"Yes, but you must not measure men by that standard. Circumstances
which bring them there are as different as their natures. I've known
many good, honest, and respectable, citizens, who once enjoyed
affluence in our community, put in there, month after month, and
year after year, suffering the persecution of creditors and the
effects of bad laws. Now these men would not all complain if there
was no cause, and they all loved you, as you state. But tell me, Mr.
Grimshaw, would it not be even safer for our institutions to make a
restriction confining them to the wharf, which could be easily done,
and with but small expense to the city? Niggers on the wharves could
have no communication with them, because each is occupied in his
business, and ours are too closely watched and driven during working
hours. As soon as those hours end, they are bound to leave, and the
danger ends. Again, those niggers who work on the wharves are
generally good niggers, while, on the other hand, bad niggers are
put into jail; and during the hours these stewards are allowed the
privilege of the yard, they mix with them without discrimination or
restraint. Their feelings, naturally excited by imprisonment, find
relief in discoursing upon their wrongs with those of their own
color, and making the contamination greater," said the factor, who
seemed inclined to view the matter in its proper light.
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