'Well, but ye
can't make a white man a nigger nohow, whether it's in South
Carolina or Scotland,' says I. 'Well, we don't stand upon such
things here; we can show you niggers as white as you be, Mr. Mate,'
says he. 'But, Mister, what's to do about our steward, that ye make
yer inquiries about him; he ha'n't did nothing,' said I. 'Well, Mr.
Mate; it's contrary to law to bring nigger stewards into our port.
They're a bad set of fellows generally, and we claim the right to
lock 'em up to insure their good behavior and keep their bad
influence away from our slaves. 'Tis not my office. I observed your
arrival and wrecked condition, and merely came to take a look,' said
he. 'Well now, Mister, our steward thinks as much of himself as
anybody and wouldn't mix with your niggers on any account. But
Mister! won't it make a difference because we're cast upon your
shore in distress,' says I. 'Not a whit! it's contrary to law, and
the law's got nothing to do with wind and weather. We love the
sovereignty of our law too well to make any discrimination. We're a
hospitable people, and always give folks plenty to eat, but we never
allow any favors in the law. I'll call and see you in the, morning,'
said he, and away he went."
This individual was Mr. Grimshaw, the principal mover of the powers
that be, notwithstanding he asserted that it was not his office, and
that he just walked round to take a look.
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