Note 2 — Chapter XI

“After a little time, however, I observed him to be gloomy and melancholy. I asked him the reason for the change, and was informed that he had been unsuccessful, and could not render to his master the sum required; and that he had little hopes of being able to raise it, consequently was liable to punishment, I gave him something towards it, but, being obliged to be absent a few weeks, knew not the result until I returned; when I was informed, that, as the time approached when he was to render his account, he became greatly distressed, and despaired of accomplishing his engagement. He went, however, in great distress, and tendered what he had gained; assuring his master he had used every exertion to obtain the specific sum, and imploring from him a remission of punishment, or a suspension, at least, for a few days. This was at length granted him, but with horrid threats of many additional stripes in case of failure. The time fast approached when he must return, and he was still deficient. He reached the door of his master’s house, when, in despair of being forgiven, and dreading the ordeal he had to undergo, he took from his pocket a razor, and, with a desperate violence, nearly severed his head from his body. This horrid deed had no other effect upon his inhuman master, than to increase his severity towards his other slaves, on whom he imposed heavier burdens, to recompence him for the loss sustained by the death of the miserable suicide2.