The overseer always went around with a whip, about nine feet long, made of the toughest kind of cowhide, the but-end of which was loaded with lead, and was about four or five inches in circumference, running to a point at the opposite extremity.

This made a dreadful instrument of torture, and, when in the hands of a cruel overseer, it was truly fearful.

With it, the skin of an ox or a horse could be cut through.

Hence, it was no uncommon thing to see the poor slaves with their backs mangled in a most horrible manner.

Our overseer, thus armed with his cowhide, and with a large bull-dog behind him, followed the slaves all day; and, if one of them fell in the rear from any cause, this cruel weapon was plied with terrible force.