Why the difference?
No one knows and probably few knew at the time.

Some of the legislation was undoubtedly hasty and ill-considered.
* Fourth in Tennessee.
But the laws relating to apprenticeship, vagrancy, and enforced punitive employment turned out to be of greater practical importance.

On these subjects the legislation of Mississippi and South Carolina was the most extreme.

In Mississippi orphans were to be bound out, preferably to a former master, if "he or she shall be a suitable person." The master was given the usual control over apprentices and was bound by the usual duties, including that of teaching the apprentice.

But the penalties for "enticing away" apprentices were severe.