The liberty thus allowed gave her a favorable opportunity to abscond, which she did not fail to improve.  She travelled to Philadelphia without encountering any difficulties on the road; for her features and complexion excited no suspicion of her being a fugitive slave.  She maintained herself very comfortably by her own industry, and after a time married a light mulatto, who was a very sober industrious man.  He was for many years employed by Joshua Humphreys, a ship-carpenter of great respectability in the District of Southwark.  By united industry and frugality they were enabled to build a small house on a lot they had taken on ground rent.  The furniture was simple, but extremely neat, and all the floors were carpeted.  Every thing indicated good management and domestic comfort.