fficial man, was dressed in black clothes, and wore spectacles.

"I asked him if we'd have any trouble with Manuel, and tried to make him
understand that he wasn't a black, and that our situation might excuse
us from any annoyance through their peculiar laws. But the old chap
seemed mighty stupid about every thing, and talked just as if he didn't
know any thing about nothing. 'A nigger's a nigger in South Carolina,'
said he dryly, and inquired for a quid of tobacco, which I handed him,
and he took one big enough for six. Said I, 'Mister, do you call a man
a nigger what's a Portugee and a'n't black?' 'It depends on how he was
born,' says he. '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.

During his visit on board, Manuel was absent on board a Boston bark,
where he met a white steward, who gave him a sad picture of the
Charleston jail and the cruel treatment that was inflicted upon
prisoners there by starvation. He told him that he was once put in for
a trifling offence, and nearly starved to death before he got out.
"You will be sure to go there, Manuel," said he, "for they make no
di