This may have been in part, owing to the irregular mode of living in a climate where the humanizing influence of female society was but little known.

Dinner parties among the planters were frequent, where the most tempting liquors were produced, and excesses on such occasions, when fun and frolic were rife, were considered not only excusable but laudable.
I had been two years in the island, when I received an official notification that I was appointed one of the constables or civil officers of the district in which I resided, and was expected to qualify myself forthwith to perform my duties.

Being well known as a citizen of the United States, I was greatly surprised at this event; and believing that I could not legally discharge the duties of any office of trust, honor, or emolument, however humble, under the British government, I hastened off at once to Mr.Lumsden, an old, and highly respectable planter, who resided on his own estate, and had acted as a magistrate for many years.
"Mr.Lumsden," said I, exhibiting the document, "I have been appointed a constable for this district." "Well, what of that?
The appointment is a good one.

I recommended you myself." "I am obliged to you for your good opinion," said I, "but you know very well that I am a citizen of the united States; have never taken the oath of allegiance to the British government, and never intend to; consequently I am not eligible." "Pooh, pooh! Nonsense! That makes not a farthing's difference.

You will do well enough." "And more than that," I continued, "I am only nineteen years of age; that alone is sufficient to incapacitate me." "Young man," said the magistrate, with all the solemnity and wisdom of a Dogberry, "whether you are a Yankee or a Calmuck, whether your are sixty years old or sixteen, it matters not.