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escape without difficulty, and whither they could not easily be brought back. They are exceedingly useful to their owners, who enjoy indolence and comfort, through their industry and for this reason it is, that when the slave-hunting army returns, so much delight fills the population as they salute the army with the beautiful Arabic word "Alberka!"-" Blessing!" In the same spirit the Italian bandit repeats an invocation to the Virgin while he cocks his pistol!

The slaves cultivate the ground, cook food, sweep the huts, and do all kinds of menial offices for their masters, and when they offend, are punished with awful severity by them. Yet they are not on the whole inhumanly treated, and are allowed to enjoy some of their favorite amusements. On the "night of power," in which the Koran is said to have descended from heaven, they are permitted to have a feast, a free dance, and songs; and then they forget for the hour all thought of suffering, and are as happy as under their native shades. On certain days, too, they visit the tombs of their dead friends, burning incense over them, calling upon their names, and praying to be restored "to them and to liberty after death." They dress very gayly on holidays, and derive from such occasions an enjoyment which seems almost to compensate for the sadness of the rest of the year. Many of them are patterns of fidelity, and after a lengthened period of service will die for their

masters.

But the most unhappy are those who are doomed to be sent across deserts, to be sold in distant cities, and scattered far over the earth in strange lands. Regular caravans are formed to take them across the Sahara to the market of the coast. They are either sold or confided to the dealers, and marched in the heat of the day over the desolate wastes of sand and rock, with no alleviation to their toil, except the lightness of their own hearts and the cheer of their own songs. The train is ready it starts; little time is given for adieus, and the links of blood, and the bonds of love, and all the dear affinities of the heart, are broken forever!

A number of camels, with a file of armed men, march with the weary cavalcade of slaves.

They may be seen straggling along the brown desert, some crawling and scarcely able to move, others urged sullenly

on with threats or blows. Lately, a traveler fell in with one of these melancholy caravans. It consisted of about twenty camels laden with ivory, and thirty girls, who had been seventy days on their monotonous, mournful way. Most of these poor creatures had performed journeys, on their road from their own happy villages to captivity, which would acquire for any European traveler who should perform them an unequaled renown. Some of them had little children slung on their backs. They met an old woman who was returning free to her own country, under the protection of a party of white men. No envy filled their sad breasts. They fell upon her aged neck, weeping and kissing her, and blessing her in return for the kind wish she uttered, that the same happiness might be in store for all of them.

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Away the caravan proceeds, over the unmeasured desert, the camels pacing along in strings, one being tied to another, and resembling, in the distance, a moving mass of troops, especially when the mirage multiplies their long piles to the eye. solid bed of rock constitutes the basis of the region, scattered over with fine dry sand, or blue pebbles, except when a fountain splashes amid its little green paradise, like a smile on the face of desolation. Occasionally, a vast assemblage of rocks appears on the horizon, and seems, to the believing eye of the Moslem, some abandoned city of the Jinn. Then a small lake shines like a patch of silver under some palms, and some pretty red and yellow wild-flowers are scattered along the track; and the wanderer, unaccustomed to beauty amid all this dreariness,

"In barren deserts, with surprise, Sees lilies spring, and sudden verdure rise; And starts amid the thirsty wilds to hear New falls of water murmuring in his ear."

The slaves, as they march, wear scarcely any clothes, and are treated as much like merchandise as possible. Three or four are often made into a "parcel "-a young woman, a young man, and two children. Their condition varies, of course, with the character of their drivers. Some are grossly and savagely used, whipped along by day, and made the toy of their masters in the camp; others are kindly treated, well fed, and permitted to ride in turns. Those with infants in their arms are behaved to with tenderness and even respect

-respect, I mean, of the sort which is paid to women in this part of the earth. Generally, females are not believed to possess souls; they have no moral motives to virtue, no family or feminine pride, no liberty of the affections, and are expected to do wrong if they can. From women in such a position what can be anticipated? Sultan Ennoor, of the unexplored kingdom of Aheer, told Richardson his ideas on this subject:

"The opinion of his highness of women does not flatter the ladies: he recommended us never to listen to the advice of our wives; if we did we should be lost. The women were very well to fetch water, pound ghaseb, and cook the supper, but for nothing else. He never himself paid any attention to what they said: they were awful talkers."

So much for the old savage. However, women in bonds are not likely to be the best representatives of their sex.

