Fosdick, in addition to an excellent reputation for
being the very best gentleman "nigger grabber" the state ever had,
is well thought of in fashionable circles, having fought two duels
of the most desperate character. He is of middle stature, with a
face finely oval, and to which are added features of much softness,
altogether giving him more the appearance of a well-ordained divine,
than the medium of those high functions by which the state's
"grab-all" of homeless negroes distinguishes himself. If the state
tolerated an ignominy, Ford Fosdick--between whom there exists a
mutual partnership--found in it an apology for the part he played;
for--let no man blush when we tell it--the sum total for which
friendless, homeless, and ownerless negroes sold for in the market
was equally divided between them. Generous as was this
copartnership, there were few well-disposed persons independent
enough to sanction it; while here and there an outspoken voice said
it was paying a premium for edging Fosdick's already sharp appetite
for apprehending the wretched, who--God save the state's
honour!--having no means of protecting themselves, would be sold for
the sovereign interests of his own pocket, instead of the peace of
the dear people, of which the state was ever jealous. Mr. Fosdick is
present,--thanks his honour the mayor: he thinks he has seen the
negro before; that he is a prowler not a doubt can exist. Quite
indifferent as to his own interests, he says the city is literally
beset with such vermin: in his own mind, however, he has not a doubt
but that something handsome will be realised from the sale of the
old fellow.
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