is of such a nature, that it is incapable
of being introduced, on any reasons, moral or political, but only by
positive law, which preserves its force long after the reasons,
occasion, and time itself, for which it was created, are erased from
memory. It is so odious, that nothing can be suffered to support it
but positive law. Whatever inconveniences, therefore, may follow from
the decision, I cannot say this case is allowed or approved by the law
of England; and therefore the black must be discharged.'

A few years afterwards--in 1778--a case occurred in Scotland, where
the question of a master's rights over a negro slave in Britain was at
issue. The right claimed in this case, however, was not of so
offensive a nature. The master did not claim the power of seizing the
negro as his property. He maintained, however, that their mutual
position gave him a right to claim the negro's services, as if he had
engaged himself as a servant for life. Mr Wedderburn had bought in
Jamaica a negro named Knight, about twelve years old. He came to
Scotland as Mr Wedderburn's personal servant, married in the country,
and for some years seemed contented with his position. Probably at the
suggestion of some one who wished to try the question, as it had been
tried in England, Knight went off, avowing his intention of being
free. Mr Wedderburn applied to a justice of peace, who at once issued
a warrant for the negro's apprehension. The matter, however, came
before the sheriff, a professional judge, who decided that the
colonial laws of slavery do not extend to Scotland, and that personal
service for life is just another term for slavery. After a tedious
litigation, this view was affirmed by the Court of Session, and the
negro was declared free. The case acquired notice from the interest
taken in it by Dr Johnson, and the frequent mention of it in Boswell's
well-known work.

THE OLD HOUSEKEEPER'S TALE.

After my good and excellent mistress, Mrs Dacre, departed this life
for a better, it seemed as if nothing ever prospered in the family,
whom I had the honour of serving in the capacity of confidential
housekeeper. Mr Dacre became morose and careless of his affairs; his
sons were a source of great misery to him, pursuing a course of
reckless extravagance and heartless dissipation; while the five young
ladies--the youngest of whom, however, had attained the age of
twenty-four--cared for little else than dress, and visiting, and empt