Happy is it for the poor slave-girls, on their march through the Sahara, that they have light hearts. They sing touching and plaintive songs, laden with memories of home, laden with thoughts of former joys, laden with recollections of the field and huts where they spent their happy youth; and so they beguile their way. As soon as the place of encampment is reached, they arrange everything and light fires, first for their masters, and then for themselves. The cold of the desert is bitter at night, and the wretched creatures wear little or no clothing. Their rations of food are then served to them and too often the barley-meal and water which would be scarcely sufficient for one is divided among ten of the famished and squalid slaves.

They may have been on foot fourteen hours; they may be still hungry, thirsty, weary; yet, as the evening deepens, they rise one by one to the dance, and trip upon the sand until the moon grows pale. They beat their uncouth drums, and the young slaves fly round, often in very modest and graceful measures, though often, too, in figures quite of another character. A peculiar hopping step is much in practice among them; and it is by no means an uncurious circumstance that we can trace many of the favorite negro dances in America to their origin in the remote kingdoms of the Sahara. They have even preserved some of the most singular of the movements and evolutions, as well as many of the native airs; so that the spirit of Africa is breathed again among the

sugar-canes and cotton-fields of Alabama and Carolina. In such festivities the unhappy creatures fall into forgetfulness of their lot, and seem as though lost by an indifference, which, however, only lasts while the merriment goes on. See them next morning setting out, with unwilling steps, their heads bent, their eyes downcast and dull, their faces marked with sorrow, and all the illusion of the moonlit revelry passes away, and they become again as cheerless and desolate as the Sahara itself.

And so the caravan toils along, now winding in irregular files along the plain, now crawling up a mountain, now bivouacing near a well, and on the green fields of an oäsis. As it goes, some of the victims fail in strength, and sink and perish on the road. The very aged especially leave their bonds in this manner half-way be tween their former dwelling-places and the termination of the journey to bondage. It seems a gratuitous cruelty on the part of the slave-hunters to disturb tottering old men and women, who have nothing left to do on earth but to die, and who, if they were actually brought to market, would not sell for more than one shilling, so feeble and useless are they. When they expire, a hole is dug, or rather scratched in the sand, and they are thrown in, and a loose stone is placed over them. Numbers of such graves mark the four great caravan tracks, from the kingdom of the Sahara to the northern coast. Many little mounds, too, mark the resting bed of children who have died on this road; the earth is hollowed for them the moment they have ceased to breathe, even before; and no mother, no friend, can ever come to visit the sacred place again. An undistinguishable hillock remains for a while upon the spot, but the desert is soon subdued to its level, and every sign of their existence is gone.

ENERGY AND VICTORY.-The longer I live, the more I am certain that the great difference between men, between the feeble and the powerful, the great and the insignificant, is energy-invincible determination. A purpose once fixed, and then,-death or victory. That quality will do anything that can be done in this world; and no talents, no circumstances, no opportunities, will make a two-legged creature a man without it.-Buxton.

[For the National Magazine.]

LIEUTENANT HEYWOOD, U. S. N.

THIS

BY AN OFFICER OF THE navy,

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HIS officer was born in Waterville, Me., in 1805. He entered college at the age of seventeen, where he acquitted himself creditably in study, and, by his amiable and conciliatory deportment, endeared himself to his instructors, class-mates, and college companions. But his naturally ardent and restless spirit was dissatisfied with this sedentary life, and he obtained, by the aid of his friends, a cadet's appointment to the Military Academy at West Point. Remaining there two years, and preserving a respectable position in his class, his inclinations led him to seek a still more active life, and he resigned his situation and repaired to Washington to solicit a midshipman's appointment in the navy. Unaided by the influence of friends, he was kept from day to day, for several weeks, in attendance on the Secretary of the Navy, and each day was put off to the next, sometimes with some slight encouragement, oftener with none. Others might have been weary and disheartened with these delays; not so young Heywood; no obstacles that could be overcome turned him aside from his object, thus exhibiting a trait of character which peculiarly fitted him for his chosen profession. At length he was successful; Mr. Southard, (then | Secretary of the Navy,) seeing the worth and perseverance of the applicant, informed him that a warrant should be immediately made out and forwarded to his residence, which was accordingly done in November, 1826. Passing through this grade and that of passed midshipman, he was commissioned as a lieutenant in 1837. In a long course of service rendered in these grades he was, for the most part, actively employed on the different stations at home and abroad, and established an enviable reputation as an officer and a gentleman. An immovable firmness of purpose, an untiring perseverance in the discharge of his duties, and an irreproachable moral life, combined with an overflowing measure of kindness and benevolence, and a modest, retiring, and unobtrusive manner, served to win the esteem and elicit the friendly responses of all his associates.

