But, whatever it is, or is not, if it gets the name of "impudence," the party charged with it is sure of a flogging.

This offense may be committed in various ways; in the tone of an answer; in answering at all; in not answering; in the expression of countenance; in the motion of the head; in the gait, manner and bearing of the slave.
In the case under consideration, I can easily believe that, according to all slaveholding standards, here was a genuine instance of impudence.
In Nelly there were all the necessary conditions for committing the offense.

She was{72} a bright mulatto, the recognized wife of a favorite "hand" on board Col.

Lloyd's sloop, and the mother of five sprightly children.

She was a vigorous and spirited woman, and one of the most likely, on the plantation, to be guilty of impudence.