“To one not accustomed to such scenes as slavery presents, the condition of the slaves is inexpressibly shocking. In the course of my walks, I was every where a witness to their wretchedness. Like the brute creation of the north, they are driven about at the pleasure of all who meet them. Half nakes and half starved, they drag out a pitiful existence, apparently almost unconscious of what they suffer. A threat accompanies every command, and a batinado is the usual reward of disobedience. Along the wharves they are to be seen transporting the cargoes of ships to and from the warehouses. The accompany all their labour with a kind of monotonous song, at times breaking out into a yell, and then sinking into the same drawl.” [pp.13-14]

“I embarked at Ogdensburgh to descend the St. Lawrence in an open boat of perhaps three tons burthen. It was rowed by four Canadians, who accompanied the motion of the oar with a constant song….” [p.119]

“...As we entered the rapid, the sun was fast setting behind the western hills, and gilded with his rays the white foam of the curling seas. The song of the oarsmen was instantly hushed, and each, with anxious eyes, watched the motions of the pilot who guided the helm….

...At length we almost leaped over a sudden pitch that terminates the rapids, and the river soon became smooth. The oars gilded the water, and the song of the oarsmen broke the silence of the night;...” [pp.120-121]
[Travels in North America, Mead, 1820]