On his first cruise, after promotion to the rank of lieutenant, during the visits of the squadron to Mahon, he became

deeply interested in a lady of rare attractions of person and manner, and very highly accomplished; and at the termination of the cruise was united to her in marriage, and she accompanied him to his native place, where she has ever since resided. Several interesting children have resulted from this marriage, who, with their bereaved mother, now mourn the loss of their best and truest earthly friend and protector.

On a subsequent cruise to the coast of Africa, in a small vessel, he was infected with the fever peculiar to that climate, and great fears were entertained for his life, but, by a timely change, in returning to the United States previous to the termination of the cruise, the fatal consequences were avoided. A report of his death was, however, by some unpardonable carelessness, circulated in the journals of the day, and caused great distress to his family; but his arrival home immediately afterward relieved their fears and gladdened their hearts.

During the late war with Mexico he was actively and conspicuously employed on the Western coast, and at San José rendered services which reflect great credit upon the squadron to which he was attached, and firmly established for himself a reputation truly enviable.

After a short tour of service on shore, Lieutenant Heywood was again ordered to sea, as first lieutenant of the steam frigate Saranac; and although the position was not such as should have been offered to so distinguished an officer, yet, never having declined any orders, or shrunk from any service, he promptly entered upon his duties, and sailed for the coast of Brazil. He was destined never again to visit his native land, never more to enjoy the tender endearments of home, to watch over the progress and interests of his family, never more to extend a hearty greeting to his many sincere friends and companions. The fever, then prevalent at Rio de Janeiro, assailed him, and, after a short illness, he was removed from the scene of his labors, we trust and believe to a better world. While he retained his senses, neither he nor his medical attendant entertained any doubts of his recovery; but a sudden and unexpected change came over him, and he passed away rapidly and unconsciously. The blow was a severe one to all on board. When the melancholy event was commu

nicated a sad and gloomy feeling pervaded all parts of the vessel. Respected, honored, beloved, and lamented throughout the whole corps, he died as he had always lived, true to himself and true to his country; leaving behind him a name and a reputation which no time can obscure,-which will elevate the standing and add a bright page to the history of the navy.

activity and desperate courage,") with summary vengeance. Under the consternation caused by these threats, the resident Americans fled, and the friendly Californians were in the greatest terror.

The force left under Lieutenant Hevwood amounted to twenty-five, all told, furnished with a nine-pound carronade, seventy-five carbines, and a limited supply of ammunition. This force was numerically swelled by the enrollment of twenty friendly Californians; but they proved of little service, and with their families only helped to reduce the provisions, and use

The honorable services performed by Lieutenant Heywood during the Mexican War have failed in calling forth from the executive notice commensurate with their deserts. True, the officers of the navy, and particularly those who were intimately ac-lessly waste the ammunition. After landquainted with the facts, rendered freely to him all praise and honor; but that which the naval or military officer most prizes, which sustains him through a long course of privations, hardships, and exposures, fell not to his lot. The service on his part was rendered faithfully, brilliantly; the reward, so well merited, was not attained. The fruits of his gallantry are nevertheless infallible, and remain the inheritance of those who come after him. His achievements at San José alone should place him among the first of heroes. Ours will be the pleasure to recall them.*

ing a supply of provisions for thirty days, the squadron sailed, leaving Lieutenant Heywood, with this scanty force, for the defense of San José. An old missionhouse, situated at the upper end of the village, a square building, protected in the rear by an abrupt descent to the base of the plain, the front facing and looking down upon the whole length of the main street, was selected, upon which to hoist the flag. It was strengthened by crosspieces and upright pillars, several useless doorways and windows closed in with masonry, leaving but one entrance in front and one in the rear, and port-holes made for musketry. The carronade, mounted on an old clumsy slide, without wheels for easy transportation, or any of the conveniences necessary for maneuvering on land, was planted in front to command the avenue; this was designated as the cartel. Another building-owned by an American, Mr. Mott, and occupied by Mr. Gillespie, a merchant of San José-being in dangerous proximity, (if occupied by an enemy,) was also occupied by Passed Midshipman M'Lanahan, assisted by Mr. Gil

The flag of the United States had been, in March, 1847, hoisted at San José, with the consent of the town council, and with a national salute, thereby taking formal possession, and assuming jurisdiction over it; but owing to the extent of operations and the small naval force on that station, it had been hauled down on the departure of the squadron, the commodore deeming it injudicious to leave a flag flying without a force adequate for its protection. The circumstance, however, of hauling down a flag, after hoisting it in so formal a manner, being calculated to pro-lespie, a corporal of marines, and twelve duce mistrust, induced him subsequently to order the landing of a force; and for this service Lieutenant Heywood was selected, having under his command three passed midshipmen and a party of marines. This was also rendered the more imperative from the fact that a majority of the inhabitants of the town were friendly to the United States, and desired their protection, having been threatened by the guerrillas, headed by Mejares, (“a man of

This narrative is compiled from the Portland Advertiser of March 8, 1853, and from Los Gringos, by Lieutenant Wise, who was at the time in the same squadron.

