Bond and Free

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BOND AND FREE: A TALE OF THE SOUTH
BY GRACE LINTNER
C. B. INGRAHAM, PUBLISHER, INDIANAPOLIS, IND.
INDIANAPOLIS: CARLON & HOLLENBECK, PRINTERS AND BINDERS.
1882.
COPYRIGHT BY ELLEN M. INGRAHAM.
1882.

PREFACE.
UPON relating incidents which occurred under the observation of the writer, the suggestion has been frequently made to her that they should be recorded in a book, and placed within the reach of those who are interested in studying the habits of the Southern people before the late war.
This volume is presented to the public in compliance with that request, since slavery is now so far removed from us by time that it has become historical.
The contingencies of "the peculiar institution" invaded the domestic circle, made children masters and mistresses from infancy, causing them to be reared rulers over their sable playmates, and impressed on their unfolding minds ideas of superiority in birth, which, as they advanced to manhood or womanhood, qualified them to exercise authority to a degree inconceivable by those raised with different surroundings. That miscegenation was of frequent occurrence is not to be denied; but mulatto children, being held by their darker mothers, were identified with the maternal race; yet there were instances where amalgamation was extended to successive generations, and State laws were enacted liberating those who possessed a certain degree of consanguinity with the Caucasian race.
In the slave markets, among which that of New Orleans was pre-eminent, quadroon girls, possessing superior personal attractions, commanded a high price; and in exceptional instances, where they were received into families, and enjoyed advantages of mental and moral education, they became women of intelligence and sterling worth.
Our heroine is not a myth. There are persons who will recognize individuals mentioned in this history, but their identity is veiled from the public by fictitious names and localities.
The author has not seen proper to testify to this or that occurrence as a fact, lest the repetition should become tiresome, or conclusions be drawn that all others not so specified are fabrications.
Read, and decide for yourselves, whether or not the history contained in the following pages is true to life; and remember, that where friends and families are separated, and pursue different paths in the mazy labyrinth of life, their spheres may widen in diverse channels, and the wiliest detective be unable to recover the clue; again, they may meet when least expecting, and bridge the lapse of years with reminiscences of the past.
Read, and learn not to undervalue the influence we exert over those around us.
Let that charity "which is kind, and endureth all things," throw a mantle over the imperfections of our fellow men. "Let love be without dissimulation," that we "be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good."

BOND AND FREE.
CHAPTER I.
TEMPLE VALE.
GEORGE MELBURN threw the bridle from the peg of an old Virginia horse-rack over the neck of his impatient steed, mounted, and rode slowly down the avenue, a rejected lover.
A review of the past presented itself to his mind as he wended his way homeward; for often during childhood had the same road been passed to receive instruction from the governess employed by Capt. Templeton; and early had Letitia's sweetness and grace so won his heart, that, during the few past years, while absent at college, her image had retained rule, and honors had been sought and won with anticipated commendation from his lady-love.
Each annual vacation he had found her developing in all the beauty and loveliness of womanhood, and now that college days were over, and the vows uttered that set him apart as a minister of holy things, he had presented himself to Letitia with bright aspirations, and received a decided refusal.
For the first time, during his life of twenty-three years, was he thwarted in his plans. Sole heir to a large inheritance, with ample means at command to promote his interest or happiness, recognized as master of many slaves, he was accustomed to have the will of others yield to his own. With a noble, manly bearing, and the pride of birth known to a native born Virginian, it had required all the intensity of love to overcome inborn prejudices, and offer all that he was, and all that he had, to the keeping of one over whose birth rested a cloud.
Letitia still stood upon the vine-covered veranda, her large blue eyes watching his retreating form, with lips parted as if to call him back, and revoke the words which pronounced the doom to her own happiness. But, no; she had taken up the cross, and was resolved to bear it. Passionately clasping her hands, and raising her eyes, now overflowing with tears, to heaven, she exclaimed earnestly and trustingly, "I do love him so dearly! Help, oh help me, Heavenly Father, to tear this idol from my heart, and worship only thee!"
Then seeking the retirement of her room,