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43. into the city. The consequence of this is to make New Orleans one of the filthiest of places. The mud has to be dried by the sun. Our introduction to the city was not very prepossessing - for no sooner had we fastened our ship than a police officer - came sneaking around - to spy out our Colored passengers. He fastened upon Dr N_'s servant Sally and notwithstanding all our protestatious carried her off to the Calaboose. We were much alarmed for her fate as well as for the other 2 negroes who were carried off. After much [?niety] - and paying of fees - amounting to $5.50 - 6.50 & 7.50 - they were returned to the ship before her sailing. The law of Louisiana is to imprison all negroes who are not slaves - if they cannot prove their freedom - after a certain period to sell them into slavery. Nor is the oaths of persons accompanying them always of avail. A free negro runs every risk of being pussed into slavery. To show the Spirit of the South upon the slave question - at aloo their Chrisatic notions. A Southerner on board although admitting shot this law was unconstitutional - contrary to the Federal Compact - declared yet - he would take up arms if necessary in the defence - and resist until the last. What sticklers the South an for Constitution every Northerner well knows - if we transgress or do anything [?] even of wronging the intention of that instrument, they loudly complain and [?] us as disunionists - but here they glory in their sin - and expect us to approve. The prices of every article in New Orleans is enormous. They have no pennies in their business - this alone is a sufficient indication of their extravagance. It enters into all their calculations. If one wishes to buy candy - apples - nuts &c he must take a picayane's worth or none at all. Spanish Quarters an accounted only as 20 cts. one franc pieces (20 cts) as 15 cts - Pisteraris (16 cts) for 20 cts. Then shilling pieces the call bits - or boys - I suppose