California volunteers. Every preparation being made for the defense of their position, this little band found themselves with only forty rounds of cartridges, the buildings filled with native families, seeking protection, and consuming their provisions, and with constant rumors reaching them of meditated attacks by greatly superior numbers.

Vague rumors of the force and movements of the enemy were from time to time received, and on the morning of the 19th of November, (ten days after the sailing of the squadron,) they were reported within a league. At eight A. M. a troop

of cavalry, well equipped and mounted, appeared on an elevation called La Somita, distant about three hundred and forty yards, bearing a white flag. Having been met by an equal force of the American party under Passed Midshipman M'Lanahan, a written summons was transmitted to the commander, demanding a surrender at discretion, to which was returned the following characteristic reply :

“GENTLEMEN,—Having been informed of the contents of your favor, I have to reply, that I cannot comply with your summous, and that I am prepared to defend the flag of the United States against all who may oppose it. This being my determination, I have the honor to be, gentlemen, your obedient servant,

"CHARLES HEYWOOD."

Upon the receipt of which the troops retired, replacing the flag of truce with the Mexican tri-color. At three P. M. the enemy appeared in force of about one hundred and fifty cavalry, (Lieut. Wise says nearly two hundred,) and occupied a position on La Somita, where they established their head-quarters; about sunset they opened their fire from a six-pounder, which was continued until dark, the shot striking the occupied buildings, and doing some trifling damage. The garrison, wishing to husband their supply of ammunition for closer quarters, merely returned two or three shots.

Nothing but the great disparity of force deterred Lieutenant Heywood from sallying forth to dislodge them at the point of the bayonet. At ten o'clock, after a cessation of firing for some time, the enemy, having cautiously advanced under cover of night, made a simultaneous attack on both buildings, in front and rear, and made a vigorous attempt to dislodge the party in the second building, which was as vigorously met; and they were successfully driven back from a position where they had posted their cannon, bearing upon the front of the mission house. Being repulsed on each attack, they took refuge in the adjacent buildings, from which they kept up a brisk fire for the greater part of the night, their balls flying in showers through every port-hole, and splintering the inner walls. "The only wish (says Lieutenant Heywood in his official report) breathed by officers and men was for close quarters." Before daylight the enemy retired with one killed and several wounded; on the side of the Americans three only were wounded.

The next day was passed in quiet, save an attempt of the enemy to cut off communication between the buildings.

On the night of the 20th, at eleven o'clock, the enemy appeared again in front and made a vigorous charge, and were received with a rapid fire of musketry. Three of their leaders fell dead, and among them Majares himself; one, bearing away his leader, fell mortally wounded across his body. Deprived of their chief, the rest fled. This plan of attack (as afterward ascertained) was well concerted, and the party well supplied with ladders, crossbars, &c. While Majares, with forty picked men, as a forlorn hope, charged the front of the building, sustaining the fire of the carronade, and occupying the attention of the whole garrison, the remainder, one hundred strong, led by A. Moreno and Vincente Mexia, were to scale the walls on the three remaining sides, and thus secure the destruction of the little band. "Equally unprepared for the gallant conduct of the little band at San José and depressed by the loss of their leader, the guerrilla chiefs ordered their partisans to again unite in the north for a combined attack upon La Paz."

On the morning of the 21st two vessels appeared in the offing, which proved to be the whale-ships Magnolia and EdwardCaptains B. Simmons and Barker. The enemy, after sending a party of fifty to the beach, as if to cut off communication with the garrison, and, no doubt, under the impression that they were vessels of war, struck their flag and retired along the road to La Paz; not, however, without a parting shot, which, not to be deficient in courtesy, was returned from the second building, knocking a horseman from his saddle.

The two captains of the whale-ships, having been escorted up from the beach by a party under Passed Midshipman M'Lanahan, volunteered to Lieutenant Heywood all the assistance in their power; and, "being informed of the straitened situation of their countrymen, with their brave crews, armed with muskets, lances, spades, and harpoons, landed and marched to the cuartel; and also brought on shore a quantity of bread, all the powder they possessed, and even parted with their hand and deep-sea leads to mold into bullets." At the request of Lieutenant Heywood they also remained at San José for several

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