A mere look, word, or motion, a mistake, accident, or want of power, are all matters for which a slave may be whipped at any time.

Does a slave look dissatisfied with his condition?
It is said, that he has the devil in him, and it must be whipped out.
Does he answer _loudly_, when spoken to by his master, with an air of self-consciousness?
Then, must he be taken down a button-hole lower, by the lash, well laid on.

Does he forget, and omit to pull off his hat, when approaching a white person?
Then, he must, or may be, whipped for his bad manners.

Does he ever venture to vindicate his conduct, when harshly and unjustly accused?
Then, he is guilty of impudence, one of the greatest crimes in the social catalogue of southern society.

To allow a slave to escape punishment, who has impudently attempted to exculpate himself from unjust charges, preferred against him by some white person, is to be guilty of great dereliction of duty.